Diseases of the Nervous System

Diseases of the Nervous System

1. THE BRAIN AND MENINGES

DISTURBANCES OF THE brain may either functional or organic and we will look at each category separately. In the former

there are no structural changes in the nervous tissue and such conditions in the dog are of less importance than those

which fall into the organic category.

The main functional disorder of importance is a form of epilepsy which has no obvious cause. It is of fairly common

occurrence.

CLINICAL SIGNS OF EPILEPSY. The owner's attention is first drawn to the occurrence of minor convulsions which last

sometimes less than a minute and are usually unaccompanied by loss of consciousness. These attacks tend to become

more serious but less frequent as the animal gets older. Attacks can come on suddenly without premonitory symptoms

but occasionally the animal appears restless and uneasy immediately prior to the seizure and is lethargic and sleepy-look-

ing afterwards.

TREATMENT. If there has been a history of short attacks which pass off quickly, the following remedies will help delay the

onset of further seizures. They will also help during the actual attack, limiting it considerably.

1. BELLADONNA 30c. This is one of the most frequently indicated remedies, for attacks which are associated with dilated

pupils and throbbing pulse. The animal will usually feel abnormally hot.

2. STRAMONIUM 30c. This remedy has a somewhat similar picture to the preceding one, but there are usually premonitory

signs, such as staggering with a tendency to fall towards the left side. Eyes are again dilated and staring.

3. HYOSCYAMUS 30c. Indicated when attacks are preceded by shaking of the head and an unsteadiness of gait indicating

vertigo. There may be spasmodic closing of eyelids and the mouth is flecked with foam

4. BUFO 30c. The symptoms indicative of this remedy frequently commence when the animal is asleep. There may be an

accompanying nose-bleed. Attacks are usually of short duration.

5. COCCULUS 6c The main use for this remedy lies more in the preventive sphere and is useful to ward off subsequent

attacks. It should be given at regular intervals over a period of a few months.

6. IGNATIA 6c. Consciousness is usually lost when this remedy is indicated. The head may be shaken to and fro and this

precedes hysterical turns.

7. CUPRUM MET. 30c. A useful remedy when convulsions are associated more with meningitis than encephalitis. The head

usually assumes a lowered posture and there may be attempts to press it against any suitable object.

8. CICUTA VIROSA 30c. This remedy also is associated with meningitis both cerebral and spinal. A prominent indication for

its use is a turning of the head and neck to one side. There may be a history of concussion leading to convulsions.

9. OENANTHE CROCATA 6c. This lesser known remedy is associated with sudden convulsive attacks accompanied by

twitching of the face and head muscles and symptoms suggestive of lock-jaw.

10. ABSINTHUM 6c. Indicated when attacks are preceded by excitement and twitchings of various kinds. The patient tends

to face backwards and there may be unequal dilation of pupils.

FOOTNOTE. Some forms of epileptiform convulsions have their origin in conventional vaccination and the possibility of

this should be borne in mind. If it is suspected that attacks date from such vaccination, the nosode Distemperinum or

other appropriate one should be used in conjunction with selected remedies. Usually two doses of any nosode are suffi-

cient, spacing them one week apart.

ORGANIC DISORDERS OF THE BRAIN

These include Hydrocephalus, Encephalitis and Meningitis.

1. HYDROCEPHALUS. This is the term given to the condition which arises as a result of an excess amount of fluid accumu-

lating in the ventricles of the brain. The condition is not uncommon in small or toy breeds and may be congenital in many

instances.

CLINICAL SIGNS. These vary according to the amount of fluid present. Convulsions of an epileptiform type may occur

and occasionally the animal walks with a stumbling or knuckling action. Excessive drowsiness is a common feature

and dilation of pupils is normally present. Exact diagnosis of the condition may necessitate X-ray or encephalographic

examination

TREATMENT. The following remedies may help according to the type of symptom displayed:

1. APIS MEL 6c. This remedy should be given as a routine because of its association with oedema and excess fluid develop-

ment. It should thus help to disperse the fluid which accumulates.

2. PHOSPHORUS 30c. This is one of the remedies which may help control vertigo-like symptoms in the older subject. The

patient is usually restless and seeks warmth.

3. APOCYNUM CANN. 6c. This is a very useful remedy to try in this condition. Again vertigo is a prominent feature with

pressing of right side of head against any suitable object. Sight is interfered with. The vertigo may disappear quickly and

re-appear with equal suddenness.

4. HELLEBORUS NIGER 30c. As with the preceding remedies, giddiness is a constant feature. The animal has a stupefied

look and may cry out with pain. The head is pressed against any suitable object and the body feels cold.

5. ARGENT. NIT. 6c. When this remedy is indicated symptoms of fear may be present. There is a tendency to fall sideways,

and attacks of vertigo may be accompanied by vomiting of bile, and conjunctivitis of varying degree is sometimes seen.

6. CUPRUM ACETICUM 6c. Abdominal pain and signs of colic may accompany the usual vertigo-like symptoms, the animal

showing thirst and frequent bowel evacuations. The passage of a stool frequently brings relief from other symptoms.

7. CALC. CARB. 30c. This is a remedy which may give relief in young pups, especially those of the brachycephalic breeds

and those which are too fat

8. CALC PHOS. 30c. This is also indicated in the young subject but more in the leaner animal. It greatly assists bone

development and will help overcome the pressure on the fontanelles which sometimes happens in severe cases of hydro-

cephalus.

9. ZINC. MUR. 30c. This is a very useful remedy to keep in mind when dealing with this condition. The attacks of vertigo

lead to fainting fits, and the eyes have a sunken look. The limbs show tremors and spasmodic twitchings. Extreme rest-

lessness is a main feature with inability to sleep.

2. ENCEPHALITIS. Inflammation of the brain substance is not uncommon and occurs in all breeds.

ETIOLOGY. The main causes are viruses and bacteria of different kinds, chief among which are the causative agents of

Distemper and some strains of Streptococci. Bacterial spread from neighbouring infected areas such as sinuses and eyes

and ears can also lead to encephalitis.

CLINICAL SIGNS. Varying degrees of nervous excitement are at first seen in mild cases, leading in more severe states

to convulsions. The eyes are usually staring and have an anxious or wild expression. The conjunctivae are red. Choreic

symptoms such as facial twitching and head-shaking may be present. The animal may cry out in pain. There is a stagger-

ing gait with stumbling and a tendency to fall forwards or backwards.

TREATMENT. The following remedies have given good results according to symptoms displayed:

1. BELLADONNA 30c. This is one of the chief remedies for relieving convulsions in the acute stage. Indications for its use

are dilated pupils, throbbing pulse and redness of eyes.

2 ACONITUM 30c. If attacks come on suddenly this remedy will help allay shock and limit the scope of the attack. It

should be alternated every half-hour with the previous remedy for a total of four doses each.

3. STRAMONIUM 30c. This remedy may be useful for the less acute case which shows a staggering gait with a tendency to

fall towards the left side or even backwards. Abdominal symptoms such as colic and diarrhoea may accompany these at-

tacks. Convulsive movements of the head are present and sight is usually lost.

4. AGARICUS 6c. Dizziness is a prominent indication for the use of this remedy. There are usually four recognised stages

of cerebral excitement displayed, ranging from slight stimulation, muscular twitchings, symptoms and mental depression

exhibited as lethargy. Convulsions are usually absent if this remedy is indicated.

5. CICUTA VIROSA 30c. When this remedy is indicated, a prominent feature is a turning of the head and neck to one side

and frequently an S-bend is noticeable. Vomiting and diarrhoea may be present. Twitching of head muscles is present.

6. TARENTULA HISPANICA 30c. The animal which needs this remedy may show a deep mistrust of people or objects which

normally would be taken on trust. Actions have been described as stealthy or "foxy". Fits of rage and extreme excitement

may be present.

7. OPIUM 30c. When convulsions or fits are followed by excessive drowsiness this remedy is indicated. The bowels are ex-

tremely inactive. The eyes are half open and the pupils may be contracted.

8. CONIUM MACULATUM 30c. This remedy has a useful action in the older animal. Prominent among its indications are

weakness of different kinds in the hind legs ranging from unsteady gait to an inability to rise with a progressive upwards

paralysis

9. BUFD 6c. Nose-bleeding often accompanies a convulsive attack when this remedy is indicated. These bleedings usually

give relief. Noise and light aggravate the condition. Prior to an attack the head may be drawn backwards or to one side.

3. MENINGITIS. This condition may be associated with encephalitis or arise independently, and is usually associated with

specific agents such as bacteria or viruses.

CLINICAL SIGNS. The dog is usually more aware of his surroundings and reacts to external stimuli more noticeably than

a normal animal. The temperature is raised and the neck muscles become rigid causing the patient to keep the head in a

fixed position rather than lower or raise it which appears to cause aggravation.

TREATMENT

1 CICUTA VIROSA 6c. This is a prominent remedy and is indicated by the lateral fixation of the head and neck to one side

or the other. Abdominal symptoms such as vomiting may be present.

2. ACONITUM 6c. This remedy should if possible be given as soon as prodromal symptoms are noticed, e.g. the hypersen-

sitivity to surroundings or undue awareness. Given at this stage subsequent involvement may be minimised.

3. STRAMONIUM 30c. When there is a tendency to fall to one side, invariably the left, this remedy may be found helpful.

There may also be abdominal symptoms such as diarrhoea with a diminution in sight.

4. AGARICUS 6c. Staggering gait and progressive severity of symptoms may indicate the need for this remedy, e.g. slight

sensitivity could lead on to furious attacks of mania or head-shaking

5. BELLADONNA 30c. The indications for this remedy are convulsive fits accompanied by foaming at the mouth, throbbing

pulses and redness of eyes. Pupils are markedly dilated and the animal feels hot all over.

FOOTNOTE. The reader will have noticed the similarity of the various remedies recommended and it is sometimes

extremely difficult to determine which one to use. This task is not made any easier by the fact that the symptoms them-

selves have much in common. It will therefore be necessary in many cases to proceed on a trial and error basis.

2. DISEASES OF THE SPINAL CORD

These are relatively common and are related mainly to alterations in the spinal vertebrae and include injuries, disc disease

and myelitis.

1. MYELITIS. This is the term used to denote inflammation of the substance of the spinal cord. It is occasionally met with

and is due mainly to infective agents, e.g. the distemper virus.

CLINICAL SIGNS. Both motor and sensory nerve tracts may be involved giving rise to a variety of symptoms such as loss

of sensation in the limbs and tail or paraplegia in those animals which are severely affected. Alteration to gait is not un-

common. There may also be loss of control over bladder and bowel functions.

TREATMENT. The following remedies have all been used with varying degrees of success and should give encouraging

results in cases which are not too far advanced:

1. CONIUM MACULATUM 30c. This remedy is almost specific for animals which show hind-leg weakness ranging from

slight ataxia to paraplegia where there is a progressive upwards involvement of the disease process.

2. LATHYRUS SATIVUS 30c. Indications for this remedy are paralyses of various kinds especially affecting the motor nerves

and the remedy is relevant to other areas of the body besides the hind-limbs.

3. GELSEMIUM 30c. Mild cases showing a general weakness of the neuro-muscular system may benefit from this remedy.

Smaller peripheral nerves are very often affected more than the larger nerve trunks, e.g. the nerves governing the throat

and larynx.

4. CAUSTICUM 30c. A useful remedy for the older subject showing involvement of one particular nerve, e.g. the sciatic or

the radial, giving rise to a localised paralysis. The subject which needs Causticum very often displays hard sessile warts on

various parts.

S. SILICEA 30c. This remedy has a certain reputation in the treatment of spinal conditions of varying kinds and is worth

considering if other overall symptoms agree.

6. ANGUSTURA VERA 30c. Paralysis of the legs and the joints of feet are commonly associated with this remedy.

2. INTERVERTEBRAL DISC DISEASE. Disc lesions occur when the cartilaginous disc itself loses its essential fluid, usually

with age, and becomes fibrosed and eventually calcified. This can occur at an earlier stage in certain breeds particularly

the Dachshund and Pekingese. Symptoms appear only when the disc protrudes from the intervertebral space and presses

on the cord.

CLINICAL SIGNS. These depend very much on the degree of compression of the cord and the location of the lesion. Pain

is a constant accompaniment of protrusion in the neck and lower back areas, while paraplegia is associated more with

lesions in the thoracic and upper lumbar areas. Lesions in the cervical area result in a peculiar stumbling gait with the

head outstretched and the neck muscles contracted. This causes great restriction of movement. If paraplegia occurs from

lesions of the lower vertebrae, urinary incontinence invariably follows.

TREATMENT. The following remedies have proved their worth in practice:

1. RUTA 6c. This remedy has an extremely beneficial effect on injuries associated with bone and cartilage and gives good

results in the treatment of vertebral complications.

one. It has a specific action on nerve

2. HYPERICUM 30c. This remedy should be used in conjunction with the previ

injuries and will quickly relieve the pain associated with spinal lesions, especially when these are more pronounced in the

lower back or coccygeal area.

3. HECLA LAVA 12c. This remedy is indicated in those cases where calcification of the disc or discs is suspected. It has a

reputation for limiting the degeneration process.

4. CALC. FLUOR 30c. Indicated more in the earlier stages and will help regulate the calcium metabolism in a constitutional

manner and thereby limit the scope of the trouble.

5. SYMPHYTUM 30c. Comfrey in homoeopathic form should be considered if injury is suspected as a contributory factor to

the establishment of symptoms. It could usefully be combined with Arnica in this connection.

6. ANGUSTURA VERA 30c. This is a very useful remedy in conditions affecting the spinal cord and its use will limit any

nerve damage which might ensue from disc protrusion. The neck of the animal gives the impression of heaviness because

of an inability on the part of the patient to raise it effectively.

7. CALC CARB. 30c and CALC PHOS. 30c. Both these remedies will influence the calcium metabolism in the younger ani-

mal, the former for fat subjects and the latter more for the leaner subject.

FOOTNOTE. Injuries to the back which might involve the spinal cord as distinct from disc protrusion will benefit from one

or other of the following remedies:

1. ARNICA 30c. Should be considered as a routine remedy for all injuries and bruising where the skin is unbroken. It will

limit the scope of subcutaneous haemorrhage and hasten resolution of blood clots and haematoma.

2. HYPERICUM 30c. This remedy is the main one for nerve injuries, especially where an open wound is present. The spe-

cific action on nerve endings will quickly rebeve pain and promote healing

3. LEDUM 30c. If the injury is of the punctured type, this is the remedy to be considered and can profitably be combined with the

previous one.

3. ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS. This term refers to an inflammatory process of one or more vertebrae and is sometimes

seen in old dogs. It leads to exostoses and arthritis of the vertebral joints.

CLINICAL SIGNS. Pain is evidenced in the early stages by arching of the back and there is usually paresis of the hindquar-

ters later on but not usually paraplegia. It may be necessary to differentiate this condition from intervertebral disc disease

by means of X-ray examination.

TREATMENT. One or other of the following remedies may give encouraging results if the disease process is not too far

advanced

1. RUTA 6c. This remedy has a beneficial action on the periosteum and will be found useful in the early inflammatory

phase. It will prevent extension of the inflammatory process and thereby aid in the healing process. The tendency to

arthritis should therefore be checked.

2. RHUS TOX. 6c. Early arthritic involvement will be helped by this remedy. The patient will show a disinclination to move

but will improve if made to do so. Further extension of arthritis should be checked by its use.

3. HYPERICUM 30c. If nerves are involved in the inflammatory process, this remedy should be considered. It will quickly

alleviate pain in this connection.

4. CONIUM MACULATUM 30c Hind-leg paresis should be helped by this remedy and it gives the best results when used in

ascending potencies.

5. CAUSTICUM 30c. This remedy also has a beneficial action on nerve weakness, more especially in the older subject and

benefiting single nerves rather than any particular plexus.