Virus Diseases

Virus Diseases

1. DISTEMPER

THIS DESEASE IS of widespread occurrence and while the primary cause is a virus it is complicated by the appearance of symp-

toms and lesions due to secondary bacterial invasion.

EPIZOOTIOLOGY. The secretions and excretions exhibited by dogs in the early acute stage of this disease contain a virus

which contaminates surrounding areas and is air-borne, causing transference to other susceptible animals. Young animals

in the puppy stage are more at risk than the older dog, while foxes, ferrets and weasels can transmit the disease.

CLINICAL SIGNS. In the very young pup the only signs of disease may be diarrhoea, possibly blood-stained, and a disincli-

nation to feed. These signs are the result of a haemorrhagic enteritis. Older puppies and dogs above four months of age ex-

hibit a primary fever with a rise in temperature of 3 to 4". In the classical form the nose is dry and hot and the eyes have

an anxious expression. This is followed by a discharge from eyes and nose, at first watery and clear but later containing

mucus and sometimes purulent material. Respiratory involvement starts with a soft moist cough and this particular type

of cough has become almost pathognomonic of the disease. A harsh dry skin sometimes showing a papular or vesicular

rash on the abdomen and inner flanks is usually a constant sign. Diarrhoea, usually blood-stained and foul smelling, is

invariably present. If the disease is allowed to run its course or if early treatment has been ineffective, pneumonia devel-

ops and may take a severe form with rust-coloured sputum and nasal discharge. The majority of animals which linger on

eventually show involvement of the nervous system in one form or another, ranging from muscular twitchings and chorea

affecting cranial or peripheral nerves in milder cases to convulsions which become progressively more severe the longer

the animal lives. The spinal cord may be affected more deeply, resulting in paralysis of varying degree. In very severe

cases complete legi nay result. Involvement of the nervous system is usually accompanied by a thickening or in-

duration of the foot pads. The commonest sequelae of unsuccessfully-treated cases are muscular twitchings (chorea) and

varying degrees of paralysis. This is one of the most distressing aspects of the disease as the animal is invariably bright

and usually maintains a good appetite.

TREATMENT. Homoeopathic medicine has much to offer in the treatment of Distemper and in this respect we are more

fortunate than our conventional or allopathic colleagues in having a choice of excellent remedies according to the stage

of the disease and the symptoms shown by the individual animal. If we now look at the various stages through which the

disease may progress, we can examine in detail the remedies which are applicable to each:

1. Initial Stage

1. ACONITUM 30c. This is the outstanding remedy for the early stages and should be given as soon as possible when signs

of inappetance or approaching disease are apparent. The expression will be anxious, and shivering or other signs of shock

apparent. This remedy by itself might be capable of cutting short the development of further symptoms. It should be given

at half-hourly intervals for a total of six doses.

2. FERRUM PHOS. 6x. This remedy is also useful in the early stages especially if the animal is of a sensitive or nervous dis-

position. Anxiety is not present. The throat is red and inflamed and there may be an accompanying nose-bleed.

3. BELLADONNA 30c. When this remedy is indicated the animal shows dilated pupils and may be excitable. There is a full

bounding pulse and the skin is hot and dry.

2. Stage of Coryza with Lachrymation.

1. ARSEN. ALB IM Restlessness is a keynote for the employment of this remedy. The animal sips water frequently but

takes small amounts only. Symptoms are worse towards midnight. Discharges from the eyes and nose are acrid and exco-

riate the skin.

2. MERC. CORR. 30c. More severe lachrymation is associated with this remedy and in addition the secretions may become

purulent showing as yellow blobs in the corner of the eyes. Symptoms are usually worse from sunset to sunrise.

3. PULSATILLA 30c. This remedy may be needed when discharges are catarrhal or bland and frequently profuse. Pulsatilla

is especially suited to the animal which has a timid or gentle disposition.

3. Stage of Respiratory Involvement.

1. ANTIMONIUM TART. 6c. This is a useful remedy in the early coughing stage. Mucus can be heard rattling in the chest.

There may be an accompanying lethargy and disinclination to move. Very little mucus is expectorated despite the pres-

ence of large amounts in the bronchial passages.

2. IPECACUANHA 30c. Frequent coughing characterises this remedy with possibly expectoration of bright red blood. There

may be associated vomiting.

3. BRYONIA 30c. Breathing is difficult with obvious signs of pain over the chest wall. Abdominal breathing is evident be-

cause of pain in the pleura. The animal tends to lie on the affected side and pressure over the painful area gives relief.

4. LYCOPODIUM 30c. This is a useful remedy for lean or withered-looking subjects showing a periodicity of symptoms with

aggravation in the late afternoon and early evening. It may be needed once pneumonia has set in. Another guiding symp-

tom pointing to its indication is an independent movement of the nostrils which has nothing to do with breathing. I have

found that the German Shepherd breed responds well to this remedy as a general rule.

5. PHOSPHORUS 30c. This remedy may also be needed once pneumonia has supervened. There are usually accompanying

gastric symptoms such as vomition after drinking water which is rejected on becoming warm in the stomach. Certain

breeds of dogs react very well to this remedy particularly the Scots Collie, Irish Setter and Whippet.

4. Stage of Gastro-Intestinal Involvement.

1. ARSEN. ALB. IM. The patient shows acrid diarrhoea frequently blood-stained and having a cadaverous odour. Vomit-

ing is usually present. The skin around the anus becomes excoriated. There is restlessness with frequent sips of small

amounts of water. The skin is dry and harsh and symptoms become worse towards midnight.

2. MERC. CORR. 30c. Dysenteric stools of a slimy nature are associated with this remedy and may be more profuse during

the night. There is severe straining at stool and the mouth may show ulcerative lesions.

3. VERATRUM ALB 30c Indicated when there is a watery diarrhoea forcibly expelled. There are signs of collapse or

prostration with symptoms of pain prior to the passage of the stool. The animal shows resentment when the abdomen is

touched.

4. BAPTISIA 30c. With this remedy, stools are dark and bloody. There is tenderness over the region of the liver and great

thirst after vomiting. There is difficulty in swallowing solid food, and the animal appears sleepy and comatose.

5. CHINA OFFICINALIS 30c. A useful remedy which will restore some strength after loss of body fluid in diarrhoea. By itself

it may control the diarrhoea.

6. PYROGEN IM. This is a most important remedy in extreme cases where a high temperature accompanies a weak

thready pulse. Discharges are extremely offensive and the animal has a generally putrid look. Generalised collapse is

present.

5. Stage of Skin Involvement.

1. ANTIMONIUM CRUD. 6c. This is the classic remedy for the treatment of papular lesions which progress to vesicle and

pustule formation. Itching is present and is worse at night.

2. ARSEN. ALB. 30e. The skin is tight and dry with flakes of dandruff. The coat becomes harsh and erect with severe itch-

ing. Symptoms become progressively worse towards midnight and heat tends to relieve.

3. SULPHUR 100. 6c. The skin symptoms may be accompanied by enlarged throat glands when this remedy is indicated.

The rash is itchy and the skin red.

6. Stage of Involvement of Nervous System.

1. GELSEMIUM 30c. The animal is generally lethargic and disinclined to move. The eyelids droop and there are indications

of early paralysis. The muscles are sore to the touch.

2. BELLADONNA IM. The most useful remedy when fits or convulsions appear. It should be given immediately one begins

and repeated at half-hourly intervals for six doses. The eyes are reddened with dilated pupils and the skin is hot. The

pulse is full and bounding. The animal should be kept away from light.

3. STRYCHNINUM 30c. This remedy will benefit cases of chorea. Twitchings occur in various parts especially on the face

and along the back. There is a tendency to stretch the hind legs behind the body.

4. CONIUM 30c. One of the principal remedies for hind-limb paralysis. Signs of weakness first appear in the foot and as-

cend gradually. Ascending potencies of this remedy are generally required over a period of a few weeks.

5. CAUSTICUM 6c. Signs of paralysis may appear in other areas, e.g. the fore-leg with muscular weakness and trembling

leading to an inability to stand. Before this stage appears there is a disinclination to move. Joints become stiff and may

produce a creaking sound.

6. HYOSCYAMUS 30c. Brain symptoms apart from fits may arise when this remedy is needed. The head is shaken to and

fro while unsteadiness is seen due to vertigo. There is inability to fix attention with the eyes, and great excitement may

ensue. This usually precedes the stage of fits.

7. STRAMONIUM 30c. Vertigo is again prominent, the animal showing a tendency to fall to one side, usually the left. The

patient startles easily at the least sound. Bright or glittering objects bring on an attack and for this reason the animal

should be confined to a dark room.

7. Stage of Eye Involvement. Eye complications usually take the form of keratitis or inflammation of the cornea. Ulcera-

tions of the corneal surface also take place. Remedies which may help include the following:

1. AURUM MET. 30c. The bones around the eyes are painful when touched. The eyes have a reddish appearance and are

generally prominent.

2. MERC. CORR 30c. Corneal ulceration may require this remedy if there is an accompanying greenish pus in the inner

canthus and possibly a generalised purulent conjunctivitis

3. SILICEA 30c. Suitable for long-standing cases showing opacities after healing of ulceration. This remedy possesses the

power of absorbing scar tissue and should be given twice weekly over a period of a few months.

4. EUPHRASIA 6c. Excessive lachrymation in the early stages may require this remedy. The eyelids swell and appear heavy.

5. ACID. NIT. 30c. A very good remedy for corneal ulcerations. There may be accompanying lesions around the mouth and

anus.

6. ARGENT. NIT. 6c. Another very good remedy for corneal ulceration, more adapted to the requirements of the younger

animal. The conjunctiva has a distinct dark pink look with a profuse purulent discharge being present. These symptoms

are relieved if the animal has access to open air. If eye symptoms appear to deteriorate with the onset of abdominal le-

sions then Argentum Nitricum will be especially helpful

7. PULSATILLA 30c. Pain in the eyes causes the animal to press the head against any suitable object. Profuse creamy dis-

charges are usual which tend to agglutinate the eyelids. Symptoms are generally worse at night and the eyes have a fixed

staring look. Sight is usually lost probably due to incipient cataract. There is great sensitivity to light.

Externally in all cases the eyes should be bathed with a 1/10 solution of CALENDULA and HYPERICUM repeated a few

times each day.

If the disease is noticed in the early stages the use of potentised virus by itself may achieve spectacular results, using

ascending potencies up to 50M. It is probably better, however, if the potentised virus is combined with the remedies indi-

daily for three consecutive days.

cated above when it can be give

PREVENTION OF DISTEMPER

Many owners and breeders may be unaware that a homoeopathic alternative exists to the conventional vaccine by

inoculation. This takes the form of a nosode or oral vaccine which has been prepared from various specimens of killed distemper exudate and potentised to 30c. I do not wish to imply that the conventional vaccine is without merit as it does

provide protection, circulating antibodies being present in the blood-stream after vaccination, and the great majority of

dogs so protected will withstand challenge from virus. This method, however, is not without some danger to a small per-

centage of animals and cases have been recorded where some puppies have developed intractable eczema dating from the

time of inoculation, and others which have developed fits as a result of protein shock.

The procedure for the homoeopathic alternative involves a course of the nosode given over a period of six months. This

may seem tedious to some but the method is completely safe and without any risk of side-effects. Experiments in the

U.S.A. have shown that puppies protected in this way have survived challenge from virulent distemper virus, the only re-

action being a slight cough which disappeared in 48 hours.

2. INFECTIOUS CANINE HEPATITIS. RUBARTH'S DISEASE.

This virus appears to be confined to the canidae. It may appear singly or be complicated by Distemper and mortality is

greater if it is thus complicated. Otherwise it frequently takes a mild form and is often missed, the severe forms being pre-

sented for treatment.

EPIZOOTIOLOGY. Foxes as well as dogs being susceptible, this species is a potent reservoir of virus and in this animal the

disease manifests itself as an encephalitis. Spread of the virus takes place through the urine and unlike the Distemper

virus it is not air-borne. After recovery dogs can continue to excrete the virus through their kidneys for many months, sus-

ceptible animals becoming infected by licking urine-contaminated surfaces or eating contaminated food.

CLINICAL SIGNS. The virus is infective to all ages and after an incubation period up to ten days a rise in temperature

takes place which subsides after one or two days, and again rises over a period of five or six days. Mild cases may show

no other symptoms. If the disease progresses, loss of appetite develops along with increased thirst. Visible mucous

membranes become congested giving them a reddish-pink or brick-coloured look. Small haemorrhages may appear on

these membranes. The throat becomes tender and swollen due to tonsillitis. Liver involvement is common giving rise to

pain on palpation over the hepatic area. The eyes are frequently affected, conditions ranging from lachrymation to con-

junctivitis accompanying serous discharges. A frequent complication is corneal opacity which gives rise to a bluish look.

Small haemorrhages may occur in the skin, particularly on the abdomen, the blood becoming fluid and not clotting easily.

Convalescent animals show weight loss which tends to persist even after the appetite returns to normal.

TREATMENT. The following remedies are all applicable in their own particular sphere and according to symptoms

displayed.

1. ACONITUM 30c. As in other infectious diseases, the early administration of this remedy will go far to limiting its devel-

opment. It should be given frequently over a few hours.

2. RHUS TCX 6c. A very useful remedy for the stage of mucous membrane involvement showing reddish discoloration.

Eyes will also benefit from this remedy.

3. PHYTOLACCA 30c. Throat symptoms should be relieved by Phytolacca, especially cases showing enlargement of neigh-

bouring lymphatic glands.

4. MERC. 1OD. RUB. 6c. This is a good remedy for throat involvement on the left side.

5. MERC. IOD. FLAV. 6c. The yellow iodine of mercury also acts on the throat but tends to favour the right side.

6. PHOSPHORUS 30c. The remedy of choice to control petechial and ecchymotic haemorrhages on the skin may also have a

beneficial effect on the liver.

7. CROTALUS HORR. 30c. Probably the best remedy to give where stimulation of liver function is needed and haemorrhages

show little tendency to clot.

8. SILICEA 30c. Should be given in those cases showing bluish discoloration of the eyes as it will hasten absorption of

corneal oedema, which causes opacity, and prevent scar tissue formation.

9. BERBERIS VUL. 6c. This remedy has a beneficial action on the liver and gall bladder and also on the kidneys and its use

should help prevent kidney damage due to the continued presence of the virus in these organs.

10. HEPATITIS NOSODE 30c. This nosode can be given along with any of the above remedies and will greatly assist the

healing process. It will be of especial value in the convalescent animal which should recover weight more quickly under its

influence. In this connection it can profitably be combined with a constitutional remedy such as LYCOPODIUM 30c.

PREVENTION OF CANINE HEPATITIS

A nosode exists and can be given either by itself or along with CANINE DISTEMPER NOSODE This oral vaccine is not incor-

porated into the commercial Distemper nosode available and has to be purchased as a separate entity. One dose night and

morning for three days should be followed by one dose per month for six months.

3. HERPES VIRUS INFECTION

This disease causes illness and death in young pups, older animals being only mildly affected.

EPIZOOTIOLOGY. Spread probably takes place through animals being congregated in over-crowded conditions and direct

contact is the mode of transmission. It is not thought that air-borne spread takes place. Infected dogs can excrete the virus

through nasal and oral secretions for a fortnight after infection has taken place and spread can also occur through con-

taminated urine. If pregnant bitches become infected, pups in utero are at risk and also in passage through the birth canal

if the mother comes into contact with virus. Handling of pups at birth can also spread infection if proper cleanliness is not

observed.

CLINICAL SIGNS. Pups may show signs of infection up to three weeks of age. Abdominal symptoms are the first man-

ifestations of illness, taking the form of soft greenish stools followed by signs of general involvement such as laboured

breathing and retching or vomiting. Paddling movements occur probably due to abdominal pain which causes incessant

crying. It is usual for entire litters to show symptoms. In the older animal nasal discharge and difficulty in swallowing may

be the only signs.

TREATMENT A remarkable feature of this disease is the absence of fever and if pups can be quickly removed to a warm

dry atmosphere in a confined space and kept well wrapped in warm material it will greatly hasten their chances of recov-

ery. The following remedies should be on hand immediately a litter is born in case they may be needed:

1. ACONITUM 12x. Should be given as routine to all pups, two doses one hour apart.

2. ARSEN ALB. 30c. Will help control the retching and abdominal symptoms and aid a rise in temperature.

3. CARBO VEG. 200c. Moribund pups will show a good response to this remedy. It will also help the laboured breathing by

relieving air hunger.

4. ABROTANUM 1x. This remedy is well-adapted to troubles of the new-born and is worth keeping in mind. It will espe-

cially be indicated if umbilical abnormalities are present, e.g. patent urachus.

5. HERPES VIRUS NOSODE 30c. Should be given along with other remedies.

PREVENTION

HERPES VIRUS NOSODE can be prepared from infective secretions and should be administered to all pregnant bitches,

giving a weekly dose during gestation. This will greatly reduce the likelihood of infected pups being born. Homoeopathic

oral vaccines and nosodes have the great value of being able to cross the placental barrier because of their cellular affinity

and their dependence on energy transfer.

4. PARVOVIRUS DISEASE

This is a virus infection which principally affects puppies, although older animals are also susceptible to a lesser degree.

Rapid deaths can follow infection in the young animal, chiefly from dehydration and involvement of the heart muscle.

ETIOLOGY. Various viruses have been implicated with names such as CPV (parvo-like) and CCV (corona-like). The virus is

believed to be closely related to that which causes enteritis in mink and to that causing feline panleucopenia. Stress is an

added factor which makes the animal more susceptible.

CLINICAL SIGNS. Typically the disease has a sudden onset, with the patient showing signs of depression. Vomiting and

diarrhoea soon set in, the faeces being watery, extremely foul-smelling and having an orange-yellow colour. Blood may be

present both in the stomach contents and the faeces. Dehydration is marked especially in puppies. The temperature may

be only slightly raised and as often as not is normal. The mouth may show small vesicles which, on rupturing, leave a raw

bleeding surface.

DIAGNOSIS. This is based on clinical signs, although laboratory tests will show which particular virus is responsible.

Blood tests show a deficiency of white blood-cells

TREATMENT. If disease is suspected, the following remedies should be considered:

1. ACONITUM 30c. Should be given as soon as possible, one dose every hour for four doses. This remedy will also have a

most beneficial effect on any dog which the owner or attendant may think has been subjected to stress in any form.

2. PHOSPHORUS 30c. This is the remedy of choice to control gastric symptoms. One dose should be given every hour for

four doses and this usually succeeds in allaying vomiting. It also helps control any bleeding from the stomach.

3. ARSEN. ALB. 30c. This remedy is the main one to control diarrhoea in the acute stages, and again frequent doses are

necessary.

4. IRIS VERSICOLOR 30c. This is a useful remedy to follow after acute symptoms have been controlled by the previous

remedies

5. CROTALUS HORR. 30c. If there is considerable blood being lost in the faeces it may be necessary to employ this remedy

in addition to those already mentioned. It is one of the main antihaemorrhagic remedies we have and frequent doses are

advisable

PREVENTION

A homoeopathic oral vaccine exists based on the causative virus and the usual recommendation is as follows:

One dose should be given night and morning for three days followed by one per month for six months. This nosode can

be given to pups of an early age, e.g. two to three weeks and thereby offers an advantage over conventional vaccines. It is

entirely safe and without any side effects. Experience in practice has shown that this nosode has given consistently good

results and no breakdowns have been reported. The oral vaccine can also be used to supplement the remedies outlined

and will aid their action.