Case studies
- Horse with Change of Yard leading to Change in Behaviour
- Horse Frantically pacing in field after Change of yard
- 3 Year old German Shepherd with Hip Dysplasia
- Labrador Search Dog – Lameness to hind quarters
- German Shepherd with Anal Furunculosis
- Horse with Rain Scald
- Working Cocker Spaniel – no longer able to work
- Bruno – a Staffordshire Bull Terrier with Tumour
- Lurcher in Dog National Rehoming Centre
- Horse with Puzzling Intermittent Lameness
- Shi tzu with arthritis and dementia
- Cat pulling out fur
- Family pony with Cushing’s related laminitis
- Elderly Cat with Eczema and Skin Cancer
- Laminitis - From tears to smiles
- Sarcoids
- Mud Fever
- Behaviour - Finn
- Behaviour - Keats
- Jovi – Cat with tumors and travel hysteria
- Beagle with separation anxiety
Horse with Change of Yard leading to Change in Behaviour
This lovely horse had been with his owner since he was 4 months old, but a change of job meant a change of yard and he was finding it difficult to settle. He had become nervous, broken out of his stable and now had a problem with having his head collar put on.
The oils he selected are known to be anxiety reducing and calming and he varied between inhalation and licking off the hand producing several prolonged flehmens indicating the molecules being taken straight to the limbic part of the brain. He also chose to take macerated oils known for emotional shock (caused by the move) and powdered grass that helps support the nervous system both of which he took sub lingually enabling the compounds to be taken more directly into his system.
The head collar was introduced to him whilst inhaling the oils and he allowed the head collar to be put on. When being ridden in the indoor school he owner said that he had been much calmer.
Horse Frantically pacing in field after Change of yard
This beautiful
warmblood mare had recently arrived at her new yard together with a companion. They
were put out in paddocks next to each other and whilst the companion settled
well, the mare did not. She paced up and down the fence and galloped
around her field- neighing, obviously distressed and ignoring her companion
only a few metres away. A hay net had been put on the fence to give
her something to focus on but she would snatch a mouthful as she raced
paced and carried on pacing. The oils were offered to her out in
the paddock and she calmed somewhat. The next day the oils were again
offered to her in the stable and she was much calmer. When taken
out to her paddock she began grazing from her net and was able to enjoy
being out in her new home with her companion.
3 Year old German Shepherd with Hip Dysplasia
A very active, full of life German Shepherd had started to become lame after ‘walkies’ and became stiff when rising from her bed. After a trip to the vet – hip dysplasia was diagnosed and metacam prescribed. After a few massages, the stiffness on rising from her bed had gone and she was having more exercise albeit carefully controlled. Sessions of hydro therapy were also undertaken to build up and strengthen her muscles. After a period time, the owner was able to gradually reduce the metacam until the dog is no longer taking any pain relief medication and is enjoying life to the full!
Labrador Search Dog – Lameness to hind quarters
This super young Labrador was enjoying his life and training as a search dog but had encountered a lameness to his right hind leg and was limping and unable to climb steps in the garden. This had been ongoing for around 3 months and the owner was concerned as no reason for the lameness was apparent. The first session of massage found tightness in the digital flexor area and this was worked on giving some relief. After a couple of sessions the dog was no longer favouring this leg and was back working off lead with no further problems.
German Shepherd with Anal Furunculosis
This is my dog and I noticed that she had developed some lesions under her chin.
I took her to the vet who performed a FNA to see what the problem could be. Whilst she was under sedation, I asked the vet to check out her anal glands as she spent quite a bit of time nosing in that area! When I returned for the results, the vet said that at that time the FNA did not have enough cells to give a diagnosis but that they were very concerned as she had Anal furunculosis, which is I have now learned something that German Shepherds in particular can suffer from. Portia was put immediately on anti biotics for two weeks, these had no effect so she was then put on stronger anti biotics for a further 3 weeks.
I then began offering her oils that I knew to have anti biotic properties together with neem oil which is very good for skin conditions, and I put seaweed extract together with green clay on a red lump that had appeared on the top of her tail. Over the next 24 hours the red lump grew to a head and seemed enormous, it then leaked over the next 2 days and then completely healed. I believe that seaweed is also used for humans who suffer from this condition, it is very good for drawing out abscesses and useful for cats who have been in fights and have abscesses. I had also had a biopsy on her lumps under her chin, this showed that there had been a bacterial infection but this was no longer active. The lesions in the anal area were still there and the vet prescribed Atopica steroids. I was concerned as I know these can be detrimental over longer periods and was determined to get Portia off them asap!
I worked with the neem oil – especially effective on the chin lesions, seaweed and aloe vera juice and we were able to wean her off the steroids and she has now (touch wood) been off steroids and furunculosis free for over a year. I keep a close watch on her as I have heard of two other dogs being put to sleep with this condition, her diet has also been changed to a high fibre diet and with the addition of spirulina powder which is known for helping gastro intestinal properties and skin allergies.
Horse with Rain Scald
This horse had rain scald down the inside of both her hind legs and also on the tip of her ear. The vet had diagnosed Rain Scald and on enquiring how this had occurred had agreed that a fly bit that had been infected with the bacteria could have been the cause. This bacteria is the same one as the one that causes Mud Fever and so a gel containing oils that are anti bacterial and known to help skin heal was made and applied to the affected areas.
The vet had seen the horse on the Thursday and if there had been no improvement by the next Tuesday when a zone visit could be arranged a veterinary preparation would have been the next step, however, the rain scald was well on the way to being completely healed and no further intervention was deemed necessary.
Working Cocker Spaniel – no longer able to work
This bright lovely temperament cocker spaniel was an enthusiastic working dog who loved to be out in front on walks and was through fencing and undergrowth with ease. Lately she had become reluctant to walk, lagging behind and unable to negotiate her way through fencing and undergrowth. The first session of massage suggested two areas of muscle strain – one in her leg and one in the lumbar area of her back. Within two further massage sessions and a gel made from the pain/tension relieving oils she was back enjoying her work again.
Bruno – a Staffordshire Bull Terrier with Tumour
Bruno is a family dog who is owner bred and in good condition. The owner noticed a lump that had begun growing on Bruno’s neck and had become quite large very quickly. The vet examined Bruno and said that there was a stem attached to the lump and needed further investigation. Before subjecting Bruno to an operation, the owner wanted to see if Zoopharmacognosy could help. Bruno selected 3 oils that have been known to have an effect on tumours and these oils were offered to him twice a day over a period of 2 to 3 weeks. The tumour reduced greatly and Bruno was taken back to consult with the vet who had seen him previously. The vet said that the lump had reduced to the size of a pea. The lump now seems to have rescinded completely and Bruno did not need to have an operation.
Lurcher in Dog National Rehoming Centre
This particular dog had been with the charity for over 2 years, he had been originally brought in with a companion who had since been re-homed. This dog had also been rehomed but had been brought back to the centre as he was aggressive when with other dogs and withdrawn from people - this was hampering his chance to be re-homed.
After selecting only two oils out of many offered he became much calmer and began interacting with people who were watching this demonstration. They were surprised that he was going round each person in turn to be stroked this was not normal behaviour for him and they were pleasantly surprised. When he went back to his kennel his chosen oils were placed on a large rag and left with him, wherever he went the rag went too. After a little while he had progressed so much that it was felt time to try and introduce him to other dogs albeit ones who were not going to be threatening to him. This went well enough that after being kennelled for 2 years he has now found a new family to take him home and love him.
Horse with Puzzling Intermittent Lameness
I was asked if Zoopharmacognosy would be able to help an 11 year old Cob with intermittent lameness which had begun about 3 month previously.
A chiropractor had been called out to see the horse and x rays had been taken by a vet although nothing of significance had shown and it was not considered necessary to nerve block. The lameness occurred on and off and on different legs and there had been no instances of trauma that anyone knew of.
The horse was in good condition and a lovely temperament. The chosen oils were for stiff muscles, anti inflammatories, pain relief and a particular fondness for one macerated oil which helps in particular - tissue, cartilage and bone repair. Also chosen were some grass powders, dried nettles and rosehip shells which are very good for the immune system and excellent for hoof condition.
After a few days the horse was exercised for a short while and was there was no lameness felt.
Shi tzu with arthritis and dementia
Scooter is a 17 year old Shi tzu with arthritis and dementia.
I was asked to see Scooter to see if Zoophmaracognosy could help him. Scooter had returned from the vets who had given him some anti biotics for an infection and pain killers for his arthritis. The vet also felt that Scooter could have suffered a mini stroke as his head was lolling down to the floor on one side and his owner was having to lift his ear out of his dish when he ate. Scooter had also had two falls and was unsteady on his feet. The vet thought that if the situation did not improve by the next visit in a week or so it would be kinder to Scooter to put him to sleep. This was 3 weeks before Christmas. When I visited Scooter he was lying on his bed and covered with a blanked and looking very tired. Out of the selection of oils offered he chose a pain reliever, two oils for nerve damage/nerve repair and oils for comfort and relaxing. The combination of nerve damage/repair and comforting oils had been selected once before by a 19 year old collie/gsd that had suffered a stroke and had helped his recovery.
By the time my visit had ended, Scooter got up from his bed, trotted over to the door down to steps to go out to the garden. His recovery continued and at the next visit to the vet the vet was amazed as Scooter was placed on the floor of the consulting room and promptly ran round the room. The vet said that they were no longer thinking of putting him to sleep.
Scooter had a good Christmas enjoying his food and chasing the owners around the lounge, taking them for walks down the drive and no longer crying in pain during the night. He is able to hold his head up straight and trots around wagging his tail, his quality of life is much improved.
"This is my shiu tzu scooter he is 17.3years old.Amazing!
He truly is a walking miracle.Last year he suffered the loss of his 15yr
old sister pebbles of the same breed and he became very depressed.I heard
about Gillian through a friend and I was determined to get my boy back
on track.As a rescue dog of 7mths he came with stress and colitis which
I have with lots of TLC controlled over the many years.Unfortunately in
his later years has developed osteoarthritis and dementia . I called on
Gillian for her help with the oils and she has now been treating scooter
since the middle of 2010 with fantastic results.Scooter got quite bad a
month before Christmas of 2010 because his arthritis had progressed quite
badly and the vet gave me a couple of weeks as a marker if the medication
she had prescribed did not work. I am sure that what she gave him had some
influence over his bodily state being more comfortable but his mind was
still disturbed, gill offered scooter various oils and to my amazement
he took them in via inhalation his first being yellow birch a pain killer
he is also on peppermint and violet leaf as a digestive aid and a relaxer
which I must say work well together no more sleepless nights for me as
he sleeps like a baby, gill recently came and scooter is now on lavender
as an anti spasmodic to relax muscles.The vet saw him a week ago and was
amazed at what she saw and has continued his medication.I believe to this
day that scooter would not be here if it was not for gill and her total
dedication and determination as you can see by the picture he does not
look over 17yrs old and he has his enjoyment of life back.If he falls asleep
tomorrow I will know that he was not in any pain and that with my love
and gills help we both did good.my saying in life is do not comment unless
you have walked in my shoes so to anyone out there that is very negate
of this therapy scooter is living proof and thank god for that"
Jay
michaels( scooters earth mum)
Cat pulling out fur
Moosh is a beautiful cat who has been rehomed by the present owner from the Cats Protection League. When Moosh arrived at his new home he had been pulling hair from his 'trousers' and it had been thought it may have been an allergic reaction to fleas, although he had been thoroughly treated for this. There was no inflamed skin just pulling out of fur. Moosh was a lovely cat to work with - very decisive as to what he wanted and what he didn't! moving swiftly away behind the window blinds when he was not impressed. However, he made his way very determindly over to my bags containing the herbal powders.
Moosh indicated his wishes very clearly - chose his remedies - enjoyed them and promptly had a good groom and fell fast asleep on his armchair. Within 24 hours the fur pulling had stopped with the occasional pieces of fluff being found on the carpet in the morning from his night-time playing.
27 Year old family pony with Cushing’s related laminitis
I had been asked to help a horse that had been described as ‘explosive/unpredictable and dangerous. Whilst I was working with this horse, the owner drew my attention to the little pony in the next stable who was craning her neck around the stable door to inhale the molecules of the oils I was offering to the horse.
This little pony was suffering from Cushing’s related laminitis and at 27 years old the prognosis was not good. The little pony had belonged to the family for many years and now belonged to the little daughter. The pony was on veterinary medication, unable to stand-spending most of her day lying down and the decision had been made to put her out of her suffering. The little girl had been told and wanted to be there when the time came to put her pony to sleep. The owner agreed that as the pony had stood up and been trying to access the oils, we would try and help her although the owner was concerned not to raise false hopes in the little girl.
The pony showed a keen interest in the oils, extracts and dried powdered herbs that were potent anti-histamines, anti-inflammatories, heat relieving and immune supporting. After taking what she needed the pony was left to process the healing. The next day the pony showed improvement, standing up and moving around her stable, progressing to moving outside the stable. Although she was a little sore on the concrete she was fine on the softer ground.
15 months later the now 28 year old pony has not had a re-occurrence of the laminitis, is enjoying life and in the words of the owner ‘at times running around like a 2 year old’. To me this shows the truth of self selection – this pony was not even being offered the oils but knew in her desperate state just what she needed to heal herself and save her life – and she did.
Jovi – Cat with tumors and travel hysteria
Jovi is a 12 year old cat that had suffered with cancer and had recently been to the vets to have the tumours removed. The prognosis from the vet had not been good with the probability that the tumours would return and the cat had a limited time left to live – possibly 3 months.
Jovi had to go back every four weeks for a check up but was so distressed about going to the vets and became hysterical in the car to the extent that the owner had to have someone else drive as she was unable to concentrate.
Oils that are felt to inhibit cancer were offered along with differed herbs/ grasses and spirulina and turmeric and immune stimulants. Other oils for calming for visits to the vets were also used.
These are some of the comments from the owner after visits to the vet:
‘Good news – Jovi is still tumour free so doesn’t have to go back til the
end of November (2009). (original operation in the summer 2009)
I like to think that the oils are helping Jovi (with regard to the tumours) but I know for a fact they definitely help in the baskets (visits to the vets). Cried a little on the way to the vets but nothing compared to how stressed he normally is and on the way back he was silent, it was great, thank you so much.
Jovi at this time of writing March 2010 is still tumour free and long
may it continue.
This study shows how the oils and the skills of the veterinary surgeon
can work well together.
Beagle with separation anxiety
This little Beagle is 5 years old and has been with his owner since being a little puppy. His owner describes him as: ‘Loving; obedient; affectionate; sociable, loves children and other dogs, not at all aggressive’ The problem was one of severe distress when being separated from his owner with barking, howling, scratching at doors.
The owner wanted to address the origin of the problem, not just cover
it up with calming drugs.
The dog responded to several oils starting with Angelica Root - often
opens an animal up to healing. The other oils selected were for releasing
emotional stress and Yarrow to support this release, with comforting oils
also selected. The oil Frankincense (for fear of an unknown origin)
was a favourite and often sniffed. After the initial consultation,
the dog had a good nights sleep. Over the course of the next few
days the oils were offered and selected when necessary.
The following are some comments from the owner after she had left him for a little while…
"not a sound out of him – great news"
"so happy with the results – what a difference – thank you so much"
"I have to say the relationship between us is better than ever since you helped me and he is now so good in all areas – a dog really is a man’s best friend!"
Other people have also commented on how their relationship with their animal has changed and reached a deeper level of understanding. I also found that my relationship with my own animals became deeper as if we had connected to a more spiritual level and understanding - a feeling that goes beyond words.
Elderly Cat with Eczema and Skin Cancer
Missy Cat is an elderly cat of about 20 years. She has suffered with Eczema down her back for some time now. Steroid injections have given some relief but the Eczema returns when the steroids have worn off.
Eczema down back
Skin cancer on Ear
Missy cat also has a skin cancer on the outside tip of her ear. Missy Cat responded well to the Sea Buckthorn gel with great success and was purring whilst the gel was applied. The cancerous sore dried up, grew hard and came away with healthier skin being formed underneath.
The gel applied to the eczema on her back was a little more difficult because Missy Cat licked off the gel and whilst this was not detrimental to her internally it was irritating to the sores. A collar was put on her and her eczema began to heal. However, when the collar was removed the licking returned and so did the irritation.
I felt that we were addressing the symptoms but not the cause of the eczema and I telephoned Caroline Ingraham to ask what causes eczema? – grief was her reply.
This made sense to the owner, as Missy cat had been the only cat in the household until a rescue cat had been introduced. This rescue cat soon made himself at home and would not allow Missy Cat into what he considered to be ‘his territory’ swiping her and hissing when she walked past. The owner took measures to remedy this and actively encouraged Missy Cat.
It was at this point that German chamomile was offered and accepted and, in a hydrolat form, was applied down the back. The back started to heal.
The owner had to spend a couple of weeks away in America and was concerned as to how the eczema would be when she returned. Happily, the skin had healed and new white ‘baby fur’ was growing with no sign of irritation. The owner also reported that Missy Cat had become more confident in herself and was able to deal with the situation with the other cat much more successfully.
Eczema gone, hair regrown, Skin Cancer cleared
Laminitis - from tears to smiles
I was asked if the oils could help Kelly a 13 year old Shetland pony who had gone down with acute laminitis and could hardly move and despite being on ‘Bute’ every step was so very painful. She just wanted to lie in her stable and not move, the edges of her hooves had started to turn upwards and when standing was in a typical ‘laminitis stance’ weight going back wards. Her owner was distressed to see her pony in pain and discomfort.
Kelly took to the oils straight away making her choice very clearly known and took as much as she needed twice a day. Kelly was happy taking German Chamomile, Garlic, Yarrow and Peppermint and a pain relieving gel and loved the Rosehips – she would even stagger forward for these. After a couple of days Kelly came off ‘Bute’ and this day was very sore for her – amazingly she upped her self dosage of the oils – particularly German Chamomile so I offered Gt. Mugwort which has a stronger effect – she took this keenly for a day, then when she had dosed herself sufficiently ignored the Gt. Mugwort and went back to the German Chamomile.
Within a few days Kelly was bucking and squealing and running around the soft rubber arena although hard ground was still a little difficult for her. Kelly decreased the amount of oils she took and the twice daily application gradually reduced to once a day, once every two days to nothing needed at all. The owner carefully managed Kelly’s grazing and now she is back to being as cheeky and naughty as a Shetland should be and trotting around her paddock being a normal bossy mare!
Sarcoids
This horse has had sarcoids for 2 years and had applied veterinary preparations to try and remove them. The preparation had burned her skin and the sarcoid was still there and expanding. The horse was very head shy about anyone touching or raising their hands to her ear.
The horse was offered oils that are known to help with sarcoids, she chose the one most suited to her, allowed it to be applied easily – even putting her head down so that I could see what I was doing (she is nearly 17 hands) and allowed me to wave a camera around.
The photographs below show progression over 3 weeks - the treatmentis on going at present. The last photograph bottom right is the latest taken on 25th August.
Mud Fever
I was asked if the oils could help a horse with Mud Fever.
The horse had sores and scabs but the skin had not yet cracked open and the owner was desperate to heal the condition. The horse had had veterinary preparations/anti-biotics but the Mud Fever had not cleared fully and kept returning. Although the legs were sore and the horse apprehensive to having more preparations applied to her legs, she responded to the inhalation of the oils and allowed the owner to apply the gel containing the oils – it is important to note that the owner offered the oils to the horse first to allow it to choose whether or not it wished to have the gel applied to the legs. The horse was a little worried on the application to the first sore leg but then stood still and willingly let the owner apply the gel to the rest of the sores and scabbed legs.
Within days the scabs disappeared and healthy pink skin took their place.
Behaviour - Finn
My horse Finn is 10yrs old and a TB cross of some kind who has always had problems being kept in a stable for long periods of time.
Over the winter, he was kept in a box for 22 to 23 hours a day due to pasture flooding, and only turned out in an arena by himself after spending the previous year and a half in the company of another horse when out in the field. When stressed he gets very panicky and then comes across as very pushy and dominant and gets very spooky and prone to running round in circle when being led due to extreme fear and hyperactiveness and tension. Needless to say this wasn't fun for my horse or me!
So I knew of Gill already as she'd seen some of my lessons on Finn
with my Natural horsemanship instructor, and I'd seen her do a short demo
at a nearby yard at alternative therapy clinic day and had been very impressed
by her open-mindedness and calm/relaxed demeanour around twitchy/stressed
horses and so I searched for her contact
details and found her teacher, who is the foremost authority in aromatherapy
etc in the UK and runs a school, her name is Caroline Ingraham, and she
said she considered Gill was more than capable of helping me with the problem. I
couldn't agree more!
Gill had arranged a date to come out in less than a week of my initial email as I was having so many problems. When she turned up, on time and with a smile and a large box full of oils, Gill spent about an hour discussing Finn's history and explaining all the different ways a hors could take an oil, by simple sniffing, by curling the top lip (flehmen) or by licking, and that contrary to popular belief, greedy horses wouldn't take oils just for the sake of it, they only take what they need. She explained that although the oils are palatable when the horse needs them to balance itself mentally or physically, they become bitter in taste/smell when not needed so the horse won't take it, this is why oils must always be offered and never given in food, the horse will select everything he/she needs and nothing else.
Gill spent a good two hours going through at least twenty different oils, plant suspensions, root/plant powders and rosehips for vitamins as Finn had nowhere near an optimal diet with no grass for three months by then! She was quiet and patient and explained to me all the reactions, however small, Finn was giving to each oil and what it might mean and what the oil was for. Finn was instantly attracted to Gill's calm energy and was fascinated by everything she did and eagerly investigated everything offered to him, even if he eventually didn't chose to medicate himself with that particular oil. In the end I had a nice little stock of oils, suspensions and powders to offer him regularly that Gill would make up and dilute appropriately to Finn's needs, and get to me within a few days.
By the end of the treatment, I had some of my relaxed, gentle horse back and he could clearly be seen heaving a sigh of relief, and he mentally and physically let go of a lot of tension in just that one afternoon. I couldn't have been more impressed with Gill and I still check in with her every time I have a question or hit a problem, or find an interesting habit/behaviour/reaction to the oils in Finn developing and Gill is always happy to help, and one of the most friendly and generous professionals I've ever come across. Lately I've been having problems bridling Finn again, which has always been a problem as he has been badly treated in the past, and Gill sent me free samples of the oils she thought would help and said I could just pay for any I'd buy when the samples run out. And she hardly ever charges me for postage either, and always posts me supplies when I need them. All in all, I find her a more than consummate professional and a compassionate lady dedicated to helping every animal and owner she can. I hope to have her help throughout Finn's life and with any luck, she'll still have a booming business throughout most of my life as well as horses will always be my passion and it's peace of mind assured with my pets in Gill's capable hands.
My horse is now at a happier home and due to all Gill's ministrations, the move was a smooth one and he's settled in his home and a great favourite on the yard, in short, Gill gave me my horse back.
Thank you Gill! Best wishes, one loyal customer AKA Jennifer!
Behaviour - Keats
My horse was initially treated for possible pollen allergy having displayed serious head-shaking behaviour under saddle together with running nose, swollen/reddening of nasal membranes. However, during treatment my horse chose oils linked to behaviour/emotional issues e.g. sadness, unpredictability, unsettled, anxious etc., if he was a human I’d say he was having some sort of emotional crisis! What triggered this – who knows- but treatment continued on these lines as this was what my horse was choosing. One day my horse, and I can only describe it this way, was so angry in the school. It seemed that whatever ‘it’ was had come to a head and this was the only way to let ‘it’ out.
I am sure that the oils helped stabilise his emotional/mental attitude, and together with patient and careful handling and management of the whole situation encouraged my horse to get over ‘it and manage/cope better. He has come out the other side, no longer interested in any oils. Although he’s still testing how much he can get away with, he manages much better when I say ‘NO’!
