Ike Homeopathically

Arnica

2009-09-17T10:50:00.000-07:00

From today's NY Times, "Really?" columnist Anahad O'Connor is beginning a weekly series exploring the claims and science behind alternative remedies. This week is arnica - The Alternative Medicine Cabinet: Arnica for Pain Relief. I am not sure if they will stick with homeopathy or explore other topics, but I thought it might be of interest.

Ike Update

2009-06-04T08:29:00.001-07:00

This poor blog has very much fallen by the wayside.

The good news is that it’s not because homeopathy isn’t working – it is because it is working.

Ike has had two minor GI bouts in the past 2+ months. In both cases the bouts resolved in under 12 hours. I have definitely noticed that stress is a precipitating factor.

We are now using his remedy every other day at an increased dose (4x4) to work on his reactivity. I have to say I really do feel like he is less reactive. We rate days on a scale of 1 to 10 and lately most days are 7 or above (mostly 9s actually) versus a couple of months ago when a 6 was the high point.

Homeopathy might not be for everyone, but I cannot deny the success I have seen.

3/27 - 4/3

2009-04-04T04:53:00.000-07:00

3/27/09
AM sm BM
Saw new neighborhood beagle and both dogs were reactive. Ike's reactivity was not responsive to c/t. Lunging at end of leash
AM = 3

4pm Normal BM, Reacted to little girl and mother playing in driveway, but then less reactive to two teen boys. Reactive to mother with stroller, more reactive to to woman walking and kids playing in the yard. Lots of stimuli
PM = 4

3/28/09
dosed 2 x 2
AM solid BM. Non-reactive until woman and child passed on sidewalk after coming out of blindspot. Pounced and barked
AM = 3

11 am sm bm
GREAT Rally class, peppy, alert, and happy

3pm Successfully walked past4 teen sin yard

5pm two bouts of gassy diarrhea. Non-reactive with stimuli
PM Based on reactivity = 9
dosed 2 x 2

3/29/09
Am 1 normal BM, 1 very soft
Mildly reactive to people, then VERY reactive to Dalmatian and owner = hopping, scratching at pavement, growling, but settled quickly after they passed
AM = 2

PM No BM would not walk at first because of thunder. Walked Bug and then Ike after thunder stopped. Pouring. Non-reactive to woman, reactive to little girls who tired to come closer
PM = 6

3/30/09
3am walk
2 normal BM, yellow-ish, second one slightly greasy looking
3rd attempt - no straining, just position and loud gas

6am no BM
Alert, happy, saw no one altho Ike was vigilant
AM = 7

Dosed 2x2

5pm Solid BM
Non reactive
PM = 10

3/31/09
Weighed Ike = 18.2#

AM sm Normal BM
Saw new beagle who reacted - Ike was STELLAR.
AM = 9

Was VERY happy when I arrived home

PM no BM
Walked on GL - nice weather, lots of people, very goof
PM = 8

4/1/09
Slept in Crate - did not sleep in bed. Very happy and bouncy before walk

AM
Sm BM - saw jogger and was NR but kept turning to stare
At home licking bum and thirsty
AM = 8

PM
Sm BM
barked at teenage girl delivering newspapers - no lunging
Surprised by staring GSD-mix - barking and lunging but under control quickly
Saw Paddington (GR) responded well to c/t
Was very thirsty
PM = 5

PM - fell down when he jumped on futon - very odd - possibly balance issue

4/2/09
M
2 sm BM
NR
AM = 8

PM
1 BM
Somewhat reactive to older gentleman who stopped to talk with us but settled quickly.
Barking in bedroom at noises outside the house
PM = 6

4/3/09
PM walk
NO BM , NR
Thunderstorm and lightning - lying on bed not in crate - somewhat unusual
PM = 7

3/23 - 3/26

2009-03-28T05:53:00.000-07:00

Days will be rated on a scale of 1 - 10. 10 being the best.

3/23/09
Weighed Ike - 17.8#
AM large, soft, orangey, but formed BM
Spotted LOTS of teenagers - responded SUPER to c/t
AM = 7

PM no BM
Excellent with three 5-yo's standing at the end of the driveway jumping up and down yelling "doggie, doggie, doggie." Not so good with Paddington (older GR) sighting. Better than last time, i.e. he was able to tune in to me and work for not reacting.
Initiated play with Bug.
Did NOT sleep win bed.
PM = 6

3/24/09
AM, soft, formed BM.
Lots of eye contact, non-reactive
dosed with new remedy potency 2x2
AM = 7

PM 2 soft, formed BM
Super happy to see me.
Generally non-reactive, started to react to Paddington (older GR) from 50" away but responded well to c/t.
Thirsty
PM = 6

3/25/09
Slept in bed all night.
AM small, formed, orange BM
Slightly reactive - we saw multiple people coming out of houses - responded well to c/t.
AM= 5

Spent day and afternoon with in-laws. No BM or "bad" behavior reported.

3/26/09
AM sm BM
Reactive
dosed 2 x 2
AM = 6

Spent day and afternoon with in-laws. No BM or "bad" behavior reported.

3/27/09
AM sm BM
Saw new neighborhood beagle BOTH dogs reactive which then increased Ike's reactivity. NR to c/t. Lunging to end of leash
AM = 3

PM normal BM
Reactive to little girl & mother playing in driveway, but then less reactive to 2 teen boys (we crossed street) and reactive to mother with stroller (he whined/cried rather than barked), reactive to woman walking and kids playing in yard. Lots of stimuli will use GL next time.
PM = 4

Dr. F Appt

2009-03-23T14:43:00.000-07:00

I mentioned to Dr. F that I think Ike might be "allergic to competition." He said that when we finish all of this he does not want him to be allergic to anything.

Mentioned Ike's weight loss (down to 17.8# from 19# - 6%) and the fact that he has seemed very hungry lately - being forward in terms of sticking his head in bags and places he doesn't usually go. I added an ounce to his food at the end of last week. Dr. F feels like that is a good place to start. Suggested I add oatmeal instead of rice.

Asked that I start rating days on a scale of 1 - 10.

We are going to talk in 3 weeks. In the mean time Ike is starting a new dose of Nux Vomica. Dr. F wants me to does him every 2 - 3 days UNLESS he has a series of 8, 9, 10 days. If his reactivity and emotions are better, that is more important than his stool being consistent.

3/23/09 - so-so verging on good

2009-03-23T14:11:00.000-07:00

Ike weighs 17.8 #. He was 19 last time he was at the vets. Hmmm....

AM large, SOFT BM - orangey.
Spotted lots of teenagers on the way to the bus. Was super responsive to LAT c/t

PM no BM
Excellent with three 5 year olds standing at end of driveway across the street jumping up and down (literally) yelling "doggie, doggie."

Not so good with Paddington (older GR) sighting, but better than last time we spotted him. Was able to focus on me and respond to c/t and take the treats.

2/22 – 3/22 and more

2009-03-22T17:39:00.000-07:00

I spoke with Dr. F on 2/23. Gave him a run-down of what has been going on with Ike.

Ike’s major GI episodes have decreased markedly. His last major episode was on 1/20.

On 2/7 he puked up his breakfast and I dosed him with Nux Vomica (4x4). End of story – no prolonged vomiting/illness. I fed him a regular meal that pm.

Since then there has been a definite INCREASE in reactivity. Ike has been feeling well in terms of his GI issues.

Dr. F recommended that I try to give him more information about how Ike IS (drinking more, seeking out warm/cool spots, reactivity, what EXACTLY are the triggers for his reactivity) versus exactly what he’s eating!

The detailed food diary is a default for me – a subconscious part of me feels it is obviously something in the food triggering him – even though that has not proven to be the case.

So without further ado, here is another revision to Ike’s blog:

2/22 – so-so day
Refused PM walk due to rain – very intolerant of inclement weather lately (more so than ever before)

2/23 – good day
AM BM
PM solid BM and smaller soft but formed BM

2/24 – good day
PM 2 normal BM

2/25 – particularly bad day
AM BM
During AM walk was balky (not wanting to walk!), extremely vigilant, scanning for things to react to

Afternoon walk coincided with bus. Ike was OBNOXIOUS. Barking at kids that were more than 100’ away. Lunging from afar. Barking at nothing.

PM soft formed BM
Inside barking at voices he can hear outside (this is not the day-to-day norm). Playing with Bug.

2/26 – good/so-so
AM no BM
Very good Ike!! Still being overly vigilant but willing to play the Look-At-That game and be rewarded for not reacting.

PM normal BM.
Good boy, wanted to react but didn’t, played Look-At-That and was rewarded for not barking at creepy people.

2/27 - good
AM and PM soft, but formed BM. Non-reactive both walks

2/28 - bad
AM BM soft, but formed. Reactive

PM non-reactive
BM1 soft, but formed
BM2 Small, almost diarrhea
Loud gas before first BM

3/1 - good
AM No BM, Non-reactive, Good boy
PM No BM

3/2 – so-so
Refuse AM walk
Large PM BM

3/3 – so-so
AM NO BM – vigilant but not reactive, generally responsive. Very vocal – spotted SS Kody and started squealing like a little pig. VERY happy to see Kody.

PM No BM – generally responsive but VERY reactive to Paddington, Older GR – Attempting to lunge at him. Completely disregards clicker and treats

3/4 – so-so
AM no BM, non-reactive to dog charging boundary of its electric fence. Good Ike!

PM 3 solid BM, reactive to people

3/5 – bad
AM no BM, non-reactive to joggers

PM – Dh arrived home around 4:30 – diarrhea in kitchen. On walk loud, gassy, straining, liquid
Dosed 4x4 at 5pm

I came home from class, Ike asked to go out at 9:20pm – loud, gassy, straining, liquid
Dosed 4x4 at 9:40pm

3/6 – bad
3am – Ike asks to go out – loud, gassy, straining, liquid
Dosed 4x4 at 6am

5 pm happy on walk – soft, soft but semi-formed BM

3/7
2am – Ike vomiting bile
Dose 4x4

4am vomiting bile

6:30am vomiting bile
dose 4x4

7:15am vomiting LARGE amount with pink tinge (blood)
dose 4x4

Dinner – ground rice and ground hamburger

3/8 – good
AM soft, but formed BM
Non-reactive, responded well to c/t
Ground hamburger/ground rice

Afternoon walk – put GL (Gentle Leader) on – weather was very temperate. Given Ike’s illness and the amount of people that would be out walking I anticipating a reactive dog. Ike was SUPER. Responded well to c/t.
No BM

6:30 pm walk – normal BM!

3/9 – so-so
Refused Am walk (raining); brief walk at 10 am. Still super balky.

PM walk – normal BM, good boy

3/10 – so-so

AM walk – non-reactive, minuscule, soft, formed BM

PM walk – soft formed BM
Saw jogger and responded well to c/t
Saw toddler in driveway across the road, responded well to c/t
Ike reacted to combination of woman shambling up street with multiple bags and two children approaching him at the same time. Barking and lunging to end of leash. Cookies, clicker, and I do not exist.

3/11 so-so
Raining. Ike is extremely balky. Barks and pounces at jogger on main street more than 50’ away. Reach main street and Ike continues to stop every 3’.

11 Am – no rain – responds well to c/t – surprised by woman as he rounds a corner
PM – no rain – solid BM – Ike is tense, aggressive in front of Buddy’s house (GR that rehearses aggressive behavior in bay window), but no sign of Buddy. Surprised by man outside smoking, responds to c/t. no barking or reactivity.

3/12 – so-so
AM no BM
Person came out of house suddenly and surprised Ike – non-reactive

PM BM
Slightly reactive to children

3/13 - bad
Am?

PM solid BM
Saw his friend SS Kody – not as playful as usual. Reactive to beagle Snoopy, then did appropriate smelling, body language
Reactive to school children (2 buses let kids off during walk - super stressful!)

3/14 – so-so
Am no BM
Reactive to some people but checked in with me on other “less scary” people very well. c/t

11 AM class – barky – normal BM. Excellent sit/stay/walk around dog (this is a hard station for Ike).

3/15 - bad
AM solid BM. No one in sight – uneventful walk

Afternoon – Rally Obedience Trial. Solid BM. SUPER stressed in ring. Imposing male judge. Man in corner with hat and video camera – def. Ike triggers

3/16 – so-so
AM 3 LARGE SOFT BM
Non-reactive with neighborhood boy who lumbered by
Dosed 4x4

PM solid BM
Reactive to owner of corner house (male)

PM half-hour class – Ike was stellar. Slightly reactive when FCR Glory arrives

3/17 - good
AM No BM, non-reactive

PM solid, normal BM
Ike was excellent with child who insisted on getting too close to him,

3/18 – odd day – so-so
AM normal BM
SUPER sniffy on walk

PM no BM
Pulling on leash (unusual), non-reactive after sighting groups of people

3/19 – so-so
AM no BM, non-reactive

PM no BM – heard gun shots and refused to continue walking BUT DID NOT SHAKE!

Saw GR 50’ away and started reacting – barking, bouncing, lunging

3/20
AM?

PM no BM; slightly reactive to dog aggressive lab

3/21 – so-so
AM – 2 soft but formed BM

PM – no BM, wore GL, barked a little at strangers but not too bad. Did not react to jogger who ran by.

3/22 - good
AM – 2 soft but formed BM; mildly reactive to man and loose dog in driveway

4 PM Soft, large orangey BM – non-reactive given the amount of people out and about? Hooray!

6:30 PM soft BM

2/14 - 2/21

2009-02-21T08:26:00.000-08:00

2/14/09

am/pm meals:
Bravo! Chicken Blend, broccoli, rice, 3V CAPS, ACV, Canine PLus, Garlic

a.m. walk: reactive no BM
Took dogs to beach in Chatham. Very happy, alert, active.
p.m. walk: normal BM

2/15/09

am/pm meals:
Bravo! Tukey Blend, broccoli, rice, 3V CAPS, ACV, Canine PLus, Garlic

a.m. walk: BM
p.m. walk: No BM

Note: Ike had a fish chew, a pig snout, and training session with treats!

2/16/09

am/pm meals:
Bravo! Buffalo, broccoli, rice, 3V CAPS, ACV, Canine Plus, Garlic

a.m. walk: BM
p.m. walk: BM

2/17/09

am meal:
Chicken gizzards, broccoli, rice, 3V CAPS, ACV, Canine Plus, Garlic

pm meal:
NV Rabbit, rice, broccoli

a.m.: No BM
p.m.: BM
Note: SUPER playful

2/18/09

am meal:
Chicken gizzards, broccoli, rice, 3V CAPS, ACV, Canine Plus, Garlic

pm meal:
NV Rabbit, rice, broccoli

a.m.: No BM
p.m.: No BM
Note: SUPER playful, balky on a.m. walk

2/19/09

am/pm meals:
Bravo! Buffalo, rice, broccoli, 3V CAPS, ACV, Canine Plus, Garlic

a.m.: NO BM
p.m.: normal BM

2/20/09

am/pm meals:
NV rabbit, rice, spinach, 3V CAPS, ACV, Canine Plus, Garlic

a.m. walk: Reactive, no BM
p.m. walk: Normal BM
Note: Merrick pig snout in evening

2/21/09

a.m. meal:
> 1 oz Buffalo, Cicken gizzards, spinach, rice, 3V CAPS, ACV, Canine Plus, Garlic

a.m. walk: health BM
Note: SUPER playful with Bug, slightly needy with humans

p.m. meal: 2 chicken necks (no skin), spinach, 3V CAPS, ACV, Canine Plus, Garlic
p.m. walk:normal BM

2/8 thru 2/13

2009-02-13T13:29:00.000-08:00

2/8
am/pm dinner: tablespoon Evanger's rabbit, rice, broccoli, 3V CAPS, Canine Plus, Garlic
Fish chew
am + pm BM = normal

2/9
am/pm dinner: tablespoon Evanger's rabbit, rice, spinach, 3V CAPS, Canine Plus, Garlic, ACV
am sm normal BM
pm 2 BM
ostrich tendon
Notes: needy, slept in crate versus bed, allowed closer than normal resting with Bug. Seemed to be seeking cooler areas

2/10
am/pm dinner: tablespoon Evanger's rabbit, rice, spinach, 3V CAPS, Canine Plus, Garlic, ACV
am + pm sm BMs
Notes: Instigating play with Bug

2/11
am/pm dinner: tablespoon Evanger's rabbit, rice, spinach, 3V CAPS, Canine Plus, Garlic, ACV
am normal BM

2/12
am/pm dinner: chix + sweet potato, rice, spinach, rabbit, 3V CAPS, Canine Plus, Garlic, ACV
pm BM

2/13
am/pm dinner: Barvo! Chicken Blens 1 oz., broccoli, rice, 3V CAPS, Canine Plus, Garlic, ACV
pm BM

2/4 - 2/7

2009-02-07T07:44:00.000-08:00

2/4
am/pm 1 oz Bravo! chix blend, rice, steamed spinach
am NO BM
pm normal BM

2/5
am/pm 1 oz Bravo! Turkey Blend, rice, steamed broccoli, 3V CPAS, Canine Plus, BugOff Garlic
am No BM, slightly reactive/vigilant (trash day)
pm Normal BM, super happy, lots of sniffing (stuffing face IN snowbanks)

2/6
am/pm 1 oz Bravo! Turkey Blend, rice, steamed broccoli, 3V CPAS, Canine Plus, BugOff Garlic
am NO BM
pm Normal BM, super happy, left boys with fish chew while John and I went out

2/7
AM 1 oz Bravo! Turkey Blend, rice, steamed broccoli, 3V CPAS, Canine Plus, BugOff Garlic
AM walk: Normal BM

15 minutes after eating Ike puked up breakfast. Attempted to eat up puke. Did not seem in any way distressed. Went back to his bowl to see if there was more food.

Dosed with Nux Vomica 4x4 at 10:45

PM 1 tablespoon Evangers 100% rabbit, rice.

PM Walk - Small normal BM

Note: Ike has had some slight skin irritations this week above his pelvis. Afternoon I bathed and brushed Ike. I was a bit nervous about doing this - if his GI issues are tied to anxiety this could cause more.

Ike Update 1/28 - 2/3

2009-02-03T11:47:00.000-08:00

I have decided to change the way I blog on ikehomeopathically. When I had my call with Dr. F, this format was burdensome. When I attempted to go back to older posts I kept losing track of where I was and on what day x occurred. I think this is also a result of the way I have labeled (i.e. Day 31).

So, I am in the revision process and am currently writing notes in a small notebook. think ultimately i might end up doing an excel sheet after all. I don't really think Dr. F visits the blog - I think he just wants me to be *tracking* Ike's every response to stimuli.

1/28: am/pm meals: chic/rice, steamed spinach, 3CV CAP, No BM.

1/29: am/pm meals: chic/rice, steamed spinach, 3CV CAP, PM BM.

1/30: am/pm meals: chic/rice, steamed spinach, 3CV CAP, PM BM.

1/31: am/pm meals: chic/rice, steamed spinach, 3CV CAP, AM BM.

2/1: am/pm meals: chic/rice, squash, Afternoon BM.

2/2: am/pm meals: chic/rice, squash, PM BM - 2, Fish chew, training session (VERY jealous when working with Bug): down stay, sit stay, GOTB

2/3: am/pm mals: 1 oz Bravo! Turkey Blend, rice, steamed spinach, 3V CAP, Canine Plus, ACV, BugOff Garlic, afternoon BM, fish chew (ike took the fish chew in his crate), extra lovey, playing with Bug like a nutter.

Day 30

2009-01-28T06:38:00.000-08:00

7:45 a.m. Morning walk. No BM.

8:40 a.m. - Breakfast - 1/2 c. rice/chicken with steamed spinach.

9:00 a.m. - 5 minute Get on The Ball workout.

Day 29

2009-01-27T03:55:00.001-08:00

6:00 a.m. - Morning walk - no BM.

6:40 a.m. - Breakfast, 1/2 c rice/chicken with tablespoon steamed spinach, 1/8 tspn ground eggshell. Ike barks AT ME while prepping his breakfast. Wow.

3:00 p.m. - Phone call with Dr. F. He changes Ike's dose. If he shows GI distress or lethargy 4 succussions and 4 drops of remedy. In geenral he feels Ike is making good progress and we are goign to touch base at the end of February. I asked if I should do the Addison test. He didn't feel it was necessary. Hooray!

4:30 p.m. Evening walk - normal BM.

5:15 p.m. Dinner - 1/2 c rice/chicken with tablespoon steamed spinach, 1/8 tspn ground eggshell

5:50 p.m. - Take Ike and Bug to in-laws.

Day 28

2009-01-26T04:01:00.000-08:00

6:00 a.m. - Morning walk - Small BM - totally normal. Hooray!!

6:40 a.m. - Breakfast - 1/2 c. chicken rice with 1/8 tsp. ground eggshell

7:00 a.m. - Ike whines - he is at bedroom door with a polar bear in his mouth! Cute.

4:30 p.m. Evening walk - Normal BM.

5:00 p.m. Dinner - 1/2 c. chicken rice, one brussel sprout with 1/8 tsp. ground eggshell.

6:00 p.m. - 5 minute Get On The Ball session. Plain chicken for treats.

7:00 p.m. Half-hour semi-private lesson - fronts and stays. plain chicken for treats.

Day 27

2009-01-25T14:27:00.001-08:00

8:00 a.m. - Morning walk. 2 small soft but formed BM; one totally normal BM!

9:00 a.m. - Breakfeast - 1/2 c. rice/ground chicken.

4:00 p.m. Dinner - 1/2 c. rice/ground chicken

5:30 p.m. - Evening walk - no bowel movements.

7:00 p.m. - Brief Get On The Ball training session, PB Smacks treats

Day 26

2009-01-25T14:24:00.000-08:00

8:00 a.m. - Ike won't go for walk.

8:30 a.m. - Breakfast - 1/2 c. rice/ground chicken

10:20 a.m. - Leave for Rally-O. Walk upon arrival. No BM.

11:00 a.m. - Rally-O class - homemade turkey treats and dehydrated ostrich

4:00 p.m. - Dinner - 1/2 c. rice/ground chicken

4:30 p.m. - Evening walk. No BM.

11:30 p.m. - Pee Break. No BM.

Day 25

2009-01-23T05:05:00.000-08:00

6:00 a.m. - Morning walk. Mo bowel movements.

6:40 a.m. - Breakfast 1/2 cup rice chicken mix

7:05 a.m. - 1 Nothern Biscuit

1:00 p.m. - Walk with John. No bowel movements

3:40 p.m. - Dinner - 1/2 cup rice chicken mix

4:30 p.m. - Evening walk. Two bowel movements. First soft but formed. Second VERY soft, but still formed.

Day 24

2009-01-22T03:48:00.000-08:00

6:00 a.m. - Morning walk - no bowel movements. No issue with cold (RealFeel 5 degrees F)

6:50 a.m. - Breakfast - 1.5 tblspn rice and 1.5 tblspn chicken

4:30 p.m. - Evening walk. Three small solid, but soft bowel movements.

5:15 p.m. - Dinner - 1.5 tblspn rice and 1.5 tblspn chicken

6:15 p.m. - 1 Northern Biscuit - Bug goes to class.

Day 23

2009-01-21T06:35:00.000-08:00

6:00 a.m. - Ike refuses to go for a walk.

7:05 a.m. - Drop him off at in-law's house with 1 tablespoon rice, 1 tablespoon ground chicken.

4:30 p.m. - Dinner - 1 tablespoon rice, 1 tablespoon ground chicken.

5:00 p.m. - Evening walk - no bowel movements.

6:30 p.m. - Chiro appointment. His pelvis held. Cheryl adjusted some digestive points further up his back.

Day 22

2009-01-20T00:54:00.000-08:00

3:18 a.m. - Ike asks to go out. Extremely soft but formed bowel movement. Second bowel movement, straining, gas, liquid diarrhea.

3:40 a.m. - Dose with Nux Vomica.

6:00 a.m. - Morning walk - no bowel movements. Seems alert.

6:50 a.m. - I am in the bathroom and *hear* Ike steal a fish chew out of my work bag (I am bringing Bug to work today and Ike is going to in-laws). When Bug comes over to investigate Ike snarks at him. This is highly unusual.

7:05 a.m. - Very happy and bouncy at in-laws. Left them with Nux Vomica, syringe, and instructions, as well as a fruit pop for later if Ike continues to do okay.

9:30 a.m. - Jack (FIL) just called. Ike is wrestling with Carmen and seems to feel good.

2:00 p.m. - Extremely soft but formed bowel movement. Small bit of bile throw-up after running around.

5:00 p.m. - 1 tablespoon rice and chicken mix.

5:30 p.m. - Evening walk - no bowel movements.

Day 21

2009-01-19T12:58:00.000-08:00

8:00 a.m. Morning walk - Normal bowel movement. No problems with people or cold.

9:00 a.m. - Breakfast - 1 oz Bravo! Buffalo Blend, squash, broccoli, 3V CAPS, Canine Plus, BugOff Garlic

2:30 p.m. - Walk - no bowel movements.

3:45 p.m. - Dinner - 1 oz Bravo! Buffalo Blend, 1 oz. piece of mackerel, squash, broccoli

5:00 p.m. Evening walk - Large normal bowel movement.

7:00 p.m. - Half-hour private with Katrin on heeling. Ike is EXCELLENT. Lot's of homemade turkey treats, and some Dot's Favorites PB Smacks.

9:00 p.m. Ike asks to go out. First portion of bowel movement formed, then extremely soft (but not liquid). Gas, straining, and second bowel movement - liquid diarrhea.

9:30 p.m. Dose with Nux Vomica.

Day 20

2009-01-18T06:10:00.000-08:00

8:00 a.m. - Morning walk. Snowing and Ike doesn't care. Large healthy bowel movement with lots of gas before and during.

8:45 a.m. - Breakfast - 1 chicken wing, 2 tblspn steamed broccoli, 1 tblspn pureed squash.

2:30 p.m. - fish chew

4:05 p.m. - Dinner - 2 tblspn undercooked turkey, broccoli, squash, Canine Plus, 3V CAPS, BugOff Garlic, ACV

5:00 p.m. - Evening walk. No bowel movements.

Day 19

2009-01-18T06:03:00.000-08:00

7:00a.m. - Morning walk. Ike refused after 2 blocks. Too cold.

8:30a.m. - 1 chicken neck, steamed broccoli, pureed squash, BugOff Garlic, 3V CAPS, ACV

10:20 a.m. - Leave for Rally Obedience class.

10:50 a.m. - Large, solid bowel movement. Nothing unusual visible.

11:00 a.m. - Rally Class - Ike is great. Treats consist of dehydrated ostrich, homemade chicken liver treats, and Dot's Favorites PB Smacks.

2:00 p.m. - Earthdog class. Ike is excellent! Treats consist of dehydrated ostrich, homemade chicken liver treats, Dot's Favorites PB Smacks, and a little bit of low-fat string cheese. Ike drinks a lot of water at this class.

3:00 p.m. - Ike goes to my in-law's home John and I have a prior engagement.

4:30 p.m. Dinner - 1.5 oz. under-cooked turkey, 1 tblspn rice, 1.5 tblspn spinach, Canine Plus, BugOff Garlic, 1/8 tspn ground eggshells

8:30 p.m. - Pick up Ike and Bug. Everyone is doing well.

Day 18

2009-01-16T07:13:00.000-08:00

5:55 a.m. – Morning walk – Negative 9 degrees! Ike was more hesitant than he has been recently due to the extreme cold – still no paw lifting. No bowel movements. Non-reactive.

6:40 a.m. – Breakfast 1.5 oz. under-cooked turkey, 1 tblspn rice, 1.5 tblspn spinach, 3V CAPS, BugOff Garlic, 1/8 tspn ground eggshells

4:00 p.m. - John arrives home to shredded plastic. Dogs got into a bin that contained ostrich tendon and other treats. They ate 2 ostrich tendons with plastic (hopefully shredded off) and an almost full bag of Cloudstar Farmstand Apple Slices (dehydrated appled - Ike choked on this last year).

Evening Update - Dogs didn't get dinner - no sick puppies. Hooray!

7:05 p.m. - shared a small piece of pizza crust in kitchen with Ike as treat.

Day 17

2009-01-15T06:39:00.000-08:00

5:50 a.m. - Worth noting Ike runs into the g-pig room when he hears them scampering about. More interest than usual of late.

6:05 a.m. - No bowel movements. Low reactivity level.

6:45 a.m. - Breakfast - 1 oz. Bravo! Buffalo Blend, 1.15 tblspn rice, 1.5 tblspn spinach, 3V CAP, BugOff Garlic, ACV

7:10 a.m. - Ike leaves down comforter nest for good-bye cookie (Northern Biscuit Duck & Papaya).

4:30 p.m. - Evening walk. Firm bowel movement. Reactive.

5:20 p.m. - Dinner- 1 oz. Bravo! Buffalo Blend, 1.15 tblspn rice, 1.5 tblspn spinach, Canine Plus, BugOff Garlic, ACV

5:30 p.m. - Plays tug with me, Bug, and new toy! Wow!!

6:50 p.m. - Fish skin chew.

Day 16

2009-01-14T03:49:00.000-08:00

6:00 a.m. - Morning walk - no bowel movements. A bit reluctant to walk. Balking on lead for no apparent reason.

6:50 a.m. - Breakfast - 2.5 tblspns rice. 2 tblspn spinach, 2 tblspns lightly cooked/under-cooked turkey, 3V CAP, ACV, BugOff Garlic

7:05 a.m.: Ike leaves bed room for the second day in a row. Ask for a sit and get VERY loud gas (although not noxious). One Mother Nature Peanut Butter cookie.

4:30 p.m. - Evening walk. Small firm stool.

5:20 p.m. - Dinner - 2.5 tblspns rice. 2 tblspn spinach, 2 tblspns lightly cooked/under-cooked turkey, Canine Plus, ACV, BugOff Garlic

Day 15

2009-01-13T05:21:00.001-08:00

6:05 a.m. - Morning walk - small firm bowel movement (hooray!). Very conscious of humans but not reactive about it (hooray!).

6:40 a.m. - Breakfast - 3 tablespoon rice, fresh 2 tblspn cooked chicken, 1 tblspn steamed spinach, 3V Caps, BugOff Garlic

7:10 a.m. - First morning since Ike has been sick that he came out of bedroom as I was leaving. Gave him a Northern Biscuit Wild Boar - Grain-free treat (will list ingredients tonight).

4:30 p.m. - Walk - Two small firm bowel movemtns.

5:00 p.m. - Dinner - 3 tablespoon rice, fresh 2 tblspn cooked chicken, 1 tblspn steamed spinach, Canine Plus, BugOff Garlic

5:45 p.m. - Bring Ike and Bug to in-laws for evening (taking Carmen to class).

Day 14

2009-01-12T06:19:00.000-08:00

6:05 a.m. - Morning walk - No feet issues (applied Musher's Secret). Now bowel movement.

6:40 a.m. - Breakfast - Congee, freeze dried chicken, tablespoon squash, Canine Plus. Spent inordinate amount of time attempting to get every last bit of squash out of bowl.

4:30 p.m. - Evening walk - no bowel movements.

5:00 p.m. - Dinner - Congee, freeze dried chicken, tablespoon squash, 3V CAPS

7:00 p.m. - Half-hour private on heeling. Treats consisted of cooked white meat chicken and homemade turkey-banana treats. Ike was crazed for the food. Seemed to start getting a bit stressed at about 20 minutes. Signals of stress - not as engaged and not moving with me (we were working on heeling).

Day 13

2009-01-11T06:01:00.000-08:00

8:00 a.m. - Morning walk - walking about a quarter of a mile before Ike started picking up front paw and looking at me like I had lost my mind (It is snowing). No movements of any kind

8:30 a.m. - Breakfast - small chicken neck and rice, 3V CAPS

11:30 a.m. - Ike greeted me after shoveling noticed googly in left eye.

4:30 p.m. - Dinner - rice, freeze dried chicken, Canine Plus

5:30 p.m. - Evening walk - large bowel movement. Formed but soft.

Day 12

2009-01-10T14:02:00.000-08:00

I was at a dog show today. Per John:

Slept in til 9:45
Two small solid poops
Ate 4 tbsp of mixture
Non-reactive on walk

4:45 p.m. - Dinner - 4 tablespoons congee/chx mix

Day 11

2009-01-09T05:21:00.000-08:00

6:05 a.m. - Morning walk. Slightly reactive. Small soft bowel movement.

6:45 a.m. - Breakfast 4 tablespoons congee/chx mix, Canine Plus

4:00 p.m. - Dinner - 4 tablespoons congee/chx mix

5:00 p.m. - Slightly reactive on Walk - no bowel movements.

General Notes: The boy continues to improve! and no more sulfur gas.

Ate with success three small homemade chicken liver treats:

1 lb pureed liver (chicken liver from Owen's Poultry Farm)
2 cups corn meal
1 cup flour
dash garlic powder
spread out on cookie sheet in a thin layer
Bake at 350 for about 20 minutes
cool and cut into pieces.

Day 10

2009-01-08T06:16:00.000-08:00

6:05 a.m. - Took Ike for a walk. No bowel movements.

6:45 a.m. - Fed Ike 2 Tablespoons of congee/chicken mixture. Gobbled it down.

7:05 a.m. - Left for work Ike was sleeping on bed.

4:30 p.m. - Arrived home to no accidentas and a VERY happy Ike

4:40 p.m. - Evening walk - now bowel movements. Urination. Tolerating the cold much better.

5:20 p.m. - Dinner - 4 tablespoon congee/chx mix. Gobbled it up.

General Notes: Ike slept through the night. Ike continues to have incredibly foul sulfur smelling gas.

Day 9

2009-01-07T03:39:00.000-08:00

7:00: a.m. Got Ike out of bed and on a walk. Even with the freezing rain he wanted to walk downtown. We stopped in to visit at the in-laws and home. Ike snuck off and drank some water at the in-laws. Urination only - no bowel movements or attempts at bowel moments.

7:40 a.m. - Let Ike and Bug share a popsicle. Ike ate about a quarter of the popsicle. Now sleeping.

8:40 a.m. - Ike is very upset that Bug is allowed to eat real food and he is being offered a popsicle. Bug is locked in the bedroom eating - Ike circles the house. Finishes popsicle after giving up on real food.

2:30 p.m. - Walk. No bowel movements.

3:00 p.m. - Ike attempts to eat a fish cartilage chew - gives up after about 2 minutes.

3:30 p.m. - Hear from Dr. F's office. Feed Ike 2.5 tablespoon of congee rice and boiled ground chicken 2:1 ratio - easier to digest. Ike cleans his plate.

4:00 p.m. - Walk Ike. Tablespoon sized drop of dairrhea - looser than pudding. But no straining!

5:00 p.m. - 2 tablespoons congee/chicken mixture.

6:00 p.m. - Took Ike to the chiropractor. He had lost his pelvis and head, completely. Have follow-up appointment next Wednesday.

General Notes: Ike slept through the night! Currently still in bed (6:40 a.m.). Awful gas today with sulfur like odor.

Day 8

2009-01-06T03:28:00.000-08:00

1:00 a.m. - asks to go out. 30 minute walk. Straining and liquid diarrhea.

5:00 a.m. - Dry heaves with small bit of clear fluid/mucous

5:14 a.m. - Dry heaves no fluid

5: 45 a.m. - Dry heaves with clear, mucous like fluid. Staying in some what roached back position. Looks miserable but eagerly drinks water. Try to take Ike for a walk. Ike refused to move off the walkway, paw lifted. Bring him back upstairs and leave him in bedroom. Walk Bug.

6:20 a.m. - Return to large clear mucous like vomit in front of door. As soon as Ike is let in the kitchen he goes to drink more water. Still has somewhat roached back appearance.

6:35 a.m. - vomited up lots of water and blood (red not dried). Called Dr. Feinman and left a message. John is planning on staying home with him. Currently laying on bed shaking.

8:05 a.m. - John stayed home with Ike. Ike under fleece blanket sleeping.

8:50 a.m. - Spoke to Dr. F. he said to re-dose him with the Nux Vomica and prepare it in exactly the same manner.

9:00 a.m. - Wash syringe in boiling water. Prep dose.

9:10 a.m. - Give Ike second dose of Nux Vomica. Leave him sleeping under blanket with John. Ike has been sleeping since about 8:00 a.m. I will call Dr. F with an update in 2 hours. if Ike continues to have diarrhea and vomiting we will be visiting our local vet for fluids. I have taken away free access to water at the moment until he is feeling better.

9:15 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. - Ike had liquid diarrhea in the kitchen at some point. Dark brown.

12:45 p.m. - Ike vomits - clear-grey mucous with slight pink tint.

1:15 p.m. - John moved Ike into the living room. ike is huddled next to John shivering.

2:00 p.m. - John gives Ike ice chip - Ike vomits

2:10 p.m. - Talk to Dr. F's assistant. Re-dose Ike.

2:15 p.m. - John re-doses Ike.

5:30 p.m. - Ike licks an all natural organic raspberry popsicle. Finishes about quarter-half over the next 40 minutes. 1 teaspoon water

7:00 p.m. - Ike and Bug share all natural pop (filtered water & organic raspberry puree). 1 teaspoon water.

7:30 p.m. - Dr. F calls. Re-dose Ike if he relapses. Will speak in the a.m.

8:00 p.m. - Take Ike and Bug for brief walk. Upon return boys share a quarter of a pop for a treat.

General Notes: In recent bouts, vomiting has not been a common symptom - it has been restricted to diarrhea. When Ike got sick in February and June both bouts started with vomiting. However it was bile versus clear mucous and no blood.

Day 7

2009-01-05T08:44:00.000-08:00

4:00 a.m. - Ike scratching at door. Put him in bed as sometimes he does not like to jump up if Bug is already in the bed (and he was).

4:15 a.m. - Ike scratching at door. My husband John took Ike for a 20 minuted walk. Ike had pudding consistency diarrhea.

6:15 a.m. - Second walk - no bowel movements.

7:30 a.m. - Opted to feed Ike breakfast. 1 ounce turkey, 2 tablespoons rice, egg shell, 3V caps, garlic

4:30: John came home to three accidents. One large, two small. All pudding consistency.

5:00 p.m. Gave Ike a tablespoon of rice for dinner.

5:30 p.m. - Walk - Ike has small bit of liquid diarrhea and straining. E-mail Dr. F.

6:08 p.m. - Just noticed left eye has grey mucous in it.

8:30 p.m. - Asks to go out. Has liquid diarrhea (yellow-tone). Additional straining. Very quick-paced walk for Ike.

General notes: Ike seems engaged and cheerful most of the time. Yet also stood in the kitchen with one paw lifted while I cooked dinner. Ike doesn't typically bother to be in the kitchen unless I am cutting up raw veggies. Seems particularly needy, i.e. requesting more attention/petting than usual.

Day 6

2009-01-04T10:11:00.000-08:00

6:30 a.m. Ike would not get out of the tight little ball he was in to go for a walk. Due to the fact that the last two days he then refused to walk once he is outside, DH left him in bed knowing I could take care of him later.

7:45 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. - Prepping breakfast - Ike comes running out of the bedroom.

8:05 a.m. - Breakfast - 1 chicken neck, cooked green beans, 1.5 tablespoon rice. Ike cleans bowl.

8:15 a.m. - Convince (he literally sat at the top of my stairs for 5+ minutes) Ike to leave the house to drive over and drop him off at in-law's while I attend lesson. Ike is shivering and lifting front paw. Seems to be particularly sensitive to the cold lately. Brief walk -excessive for Ike sniffing. Urination, no bowel movement.

4:00 p.m. - Dinner - 1 oz. chicken livers, 1.5 tablespoon rice, cooked green beans, 3V CAPS, Canine Plus, garlic, egg shells.

5:00 p.m. - walk. Three bowel movements. First normal, but soft. 2nd very soft. Third, small bit of diarrhea.

Day 5

2009-01-03T05:31:00.000-08:00

7:45 a.m. - Refused to go for morning walk (26 degrees).

8:00 a.m. - Breakfast - 1 oz. NV rabbit, cooked green beans, 1.5 tablespoon rice, 3V CAP, garlic

Cleaned bowl.

10:20 a.m. - Car ride to Rally-O class. Slightly soft bowel movement prior to class. Excellent class. Seems to be sitting in Front position straighter than he has been.

4:00 p.m. - Dinner - 1 oz. NV rabbit, cooked green beans, 1.5 tablespoon rice, Canine Plus, garlic

6:00 p.m. - Evening walk - no bowel movement.

Day 4

2009-01-02T12:44:00.000-08:00

8:00 a.m. Ike refused to go for walk (17 degrees). Repeatedly lifts front paws.

Breakfast - 1 oz. Bravo Buffalo Blend, cooked carrots, 1.5 tablespoon rice, 3V CAP, Garlic

10:00 a.m. - Ike goes for walk. Normal stool.

Noticed new "bump" right behind where shoulder blades meet. This along with the base of the tail area is where Ike usually gets his skin issues. About the size of a small tick.

4:30 p.m. - Dinner - 1 oz. Bravo Buffalo Blend, cooked carrots, 1.5 tablespoon rice, Canine Plus, Garlic

5:30 p.m. - walk, normal bowel movement.

Day 3

2009-01-01T11:41:00.000-08:00

10:00 a.m. - dogs slept in. walk. HUGE reaction to woman walking - Ike went from walking to bouncing and barking instantaneously. Some multiple other people on walk without reaction.

3 bowel movements - solid consistency - stinky.

Taking off boots in mud room Ike raced between corgi brother, myself, and husband. Very happy & UP.

Breakfast 1 oz Bravo Chicken blend, rice, carrots, garlic, 3V CAPS, Canine Plus

Cleaned bowl.

11:45 a.m. - Lying in kitchen in sun splash against refrigerator. Seeking out warmth.

4:00 p.m. - Breakfast 1 oz Bravo Chicken blend, rice, carrots, garlic

5:30pm - walk - no bowel movements.

Day 2

2008-12-31T06:23:00.000-08:00

8:00 a.m. - walk - not reactive. Saw two humans without ado. Normal stool. No flatulence.

8:40 a.m. - 1 chicken wing, cooked carrots, 1.5 tablespoon rice, garlic, 3V Caps - did not finish rice. Atypical

9:25 a.m. - Sleeping on human bed with corgi brother. Is atypical in my opinion, however I do not see them during the day when I am not home (and they aren't crated) so this might be the norm.

Napped and could hear gurgling in his belly

4:30 p.m. - 1 oz Oma's turkey, 1.5 tablespoon rice, cooked carrots, garlic, Canine Plus

Spent New Year's Eve at In-Laws. Ike was seeking out quiet, empty room.

Day 1

2008-12-30T06:43:00.001-08:00

6:17 a.m. - barking at bedroom door - request to go out.

While getting dressed Ike RACED between kitchen and bedroom; atypical if he was feeling ill. He seemed amped up.

2 soft bowel movements and a straining attempt at third. Third attempt was small bit of diarrhea.

Lunged at bicyclist. Unusual - bikers are not usually a trigger for Ike.

Barking at jogger on other side of street.

Reactive.

Entered house and went immediately to water bowl. Drank like he had just finished doing agility, i.e. working.

Licking bum.

Went back to bed - Ike choose to sleep between my legs curled in a ball - warmth.

8:00 am - barking at bedroom door.

Opened door and Ike raced to drink more water.

Breakfast: 1 ounce NV rabbit, 1.5 tablespoon rice, cooked carrot, Canine Plus, garlic

11:45 a.m. - 12:50 p.m. - Short hike with friend and her dogs. Shaking upon entry to truck - laying down and relaxed on seat by half-way through ride (15 minutes total). VERY happy Ike while hiking. Running ahead versus staying in my shadow or lagging behind. Atypical for him.

Now lying in sun splash in bedroom.

4:35 p.m - Dinner: 1.25 ounce Oma's Turkey mix, 1.5 tablespoon rice, cooked green beans, 3V CAP, garlic

Evening walk - full of energy. Pulling on leash (unusual). Diarrhea with flatulence - yellow-tone, pudding consistency.

More bum licking in the evening.

Dosing

2008-12-30T06:38:00.001-08:00

Dr. F prescribed Nux Vomica for Ike.

The directions to give the dose are as follows:

Succus (hit the bottle against the palm of your hand or a book) the bottle each time prior to administering dose. Use 2 succussions for your pet's first doses. The number of succussions changes the potency of the remedy which allows it to be better accepted by the body.

Take the dropper out of the bottle and empty the contents back into the bottle. Now take fresh remedy into the dropper and add 2 drops to a cup of distilled water. Stir gently with a spoon.

First average dose is 1 teaspoon. Dr. F. gave me a syringe marked with the dosage. Clean the syringe with boiling water after use. Discard the rest of the water.

If there is no change on Day Three I am to repeat the dose. I need to update Dr. F with any changes I am witnessing.

I gave Ike Dose 1 last night at 9:30 p.m.

He didn't ingest all of the remedy. I did not re-dose. I have sent an e-mail to Dr. F.

------ Update ------

Spoke to Dr. F - one drop of the remedy would have been enough. Phew!

The Appointment

2008-12-30T05:39:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I had a 2.5 hour appointment with a certified veterinary homeopath. Wow!! Dr. F was great. His background is as a traditional vet before getting turned on to homeopathy. My friend, Michele, was awesome - she came for the three hour ride (x2) and appointment. She was able to add bits of info about Ike and keep me company in general.

Ike was stellar - about 30 minutes into the appointment he told me he was ready to go. Went to the door. Looked at the door. Looked at me. He tried this QUITE a few more times to no avail.

The appointment consisted of me walking Dr. F through every incident of Ike's life health wise and his preferences (food, cold space, warm space, etc). It is difficult because the tool CVH use is for humans, so the vet must translate for canine patients. The vet needs to have a good handle on dogs in general and the new patient. Hence the road trip.

I had to create a veterinary treatment history and profile of Ike for Dr. F. Doing so made me realize how much Ike's nebulous symptoms have escalated in the past year. I am nervous about choosing to go the homeopathic route - who wouldn't be - it is a complete unknown to me. However I don't feel like treating Ike for the bouts of GI distress but not understanding what the underlying cause is accomplishing anything. Michele asked Dr. F if he knew what was wrong with Ike. He said of course, he is out of balance.

The skin eruptions (Ike has had some allergy related bumps this year - the last time he had them was in 2005) and GI distress are signs of his energy being out of balance. Who knows, perhaps his reactivity is also a sign. Although I have to say that I find Ike to be more reactive when he is feeling good which means we might have to take our training and management skills to a different level.

I really don't care WHAT the scientific term for what is wrong with Ike is as long as I can find a more efficient way of having him feel good on a consistent basis.

While we were in the appointment Ike was licking his bum, a lot. This is incredibly unusual. He has only done this once before and I made an appointment for him at the vet's office only to cancel it because he stopped (in August of this year). I groom him myself, so I do not think that his anal glands have ever even been expressed. I know the vet never has - he has never scooted, etc. Last time this happened I saw Dr. Anne while it was going on and she mentioned something about the waning moon and parasites. I'll have to ask her about that again. She did preface the statement with, this will sound crazy. Dr. F did check Ike's anal glands and they were fine. He said Ike was just trying to help him choose the correct remedy.

I had my vet office fax down Ike's fasted blood work and Dr. F doesn't think Ike has hyperlipidemia or that I need to do anything crazy-strict with Ike's diet. Of course, given that homeopathy views all disease as variations of dis-ease, i.e. unbalance of energy I am not surprised that is his opinion.

I am starting this blog to track Ike's reactions to the various remedies Dr. F prescribes. The thing about doing homeopathy properly is every little bit of information is important and a reflection of what is going on internally. Since I do not journal, and if I did I would then have to transcribe my notes into either Excel or Word to send to Dr. F, I thought blogging about it would be ideal. I can just send Dr. F the website and keep it updated.

I don't think it will be a very exciting blog to the average reader, but it might interest some of you who are looking for alternative methods to deal with chronic health issues or even typical health issues without the traditional palliative methods.

OTHER TIDBITS

Dr. F doesn't think Ike should be on a joint supplement right now. His feeling on supplements is that they are just natural drugs and mask signs of internal imbalance. Since we are trying to figure out what is wrong with Ike we do not want to mask ANY symptoms that might lead us to the answer. He says to continue with the Vetri Science Canine Plus, BugOff Garlic, and 3V CAPS for now.

Ike's diet has plenty of variety and the right amount of fat so for the moment leave it as is.

We didn't even get into vaccines really. We talked about them a bit and his opinion about the Rabies vaccine is that you should do your best to have your dog as balanced as possible prior to vaccinating them. I plan on titering for all other vaccines in the future. I would LOVE where Bug is so young, to be able to prevent the systematic damage in him that I feel vaccines cause.

Dr. F also feels the fact that Ike consistently loses his pelvis is a sign of imbalance (and I almost forgot to tell him this tidbit!). He expects that with homeopathic treatment Ike will only be seeing the chiropractor once or twice a year. He feels it is beneficial to continue seeing Dr. Anne as needed.

Dr. F also recommended if I purchase one book on homeopathy and animals it be Don Hamilton's Homeopathic Care for Cats and Dogs. I was planning on having Barnes & Noble order me a copy, but Dr. F had a signed copy I could purchase. Very convenient.

Ike's first remedy is Nux Vomica and I already have a post I need to write on his morning behavior!