Feb 2015: Owner adopted her at 18 months of age. Five days ago Minka collapsed on the lawn. X Rays and bloods revealed a large mass on her liver. Euthanasia was recommended. Minka’s owner wanted her husband to see her before putting her to sleep so she took her home – and changed her mind.
On Consultation: Minka was on dry food although she had little thirst. She strained a little during stool, passing small amounts at a time. Her urine habits were normal. There was trembling in her hindquarters. She was a little overweight, even with the multiple lipomas and distended abdomen where the liver mass protruded. Minka was a loveable, good natured dog although reluctant to move too much and her energy levels were low.
Priorities: Reduce mass to repair liver and alleviate mass discomfort. Provide good nutrition to allow the body to help itself.
Provide drainage of toxins and wastes Promote stool normality. A selection of herbs and homeopathics were chosen for her particular condition plus some Slippery Elm for her gut function. We changed the diet to tripe and rabbit & hare with vegetables.
7 Days Later: Minka’s eyes were clearer, stools better formed although still followed by a soft stool. No Straining. No further distention of abdomen. Enjoying her food. Her energy levels were on the rise.
March 2015: Stools normal. Still trembling in the hindquarters so added homeopathic Conium to her prescription and changed her dose regime. Waistline beginning to appear! Owner taking her for little walks outside in the sunshine.
Early April 2015: Lipomas softening, New symptom – trembling when sitting. Owner needs to watch her weight as gaining a little. Altered herb prep to include Withania and extra nutritive herbs. Repeat homeopathic prescription.
Late April 2015: Like a little bullet, racing around.
May 2015: Going for 1/2hrly walks twice a day, enjoying her car rides. Owner shifted in to new house, Minka is enjoying the change. Continued on herbs, homeopathics and slippery elm.
Early June 2015: Minka has a little ‘turn’ and is subdued and off her food. Given homeopathic emergency support and next day back to normal. Suggest reduce walking distance and encourage a little more rest (which is hard for a Jack Russell in the winter sunshine!).
Minka recovered well and died peacefully at the age of 16.5 years.