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Arsenicum album

Chemical substance from which the remedy is prepared: arsenic trioxide

Arsenic is of course the ‘archetypal’ poison and if anyone is asked to name a poison it is likely that they will mention this chemical. Arsenic’s potency as a toxin means, of course, that it can also be an extremely potent and valuable homoeopathic remedy, with wide-ranging constitutional effects in the body. There is of course no danger of toxicity in homoeopathic preparation since there are so few, or no, molecules of arsenic present in the prepared remedy.

In veterinary first aid, Arsen alb is used mainly for symptoms of vomiting and diarrhoea, when it can be extremely effective. Cats requiring this remedy are often restless and agitated and seem more comfortable in warmer conditions. It is usually given in low potency and repeated quite frequently until a desired effect is obtained. Many chronic conditions may be treated by Arsen alb since it is a frequently used constitutional remedy that may be employed by specialist homoeopaths confronted with complicated cases.

Hepar sulph

Chemical substance from which remedy is prepared: calcium sulphide

Hahnemann developed this remedy for conditions which lead to the formation of pus (suppuration), i.e. infections. These sorts of problems are quite common in cats due to the frequency of cat bite abscesses occurring in outdoor cats, so Hepar sulph, often in conjunction with Arnica, has an important role here.

A hallmark for this remedy is great sensitivity over the affected area — touching may provoke an aggressive response. As with Arsen alb above, the symptoms are improved by warmth, hence the use of warm compresses if these can be tolerated. If not, the cat is likely to be happier in warm surroundings.

Merc sol (and Merc cor)

Chemical substance from which remedies are prepared: mercury (quicksilver) and its corrosive salt

Mercurius solubilis and Mercurius corrosivus are two remedies prepared from the metal mercury. They are generally similar, though Merc cor tends to be used with more exaggerated symptoms, especially symptoms that are ‘corrosive’, i.e. cause intense irritation, ulceration and reddening/bleeding. Merc cor is also very suitable for intense straining with diarrhoea or urination.

Merc sol is often more appropriate for general first aid, as it has a broader spectrum of action. It may be used for mouth ulcers and gum irritation (common in cats), kidney disease, inflammatory skin conditions and some kinds of persistent diarrhoea. Certain eye conditions are also

Suitable. Treatment is usually given for 1-2 weeks before its effect is seen.

Rhus tox

Plant from which remedy is prepared: Rhus toxicodendron

Rhus toxicodendron, also known as poison ivy, is a trailing and climbing plant flowering in summer. It is widely known as a great remedy for rheumatic conditions and muscular stiffness, but it also has effects on the skin. It is an important remedy in arthritis and is indicated when the cat feels worst when trying to move after resting, which is the typical pattern.

The remedy is given frequently for the first two days, tapering the dose down over subsequent days to being given only when needed.

Pulsatilla

Plant from which extract is prepared: Pulsatilla nigricans (the wind flower) Pulsatilla is an interesting constitutional type remedy that is closely associated with female animals of a gentle and yielding disposition. Small, shy female cats who nevertheless do like the company of people and animals they know are ideal Pulsatilla recipients. Their symptoms often ‘wax and wane’ (think of a flower bending in the breeze) and the patients prefer the open air and cooler temperatures.

Many general symptoms may respond if Pulsatilla is correct for the cat’s constitutional type, and its effect could be stronger than any other remedy that may seem to be indicated, giving a good demonstration of the power of the more complex constitutional form of prescribing in homoeopathy. So, for example, a cat of Pulsatilla temperament with diarrhoea may respond far better to this remedy than to any of the typical ‘diarrhoea remedies‘, e.g. Arsen alb.

Many other remedies can act constitutionally in this way, but Pulsatilla provides a recognised ‘type’, which can be spotted quite easily amongst cats.

Apis mellifica

Substance from which remedy is prepared: dead honey bees

One obvious indication for this remedy is bee (or wasp) sting, and this happens quite frequently in cats owing to their inquisitive and playful natures. However, being homoeopathy, the remedy is also appropriate for any condition which resembles some of the clinical characteristics of stings in general, i.e. inflammation, pain, swelling. Hence it may be used for eye irritation, swollen joints and sore throats. The symptoms treated are always improved by open air and cool conditions, and cats requiring Apis mel may shun heat and deliberately seek the open air.

The remedy may be given as often as every 10 minutes for a few doses.

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This entry was posted on Wednesday, July 16th, 2008 at 6:28 am and is filed under Birds, Cats, Deworm, Dogs, Fish, Frontline, Health, Pets, Supplements. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.