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Answers from Loryhl

QUESTION: My cat is scooting and I wanted to know if you have any products that will address this? Thanks.

ANSWERS FROM KAREN MALLINGER:
QUESTION: So glad to find that you too have a deep believe in God's pharmacy and also to apply it to our pets and livestock.  Rather than bother you frequently, can you suggest some very good books on natural care of livestock and pets.
 
I was hoping to find something for my "way too thin" toy Aussie.  I really wondered about slowing her metabolism down a bit and wonder about something for her thyroid. I happened on another site and their formula contain kelp {1st thought}, and sargassum and phellodendron. I was hoping to find substitutes for the Chinese ones knowing many times we have American equivalents. I gave up my hopes of a ND degree after buying property and getting back to our roots with cattle, goats, chickens, turkeys and emus and with my husband still driving twice daily 30 some miles north to his mechanic garage, I have to stay home and not able to financially or time wise afford training and travel but still appreciate my knowledge and strife to continue learning and want to use naturals when possible on the livestock as well, but haven't found affordable quality in volume yet.  Since I have to stay home with the garden and livestock, my dream is an outlet to sell natural gardening, livestock and pet supplies.
 
Do you know appropriate substitutes for the above Chinese herbs or do you have any suggestion for formulas that I could make or add to her food. She is the most picky eater I've ever had and I've had pets since I could 'roll over'...hahaha  I thought the goat's milk on her dog food would help-did for a while, but she seems to tire or need something else no matter what food we try or how we try to entice her.  She really wants what we eat, but we only allow a 'bite' now and then out of love for her and not enough for food for her. She won't eat things I've fed to other pets and I'm really concerned since her backbone and hip bones have no meat on them.  I guess I could muscle test her on some "educated guesses" of herbs I have.  I have a few bulks, mostly NSP capsules and PureHerbs liquid ones as well as WaterOz liquid minerals. I'm sure with research I can surely come up with something I have on hand to get her balanced out.
 
God bless you and at your age, I know you will be able to help many people and animals.

ANSWER: I've never seen a "mini" Aussie! Aussies as a breed are very active anyhow and need LOTS of exercise, just like border collies. They are very good in agility or some other sport that allows them to do what they were bred for which is herding cattle and sheep - an all day job, requiring lots of energy!
 
I don't know what you're feeding Rosie, but she needs to be on an organic food if you are not "cooking" for her. Wellness brand and Nature's Balance are two that I like very much. You can try adding more whole grain to her food like some brown rice. But do not, under any circumstances, give her "people food!" You will have a problem on your hands and it is NOT good for her. If you want to share, which I love to do with my Corgis, I give them a piece of the fruit I'm eating. Peaches, Pears, Apples, Bananas, Carrots, lettuce, broccoli - Yes they eat it! They think cause I'm eating it, it must be human food, so they are worthy of it!! Ya gotta love em!
 
Books I'd suggest are Herbs for Pets by Mary and Gregory Tillford, Dr. Pitcairn's Complete guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats by Pitcairn, Holistic Guide for a healthy Dog by Volhard and Brown and the Complete Herbal Handbook for the Dog and Cat by Juliette De Bairacli Levy. Sorry, not much on the larger animals, but the first book, Herbs for Pets is all-inclusive and very very good.
 
One last thing, you don't have to give up your dreams of becoming and ND. There are several very good online courses that you can do and take your time with. I know some people think that if you don't have the clinical experience, it's not the same, but the textbooks are the same and the info is the same. NDs are not licensed in every state, so if they are in your state, perhaps you could do some volunteer work or an internship at a later date when it fits with your lifestyle. In the meantime, you can get lots of knowledge from online courses. They are a Godsend in my opinion. Trinity College is one that offers several courses of study and they are Christian Based, so you don't get all the "ooga booga" things along with it!

SINUS PROBLEMS IN CAT
QUESTION: I have a Siamese cat that I adopted from the streets, he was a mess when he found me. i took him to the vet. he is 8 years old and has a serious sinus infection, bacterial  on top of viral also beginning kidney disease. CRF He has been on 3 antibiotics ugh, which still persist! I gave him a tiny amount ( one tenth of capsule) of Natures's Way formula HAS, which really helped dry up his nose. he seemed okay with this. But I am scared, i do not want to hurt him in anyway. But vet has nothing for his sinus congestion. It is not upper respiratory. just sinus. He told me it should be okay, but he just doesn't know enough about herbs. I had to do something. This poor little one had ear mites and fleas and someone must have kicked him in the ribs also. But this has all heal with my care. But this sinus will not go away. I also want to give him herbs for kidneys. I live in small town and no health food store. Please shed light on this little one so I can help him.
 
ANSWER: Well, if you've read any of my posts, you know the first thing I'm going to tell you. Get him on a natural, organic healthy food. Some sinus problems are a result of allergies to the chemicals and preservatives in foods and once you eliminate those, the problem goes away.  With no health food store anywhere near, I don't know how you're going to get your hands on the herbs you need. You can make a nasal drop formula from saline, usnea, oregon grape and calendula. If you need me to make a custom formula for you, I'd be happy to do that. Just write back with the word ORDER in the subject line.  For the kidneys, parsley, pipsissewa, juniper and goldenrod are effective. Also cat's claw and gingko. If you can't find any of these and want me to make a custom formula, let me know.

DOG'S RATTLESNAKE BITE
QUESTION: My 4 months old puppy was bit by a rattle snake and luckily he survived. The vet put him on amoxicillin and pain meds after other initial medications. I am looking for ideas to help with his swollen leg (bit on the foot) and aid for removing the toxins from his system. Any suggestions will be so greatly appreciated!

ANSWER: Yes you are certainly lucky. You need to give your puppy large doses of Vitamin C and Echinacea. The echinacea you can make into a tea and give it on his food or get the capsules and put them in a piece of cheese or meat. Vitamin C, I'd recommend 1000 mg. every day for 2 weeks. If you notice him getting diarrhea, back off the dosage to 500 mg.

COUGHING POODLE
QUESTION: I have an 11 year old miniature poodle who is right now suffering from a choking cough--I know its not kennel cough.  He started this about 2 months ago.  My mom suggested that his teeth were getting in bad shape so we had them cleaned 1 1/2 weeks ago--he had two infected/rotten teeth extracted from the back of his mouth--he is on a small dose of amoxi for the infection--he only has today to finish the meds.  But instead of the coughing improving it is worse--I also noticed that with his blood work his kidney enzymes are up from what they were(2 yr. ago) but they are not out of what they classify as normal--but it just makes me think that these are not normal for him.  Should I give him some herbs for kidney function and what? He eats Canidae (natural dog food), Bilberry for cataracts, Hawthorn for heart support--1/2 capsule,and salmon oil.  He also occasionaly gets white rice, chicken livers, and carrots.  What else can I do?

ANSWER: Hi,  Are we sure there's nothing blocking his airway? What does the Vet say? It could also be allergy related. Or, if you use carpet fresh or anything like that, it can cause an irritation.  If it is a dry hacking cough, you need to go to the health food store and get some coltsfoot, elecampane, mullein, yarrow and marshmallow glycerites. If all they have is tinctures, you can get that, but a glycerite would be better. Combine them, 1 part each and give to your dog 2-3 times a day. 1/4 - 1/5 a ml is the recommended dose per 20 pounds. That's about half an eye dropper full.

QUESTION: What can I give my dog for loose bowels?  I'm feeding him ground beef and
rice, and his bowels are still loose.

ANSWER: My thought is that the ground beef is too greasy. I feed mine 98% lean. Are you cooking it or feeding it raw? How long have you been feeding it? Sometimes, after coming off commercial dog foods, it can takes dogs up to a month to become accustom to eating raw food so give it some time.

QUESTION: Even though you have several answers to the question of scaling, smelly feet in dogs, I need further help.  My 5-year old Bernese Mountain has allergies.  I use the products you mentioned from Pet Medicine Chest.  She chews on her feet endlessly.  I have even given her Valerian Root during the day to encourage a lot of napping.  I use tea tree oil shampoo and a small soft brush to clean her legs.  Then I alternate between applying pure aloe vera gel and Oxyjuv (Pet Medicine Chest).  This relieves it for a
while, but she is gnawing on them constantly.

For their dinner I serve my dogs raw beef or ground turkey.  I also give them organic spinach, carrots, yogurt, and sometimes organic avocados and ground pistachios nuts.  They love those.  Their breakfast is premium dog food...I use Natural Balance Duck and Potato or Karma Organic.  I have a water filter and make sure their bowls are clean.  I have run out of things to do for her.  I put knee socks on her legs during the day when I am at work, but our other dogs help her get them off. Can you offer any suggestions please?

This poor girl is driving herself nuts with the chewing.  Just as an FYI, she started chewing aggressively after I got new furniture, and moved her dog couch outside.  She was very angry that I did that, and has been
chewing to such an extent that she cannot bear weight on her front paw. Thanks!

ANSWER: I had a corgi that licked her feet, but she also cleaned her face like a cat, so I think she had identity issues!

Anyhow, chewing or licking of the feet is normally a symptom of some sort of bacterial or fungal infection in the pads or the nail beds. It sounds like you are feeding an excellent food, so that pretty much rules out parasites. Also, you need to check the environment. New carpet, any type of sprays on the lawn or garden or even things like Febreeze on your carpet can cause irritation and could result in liver damage and poisoning, so be very careful. We used to use the Swiffer on our floors until one of our dogs got poisoned from walking on them, so ensure that the environment is free of anything toxic.

Try some Tea Tree oil neat on the nails and pads. It is anti-fungal and antiseptic. I mix the EO with some almond oil and massage it into the nail beds and the pads. Even if they lick it off, it shouldn't hurt them.

QUESTION: My dog has a corneal ulcer in her eye.  I have antibiotic drops from the vet but I feel that she should be taking an oral antibiotic but prefer the natural ones.  I have been feeding her large doses of garlic (which also help against fleas.  Is there any type of eye-wash that could help and is there something stronger than garlic to use as an antibiotic?

ANSWER: Here's a simple eyewash you can make. Take 1/2 tsp of raspberry leaf or nettle tea, and 1/2 tsp of oregon grape or goldenseal tea. Mix with some pure saline solution you can get at the drug store. Make sure it is the preservative free type. Also, ensure that there are NO particles of herb in the teas - you don't want those in your dog's eye! Strain it through a coffee filter first. Shake the mixture and use an eye dropper to put in your dog's eye. Make sure you are using only organic herbs, as anything else may cause sensitivity.

Also, you should be feeding a quality food. I've addressed this extensively in the column so won't go into it here, but that is the best way to build up your pet's immune system and keep them healthy. The garlic is also an excellent thing to add. My corgis get it every single day.


QUESTION: We just found out that our dog has lymphomasarcoma cancer, he has about 4 weeks to live if we do nothing 8 weeks if we put him on pregnazone and maybe 12 months on Chemo.. we do not want to do the chemo, we are heartbroken and want to know is there anything that would prolong his life and also make him feel good thru this. He looks good right now. Please help us if you know.
 
ANSWER: My heart breaks for you. I lost one of my beloved Corgis to Lymphoma 3 years ago and have still not recovered from it.  The first thing you must do is put your dog on a healthy, organic diet. Go to the pet store and get one of the natural foods. I use Nature's blend, but there are several. I have an Essiac formula for pets in a glycerin tincture form. You can also make a tea out of sheep sorrel and feed that to him. I put mine in the dog's water. I don't know how old the dog is or if surgical removal is even an answer.
 
If there is a holistic vet in your area, I'd certainly contact him right away. You can purchase the Hoxey formula or the Essiac formula from your local health food store as well. It will be in a tincture form that you can drop into his food or if necessary, down his throat.
 
Red Clover, burdock root and dandelion root all help to cleanse the system and improve liver function, which will help as well. Either a tea or a tincture made with these herbs in it should be very beneficial to your dog.

NEUTERING PETS
QUESTION: I'm living on a low income, and live in the country, and don't have a car. Because of this, I've have a problem with getting my cats neutered. Even with neuter programs it's an expense and hassle to  get the animal to it. Local vets require 2 separate visits (one for a checkup and a week later the operation) and this is $60 or so, even with  Friends of Animals.  There is a spay/neuter clinic for $50 but it's 45 miles away.    I have had only female cats and one spayed male (who is blind) but now have several young males I didn't find homes for (and, in a way have gotten attached to, myself).

This has been a worry to me, as they get older and will be going after the females. Someone at a shelter once told me, if I can't get them neutered keep them separated (like in cages) but this doesn't seem like the solution. And my house isn't set up to keep the males shut in one room.

This morning I was thinking "maybe there's an herb, or essential oil of some kind that would repel the male cats, and/or cover the scent of the female in heat?" I know, the scent is strong and the females go after the
males at one point. I don't know much about herbs and can't afford to buy every one, in all forms to test them out (LOL)      I have some lavender (herb) powder, that has a very strong smell.  Are there any herbs (that could be powered, maybe, or made into a spray) that might work to cover the scent and/or repel the males?  Since, I believe the males are attracted to the female, because of a scent?

On the same note, are there any herbs the repel cats? Like if I want to keep them away from my plants or out of a certain area, etc?       I guess the idea of using herbs to prevent unwanted mating is kind of
far-fetched, but you never know. I've had other low-income people say "it's too bad there isn't something we could do ourselves, at home (for neutering them)"       I started out with cats, because I'd take in ones that people couldn't keep, or strays. I have one cat who is 14, who belonged to my mother, who passed away 10 years ago. Because I have a house and live in the country. People in the cities and apartments can't always keep a cat.

I sometimes get lectured, how I shouldn't have cats if I can't afford to have them neutered. Well, I didn't go out looking for cats, and if I could (have them all neutered) I would. At one time I tried calling local humane societies to ask for possible advice and info, got lectures about how "you SHOULD have all the cats spayed and neutered!" When I said I didn't have money to do that, I was told "well, you should anyway". Like I'm a
no-good person because I don't have money and a way to get to a vet to have it done. Since then, I haven't wanted to call people about it again.      I'm doing the best I can, and got to thinking today, maybe there's
another way? Maybe not PERFECT (like neutering) but something that might help?       At least for people who, like me, don't have a way to get their cats neutered. At least at this time.

ANSWER:  This is a real issue for me as there are literally millions of unwanted cats and dogs born into this country every year. Personally, I don't care how far it is or how much it costs, you need to neuter the males. They are the easiest and cheapest to have done and there are plenty of spay and neuter clinics that will do it for reduced rates. If you can't afford that, take them to the nearest shelter. They will neuter them there. Of course you still have to pay to get them back, but at least they aren't running around the countryside impregnating other cats.

There is no herb or other remedy that will prevent cats or dogs or any other mammal for that matter from mating. I don't care how strong the smell. If you truly care as much as you say, you'll find a way to get the males neutered. I know sometime there are specials, the ASPCA has special spay and neuter clinics that they fund. If you are diligent, you can find a way.

LIVER DISEASE IN A DOG
QUESTION: Hi, I have two Jack Russell Terriers - aged 11 and 8.  Both are females. The eldest is suffering from liver disease.   At this stage, I have been using milk thistle in her diet for the past month - 6000 units a day. I am also giving her Hills Liver Diet.  Is there anyone who can offer any information or advice on extra treatments that may help?

ANSWER:  Sounds like you're doing the right thing. Milk Thistle is the best thing you can give your dogs or yourself, for that matter when it comes to the liver. You might also add licorice if the liver is inflamed. Also dandelion root, burdock, root, alfalfa, and red clover to help the body eliminate any residual toxins. Lastly, feed echinacea and garlic to boost the immune system and astragalus or Siberian ginseng to help improve the body's responses to the added stress. Hope all is well with your Jack Russells and they are up and bouncing again soon.

TOXINS IN A DOG
QUESTION:  Heidi is my 7 year old Weimaraner. She has had numerous health problems. Demodectic mange as a puppy. Taken care of with tea tree shampoo baths after one treatment with a vet prescribed remedy which just about did us both in.  At about 3 years she was exposed to Coumaphous, a very strong organophosphate. Our local feed store sold it to use on cattle (too strong for them too) Our vet gave her IV's to keep her hydrated. Her throat was paralyzed and she couldn't eat or drink. He put her on prednisone too. He did not offer much hope.  I finally brought her home. With much TLC she pulled through with no outward problems. 

She now drinks copious amounts of water and has terrible breath. I suspect all the medication has done a number on her kidneys. I really don't want to take her to the vet. He does not believe in alternative medicine.  She is lame on her right front side, but mainly in the evening. I have her on a white rice and rare hamburger diet.  This has helped the bad breath. I also give her a B50, glucosamine & chondroitin, vitamin E-400 iu, MSM-100 mg, flax seed oil and a multiple vitamin. Any suggestions to keep this spoiled lady healthy would be much appreciated.

ANSWER:  Toxins will kill a dog quicker than anything. Don't even want to think what that type of thing is doing to our food supply. Anyhow, good for you for choosing the alternative route when it comes to feeding. Make sure you are including vegetables in that raw food diet as they are important too. Dogs are actually omnivores, not carnivores, and need veggies. Also, I would get some milk thistle and dandelion root to help de-tox her liver. That's where most of the toxins probably ended up. Unless she's showing signs of a kidney infection like urinating all over the place when she was formerly house trained or going every few minutes.

There is a site I like called Pet Medicine Chest that has several excellent tinctures to remove the toxins from the liver. You might contact them as well. But milk thistle and dandelion are a good start. You can buy the
capsules at the health food store or pharmacy. Just sprinkle them on her food or get a tea and use that to moisten her food or pour some in her water. Either way, get it into her if you have to push the pills down her
gullet. (A last resort for me, but I've been known to do it if I can't get them to take it any other way!

Best of luck. Keep me posted on her progress. BTW, taking good care of your animals is NOT spoiling them. I wish more pet owners had your attitude!!

SKIN CONDITION IN DOGS
QUESTION: Hello, I came across your web site and was so glad I could send you e-mail.  I hope that you can help me. I am going crazy trying to figure out what to do. I have spent countless  hours doing all kinds of things to no avail. I have a Doberman Pinscher and a border collie mix.  They both have a skin problem I can't seem to cure. I have changed their diet, I have tried different shampoos, and I have used baby oil and virgin olive oil( with and with out tee tree oil.) There skin is so very dry dandruff is all over them. Also their feet get a horrible smell to them between baths. It smells like stinky gym socks. Or really sweaty stinky feet.
the dogs sleep inside with me so I really really need you're help. PLEASE PLEASE HELP ME

ANSWER: You said you changed their diets. What exactly are you feeding? When you change a dog's diet, it has to be a permanent thing. Are you feeding a healthy, natural diet? If you've been to the website, you know that the major cause of stinky, smelly dogs can usually be traced back to inferior food. Make sure you are feeding an all natural food for your dogs. Not IAMS or Science Diet. Go to the pet food store and ask for the natural dog food aisle. There you will find quite a few selections. As consumers get wiser, the stores are cooperating and there is a much better selection than there used to be. After you have put them on a healthy diet, and they've been on it for at least 2-3 months, if you are still having problems, let me know

RESPIRATORY PROBLEM WITH CAT
QUESTION: Hate to bug ya with this, but--my grey tabby, most angelic lil' cherub on earth, is coughing and sneezing like crazy. This has been getting progressively worse all week.  When she purrs it's a deep, rattly sound....  ???  What types of kitty remedies can I give her?  Maybe a vet will give her antibiotics but I wonder what's available at nature's pharmacy.  I hate to see this darling in any type of pain...yikes...I'd much rather it
happened to me...sigh....

ANSWER: Poor Puss. Has anything in her environment changed recently? Are you using a carpet deodorizer, the kind you sprinkle on and vacuum up? Those things are death to animals' respiratory systems. Have you changed what you use in her litter box? Has she been out in the fields running? Sounds like she has a respiratory problem.

Meadowsweet has been reported to have positive effects on toning cats' bronchial systems. Go to your local health food store and get some Calendula, oregon grape or Usnea lichen tincture. Combine 10 drops of the
tincture with 2 oz of pure saline solution and put 2 drops in her nose. Expect her to sneeze and cough a little.

If this continues for more than a week, I would go to the Vet and find out what's going on. You don't have to accept any antibiotics, but get a professional medial opinion to ensure it isn't something more serious.

OIL OF OREGANO AND DOGS
QUESTION: I have a question about oil of oregano and its use in dogs.  I have a 3 year old Standard Poodle with a chronic infection in her nose.  The insides of her nostrils become clogged with a sticky mucous-like discharge, and if left unchecked, she develops a crusty coating on the outside of her nose that will eventually become a stiff, white, coating all over the surface of her nose.  This has been going on for over a year.  Our vet has been very good; we've tried antibiotics, then prednasone.  The antibiotics work, but only for about two weeks after a 10-day course, then it flares up again.  The prednasone just made her incontinent and gave her an extra 10 pounds.  We had her nose biopsied by a veterinary internist, who shared the results with a veterinary dermatologist.  The results showed a simple infection - no autoimmune problems.  So, Belle, our poodle, is having to take antibiotics two out of four weeks a month. I recently came across some articles about oil of oregano and its ability to cure antibiotic-resistant infections, which I'm convinced is the problem
with Belle.  What I can't find out is whether oil of oregano is toxic to dogs, either internally or externally.  It seems like using the oil on her nose might be problematic because the smell would upset her, and she would
just lick it off.  I was wondering about giving her capsules.  She weighs 75 pounds (thanks to the prednasone.) Thank you for your kind reply.

ANSWER: My first suggestion is get her off the antibiotics as soon as possible. Not only are they expensive, but they could be damaging to your dog. I'm not familiar with oil of oregano as a topical for infections. My
suggestion would be to use Tea Tree Oil, neat. You should be able to find it at your local health food store. Apply it up to 4 times a day.

Of course the next thing I'm going to ask, (and if you've read ANY of my posts on animals, you know this is coming!) What is she eating? I never cease to be amazed at what a simple pure diet will cure. Over half the pet foods out there are full of poisons and garbage that your dog should not be eating. Then we spend Billions, that's right, with a B, on Vet care in this country every year to treat (not cure) maladies that could be eliminated just by feeding a quality dog food.  Don't get me wrong, I'm not slamming Vets. I wanted to go to school to be one. But the documentation is overwhelming and many Vets are leaving "traditional practice" to go back to school and learn the natural way to heal. Go to your local pet food store and ask them where the natural dog food aisle is. There you will be amazed at your choices. Most of them are excellent, some less so. I like Nature's Balance, but Eagle is also very good. Read, read, read those labels. Steer clear of anything that has grain or meal as the first ingredients. Lots of the things we are seeing are nothing more than food allergies. Dogs are omnivores and need meat. Try that for 2 months and use the Tea Tree Oil topically and see if you don't have startling results. You need to get her off the anti biotics, though. As they
just keep adding to the toxicity in the body.  Let me know if you have any other questions.

CAT WITH LYMPHOMA
QUESTION: My cat Squeaker has lymphoma. I just found out about a tea that has cured cancer in humans called, Essiac. I want to try it out with my cat, but I want to make sure it's safe to give to him. The herbs in
it are: Sheep Sorrel, Burdock Root, Slippery Elm Inner Bark, Indian Rhubarb Root Here's the website if you want more info: http://www.realessiac.com        If it is safe to give him, what kind of dose should I give. One last note, this cat will not accept any kind of force feeding, pills, liquid etc. I think I will have to put it in his drinking water and see how that goes. He won't eat wet food anymore, so that isn't an option either. Thanks for your help!

ANSWER: YES! Essiac is one of the best things you can give him for any type of cancer. It is safe and very effective. Also, red clover and milk thistle should be at the top of your list.
              How to get it down their gullet is another matter. I have very compliant dogs, but I can't imagine trying to force anything down a cat's throat! Possibly soaking his kibble in the Essiac would work. Just take a couple of bits and put them in a bowl and pour some Essiac on them. Let them sit and soak up the tea. Then offer it to Squeaker. If he turns his nose up at it, leave it there. He will eat it rather than starve, trust me. If he is a particularly stubborn feline, you can try putting it in his water, but you'd have to put an awful lot in, since the water will dilute it. I usually give .5 ml per 20 lbs of weight to start. See how that works and keep me posted.

CAT WITH LYMPHOMA
QUESTION: My cat has just been diagnosed as having lymphoma (Mediastinal), but it's not associated with the feline leukemia virus.  Do you have any advice on alternative methods of treatment (other than radiation and chemotherapy)? Thank you very much for your response!!

ANSWER: The Hoxsey formula or the Essiac formula are used for animals as well as people suffering from cancer of all types. I have a glycerin tincture I made just for my animal clients. It is sweet and so much easier to get down than the alcohol based ones! If you are interested go to my  website at www.allgoodegifts.com and in the Apothecary under tinctures, you will find Essiac Blend.

CAT WITH RINGWORM
QUESTION: I am assisting a friend of mine who runs a cat rescue.  A kitten came down with ringworm and I read the herb to use internally for that is sulphur. The holistic vet recommended (in a book that I have)  6X once a day for 4 weeks and all I could find is 30x.  Would there be any problems with a kitten weighing 3.5#, to take one 30x tablet daily?  If so, could she take it at different intervals?

ANSWER: Sulfur is not an herb.  It is very deep and powerful and I don't know that I would use it on a kitten. Also, 30x is a high dosage for a kitten, even once a day. I know homeopathic pills are tiny, but if you can't find anything smaller, try using a razor blade to cut it in half at least. But my advice is not to use it on an animal that young. my homeopathic references say Thuja at the rate of 30C once a week for 3 weeks. Also, try Tea Tree Oil on the area diluted with a little almond oil or jojoba. Clip the hair around the area. Cats are known for contracting ringworm and it is not actually a worm, but a fungus. In cats it seems to be systemic, possibly due to stress, genetic weakness from inbreeding, diet, vaccinations or all of the above.

ITCHING
QUESTION: I got your name from HerbNet and would like to know what I might give or use on my four year old, 55lb. lab/spaniel? mixed dog for very itchy, scaling skin.  It seems to start just above her tail, on her back with very small reddish/brown lesions.  These enlarge to dry, scaling patches. I do not see any fleas, mites or evidence of bug bites. I have been told by the vet that is not ringworm. No other house pets (dogs and cats) or humans have this She chews till she is bald wherever she can reach, especially her back sides, stomach and tail.  She has received an annual injection for fleas and we have used Prednisone injections and tablets in the past which help minimally.  I have tried tea tree ointments as well as multiple special soaps and lotions from pet stores.  Emu Oil has helped a little.  It seems that she clears up a very short period from late Winter to early Summer. Any suggestions you can give me would be appreciated by both Savannah and
myself!

ANSWER: Spaniels as a breed are prone to skin problems. But the first thing I'm going to ask is, what are you feeding her. 9 out of 10 cases of skin disorders or allergies are directly related to food.  If you are feeding a mainstream dog food, that could be your problem. Even Iams and Science diet are not the best things you can give your dog. Go to the nearest Petco or Petsmart and ask for the natural dog food aisle. There you will find all kinds of wonderful brands. My personal favorite for the Corgis is Dick Van Patten's Nature's Balance. I had a friend with a Jack Russell who had the same problem. Two weeks on a quality food and pure water and that dog has no issues at all! It was truly amazing. There are countless accounts of the same result.  I would try that first. See how Savannah responds. Stay away from the chemicals and the antibiotics as those can just exacerbate the problem. Do you have a bad problem with fleas?  It's funny, fleas will always choose a weak host. If your dog is healthy and well nourished, they won't usually be bothered by fleas. My dogs run in the yard every day and don't have any fleas and I DO NOT use any type of commercial flea product on them. You can put pennyroyal or cedar essential oil on their beds or  I have dog collars that are treated with the oils if you're interested. Go to the website at www.allgoodegifts.com and under Pets in the Herb Shoppe, you'll find them. My Bailey is modeling one!  But I think if you change her diet, you will see amazing results.

ITCHING
QUESTION:  I got your address form herbnet and hope you can help.  We have a 3 mo old corgi female.  At the time we purchased her the breeder informed us that she had had 10 baths at least already....this is at 8 wks of age.  Now I know you are not suppose to bathe puppies til 6mo and feel a lot of her problem stems form this.  She itches CONSTANTLY!  Poor thing cannot stop.  I have been putting "nutricoat" oil on her food for about 3 weeks and no help.  I'm wondering what herbs I might add to her diet for allergies or rub into her
coat (which is very wooly).  ANY help would be great.

ANSWER: I am the Herbalist at Herbnet.com and Maureen forwarded your e-mail to me.  I also own and show Pembroke Welsh Corgis, so your e-mail was of particular interest to me.
First, this "breeder". Are they a reputable breeder or just someone doing it out of their back yard? Lots of people breed dogs thinking it will be a money maker for them, but reputable breeders don't usually make any money on litters after vet bills and shots etc. A puppy this young should NOT be experiencing this type of problem, and Corgis are not known for skin problems. What are you feeding her? The number one cause of skin problems in dogs is the food they eat. If it is any of the off the shelf foods you can pick up at Wal Mart, that could be the problem.  Go to a Petsmart or a Petco and get some of the natural food for her. Dick Van Patten makes a wonderful food called Natures Balance. Get the puppy mix - dry. You can also get canned. If they don't have that brand, find another natural food. There are several good ones, but read the label for meat being the first ingredient, not meat by products, not meal, not wheat or corn, MEAT. And make sure there is no BHA or BHT in it. These are carcinogenic and have been documented in numerous cases of canine cancer. Now, Do NOT overfeed her. The amounts on the back of dog food bags are far more than dogs should eat and are there only for the dog food companies.  1/2 cup in the morning and 1/2 cup in the evening is enough for her while she's growing. After a year, reduce it to 1/4 cup at each feeding. Two feedings are better than one as Corgis tend to gorge themselves if you put the food in front of them! To her morning food add a tablespoon of yogurt or cottage cheese. To the evening meal add a Tablespoon of the canned meat food.
           There is also a wonderful oil we give our dogs, as Corgis do shed quite a bit. It's called Mrs.. Allen's Shed Stop and is full of wonderful Omega Oils, cod liver oil, and vitamins. You can purchase it at Mrsallens.com, but we buy all our dog supplements at http://www.jbpet.com/. They are much cheaper and you can buy in bulk if you want to. Does her skin smell at all? I mean other than the normal dog smell? Stinky? Again, this is probably related to her food. I have a special spray that I made for a friend of mine who had a Chihuahua with horrible dry smelly skin.  I had her change the diet and use the spray daily and within 2 weeks there was marked improvement and now the dog has beautiful skin and coat. You can purchase the spray in 4 or 8 oz sizes on my website at http://www.allgoodegifts.com/ but if you don't change her diet along with it, it is like putting racing fuel in a jalopy - useless!
         Best of luck and write to me any time if you have questions about your Corgi. They are wonderful little dogs - But then, I'm a little biased!!
 

QUESTION: Wellness is made by Old Mother Hubbard, its deboned chicken, salmon meal, fish meal, oatmeal, barley flour, ground brown rice, canola oil, flax seed, snow peas, baby carrots, tomatoes,  sweet potatoes, apples, pears, bananas whole clove garlic, beta carotene, filtered water, omega 3 and 6, potassium chloride, zinc proteinate, ferrous sulfate, vit e, b12, folic acid, vit d3, thiamine monoitrate, calcium iodate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, copper proteinate, sodium selenite.  Hope this is good, if not I will go to what you have recommended.  Thank you so much for all your help.  Do you think I need to put him on some vitamin to increase his immune system or will the food do that for him alone??  I am doing a lemon dip to his paws for the mange, got it on line, slice a lemon put in warm water, let it steep over night and apply to the paws ( What do you think of that!!! ) is it a waste of time?? Again thanks so much for all you help

ANSWER: Well, Mother Hubbard has some good things and this doesn't sound too bad since it has deboned chicken as the first ingredient in it. However, when you see the word "meal", that means the meat is mixed with cereals and grains that add bulk, but not much else. Still, it's better than most. I would tell you go ahead and use this, but go for the most pure you can afford. Try Dick Van Patten's formulas. Everyone I know who uses them has been thrilled and it's the only thing I feed my show dogs. At this stage a vitamin supplement would be helpful, especially since this is a puppy. You want to give him the best start you can. We like JB Pets Wholesale. They have lots of wonderful supplements and the prices are very reasonable.  Also, we feed a supplement that is like a powder. Mix it with a little warm water and your kibble and it turns into a wonderful gravy that the dogs just love. Smells kinda fishy, but it's full of vitamins and anti-oxidants.  That comes from a place called the Wholistic Pet. Their website is http://www.thewholisticpet.com  They have everything you need. I know it seems like a lot of fuss, but you'd be surprised how much you'll save in vet bills if you simply feed a good quality food. As for the lemon juice, I don't think it will work. Mange is caused by a parasite. To stop the mange, you have to kill the parasite. Lemon juice in water won't do it and may irritate your puppy's skin because of the citric acid. Go to the nearest health food store and pick up a bottle of Tea Tree Oil.  Mix several drops in a bowl and make a rinse out of that. It is anti-fungal and anti-viral as well. You can also use it for scrapes, cuts, cold sores. Just don't apply directly to the wounds. Always use a Q-tip or a cotton ball and don't touch the tip to the implement you are using to avoid cross-contamination.

FLEAS
QUESTION: I have a dog with a terrible flea allergy. We have used several veterinary meds but he still scratches and bites incessantly. Is there an herbal spray that can be made and used prior to going outside to prevent this problem? Also could there be  plant contact, in part, be causing this reaction? I would appreciate any feedback as Scooter is miserable!

ANSWER: I'm going straight to my first question with any type of flea infestation or skin problems. What is Scooter eating? The chemicals and crap that are in the popular dog foods these days are responsible for a myriad of health problems and issues. Fleas don't stay on healthy hosts. They prefer one with a depleted system.
           Get Scooter on a natural, holistic food to start with. Purina is not a healthy food unfortunately. Go to Petsmart or Petco and ash for the holistic dog food aisle. There you will find a plethora of wonderful foods for Scooter, both dry and wet. I like Nature's Balance, but Eagle also puts out a great one that I intend to try on the Corgis. They cost a little more, but how much have you spent at the vet lately? Additionally, I buy the minced garlic in a jar and a small spoonful goes in each dog's dinner every day. Garlic is one of the best flea repellants. Also, you might want to add some EFAs to his diet. I use an oil called Mrs.. Allen's and it's wonderful for the skin and shedding.
          Does Scooter live inside or outside? If he lives outside, you will need to check the area. You may need to do some work if the area is infested with fleas, but I'm suspecting if you get his system back in shape the fleas will hop on to another less healthy host.  I do have a special spray that I made for a friend who had a dog with dry skin. You can find it on the website at www.allgoodegifts.com under Pet Products in the Herb Shoppe.

QUESTION:  I was hoping if I gave you an idea of what Gracie is currently taking (e.g. supplements) you could give me an idea if there were others we could use and provide the dosage for the Red Clover. We currently have Gracie on Essex and Hoxsiac (1 tablespoon) of the Essex in the morning and the Hoxsiac in the evening.  This is a product from Canada Flora Beverage Company. She is on 5 mg of Prednisolone once a day. We put Shark Cartilage and Shark Liver Oil in her food (once a day). She takes 8 capsules of Vita Green (3 in her morning and evening food 2 in cottage cheese as an evening snack). She takes 1 cc of Gravizon 2 times a day.  She takes 2 tablets of Immupro (one in the am one in the pm) – this contains
calcium, zinc and selenium. We give her Probiotics (Natren’s dog formula) once per day. We give her 250 mg of vitamin C though not everyday. Also give her B Maxi Complex (it is not a B12) which has B 12 in it – give
her usually ½ of a gel cap. I am interested in getting her the RED CLOVER immediately and would need to
know the dose.  My mom can purchase it this afternoon and start immediately.Can you provide that information to me?  Also the Burdock is mentioned in the Essex so would we need to give her more (if so what dose).  Same question with the Dandelion and Milk Thistle.  Would it hurt her to try the Wheat Grass and where can I find that?  I did not see it on the GNC site (only something called Blue Green Algae Formula)           If we try any or all of these are there some that we would need to stop? Some we can’t combine?  Or any other words of caution? We don’t want to keep her on chemo if there is too great a risk of hurting her due to the toxic levels.  But I don’t want to (can’t) just give up.  She is our world and such a sweetie.  I want to do all I can to keep her quality of life good and know I did all I could. Thanks for your advice and hope to hear from you soon.

ANSWER: I would ensure she is getting Vitamin C every day. There is red clover in the Essiac formula as well as the Hoxsey formula. If you have access to a health food store, I would suggest the Hoxsey formula before just red clover. It is not a cure-all. I would include burdock root, dandelion root and milk thistle in her diet as well. You can buy these as capsules and try to get them into her food, but she may not eat with it on there. I have a corgi who won't touch anything with herbs in it so I have to resort to sneakier methods. You can also buy the tea and  blend that in her drinking water or try to give it to her via syringe or eye dropper.
          Since she already has the disease, I would ensure you up her dosage of vitamins C, E, B complex and selenium. There is a product called ACES you can get at the health food store. These capsules will have to be put down her throat, or hidden in a piece of cheese or meat. Make sure she is on the healthiest diet you can find. Contrary to popular belief, that is not Science Diet or IAMS. There are plenty of great holistic dog foods out there. Even Petco and Petsmart have them so ask at the front counter where the Health foods for dogs are. They come in kibble and canned. I am a breeder and the difference in my dogs when I moved them to a healthy diet is like night and day.

HORSE WITH SORE BACK
QUESTION: I have a horse/mare that gets very sore in her back and pelvis during her heat cycle.  She's had a pelvic injury in the past but seems to be doing fine except during the heat cycle. She also seems a little more argumentative while I'm riding her but I don't know if that might just be from the tenderness, or is it hormonal?  Any suggestions?

ANSWER:  You didn't say how old your mare is. It's hard to say what the real issue is. Maybe she's just cramping and wants to be left alone during that time, like the rest of us!  I don't know if you've tried a basic liniment on her back and pelvis and if it has had any effect. I would try an oil of the following infused oils:

Yarrow
Comfrey
St. John's Wort

Take the infused oils of each of these and combine.  After a couple of days, you can use arnica oil on her, but sparingly to ensure it doesn't irritate the skin. If you'd like me to make this up for you, I'd be happy to. Just e-mail me with the word ORDER in the subject line.

CAT WITH ASTHMA
QUESTION:  My cat was diagnosed with Asthma - do you know of any herbs that can
help him?

ANSWER: Many people regard asthma as respiratory distress, but in many cases, it is only a symptom f a deeper immune-mediated disorder. Asthma usually occurs as part of a server allergic reaction. Symptomatic herbal treatments for non-life-threatening cases would consist of  coltsfoot, grindelia, mullein leaf, elecampane, yarrow, slippery elm, plantain and marshmallow. If you can get garlic into her food, do it. It is  an excellent immunotonic and has antibacterial and antiviral principles that are exhaled through the lungs. Meadowsweet has been used quite successfully to increase the bronchial tone in cats. A tea is probably your best bet, mixed in her water.  Lobelia tincture may be used at the onsite of an attack, but should be used sparingly as it is potentially toxic if used in excess, I'd be happy to make a custom formulation for you if you like. E-mail me with the word ORDER in the subject line and let me know if your cat is a finicky eater, would accept a tincture, or if we need to go a different way.

TUMOR IN DOG
QUESTION: I am writing because my collie has developed a tumor under her tongue, at this moment we do not know if it is cancer yet test results have not can back yet.  My question is would Essiac benefit her  and at what dosage should I give her she weighs 66lbs. My best friend also told my to give her flax seed oil,  green tea, shark cartilage, one children’s vitamin without iron. I just need some help because she is on  prescribed medicines also and I do not want a  bad reaction to the Prednisone and Antirobe.  She has enough trouble eating and drinking because of this mass,  and would like to keep her around for a very long time since she is so loving!

ANSWER: Essiac is a great start. The dosage should be on the back. Figure a normal dosage for an adult is figured at 150 lbs, so about half. I can't speak about the other chemicals she's getting, as I don't advocate them. Too many side effects and too much money for things that don't really help, in my opinion.  Red Clover is one of the best things you can give an animal with cancer. If you can get some tincture at the health food store, do that. Try to get a glycerin based tincture as they are sweet and animals prefer them to the alcohol based. If not, e-mail me, as I am making some at this very moment. It will take 2 weeks to complete. Put the word ORDER in your subject line so I can pick you out of all the other e-mails I get every day.

I'll start preaching again on food. It is the number one thing you can do right now to reverse whatever is going on with your dog. If she is not getting a healthy, all natural food, get her on one immediately. Go to Petco
or Petsmart and ask them where their natural food are. IAMS and Science Diet are not what I'm talking about.  Nature's blend is a very good one that most stores carry. They have wet and dry. They are a little more expensive, but not as expensive as the vet bills you are facing trust me. I've been there and lost my dog anyway. I learned too late.

Also give her milk thistle to help tone and rejuvenate her liver. If she has a tumor, chances are something else is going on, so building up that organ can only help her. Again, a tincture is the best. A couple of drops under her tongue or squirted into the back of her mouth through the cheek three times a day is all you need.

LYMPHOMA IN DOGS
QUESTION: I am a veterinarian and utilize a combination of alternative and conventional medicines in my practice.  I am currently starting to understand the use of essential oils too.  I also am a vet for a cat shelter
and thus try what I can there too.  Reason for my mail is I am treating a 7 year old spayed female poodle with Lymphoma.  She has been thru chemo and is out of remission with no avail to get her back in.  She seems to be acting and feeling pretty good.  I have her on a number of supplements and using oils with her, my question is do you have any experience with this and if so can you give me your recommendations for supplements and herbal or flower remedies?  We wish to do whatever we can to keep her going as long as she is fairing well and certainly if it were in the cards, a miracle a cure.  I work by the law of cautious optimism.  Her last chemo treatment was last week and the oncologist does not feel it is worth it to continue.  This dog also suffers from bad allergies and we are having a bad year and it is only starting.  So anything to help all of the above is great.  She is currently on some prednisolone to at least help to control some of her allergies.  Any thought or suggestions appreciated. 

ANSWER: Unfortunately, I am very familiar with this and lost one of my beloved Corgis to it 2 years ago. There are many instances of success with herbal treatments, unfortunately, even after bringing the lumps in her lymphatic system to the attention of the Vet, he waved it off as nothing and by the time it manifested in her nasal cavity, it was too late for her.
          My suggestion is to first get your girl on Essiac and Hoxsy formulas. You can get them in any health food store and their reputation with cancer is very positive. You will need to support the liver, kidneys and lymphatic systems. Red clover is excellent for anti-cancer use. It inhibits the activities of carcinogenic compounds, helps improve blood structure, and strengthens lymphatic function. It also contains sterol constituents that are believe to inhibit the production of blood vessels that supply and support newly formed tumors.
         Burdock, Dandelion and Milk thistle are my favorite herbs for the liver to cleanse and de-toxify. You can use them continuously over an extended period of time since they don't  cause added strain upon the filtering organs. If you are in a situation where the toxic buildup of systemic waste must be eliminated quickly, I would suggest yellow dock. It is much stronger and is helpful for heavy metal toxicity. It is also a laxative.
           If the tumors are in the nasal passages, a Wheat grass spray can be used directly up the nose.
I would be happy to make a custom tincture for you if you're interested. If you have access to an herbalist locally who can do it for you, then do that. Time is of the essence as I'm sure you know.

MANGE:
QUESTION: I have a 7 month old Collie pup that has Demodectic Mange on his paws, ( not a lot )  My Vet has told me to bathe him in Mitaban dip ( I have read the warnings on the bottle and do not want to use this )  I have read that it would probably go away in time and maybe its a poor immune system. What can I give him that is safe to help his immune system and his mange.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.

ANSWER: All mange is caused by a parasite. And in spite of what you read, if you don't make some changes, it will not just go away in time. Like most parasites, the mites involved with mange seek out hosts with depleted immune systems. Believe it or not, healthy dogs and cats are not troubled by fleas, ticks and mange.  So the first thing you need to do is check your Collie's diet. Most of the brands you pick up in the grocery store are garbage and that's what's in them. Scrapings off the floors of slaughter houses etc. You don't want to know, trust me! I would recommend you go to a major pet food store like Pet Smart or Petco and go the the aisle with the healthy, natural food in it. I use Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance. It comes in dried and canned. It may be a little more expensive, but believe me, it will save you hundreds in Vet bills.
        Now, to treat the mange.  Several things can be applied topically. Aloe vera gel, garlic oil, neem oil in water or Tea tree oil in water.  Put several drops of neem or tea tree oil in a small bowl of water and bathe your dog's paws in it or use a rag to put it where the mange is. Also lavender, yarrow, licorice, oregon grape and goldenseal are great for any type of mange.
          You should be able to get the oils in a health food store. The garlic oil you can make with olive oil and some garlic cloves. Just heat the oil at a low temp on the stove and place the peeled, crushed cloves in the oil. Simmer for at least 20 minutes at a low heat. Don't let it boil. Remove from the heat and put the garlic cloves in your dog's food. They will help his digestive system and keep the fleas away. Then put the oil in a bottle and apply it twice a day to his paws.
           You said your dog is a puppy. I'm not sure where you got him, but if it was from the pound or from a pet store, he's probably not in the best health. Build up his immune system as quick as you can by feeding good quality food.
          If you would like me to make a custom salve for your pup, let me know. You can e-mail me with the word ORDER in the subject line.

QUESTION: When we take our cat in the car with us she becomes very agitated, pants, cries, and eventually will empty her bowels and sometimes even vomit if she's eaten recently.  She's obviously motion sensitive because she reacts especially when making turns or on a curving road.  Is there an herbal extract she can be given before the car trip and if so, where would I purchase and how much would I give her?  I hate to use a
sedative from the vet.

ANSWER: Cats by nature don't like fast moving scenery like what happens riding in a car. Do you have her in a crate or is she loose? I would suggest a solid side crate with a cover over it so she can't see the scenery rushing by.  Another possibility is Skullcap. Unlike other sedatives, it doesn't cause drowsiness or dull the reflexes or interfere with motor coordination. If you have a holist Vet, they can give you a tincture. If not, you can try the capsules and putting a little in her food before you plan to take her out. In all cases, she should be crated. Never leave an animal loose in a moving car.
 
QUESTION: I have a cat with Lymphoma and kidney disease! I was treating her cancer successfully with Ambrotose which are Glycnonutrients made from Aloe Vera gel. However her kidneys are suffering and I have read mixed reports about aloe vera being something to avoid if there is a kidney problem, and others
saying its actually good for kidney disease. Which is true?! I don't want to be making one problem worse while trying to cure the other. Can you tell me is it safe to give her Aloe in her condition? Can you help??

ANSWER: So sorry to hear of your Kitty's woes, but it sounds like you are on the right track. I am assuming you are feeding a natural, holistic food in conjunction with the aloe treatments you are providing. If not, you're not really solving the problem.  Aloe Vera has strong purgative qualities, but I don't see any evidence that it is dangerous for the kidneys. All of my research shows it to be especially effective for cats in the treatment of fibrosarcoma and FeLV. So it sounds like you are on the right track. What are you using to treat the kidney problems?  Or did you only notice the kidney problems after you started the aloe treatments. If that's the case, I'd speak to your vet about it. Find out exactly what's going on with the kidneys and treat it immediately. This can be done with a blood test and a urine test. I lost one of my favorite Corgis to renal failure and it happens very quickly, so please address it.

QUESTION: Is ginko biloba safe for dogs?  I have a 14 1/2 y/o Westie that is very senile.  Can you recommend anything for canine senile dementia.  He has been seen by 2 different vets.  The holistic vet gave him a series of vitamins, but I have been wondering about herbs.

ANSWER:  You are on the right track with seeing a holistic Vet. One of the worst things you can do, in my opinion, is over vaccinate your dog. Gotu Kola, Horsetail, Blue Cohosh and Spirulina are all excellent herbs for canine dementia and to ease the conditions associated with advanced age. Astragalus is especially well suited as a general tonic for older animals because of its immune system supporting properties.  Dandelion Root can assist in digestion and waste elimination. Make a tea and just add it to the dog's drinking water. This is the best way to get it down them. If your dog is showing signs of renal failure, twice daily doses of ginkgo and hawthorn will help improve the blood circulation and reduce blood pressure. Make sure his diet is healthy. A myriad of problems will disappear just by feeding a good quality, healthy food. And I don't mean Science Diet or Iams. Many of the chemicals used in dog food today are cancer causing as well as being detrimental to the health of the animal.  I have Pembroke Welsh Corgis that I show and I only feed healthy, all natural food. I like Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance. You can find it in any Petco. Also ensure that your best friend is getting pure water. Mine get distilled. The chemicals in the water can lead to a variety of symptoms as well.

FELINE LEUKEMIA
QUESTION: I am researching info. on successful treatments for feline leukemia.  Have
you any ideas?

ANSWER:  So sorry to hear kitty is sick. There have been some exciting new discoveries with Aloe, believe it or not. Scientists have recently discovered that acemannan acts as a strong immunostimulant in animals, particularly in cats. It has been found to be especially effective in the treatment of fibrosarcoma and feline leukemia virus. It is theorized that acemannan triggers an increase in the autoimmune attack upon the viruses believed to cause these usually fatal diseases.  Typically, over 70% of cats who become ill with FeLV die within ten weeks of the onset of disease. But in recent studies, 44 cats with confirmed FeLV were intravenously injected with 2 mg per kg of acemannan weekly for six weeks and reexamined six weeks after the treatment was terminated. At the end of the twelve-week study, 71% of the cats were alive and in good health. Acemannan has also been shown to be effective against cancerous tumors in rodents and dogs. It has been FDA approved for veterinary use, so my suggestion to you would be to see if your Vet will do the injections for you.  (Study - M. A. Sheets et al.,"Studies of the Effect of Acemannan on Retrovirus Infections: Clinical Stabilization of Feline Leukemia Virus-Infected Cats," Molecular Biotherapy 3, no 1 (1991) 41-5.)

Cancer in animals is nothing to mess around with. I lost one of my darling Corgis to it two years ago. There is also a tonic that I can make for you if you're interested. Just e-mail me and put the word ORDER in the subject line.

ANSWERS FROM DAVID BRILL
ARNICA
QUESTION:   ,
    I was wondering how safe it is to use arnica oil and/or liniment on
animals-horses and dogs?

ANSWER:  Many plants have been used in the past for animals, much of what we know today as plant medicine was learned from how animals used the plants themselves in the wild.

For Arnica oil, if using an infused arnica oil I would suggest it would be very safe to use it externally; another good herb would be Comfrey.  Arnica would be used for scrape, scratches, bruising, trauma, strains, sprain but not so much deep cuts.   Comfrey has a common name Knit-Bone and was used for scrapes, scratches, trauma, strains, sprain and broken bones, but not deep or puncture wounds.  The story is told that race horses in England that break their legs are returned to racing after using Comfrey poultices on the fractures. 

Another possibility would be homeopathic Arnica or Comfrey. If you are talking about the essential oil of Arnica, I would dilute it in a carrier oil and again only use externally.

VALERIAN FOR CATS
QUESTION: I need a source for very concentrated valerian extract. Basically, I need as
powerful as I can get, in a small tablet or capsule. If this is not available, a
source for the concentrated oil would be helpful (I will put it into capsules
myself, if need be).

I am giving this to a hyperanxious cat; it has worked very well for him so far,
but stuffing two large (500 mg) capsules down his throat is difficult for BOTH
of us! I'm sure that a large portion of what's in the capsules is root powder
which is mostly cell walls and relatively little active substance.

ANSWER: Instead of pills have you tried an alcohol extract of Valerian, it could be masked with a sweetener such as honey or squirted down the cats throat.  We carry Valerian in our store and mailorder every day if you cannot find it locally.

We also have a blend called Rosemary's Relaxing tea or tincture which is a combination of several herbal relaxants.

My other suggestion would be to try a Homeopathic pill which is very tiny and tastes sweet.

HERBS FOR ANIMALS
QUESTION: I am interested in knowing if herbal remedies are safe for our pets. I have two chocolate labs that have terrible skin, dry, itchy, very similar to eczema. I am wondering if their diet plays a role in this skin condition and if there are any herbs I could give them that would be safe.

ANSWER: I am not an expert in herbal use for animal health. There are many natural and herbal products designed for pets which are safe. Yes, diet plays a big role in animal health, HerbWorld has an annual conference on herbs, Herbs for health is 1/3 of the discussions. Last years conference was in Florida and there were several lectures on animal health, including diet for pets and herbal approaches for pet care. You may want to buy a copy of the proceedings and tapes for those lectures. Contact Maureen Rogers at HerbWorld@aol.com  I will copy her this message so she knows you might be calling.  She can also recommend a good starter book for herbs for pets.
For humans this is what I would recommend for dry, itchy and scaly skin. I would try to find a holistic veterinarian in your area.
Skin problems are usually related to the liver, treat the liver and they usually clear up. 
For external use I would make an Elderberry tea, Latin Name: Sambucus nigra (European Species), S. canadensis (USA species) of the flowers to wash on the skin, Elderberry helps with dry itchy skin because it is an emollient.
Oats, Latin Name: Avena sativa, A. fatua (wild oats) is good for itchy skin conditions, cook small amount on stove top till thickened then add to bath waters. Usually stops the itching and is also good for the skin.
Milk Thistle, Latin Name: Silybum marianum is good for the Liver and helps with dry itchy skin. Taken as a tincture would be best.
Burdock seed Latin Name: Arctium lappa is great for dry itchy skin use in combination with Milk Thistle, again as a tincture.
Omega 3 fatty acids such as deep sea fish oil.