His owner says he is now finally tolerates his food better than ever and his energy levels continue to be amazing. He is a lot more active than he was the last couple of years.

History:
Mr Glenny is a very handsome 12 year old male castrated tabby cat who presented with renal/kidney disease and ongoing constipation.

He has had a long history of digestive issues (over many years), abdominal cramps, severe difficulty and pain around passing stools (about 2-3 years duration) furballs and in recent months he started developing early renal/kidney disease.

His owner had experimented with many different diets with no change in his general well-being.

When I first started working with Glenny his diet was a non-processed raw diet, but he still vomited and had digestive issues including constipation on this.  Over time we have worked with a diet that suited Glenny’s needs and he is now on a home-made non-processed diet which he loves eating and supports him well.  It is important that home-made diets are balanced and advice from a professional is required if this is undertaken.

To aid his constipation maintenance CatLax (oral laxative) and lactulose was given as needed, but he did react to these conventional products, presenting with abdominal discomfort.  He also had to have enemas to help relieve his constipation problems. 

Treatment Goals:

• To support the gastrointestinal system and avoid constipation
• To prevent furball accumulation, vomiting and abdominal discomfort
• To support the kidneys and try and prevent further kidney disease
• To support the immune system and aid with detoxification

Treatment Protocol:  
He was prescribed a herbal treatment which supported his kidneys, helped to prevent anaemia, constipation and continued disease progression.  A Heel Remedy – utilising a modality known as homo-toxicology was made for him to support the abdominal discomfort, mild osteoarthritis, kidney disease and constipation. Probiotics, Omega 3’s, Vitamins, Fibre and Slippery Elm were introduced. He was also put on a phosphorus binder to help support his kidneys. A prebiotic was also put into his water to help with the gingivitis. Ozone gel was used to support his sore bottom.

 
Outcome:
His normal signs of aging have improved, the stomach cramps have resolved and he is now passing his stool regularly and comfortably.  He no longer needs laxatives and enemas.  

His gums are looking healthier and it will be interesting to retest his kidney profiles as his owner feels that his kidney disease appears to have also improved as he is urinating less frequently.

Most importantly his vitality and general well-being have returned, he meows and chats to his owner throughout the day working his magic. 

His owners feel that he is a happier dog, the minor issues have disappeared.  We get his happy face a lot of time. 

History:
Kyser male de-sexed Rhodesian Ridgeback presented at the age of 7 with a history of reoccurring Mast Cell Tumours (Grade I and II), chronic anal gland infections, conjunctivitis, dermatitis and hindleg discomfort.  He also had an anxious disposition.
Even though surgical excision was undertaken the cancer was not always completely excised. Growths developed over previous surgical sites and in new areas over the body. The anal gland and skin infections were ongoing despite conventional treatment.
He had received many courses of antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, skin supportive medication, antioxidants and Vitamin C. Despite this he continued to present with the above symptoms.

Treatment Goals: The aim was to support Kyser’s immune system and reduce the inflammation.  This would potentially prevent and control the development of further tumours, support the skin, conjunctivitis, anal gland infections, anxiety and the hindleg weakness. The aim was to detoxify the body, address any food intolerances, possible gut imbalances and possible nutritional deficiencies.  
Herbal tinctures based on the individual needs of Kyser were prepared to address the treatment goals.  He also received a course of Stem-cell treatments.
His diet was changed from processed foods to a raw diet.  Probiotics and further supplements were also introduced. 

Kyser has been on herbal tinctures for two years now.  During this time the mast cell tumours have been managed, recently new tumours developed internally but with further holistic support he is maintaining a good quality of life. The other comorbidities, such as the anal gland infections, dermatitis, conjunctivitis have resolved.
The hindleg weakness has also shown an improvement .
 
Herbal and nutraceutical therapy offers other treatment options.  Kyser has not had chemotherapy or radiation treatment which is often recommended to aid in the control of mast cell tumours. 
His ‘Quality of Life’ is good for 85-90%, which is great.  If he regresses, it usually only lasts for a day or two.
Sometimes he can go for a week or two without showing discomfort.
He is often walking up to 1 hour a day.

Herbal treatment was effective and the use of antibiotics was not required.

Kiki is an 8 year old, female spayed Balinese cat.
 
Kiki presented with a history of three chest infections over the last 5 years (3 lots of antibiotics) and in the last 3 months an occasional watery discharge from the left eye.  In the last few weeks she developed a purulent discharge from the left eye and left nostril . She was still bright and eating.
 
On examination there was evidence of bilateral conjunctivitis with a muco-purulent discharge from the left eye and left nostril. Her mandibular glands were slightly enlarged and she had a mild tonsillitis.  
 
Conventional diagnosis: Upper respiratory tract infection, possible maxillary sinus involvement and conjunctivitis.
 
Therapeutic Goals:
To clear the conjunctivitis and nasal discharge.
To enhance the immune system and prevent further susceptibility to respiratory weakness.
A herbal tincture was prepared addressing the above therapeutic goals.  

Kiki responded well to the herbal combination and within 3 days the discharge had almost resolved, within 7 days she was symptom free.  She was keep on the preparation for 4 weeks to ensure that a deeper level of immune support was achieved.  The owners noted that her breathing sounded clearer, they had noticed mild snoring over the last few months prior to the outbreak of disease which had now resolved.

Bruce's skin was a chronic problem despite conventional treatment and his diabetes was poorly controlled for many years.  Within six months of introducing herbal remedies and stem cell treatment his quality of life improved significantly with respect to the skin, diabetes and his general vitality.

Bruce is a 9 year old male, desexed Pitbull Terrier who presented with diabetes and chronic skin infections.

History: Bruce was diabetic for 5 years (difficult to control) he had chronic (years) skin allergies and interdigital pyoderma (histology confirmed Chronic Suppurative Podo-dermatitis, he had bleeding sores between his toes), antibiotics were ineffective in treating the feet (numerous cultures undertaken, no resistances noted to antibiotics used – long courses), chronic conjunctivitis, anal and lip papilloma virus (warts) and anal gland infections. Response to conventional treatment was poor.  In the past prednisone (prior to diabetes) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories had been used. His water intake was elevated and he was very lethargic.
​ 
Treatment Goals: To control the diabetes and try to reduce the insulin requirements.  To maintain a more stable glucose curve.  To improve the skin. To detoxify the body and treat potential gut health imbalance.  To strengthen the immune system, restore balance  and improve vitality.
 
Herbal tinctures based on the individual needs of Bruce over the course of treatment were prepared to address the treatment goals.
 
Bruce has been on herbal treatments now for 12 months. His skin has improved significantly over this time and his insulin requirements dropped by 3 IU twice daily.

In the last 6 months we also changed his diet to a completely homemade diet for diabetic dogs and incorporated stem cell treatment into the regime.  He is now the best he has been in years.  His quality of life has improved significantly and his diabetes is well controlled.

Lucy had been on conventional treatment for recurrent bladder infections for a few years, after herbal intervention the frequency of the infections and her general vitality and wellbeing improved significantly.

Lucy is a ten year old, female/desexed West Highland Terrier who presented with recurrent bladder infections, ear infections and skin disease over the past three years.

The conventional interventions have included a cystotomy (bladder surgery), numerous urine cultures with sensitive bacteria, long courses of antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories.  Histopathology supported chronic cystitis and bladder polyps.  Her diet was a prescription urinary tract dried food.
 
On examination her presenting signs were bilateral ear infections, conjunctivitis, tartar and hyperplastic gum margins.  Recessed vulva with secondary vulval congestion and inflammation.  
 
Treatment Goals: Treat the potential digestive imbalances, reduce toxins in the body, improve general immunity, health and vitality.  Reduce the bouts of cystitis, reduce vulval inflammation, improve skin and gum health.  Consider an operation to undertake vulval episioplasty/repair.

Herbal tinctures addressing the above treatment goals were prescribed.  
 
A herbal based cream was also applied topically to the vulva.
 
Lucy experiences fewer episodes of urinary tract infections, her skin and ears have improved significantly. Her owner said she is the happiest she has been in the last 12 months.
​
She is also on a homemade diet supporting urinary tract health, her urine is monitored and the occurrence of bladder infections has reduced significantly.  The vulva health is maintained, with topical treatments.

Treatment goals:

• Improve the lameness and generalised stiffness and discomfort by reducing pain and inflammation
• Improve nutrition, digestion and gastrointestinal function
• Enhance detoxification
• Optimise energy by increasing vitality, tonify
• Improve the quality of the coat 

A herbal tincture was prepared to address the above treatment goals.  This was combined with nutraceutical and dietary support.

In Summary: 
Bunty has now been on the formula for 18 months.  Her general demeanour, coat quality and vitality have improved significantly.  She only requires non-steroidal pain relief on very few occasions with the herbs and nutraceuticals controlling most of the pain.  She will be maintained on this formula at this stage indefinitely as the owners feel it has significantly improved her quality of life.  ​​

The use of a herbal remedy avoided a longer course of antibiotics and provided potential immune and chest support once the conventional medication had finished.

Barbara is a 3 month old lamb who presented with possible pneumonia 7 days after the following procedures were undertaken: scabies vaccination, drenching and tail docking.
 
She was very depressed on presentation, reluctant to walk or move. Her breathing was severely laboured and harsh. Her mandibular glands were enlarged, her gums were pale pink/cyanotic Temperature was 39.7. All the joints and muscles were painful to palpate.
 
She clearly had an infection, and potential pneumonia. The prognosis was guarded.
 
A herbal tincture, antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories were prescribed, along with supportive care. (Indoor housing and intensive nursing).  
 
​Treatment goals: 
The herbal treatment aimed to provide immune support with anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory actions.  This in conjunction with reducing the fever, lung congestion, airway resistance, joint pain and swelling. 

Barbara responded well to the antibiotics, non-steroidal medication and herbal remedy.  As a precaution, to prevent relapses she was maintained on the herbs for 8 weeks.   Barbara’s health and vitality is excellent and she hasn’t looked back.

The use of herbs, nutraceuticals and stem cell treatment significantly improved the quality of Boston's life in the face of chronic gastrointestinal issues and cancer.
 
Boston a 2 ½ year old desexed male Staffordshire Bull Terrier presented with ongoing gastrointestinal issues, weight loss, uncomfortable gait, joint pain, muscle wastage, aggression and depression.
 
History:

He had chronic gastrointestinal issues since a pup. At one year of age, he started developing skin issues, the gastrointestinal signs were still evident.  Hip and joint discomfort was present, X-Rays were inconclusive.
He had numerous blood tests, digestive tests, faecal cultures and analysis.  All tests were normal.  His appetite was ravenous despite weight loss, vomiting and diarrhoea.   He started becoming aggressive and the joint pain was becoming worse.  Referral to a specialist was undertaken, Inflammatory Bowel Disease(IBD) was diagnosed and an ultrasound potentially identified a mass (tumour?) in his stomach. He was receiving prednisone to help with the IBD but this did not alleviate symptoms. He started to develop petit mal seizures and had difficulty regulating his temperature.  He was then referred to the Veterinary Specialist Group in Auckland.  A brain tumour was diagnosed after an MRI and cat scan were undertaken.
 
Physical Examination:
 
As the photo depicts he was underweight, his muscle mass and constitution was poor for a young dog.  He had been vomiting regularly and had bouts of diarrhoea.  Flatulence, abdominal discomfort and borygymus were evident.  Pain was evident on palpation of most joints.  
 
Medications:
 
He had received numerous treatments consisting of antibiotics, steroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, prednisone, digestive enzymes, antacids, anti-nausea medication, worming and flea treatments.
Nutraceuticals including Vitamin C and joint support formulas.
 
Treatment Goals:

• To restore system balance, reduce gut inflammation, optimise body chemistry by improving nutrition, absorption, assimilation and elimination.
• Enhancing detoxification and aiding the body to cope with stress.
• To improve the functioning of the immune system
• To also enhance ambulation and reduce joint discomfort.
• To reduce pain, chronic discomfort, diarrhoea and nausea. 
• To support behavioural problems and improve vitality

 
The aim was to ensure that Boston maintained a reasonable quality of life. 
Boston received various herbal combinations addressing the above treatment goals.

Summary: 
 
This patient’s symptoms continue to vary over the 2 years since presentation, so many tests came back inconclusive and non-diagnostic.  
In the light of the referral to the Veterinary Specialist Group for an MRI and Cat Scan and the diagnosis of the left side of the brain being taken up by a large cystic mass, the prognosis was marginal.  I suspect that Boston had been born with a brain tumour, this potentially could have metastasised.  The important point to note in this very involved case is that in the inclusion of herbal tinctures and later on the Stem-cell treatment significantly improved Boston’s quality of life.  The gastrointestinal symptoms had resolved (over the last 16 months), the aggression and the joint discomfort improved significantly.  He was maintained on a combination of conventional and complementary care.  The integration of the two treatment modalities gave Boston quality time with his family until the tumour symptoms deteriorated his quality of life. This was rapid and the decision to let him go peacefully was undertaken.

In light of all the above, complementary care improved his quality of life significantly which was a heartening and moving experience for all concerned.
 

The use of herbs, nutraceuticals and dietary support has reduced the use of steroids to control the asthma, relieved the chronic constipation and significantly improved his quality of life.

Ludo is a 7 year old, castrated male cat who presented with difficult to control asthma, obesity and constipation.

History: Requiring ongoing steroid injections to control the asthma. Intermittent antibiotics to control secondary chest infections. Laxatives and occasional  enemas to aid the constipation. 
Diet: Weight reducing dried food.

Therapeutic Goals:
• Increase stool bulk and frequency 
• Relieve asthmatic symptoms and ease breathing, ultimately reducing/stopping steroid injections and associated side effects
• Eradicate any infection, parasites (eg lungworm)
• Reduce inflammation and address gastrointestinal tract disorders
• Reduce allergic response and immune reactivity

The herbal tincture included herbs which addressed the above treatment goals.
​
His diet was changed to a raw food diet, plus vitamin supplements and flaxseed were introduced.  Weight loss and increased exercise was advised.  Asthma triggers were also identified.

In Summary: 
There has been a significant improvement in Ludo’s general wellbeing, he has lost a couple of kilograms and is eating the raw foods with relish.  His asthma symptoms are being managed without steroid injections (these were slowly withdrawn over a 6 month period). He has not required a course of antibiotics in the last 10 months.  The constipation is now resolved.  ​