Case Studies

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‘Luci Lectric’ (‘Locki’) is a 16yo warmblood mare. She is a competition horse and was recently diagnosed with severe bilateral acute coffin joint arthritis. 

Treatment:

• Conventional: intraarticular injection of dexamethasone and hyaluronic acid 3 weeks prior to first hirudotherapy session.
• Hirudopuncture: application of one leech on the acupuncture points Pericardium 9 and Triple Heater 1 bilaterally.
• Acupuncture (same session): Four Gates (Liver 3 + Large Intestine 4 bilaterally), Bladder 11 (Influential point for the bones) bilaterally, Spleen 21 bilaterally, Spleen 6, Stomach 36, Bladder 23.
• TCVM herbs: Juan Bi Tang (Selected Formulas) containing: notopterygium, turmeric, tangkuei, red peony, siler, astragalus, prepared licorice, fresh ginger.
• Western herbs: sweet clover (melilotus).
• Orthopedic shoeing.

After 4 weeks on a training regimen starting with 10 minutes walking BID and adding 2 minutes every week, Locki was re-examined and received another leech treatment using the same points. As she was sound in walk and trot she was allowed to be walked for 30 minutes BID for another two weeks. After that the walking time was increased up to 45 minutes BID for another two weeks and then to 60 minutes BID. Also a few minutes of trotting on soft ground was added. Eight weeks after the initial hirudotherapy session Locky had her final lameness exam which was all clear, so she was allowed to gradually return to normal training and going out on the pasture.

From that point on Locki received regular leech treatments twice a year in spring and autumn as a preventative measure using one leech on Pericardium 9 bilaterally. The TCVM herbs were discontinued. She stayed on melilotus and a hyaluronic supplement. She continued her career as a sport horse without any further episodes of lameness until she was retired at the age of 21.

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Sammy is a handsome 15-year-old, neutered, standard poodle who presented with seizures, mild/moderate ataxia/balance issues, laryngeal paralysis, AU yeast otitis, multiple skin masses and lipomas, generalized muscle weakness and decreased muscle mass, dry haircoat, 4/4 dental tartar, halitosis and gingivitis. He had a history of benign splenic tumors (splenectomy), liver cancer (suspect hepatic carcinoma), neurological issues, decreased stamina, and a “sensitive stomach” with daily diarrhea episodes. His owner was interested in dietary and nutrition recommendations to improve overall health.

Sammy was eating an ultra-processed dry extruded kibble food. The macronutrient content of the kibble food included nearly 50% carbohydrates, 26% protein (much from non-meat legume sources) and 15% fat. Ingredients included garbanzo beans, lentils, beet pulp, pea proteins, and pea flour. We encouraged Sammy’s family to transition Sammy to a species appropriate, fresh, balanced, commercial raw diet. We also recommended well-sourced supplements including anti-inflammatory herbs, probiotic/prebiotic support, and Omega 3 fatty acids. Further, we recommended feeding Sammy once a day and at random times.

Sammy was also diagnosed with significant dental tartar and gingivitis. We recommended offering fresh, raw meaty bones to improve dental health, oral health, and jaw/head/ears/neck musculoskeletal condition.

Treatment Goals

• To introduce a species appropriate diet and nutritional supplements that improve:
  • Overall health, skin/ear condition, biome
  • The oral biome and decrease dental tartar
  • Laryngeal function
  • Neurological function
  • Seizure prevention
  • Neuromuscular function and stability
  • Immune system functions in preventing further tumors/skin growths

Treatments

• Discontinue dry/kibble food and transition over to a commercially prepared, balanced fresh, frozen/raw diet
• Fresh, raw meaty bones
• Acupuncture
• Supplements:
  • CBD Oil for anti-inflammation and seizure control
  • Omega 3 for overall health, inflammation control, seizure support, free radical scavenging
  • Gastrointestinal supplements/probiotics to support overall microbiome health, absorption and improve GI function, decrease diarrhea
  • Anti-inflammatory herbal combination – musculoskeletal support –turmeric, Boswellia, corydalis, marine extract, hyaluronic acid, glucosamine, MSM

Discussion

Geriatric dogs have been shown to need more protein than younger dogs to avoid sarcopenia (muscle loss/atrophy) typically associated with age. They can require up to three times as much protein to maintain proper muscle mass. Providing a nutritious balanced and complete diet with protein and fats as the highest macronutrient percentages rather than carbs can improve muscle mass in a geriatric dog with sarcopenia. The protein from excellent meat sources will provide a digestible and complete amino acid profile, unlike protein from legumes like garbanzo beans, lentils or peas which will be deficient in amino acids like taurine or methionine.

Feeding once a day helps the body maintain condition and health by allowing more time for mitochondrial cleanup mode. While the body processes food, it shuts down its mitochondrial cleanup mode as it needs to instead assimilate nutrients into cells. When digestion is finished, it will then turn to “cleanup mode” and start repairing and healing body areas with inflammation, unusual cells, cancer cells, or damaged cells. This is the idea behind “intermittent fasting” as a helpful tool to improve health and longevity. More time “cleaning up” will mean healthier bodies. Feeding once a day provides this “clean up time.” In addition, a dog’s stomach is 70% of their GI tract (humans’ are 30%) and ancestrally they should really only expect one large meal per day. Feeding them half portions or even feeding smaller amounts more frequently can be unsatisfying to a dog. Once they get used to eating once a day again, their GI functionality improves, overall health improves, and they are very satisfied by their meals.

Feeding at random times prevented Sammy from developing a hyper acidic response from anticipating a meal. Feeding at random times will mean that the dog will not know when mealtime is. We understand that would be unusual for a dog/canine in the wild to know exactly when they might catch and eat a rabbit every day. Being on a schedule is relatively unnatural for them although they get used to it and certainly can tell time. When a dog is used to a fixed schedule of eating, there are other health concerns. They will start anticipatory bile production in the stomach sometimes 30-60 minutes before a meal. A random amount of bile and saliva and enzymes will be produced and is waiting in the stomach for the food. The food amount will not be necessarily what the canine expects (especially if the meals are being split and fed two times a day or more) and the acid may be too much for that meal, creating possible vomiting, diarrhea and at best a strange over-acidic pH for the GI tract to deal with. Sometimes if an animal that expects a meal at a certain time is not fed on time, they will vomit the bile that has been waiting in the stomach for the meal. The best way to avoid this bilious vomiting syndrome is not to feed acid reducing medication, or feed earlier. It is best to simply avoid feeding at a specific time. Then the dog can return to a more natural state of not knowing when mealtime is, not overproducing acids/bile, and the GI tract can function more normally.

Bone Chewing

Fresh, raw bones provide the shearing force on the teeth to remove tartar, and provided him with an additional healthy fat source, mental stimulation and a naturally relaxing activity. While chewing on a bone, animals use muscles meant for this action in the head and neck. Without this satisfying activity, dogs lose those muscles and don’t have the benefit of an activity that is ancestrally practical and beneficial. Most animals in the wild do not require dental tartar removal under anesthesia.

Outcome

Since transitioning to a species appropriate diet and targeted supplements, Sammy is a healthy, happy dog. Sammy’s seizures have subsided, and his stamina has drastically improved as evidenced by daily two plus mile walks (a distance he was previously unable to accomplish – he would barely go around the block). Sammy’s tartar and gingivitis were resolved with fresh raw bones. We have loved watching Sammy rediscover his vitality!

Words from Sammy’s Owner

“It’s unreal. Sometimes we look at him and wonder how he is 15 years old with liver cancer and a history of seizures. His stamina is great. He’s even jumping on the bed again! That was the most notable change when switching to raw food. Feeding him one big meal a day really helped with his digestion; we were able to discontinue medications such as famotidine. The low keto diet helped him neurologically too. Sammy’s absolute best prognosis in October 2021 was that he would get seven months. We’re thrilled and amazed to have such quality of life for him after twice that many months – and counting!”

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Mr Glenny's owner says he 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 balanced home-made non-processed diet which he loves eating and supports him well.  

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. 

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PoPo is a Japanese Spitz currently aged 10 years and 7 months. Popo first came to see me in November 2017 (at 5 years of age) as her owner had always fed her a home cooked diet and was prompted to seek my advice on ensuring this was complete and balanced for her. After analysing her diet of cooked meat, rice and green vegetables, a nutritional balancer was added to her diet to approach a nutritionally complete recipe. PoPo’s owner was very averse to feeding any commercially prepared diets. Baseline blood and urine testing at the time returned normal results.

In October 2018, PoPo returned to see me as she had been urinating indoors which was very unusual for her. Blood and urine testing was performed and it became evident that PoPo had developed early chronic renal disease. Her diet was again analysed and recalculated to provide a diet with moderate protein, moderate carbohydrates and a reasonable amount of fat.

On a Dry Matter basis, the diet was formulated to provide 30% protein, 25% fat, 35% carbohydrates (7% fibre and 3% ash). Proteins were chosen to be white meat only (chicken, turkey, pork and fish), avoiding the extra DNA breakdown products from lean, red meats. The Ca:P ratio was adjusted to be higher (2:1) and the B group vitamins, and other micronutrients were increased by adding a micronutrient supplement, to help cope with her metabolic stress. A calculated omega 3 fatty acid supplement was added, as was a TCM Rehmannia 8 herbal formula. Silymarin was also later introduced.

During the almost four years since her diagnosis, PoPo has progressed from IRIS Stage 1, normotensive, normo-proteinuric to now being IRIS Stage 2 (SDMA of 34 and Creatinine of 200 in July 2022). Her blood pressure and urine protein remain normal. Ipakitine was introduced in November 2021 as her blood phosphate levels increased but ground eggshells were also introduced to her diet to increase the calcium further and the Ipakitine was later discontinued as PoPo refused her food with this added. Her blood phosphate levels have since remained near the upper end of normal.

Earlier this year CBD oil was introduced to manage back pain related to osteoarthritis and her mobility and general demeanour have improved with this addition. PoPo has required yearly dental treatments under general anaesthesia, sometimes requiring dental extractions. Analgesia during these times were with carefully calculated non-steroidal medications, as well as opioids and paracetamol. A combination Silymarin, SAMe and Vitamin E preparation was used to support PoPo in the peri-anaesthesia period.

Sadly (for us), PoPo’s family will be returning to Korea in early 2023 and PoPo’s ongoing care may be lost to us as she will migrate with her family. Her back pain will be managed with palmitoylethanolamide and a concentrated green lipped mussel extract due to concern over the different prescribing laws for CBD oil in that country. This case is a good example of how a combination of tailored nutrition and herbal supplementation can be used to manage a case of chronic ill health for many years.

PoPo is now four years into her diagnosis and remains a bright and alert and very happy little dog. Whilst many practitioners and owners may baulk at performing general anaesthesia and dental treatments for a dog with a diagnosis of kidney disease, we feel this has enabled PoPo to remain well over the past four years. We are constantly amazed at the care and dedication her owner provides her, her compliance and her gratitude for our care. She has been a darling little dog to know and to care for. We wish both her and her owners the best of luck for their move to another country.

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Jinx is a thirteen year old domestic shorthair who presented with chronic rhinitis non-responsive to conventional medications despite a full diagnostic work-up and interventions over many years. His treatment approach included transitioning to a homemade diet supplemented with EPA/DHA, probiotics, antioxidants and turmeric, steam therapy, medicinal mushrooms and a western herbal formula of tinctures and glycetracts of Marshmallow Root, Elder Flowers, Echinaceae, Eyebright, Goldenseal and Gotu Kola. He has now been weaned off all conventional medications and breathes freely with only occasional minor episodes of nasal discharge and has excellent quality of life.  Several years following the introduction of natural therapies Jinx is still going strong! His owners travel around Queensland with Jinx in their caravan working and periodically phoning with an update and a request for more herbs to be posted to them. 

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Oreo, an anxious six year old male neutered Chihuahua, presented with a long history of recurrent anal gland abscessation and a more recent history of unusual neurologic episodes that appeared to be triggered by stressful events and exposure to certain foods and toxins. Bloodwork and urinalysis were unremarkable. Further diagnostics were declined and the owner sought an integrative medicine consultation. Oreo’s diet was changed from kibble-based to a balanced lightly cooked novel protein homemade diet supplemented with fibre and probiotics, and a western herbal tincture containing Passionflower, Bacopa, Chamomile, Baical skullcap, Burdock and Milk Thistle. This was implemented alongside behavioural modification strategies and a consistent home environment. Oreo’s stool bulk improved and his anal gland disease resolved. Neurologic episodes became very rare and only mild when they did occur, and his anxiety was well managed. He is now a very happy and healthy nine year old and the owners are delighted with his quality of life!

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Kyser, a 7 year old male Rhodesian Ridgeback, presented with a history of reoccurring Mast Cell Tumours, chronic anal gland infections, conjunctivitis, dermatitis and hindleg discomfort. He had received many courses of antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, skin supportive medication, antioxidants and Vitamin C. The aim was to support Kyser’s immune system, reduce the inflammation, detoxify the body, address any food intolerances, possible gut imbalances and possible nutritional deficiencies. He was treated with herbal tinctures, a course of stem cell treatments and his diet was changed from processed foods to a raw diet. Probiotics and further supplements were also introduced. Two years later Kyser’s mast cell tumours have been managed, the anal gland infections, dermatitis and conjunctivitis have resolved and he is maintaining a good quality of life. His owners feel that he is a happier dog, often walking up to one hour a day.

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Mindy, a 9yo Maltese cross, presented with a history of frequent recurrent urinary tract infections and two surgeries for struvite bladder stones. Her dedicated owners were finding it challenging to tablet her, collect repeat urine samples and feed her a prescription diet. They were also highly motivated to implement a more natural preventative strategy. Her treatment approach involved a high moisture containing homemade diet supplemented with probiotics and Cranberry extract, as well as the administration of a twice daily Western herbal tincture based on Crataeva, Astragalus, Marshmallow Root, Withania and Chamomile. She has had no further urinary tract infections since commencement of this regime over a year ago and is a very happy little dog who willingly takes her food and supplements!

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Gracie is a 12 year old female spayed Terrier who was diagnosed with megaoesophagus 5 years ago. She presented 4 years ago for acupuncture because she had an increased frequency of regurgitation with phlegm and coughing, with one episode of aspiration pneumonia. She ate in a Baily chair, but that wasn't helping her enough and her owners felt that they felt something in her throat after she ate, even after standing in the chair. Gracie was eating a raw diet made into a gruel, but she was losing weight. Abnormal findings were a BCS of 2/5, and a dental disease of 2/3. Her pulses on the right were weaker than the left and her tongue was light pink. The goals for Gracie were to increase motility and peristalsis, improve absorption, support her back legs and heal potential gastritis. Gracie was treated with the following acupuncture points: ST36, PC6, SP6, CV17, BL54 and ST25. She was prescribed Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang powder and a tincture that contained chamomile, licorice, angelica archangelica, orange peel, calendula, gotu kola and ashwagnadha. Her regurgitation went from daily to once every 5 weeks, and she comes in for acupuncture every 4-6 weeks. Not only has she gained weight, practically stopped regurgitating, but she has been living a normal healthy life for the past 4 years. Gracie is a happy girl living her best life with the support of acupuncture and herbs.

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Kiara, a 17 year old female neutered Burmese cat, suffered from osteoarthritis and chronic pain, she struggled to move around her home, was on occasion noticeably wobbly on her hind legs and could not go up the stairs anymore. She had also been diagnosed with chronic renal disease so her primary veterinary surgeon avoided the use of NSAID and had trialled her on tramadol, but this had not helped her. 

Kiara was seen by our pain clinic and was started on acupuncture and laser therapy. This was initially performed weekly but after four sessions we extended this to every other week. Kiara is generally a little grumpy at the vets but she was always good for her treatment and sat calmly in her carrier for her sessions.Her owner noticed after a couple of acupuncture and laser treatments that she was brighter and moving around her home better, she was even jumping over the stair gate that her owner had used to prevent her from going up and down the stairs. We had also introduced Kiara onto a daily capsule containing Reishi, Devil’s claw, Boswellia and Turmeric which her owner sprinkled onto her food. 

It is now six months since Kiara fist came to see us and we are now treating her with acupuncture and laser therapy monthly along with continued use of her capsule supplement. She is moving around her house much more freely; her owner is very happy with her progress and she is certainly less grumpy when seen for her general vet visits.

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Piper is a six year old Mastiff cross who was rescued from an abusive situation as a puppy. She presented with severe anxiety disorder which manifest as antisocial behaviours, phobias and a highly reactive personality. Her owners are committed to a non-pharmaceutical approach to her rehabilitation. Some progress was made with the introduction of a homemade diet, including Chamomile tea, whole oats and probiotics, as well as Adaptil collars (canine appeasing pheromone), environmental enrichment and behaviour management strategies. However most progress was made after the introduction of Rescue Remedy bushflower essences and a western herbal tincture of Passionflower, Chamomile, Lemonbalm, Bacopa and Withania. The owners report a significantly calmer and less reactive demeanour and visitors to their house are amazed at her transformation!

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Louie, an approximately 7 year old male neurtered Yorkshire terrier mix, 4.8kg, presented for help managing liver failure. He was adopted 4 years previously by a Veterinarian and at that time was in liver failure of unknown origin. He initially responded to allopathic medical management but when his condition deteriorated, a surgical exploratory was performed. Grossly his liver appeared contracted, small, firm, and nodular with irregular texture in all lobes and a fibrotic capsule. His liver biopsy revealed evidence of prior injury with fibrosis between portal tracks, infiltrate of large lymphocytes and the presence of necrotic hepatocytes. This was thought to be indicative of a secondary immunopathology suggestive of immune injury to the liver and not cirrhosis. He was initially treated with prednisone but that was discontinued due to worsening of lab work and clinical signs. He had been maintained on lactulose, metronidazole, ursodiol, intermittent antibiotics, and cyclosporine for the past 2.5 years. He was experiencing more frequent episodes of hepatitis marked by nausea, vomiting, inappetence, weight loss, and lethargy, that have were lasting longer and recoverywas slow and incomplete. Louie was anxious and the owner noticed that stressful events often preceded his flare ups. Abdominal ultrasound revealed that his liver appeared small with hypoechoic heterogeneous parenchyma, with chronic active hepatitis being the primary consideration. Louie’s dedicated owner had kept a spreadsheet that included more than 50 entries over the past several years with CBC, chemistry profile, treatments and treatment responses. Treatment goals included normalizing his immune system function, supporting his liver function, reducing scarring and fibrosis of the liver, improving the tone and function of his liver, and reducing his stress and anxiety.

Louie was started on a western herbal formula containing angelica sinensis, scutellaria baicalensis, bupleurum, astragalus membranceus, silybum marianum and glycyrrhiza glabra. Additionally he was started on a mushroom complex, curcumin extract and a liquid herbal calming formula containing l-theanine, l-tryptophan, valerian and ashwagandha. His diet was changed to Dr Jean Dodd’s Liver Cleansing Diet. Louie responded quickly and dramatically with not only improvements in his clinic signs, but also complete normalization of all his liver values within 6 weeks. His owner reported that he was thriving clinically, was energetic with no discomfort or nausea and the blood work results were the best he had ever had. Louie’s owner knew he was thriving when he started doing a happy dance before meals as his enthusiasm for eating returned. Louie was maintained on his integrative approach for 10 months with a wonderful quality of life for the whole family! 

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Bunty, a 12-year-old, spayed female Staffordshire bull terrier, presented due to an ongoing weight-bearing lameness of the right hind leg. Non-steroidal pain treatment provided relief, but the pain returned if the medications were discontinued. The owner's request was to try and reduce the use of non-steroid pain relief and maintain joint comfort. On physical examination, Bunty exhibited pain on manipulation of her neck, right hip and stifle (knee joint). There was also sensitivity over the spine. Radiographs and blood were undertaken. Gastrointestinal sensitivity was evident with intermittent diarrhoea and intolerance to raw food and bones. Her coat was dull and dry. Radiographs diagnosed bilateral hip dysplasia, with the right hip showing more advanced signs of deterioration and osteoarthritis.

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.  

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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.

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Paco is a 9 year old neutered male terrier mix, 13.6 kg, with a long history of seizures.  Paco began having full motor seizures at about 4 years old.  The frequency was stable at about 2-3 per month until Paco’s veterinarian began phenobarbital at 34 mg BID.  The seizure frequency declined to approximately one monthly.  Paco presented to Holistic Veterinary Care after having been on phenobarbital for four years.  The reason the owners brought him in was a desire to reduce or eliminate the phenobarbital dosage.  Recent bloodwork showed his levels to be in the therapeutic range but his ALP was 450 IU/L and Paco’s veterinarian stated this may be due to the phenobarbital.  The owner expressed interest in trying cannabis as a therapy to help with his seizures.

I discussed this at length with the owner with regards to the current research indicating CBD can be helpful in reducing seizure frequency but there isn’t much literature out there regarding cannabis and seizures in dogs.  I have had professional experience with dogs using cannabis for seizures and I have found it to be helpful in some cases. 

The owner decided to begin cannabis therapy using a broad spectrum hemp-based CBD formula at a dose of 20 mg CBD BID.  My instructions to the owner were to maintain the current dose of phenobarbital and begin the CBD and then contact me in 2 weeks to discuss their impressions. 

I heard back from the owner about 10 weeks later and they let me know they had cut the phenobarbital dose by ½ one month after starting the hemp formula and then discontinued the phenobarbital one month after that.  At the time they called, Paco had been off phenobarbital for 2 weeks with no recurrence of seizures.  They also reported he had more energy and seemed to be much happier.  

While the owner did not follow my treatment instructions, the results of the CBD formula are impressive.  At two weeks post phenobarbital, it was too soon to know for sure if the dog would remain seizure free without the medication and I instructed the owner to monitor closely.  At present, Paco is 6 weeks post discontinuing phenobarbital and has not had a seizure.  The owner will continue to administer the CBD product and monitor closely.