Many of us breeders and pet parents, although striving to do things naturally, face times when surgeries are needed.

I raise a line of Boston Terriers started by the original founder of the Natural Rearing Breeder Association, Dr. Jeannie Thomason. They require C-Sections most of the time, so I’ve had to learn how to navigate surgeries using natural supports. I have long had a natural Surgery Go Bag that I take with me for any kind of surgical procedure that covers anesthesia reversal and detoxification using essential oils, and now includes homeopathics for pain and wound healing. This article describes homeopathic additions to my Surgery Go Bag.

Having used this bag for numerous surgeries including C-sections, surgical artificial inseminations, ear crops, and dentals under anesthesia, I feel confident sharing what I use. None of us ever want our dogs to be in pain. But studies show that Tramadol provides no real pain relief, and with its known side effects, it is effectively useless. Likewise, Rimadyl. This is my own personal feeling, as I would not be providing medical advice in this newsletter. 

However, I can also attest that I’ve used these supports on myself when I’ve gone through surgical procedures, and they are very effective for this “pain weenie!”

Arnica is your friend

After any other operation, if there is not much bleeding, a few doses of Arnica 30C or 200C will help with trauma and pain, and also helps avoid infection. Arnica can be prescribed alongside any other remedy needed and is one of the best remedies to start with.

Pain remedies

Hypericum 200c is one of the most important remedies for nerve injury and is most likely needed with incisive wounds that reach nerves. An important remedy to consider in limb amputations, tail docking, ear cropping and spinal operations as well. This is an important remedy after surgery.

Magnesium Phosphoricum 200c is a great antispasmodic remedy, for neuralgic pains and colic; therefore, a good remedy after abdominal surgery.

Colocynthis 200c + Nux vomica 30c is very helpful for any abdominal pain after an operation on the digestive system, especially if the dog is colicky. Colocynthis follows Staphysagria very nicely in abdominal operations.

Staphysagria 200c is indicated in abdominal operations. This remedy, given twice daily for a week or two, helps with the incision’s pain and helps avoid adhesions.

Bellis Perennis 200c acts within deeper tissue, better than Arnica after major abdominal surgical work, and can be helpful if Arnica has not been very effective or if there is still a lump in the incision area. It is known as the remedy that “reaches where Arnica does not.”

Ruta 200c is very helpful for any operation involving cartilage or periosteum, and this remedy is likely to be needed at some stage. This is a great remedy to consider for operations of the extremities and in any orthopedic surgery. It is also good for tooth extractions.

Symphytum 200c + Hypericum 200c twice daily is indicated for wounds penetrating the bone, so it is also a good pain remedy for any orthopedic surgery.

Healing remedies

For inflammation, use—

• Belladonna 30c every 2-3 hours until much better. Decrease the frequency as it improves. If the wound is red and angry, it will help with swelling and inflammation. For discomfort after the anesthesia, especially with nausea or if your dog refuses to eat, two remedies are important to keep in mind
• Phosphorus 30c and Nux vomica 30c Try each remedy individually 3 times a day for 3 days.

Wound healing is greatly helped by a Banerji Protocol combination. Arsenicum 200c + Hypericum 200c targets pain and avoids infection. Use every 3 hours until the wound is dry, then reduce it to twice daily until completely healed.

Pyometra

We have released a kit of remedies to support dogs with open pyometra. If a spay is required, all of the remedies in this article will be useful.

Banerji Protocols and Narayani Remedies

I have recently started working with Banerji Protocols and Narayani Remedies with great success in my breeding program. These combine multiple, related homeopathic treatments.

We are at a disadvantage when treating animals because, unlike humans, they can't describe their symptoms to us. By combining related remedies, we greatly increase the chances of providing the particular remedy they need.

Here is how these can be useful after surgery.

Banerji Protocols

These are a newer approach to homeopathic care using a pre-defined protocol for each set of disease symptoms. This is an alternative method in homeopathic prescribing that is gaining some popularity in the United States.

Wound healing is greatly helped by a Banerji Protocol combination: Arsenicum 200 + Hypericum 200, given together, targets pain and avoids infection. Use every 3 hours until the wound is dry, then reduce to twice daily until completely healed.

Narayani Remedies

These were created by Swami Narayani and Swami Ananda in 1968. Their goal was to simplify their practice while treating large numbers of patients in India and South Africa. They ran clinics that served populations who often travelled great distances for treatment, never to return. Often, they were only able to see a very ill patient once, so these combination remedies were developed to be able to get quick results without need for a follow-up visit.

These homeopathic remedies have been used around the world for over 50 years with great success.

Narayani Combination for pain: Injury Mix 20. To help muscles, nerves, ligaments, cartilage and wounds after surgery or injury. Use acutely every 3 hours or, for more chronic cases, twice per day.

Narayani Combination for infection: War Mix 35. This is a fantastic combination for infection and inflammation anywhere in the body. It is considered to be an alternative to all antibiotics. Use 3 times daily for active infection and decrease gradually as improvement sets in.

All Narayani Combinations can be purchased from Helios Homeopathic Pharmacy. They stock them, but they are not listed on their website. The Dog Breeder Store has begun importing these two important remedies into the United States so that breeders and pet parents can have access to them.  These are great remedies to try in a home first aid kit.

Disclaimer

Information herein is not a replacement for medical advice. The Dog Breeder Store neither diagnoses nor treats illnesses or injuries in pets and accepts no liability for less-than-optimal results, injury or death following use of this product or instructions. Consult a licensed veterinarian or physician. Not FDA evaluated.