The importance of waiting: Kayla’s story

“Kayla”, a 3 year-old yellow lab, came to see me in April 2007 because of a chronic ear infection, generalized itch and diarrhea (recent onset).  She had been treated with a series of high potency remedies, each of which had aggravated her symptoms and/or elicited new symptoms.

She had had a vaccine reaction (10/04) and was spayed that same month.  Skin and ear problems began in December 2004. Additional problems included:  poor stamina, a tendency to wolf her food, mild diarrhea and skittishness. Her blood calcium was low as was her thyroid level (T4).  She was being fed a raw food diet.  An exam revealed ear inflammation, odor and wax with mild thickening of the earflaps.

The first prescription was remedy T* (in 6c potency), given every 3 days.  One month later, the diarrhea and the skittishness were gone. The ear symptoms and appetite were somewhat improved.  Serum calcium was normal and the T4 was better. We continued the remedy until July, when the itch began to increase.  We stopped the remedy and waited.

In August, Kayla’s guardian reported that Kayla was displaying fear aggression towards dogs.  This behavior had been present for several months (since before remedy T) and was mild to moderate in severity.   A new remedy was prescribed but there was no further progress so in December, she was given remedy C (in 6c potency).  A follow-up in February 2008 revealed significant improvement in her energy/stamina, but because of a brief worsening of one symptom (a sign that she had had enough), we stopped the remedy.  At a follow-up exam in July, I learned that the dog-aggression was within normal limits.  The ear and skin symptoms were almost resolved and she was still improving, so we waited.  In November, she needed a health certificate (she is a therapy dog) and at that time she looked more vibrant than I had ever seen her.   Her energy/stamina were better than ever and there were no allergy symptoms. Following cessation of the remedy in February, there was ongoing improvement and resolution of all symptoms.

Comments: (1) This case illustrates the importance of waiting: once we stimulate a curative response (as determined by the homeopathic practitioner) we must wait until improvement stops before we give another remedy or we risk confusing the case. (2) Though Kayla had symptoms that were common to many dogs, her treatment was unique to her. Homeopaths are trained to read the language of the vital force, interpret the response to a remedy, and make educated judgments about what remedy to prescribe, what potency to use, when to repeat and when to wait. All of these judgments contribute to the ultimate outcome. Kayla had previously received a dose of high potency remedy C but it resulted in an aggravation of her symptoms:  she had to receive her remedies in the correct order and at the correct dosage.

* These case reports serve to demonstrate the homeopathic process and principles; thus, the remedy names have been omitted.

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