Vomiting and Anxiety in Dogs, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Vicious Dog Attack
When Mac, a Cairn Terrier, was attacked by the neighbor’s two dogs, we gave emergency first aid and took Mac to a vet clinic for X-rays and further treatment. We also called the local Humane Society and asked what to do under the circumstances. We were told it was essential to file a report within 24 hours, which we did. The folks we spoke with at the Humane Society said they would decide how to proceed and would send a person out that day. We also phoned our neighbor at work. She’s a truly wonderful person who was appalled that her dogs had acted aggressively. She assumed cost of veterinary care.

Regular Veterinary Care for Dog Attack
At the clinic, Mac's wounds were cleaned and X-rays were taken. Mac was given antibiotics to prevent bite-wound infection and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) for pain. Shortly after returning home, Mac began vomiting, so the family stopped using the NSAID, Metacam. NSAIDs commonly cause upset stomachs and vomiting. The family continued to give cephalosporin, the antibiotic, and Mac continued to vomit occasionally. Yesterday, the referring vet gave permission to stop the antibiotic. This morning Mac came to visit and while here vomited a small amount of food. Because the referring vet has assured the family that vomitng is not likely to be caused by esophageal damage, we suspect the continued vomiting is due to a combination of gastritis due to NSAID and antibiotic and to post traumatic stress disorder.

Holistic Veterinary Care
In addition to treating Mac as his regular veterinarian has, a holistic veterinarian would take the following approach to stress gastritis caused by post traumatic stress disorder:
1. Acupuncture
2. Flower Essence Remedies
3. Homeopathic Medication
4. Diet Changes

1. Acupuncture
Acupuncture points used to address the gastritis and stress could include:
· BL 20
· ST 36
· CV 12
· PC 6
· GB 20
· Ba hui,
· HT 7
· LV 3
· LI 4

2. Flower Essences
Flower essences for stress-induced gastritis could include a combination of Star of Bethlehem, Impatiens, Rock Rose, Clematis, Cherry Plum, Aspen, and Mimulus.
· Star of Bethlehem helps with physical and emotional stress.
· Impatiens helps calm anxiety.
· Rock Rose is for courage, especially helpful for pets that have been terrified.
· Clematis helps dogs focus on the present.
· Cherry Plum also pets focus and feel control of the situation.
· Aspen helps pets with vague fears.
· Mimulus helps pets who are afraid of specific events, such as being attached again.

3. Homeopathic Medication
Homeopathics for stress and gastritis can include Traumeel, which is a combination of several remedies that address physical and emotional damage. However, the most affective homeopathic would take into account Mac’s personality as well as his current symptoms. For example:
· Arsenicum is for restlessness, the need for reassurance and companionship, vomiting and acute gastrointestinal signs.
· Rhus tox is used for depressed, listless pets that prefer to be alone.
· Nat mur or staphysagria help if the attacks have made Mac irritable as well as anxious.

4. Diet Changes
Diet changes to help control stress vomiting involve resting the gut. The easiest foods for the gut to absorb are simple carbohydrates rather than fats or proteins, such as
· mashed potatoes,
· mashed sweet potatoes,
· rice that has been run through a blender, and
· chicken broth without fat.
Kibble, fish, meat, and vegetables, such as broccoli and peas, are actually difficult to digest compared with carbohydrates. Mac would continue eating easily digested foods for several days. During this time, holistic remedies would encourage the psyche and stomach to heal.

Post traumatic stress disorder
Our returning soldiers could explain to Mac that overcoming trauma of a nearly lethal attack can take time. Often, Western medications alone are not helpful. Holistic medications that address the psychologic problems in addition to physical problems are most effective. It is also intensely healing to have the love and support of his family. As Mac improves, his stomach will become less irritable and vomiting will cease completely. Normal foods can be reintroduced. Mac will re-emerge as the jaunty Cairn terrier we've always known him to be.

Humane Society's Response to Attack
In a coming blog we’ll talk about the Humane Society’s response to the attack. You can judge whether it was appropriate or inappropriate.