"I have a Hankerin' for Healin' "- the Homeopathic Experiment

After the undesireable news from Hunter's surgeon on Friday, I reached out to a veterinarian friend of mine; less for advice, and more for optimism and reassurance.The supportive friend she is, she did some research on a popular Veterinary Information Network. She sent me an e-mail later that day about a homeopathic drug called 'Symphytum'. Symphytum is a perennial herb that contains a black root and large hairy leaves that bear small, bell-shaped flowers.

This herb has many therapeutic uses, one being the ability to aid in the healing of non-union fractures. The herb contains a small organic molecule called allantoin, which is believed to stimulate cell growth and repair, while discouraging inflammation. If used long term, there have been reports, in humans, of hepatotoxicity (which essentially means 'chemical driven liver damage').

I was definetely skeptical when she first mentioned it to me; not being a huge believer in all homeopathic medicine myself. After in-depth research of the plant and reading various clinical trials, I decided we should give it a try. We decided to instigate therapy with a short trial and would then re-evaluate.

On Wednesday I went to the local health food store in search of Symphytum, and was in luck. The strength I needed to give Hunter was "6C or 6X" which is the highest strength of homeopathic medications. The health food store in Creston only carried 30C Strength of the herb, which is five times weaker. I decided to buy it anyways, and would just have to give five of the small 'beads' of the herb instead of one; not a vast issue - a vial of 80 pellets only costs $10.00
Thursday we started administering the herb; the first three days he would recieve the medication twice daily and we would then taper down to a once a day dose for additional week.

At this stage in the 'game', we do not have much to lose...besides thousands more dollars in surgical bills; but that's not the point. Here we have a handsome, intelligent, adolescent dog who, to the naked eye, walks completely sound. Yet underneath the layers of dense hair, pliable skin, and toned muscle, there is a demanding bone process that simply refuses to co-operate.
So we sit, we wait, we supplement with potentially worthless herbs, and we pray.
Until next time...

Young Hunter 'facing-off' with Chloe, my parents tiny Pomeranian