Success on Gold Bead Implants and Chinese Herbs

[Kirsy & Jasper]

Just want to share a message posted in my other Epi group with you guys.

This woman had success twice with those methods on 2 Epi dogs.

[Kirsy & Jasper]

HERE is her message!!!

From: kurvenal
To: [e-mail]
Sent: Mon, 14 June, 2010 4:54:16 AM
Subject: [k9epilepsy] Casper update

I'm delighted to say that Casper will be seizure free for a full year in a
few days! He's doing great, and we'll be celebrating!

For those who don't know, Casper has gold bead implants and takes Chinese
herbs.

Jeri

[Rae]

Thanks for this post. Do you know which Chinese herbs Casper is taking?

[Kirsy & Jasper]

Here is a message she sent me in april. VERY informative. HAPPY READING! Kirsy

Re: Natural approach towards seizures/ Epilepsy
From:
Jeri
View Contact
To: kirsyspoddig
Hi, Kirsy.
I'm an acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist, (for humans), so it's natural that I would try that route first. :-)

I had a previous dog with epilepsy, and in his case, his seizures were poorly controlled on medication, (I had never tried any alternative approaches at the time), so I tried the gold bead implants. With the implants, he was able to be completely weaned off of medication, and never had another seizure.

My current dog with epilepsy was helped by the gold bead implants, but it wasn't enough. When I added the Chinese herbs, his severe anxiety went away, and he's doing very well now. He's currently 9 1/2 months since his last seizure. I adopted him when he was 6 months old, and wasn't sure that he was going to make it to 1 year old, because he was doing so poorly. He's going to be 4 next month, and is doing great now! He didn't respond to premade Chinese herbs, but once I started to cook raw herbs for him instead, things really turned around for him.

For the first dog with epilepsy who got the gold bead implants, the vet just sedated him, and didn't use anesthesia. We did use anesthesia for my current dog with epilepsy, though.

In case there is anything of interest to you, I'm including some information I've accumulated over the years.

From: "Manual of Natural Veterinary Medicine: Science and Tradition", by
Susan G. Wynn and Steve Marsden

They have about 15 pages on seizures. Some highlights:

"Hypoallergic diet: a correlation between food, neurotransmitter production,
and behavior is increasingly recognized, and there are numerous case reports
of allergy and its relationship to epilepsy. (Ballarini, 1990; Campbell,
1970, 1974; Collins, 1994; Crayton, 1981.)
Dogs with signs allergies tend to respond more readily to hypoallergic
diets, which mirror a study in humans

I'll quote more of their comments on diet, including raw, towards the end of
this post.

Some of the nutritional supplements that they discuss:
DMG, antioxidant vitamins, taurine, magnesium, (magnesium supplementation is
contraindicated in animals with renal failure), manganese, cholodin.

Some herbal recommendations:
Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang, (the anticonvulsant effect of this formula can
be made even more powerful by adding Jiang Can). They say: "Despite its
gentle action, clinical experiences with the formula have been impressive. A
limited number of dogs may become seizure-free; the majority have generally
reduced frequency and intensity of seizure episodes even with the eventual
substantial reductions or even gradual cessation of anticonvulsant
medication."
They also say: "The perceived success of Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang in
many cases of epilepsy suggests that epilepsy may well be a type of food
sensitivity reaction, since the formula is heavily directed toward enhancing
completeness of digestion from a Chinese medical perspective. There is not
yet recognition in conventional medicine that food sensitivities may play a
role in the generation of idiopathic epilepsy in animals, although the link
has been established between food sensitivities and epilepsy in humans.
(Werbach, 1996). Frequent responses of epileptic patients to Chinese herbal
formulas that focus on Spleen Qi Deficiency, Dampness and Phlegm strongly
suggest that such a link may eventually be identified in animals."

"Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin is the single most important formula for epilepsy
arising from Liver Blood deviciency that has generated internal Wind. This
formula may be overused at present, but it will benefit a signficant
proportion of epileptic dogs simply because the canine species appears
highly prone to Blood deficiency."
"Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang can be used for Blood-deficient patients that fail to
respond to Tain Ma Gou Teng Yin."

Also mentioned:
Chai Hu Long Gu Mu Li Tang, Long Dan Xie Gan Tang, Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan, Di
Tan Tang, Ding Xian Wan (also known as Arrest Seizures Pill, and should not
be used long term), Cang Pu Yu Jin Tang, Yang Yin Xi Feng San, Bu Xue Feng
San, and Saiko-keishi-to-ka-shakuyaku.

They state: "Acupuncturists often note that epileptic seizures seem better
controlled with sustained frequent treatments. Gold bead or suture implants
are often used to this end."

They mention some homeopathic remedies, (which, of course, need to be
matched to the individual). Mentioned are: Cicuta virosa 30C, Belladonna 1M,
Nux vomica 30C, Strychninum 30C.

On diet, they say:
"The link between diet and epilepsy remains a strong clinical impression on
the part of alternative veterinary medical practioners. One alarming
observation thus far is that dairy products used to disguise medications may
actually promote seizure tendencies in some animals. "Overnutrition" appears
to be a concern in other patients. This association has been recorded in the
human literature as well, with children being observed to be predisposed to
seizures after the consumption of very large meals. (Werbach, 1996.) Factors
that may promote completeness of digestion in animals include highly
processed diets and high-carbohydrate diets."

"Another type of diet widely recommended in the lay literature and by some
holistic veterinary practioners is one comprising raw foods. Clinical
experience with these diets has shown them to be harmful to some animals,
but beneficial for others. These foods are harder to digest from a Chinese
medical perspective, producing a greater burden on the Spleen Qi with the
resultant elaboration of Dampness. They may, however, slow digestion and
absorption, reducing tendencies to "overnutrition". Spleen deficiency and
Dampness arising from overnutrition are seen in animals with strong pulses,
(my note: they are talking about the Chinese Medicine pulses, not Western
medicine pulses), and raw foods may be considered for thoese patients. Raw
foods should probably be used only with caution in genuinely Spleen Qi
deficient animals with feeble pulses. If in doubt, test the tolerance of an
epileptic animal to raw foods by feeding only small amounts mixed in with
the normal diet."

A case study is presented of seizures in Prior, a food-allergic dog. The 6
year old Lab had had 5 to 6 seziures in the previous 6 months, and was on
Pb. The dog ate a premium dry dog food, with no supplements. The dog
switched to a commercial elimination diet of venison and potato, and the
owner was given the option
of trying magnesium supplements and DMG, but she decided against them.
Marine Fish Oil was added to the diet, however. "At the time of latest
follow-up 2 years later, Prior had had no additional seizures and was not
being given the phenobarbitol. His owner was very compliant regarding his
diet, rotating between commerical venison, duck, and fish diets."

********
From the book "Alternative Health Medicine Encycolopedia" by James E
Marti:
"Preliminary evidence suggests that Vitamin E may be helpful in
preventing epileptic seizures." There was a study done of children with
epilepsy at the University of Toronto. The children took 400 IU of vit.
E daily for 3 months in addition to their regular medication. This
reduced the frequency of seizures by more than 60 percent in ten of the
twelve children. "When children taking a placebo were switched to vit.
E, seizure frequency was reduced by 70 to 100 percent. A 1989 report in
"Epilepsia" said that researchers noted there were no adverse side
effects." But, as the book points out, this was only one study. There
have been studies using up to 3,200 IU of Vit. E daily (in humans) for
up to 2 years and no unfavorable side effects were noted. The
researchers measured general health, nutrient status, liver and kidney
function, metabolism, blood cell
status, blood nutrient and antioxidant status, thyroid hormones, and
urinary function. Vit. E functions primarily as an antioxidant in
protecting against damage to the cell membranes. Without Vit. E, the
cells of the body would be quite susceptible to damage, nerve cells in
particular. Symptoms of Vit. E deficiency in adult humans include nerve
damage, muscle weakness, poor coordination, involuntary movement of the
eyes, and breaking of red blood cells, leading to anemia(hemolytic
anemia). Vit. E actually incorporates into the lipid (fatty) portion of
cell membranes and carrier molecules, where it acts to stabilize and
protect these structures from compounds such as lead, mercury, and other
heavy metals, toxic compounds such as benzene, carbon tetrachloride, and
cleaning solvents, drugs, radiation, and the body's free-radical
metabolites.
Vit. E interacts extensively with other antioxidant nutrients,
especially Vit. C and selenium. Vit. E also improves the use of Vit. A,
may be necessary in the conversion of Vit. B12 to its most active form,
and protects essential fatty acids from becoming damamged.
It does lots of other things, like help protect the heart, etc. (and in
Chinese medicine, energy blockages relating to the heart can cause
seizures....), but I think that the above is probably the most
relevant....
Dr. Clemmons' veterinary neurology web site recommends Vit. E as one of
the supplements for dogs with seizures.
Here is what the web site has to say about Vit. E, including dosage:
"
Vitamin E is an important nutrient which has been shown to have a
number of physiologic and pharmacologic effects. It in a potent
antioxidant and reduces fat oxidation and increases the production of
HDL cholesterol. At higher doses, it also reduces cyclooxygenase and
lipooxygenase activities, decreasing production of prostaglandins and
leukotreines. As such, it is a potent anti-inflammatory drug. It will
reduce platelet function and prolong the bleeding time slightly in
healthy individuals. There is no known side-effects to vitamin E at
levels less than 4000-6000 IU per day (except in cats, where levels >100
IU/day can create hepatolipidosis). I recommend that vitamin E be given
to all dogs. For dogs under 2 years of age, give 400 IU of vitamin E
daily. For dogs over 2 years of age, give 800 IU of vitamin E daily. "
Of course, check with your vet if you think you might want to try this,
and have them work with you on dosage, etc. as well.
**************************************************************************
DMG is another supplement to consider:
From:
http://www.autism.com/ari/dmg2.html
"In some cases, drug-resistant seizures have been stopped by DMG. (See
New England Journal of Medicine, 10-21-82, pgs 1081-82).
There is an extensive research literature on the safety and health
benefits of DMG. Many studies have shown that DMG enhances the
effectiveness of the immune system, improves the physical and athletic
performance of humans and other animals (e.g. race horses) and has, all
in all, a very wide range of beneficial
effects. It is very safe. I have seen no evidence of any toxic or
significant adverse effects. "
From:
http://www.organix.net/organix/0001.htm
"Dr. William Freed of Saint Elizabeth Hospital in Washington D.C.
confirmed in several patients the ability of DMG to prevent or reduce
epileptic seizures. Veterinarians have reported good success in
preventing seizures in dogs and cats using DMG. In another study, Ward,
et al, found that DMG significantly reduced mortality associated with
penicillin-induced seizures in rats. Only one rat died in the
DMG-treated group, whereas 18 died in the control group."
And:
"Drs. Roach and Carlin of the Bowman Gray School of Medicine reported in
the New England Journal of Medicine (October, 1982) a case history where
DMG was effective in controlling epileptic seizures in a 22 year old man
who had a long history of mental retardation and mixed complex, partial
and gran mal seizures. Before treatment the patient was experiencing 16
to 18 generalized seizures per week, even when on therapeutic
levels of phenobarbitol and carbamazepine. After taking 90 mg of DMG
twice daily for one week, the number of seizures was reduced to three
per week. Two attempts to eliminate DMG supplementation resulted in a
dramatic increase in seizure frequency for the individual."
And:
"Prescription for Nutritional Healing", (Balch and Balch), says:
"Dimethylglycine (DMG) is a derivative of glycine, the simplest of the
amino acids. It acts as a building block for many important substances,
including the amino acid methionine, choline, a number of important
hormones and neurotransmitters, and DNA. Low levels of DMG are present
in meats, seeds, and grains.
No deficiency symptoms are associated with lack of DMG in the diet, but
taking supplemental DMG can have a wide range of beneficial effects,
including helping the body maintain high energy levels and boosting
mental acuity. DMG has been found to enhance the immune system and to
reduce elevated blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It improves
oxygen utilization by the body, helps to normalize blood pressure and
blood glucose levels, and improves the functioning of many important
organs. It many also be useful for controlling epileptic seizures."

********
One very useful treatment option for controlling seizures is acupuncture
or gold bead implants. Here is a website for an article on gold bead
implants:

http://www.naturalpetdoc.com/alternative.htm#goldbead

It says in part:

"Seizures which from a Traditional Chinese Medicine ( TCM ) point
of view can be due to an excess condition have been shown to
respond well to gold bead implants.
According to Terry Durkes D.V.M. approximately 60% of epileptic pets
are cured. They no longer have seizures and will no longer need
phenobarbital. If on potassium bromide(KBr) they will have to continue
its use. Another 20% will no longer have seizures but they are required
to take phenobarbital at a reduced dose. The final 20% will continue to
have seizures, in some cases fewer and less severe and some of course
will not be helped at all.
Gold beading is an important treatment modality for seizure
control since not many treatment options are available for which owners
can choose for this disease entity."

An article by Dr. Durkes, (who did Kurvenal's gold bead implants),
is at:
http://lochvale.freeservers.com/Durkes.html


A study that was in "Progress in Veterinary Neurology",
(Vol. 4, No. 3), was on treating epilepsy with ear acupuncture.
The summary is: "Eleven dogs with longstanding epilepsy were
treated with ear acupuncture. Seven dogs were on high doses of
anti-epileptic drugs. With anti-epileptic therapy, 4 showed no
decrease of seizures, 2 had temporary reduction of seizures, and
one complete control of seizures. A human stay ear
acupuncture needle was implanted in one point in both ears.
The needles stayed in place for between 4 days and 4 months
(mean 2 weeks). The needles were replaced (mean 4 times) on
3-9 week basis. After this treatment, 4 dogs were
seizure-free, 2 had a reduced number of seizures, and 4
showed no amelioration.
Of the 7 dogs that received medication before acupuncture treatment,
one was seizure-free and without medication, one was kept on half-dose
drugs and was much improved, and 3 were maintained on much lower
drug doses (-33/-50%) with no clinical deterioration. 2 dogs that
still had attacks were reported to have shorter or absent prodromal
and postictal periods.
In conclusion, results from 5 of the 11 dogs tested showed that ear
acupuncture may afford partial or complete seizure remission."
Also, Schoen's "Veterinary Acupuncture" text mentions some other
examples of ear implants being used: Implants were used in 2 dogs, and:
"One dog exhibited a 6-fold increase in the interval between seizures,
whereas the other, which had a 30-day seizure interval, was seizure-free
at the time of the report 200 days later." Another example cited:
(again on 2 dogs): "The first dog was exhibiting cluster seizures
once a month despite adequate phenobarbital levels. It has had no
further seizures for 2 years since the implants. The second dog
has had no seizures for 1 year after the implants."

From "Veterinary Acupuncture: Ancient Art to Modern Medicine",
edited by Allen M. Schoen, DVM
On Auricular Acutherapy:
"In each dog, a stainless-steel auricular needle was implanted
bilaterally in the ear Shen Men point. One dog exhibited a
6-fold increase in the interval between seizures, whereas
the other, which had a 30-day seizure interval, was
seizure-free at the time of the report 200 days later."

"In one report, the ear Shen Men point was implanted
along with the body acupoints for 2 dogs. The first dog
was exhibiting cluster seizures once a month despite
adequate phenobarbitol levels. It has had no further
seizures for 2 years since the implants. The second
dog has had no seizures for 1 year since the implants."

And, in the same book, in the chapter on gold bead implants,
(a permanent form of acupuncture), it says:
"In a clinical trial involving 40 dogs with idiopathic
seizures, 50% needed no further medication after
receiving gold bead implantations, without the risk of
further seizure episodes unless the animals were stressed.
Another 25% could function on a greatly reduced dose of
anticonvulsant. There was a 25% failure rate. Of the
dogs that failed to benefit from the treatment,
German Shepherds demonstrated the poorest response.
Previous medication levels for the seizures were of no
value in determining whether an animal is a good candidate
for gold bead implantations. About 50% of dogs with
postdistemper seizures respond to gold bead implantations."


From a book titled: "Medical Acupuncture: A Western
Scientific Approach", in the section on epilepsy:

"Lai and Lai (1991) described a part of the fascinating
history of epilepsy in Chinese traditional medicine.
Shi et al (1987) gave acupuncture to 98 patients
with poorly controlled epilepsy on a variety
of medication, with EEG confirmation in 81 patients.
Scalp acupuncture was used in the motor and sensory
areas of the scalp and the 'psychic' area, which they
describe as being anterior to the motor area.
EA (electrical acupuncture) for 30 minutes was used
at a frequency of 2.5-3 Hz for courses of 15
treatments. 66 percent had a marked reduction in
the frequency of attacks and the worst responders
had the least treatments.
A further communication by Petty (unpublished
work, 1992) also confirmed a reduction in the
number of seizures in a small series of patients
who were given a course of acupuncture for
drug-resistant epilepsy.

Auricular press needles were used in ear
Shenmen points in a group of 5 epileptic
dogs poorly controlled on medication.
One animal did not respond, one showed a
partial response, and three were improved.
(Panzer & Chrisman 1994)

Although not strictly acupuncture, it is
interesting to note that chronic electrostimulation
of the left vagus has been used in drug resistant
epileptics for up to 2 years with no adverse
effects on cardiac, gastrointestinal, or
neurological function (Tougas et al 1992,
Upton et al 1991). Acupuncture by more
peripheral and less invasive vagal afferent
stimulation may have a contributory effect."

I hope that there is something helpful for you
in that. Again, only you and your vet can decide what is
right for your individual dog, but maybe that will give you
some ideas of things to discuss with your vet.

Jeri