Author: Dr. Vikram Chauhan

July 8, 2023

How to Treat Ticks and mites infestation in Dogs Through Ayurveda

Abstract

Ticks and mites are the external parasite which feeds on the blood of mammals. They sucks the blood of animals and lead to debilitation of animal health. Tick infestation leads to destruction of the external coat of animals. In dogs ticks infestation leads to severe alopecia and other chronic diseases. In large animals like ruminants and equines ticks cause very dreadful conditions which causes heavy economic loss. Here with help of this content I want to share that Ayurvedic herbs are very effective without any side effects in control of ticks and for the treatment of infections caused by ticks.

Introduction

Ticks belong to phylum arthropoda and class arachnida . Ticks can be divided into two forms Ixodidae ( hard ticks) and Argasidae ( soft ticks).The life cycle of ticks is as follows –  egg,nymph , and adult. . Ticks act as the vector of many life threatening diseases in animals like ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis , babesiosis , hepatozoonosis etc. Mites are tiny members of class arachnida which are not seen by naked eyes . Mites are deeply burrowed under skin surface infection. There are three types of mites infecting dogs viz; sarcoptic, demodex and ear mites causing infection like sarcoptic mange, demodicosis and ear itching /irritation. Below is the brief description of diseases caused by ticks and mites.

Ticks in Dogs

1. Ehrlichiosis

The infection Ehrlichiosis is caused by rickettsia Ehrlichia canis. Rhipicephalus sanguineus tick is the main transmissible vector for the infection. One single tick is enough to infect the animal.

Clinical signs : The clinical signs of ehrlichiosis are characterised by dull,depressed, anorectic animal with a history of epistaxis or haemorrhages, swollen lymph nodes,congested mucus membrane and high temperature which ranges from 103 to 105 degree fahrenheit.

Clinical findings –Thrombocytopenia and leukopenia are important clinical findings of Ehrlichia canis. Normal platelet count in dogs is 175,000–500,000 platelets per microliter of blood. In case of ehrlichiosis it gets reduced even below or equal to 100000 and the leukocytes count decreases below 5000 per microlitre hence leads to leukopenia.

Diagnosis : The most rapid and effective diagnostic tool to detect the organism of Ehrlichia is Polymerase chain reaction which is very very sensitive for rickettsial organisms

Treatment : Ehrlichiosis can be treated using broad spectrum antibiotics like tetracyclines through the I/V route . For highly anaemic patients blood transfusion is advised. Supportive therapy using vitamin b complex and hematinic preparations may be extended.

2. Babesiosis in dogs

Babesiosis is a protozoan disease which is carried by ticks, Babesiosis in dogs is transmitted by tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus causing B.gibsoni infection and another vector is Dermacentor reticulatus  which causes B.canis infection. This infection mainly destructs red blood cells and the animal suffers with severe anaemic conditions.

Clinical signs: Clinical signs of babesiosis in dogs include high fever anorexia , pale mucous membrane , water hammer pulse , depression, renal failure, cerebral signs, acute respiratory distress, haemoconcentration, hypotension, cardiac involvement  etc.

Clinical findings: Acute haemolysis results in complicated forms of diseases.also results in Coagulopathy, hepatopathy,pancreatitis etc.PCV, total erythrocyte count and haemoglobin value will drop 16, 20 and 24% within 48 hours. Leukocytosis is observed.There will be increased levels of blood glucose,total serum bilirubin and SGOT is observed.

Diagnosis: Capillary agglutination test, Indirect fluorescent antibody test, Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, Radio immunoassay etc.

Treatment: Treatment for Babesia gibsoni can be given with help of antiprotozoal drugs and also with penicillin group antibiotics.

3. Canine Hepatozoonosis

This is also the protozoal infection caused by the Hepatozoan canis mainly which gets transmitted by tick Rhipicephalus sanguines. Here the transmission takes place by the ingestion of infected ticks. The tick gets infected by feeding on infected dogs . It affects the blood vascular and lymphatic tissues as blood generating organs.

Clinical signs– The clinical signs for hepatozoonosis are  high fever,lethargy,  weight loss and anaemia.  Abnormality of gait of animals is very common in this infection.

Clinical findings: The clinical findings vary from asymptomatic to severe form of diseases. Asymptomatic forms may not show any clinical signs but on examination blood parasites may be observed@1.5% ;  Severe form of infection will include clinical signs as well as the parasitemia rate in blood will be as high as 100%, severe neutrophilia is noticed

Diagnosis: microscopic detection will show the presence of H.canis gamots in blood smear, ELISA and IFAT is done for detection of HAI antibody

Treatment: Antiprotozoal and broad spectrum antibiotics are given . Combination therapy with sulphonamides is done.

4. Scabies

Scabies infection also called as mange caused by Sarcoptes.scabiei viz a Mite. The predisposing factors are contact with the infected animal, indirect transmission by touching inanimate objects.  It’s a zoonotic infection and can be transmitted to humans also.

Clinical signs– The main site of lesions in scabies are head,neck,forelimb,face and ears.Severe pruritus is noticed which leads to oozing of blood and serum and hence the secondary infection by bacteria occurs resulting in the condition called pyoderma. Lesions may be covered with scales and crusts. A typical acidic odour is observed.

Clinical findings: The clinical findings of infection can be observed under the microscope which shows the presence of small circular white mites.

Diagnosis : It is diagnosed by taking the peripheral skin scraping  from different sites of lesions with a drop of glycerin placed on the slide and observed under the 10x power of a microscope.

Treatment: Acaricidal drugs are used with some antibiotics. For external applications amitraz @ 6 ml/litre can be used.

5. Demodectic mange

This is also called demodicosis. Demodectic mites live in the hair follicle and the sebaceous gland. The predisposing factors are young age, short haired breeds , malnutrition and debility, systemic infections, hypothyroidism , biotin deficiency etc.

Clinical signs–  Localised lesions are observed in periocular,perioral and antero-lateral surfaces of limbs.In the generalised form there are extensive lesions throughout the skin surface. Whereas the squamous form there are dry eczematous lesions.Hyperpigmentation is observed in squamous form. Pustular form results in pyoderma, the skin surface is covered with brownish grey crusts,grey scab and assumes a red colour and the condition is called “red mange”.

Clinical findings: The skin scrapings when observed under the microscope will notify the presence of cigar  shaped mites.

Diagnosis: The diagnosis of demodectic mange can be done by taking deep skin scrapings on the slide and observed at 10x power of microscope. The point to be noted is that skin scrapings in demodex infection should be taken in that way the blood should ooze out from the lesion.

Treatment: Benzyl benzoate preparation with 70%alcohol can be used for external application. Amitraz @ 6ml/litre for 5 to 7 applications are required. Acaricidal drugs are used. Which are contraindicated in pregnant animals.

Modern treatment for tick control in animals

Ticks can be treated by using ivermectin, doramectin tablets etc. these drugs can be used externally as well as in the form of tablets and injections for parenteral use(S/C).For mites ivermectin can be injected and the  benzoylbenzoate with 70%alcohol or benzene hexachloride can be used. Neguvon can be used. Amitraz can be used @6ml/litre will be useful for up to 5-7 applications.

Ayurvedic overview

The ayurvedic medications are very effective in ticks and mites control not from now but from years and years ago. When there was no modern medication available people used to treat the animals using these herbal formulations , ayurveda is ancient science which has provided the path for modern science discovery. The herbs used for the treatment of ticks and mites are neem leaves, tea tree, gandhak etc. the best thing about ayurvedic medication is that they do not cause toxicity to animals as we know that drugs used for tick and mites control are hepatotoxic. So here we can use the word that these are patient friendly medications.

Herbal Remedies by Planet Ayurveda for Tick and Mite infestation

The herbal formulations for control of ectoparasites like ticks and mites are very effective and 100%safe. All the products are formulated under the supervision of doctors who have strictly followed the principles of ayurveda. The herbal supplements are made from natural supplements which are very effective.

  1. Neem Oil
  2. Tea Tree Oil
  3. Gandhak Rasayan
  4. Dermo Plan Syrup

Product description

1. Neem oil

Neem oil is obtained from neem (Azadirachta indica). It is used as an external application for tick control as it acts as the insect repellent.neem oil also has a soothing effect on kin and it repairs the damage caused by ticks and mites . It works very nicely for killing the mites which are deeply penetrated under the skin.

2. Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is obtained from leaves of tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia). It acts as the insect repellent so helps in controlling ticks and mites infestations. Its wound healing, and skin repairing property helps to heal damage and lesions caused by ticks and mites.its helps in reducing the pruritis , itchiness etc. also it has the septictic property so any rashes on skin will get healed by tea tree oil.

Method of Application : Neem oil is mixed with tea tree oil and applied on the outer coat. Leave it for two hours and then give the shower to your pet.

3. Gandhak rasayan

Gandhak rasayan are tablets which consist of gandhak rasayan/sulphur which helps in relieving the animal from severe pruritus and allergy caused by ticks and mites. It is also antibacterial so treat the bacterial infection caused during mite infection.

Dosage : 1 tablet twice daily with feed.

4. Dermoplan syrup

Dermoplan syrup combines many herbs  like Giloy (tinospora cordifolia), Neem (Areca catechu) etc which helps in killing insects and repairs the skin. Also it helps in boosting the immune system to fight against any secondary infections caused by mites.

Dosage: 1 tablespoon twice daily with feed.

Contact Planet Ayurveda Support Team to provide you the costing/ordering and delivery information at – costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or Call at 0172-521-4040 (India), +91-172-521-4040 (Outside India) or Whatsapp at (+91) 842-749-4030.

Conclusion

The above written content gives the brief information about why the tick infection is harmful to the health of the dogs. It guides you about the mode of infection that occurs due to ticks and mites infestation  and the diagnosis of those infections as well as the modern treatment followed in that. But  my main objective was to introduce the ayurvedic treatment given by planet ayurveda in ticks and mite infection as well as for their control as we all know that modern medication for tick and infestation are generally hepatotoxic . The herbal formulations discussed above are totally safe and have no side effects. So to avoid any kind of toxicity in the body I would like to advise the use of ayurvedic formulations mentioned above.

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July 1, 2023

Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis – Symptoms, Causes and Ayurvedic Treatment

Abstract

This curious condition of uncertain nature can be best characterized as a proliferative lesion of joints and tendon sheaths, marked by hemosiderin deposition within villous overgrowths of synovium. The synovial overgrowth may be sufficient to induce tumor-like masses which project into the joint or tendon sheath spaces. Indeed, as will be seen, one view holds that this lesion is basically neoplastic. It occurs as a localized process in tendon sheaths, but in joints the entire synovial lining is usually involved, particularly in the knee and less often the hip. Occasionally, lesions are found in periarticular tissues, presumably arising within sub-synovial connective tissue. Females tend to be affected slightly more often than males. Frequently, it leads to effusions into the joint spaces or tendon sheaths, accompanied by pain, swelling, and sometimes locking of the joint. Only the knee is involved in 80% of patients. It occurs usually in adults between 20-50 years of age.  Today we will read about pigmented villonodular synovitis in brief in this article.

Introduction

Pigmented villonodular synovitis is a progressive condition in which proliferative lesions of joints and tendon sheaths are caused due to overgrowth of synovium. The mass is non cancerous and does not metastasize to other body parts. Grossly, the lesion in tendon sheaths takes the form of a small, ovoid swelling, rarely greater than 3 cm in diameter which on transection is usually golden-yellow to red-brown, depending on the amount of contained lipid and hemosiderin. In joint spaces, more or less of the entire synovial lining is transformed into a tangled mat by numerous sessile or villous projections. Sometimes discrete, yellow-brown nodules having the appearance of neoplasms develop either within the thickened synovial membrane or as pedunculated lesions

Cause

  • The exact cause is unknown. It can be caused by CSF1 gene over-expression.
  • Genetic mutations of chromosome 1p13 and rearrangement of 5q33 chromosomal.
  • Associated conditions like giant cell tumors of tendon sheath.

Pathogenesis

The pathogenesis of this lesion is completely obscure. It has been viewed variously as:-

  1. A neoplastic process
  2. As inflammatory in origin, although no specific agents been isolated
  3. As a localized disturbance of lipid metabolism leading to accumulation of lipids within phagocytic cells with secondary traumatic changes
  4. As an obscure overgrowth of synovial and peri synovial cells.

The fact that the lesion frequently recurs following incomplete excision has been taken as evidence for a neoplastic origin, but such behavior does not rule out other possible origins. We must leave it that this disabling but not life threatening condition is still a complete enigma.

Symptoms of Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis

Symptoms

  • Swelling and pain in joints which are affected
  • Locking of the joint
  • Stiffness in joints

Diagnosis

  • Physical examination:- Inspection of joints to check  joint effusion, erythema, tenderness and motion of affected joint.
  • X-ray:- It may show periarticular mass, soft tissue swelling and cystic erosion of joints.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging:-  It shows excellent pictures of delineation of both extra-articular and intra-articular disease.

Treatment

  • Medical:- Use of CSF-1 receptor antagonist
  • Surgery:- Partial synovectomy/complete synovectomy is done.

Ayurvedic overview

In ayurveda, pigmented villonodular synovitis’s symptoms nearly resemble Kroshtukasheersha which is described in sushruta samhita nidansthana vatavyadhi chapter shloka 76. In this disease mainly vata and rakta are involved.

वातशोणितज: शोफो जानुमध्ये महारुज:। 

शिर:क्रोष्टुकपूर्वं तु स्थूल: क्रोष्टुकमूर्धवत ।।  (सु. सं .नि .1/76)  

According to the above shloka:- In knee joint vikriti (imbalance) of vaat and rakta develop severe pain and swelling which is known as Kroshtukasheersha.

Vata dosha gets aggravated with above mentioned factors which lead to occupied vacant channels. On filling the vacant spaces, the aggravated vata develops many diseases like it may be limited to a particular area or affecting the whole body that is vatavyadhi.

Treatment

  1. Raktamokshana (blood letting therapy):- In this therapy impure blood is expelled out from the body by using horns, leech, multiple pricking, gourds etc.
  2. Purgation:- This therapy is done by herbs in which toxins are expelled out from the body.
  3. Fasting therapy:- It brings lightness in the body.
  4. Raktashoshan (blood purification)

There are various herbs which purifies the blood including

  • Neem:- This is bitter and astringent in taste. It is always kapha and pitta but aggravates vata. It is light and cold in effect. Due to these properties it purifies the blood and prevents skin from acne, pimples, allergies, etc. It reduces the toxin level in the body.
  • Turmeric:- It contains bitter and pungent properties. It is light, dry and hot in effect. It is helpful in blood formation along with blood purification.
  • Manjishtha:- It is bitter and astringent and sweet in taste. It is heavy, dry and hot in effect but it is a pacifier of kapha and pitta. It helps to gain lusture and glow to the skin and aids to remove pimples, freckles and discoloration. It also promotes the healing of skin tissues damaged by injury or infection.
  • Daruharidra:- It is bitter and astringent, light, dry and hot in effect. It reduces inflammation and pain. It is a wound healer.

Herbal remedies for pigmented villonodular synovitis by planet ayurveda

Planet ayurveda provides various ayurvedic medicines for different kinds of diseases. They made various types of formulation by following all the principles of ayurveda in ancient textbooks. These ayurvedic medicines are GMP certified and are safe for the human body. All the formulations are made from pure herbs which are highly effective in the human body and free from harmful chemicals, preservatives, yeast or additives. Planet ayurveda provide herbal remedies for pigmented villonodular synovitis:-

  1. BOSWELLIA+CURCUMIN
  2. JOINT AID PLUS
  3. LAKSHADI GUGGUL
  4. KANCHNAAR GUGGUL
  5. KAMDUDHA RAS (MOTI YUKT)

Herbal Remedies for Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis

Ayurvedic Management of Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis

Product Description

1. Boswellia+curcumin

It is a poly herbal capsule made from shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and haridra (curcuma longa). Boswellia have anti-inflammatory features which stop the cytokines secretion and reduce inflammation or swelling. Curcuma longa has an antioxidant property which protects brain neurons and reduces the wrinkles on skin. It purifies the blood and helps in blood formation in the body. It also applies on cuts and bruises because it is a natural antibiotic. It prevents colon and skin tumors. It is known as antibacterial, anti-allergic, carminative and diuretic medicine. It is an effective remedy for sprains, wounds and inflamed joints.

DOSE:-2 capsule twice daily, after meals with plain water.

2. Joint aid plus

It is a polyherbal capsule formed from nirgundi (vitex negundo), shallaki (boswellia serrata), guggul (commiphora mukul), etc. It is bitter in taste but hot in effect. It has qualities to pacify all three doshas in the body (vata, pitta and kapha). It is light, dry, sharp and unctuous. It contains calcium, magnesium, iron and silicon dioxide. It is a very potent medicine for various types of joint problems such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteo arthritis and gout. It helps in reducing pain, swelling and tenderness of the inflamed joints. It has anti-hypercholesterolemic properties. It lowers serum triglycerides and cholesterol levels. It is an antioxidant and immune-modulator. It prevents all types of weakness and increases one’s strength and stamina. It induces sound sleep.

DOSE:- 1 Capsule twice daily

3. Lakshadi guggul

It is a herbal tablet made from laksha (laccifer lacca), arjuna (terminalia arjuna), ashwagandha (withania somnifera), etc. It is bitter and astringent in taste. It is dry, cold and light in effect. It is also a pacifier of kapha and pitta. It contains calcium, magnesium, aluminium etc. it is healer of wounds, antibacterial, antifungal and antipyretic. It is beneficial for heart diseases. It helps in excessive palpitation due to anxiety. It helps bones to regain strength after fractures. It contains anti-anginal properties. It is anti inflammatory as well anti-lipemic.

DOSE:– 2 tablets twice with lukewarm water

4. Kanchanaar guggul

It is a herbal tablet which is formed from kanchanar bark (bauhinia variegata), amalaki (emblica offinalis), haritaki (terminalia chebula), etc. It is bitter and astringent in taste but hot in effect. It has a strong antioxidant which reduces toxins from the body. It contains magnesium, calcium, vitamin B, iron, vitamin C, proteins and dietary fibre. It is effective in relieving pain. It reduces swelling and stiffness of joints. It helps in purification of blood and regulates the level of cholesterol. It improves the menstrual cycle in females.

DOSE:- 2 tablets twice daily with lukewarm water

5. Kamdudha ras (Moti yukt)

It is a classical ayurvedic pills made from giloy satva (tinospora cordifolia), mukta shukti bhasma (pearl oyster), shuddha gairik (red oxide of iron), etc. It pacifies all the three doshas. It is cold in effect. It acts as an anti inflammatory, antipyretic, anti arthritic, a blood purifier, antacid, antiemetic, etc. It decreases the heat level in the body and balances the production of acid in the stomach and decreases the inflammation of the organs. It is helpful in nausea, vomiting, and improving appetite. It inhibits gastric ulcers. It helps in treating white discharge from vagina in females. It is a rejuvenator and a restorative tonic.

DOSE:- 2 Pills twice daily

Contact Planet Ayurveda Support Team to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at – costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or Call at 0172-521-4030 (India), +91-172-521-4030 (Outside India) or Whatsapp at (+91) 9915-593-604

Conclusion

Pigmented villonodular synovitis is a progressive condition in which proliferative lesions of joints and tendon sheaths are caused due to overgrowth of synovium. In ayurveda it is caused by vitiation of  vata and rakta. In ayurveda we can manage this condition by various methods like blood purification by leech, horns etc. and by herbs like curcuma longa, neem, manjistha, daruharidra, etc.

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