Ayurveda for Pets Archives | Dr. Vikram Chauhan's Blog

Ayurvedic View on Potomac Horse Fever (PHF)- Intestinal bacterial infection in Horses

Abstract

Potomac horse fever is an acute, fatal infection of the intestines. This bacterial disease can affect horses of any age, sex, and breed. Though it is a non-contagious infection, it still tends to spread to horses in a particular region due to the same cause. This is an infection of the intestines but the severe outcomes of this disease can develop laminitis-like issues in horses. Toxins from the tissues get absorbed into the bloodstream directly. In this article, we will discuss the causes of the occurrence of this bacterial infection and how these bacteria travel in the animal’s body. Also, we will see many abnormal symptoms related to it, along with the ayurvedic medicines for the management of Potomac horse fever.

Potomac horse fever

Introduction

Potomac horse fever is a bacterial causative illness that affects horses. Potomac horse fever is also known as Shasta River curd. The mortality rate of this disease is low to high depending upon the severity of the virus. The incubation period of the disease is one week to three weeks respectively. The Potomac horse fever occurs in horses that ingest infected water-born insects containing Neorickettsia risticii bacteria such as mayflies, dragonflies, etc.

The bacteria is too fatal to cause abortion in pregnant mares, even after several months of the infection. To avoid this bacteria accumulation in the surroundings, make sure to clean the water buckets or sources from where your horse usually drinks water. Since the river is the main source of these bacteria, you should prevent your horse from coming in contact with river water and avoid drinking it. PHF vaccines are recommended yearly to prevent this bacterial infection to an extent.

Ayurvedic Aspect

Hygiene is the main and important factor to keep diseases away from us. Hygienic food and water free from any source of contamination are recommended for human and animal drinking and other uses. In Ayurveda, many diseases are listed to occur due to the presence of infectious viral, bacterial, or fungal parasites in the basic daily necessities like- drinking water. This Krimi imbalances the body doshas and different organs functioning, once they enter the body. These bacteria replicate and enter into the bloodstream to cause more issues in the body. Ayurvedic medicines are recommended to kill these bacteria and recover the abnormalities caused by them in animals.

Causes

Potomac horse fever is caused by –
Neorickettsia risticii (gram negative bacteria)
This bacteria is also commonly known as Ehrlichia risticii.

This bacteria directly reaches the horse’s stomach along with fresh drinking water indirectly.

Symptoms

Horses affected with Potomac horse fever can show a variety of symptoms. The common symptoms that can be seen are

Fever
Diarrhea
Malaise
Loss or reduced appetite
Laminitis
Colitis
Dehydration

Diagnosis

Observing the symptoms, a diagnosis is made to confirm the presence of causative agents in the body or bloodstream of horses.

Stool culture
PCR test
Blood culture

Treatment

Treatment includes the use of various medications and therapies in horses according to the symptoms shown

Antibiotics
Anti-inflammatory drugs
Intravenous fluid therapy
Ice boots to prevent Laminitis
Vaccination is the only source of early prevention

Herbal remedies by Planet Ayurveda for Potomac Horse Fever

Planet Ayurveda offers natural herbal products that are prepared in its Ayurvedic pharmacy. The company has been preparing and serving the nation for approximately more than 20 years. The products are now internationally transported to treat many diseases. Products used in the treatment of Potomac horse fever are

Products List

1. Giloy Capsules
2. Ashwagandha Capsules
3. Halorhena + Capsules
4. Digestion Support
5. Mahashankh Vati
Products Description

1) Giloy Capsules

These capsules are prepared from the standardized natural extracts of the marvelous ayurvedic herb- Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia). It is well known as amrita in ancient texts. It has great antipyretic properties that are used to ease high-grade fever in Potomac horse disease. This herb increases the killing ability of bacteria in the body. These capsules will help increase the overall immunity of the horse which can make him energetic again. The antiperiodic and antispasmodic properties of this herb help to prevent further complications of toxic bacteria. Giloy is predominantly used to cure every type of fever very effectively.

Dosage- Give 6 capsules twice daily

2) Ashwagandha Capsules

These capsules are manufactured by using the natural extracts of a famous rejuvenating ayurvedic herb Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). Ashwagandha acts as a nervous tonic that strengthens the body physically as well as mentally. Consumption of these capsules by the horse will ease the symptoms of lethargy, fatigue, and muscle ache completely. It helps improve all the body functions and body abilities. It promotes good sound sleep by balancing hormone secretion throughout the body. It makes horse fitness full and reactive.

Dosage- Give 4 capsules twice daily.

3) Halorhena + Capsules

This capsule preparation contains extracts of the herb Kutaj (Holarrhena antidysenterica). It has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, kapha, and vata dosha vitiation properties. It controls water loss from the body in stools. The capsules will recover diarrhea like symptoms in Potomac fever. These capsules promote the regeneration of damaged intestines linings by curing certain metabolic disorders associated with them. They also control bleeding due to any cause in stools. It has natural healing properties.

Dosage- Give 4 capsules twice a day.

4) Digestion Support

These capsules support digestion due to the presence of a mixture of herbs such as Amla (Emblica officinalis), Sounf (Foeniculum vulgare), Jeera (Cyminum cuminum), Dhania (Coriander sativum), etc. These capsules remove the coating of excess aam dosha and kapha dosha from the linings of the stomach, which promotes adequate secretion of digestive juices into the stomach. These capsules improve appetite by resolving gas, acidity, and constipation-like issues. It also protects the stomach linings by increasing the mucus production inside the stomach and intestines.

Dosage- Give 2 capsules twice daily.

5) Mahashankh Vati

These tablets play an important role in improving abdominal problems including gas and hyperacidity. These tablets contain very beneficial herbs and Bhasma of many minerals including swarna (gold), abhrak (Mica), etc. It allows the natural ph balance in the stomach that strengthens the intestines and improves overall stomach health.
Dosage- Give 6 tablets twice daily.

Contact Planet Ayurveda Support Team to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at – costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or Call at 0172-521-4040 (India), +91-172-521-4040 (Outside India) or Whatsapp at (+91) 9915-593-604

Conclusion

Thus, Ayurveda provides a complete side-effect-free treatment for recovery from Potomac horse fever and strengthens your horse’s stamina. To book your appointment with the doctor please visit us at www.planetayurveda.com

What is Distemper in Dogs? How can Ayurveda help?

ABSTRACT

Dogs are one of the most loving and loyal animal species. As much as they are loved, they need to be equally cared for as well. Regular vaccinations for multiple disorders are a must for dogs’ overall health. ‘D’ in the vaccine chart stands for the distemper disease in dogs. This disease is transferred to dogs via coughing and sneezing. This is highly contagious and involves multiple organ systems. In this article, let us have a look at the condition of distemper in dogs and how Ayurveda can help with it.

INTRODUCTION – WHAT IS DISTEMPER IN DOGS?

Distemper in dogs is a grave condition that arises due to a viral attack that affects the gastrointestinal, neurological and respiratory system of the organism. The virus that causes distemper is usually found in wildlife. Dogs and puppies are infected by the airborne passage the most. The virus is called as paramyxovirus causes distemper in dogs. It attacks multiple systems in the body which is why it becomes difficult to treat distemper in dogs.

CAUSES

Distemper in dogs is caused by paramyxovirus and is often transmitted via following means

Through direct contact
Through air borne exposure
Through placenta

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms in case of distemper in dogs occur in two stages. Symptoms in dog distemper occur in two stages

STAGE 1:

This is the initial stage where symptoms begin to come and are not very severe.

Fever
Nasal Discharge
Lethargy
Anorexia
Coughing
Diarrhea

STAGE 2:

This is the more severe stage which involves major systemic abnormalities in the dogs such as

Partial paralysis
Seizures
Nystagmus
Muscle twitching
Convulsions

TREATMENT

The major treatment aspect for distemper in dogs includes Vaccinations that can timely prevent the issue. Other supportive treatments for managing the symptoms include

Gastrointestinal support for severe diarrhea and vomiting.
Respiratory support for severe pneumonia
Neurological support for seizures

AYURVEDA PERSPECTIVE ON DISTEMPER IN DOGS

In ancient times, when people lived amidst nature, animals and plants became important parts of their lives. Hence, Ayurveda which originated back then had a unique concept which includes treatments for plants and animals. Ayurveda science, 5000 years ago was divided into three major parts

Ayurveda (Ayurveda for human beings)
Pashu Ayurveda (Ayurveda for animals)
Vriksh Ayurveda (Ayurveda for plants)

Ayurveda mentions this unique concept called ‘Pashu Ayurveda’. Ancient Ayurveda textbooks have various herbs and treatment methods mentioned for animals. Ayurveda veterinary medicine especially for dogs has shown great results and has prevented the side effects of modern medications. Herbs like ashwagandha, Bhrami, Amla and gokshura help majorly in dealing with issues like distemper in dogs. These herbs are found to increase the overall immunity of the animals as well and hence benefit a lot in diseases in dogs.

AYURVEDA HERBS THAT HELP IN DISTEMPER IN DOGS

1. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

Withania somnifera has withanolides presenting them which work as natural adaptogens.This herb works as a natural steroid and helps provide strength, stamina and nourishment to the body and nervous system. It has antioxidant properties and has stress relieving properties which is why it is beneficial in neurological disorders.

2. Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)

Bhrami (Bacopa monnieri) in ayurveda is grouped under the category of medhya rasayana which means herbs that are good for the brain. The active compound bacosides present in this herb works as a brain tonic and helps in nourishment of the brain cells. It has anti anxiety properties and treats neuroinflammation which makes it a choice for neurological disorders such as allodynia.

3. Vacha (Acorus calamus)

This Herb is a nerve tonic that helps increase memory span, fights anxiety and relaxes the mind. Along with the nerve supporting properties, Vacha (Acorus calamus) also helps in digesting the Ama or toxins that are produced in the body as a result of faulty diet and lifestyle. It helps balance out the vitiated vata and kapha dosha in the body.

4. Amla (Embilica officinalis)

Amla or Indian gooseberry has antioxidants and helps prevent the body from the attack of free radicals. It is a great source of vitamin C and a huge immune booster. It has a combination of five tastes in Ayurveda and helps prevent bacterial and viral infections. It has cool potency and a sweet post digestive effect which helps in dealing with inflammation in tonsillitis.

5. Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris)

Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris) is used to remove kidney stones in ayurveda. It is a natural diuretic and works amazingly well on the Genito – urinary system. It not only provides strength to the urinary system but also regenerates them and prevents dialysis in the longer run. This has madhur rasa and Vipaka along with cold potency which is why it has anti-inflammatory properties.

HERBAL FORMULATIONS FOR DISTEMPER IN DOGS BY PLANET AYURVEDA

Planet Ayurveda, a GMP certified company, prepares pure ayurveda formulations which are safer alternatives to allopathic medications. Planet Ayurveda prepares 100% pure, preservative free products. All the ingredients in the products are aimed at providing healthy intestines and balance of the tridoshas. All the products are cruelty free, made with pure herbs under the strict supervision of Ayurveda doctors. These herbs are safe to use and preservative free and have no side effects.

Product List

Giloy Ghanvati
Neuroplan Syrup
Energoplan Syrup
Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras

Product Description

1. GILOY GHANVATI

It is a tablet preparation made using Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) is a wonder herb of Ayurveda that helps in increasing the immunity and treating conditions like fever. It is also called ‘Amrit’ in Ayurveda literal translation of the word nectar. It balances the vitiated dosha and balances out all the metabolic processes of the body. Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) is one of the most used ayurveda herbs for its immune- boosting properties. Along With immunity, it also has cooling and pitta balancing properties which help relieve skin irritation, inflammation and promote healthy skin. It has sweet Vipaka (post digestion taste) and helps in relieving itching and redness.

DOSAGE: 2 tabs twice daily.

2. NEUROPLAN SYRUP

Neuroplan Syrup by Planet Ayurveda is a 100% natural syrup formulation that has various Ayurveda herbs such as Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pulicalirus), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and Pippali (Piper Longum) etc. This formulation acts on neurological disorders and helps in improving the overall brain functioning.

DOSAGE: 2 tbsp twice daily.

3. ENERGOPLAN SYRUP

Energoplan Syrup by planet ayurveda is a syrup formulation that has the following herbs such as Jeevanti (Leptadenia reticulata), Amalaki (Embilica officinalis), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) and Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) among many other ayurveda herbs. All these herbs help balance out the vitiated Doshas and help in the detoxification and overall energy levels of the body.

DOSAGE- 1 tbsp twice daily.

4. VRIHAT VATCHINTAMANI RAS

Vrihat Vatchintamani ras is a classical ayurveda preparation in tablet form manufactured by Planet Ayurveda. This formulation contains Swarna bhasma, Praval bhasma, Loha bhasma, Mukta bhasam and Abhrak bhasma. It maintains healthy functioning of the brain and maintains a healthy nervous system. This formulation mainly pacifies the Vata and Pitta disorders.

DOSAGE: 1 crushed tablet once 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

Distemper in dogs was considered a death sentence a few decades back. But ever since the increase in modern medical vaccinations and Ayurveda veterinary medicines came into forefront, this risk has reduced a lot. Timely vaccinations along with the right herbs and ayurveda treatments help a lot in treating a serious disease like distemper in dogs. It is very important to provide care to the animals around us so that the environment and the habitat remain healthy.