Eye problem in Jack russell terrier

Hi Marilyn,
From the photo of Buster it looks like the problem is mainly in the cornea of his eye. And I am concerned that the years of cortisone injections may be related. Cortisone will cause elevated liver enzymes, and in Chinese Medicine, the eyes are the 'outlet' for the liver.

Having a veterinary ophthalmologist examine Buster's eyes for a diagnosis is excellent. In the meantime, finding some 'alternative' ways to deal with his allergies would be the next step!

Skin problems can certainly be a challenge. Whether he has dog food allergies, seasonal allergies, flea allergies, contact allergies, or all of the above, can be treated and in some cases 'cured' with alternative medicine such as homeopathy or Acupuncture.

Diet is VERY important.

Here's what I would suggest for Buster:
1. He needs liver support. Providing healing herbs for the liver even while he has had a cortisone injection, will still help him. Also, providing support to heal his liver will help his eyes, according to Traditional Chinese medicine. Give him 100-150 mg of MILK THISTLE (open the capsule and sprinkle it into his food), two times daily.

2. NO DRY DOG FOOD! His skin, his eyes, his liver and other organs, need moisture to help heal. Check our page on 10 Best Dog Food Options and consider adding in some raw meat to his canned food. NO RAW PORK OR RAW FISH. You can start by feeding him the 'canned' version of whatever dry food you have him on now. If he is already on canned food, then adding in some steamed carrots, or give him some raw carrots to eat, steamed green beans, or other green vegetable would be good. Then adding in about 1-2 tsp of ground raw chicken, turkey or beef to each meal.

3. Boosting his immune system by adding in OrthoMolecular Specialties, Mega C Powder to each meal provides an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, and a huge boost of buffered Vitamin C. As a Jack Russell, he would only need about 1/10 tsp in each meal. Mega C is available online. (Buy the smaller 226 gm container.)

To be continued in Part 2-Eye Problem in Jack Russell Terrier

Hi Marilyn,
Here's the continuation:

4. NO MORE VACCINATIONS. His immune system has been compromised and suppressed by the years of cortisone. I am not sure he would even respond to a vaccination at this point. You can have a blood test done to measure his antibody titer to distemper, rabies, parvo virus, etc. and see if he already has enough protection. In which case, he would NOT need any more vaccinations. If the titer level is low, I would seek the help of a holistic veterinarian to write an exemption form to 'excuse' him from any more vaccines.

Read Dr Richard Pitcairn's book, Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats, "Harmful Effects of Vaccination". He quotes a human homeopath, George Vithoulkas, "The experience of astute homeopathic observers has shown conclusively that in a high percentage of cases, vaccination has a profoundly disturbing effect on the health of an individual, particularly in relation to chronic disease."

In the text, Current Veterinary Therapy XI which came out in 1992(!), there is a section on Annual Vaccinations, by Dr. Ronald Schultz, stating that annual vaccinations are obsolete, and the duration of immunity after only one or two vaccinations will last the life of the dog or cat.

To find a holistic veterinarian in your area click here:
find a holistic veterinarian in your area

Please keep us posted by coming back to this page and clicking the 'click here to add your own comments' link below.

Good Luck with Buster!

Take care,
Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

DISCLAIMER: This educational advice is based on the depth of your question and the picture you submitted. The above should never replace the advice of your local veterinarian, as they have the ability to evaluate your dog in person.

Thank you for the information and advice regarding Buster's eye problem.

I have also discussed with our vet trying Atopica again for his allergies. We tried a few years ago and it helped some but it didn't seem to help enough to warrant the costly prescription.

Do you think that is worth a second try?

Hi Marilyn,
No, I do not think you should give Atopica again. Atopica is derived from cyclosporine, the same drug used to suppress the body's immune system after an organ transplant. It would be best to find a holistic veterinarian for alternative treatment for Buster's allergies.

Please keep us posted by coming back to this page and clicking the 'click here to add your own comments' link below.

Take care,
Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

DISCLAIMER: This educational advice is based on the depth of your question and the picture you submitted. The above should never replace the advice of your local veterinarian, as they have the ability to evaluate your dog in person.

Related Pages:
- Dog Eye Problems,
- Ask a Vet Online Library - Dog Eye Problems Section

hes got red inferlermation around his left eye ?bathed it with water but not rectefired anything would eye drops help.thankyou.

Dear Anonymous,
For Fudge:
Thanks for your question. I'm happy to help, but we only accept new questions from subscribers!