Holistic Treatment for Dog Eye Pannus

April 26, 2013

Hi Susan,

Thanks for your submission, but your photos are out of focus. What I can see on the lateral, (8-9 o’clock) aspect is just some pigmented area on the sclera, (white portion), of his eye.

This does not constitute pannus. In dogs that are black and white, having sclera with pigment is not unusual. If you had him examined by a veterinary ophthalmologist, I would trust his opinion. But to be completely safe, it might not be a bad idea to get a second opinion. If this diagnosis is accurate, and Bennie does need to have immune support, there are a number of supplements that are good, check out some of these.

1. Missing Link Canine Formula
2. Immuplex from Standard Process
3. OrthoMolecular Specialties, Mega C Powder

A good diet and homeopathic remedies for constitutional treatment are also essential for him to be healthy, whether he has pannus or not.

See our page on 10 Best Dog Food Options, and consider a Raw diet
for Bennie.

None of the raw diets that I am aware of contain chemicals, additives, preservatives or artificial colors. Other factors to consider would be effects of vaccinations, and any flea or tick products used, especially those like Revolution, that are applied topically and absorb into the blood stream.

Also, check out Wondercide Quick Treat (Eco Treat + Evolve) made from Cedar oil for a natural flea/tick preventive.

A holistic veterinarian should be consulted to write an exemption form for Bennie to avoid future vaccinations. Dr Richard Pitcairn’s book, Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats, has an excellent section on **Harmful Effects of Vaccinations**. Dr. Pitcairn is a veterinarian, and has a PhD in Immunology. There are a number of homeopathic remedies specific for eye problems, but the BEST treatment is to aim for a ‘constitutional’ approach and treat the WHOLE patient, NOT just his eyes. Especially, if there is some component of ‘vaccinosis’ that may have triggered this pannus to occur.

As for toys, Border Collies need to keep busy! They are bred to be working dogs, so they need a ‘job’! Providing toys like Buster cubes that have food inside but need to be manipulated a certain way so periodically only ONE piece of food falls out, (sort of like a slot machine for dogs), where they are rewarded intermittently, are ideal for this breed. See Dr. Ian Dunbar’s site for behavior issues for high energy dogs, and suggestions for toys/play games.

TO BE CONTINUED IN PART TWO

Hi Susan,

Here is the rest of my response.

You wrote,
” like to know if there is chemical allergen testing for canine.”

There are ‘Allergy tests’ for canines. Usually these tests are limited to pollens, molds, trees, food, natural and synthetic materials such as wool or polyester. I am not aware of allergy testing for ‘chemicals.’ There are some holistic veterinarians that can do Applied Kinesiology, (or AK), testing the patient for unusual sensitivities to chemicals, pesticides, environmental toxins, etc.

To find a holistic veterinarian in your area click on the link below

Another resource for vets knowledgeable in homeopathy is AVH.org.

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: The above should never replace the advice of your local veterinarian, as they have the ability to evaluate your dog in person.

Hello Dr. Tillman..I am sorry my pics were out of focus…What appears on “Bennie’s eye, as I can see is …1.At 8-9’oclock Brown Pigment “spots”on the sclera that appears to have “blurred” over the line of the Iris as you are also seeing in the pic. Also a very small “dot” of “redness”..We agree…2. On the Iris itself, at 9’oclock is a dark defined edged “circle” spot.On the “top” of the circle I can see the shininess, filmy texture, if you will,I THINK is the cornea???….This is my visual interpretation as a non qualified doctor. I would say that I am NOT sure if this dark circle pigment is toplying on the cornea OR inside the actual Iris. I had thought that this circle almost looked like a small contact lens that could be lifted off. Again only my visual interpretation.I am unfamiliar with what actual PANNUS should look like. I previously owned another Border Collie but she did not have PANNUS.Bennie has come from the same breeder. I also spoke to the breeder recently and Bennies brothers and sisters are all in good health with no eye complications at this time.. Bennie has recieved vaccinations.Rabies,5-1,Corona,Bordetella,Lyme,Heartworm Preventitive,and FRONTLINE topical flea product.I did think after reading online that PANNUS was more of a very red inflammatory eyeball..For which Bennie does not have..Your feedback would be greatly appreciated..Sincerely, Susan

Hi Susan,

Thank you for trying to describe the ‘lesion’ on Bennie’s eye. But, as they say, a picture is worth a thousand words!

From your written description, I cannot say that what you describe is pannus, but I am not a board certified ophthalmologist. Since you have checked into this online, you have probably also learned that Border Collies are not high risk breeds for this problem, like German Shepherds.

Considering this is potentially a serious problem that may progress, you might want to see if you can get a second opinion from another ophthalmologist. Or consider a holistic veterinarian that can give Bennie a ‘general’ workup going by his symptoms, possibly prescribing a homeopathic remedy. In the meantime, STOP Frontline, NO more vaccinations, and start to incorporate some RAW meat into his diet, along with some immune supplements!

Then in 3-6 weeks see how he is doing.

Another resource for vets knowledgeable in homeopathy is AVH.org.

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: The above should never replace the advice of your local veterinarian, as they have the ability to evaluate your dog in person.

Maybe I should have asked you how PANNUS is differeniated from other diseases?? symptoms??? Or could it appear to be PANNUS but possibly be something else regarding a Border Collie?? ( Eye ulcer ex.)….Yes, I have gone online and researched PANNUS. and viewed MANY pictures of dog eyes. After viewing so many sites it became quite confusing. I can say that at Bennie’s Opthomologist appt.The procedure was… His eyes were dilated, tear strip check, and a green dye was administered to both eyes before ocular intruments were used to observe both of his eyes before diagnosis.He then was prescribed drops and cream med..There is only one Opthomologist here in our area that I am aware of..Thankyou Susan

Hi Susan,

Your ophthalmology veterinarian sounds like all of the ‘correct diagnostic tests were done on Bennie. Just looking at an out of focus photo, all I can say is that the sclera appears discolored. Pannus involves a growth of new blood vessels or capillaries that will grow over the cornea. Therefore it does appear discolored, but more specifically, it will appear as if the cornea seems to have tissue starting to cover it.

I suggest you follow the advice of the ‘conventional’ veterinarian for now, PLUS incorporate some of my suggestions starting Bennie on a NEW diet, and immune system supplements, and NO vaccinations.

Also, you should seek out a holistic vet. In the repertory there are 21 different homeopathic remedies for pannus in dogs. Taking the case, would involve going back over Bennie’s entire life. Utilizing homeopathy means we are using any rare, strange and peculiar symptoms of Bennie in order to choose a specific homeopathic remedy to treat him. NOT just his eye, but his entire body on the physical, emotional and mental levels!

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: The above should never replace the advice of your local veterinarian, as they have the ability to evaluate your dog in person.

Hello Dr…I have found a Holistic Doctor in my area and have made my appointment for Bennie..Bennie also has a follow up appt. in 3 months with the Opthomologist.He is taking his daily meds of NEOPOLYDEX and TACROLIMUS. From what “I” see on Bennies eye is basically a dark brown circle with a defined edge.It appears flat and not raised..As if it could be a small ” like contact lens” sitting on top of his eyeball/Iris at the 9’0clock position.The brown pigment is NOT cloudy,red, or grayish in color .Then,where the dark pigment “meets” the line of the Iris and Sclera it becomes “blurred”..The white Sclera then has small dots of pigment…I do not see any redness or blood like vessels and/or blood capilllaries as I would normally interpret it to appear like visually..I am also writing down Bennies past history for the Holistic Dr. ..Bennie did have a dog attack to that eye 6 months ago..He recieved stitches at the hospital under the bottom eyelid of that eye.He was given Anesthesia, antibiotics..I will write all of this down including his dog foods, vaccinations, flea med., etc…I will comment back on his progress.Thankyou Dr. I now have better understanding of PANNUS and treatment for..Susan

Hi Susan,

May 2, 2013

That sounds great, that you have made an appointment with a holistic veterinarian! The veterinarian will not only concentrate on Bennie’s eye, but will help improve his entire level of health.

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

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

DISCLAIMER: The above should never replace the advice of your local veterinarian, as they have the ability to evaluate your dog in person.

I will let everyone know how “Bennie” is doing…In hopes that it might also help someone else in this situation……Thankyou, Susan……….P.S. Bennie says thankyou too!!!!!