Expert: Dr. Christina Chambreau - 3/15/2011

Question
I have a 2 year old black lab / pit bull mix.  Yesterday he was acting sick, not eating or drinking and very blah.  Last night his eyes became extemely swollen along with his outer mouth area where his whiskers are.  We gave him benedryl.  This a.m. the swelling is down near his eyes, his breath is stinky, and he didn't eat or drink this a.m.  He also feels warm to the touch.  Any thoughts?

Answer
It does sound like he is having an allergic reaction to something. Be sure his food and water bowls are not plastic (glass, metal or non leaded ceramic) though it sounds more severe. If he is not better at this point, I would suggest finding a holistically trained practitioner who can offer you many different options. Reiki could also help.

An integrative veterinarian is trained in many different approaches, including using conventional drugs only when absolutely needed. Working with one can increase the chance that your cherished companion can live a long and healthy life after recovering from this current problem. There are good ones and great ones, and a few homeopathic veterinarians will consult by phone or email. Read my comments at the end on working with and selecting a holistic veterinarian.
You can go to the web sites for each type of holistic practice and use their referral list to find one near to you:
1. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine: www.IVAS.org & www.TCVM.com
2. Homeopathic veterinarians (these can often help you by phone if no other holistic practitioners are nearby that you like): www.theAVH.org  We offer an introductory class before the conference.
To find homeopathic practitioners for yourself, and homeopathic products, go to
http://www.nationalcenterforhomeopathy.org/products-and-services; http://www.homeopathicpharmacy.org/members/; http://www.nationalcenterforhomeopathy.org/resources/practitioners
3. Chiropractor - www.animalchiropractic.org
4. Wide range of other treatments: www.AHVMA.org, American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association

REIKI:
From the book, Healthy Animal's Journal - "Reiki: Personally, I think every person who lives with or works with animals must know at least Level I Reiki. The practitioner places her hands upon the animal (or it can be done from a distance – even internationally - as some animals are too sensitive for direct touch) with the intent for healing to occur. The energy flows through the healer into the animal. It is a very good adjunct to any healing modality, especially to relieve pain and inflammation. It also "takes the bad out of" things. By doing Reiki on smelly water in restaurants I have been able to drink sweet tasting and smelling water. Use Reiki anytime that you must give injections, vaccines, drugs, flea or heartworm drugs, or other substances with potential toxicity. Do you work in a grooming salon, or kennel, or veterinary clinic, or barn or anywhere animals are being seen? Use your Reiki on any treatments to be given and to calm the animals. People have reported getting animals to eat by doing Reiki on their food. http://www.reiki.org . http://www.ReikiTails.com is a great practitioner in Maryland who knows a lot about cats. Get a free treatment at www.interdimensionalhealing.com. Great information on Reiki - http://www.reikicourse.org Kathleen Prasad is a wonderful teacher and works with my favorite sanctuary and holistic education center, BrightHaven www.brighthaven.org.  Kathleen leads a free monthly telechat for anyone trained in Reiki and using it with animals. http://www.animalreikisource.com/ If you cannot find a Reiki Class near you (same class for people and animals as it connects you through an "attunement" to the healing energy of the universe, making you a channel of healing), three groups offer long distance, free, attunements. http://theholisticcare.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=13 http://www.freereikiattunement.com Another group that offers Reiki attunements, classes and training on-line www.ReikiBlessings.com and animal classes, too www.animalhealers.homestead.com/ A client of mine is using Christine, Her name is Christine at cbearse@earthlink.net, www.awakeningrainbows.com. To receive free distance Reiki send her your first name only, city and state, and whether or not you have had any Reiki training.  She invites you to include your pets as well.  She uses a teddy bear and does a full body Reiki distance treatment for one hour each Sunday evening from 9 p.m. until 10 p.m. EST.  Barbara Mariano, in CA (remember they do this from a distance) - http://www.barbaramariano.com/ Janice Shettle – Maryland – does hoseses, dogs, cats and people – excellent 443-801-4507

Another wonderful healer, Deena Spears works long distance with Tuning. www.Singingwoods.com. I have seen many animals and the people in a home be healed by her work on one individual – all benefit.

A new type of healing taught around the world is Reconnective Therapy and it works on people and animals. www.TheReconnection.com. Donna West can work long distance – www.Reconnecttome.com, as can many other practitioners.