Chi Cha was a 6 year old female Akita who became suddenly paralysed in both back legs.  There was no history of trauma or any other obvious reason for the paralysis.  The presenting symptoms were paralysis, weakness and a fever.  

She was referred to Queensland Veterinary Specialists in Brisbane to have her spine examined with an MRI.

After a prolonged round of diagnostic tests the veterinary specialists diagnosed her with a rare condition called Eosinophilic Meningitis. This is a type of autoimmune disease where the immune systemattacks the spinal tissues.

The conventional treatment for this condition is to use strong immunosuppressant medicines (Azathioprine, Cyclosporine and Cortisone) in high doses.

Chi Cha improved a little at the start of their treatments, but still could not walk very wel. She could not empty her bladder on her own because of the spinal weakness so she remained in hospital for a prolonged period.

Because she was on such high doses of immune-modifying drugs that suppressed her immune system and was unable to urinate properly she suffered a severe bladder infection. This was treated by the specialists with very strong antibiotics over a long period. She was on anti-fungal drugs as well.

All of these prescription medicines were eroding her healing powers. She lost all feeling in her back legs and was again hospitalised at the specialist veterinary hospital.

This time after a 12 day stay Chi Cha was given a grave prognosis.  Euthanasia was recommended but her family couldn’t give up hope and so they brought her home as a paraplegic, with the specialists saying they could do no more.

We began holistic treatment with regular acupuncture treatments and a homeopathic remedy called Apis. This remedy is made from a bee sting, and we will use it in some cases of meningitis if it suits the whole picture of the animal.  Chi Cha had a number of characteristics that matched the remedy picture well.

Once we began this remedy, we could see that Chi Cha began to show more interest in the world – a subtle but powerful sign of healing! Over the following 6 weeks we were able to wean her off all the drugs which were causing her so many side effects.

We also started her on some Coenzyme Q10 to help with nerve healing and some Chinese and Western herbs to add some strength back into her system.

She slowly began to move her back legs again and was able to toilet herself. 4 months later, she was back running about in the back yard like a normal dog.  

What a hero!  And a testimony to the powers of natural medicines in the face of severe ‘incurable’ illess.  We were able to assist Chi Cha’s body to regain its usual strength and function and return her quality of life.  

Her recovery was long and difficult at times, but with dedication and hope Chi Cha’s family now have a healthy happy dog again.

Chi Cha’s parents had the foresight to take out pet insurance, and many of the medical costs in this prolonged and difficult process were covered.  

Dr Henry had this case published in the Journal of American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (JAHVMA) – a prestigious journal and testimony to the power of natural therapies, healing what the specialist vets had deemed incurable!

P.S. Please consider pet insurance for your pet – in unforeseeable circumstances it can provide so much relief to know your they have your back and will cover your veterinary bills.