| Copyright (c) 2008 The Naturally Healthy The | | | | exception of musculoskeletal manipulation |
| retina is a layer of special light-sensitive cells that | | | | techniques, will help ease the anxiety of any |
| lines the back of the eye, and functions like the | | | | sudden onset poor vision such as retinal |
| film in a camera. The image lands on the retina, | | | | detachment. Spiritual healing and Reiki will both help |
| having been focussed by the lens. Impulses are | | | | the animal to harness its own self-healing, |
| then sent from cones and rods (special retinal | | | | improving the recovery rates from surgery, and |
| cells), down the optic nerve to the area of the | | | | even spontaneous recovery. Even where the |
| brain that processes images. | | | | illness ends in blindness, healing and meditation can |
| A retinal detachment occurs if the layer of | | | | help in the adjustment process. In addition, Bach |
| light-sensitive cells is pulled away from the back of | | | | Flower remedies can help when coping with |
| the eye. In animals, this problem tends to present | | | | change and with panic, while crystals can boost |
| late in the illness, as a dog or cat cannot let us | | | | healing - I find blue lace agate helpful with eye |
| know that some of their vision is impaired. Retinal | | | | problems. |
| detachments tend to be picked up only when | | | | For the best homeopathic and aromatic |
| there is significant visual loss, often affecting both | | | | treatments for a particular animal, you are best |
| eyes. | | | | asking for the advice from a qualified practitioner. |
| Once the layer of cells is no longer attached to | | | | Homeopathic practitioners look at the environment |
| the back of the eye, its blood supply can no | | | | and personality of the animal, and include this |
| longer bring nutrients and oxygen to it. This is | | | | information when selecting a remedy to suit its |
| why the retinal detachment tends to progress, | | | | situation. This is why a long consultation is needed |
| and will worsen if not treated. | | | | to really get a good result. |
| Causes of Retinal Detachment: Trauma; Inherited | | | | With aromatics, the animal is offered several |
| tendency; Congenital defects such as retinal | | | | essential oils to choose from, and observed |
| dysplasia (seen in Labradors); Infection; | | | | closely while it smells, licks its lips or turns away. |
| Hypertension; Mature cataracts; Post-operative - | | | | The initial selection may be chosen on the basis of |
| any eye surgery; Poisoning; Hyperviscosity | | | | a combination of background knowledge (for |
| syndromes. | | | | example, that Neroli can help with separation from |
| The detached retina takes longer to perish in dogs | | | | another animal or human, and that peppermint can |
| than in cats. Success of treatment depends on | | | | help with nerve damage) and kinesiology or |
| how bad the damage is, and how long it has been | | | | dowsing, and then the animal demonstrates his or |
| there. In some cases surgery is just not feasible. | | | | her preferred options from there. Animals |
| Modern surgery involves the use of extreme cold | | | | frequently benefit from a number of different |
| or laser to stick parts of the retina back in | | | | aromatics, which the owner is encouraged to |
| position by producing scar tissue. This then allows | | | | offer daily, while a single remedy is often chosen |
| the blood supply to re-establish. | | | | with homeopathy. |
| It is essential that a vet sees any animal with a | | | | Summary: |
| suspected retinal detachment urgently. Any | | | | Retinal detachment is a rare problem in animals, |
| additional treatment to that recommended by | | | | but it is serious, and this article covers the various |
| your vet should be complementary rather than | | | | options open to the owner in managing it, from |
| alternative. | | | | the necessity to call a vet urgently, to the ability |
| Complementary therapies: | | | | to complement veterinary care and surgery with |
| Most complementary therapies, with the possible | | | | other modalities. |