Respiratory System

Text Box: FROM THE CHAPTER ON THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM EPISTAXIS Epistaxis is another name for nosebleed or nasal haemorrhage and is not that uncommon in horses. Normally the haemorrhage affects only one side; bilateral bleeding suggesting more serious conditions such as problems with the guttural pouches or lower respiratory tract. Blood may be present with pus in a small number of cases of sinusitis. Small unilateral nosebleeds often occur after exercise and should not normally be any great cause for concern unless the problem becomes a very regular occurrence. There are several remedies that can help. Bear in mind that the selection of the remedy should correspond to the character of the blood seen and the underlying circumstances. In all cases use the 30c potency every 10-15 minutes until the bleeding ceases. Aconite Bright red haemorrhage following exercise or over-exertion. Arnica Bright red haemorrhage following trauma to the nasal region. Phosphorus Watery bright red blood that does not clot easily. Suited to sensitive lean animals. Millefolium Bright red blood that does not clot. Bleeding from the least exertion will often respond to this remedy. Millefolium can also be used for epistaxis associated with trauma, where there is bleeding from the lower respiratory tract or where the temperature of the horse is elevated persistently. Ipecacuanha Indicated where there is profuse bleeding of red blood together with laboured breathing. Blood appears from the nose in profuse gushes. Hamamelis Useful for passive bleeding where the blood is much darker in colour and does not clot readily.

Text Box: Aconite (Aconitum napellus) is a remedy with a wide sphere of action including stopping bleeding

Text Box: Arnica is the best known of all homeopathic remedies