Merry Christmas

CPD requirement

In order to maintain professional standards, the annual CPD requirements have been extended with immediate effect to incorporate the following: All graduates will now be required to present a 30 minute video per year of yourself delivering an Applied Zoopharmacognosy session, per species you are qualified in. Continued membership of the register will be dependant on the successful review of this material.

This new requirement is in addition to the previously stated 8 hours

Applied Zoopharmacognosy degree module: University of Greenwich

Caroline and Tom have been working with the University of Greenwich to create the first degree module of its type, offered as part of the BSc Hons, Equine Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation.

Associate Professor Michael Hufman introduces Zoopharmacognacy

In the You Tube link below you will be able to watch colleague, associate professor, Michael Huffman, of the department of Social Behaviour and Ecology at the Primate Research Institute, Kyoto, Japan describing his first observations of Zoopharmacognosy.

http://www.youtube.com/v/WNn7b5VHowM?autohide=1&version=3&showinfo=1&attribution_tag=a0YHc-t7qpFI1_9q4gGNFw&autohide=1&autoplay=1&feature=share

Natural Health Radio

IAZ student Siobhan Pestano is interviewed by Natural Health Radio describing Applied Zoopharmacognosy and her life as a student. Please follow the link to hear the recording, also available on iTunes and You Tube (you will see a play, or download button on the screen):

http://naturalhealthradio.co.uk/food-for-thought-2pm-3pm-interview-with-siobhan-pestano/

Hope for Apes

We were delighted to attend the Hope for Apes Ball at the end of September to support the work of Ian Redmond OBE, who for thirty years has has been associated with Mountain Gorillas and their conservation. This wonderful event was co-hosted with Sir David Attenborough and Virginia McKenna OBE. If you would like to show your support for Hope for Apes and Born Free, please follow the links below:

https://give.bornfree.org.uk/donate

Grapes continued...is the skin the issue?

In this video IAZ student Melanie, observes her parrots taking the skins off grapes before eating them. As we have previously discussed in an earlier Blog, perhaps grape skins with a possible fungus could be that which is detrimental to dogs.

Scoopie

For everyone who knows Scoopie here is an update on how he is getting on. We are so pleased that everything has turned out so well for him at his new home. For those that do not know Scoopie's story refer to Blog posted 25th April.

                                       

"Just thought we'd update you on Scoopie's progress after taking him home two months ago. We hope this email will be shared with all those involved with Scoopie during his time at Bath Dogs Home.

Since bringing him back, Scoopie's come on leaps and bounds and is currently lying beside me demanding belly rubs and intermittently snoozing with P close by. He has his very own toy basket in the corner of the lounge filled with all his toys - teddies being his favourites at the moment, all with individual names - and not only is he incredibly intelligent and affectionate, he's also quickly become a wonderful family member.

Though trying at times, he's really improved over the last month and now feels much more comfortable walking past strangers and letting bikes pass him. We did initially have problems with him allowing people to step near him when he lay in doorways but this problem seems to have resolved itself now that he's settled in the house. He'll now allow you to groom him on his back legs and though not overly keen, he'll now allow you to use de-tangler so long as there are tasty treats involved.

 

We've found that he actually rather enjoys playing tugger alongside the washing machine and gets very excited whenever M comes downstairs with a washing basket in hand. He's found his favourite spot in the garden next to a flower bed and over these last few months and the hot whether we've been having he's enjoyed digging up the soil and lying in it under the shade of the house.

Always up for a cuddle, we're so glad to have Scoopie as part of the family, he's improving every day and we're happy we can give him a loving home in which he'll get everything he needs (and more!) He's regularly ruined with treats and dental sticks and he loves a good game of catch (especially with Mr Hedgehog, his new teddy). Though still wary of strange men, and Labradors, Scoopie has been introduced to some of the neighbours and has even had a cuddle with a few, including men!

We've put together some pictures of Scoopie for you and we wanted to thank you and everyone at Bath Dogs home for bringing Scoopie into our lives! He's a wonderful boy and we're so happy."

Sensory garden now open

Many congratulations to Steve Hill (Head of Behaviour) at Bath Cats and Dogs Home for his work in creating the sensory garden for dogs. Caroline was a consultant on this project advising on plants that the dogs would like to interact with and use for possible self selection. Our medical herbalist, Jane advised on the planting and growing of the herbs while also proving the green clay, for the clay pit.

ITV news: opening of sensory garden
http://www.itv.com/news/west/update/2013-08-05/bath-sensory-garden-helps-calm-dogs

On the opening night our canine volunteer enjoyed the many delights of being in the garden and at one point helped herself to a wonderful mouthful of barley grass:



This garden will provide an exciting enrichment area for all the rescue dogs, connecting them to both nature, and having fun. We hope this will be an inspiration for all rescue centres.

Bernadette Lichtfouse (PhD) teaching in 2014

We are pleased to announce an opportunity to attend two workshops with Dr Bernadette Lichtfouse: February 2014.

Bernadette is a clinical scientist and field parasitologist having extensive research experience in Europe and Africa, and is a graduate of the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine in the UK and gained her PhD in Biological Sciences at the University of Namur, Belgium. She teaches farmers integrated approaches to control parasites in their animals and has written extensively for Preventative Veterinary Medicine, The Veterinary Journal and Revue de Medecine Veterinaire.


Workshop 1: Pathogen relationships:

25th February 2014

Venue: Bristol or Bath area

This workshop will explore the process of infection or infestation illustrated with several examples of bacteria or parasites – hosts interactions. We will discuss how we can help animals boost their immune mechanisms to tolerate the presence of pathogenic organisms

Workshop 2: Parasites effecting dogs, cats and horses:

26th February 2014

Venue: Bristol or Bath area

During this workshop the biology of parasites in dogs, cats will be presented. We will discuss how we can help our companion animals to better control these infestations. We will discuss aspects of the life cycle of parasites.


To reserve your place please request a registration form from Martin:  mstubbs.iaz@gmail.com

IAZ Veterinary consultant

We are delighted to announce a new member of the team: Sarah Drawbridge

Sarah graduated from The Royal Veterinary College, London, in 2006, and since then has practiced as a small animal veterinary surgeon, in the UK and Sydney.

Sarah is a member of the British Association of Veterinary Herbalists and is also a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons ; and the Animal Welfare Science, Ethics and Law Veterinary Association. She has completed the Foundation in Veterinary Herbal Medicine, with Integrate, and attended the canine and feline Zoopharmacognosy practical courses with The Ingraham Academy and has also studied TTouch techniques.

Sarah is passionate about animal welfare, is conscious of the choices she makes, cares about our environment and has adopted a vegan lifestyle. She recently moved to Bath and is in the process of starting up her own business, "Harmony Vets." She will combine her experience, techniques taught by the Ingraham Academy, TTouch UK, Intergrate and conventional medicine to assist animals and their owners with health and healing. Sarah is particularly interested in human-animal bonds and how owners and animals influence each other.

New Apothecary date: 24.11.13

Due to the popularity of the Apothecary class, Jane is adding the following date to the schedule:

24th November 2013




Please contact the office for further details on: 0117 914 5689

Your Dog Magazine: July issue

Many thanks to Sue Corfield for her recent article on Applied Zoopharmacognosy.

Aromatic waters

We are delighted to be able to offer the following aromatic waters:

Orange Blossom (Neroli): Citrus aurantium

Damask Rose: Rosa damascena

Elderflower: Sambucus nigra

These are very different products compared to floral waters, which are often produced by adding an essential oil to water, or are by-products of the steam distillation of essential oils (officially called hydrosols).

Our aromatic waters are purposefully made in a unique still through a gentle and extended distillation process enabling both the oil and water-soluble volatile components to combine in the resultant product.

On the last two canine practical’s, dogs have chosen the Orange blossom water over the essential oil. The aromatic water enables them to enter a more playful energy that will then go on to often select mimosa. For equine’s it seems to be a 50-50 split between those that chose the water over the essential oil.

I worked with rose water for the first time last weekend, both the essential oil and the water were very often selected together, however it was much easier to use the water when they wanted it stroked on them. I have less experience with the elderflower water at this time, but in class most of the students as well as the dogs wanted to select it!

In traditional folklore elderflower is used for eye problems, so I am looking forward to seeing if this follows through in self-selection as it would be useful to have another remedy in addition to cornflower to offer. Elderflowers have long been considered to be a very healing and rejuvenating plant and it was used mainly for colds, flus, stomach and bowl problems. Emotionally it offers a sense of clarity and innocence.

www.thewildhealthshop.co.uk

Equine denistry

by Martina Egeler

Together with an equine dentist I did a small trial study to see how essential oils might help horses to cope better with dental treatment. I've been using violet leaf, frankincense and calmers such as valerian, hemp and hops.

The results were amazing.

Some of the 14 animals we saw that day had been quite difficult to treat during previous visits by the dentist. Others were basically fine but still quite tense. All of them were able to stand quietly or even relax when the rasp was in their mouth. All of them relaxed into the oils as soon as the rasp was removed. To those who had a more lengthy treatment I also offered oils to help with concentration, which also proved to be very helpful.



I had the same positive result with a pony who finds clipping very stressful. With a more lengthy dentistry or clipping session I have started introducing Black Pepper, Tobacco and Nutmeg. They definitely seem to help animals cope better.

Vasculitis

Results by Sue Guild

Treated for over 6 months with antibiotics and steroids (top pictures)

The vet agreed to try zoopharmacognosy, as conventional veterinary treatment did not appear to be working .

Vasculitis is a skin condition known to be difficult to treat successfully; there are different theories that associate the condition with the staphylococcus bacterial infection and lowered immunity. The horse has been kept in different locations and had never had any skin conditions such as mud fever until he went on a farm where the symptoms began. His owner felt it was triggered because the fields were contaminated with cattle and horse manure that wasn't correctly cleared. He believes that this together with the exceptionally wet weather experienced during the last year has led to the infection.

He was highly strung as he had been stabled consistently for over two weeks because his legs were so sore and the fields were wet and muddy.

Result after 2 weeks and 4 days (bottom pictures)

For further information please contact Sue: susan.guild@btinternet.com

Canine workshop BCDH: working with aggression towards men

We had a great couple of days working and teaching at Bath Cats and Dogs Home, which is one of the leading RSPCA Branches in the country, re-homing over 2,500 dogs, cats and small animals each year.

We worked with three dogs over the weekend, however it was working with Scoopie that brought tears to many of the students.

Scoopie was a nervous 8year old Collie who disliked men, she would lunge at them aggressively and was unpredictable around them. Scoopie  came to the centre as a puppy, but for the past four years he had been with a lady owner, who returned him due to his aggression towards men. During the past eight months at BCDH he could only be handled by female staff.

On the first day, while in the process of taking Scoopie into his subconscious mind, we gradually  introduced Steve (Head of Behaviour, below left). He lunged three times in succession aiming for Steve's jugular (he was wearing a muzzle!). Once fully in his subconscious mind and totally relaxed, Scoopie allowed Steve to get closer to him. We ended the session there for the day. After Steve left and we were tidying up, Scoopie got up and with his handler, came over to Martin and Alan (one of our students) and proceeded to walk calmly past both of them before returning to have a roll over Alan's feet! This was unheard of and the remaining students were left in amazement.

2 days following Scoopie's zoopharmacognosy session with Steve (left) and Dog handler (right)

Day 2 of course: Morning follow up: What we witnessed in the morning was incredible. Scoopie allowed both Alan and Steve to wipe his chosen oils onto his chest and then became very affectionate to Steve, rolling at this feet. Steve and Scoopie went into the garden area where they played fetch with a stick, with much exchange of affection. They looked like they had been together forever. Alan also joined them in the garden, again he was greeted with a wag of the tail. We then called a male stranger to come in (after replacing Scoopie's muzzle). This man had little behavioural experience and without knowing Scoopie's history, gave him some generous pats on his back, bent down looked straight into his eyes, kissed him on the nose and asked, "what was the problem with the dog?" All this time Scoopie stood there calmly wagging his tail.

Within 24hours Scoopie is muzzel free around men. Looking at these
 photos it is hard to beleive that there was ever a problem!

Feedback from Steve at BCDH:

Day one after course: Scoopie wags his tail when he sees me now even when I am not oiled up!

Day two after course: Scoopie has now met 4 more men. All went really well apart from one and that was the vet liason.


Follow-up on other the dogs that were on the course: from Steve BCDH

Chelsea:

Over the weekend was very stressed with visitors to the home. When she was put back in to her kennel she went and got one of the rags and took it to her bed then led down with it. I wasnt in work Sunday but when I went to see her today she did initially bark at me. I came back to see her with the oils and she was very keen to sniff all of them. Some she would bark at me straight after but was fine with me by the time I left her.

Larry:

We have not had time to do much with Larry today as Charlie is off this week but we are all looking forward to you coming down for the talk which me and Laura will be on as well as some of the other staff. 

Hi Everyone,

The last Farm Animal course had to be postponed due to the extreme weather conditions.

As a result we now have three places available on the rescheduled date of 6th April, near Ross on Wye in Herefordshire. This is a wonderful opportunity to be part of a small class as we can only have a maximum of 6, working with cattle, ewes and lambs

If you are interested in one of the places please email the Academy on: iaz.enquiry@gmail.com. Places must be reserved before Monday afternoon.

Green Clay Safety

Following information from the FSA we have checked with our suppliers that the Green Clay we use is safe for internal and external use. It is of a very high quality. If you do not purchase your green clay from The Wild Health Shop we would strongly advise you to check with your supplier, as some companies are selling a product that is potentially harmful, please see below:

"The Food Standards Agency is reminding consumers, especially pregnant women, about the dangers of ingesting clay, clay-based ‘detox’ drinks and supplements. The advice is being reissued after high levels of lead and arsenic were discovered in products being distributed by online retailers, despite the FSA warning of the potential health dangers only last year.

The FSA is advising people not to purchase or consume the following products:
Bentonite Clay, sold by buywholefoodsonline.co.uk
Bentonite Clay, sold by nealsyardremedies.com
Calcium Bentonite Clay, sold by natures-harvest.co.uk
French Green Montmorillonite Clay sold by naturalrussia.com
Premium Calcium Montmorillonite Clay, sold by synergy-health.co.uk
Edible Earth digestive detoxicant and ionic mineral supplement, sold by detoxpeople.eu and wholesalehealthltd.co.uk

This is not a definitive list of products or retailers. The Agency is working with online retailers to ensure that these products are either removed or marked as not safe for human consumption."

Equine update at Gonsal Farm Equine Rehabilitation Centre

We have just received an update from Kate at RSPCA Gonsal farm; her comments are as follows

Kimmy is a changed pony! She is allowing the girls to touch her back end now and is no longer kicking out. She was long reined yesterday and didn't mind the lines around her hind legs at all...amazing!

Aibeleen is coming on really well. She is much more confident and let Hanna pick up her front feet yesterday without a worry.

Buttercup seems much more content and not so worried. She is healing very well which is fantastic news.

Annabelle is quieter...we need to work with her again and plan to do so asap.

Once again, I cannot thank you enough for the help you have given us and the horses/ponies.

A remarkable two days at Gonsal Farm Equine Rehabilitation Centre in Dorrington near Shrewsbury



After theory in the classroom we moved out onto the yard to address a varied selection of conditions. In many rescue centres the first stage is to work with anxiolytic oils before moving onto remedies that help horses cope with their traumatic past. Caroline was surprised that these anxiolytic remedies were barely needed, instead the session went quickly to stage two, which focuses on past trauma combined with nurturing and comforting remedies.

Amy

Amy was a very fearful pony who had, had extensive procedures to treat a tooth abscess. When we arrived we were faced with a pony that had previously stood on her hind legs to box anyone attempting to touch were the abscess had been. The burst abscess left an open sore that she was very protective of.

We worked extensively with calming and nurturing oils to get her to a place of trust. Next, we offed Green Clay for its healing and protective properties, however the problem would be how to apply the clay since she allowed no one to get close, and our policy is to never apply anything without the consent of the animal. She showed great interest in the Green Clay but would not let us near her face, so we put some on the ground, which she nuzzled into, applying it to her own leg so she could then rub it onto the sore under her jaw.



We then took it to the next stage, Hannah offered calming oils while Ali stood close by with the clay in the palm of her hand. Over a period of twenty minutes Amy slowly inched her way towards Ali, until finally she placed her jaw in Ali’s palm, pressing down hard into the clay, covering the sore. We all watched in anticipation and amazement as she grew to trust us, enabling her to heal herself.



Kimmy

Kimmy is an 11 year old mare who had previously aborted a foal and who would kick out sharply if her hind legs were lifted and extended. It was not known if the problem was a behavioural issue or due to some sort of pain. Kimmy was considered too dangerous for the chiropractor who came to work with her two days before our visit. We began the session by offering various painkillers over the stable door; of these she selected a small amount of Devil’s Claw, St Johns Wort and Arnica, in addition she selected calming and nurturing oils.



Next we made an ointment from St John’s Wort, Arnica and Aloe Vera gel, which we offered to be stroked onto her hindquarters, which she accepted while she was also inhaling her selected oils. As it was stroked on, her eyes softened and she lowered her head, however she only allowed us to go as far as her hock before gently lifting her leg to indicate that this was as far as she wanted it applied. This was a huge achievement and staff were very moved. Since she was in for the night we left her selected oils on the bars of her stable, so that she could continue to work with the aromatic extracts as required.

 The many faces of Kimmy

When we arrived the following day, Kimmy was standing with her nose on the bars gently inhaling the oils; she was calm and relaxed. She did not want any additional oils, but quickly positioned herself for the gel to be applied, presenting her hindquarters purposefully. On the first day she didn’t allow any gel to be applied to her off-side, however, today she presented this side first, once applied she turned to have her near-side worked on. This time she allowed the gel to be spread down the whole leg, then when she had, had enough she simply moved away knowing that she did not need to kick out as a means of communication. Next she lowered her head indicating that she wanted some gel put on her forehead/ pole, after its application she became very still, with heavy eyes and seemed completely at ease. The session concluded.

For safety reasons, only the RSPCA staff were allowed into the stables with horses that were under the high-risk-danger code. In these cases Caroline guided the staff with the plant extracts. All students remarked on the caring and compassionate nature of the staff, which was clearly reflected in the horses.

We would like to thank all who made it such a memorable and successful course.

Notice Board

Feline practical:

We have just had a wonderful two day Feline Practical, which was split between hands on experience at Holly Hedge rescue centre followed by a home-visit scenario at New Farm in Clapton in Gordano. On day one Caroline began with a demonstration with two cats and in the afternoon the students worked in pairs in the cat pens, supporting each other as they put theory into practice, with Caroline providing direction where needed. On day two a variety of cats were worked with in a home-setting, which brings with it a different experience. Amazing results were achieved and we have had great feedback from some very inspired students and owners.

Update from Jo Sholl- Evans at New Farm: This morning she found Patchy in the herb garden that we made yesterday, and Biscuit is significantly less violent towards the puppy this morning!


  Chewy: At Holly Hedge


Canine practical:

I know some of you are waiting for feedback on how the dogs are getting on after the Canine Practical at Tilley Farm this month.


Perdie's owner Katherine, reports that she is full of life having purged a substantial amount of mucous on the day of the course. Her tail is also healing from the unidentified sore, this has alternated between applying Dead Sea Mineral Mud and Green Clay.


Meredithe's dogs are also doing well. Bu, is now clearly communicating her needs by drawing attention to the oils when she being troubled by her vulva. She does this by seeking out the Yarrow and lifting her leg for it to be applied, instead of just licking at the area.


Arrow: still waiting to hear back, his owner is making a diary and will let us know the outcome.

Pharmacology class:

We have also had a great weekend of inspirational science with Tom at the Botanic Gardens with people as far away as South Africa attending.

Equine class:

We now look forward to the Equine Practical being held this week at the RSPCA Equine Rehabilitation Centre in Shropshire.

It has been a very full, but inspirational month.

Regional Groups:


Some students have expressed a keen interest to meet up with others in their area. If this applies to you we suggest using the Facebook page to seek each other out:

http://www.facebook.com/zoopharmacognosy

CPD Day Warwickshire

Dear students and graduates, 

We would like to draw your attention to the following event at Hawksmoor Hydrotherapy Centre in Warwickshire, which would count as CPD training with the IAZ. We will be hosting a stand at the event:

Hawksmoor Congress 2013

Wednesday 3rd July 2013
8.30am -5.45pm

Subjects Covered:
FCE and Explosive Non – Compressive Disc Disease
Spinal Tumours and Cervical Spondylopathy
Hypoadrenocorticism and Hyperadrenocorticism
Immune Mediated Disease
Gait Analysis and Case Studies
Osteoarthritis
Pain Management

Lectured by:

MalcolmMcKee-RCVSSpecialistinSmallAnimalOrthopaedic Surgery

IsuruGajanaykeMRCVS-AmericanSpecialistinS.AInternalMedicine

Karen Walsh MRCVS-European Specialist in Veterinary Anaesthesia and

Analgesia

Kirsty Roe MRCVS-American Specialist in S.A Internal Medicine

Jonathan Pink-RVCS and European Specialist in Small Animal Surgery

KarlJones -MSc(VetPhysio)

Plus a guided tour of the Willows Veterinary Hospital
Thanks to our sponsors we are able to offer this event at £95 plus VAT
Light refreshments and light lunch will be included
Suitable for CPD hours for Hydrotherapists, Physiotherapists,
RVN's and is complementary to the Veterinary Nursing Syllabus for student nurses

Please Contact Sue or Sara for further details on 02476 350221

www.hawksmoorhydrotherapy.com Email;sara@hawksmoorhydrotherapy.com or sue@hawksmoorhydrotherapy.com

Hawksmoor Training Centre,Watling Street, Nr.Nuneaton,Warwickshire, CV10 OTQ

Farm animal CPD 2013

Due to the overwhelming response to this course, we have investigated a number of venues to create a second day. This has led to us contacting the sister of one of our students, Lucy de La Pasture, who has a farm in Herefordshire. This should prove to be invaluable, since TB has been the cause of the loss of many of their cattle. It is crucial to work with them before full turnout. We have set the date of March 23rd and this will also coincide with being able to work in the lambing season at their farm.

The farm originally being suggested in Bristol for the July course is a commercial dairy farm, whilst the farm in Herefordshire is an organic cattle and sheep farm.

Those who have already booked onto the Farm CPD in July, will have first choice if they would prefer to attend the CPD in Herefordshire on 23rd March (although we hope to offer a follow-up day in Herefordshire in the summer as well). All students with reserved places will be notified today. If you have not reserved a place on this CPD please contact the office and we can advise as to whether a place becomes available.

The incredible capacity of Melissa

An absolutely fascinating insight into the effects of melissa applied to a dog with an unspecified back problem. The vet was baffled and prognosis was for Rizzle to be PTS.

The case study is carried out and narrated by Carina. DipIAZ, I strongly recommend listening to it.

To listen to the recording, please click on the link below:

recording of a case study

Professional practice

It has been drawn to our attention that a few people from earlier short-course trainings are using their 'certificate' to infer professional status in Applied Zoopharmacognosy. Only the Diploma training gives professional status and therefore the ability to obtain professional insurance cover.


If you should come across anyone making a professional claim outside of being a qualified graduate of the diploma course, or you wish to check the status of someone who has attended a course at the Academy, please email the office: iaz.enquiry@gmail.com

We all know what we need

Porsche made her selection, chose Neroli, then ran off with its lid.

Courtesy of Jackie Rugger.

A belated happy New Year to you all.

We have been busy planning for 2013.

One of our projects includes us inviting Dr Bernadette Lichtfouse MVSc to teach introductory CPD's on Parasitology, Bacteriology and Immunology. Bernadette is a clinical scientist, who was trained at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine.

We have welcomed the new year in with a brand new shopping cart for the Wild Health Shop. It is based on the programme used by Amazon and enables you to store your account details and check on the progress of orders etc, so we hope that you will enjoy using the shop. We are working on new products to expand the range and will keep you updated once this happens.

I have withdrawn the Animal Aromatics Workbook from sale as it is long overdue for being updated. I am working all hours to get it replaced.

We have a busy February and look forward to seeing some of you then.