Page 10 - Summer 24

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and hurriedly investigated the room. She also regularly sought attention, both from the owner and from me, jumping up with her front feet onto our laps but remaining there for only a second before going on to do something else. It was quite exhausting just looking at her!
Mentals: Her activity levels were described as manic. She never walked anywhere, always running, and dislikes being restricted (as was evident during the consultation!). She even had to rush around between mouthfuls of food while eating, even favourite foodstuffs. The only time she ever sat still for any period was to watch spiders and small insect{s}, when she would sit motionless for some time before catching them.
Very easily bored with a poor attention span. Desires company of the other dogs. Sensitive to moods. She had no specific fears, but was tentative when presented with anything new; despite being quick to go and investigate she would soon run away again with any unexpected noise or movement. She was sensitive to noises coming from the waiting room, looking variously curious, uncertain, and occasionally starting; she sometimes barked through the door.
Has no anger. Very easily excited and, when unoccupied often runs around in figures of 8 at home. The manic behaviour was worse on first waking up, and at its minimum after eating.
She was very sensitive to music, leaving the room as soon as any music was put on, and whining at the door to be let out if the door was closed.
Obstinate and determined to get her own way as if her mind was fixed on something: “driven to do something” were the owners own words.
A messy dog, loves to get dirty, very untidy.
Generals: No time modalities had been noted except on waking in the morning.
Quieter in hot weather. Avoids the heat, desires open and
fresh air, tries to get near the open window if driving in the car or in the house. Likes to be fanned if hot, lays on cold floors, loves cold water sprays.
Appetite not very good. May pester for food then not eat it. A finicky eater, partly related to always being in a hurry to do something else.
Food: Desires- fish; pickles; other strong tasting foods (owners take-aways etc.); ice cubes. Aversions- none known. Upsets- fat (causes diarrhoea if excess eaten). Thirst is excessive, drinks a lot at one time.
Sleep: the owners thought she probably didn’t sleep at all, constantly hearing her move around restlessly at night. If she is ever dosing she is very easily awakened by the slightest sound.
Locals and particulars:
Female genital system: Had not had a season when seen (15 months of age)
Extremities: Hip dysplasia was present, the hips having scored 32/32 on routine HD radiographs. The dog had no problems with lameness as yet.
Physical examination
Respiratory system: Panting continuously, otherwise normal
Cardiovascular system: Very full, bounding, rapid pulse; very loud, strong heart sounds, could be readily felt through the chest wall.
Mouth: Rather wet-mouthed, otherwise nad. Teeth in good condition, no halitosis.
Skin and hair coat: In excellent condition, good superficial shine.
There were no other abnormalities detected on clinical examination.
Repertorisation
Initially 10 rubrics were taken (Synthesis repertory, my weightings in brackets):-
MIND: Impulse, morbid – run to p122
Music; agg p152 Perseverance p155 Sensitive p174
GENERALS: Cold air; desires p1564 Lean people p1624
Food and drink; fat agg. P1599
STOMACH: Appetite; wanting p620
SLEEP: restless p1403
Repertorising without weighting gave Sulphur 19/9, Lycopodium 18/8, Pulsatilla 18/7, Sepia, Silica, Nux vomica and Graphites all 15/7. Taking weighting into account, using Radar programme, the remedies Iodum, Phosphorus and Tuberculinum were also suggested. Using the Vithoulkas Expert System on the same programme suggested Tuberculinum as the most probable remedy choice. Of those under consideration, it seemed that Tuberculinum and Iodum were closest to the picture seen. Tuberculinum was chosen because of the strong impulse to run everywhere, the constant desire for change with easy boredom with the desire to investigate anything new (even with a degree of uncertainty). Iodum could have easily been chosen, with its restlessness, <heat, <closed room. Both these remedies often are associated with increased appetite and weight loss, and glandular enlargements, both of which were absent from this case. Tuberculinum is a common prescription for hyperactive children.
Treatment
Split dose of Tuberculinum 1m given 17/10/96 and 18/10/96.
Follow-up
Tia was reported to have looked “bleary-eyed” after the dose, then seemed to have become even more hyperactive
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