Surgery 
Surgery Many holistic veterinarians recommend Arnica, a popular homeopathic remedy well-known for its ability to speed recovery from trauma, bruising, and surgery. Refer to chapter 10 on general guidelines for administering homeopathic medicines.
“There is much less scarring, stiffness, and soreness with Arnica,” says Thomas Van Cise, DVM. “Many pet owners say their animals are back acting normally very soon. Even for serious surgery, Arnica speeds healing and helps animals rapidly get back up to full steam.”
It is not necessary to give Arnica before surgery. Giving it before, as some people do, may create a need for somewhat more anesthesia.
“Give Arnica as soon as possible after surgery,” says Van Cise. “I always stick a couple of Arnica 30C pellets right under the tongue of the anesthetized animal when surgery is completed.”
Holistic veterinarians also frequently recommend variations of vitamin C and E and other nutrients to promote healing nutritionally.
I routinely do a presurgical blood screening. If there is a mild elevation of liver enzymes, I recommend milk thistle on a daily basis for three or four weeks. Milk thistle is a magnificent herb for protecting and purifying the liver. A mild elevation of enzymes indicates some irritation or sluggishness in the liver. I prefer to have the liver operating maximally before it has to deal with the chemical onslaught of an anesthetic drug. I find that this short course of milk thistle noticeably improves the enzyme levels in more than half the cases. I use a milk thistle extract made by Twin Labs, available in health food stores.
Small dogs, 1 capsule; medium dogs, 2; large dogs, 3 or 4; giant breeds, human dosage on the label. Empty the contents of the capsule in the animal’s food or drinking water.
Animals should be routinely maintained on a good multivitamin/mineral supplement. If your animal is facing surgery in the immediate future and is not receiving a daily supplement, start supplementing well in advance of the procedure. This type of nutritional fortification enhances recovery and healing.
To help relieve an animal’s anxieties and fears, use the popular flower essence Rescue Remedy before surgery. It can be given several times during the day of the anticipated surgery. The animal will appear calmer and less anxious as an effect of the remedy. See chapter 11 on flower essences.
I have seen some remarkable recoveries from surgery simply by using this great homeopathic remedy. Sutures sometimes can come out in half the normal time.
Arnica 30C: For minor procedures, such as dental treatment with one extraction, give twice a day following surgery for two days. After major surgeries, give three times daily for four days, or longer if needed.
To encourage healing and relief from pain, try this homeopathic combination:
Drop 10 pellets each of Arnica 6X, Hypericum 6X, and Staphysagria 6X in 1 ounce of spring or filtered water. Give a half dropperful several times a day for several days, starting right after surgery.
Arnica is a well-known homeopathic remedy for bruising. Hypericum is beneficial for nerves, incisions, and pain. Staphysagria works on the level of deeper pain.
The combination of the homeopathic remedies Arnica and Hypericum, along with vitamin C, has worked well to speed recovery of my patients. Hypericum is effective against pain.
Arnica 30C and Hypericum 30C: Alternate remedies hourly or every two hours the day after surgery. Decrease dosage over the next several days.
Vitamin C: Give twice daily a few times before surgery and throughout the healing period afterward. Smaller dogs, 500 milligrams each time; larger dogs, 1,000 milligrams.
A simple supplement program of B-complex vitamins, vitamin C, and amino acids helps speed healing and recovery. The B-complex product I use is Lipocaps, made by Vetus Animal Health and distributed by Burns Veterinary Supply (800-922-8767). Use any vitamin C product. The amino multi I recommend is Amino Plex, formulated by Tyson Neutraceuticals (800-318-9766).
If your animal isn’t taking supplements regularly, start this program a week or at least several days before surgery, and maintain for a month afterward. Inform your veterinarian. These supplements do not interfere with the medical procedure or any medication.
Lipocaps: 1 capsule for each twenty pounds of body weight.
Vitamin C: Smaller dogs, start at 250 milligrams; larger dogs, start at 1,000 milligrams. Increase slowly to where you notice the stool has become soft, and then reduce slightly. Ideally, divide the dose and give twice a day with food.
Amino Plex: Smaller dogs, 1 tablet daily; larger dogs, 2.
The simple addition to vitamins C and E to a dog’s food after surgery is always helpful.
Vitamin C: Give twice daily. Small dogs, 125 milligrams each time; medium dogs, 250 milligrams; large dogs, 500 milligrams; giant breeds, 1,000 milligrams.
Vitamin E: Small dogs, 50 international units (IU) once a day; medium dogs, 100 IU; large dogs, 200 IU; giant breeds, 400 IU.
Prick a vitamin E capsule and apply the oil to the site of an incision. It will help speed the healing process at the site. If the animal licks the vitamin, no problem.
Magnets can accelerate healing. Use “flexi-pad,” North Pole negative polarity or circular north-south magnets, but never a straight South Pole magnet. Apply the magnet to the surgery point for a minimum of twenty minutes at a time twice a day. If the animal is bandaged, you can slip it under the bandage. This will help against pain and inflammation and dramatically cut down healing time, often in half. I obtain my magnets from Mid-America Marketing in Eaton, Ohio (800-922-1744).