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