Have a Shiloh Shepherd, Osa, who is underweight (has always been so).Have her brother - he is in great health. (EPI runs in the line - and her mother recently developed auto-immune disorders.)
Let me state here : I have been studying and teaching (early on) herbal medicine for forty years, so am fairly committed to seeking cures rather than palliatives.

Osa had an infected anal gland four (?) months ago - and the local vet excised it. Even though he diagnosed it as peri-anal fistulas (and he may very well be right) he treated with strong antibiotics for a period of 6 weeks. I went along with it even though, in light of later research, it made no sense. She was symptom-less and he wanted to do cryo-surgery. This did not seem a good choice (and also rather costly for my meager budget). I previously had a dog who a vet was going to "put down" at age 5 - live a long healthy life by virtue of diet change. Also had a dog who lived for two plus years - with a quality of life with hemangioscarcoma (with a wonderful vet's assistance - who humoured me and later pretty much converted to holistic!). So no novice here.
Osa is on Aloe Vera in her water, cellular oxygen uptake drops, Yucca drops and a product called Herbal Melange, or Moor's Earth. In case you have not heard of it - it is a product of 380 herbs composted over centuries in one particular part of Europe. Zack (her brother) used to eat potting soil and dig holes (the entire breed line are grazers) but since the addition of this to their water he has stopped!

I cannot afford a raw diet – especially since I am convinced eating hormone/antibiotic meat is contraindicated. She was fine for a while and then developed a very small fissure. (3/16 inch, more or less) and then switched their diet to Innova Large Breed mixed with Evo – a dry kibble that is carbohydrate free (meant to take the place of raw diets). This was about 5 weeks ago. Am considering putting her on a single source food – but it is a financial burden since cannot simply put a bowl out for her alone. (Not that the Innova is cheap!) How important do you think it is to go single source? Or do you think perhaps the Innova might suffice - being chemical free?

Since forever have been adding to their food a probiotic/digestive mix and also a mix with chlorella, alfalfa, assorted appropriate herbs, brewer's yeast, flax seed meal and an endless list of dog appropriate supplements (periodically mix Udo's Choice supplement or like ones with the greens and herbs, etc). Intermittently add extra acidophilus.

Also give her something called Pancreatin 8X plus (Pancreatin, Trypsin, Chymotrysin, Anylase, Protease, Lipase) and a product by Standard Process called Immunplex (basically vitamin/mineral supplementation), plus extra E.

Have been using something called Wonder Dust directly on the fissure. (three weeks now). But, while it is not getting worse, is not getting better.

She has a darkness around her eyes which is concerning me (she is white so it is quite visible). And in the lower eyelid is a muddy line/area. It is this symptom which prompted me to write. It has me quite concerned. She is in good spirits, appears otherwise healthy and full of energy – but the symptom is ringing an alarm bell………………

Absolutely ANY suggestions are appreciated – and what do you think the eye thing might be?????

Appreciate greatly……….
Rae Dejur

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