Conium maculatum: A homoeopathic alternative for the treatment of canine distemper in a dog

A 1.2-year-old intact male Labrador retriever was presented with a history of fits, temporal twitching for 5 days, lateral recumbency from 2 days, in appetence, and fever. The clinical examination revealed typical clinical signs such as temporal twitching, jaw champing, and hind limb paralysis. Vital parameters were within the normal range, but with mildly congested mucous membranes. Ocular swab samples were taken for rapid C.D. antigen testing that was negative after analysis. Haematology revealed neutrophilic leukocytosis with mild toxic changes in the neutrophils. Based on clinical evidence, the case was diagnosed as canine distemper, and initial palliative treatment was done using intravenous fluids, antibiotics, antacids, and multivitamins for 5 days. Oral tonics were also given for 1 week, and a homoeopathic drop of Distempex was used B.I.D. daily for 10 days. After initial treatment, the dog showed only improvement in appetite, but persisting hind limb paralysis and jaw champing were present. Conium maculatum (poison hemlock) drop (30 C), 2 drops T.I.D., was used for 15 days. A tele-review of the case was done, and after 2 days post-Conium use, the owner sent a video of the stumbling walk, which persisted for 7 days more. Following 3 weeks of more treatment with Conium, the dog started walking normally without any sign of canine distemper. As per the client, the dog lives a normal life now. This report shows that Conium maculatum may be employed as an empirical therapeutic strategy for canine distemper, thus indicating further research into the effectiveness of homoeopathic drugs.