Rudolph’s Story

Diagnosis: Norcardia, 50% chance of recovery
with 12 months of antibiotics

On August 9, 2005 while doing morning feeding, I noticed Rudolph, our1-1/2 yr old reindeer, was limping. He’s one of seven here at Reindeer Games. As I got closer, I saw swelling on his upper left front leg as well as a gouge just behind his knee. Not sure how this happened, as we regularly check fences, reindeer pens and stalls for anything harmful.

I called Dr. Lynn Peterson and he was there in the afternoon to check Rudolph’s injury. We started him on LA200 antibiotics immediately. Rudi had a temp of 102.9, 101.5 is normal for a reindeer. Within five days, the upper leg swelled more. The wound itself was healing, no draining ever occurred. We switched antibiotics to Poliflex to see if that would fight the infection. Temp continued to be up over 102. By 8/21, the swelling moved down the leg to the hoof. The upper leg was double in size by now, very warm at all times. Dr. Lynn suggested we open the wound to see if we could initiate drainage. We were disappointed with the outcome. Not much change and nothing seemed to drain. We switched antibiotics to Nufluor. After another week of no change, we decided to go back to LA200 – I think we saw some results with it. Slight reduction in temperature occurred the week we used it prior. On 8/29, the upper half of Rudi’s leg developed puss bubbles that were starting to open and drain. We thought this was good; maybe the leg would go down in size. The drainage was very thick and it had to be pulled from his leg. Cultures were sent in for test.

Rudolph is a very special reindeer. He was the first born on our farm and spent two weeks in our living room with 24 hour bottle feeding. It’s made him an incredible buddy. As close as we are, I saw how he was loosing his want to be here. He stayed in the barn near his food and water because it was painful for him to move. He didn’t graze anymore. If he wasn’t as close with us, he may have given up the fight completely.

And this is where I met Mary Farnham and she shared her knowledge.

Nocardia infection is a fungus infection that can affect skin and spread to lungs and the brain. Nocardia is found in soil around the world. It can be contracted by inhaling contaminated dust or via contamination of a wound with soil containing nocardia. The main risk factors for nocardiosis are a weakened immune system . About 10% of cases of uncomplicated Nocardia pneumonia are fatal.

Rudolph was very patient during his 40 minute soaks, 2 x’s a day

Essential therapeutic oils and mineral soaks were used for six days while we gathered more information. I clearly remember the evening after Rudolph’s first treatment. As usual, he was lying in his stall when I came to feed. But he was making a very strange sound; it was like he was humming. For the first time in weeks, he seems somewhat content. Reindeer, at Rudi’s age, usually don’t make any sounds. This lasted for at least five minutes. I sat by him and just enjoyed. Throughout the week, his attitude had changed. He was very receptive of the treatment, including a photonic light and the 40 minutes soaks two times a day. The swelling started to go down. I saw a twinkle in his eye again but we still had a long way to go with this sick reindeer.
On 9/8, the culture results showed fungus, so we knew what we were dealing with. Dr. Lynn prescribed new antibiotics, best suited to deal with fungus, along with rifamprin, which was used as a carrier for the new antibiotic. Treating the leg is a difficult because of limited circulation. He also gave Rudolph sodium iodine IV flushes.

Mary and I put a plan together that covered the infection, internal and external, Rudi’s immune system, compromised organs, acidity levels from antibiotics and treatment for lumps on his neck from injections. Our treatment included the therapeutic essential oils, homeopathic remedies, natural medicines and photonic treatments. (See page with treatment chart). Peppermint, clove and thyme were use in the mineral soak; peppermint for the heat and inflammation, clove and thyme for the infection. Lavender and Melrose were combine with mineral gel and applied to the leg. We also gave Rudi oils internally. I used an oral syringe to give him clove, thyme and oregano along with almond oil. The traditional Raindrop oils and ImmuPower were also used.

Reindeer are a challenge to raise because of their underdeveloped immune systems. We do have resources for health issues, one of them being the University of Alaska. Dr. Lynn had made phone calls and conducted research this time and in the past. He found out that recovery for nocardia can be as long as 12 months on antibiotics. Even then, the change of recovery is only 50%. He asked me to consider what was best for Rudolph (to put him down). I couldn’t even consider that, and I think the oils gave me the hope I needed to continue.
Miraculously, Rudolph was able to go through sleigh training this fall. He pulled Santa in many parades. We experienced one time that his leg swelled but we put him back on three days of clove, thyme, oregano and basil. No reoccurrences since then. My vet is amazed that Rudolph’s leg has healed at all. He is particularly tickled with the tissue regeneration. I attribute this to the use of therapeutic essential oils.

Since then, I have used the oils on a broken finger and various cuts and scrapes with remarkable results. The healing time is considerably shorter. I feel empowered now that I have the oils here on the farm. I will still rely on my veterinarian, however with the oils we are able to treat reindeer injuries or any of the other things that come up with 35 animals – without always having to poke them with a needle.

I am grateful that Mary entered our lives when she did and shared her knowledge of this incredible gift. I am still amazed when I reflect back on Rudolph’s recovery. Contact me with any questions.

Cindy Phillips
Reindeer Games
262 670 9515

cindy@reindeergames-wi.com

Rudolph’s treatment 9/8 thru 10/12/05