Nutritional & non-drug therapy help for arthritis and hip dysplasia

Many of our pets through age, heredity, or physical stress are showing signs of joint pain and discomfort. While some pets are predisposed to these crippling ailments through breeding, other factors such as weight, joint stress, even diet can bring on symptoms and are often overlooked.

With conventional treatments, such as prescriptive drugs working to subdue the discomfort, often the underlying disease is neglected¹. Increasingly though, researchers, veterinarians, and owners are finding help by recognizing the roles of nutrition, environmental factors, and non-drug therapies. Now our pets are benefiting from an ever an increasing range of natural alternative treatments that have few, if any, side effects and begins with nutrition.

Nutrition - Commercial foods have improved tremendously over the last few years. Yet, just as we should improve our own health with fruits, vegetable, and whole grains, we should also try to offer more natural diets to our pets.

Dietary Supplements - Studies now offer evidence that while many of the antioxidants and trace minerals found in a multiple vitamin/mineral supplement are beneficial, of particular interest are Ester-C, a non-acidic form of the anti-oxidant vitamin C², and the omega-3 fatty acids - EPA and DHA. Other supplements include shark cartilage, Coenzyme Q10, and chondroitin sulfate.

Weight - Recent studies have shown that 40-60% of adult cats and dogs are dangerously overweight. Pets are given too many treats, too much food, and too little exercise³. Maintaining your arthritic pet’s ideal weight is important because of the stress extra pounds can place on the joints.

Environmental factors - When was the last time the floor felt comfortable to you? Not to mention the cold drafts or dampness. New heated bedding designs and joint supporting fillings can help provide soothing relief AFTER exercise sessions.

Herbal Remedies - Animals are the original herbalists. And, most of what we know about herbs we have learned from animals, whether through observation of animals in the wild, or scientific experimentation. Detoxification blends and anti-inflammatory herbs can help pets achieve natural health balances⁴.

Homeopathy - New combination formulas, from several manufacturers, offer more symptom-based homeopathic treatments for pets. For pet owners interested in learing more about the homeopathic system, new quidebooks, such as Homeopathic Care for Dogs & Cats by veterinarian Don Hamilton, along with the ”standards” such as the Materica Medica and the Repertory are a must!

Flower Essence - Flower essences play a part in healing in all levels by treating the mental-emotional level thereby enabling physical healing methods to treat disease⁵.

Massage - Massage increases blood circulation, helps aches and pains, reduces blood pressure, soothes away fears, encourages relaxation, and is a natural way to increase the bond between you and your pet.

Acupressure - Stimulation of acupressure points can produce pain relieving endorphins, relieve muscle spasms, and release the body’s natural cortisone.

Aromatherapy - Animals of all kinds can benefit from the remarkable “showers of energies” of aromatic essential oils. Formulas for rheumatism and ostheoarthritis can be found for animals in such books as Veterinary Aromatherapy by Nelly Grosjean. Because of the potential of toxicity with cats, essential oil hydrosols are the only options advised.

When weighting your choices, remember it may take a little longer for the non-drug therapies to become most effective. But you and your pet just might feel better creating an environment, both inside and outside the body, that supports the natural healing inclination.

1. Ben Babal, “The Arthritis and Diet Connection,” NFM’s Nutrition Science News, September 1995
2. L. Phillips Brown, DVM, Proceedings oft 1994 Am. Holistic Veterinary Medical Assn. Annual Conference.
3. L. Brown Phillips, DVM, “Fat Pets,” Healthy and Natural Journal, Vol. 2 Issue 5
4. Greg L Tilford and Mary Wulff-Tilford, Herbs for Companion Animals.
5. Diane Stein, Natural Healing for Dogs & Cats, The Crossing Press, 1993

A Healing Touch for You and Your Dog

“We’ve seen a huge shift in the awareness people have of alternative modalities for animals over the years,” says Nancy Zidonis and Amy Snow, co-authors of The Well-Connected Dog and AcuCat. “People are opening up to the ‘healing arts’ rather than just the ‘practice of medicine, and our new books provide an explanation of the history, theory of acupressure and its applications for companion animals.”

The basic elements of acupressure are the same as for humans and can be used to treat acute as well as chronic health problems. In traditional Oriental thought, every human and animal is born with a fixed amount of life energy, or Chi, at birth. Chi flows through the body in pathways known as meridians. The meridian pathways carry messages from the acupressure points to specific organs or parts of the body.

Stimulation of points can produce endorphins, which reduce pain; relieve muscle spasms; increase blood supply to ailing areas; release the body’s natural cortisone, to reduce swelling; even antibody production can be measurably increased.

The basic acupressure treatments are based on four steps and the owner’s participation. “There is a unique element in healing that can occur more readily when the person who is related to the animal is the one doing the touching of the animal,” Nancy interjects.

Step 1) The Art of Observing - study of the animal in its environment, during treatment, and after treatment

Step 2) Introducing Yourself — by talking, petting, and then asking permission to work on your companion.

Step 3) Structure Touch, The Opening - the use of the heel of your hand to work from behind the skull to the outside of the hind leg, known as the bladder meridian.

Step 4) The point work — the nucleus of the acupressure treatment. Point work, which can be done with a thumb or finger, brings balance to the meridian system and facilitates the healing process.

“Acupressure and bodywork offer an exciting and rewarding opportunity for you to involve yourself with your loving and loyal pet.” For more information on acupressure clinics or to order The Well-Connected Dog and AcuCat contact us by email or 1-800-738-4584.

By Kim Danoff, D.V.M. ©2003

Conditions Commonly Treated with Rehab:

• Paralysis
• Arthritis
• Limb deformities
• Disc disease
• Weakness
• Pain
• Pre and Post-op orthopedic and neurologic surgery
• Obesity and weight management
• Lack of endurance and strength
• Amputations

Rehabilitation begins with a thorough evaluation and a detailed medical history. It is typically more comprehensive than an average office visit, as it entails a physical exam, orthopedic and neurologic exam, x-ray evaluation, gait analysis, flexibility analysis with a tool called a goniometer, assessing muscle mass (or atrophy) by measuring limb circumference, and pain assessment.

Based upon the evaluation, a rehab program is designed specifically for your pet. It may include one or a combination of therapies depending upon the goals of treatment: goals set by you, your veterinarian, and the rehabilitation veterinarian. Are you trying to reduce pain, increase flexibility, boost endurance or improve mobility? Therapy may begin prior to surgery, following an injury, or upon referral for a limb deformity. But it is most successful when therapies are integrated and coordinated from the beginning, when the initial injury occurs and prior to a surgery being performed.

Rehabilitation Therapies:

• Acupuncture
• Underwater treadmill
• Pulsed signal therapy
• Land treadmill
• Whirlpool
• Electrical stimulation
• Ultrasound
• Therapeutic exercises
• Stretching/range of motion
• Hot/cold therapy
• Massage and/or reiki
• Anti-inflammatory medications and herbal fomulas
• Nutraceuticals
• Brace and prosthetics
• Carts/wheelchairs
• And much more

For rehabilitation facilities in other locations throughout the US, visit the website www.utc.edu/canine and click on the “clinics” heading.

by Deborah C. Mallu, D.V.M.

For those of you who’ve had little exposure to alternative healing modalities, the new and sometimes controversial information may be overwhelming. I have been on the path of holistic medicine for several years and wish to share with you ways you can gently incorporate this new information into your lives.

Holistic Care: Body, Mind and Spirit
Adjust your thinking to accept all three aspects of healing. Holistic care encompasses healing of the Body, Mind and Spirit. Your pet’s physical condition incorporates the Body aspect. The Mind aspect is assessed through your insight along with the observation of your pet’s astuteness. The Spirit aspect of healing is brought forth by desire and the emotional dynamics between you and your companion animal.

Communicate with your pet
As you progress along the path of holistic care, you will come to realize you are connected and communicating with your companion animal. This is not a special psychic ability. We all have this inherent ability because we all are connected: our thoughts and actions affect every other being. Trust yourself. Trust the information you receive. Our companion animals are spirit beings sharing their teaching us unconditional love and how to live in a state of being.

Reflecting Imbalance
Explore the possibility that your pet’s disease (imbalance) has a component you need to address. I do not feel the animals “take on our stuff.” Rather, I have learned by observation and communication that animals will mirror or reflect areas of imbalance, physical or emotional, that their person may need to address in their own healing. How many times have you found your diagnosis or medicine is the same as your pet’s? I have noticed remarkable if not miraculous breakthroughs when these underlying connections of imbalance are recognized.

Healing Empowerment
Holistic healing requires a team approach. Your veterinarian is just one member of the healing team. The rest of the team includes your pet, you, family, possibly veterinary specialists, and other natural health therapists, all connecting with the healer within. Honor your pet by knowing that healing does not always mean cure. Healing may mean making a transition. Be aware and open.

A Perspective Shift
As a veterinarian we are trained to find out what is wrong with our patients and to give the prognosis of all that is wrong. Many of my clients come with devastating diagnoses and prognoses. After reviewing the history and before I examine the patient, I speak to my client about shifting our perspective to a more positive one, thus, allowing more possibilities. Yet, we are realistic knowing that in some cases the patient will probably die soon. Rather than wait in fear, why not get up each day and look at your companion and say, “How wonderful, we have another day together.”

Create A Healing Environment
Walk around your home. Is it calming and joyful? Is there clutter to cause stagnate energy and emotional imbalance? Study the colors and lighting, so important in affecting your mood and energy field. Does your pet choose certain colors and shy away from other colors of bedding, toys, and furniture. Your pet’s healing may be enhanced through light and color therapy healing. Remember to check your home for safety.

Healer Thy Self
Healing demands clarity and balance. Our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual balance affect our companion animals. As you explore holistic care, do so for yourself as well.

Dr. Deborah Mallu, is holistic veterinarian based in Sedona, Arizona. Her practice is limited to patients with chronic and so-called incurable diseases. This article is based on her presentation at the 1997 American Holistic Veterinarian Medical Association Conference.

Exam Dimensions
You may be amazed at what the physical body can tell you, if you begin to look at it in terms of a template for the energy field. Use the physical body as a landscape for the energy field. A dip in the spine may be a sign of blockage or deficiency of energy flow in this area. Areas where the hair coat has an unusual swirl may be a sign of imbalance.

• Check your pet’s gait or movement.
  
• Notice symmetry and balance, side to side and front to back.
  
• Feel for areas of heat or cold or sensitivity to light or deep touch.
  
• Check the head and mouth, the bony and muscular structure.
  
• Run your hands over the body and about one inch off the body. In time you will notice differences in sensation of the energy field surrounding your pet.

© PetSage 2000

by Gregory L. Tilford, Herbalist

As an herbalist who finds himself entrenched in an unprecedented and very exciting “herbal revolution”, I also find myself frustrated when I think of how many people I see using medicinal plants as allopathic medicines, and how many people haven’t realized the power of herbs because they have failed to break away from conventional standards of thinking. After all, goldenseal can be used like any other antibiotic to bypass the immune system; to directly counter an infection. Senna, aloe, turkey rhubarb, and cascara can be used as a laxative remedy to relieve the symptoms of constipation without regard to underlying causes. Echinacea will act to strengthen the immune system and curb a reoccuring viral infection without addressing the real reasons for reoccurance. But in using herbs this way, what do we really accomplish? What sets herbs apart from mainstream medicines when employed this way? Answer: Not much!

In fact, many of the best known herbs have gained their notoriety through their use as pharmaceuticals designed with purely symptomatic purposes in mind. Cascara sagrada, aloe, and senna remain on the ingredient lists of several popular brands of laxatives; while wild cherry bark and horehound still serve to suppress coughs. And although they are undeniably useful this way, their use in this capacity only addresses the symptoms of disease, and falls far short of a curative solution. In holistic medicine “dis-ease” is not viewed in the central focus of the healing effort… the whole individual is. From an herbalist’s perspective, disease is viewed as an imbalance which is occurring in an otherwise healthy body; the therapeutic goal being to identify what caused the disease in the first place, correct the imbalance, then prevent it from occurring again. This perspective differs quite dramatically from mainstream western medicine, which concentrates on reactionary practices to suppress the uncomfortable symptoms of disease. In the “allopathic” modality of medicine, we don’t take aspirin to address the underlying cause of a headache… we use it to relieve uncomfortable symptoms; usually without regard to the whole picture. If taken into a holistic perspective, we would investigate the headache as a systemic imbalance; the cause would be identified and adjustments would be made in diet, lifestyle, or whatever is necessary to regain proper systemic balance.

The key to accessing the full potential of herbal medicine rests in how well we can embrace the holistic perspective of healing. For most of us this means putting old predispositions aside, revving up some imagination, and engaging in some good’ol open-minded observation. First we must learn to recognize good health, then we must learn to recognize changes. In holistic medicine, “good health” is viewed as “the maintenance of proper balance” within a complex, finely tuned, intricately related unification of all which comprises a living body. Here we must recognize that all elements of the mind, body, and spirit must be at optimum levels of co-operation, and we must realize that if any element of the collective whole fails at its job, an imbalance (dis-ease) will result. To accomplish this, a proactive approach toward health and well-being is an absolute necessity; and proper diet is needed as the primary foundation from which to base our holistic efforts.

Nutrition: the Foundation of Health

The body requires fuel and building materials in order to function as Nature designed it, and proper natural function is exactly what the herbalist wishes to maintain. Herbal therapies are pointless in absence of proper nutrition. Herbs will not substitute for systemic dysfunction which is due to malnutrition. Just like us, animals need raw, unprocessed foods that are rich in a diversity of live enzymes and nutrients, and a diet comprised solely of canned food or dried kibble cannot provide such a diversity… no matter how good it is. Learn to feed your animals a natural diet, supplemented with a good quality commercial food. Then and only then, herbs can be used to assist the fuction of well-fed organs. Remember… good nutrition is the first step in achieving a state of healthy balance… without it, the body is already dis-eased.

Using Herbs Naturally

Eliminating a symptom, or even a disease, is only a small segment of the holistic picture… in order to achieve a balanced state of health, we must first identify and confront the underlying causes . For instance, in the case of chronic constipation we know that a digestive dysfunction is occuring which is altering the body’s efficient elimination of waste. In viewing how the body is supposed to work, we see that efficient waste elimination is contingent upon a delicately balanced cooperation between the salivary glands, stomach, liver, gallbladder, and intestines… if any of these organs aren’t working efficiently, then a digestive disorder will occur. In the case of constipation, we must first look to the liver and gallbladder, which are responsible for the production and release of the digestive chemicals essential in the break down and assimilation of solid food. Next we must ask, “If it’s a liver disorder, then what’s causing it?”… usually it’s diet, and nutritional adjustments are all that are necessary to regain systemic balance. But sometimes the body may require a “stimulatory boost”, and this where we open the herbal medicine chest. In this case we might choose dandelion: an herb which will gently stimulate the production and release of bile and digestive enzymes. This in turn will assist the digestive tract at its job of breaking down food materials into waste products which can be easily eliminated. It is easy to see that if we had confronted constipation without regard to the underlying cause (unbalanced diet) and had simply softened the stool with an herbal laxative, we would have done nothing toward achieving a long term solution.

Herbs are naturally designed to work with body functions, not against them. For instance, antibiotics essentially bypass (and often destroy) the body’s natural immune system while achieving their goals through microscopic assassination. Echinacea on the other hand, stimulates natural auto-immune responses while leaving the immune system intact. The natural immune system then works more efficiently at what it is designed to do… it enables the body to heal itself through complex mechanisms that modern science has barely begun to understand.

A healthy, well-balanced body doesn’t get sick; it maintains itself through the efficiency of its own, mind-boggling health care system. To do this, it must first be properly fed and supplemented with what it needs in times of crisis. This is where herbs come in… as complimentary aids to body function.

Wild animals have an instinctive ability to use herbs … even domesticated animals retain part of this ability. Dogs eat grass; my cat nibbles aloe on occasion (although she obviously dislikes it). Humans on the other hand, often get caught up in less than thoughtful reasoning… and as a result, we often find ourselves chasing our tails with symptomatic, short term solutions to the long term health care issues.

The basis of what we have learned about herbs was been gained through human observations of animals in the wild. Our dogs, cats, birds, and their predesessors are the true herbalists and teachers… the least we can do is return their favors by giving them what they inherently need.

But first… we must learn to use herbs as they do.

© Copyright 1996

by Terri Symonds Grow

Each day I receive calls from pet guardians curious about natural pet products and alternative therapies. Many of these calls come from individuals, who in their efforts to take better care of themselves, are looking to extend this care to their companion animals. While others, having grown frustrated with less than desired results with conventional veterinary medicine, are seeking new, complementary avenues.

Holistic pet care and the increased availability of natural remedies for pets, along with the more openly acceptance of alternative therapies are very exciting, yet can be misunderstood. Holistic or “wholistic” means to take into account the whole animal: mind, body and spirit. The focus of holistic care and natural remedies is to nurture and support the body’s own healing process, helping to prevent the development of disease. They are not meant to take the place of what is often described as conventional veterinary care. Yet when allowed to complement conventional veterinary care, tremendous benefits may result.

A Few of the Healing Modalities
At times misconstrued for the term holistic, Homeopathy is a method of therapy that is based on the principle “like cures like.” In the 1790s, German physician, Samuel Hahnemann, found that substances that caused certain symptoms in a healthy person could also cure those same symptoms in a sick person. Hahnemann developed a method of “potentizing” the substances into homeopathic remedies by diluting a dose of a substance such as an herb or mineral in a water-alcohol base until only the essence of the original substance remains, then vigorously shaking or succussing the mixtures. While skeptics argue how such a dilution could do any good, homeopathic practitioners believe the specially prepared remedies reduce possible side effects of the substance and enhance the healing energy derived from the original substance.

A classic homeopathic veterinarian will review all the symptoms and prescribe a single remedy found to be the best catalyst for the animal’s total defense response. In recent years, combination remedies have received growing interest — especially with pets, because of their ability to work on different healing levels. Also receiving increased attention are nosodes, specially prepared remedies from infectious diseases such as Parvovirus, Distemper, Leptospirosis, or Feline Enteritis as complements to or possible replacements for conventional vaccines. However, studies to date, reveal the lack of protection and are not recommended or acknowledged as preventatives to diseases.

The pharmaceutical industry owes its origins to healing herbs and we owe our knowledge of herbs to the animals. Animals were the original herbalists and most of what we know about herbs we learned from observing them. While herbs can be used to treat symptoms, their real gift lies in the ability to work naturally with the body and provide the extra support needed from time to time. Veterinarians now use both herbs as practical and effective alternatives on their own or in conjunction with pharmaceutical medicines. New herbal extracts and dried herb formulas developed just for companion animals now make administering easier and safer.

Chinese herbs, acupuncture and acupressure are major components of Traditional Chinese Medicine or TCM, a system of healthcare that originated in China thousands of years ago, and are used to help restore the body’s balance by redirecting energy flows, strengthening and tonifying, and dispersing pain. The foundation of TCM is to stimulate corresponding points along the body’s meridians, or energy channels, to release blockages or draw energy or “chi” to deficient areas and balance the complementary states yin (characterized by darkness and quiet) and yang (characterized by light and activity).

Chinese herbs are prescribed by complex rules of diagnosis intended to help the body correct energy imbalances, and now new formulas made especially for pets makes this modality more accessible for select illnesses. In acupuncture, the flow of chi is controlled by the insertion of hair-thin needles along the meridians at specific points. Acupuncture must be performed by a trained practitioner, and is used to help with correcting energy imbalances to facilitate healing or as a treatment, such as pain therapy. Acupressure is based on the same principals as acupuncture, but instead of needles, finger and hand pressure is applied at acupressure points — the same meridian-aligned points used in acupuncture. Acupressure can be administered by someone trained in the technique or it can be taught to the caregiver and practiced at home.

Ayurvedic medicine is a system of diagnosis and treatment practiced in India for more than 5,000 years and holds that all diseases arise from stresses in the awareness, or consciousness of the individual, which lead to unhealthy lifestyles and a cycle of ill health. Ayurvedic practitioners use yoga, breathing exercises, meditative techniques, herbs, and diets to help detoxify the system and bring it back to balance. While not widely known as many of the other healthcare systems in the care of companion animals, several companies are now making products specifically for pets.

Body work is an umbrella term for many techniques that promote relaxation and treat musculoskeletal ailments. Plus they give you one-on-one time with your pet, allowing you to become more familiar and sensitive to subtle changes and potential problems. A few used with pets include: Massage stimulates circulation and muscles to reduce tension, aid healing, control pain and promote over-all well-being. Therapeutic Touch, despite its name, does not involve actual physical contact. A practitioner’s hands move in slow, rhythmic motions two to six inches above the patient to detect and move energy blockages. The Feldankrais method is performed by a trained practitioner and is used to teach new patterns in order to improve posture, movement and breathing. Tellington Touch, developed by Linda Tellington Jones for horses and small animals, incorporates the above body work techniques, plus others, and is used by many veterinary technicians, trainers, and behaviorists.

Other modalities include aromatherapy, flower essences, chiropractic, and magnetic therapy. Aromatherapy helps promote healing by stimulating and supporting the animals own healing abilities and can be used in conjunction with other modalities. These remarkable oils can help calm and reduce stress and anxiety, ease congestion and suppress kennel cough, naturally purify air, relieve motion sickness and gastritis, plus much, much more. Flower essences play a part in healing in all levels by treating the emotional level, thereby enabling physical healing methods to treat disease or behavioral issues. The Bach flower remedy, Rescue Remedy, is a favorite with holistic practitioners for traumatized pets and owners! Chiropractics address the subluxations or misalignments in joints, believed to interfere with the proper function of the nervous system. Chiropractors seek to help maintain health by bringing the body back into balance through manipulation of the spine and other joints and muscles, allowing the neuromusculoskeletal system to function smoothly. Magnetic therapy, relatively new to small animal care, is the use of low level magnets in bedding, wraps, and alone are to help with blood circulation and the treatment of degenerative joint diseases such as arthritis.

These are just a few of the many modalities and their applications now being used with companion animals. Discuss these therapies and your philosophy of health care with your veterinarian, so that he or she can help you nurture and care for your companion. And remember, good nutrition is the foremost foundation to build upon, without it the above modalities will be futile.

© PetSage 2000

by Gregory L. Tilford ©2003

Whether for humans or animals, immune system support has become big business. Echinacea, one of Nature’s most powerful immunostimulants, represents a multimillion dollar industry by itself. If you don’t believe me, walk into virtually any health food store or thumb through the pages of any natural pet supply catalog and you will likely find Echinacea in several different forms. However, before you buy Echinacea or any other “immune-boosting” supplement for your pet, there are a few things you should know…

First and foremost, it is very important to understand something about how the immune system really works, and to put the concept of immune system stimulation into holistic perspective before using a product that is designed to boost your pet’s immune system. In truth (and despite what some label claims might lead you to believe) there are no silver bullets to defend your companion against viral or bacterial infections. Natural immunity is not built from the daily use of Echinacea or any other “immune-boosting” product. Immune-supportive supplements can be helpful toward supporting a healthy immune system, but none of them should be expected to supplement an immune system that is dysfunctional or out of balance.

To explain, let us look at the immune system from a holistic perspective…

The immune system is comprised of a very complex assortment of various cells and molecules, all joined in an interdependent effort of health maintenance. Each and every organ, tissue and cell of your pet’s body plays integral roles in this effort. The liver and kidneys are responsible for filtering toxins and waste from the blood, and the skin serves as a first line of defense against pathogenic microbes and other exterior threats. Working beneath or within these and other structures is the immune system— a sophisticated, fine tuned army of front line defenders consisting of millions of special cells, organs, chemicals and microbes. Each member of this elite army has special functions— some serve as sentries and detectives with a sole purpose of seeking out harmful invaders or waste products, while others serve as responding attackers; to kill and remove invading entities.

Like any army, the immune system must reach the battlefront with speed and power to be effective. Blood and lymph serves as the army’s transport and incursion system, carrying antibodies (specialized proteins that serve to detect and report foreign presence to the army’s soldiers), lymphocytes and monocytes (which serve as first response assault teams), and interleukins and various other cytokines (messenger molecules that provide communication between other elements of the army) to wherever an immune response is warranted.

Immune System Deficiencies

The lymphatic system’s purpose is to cleanse and nourish cells and tissues, and to carry the immune effort across barriers that cannot be effectively reached by the blood. Lymphocytes are produced in the bone marrow, thymus (hence the term “killer T-cells” ) and various mucosal-associated lymphoid tissues throughout the body. The lymph (a clear, viscous fluid) then carries these warriors via an intricate network of tiny vessels on an endless journey in and out of the bloodstream and throughout the body’s various tissue structures. As the lymphocytes seek and destroy foreign invaders, the lymph picks up their dead bodies and other debris. The waste is then filtered out by the spleen, which serves as a fatal trap for foreign bodies that were not killed by the body’s warriors. Any surviving invaders that do not fall for the spleen’s trap are destroyed at lymph nodes that are strategically positioned throughout the body.

It is well-known that immunostimulants like echinacea work by increasing production and activities of killer T-cells, macrophages, and various other cells and antibodies in the bloodstream. However, it is very important to realize that these supplements can only serve to influence immune system structures and functions that are already in place. If an animal’s immune system is deficient or depleted by poor nutrition, immune-supportive supplements will not be useful. In fact, they may actually add to the confusion of an already confused immune system army, trigger allergic reactions or other immune-mediated problems. The bottom line in other words is this: the job of building natural immunity begins not with the use of immunostimulants, but with diet, exercise, and a clean, happy living environment.

Diet, diet, . . . diet!

For dogs and cats, strong immunity begins with a diet consisting of good quality meat, bonemeal, and well-balanced mix of vitamins and minerals, as all of these things are needed to build and maintain blood, muscle, and bone structure.

Essential fatty acid supplements are needed for healthy skin and coat. Digestive enzymes and probiotic supplements (such as acidophilus and bifidus cultures) will help maintain a healthy balance of disease-fighting bacteria in the digestive tract. Then, after all of the primary elements of nutrition have been brought up to the highest levels of quality, herbs and other immune-supportive, tonic supplements can be added to the picture— a quarter teaspoon serving of spirulina, a pinch of garlic powder, a good green foods supplement, a scant dose of colostrum powder for instance, may be added to the diet to provide additional daily support to a well-nourished immune system.

Support natural immunity, but save immunostimulants for when they are needed.

Unless a threat of infection is apparent, there is no need to use herbs (like Echinacea) that boost immune functions beyond normal levels of activity. A strong, properly nourished immune system represents the most powerful form of disease resistance known to human kind— when functioning properly it needs nothing more than good food, plenty of exercise, and a healthy environment from which to work its miracles.

Echinacea, Astragalus, Siberian ginseng and other types of immunostimulant herbs are best reserved for times when you suspect that your companion has, or soon will be exposed to infectious agents. This is usually evidenced by the earliest occurrence of sneezing, coughing, fever, nasal discharge, or perhaps even abnormal behavior, such as excessive sleeping. Immunostimulants may also be useful immediately prior to a trip to the veterinarian or groomer, or in advance of a kennel visit. Scientific studies show that the immune-stimulating activities of Echinacea peak after about one week of use— meaning that if fed continuously in a preventative capacity, Echinacea may not be able to deliver a full punch when an actual need arises.

Proper selection is important too. Some herbs, like Astragalus, are best used in cool-mannered animals with depleted energy reserves, while others are indicated in cases where immune deficiency is associated with high levels of emotional or physical stress. Selecting which immune-boosters are most appropriate for your pet may require the assistance of a holistic veterinarian. But one thing is for sure— the job of putting the elements of strong immunity into place is up to you. Everyday, at each mealtime.

Gregory L. Tilford is co-author of “All you Ever Wanted to Know About Herbs for Pets” (Bowtie, 1999)

by Barbara Fougere, BSCBVMS (HONS) IVAS CERT

An overweight dog is usually not a healthy dog. Being a little bit overweight is not that harmful, but your dog is likely to continue to put on more weight over time. An overweight dog moves slower, gets tired out more quickly, is more prone to other health problems and if obese also suffers reduced immunity. Obesity increases the load on various systems making fat dogs more prone to arthritis, cardiovascular disease, heat stress, diabetes and liver disease. Provided weight loss is carried out sensibly and slowly, your dog can regain vitality and improved health and you will be rewarded with a healthier, happier dog.

The safest approach to weight loss is to control the number of calories you feed your dog. To being with, aim for a 15% reduction in weight as your goal. Calculate your dog’s current weight less 15%, and then you and your vet can assess whether more weight loss is necessary. A weight loss of up to 15% can be achieved over 12 weeks by feeding about half the calories your dog would require at his new target weight.

Energy Requirement for Weight Loss

Before starting any weight loss plan it is advisable to first see your veterinarian, in case your dog is overweight because of a medical condition. In this case it may be dangerous for you to attempt weight loss without veterinary supervision. To work out the calories your dog requires to lose weight, first find out what the target weight should be. From the Recommendation Weight Loss Table (see sidebar), and given your dog’s current weight, you can see the target body weight you are aiming for and the energy (calorie) allowance needed each day to help reduce weight by about 1% per week (a safe weight loss). If your dog is very overweight, we still aim for the first target weight. When his weight has come down, look for the next new target weight (current less 15%) and go from there.

It may be necessary to reduce these levels even further depending on the dog’s response. If there is no weight loss then a further reduction of 10% of the food should be made.

Because you are going to feed less food, it’s not a simple matter of halving the existing diet. You will also halve the protein, vitamin, mineral and fat components, which can lead to deficiencies. Its important to use a diet formulated for weight loss to ensure that nutrient requirements are still met. Veterinarians and pet food stores stock weight control products and products designed specifically for weight loss. Alternatively you can make your own diet based on good quality protein (low in fat, but do include half the oil supplement) with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.

Its important to remember that dry dog foods contain about 4 times the calorie content volume for volume as tinned or fresh foods. So the first thing to consider would be to cut back on the dry food. You can calculate the calories you are feeding your dog by knowing the calorie content of the dog food, and/or using a calorie counter designed for people.

Weight Loss Diet

The following recipe has been used successfully on many occasions:

350g lean chicken breast or fish
1.5 cups cooked Basmati rice
1.5 cups of vegetables (including half a cup of pumpkin or sweet potato)
30g liver
2 teaspoons of sunflower oil
1 teaspoon of calcium carbonate

Snacks
50 grams of dry food
1 apple.

This recipe and snacks provides 1500 calories. If your dog needs 500 calories per day on the weight loss diet, this plan provides for three days of food.

Supplements
L Carnitine may assist weight loss, Chromium, Flax seed oil, Multivitamin and mineral supplement, Vitamin B complex, Kelp

Herbs to Consider
Cayenne Pepper for sluggish, overweight dogs with heart problems, St. Mary’s Thistle, Parsley fresh, Brindleberry, Alfalfa

Exercise
Daily exercise is the key to permanent, painless weight control. But if your dog is very overweight, this has to be done slowly and carefully, building up over time. As your dog loses weight she will have more energy, so you can begin to extend your walks further. Exercise helps to increase metabolism and to replace fatty muscles with strong lean muscle, and this in turn speeds up metabolism making weight control even easier.

Family Support
It is really important that family and friends understand how important it is for your dog to reach a healthy weight. They need to understand that anything extra they give can sabotage all your good efforts and undermine your dog’s health. If they must feed your dog or give her snacks, make sure it’s from the allowances you have set. Pieces of popcorn (no butter), rice cake, carrot and apple make good snack substitutes.

Table 1

Recommendation for Weight Loss

Current         Current            Target              Target     Energy

Body              Body                 Body                Body       Allowance for

Weight          Weight             Weight            Weight   Safe Weight Loss

(kg)                (lb)                    (kg)                    (lb)           (kcal/day)

2                    4.4                     1.7                  3.7                74

4                    8.8                     3.4                  7.5                124

6                    13.2                   5.1                11.2               168

8                    17.6                   6.8                15.0               208  

10                  22.0                   8.5                18.7               247

15                  33.0                  12.7               28.0               334

20                  44.0                  17                  37.4               414

25                  55.0                  21.2               46.6               490

30                  66.0                  25.5               56.0               562

35                  77.0                   9.7                65.3               630

40                  88.0                  34                  74.8               697

45                  99.0                  38.2               84.0               761

50                  110.0                42.5               93.5                824

55                  121.0                46.7               102.7              885

60                  132.0                51                  112.2              946  

Adapted from Table 9.2 in Manual of Companion Animal Nutrition and Feeding edited by Noel Kelly and Josephine Wills BSAVA 1996. Based on maintenance energy requirements for target weight multiplied by 45% to allow a weight loss of approximately 1% per week.

Ever wonder how to compare the percentageof contents of dry food to canned food? While most of us may not even think about this, owners of pets with special protein, fat, or fiber requirements may find the following conversion formula of benefit. This formula, provided by Scott Matthews of Breeder’s Choice, works for any dry, canned or semi moist product that has a guaranteed analysis on its label.

First, identify the moisture percentage of a given food. Subtract this number from 100% and you get the dry% of the particular product. This number is then used as the divisor for the protein, fat, fiber, etc. to calculate the actual dry matter basis of each component of the particular product.

For example:
AvoDerm Original Canned Dog Food is 78% moisture; subtracted from 100% = 22% dry (non-moisture).

To calculate the protein, fat and fiber take the divisor, 22%,
and divide that into each ingredient.

8.0% protein divided by 22% = 36.36% protein 100% dry matter basis
5.5% fat divided by 22% = 25.0% fat 100% dry matter basis
1.5% fiber divided by 22% = 6.82% fiber 100% dry matter basis

In comparison to:

AvoDerm Original Dry Dog Food is 10% moisture, subtract from 100% = 90% dry (non-moisture)

20.0% protein divided by 90% = 22.22 protein 100% dry matter basis
8.0% fat divided by 90% = 8.89% fat 100% dry matter basis
4.0% fiber divided by 90% = 4.4% fiber 100% dry matter basis

by Terri Symonds Grow

In your quest to find the best food for your pet, are you more confused? Have you discovered the label on your pet’s food is at times vague? Are you aware the ingredients listed may vary because food manufacturers have a leeway of time before they are required to change the label?

Your pet’s food is the foundation of their health. Yet, food and quality ingredients are an increasingly controversial health care issue. Unfortunately until the regulatory agencies update their labeling requirements the burden is on you to be informed. Here are a few tips to think of while comparing ingredients.

The biggest difference between grocery store brands and premium natural brands are the source of protein. Yet, this often isn’t as obvious as it would appear. For instance in a premium, the meat protein source should be listed as the first ingredient, or listed in two of the first three ingredients. Still this isn’t a guarantee that the food in high in quality meat protein. What about meat versus meat by-product? In simple terms, there are three basic food classifications of meat sources for pet foods as defined by AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials): meat, meat meal, and meat by-products. Is one better that the other? That depends on our pet’s needs and requirements, and the quality of ingredients.

Herein lies the issue, quality is instituted by the manufacturer, and unfortunately, regulatory agencies do not permit ingredient differentiation on labels. Some foods that list meat as the first ingredient may also have corn, corn gluten meal, wheat and rice as the next ingredients, which taken together outweigh the meat. Other foods made with meat meal when balanced with quality grains can be more nutritious than those made with meat.

The quality of grains and fiber are the next distinction in identifying premium foods. Premium foods should offer whole grains, such as whole wheat, rice and oatmeal, and quality fiber that comes from the internal portion of plants. Fiber from seed hulls often used in less expensive foods, have microscopic edges which can cause intestinal distress. A balance of animal fats and vegetable oils, along with vitamins, minerals, as well as essential amino acids and micronutrients round out a premium pet food.

As with any product, there are quality foods and inferior foods. Compare labels, read up on AAFCO guidelines to understand the definitions of protein sources, and speak with manufacturers. Natural pet food companies that go above and beyond AAFCO standards are very happy to explain the differences.

© PetSage 1998