Acidophilus For Diarrhea & Intestinal Gas In Dogs And Cats / Acidophilus is a powdered form of a bacteria called 'lactobacillus.' It is used when the intestines have been compromised by illness, stress, or the use of medications like antibiotics. In these situations, the normal 'friendly' bacteria which help in digestion often die and are replaced by bacteria which tend to cause problems such as increased intestinal gas and diarrhea. The lactobacillus bacteria are used to help prevent overgrowth of these undesirable bacteria, and allow the 'friendly' bacteria to recover their normal numbers. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) sprouts supply protein, vitamins A, B (folate), C, E, and K; minerals including calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, and zinc; as well as carotene and chlorophyll.

 

 

 Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) sprouts supply protein, vitamins A, B (folate), C, E, and K; minerals including calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, and zinc; as well as carotene and chlorophyll.Alfalfa is a nutritional herb which is said to be helpful to the kidney. It may also stimulate the immune system.Alfalfa contains a natural coumarin which is an anticoagulant and decreases platelet aggregation. This increases the risk of bleeding.Human studies have found that alfalfa sprouts contain phytoestrogens that help prevent osteoporosis, cancer, and heart disease. Phytoestrogens include isoflavones, coumestans, and ligans. Alfalfa sprouts contain a significant human dietary source of isoflavones.Growing sprouts for your pet is easy. Make sure that they are not contaminated with animal waste or dirty water. Many cats enjoy nibbling on the young sprouts.  If your pet happens to be one that vomits after eating sprouts or grasses, limit access to the plants to only a few minutes several times a week. Caution: Salmonella outbreaks have occurred in humans who consumed contaminated sprouts.  

 

 

The Androgen Group-Anabolic Steroids / These compounds are related to the male hormone testosterone. They are referred to as the anabolic steroids because they cause the formation of new proteins. As we stated before, they are often abused by athletes trying to increase strength and muscle mass. Their use in canine medicine, while infrequent, is related to these and similar properties.Anabolic steroids come in liquid forms for injection and tablets for oral administration. Two of the most commonly used in canine medicine are stanozolol (Winstrol-V) and nandrolone (DecaDurabolin).Animals that have been sick for a long time or who have been through severe, debilitating injuries often have generalized weakness and atrophied muscles. In some, this has progressed to the point where the animals can no longer walk or even stand. Their bodies are just too run down, and without some outside stimulation, they simply may give up the will to live.Anabolic steroids are sometimes useful in these situations. The therapy may take several weeks. The medications can be most helpful if the veterinarian recognizes the condition before too much strength is lost. Anabolic steroids assist the body in regaining its muscle mass by building new proteins, which are the primary constituent of muscle fibers. Additionally, they help strengthen existing muscles.In some of these same cases, anabolic steroids are frequently used to stimulate the debilitated or recovering patient's appetite. To achieve this effect usually requires several days to several weeks of therapy for significant changes.The anabolic steroids are also useful in treating certain types of anemia. Anemia is the term used to describe lower than normal numbers of red blood cells (RBCs). In certain cases where the bone marrow has stopped producing new RBCs, administration of anabolic steroids will stimulate this system and bring the number of these cells back to normal levels. They also are known to stimulate the production of white blood cells and platelets (tiny cells in blood that assist in clotting) to a lesser degree. In these situations, the anabolic steroids are useful only in increasing the numbers of these cells. They do not increase the ability of the cells to function.Kidney failure often brings on anemia because these organs may fail to produce the substance erythropoietin. Its normal function is to monitor the level of RBCs in the body and to stimulate the bone marrow to increase production when RBC numbers are too low. In its absence, anabolic steroids are often useful in reversing the effects of this anemia. They do not cause new erythropoietin to be produced; they only replace its function.In many situations, the anabolic steroids fail to provide the benefits described here. Regardless of which particular product is used, it is often impossible to reverse the condition present. These are not miracle drugs that can save every debilitated or severely ill patient, but in some they can help.As stated, these medications are closely related to testosterone and many of the problems associated with their usage are brought on by the normal actions of the male hormones. They can cause cessation of heat cycles and imitation mounting behavior in females. In males, they have been found to increase the incidence of prostate disease and certain hernias and tumors that are caused by normal testosterone levels in older male dogs. Normal sperm production is often disrupted, with few new cells being formed. None of these problems are considered significant in these cases, as many of the patients are already in a life or death situation.Anabolic steroids also cause water retention and this can cause additional complications in kidney or heart failure patients. These products also increase the absorption of calcium by the intestinal tract and cause the kidneys to retain calcium during normal urine production. Both of these actions lead to excessively high calcium levels in the blood which can be disastrous to normal heart function. This can be quickly fatal in those with already failing hearts.

 

 

Antioxidants Antioxidants have been used by humans to slow the aging process by protecting the body from damage caused by free radicals, to enhance immune system function, and to reduce the risk ofchronic degenerative conditions such as cancer, arthritis, and cardiovascular disease. Free radicals are molecules which are missing an electron. Electrons in an atom or molecule are normally paired and spin in opposite directions to balance each other. They spin at nearly the speed of light. A free radical is created when one electron in a pair is dislodged. The molecule with an unpaired electron (the free radical) now grabs an electron away from another molecule in the cell such as protein or DNA to restore its stability. This process can ultimately cause damage to a cell.A description in the American Druggist likens the process to a million mouse traps lined up side by side covering the entire surface of a football field. Each trap is cocked in its ready-to-spring position with a ping-pong ball resting on each springing arm. Picture yourself standing on the sidelines with a single ping-pong ball in your hand. This represents a free radical. When you throw this extra ping-pong ball out onto the field, within seconds, you will have started a chain reaction resulting in hundreds of thousands of ping-pong balls flying around. In fact, one unchecked free radical reaction can create hundreds of thousands of damaging incidents at the cellular level.Free radicals can be caused by nuclear radiation, x-rays, ultra-violet rays from the sun, and exposure to pesticides, insecticides, and herbicides. Nature supplies antioxidants to protect us from the destructive effects of free radicals by providing us with antioxidant nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and the trace mineral selenium. Vitamin C particularly binds to nitrates, which play a role in the development of some cancers. Vitamin E is fat soluble and protects the fatty tissues of the body like the cell walls and cell membranes. Beta-carotene is one of the most effective and efficient scavengers of a free radical called 'singlet oxygen.' Selenium is needed by the body to synthesize sufficient amounts of glutathione peroxidase which is an important antioxidant enzyme that protects against free radical damage. Antioxidants such as vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin A, and selenium are often added to pet foods as antioxidants. Vitamin E may be added in the form of dL-alpha tocopherol, vitamin A as beta carotene or retinyl palmitate, vitamin C as sodium ascorbate, and selenium as sodium selenite.Using antioxidants helps slow down and prevent free radical damage that speeds up aging. The antioxidant gives one of its electrons to the free radical neutralizing the free radical. The antioxidant is no longer functional once it gives up the electron and more antioxidants are needed to replace it. The antioxidants work together to neutralize free radicals, and it is best to take several antioxidants rather than all one kind. The best food sources of antioxidant nutrients are fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Some of the antioxidants like selenium are toxic at high doses so contact your veterinarian before adding antioxidants to your pet's diet.Antioxidants are found in foods of rich colors: dark red grapes, ruby red grapefruit, dark green leafy vegetables, broccoli, beets, green beans, peas, and dark orange vegetables like yams, carrots, and dark orange squashes. Choose the darker colors as opposed to the lighter in all varieties available. If foods rich in antioxidants are not available, they may also get them by taking supplements.  

 

 

Bach's Flower Remedies/Essences /  Dr. Edward Bach, a physician in England, spent the latter portion of his life (the 1930's) studying flower essences. He was interested in how the state of mind could influence natural resistance to disease. He developed 38 Bach flower remedies which are said to influence the psychoemotional state.In alternative veterinary medicine, these flower essences are used singly or in combination (e.g.,Rescue Remedy) to treat various behavior problems including anxiety, or when the animal's mental condition needs to be changed. The essences are generally given by placing several drops of the essence into the drinking water.  

 

 

The Use of Brewer's Yeast in Dogs & Cats / Yeast are microscopic fungi, single-cell organisms of the plant kingdom. Various species are abundant throughout the environment. Brewer's yeast contains essential B vitamins including biotin, minerals including zinc, and high quality proteins. These assist in the control of shedding and promote a healthy skin and hair coat. 

 

 

The Use of Carnitine in Dogs & Cats / Carnitine (L-Carnitine) is an amino acid nutritional supplement. It has been prescribed for dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy and heart disorders due to chemotherapeutic treatments. It has also been recommended for cats with hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease), however, research has not shown it to be of benefit in these cats. Carnitine is needed by the body for the metabolism of fatty acids into energy in the cells. Thus, it helps the body utilize fat for energy while maintaining the lean muscle mass which helps reduce the overall body fat. It may also help decrease the levels of cholesterol and lipids (fats) in the blood. Because L-carnitine is essential in the process of converting fatty acids into energy, a deficiency may result in increased fat storage, decreased performance, and in humans, an increase of heart disease associated with mitochondrialdefects.Carnitine is found in meat and dairy products and it is also made by the body. Dietary deficiency is rare except in cases of starvation or dramatically lowered protein intake. The major reason for a deficiency is a genetic defect preventing carnitine from entering the cells.There are two forms of carnitine: levocarnitine (L-carnitine) and dextrocarnitine (D-carnitine). L-carnitine is the form that can be used by the body. It is recommended to use only the purified L-carnitine preparations, as D-carnitine decreases the amount of L-carnitine absorption.Side effects of therapeutic doses of oral carnitine may include nausea, vomiting, loose stool, diarrhea, and increased body odor. Give with food to decrease the gastrointestinal side effects.Carnitine is included in smaller amounts in some pet foods designed for use in animals with heart disease (Hill's h/d) or on weight managment programs (Drs. Foster and Smith Adult Lite Dog Food). The Food and Drug Administration has reviewed the safety of L-carnitine and allows it to be used in these types of dog and cat foods at specified levels.

 

 

Catnip & The Response In Cats / Question? I have two cats. One cat seems to really enjoy catnip and the other doesn't seem to be affected by it. Why is this? Answer. Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a plant in the mint family that grows wild as a weed and is found throughout the United States, particularly in the Midwest.Cats under three months of age usually do not respond to catnip. Most older cats typically become excited or aroused as they smell, chew and eat catnip. They will frequently salivate, roll and rub, and sometimes run and leap in the air when responding to the catnip. It may be applied to scratching posts or used in stuffed toys.Not all cats are stimulated by catnip to the same degree, and over a third of cats will not respond at all. Strange as it may seem, the different responses are probably due to environmental factors, genetics, and the gender of the cat (males are more likely to respond than females). If a cat who normally reacts to catnip is in a strange environment or is anxious, she may not react to the catnip. Cats in certain genetic 'lines' do not react to catnip. No one really understands the genetic trait, but it can be bred into a line through genetic selection.The cat-active ingredient in catnip is 'nepatalactone.' This substance closely resembles a chemical found in the urine of female cats. This may be why unneutered males generally have more of a reaction to catnip than females and neutered males.Give catnip no more than once a week or the effects may diminish. Cats love it green and fresh. Bruise it slightly before giving freshly cut stems or leaves. If using dried catnip, store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator and give up to a teaspoon per cat. 

 

 

The Use of Chitin/Chitosan in Dogs & Cats / Chitin is a dietary supplement made from a starch found in the skeleton of shrimp, crab, and other shellfish. It can also be referred to as 'chitosol' or 'chitosan.' It is not digested and passes through the intestines unabsorbed, thereby adding no calories. The chemical makeup makes it bind with fat thus preventing the fat from being absorbed, as well. It is currently undergoing evaluation as a weight loss supplement.Chitin should be taken 30-60 minutes prior to eating to allow time to become activated so it may absorb the fat from the meal. Human literature states that 8 ounces of water should be consumed for each 2 capsules of chitosol (0.5 mg chitosol in each capsule) taken. Other medications should be taken 4 hours before or after chitosol to reduce the risk of decreased absorption. Since the product decreases fat absorption, there may also be a decreased absorption of fat soluble vitamins. If vitamin deficiency is a possibility, supplemental vitamins A, D, E, and K are recommended. Be careful when using this product long-term (months) because of the risk of vitamin deficiencies.Side effects of chitin include cramping and constipation usually due to inadequate water intake or excessive amounts of chitin for the amount of fat ingested in a meal. Do not use in patients that are allergic to seafood or shellfish, pregnant or lactating, taking blood thinners such as coumadin or heparin, have small intestinal inflammation, ischemic bowel disease, osteoporosis, or are taking multiple medications throughout the day. Chitin may interfere with medications that regulate glucose levels or control blood pressure. Chitin may decrease calcium absorption which may result in decreased bone mineral content (osteoporosis). It may decrease the naturally occurring bacteria in the intestines which regulate intestinal enzymes and digestion, anti-infective functions, and even vitamin manufacture and release. Chitin is a fiber; plenty of water needs to be consumed to prevent constipation. 

 

 

The Use of Chromium in Dogs & Cats / Chromium is a trace element and an essential cofactor for the hormone insulin which regulates the metabolism of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Supplementation of chromium picolinate may aid body fat loss, retain and build lean body mass, lower elevated blood sugar, and reduce blood cholesterol levels.Chromium's effect on animals is being studied both for weight loss and regulation of glucose in diabetics. Chromium may be helpful in diabetic animals (especially cats) that are difficult to regulate on insulin. In humans with diabetes mellitus, chromium has increased insulin sensitivity, reduced insulin requirements, and decreased the need for some diabetic medications.Chromium is found in cheese, prunes, shredded wheat cereal, raw peanuts, peanut butter, raw mushrooms, thyme, corn, and peas.Excess chromium is thought to be excreted in the urine. Kidney disease has been noted in a small number of people who have used over the counter chromium picolinate supplements.Picolinate is bound to the chromium to increase the absorption of chromium in the digestive system. 

 

 

The Use of Coenzyme Q10 in Dogs & Cats / Coenzyme Q10, also known as ubiquinone, is essential for energy production at the cellular level. It helps the body produce energy both by helping to create the enzymes the cell uses to createATP and by creating energy directly. It is also an antioxidant.It has been shown to benefit humans with various heart and muscle diseases. In humans with congestive heart failure, the worse the symptoms, the less Coenzyme Q10 is found in the body. With supplementation of Coenzyme Q10, patients have fewer symptoms of the disease which may result in less use of potentially harmful medications. Studies of its effects in pets are underway.Coenzyme Q10 tissue levels decrease with age, especially in the heart, kidneys, and liver. Supplementation increases the energy and exercise tolerance in older animals and may be effective in correcting the age-related decline in the immune system. Deficiency in Coenzyme Q10results in a lack of energy, increased free radical damage, and an increased risk ofcardiovascular problems. According to Nutramax, a company which produces Coenzyme Q10, it is safe to use in dogs, cats, and horses.Coenzyme Q10 has not been officially recognized as a vitamin due to arguments over the definition of a vitamin. It was first discovered in beef hearts in 1957. It was used in Japan in the 1960's to treat congestive heart failure in humans. In the 1980's, Japan was producing sufficient quantities and treating patients with it.Coenzyme Q10 can be found in sardines, liver, and peanuts. It is also made by the body in a complex process that involves eight vitamins and several trace minerals. If all of the necessary ingredients are not available, the body will not be able to make the final product, Coenzyme Q10.Brewer's yeast may increase the absorption of Coenzyme Q10. 

 

 

Copper Requirements in Cats / Function of copper. Copper is necessary for a number of body processes including the formation of collagen, boneand connective tissue, the absorption of iron, the development and maturation of red blood cells, the function as an antioxidant, and the development of pigment in hair.Dietary sources of copperCopper is found in liver, fish, whole grains, and legumes. Most quality commercial cat foods are supplemented with copper to assure adequate intake.Daily copper requirementsThe recommended daily requirement for a kitten, pregnant, or nursing cat is 2.3 mg of copper for every pound of canned cat food eaten (on a dry matter basis), but 7 mg per pound of extruded (dry) food. This recommendation is based upon unpublished data that suggested that copper in the dry food was not as easily absorbed by pregnant queens. The recommended daily requirement for adult cats is 2.3 mg per pound of food (on a dry matter basis), regardless of the type of food. The copper should be in a form other than copper oxide.Copper absorptionCopper is absorbed in the stomach and small intestine, and stored in the liver, kidneys, and brain. A number of substances can decrease the absorption of copper. These include high levels of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), increased levels of calcium, zinc, iron, and sulfur, and some toxic metals such as cadmium, silver, or lead. Zinc supplementation is actually used as a therapy in dogs with copper storage disease (a liver disease).Copper deficiencyCopper deficiencies are rare in cats and dogs. Cats with copper deficiency may develop anemia, have poor reproduction, fetal deformities, and abnormalities in bone development.Copper toxicityCopper toxicity is generally not a problem in cats, but some dogs have a specific problem in copper storage that can result in symptoms of copper toxicity. Bedlington Terriers and West Highland White Terriers have been shown to have this hereditary disorder, which causes copper to accumulate in the liver and results in inflammation of the liver (hepatitis). Doberman Pinschers can also develop hepatitis with an associated accumulation of copper in the liver. The typical symptoms of toxic levels of copper in the liver include lethargy, vomiting, jaundice, and weight loss. 

 

 

Copper Requirements in Dogs / Function of copper. Copper is necessary for a number of body processes including the formation of collagen, bone and connective tissue, the absorption of iron, the development and maturation of red blood cells, the function as an antioxidant, and the development of pigment in hair. Dietary sources of copper. Copper is found in liver, fish, whole grains, and legumes. Most quality commercial dog foods are supplemented with copper to assure adequate intake. Daily copper requirements Dogs should receive 3.3 mg of copper daily for every pound of dog food they eat (on a dry matter basis). The copper should be in a form other than copper oxide.Copper absorptionCopper is absorbed in the stomach and small intestine, and stored in the liver, kidneys, and brain. A number of substances can decrease the absorption of copper. These include high levels of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), increased levels of calcium, zinc, iron, and sulfur, and some toxic metals such as cadmium, silver, or lead. Zinc supplementation is actually used as a therapy in dogs with copper storage disease (a liver disease).Copper deficiencyCopper deficiencies are rare in dogs and cats. In copper deficiency, an anemia can develop, and there may be abnormalities in bone development.Copper toxicityA specific problem in copper storage can result in some dogs showing symptoms of copper toxicity. Bedlington Terriers and West Highland White Terriers have been shown to have this hereditary disorder, which causes copper to accumulate in the liver and results ininflammation of the liver (hepatitis). Doberman Pinschers can also develop hepatitis with an associated accumulation of copper in the liver. The typical symptoms of toxic levels of copper in the liver include lethargy, vomiting, jaundice, and weight loss. 

 

 

The Use of Creatine in Dogs & Cats / Creatine is an amino acid derivative formed in the liver, kidneys, and pancreas from the amino acids arginine, glycine, and methionine. It is found in red meat and fish. Creatine is not a muscle builder. It aids in the body production of ATP, a fuel, for short, intense bursts of energy. In humans, it builds lean body mass by helping the muscle work longer, allowing one to train harder, lift more weight, and have more repetitions. It is the increase in exercise which results in building muscle, not creatine alone.No long-term studies have been performed to determine long-term effects of creatine use. Short-term use of low doses in humans appears to be safe. Side effects seen in humans include muscle cramping, muscle strains/pulls, upset stomach, dehydration, weight gain due to water retention, and diarrhea. 

 

 

The Use of Echinacea in Dogs & Cats / Echinacea is also known as the purple coneflower. Three of the nine species are used medicinally. They are E. angustifolia, E. purpurea, and E. pallida. The first two are most widely used. Echinacea has been used in humans to treat general infections and wounds, colds/flu, candidiasis, strep throat, staph infections, urinary infections, allergies, and toothaches. The active ingredient in echinacea has not yet been identified. It is suspected to work by inhibiting viral and bacterial breakdown of the body's cell walls which is a necessary step before the bacteria and viruses can replicate in the body. It may also slow the growth of some types of tumors.Echinacea is used in fresh root, dried, tincture, tea, or capsule forms. Doses vary if the product is used at a tonic dose, maintenance dose, protective dose, or full course. Use is often discontinued after a maximum of 6-8 weeks since the immune-promoting impact may fade. Therapy may be started again at a later date. A scratchy throat may show up after extended use in humans.Do not use if the patient is suffering from autoimmune disorders such as lupus, or tuberculosis, or connective tissue disorders. Not recommended for people with HIV or AIDS; therefore, it probably should not be used in cats with FeLV, FIV, or FIP. 

 

 

The Use of Epsom Salts in Dogs & Cats / Epsom salts have been used to treat abscessed nail beds and paws that are itchy due to allergies. Use 1/2 cup of epsom salts per 1 gallon of water. Soak the affected paw(s) for 5-10 minutes, 2-4 times a day. It will help 'draw out' the infection in case of a nail bed abscess. It will also give the pet temporary relief from the itchy feet secondary to allergies.Do not allow pets to drink an epsom salt solution since it can cause diarrhea.