If you have ever come across some lectures with neuroscientists or psychologists on pain, you will likely hear the story of a man who fell on a nail. He understandably was in agony and had to be given strong painkillers on the way to the hospital. But, when arriving at the hospital, it was discovered that the nail had in fact gone through the gaps in his toes and not penetrated his foot at all. What on earth was going on here? You can’t say his pain wasn’t real, because to him it was sheer agony. But it was his perception of what had occurred which fuelled his response and need for strong painkillers. The brain had constructed a response based on cues from the environment; the pain signal was therefore appropriate to stop the man in his tracks and prevent the likelihood he would fall on another nail. Except the brain got it a little wrong. This example is great for showing us that pain is subjective and a perception; but we already knew this didn’t we? What may be painful for one person, may not even result in a wince from another. This is also true for our dogs. We joke that certain breeds are a little sensitive, and then we find other breeds completely stoic when suffering a chronic issue. If pain is crucial to our survival, quite literally, but it can be subjective, what on earth is it? Let’s take a look at the neuroscience of pain. The Neuroscience of Pain Pain is a sensation and as such is processed in the brain. It is a necessary function that warns the body of potential or actual injury. It occurs when nociceptor fibres detect painful stimulus on the skin or in an internal organ (peripheral nervous system). The detection signal is picked up by receptors in the spinal cord and brainstem and transmitted to various areas of the brain as sensory information. The facilitators of this are known as neurotransmitters and as we know these are in essence, chemical messengers. Some transmitters are excitatory, meaning they facilitate the transmission of the message, and some are inhibitory, meaning they impede transmission. Both types of messengers are important in the modulation of pain. For example, excitatory neurotransmitters acting without an inhibitory system results in pain. Several neurotransmitters are involved, but glutamate and substance P (SP) are the main ones involved in pain. Glutamate is usually involved in the rapid neurotransmission of acute pain, such as with mechanical stimuli or temperature stimuli producing quick, sharp pain. SP regulates smooth muscle contractility, epithelial ion transport, vascular permeability, and immune function in the gastrointestinal tract. SP transmits pain by secretion from nerves and inflammatory cells, and acts by binding to certain receptors on the spinal cord. SP is typically seen in chronic pain cases due to its slow excitatory connection. The success in treating pain with opiates, such as morphine, that block nociceptive transmission of pain within the spinal cord is perceived to be, in part, due to a decrease in the release of SP. Recent data has indicated a role for dopamine in pain too. Dopamine is already known to play important roles in thinking, memory, movement, and reward. However, researchers have shown that dopaminergic neurotransmission plays a central role in modulating pain perception and analgesia within certain parts of the brain including the insula, thalamus, basal ganglia, anterior cingulate cortex and periaqueductal grey. It is thought that low levels of dopamine could contribute to the perception of painful symptoms. Amino Acids and Pain Management The body’s three primary pain modulators appear to be the neurotransmitters endorphin, serotonin, and GABA (gamma amino butyric acid). Each of these pain fighters is produced from very specific nutrients called amino acids. Amino acids are required for the production and maintenance of almost every function and tissue in the body. Amino acids are found in abundance in protein rich foods, but you can also find them in supplement form. DLPA (DL-phenylalanine) is a natural amino acid that has been used to treat chronic pain. DLPA inhibits several enzymes that are responsible for the destruction of endorphins. Endorphins are pain-killing hormones and by inhibiting their destruction, pain relief is prolonged. It can also potentiate opiate analgesia and prolong the effects of acupuncture. Tryptophan (Trp) is an indispensable amino acid for domestic canines. Tryptophan, and ultimately the serotonergic system, has been shown to influence behaviours related to anxiety, stress, fear, and aggression which may play a role chronic pain, and its perception. Acute Vs Chronic Pain Acute pain, which serves as a warning signal of injury or illness, normally comes on quickly and lasts for a short time. If not treated properly, acute pain can develop into chronic pain in which the pain persists even after the initial injury or illness is healed. When this happens, considerable changes occur in both the peripheral and central nervous systems (CNS) as well as in the psychological profiles of sufferers. Some recent studies have found that information about the transition from acute pain to chronic pain could be documented by changes in brain structure and function. In general, where acute pain largely activates brain regions involved in nociceptive information processing, chronic pain is consistently and substantially encoded by brain regions related to emotional and motivational states of sufferers. This suggests that we should also consider how stressed or anxious our pets may be alongside their pain experiences. What is particularly interesting about this concept is that our pets can’t talk, so it can be particularly difficult to establish their emotional and motivational states. This is even more worrying when we consider veterinarian and public opinion of pain sensitivity in certain breeds of dogs. A study carried out in 2020 wanted to establish whether there is a breed difference in pain sensitivity in dogs. But, as pain is a perception and there are significant limitations in subjectivity scales, the researchers thought asking veterinarians and the general public would be an interesting
There is a common misconception in the feline world. Many of us will see a hiding cat and make it our mission to coax them out. Whether this is whilst visiting a friend or taking in a new addition and they shoot straight under the cooker. We want them to come out so we can scratch under their chin. We want to reassure them. But what if we were to tell you that the welfare of said cats is greatly improved when they are given the opportunity to hide? Our want to reassure the cat is largely misplaced. We like to think we can fix it; but sometimes giving these cats the opportunity to decompress will fix more than our head poking under the bed with a handful of cooked food! To support the stressed cat we need to think outside of the box, or inside, as this case may be. Stress in Cats Cats get stressed. There is no denying that. But they are often a little more subtle in their anxieties than other animals. As in humans, cats will have the same response to stress. They may choose to fight, flight, or freeze. When they fight, they become aggressive and defensive. Flight will see them withdrawing from the threat and perhaps running away. When cats freeze, they crouch, lie still, and try to avoid any attention. At this point, you are probably imagining an outdoor cat with a territory to protect or one who has run into some difficulty on their hunt. But cats can become stressed for many reasons. They may spot an intruder (from the comfort of their windowsill), furniture may have moved, their litter may be different because the pet shop ran out of their usual one or there may be guests in the home and suddenly the day to day routine has drastically changed. You then have the colossal life changing events like bringing another new pet into their home, or them being the new addition to a busy home. The personality of the cat will largely determine how they respond to stress, much like in humans. Friendly and bold cats will often be more resilient in the face of change or stress; these are the cats who have generally experienced positive early socialisation, exposure to novel experiences and regular human handling. Interestingly, those cats who have a friendly father tend to grow up experiencing less distress in novel situations. Findings Here But it also seems that the personality of the owner can affect how a cat responds to stressful situations. If we explore the Big Five Inventory for human personality, owners who score high on neuroticism (who are more likely to feel anxious, worry and fear) report that their cats are more aggressive, anxious, and fearful. Owners who score high on conscientiousness report their cats are less anxious, fearful, aggressive, aloof, and avoidant. Those who are conscientious are often defined as organised and we know that a consistent routine is a great way to reduce stress-related behaviour in cats. Findings Here Studies like this include largely self-reported data, so the behaviour of both owner and cat could merely be perception, but it gives food for thought most certainly. Spotting Stress in Cats Cats can be incredible at hiding their emotions. This would have been an evolutionary advantage – no-one can prey on a weakness if they can’t see it. But there are subtle behaviours which show us they aren’t particularly fond of a situation. Immobility (freeze response) Crouched body Laying flat on their belly Tail under their body Wide eyes Flat ears Meowing, yowling, growling Hissing Shaking Excessive salivating Involuntary toileting Some cats will attempt to make themselves look bigger by way of piloerection. Their hand stands on end along their back, but more commonly you’ll notice a suddenly bushy tail. In dogs we notice this as getting their “hackles” up. This is an involuntary nervous system response because of the circulating adrenaline which makes the muscles contract. Be mindful though, cats will also do this if they are cold or aroused, so assess the situation to establish if it’s stress related or not. Again, this makes total evolutionary sense; a predator would think twice about hunting a larger prey. There is a ladder of response in most animals, and this is no different in cats. They will often show subtle signs of discomfort or stress. If the trigger doesn’t disappear, behaviour will progress. You may first notice flat ears, then the pupils will dilate. You may have a low growl or a silent hiss. Them running off or lashing out with their teeth and claws may be a few steps up the ladder. Chronic Stress For some cats, there are triggers which they can’t easily escape from. The most common is a multi-pet home. It is well-established that those cats exposed to dogs report higher stress-hormone levels in their urine. However, some cats have incredible relationships with resident dogs. Generally, if the cat is the first to arrive in the home, the cat-dog relationship will be more comfortable, and indoor cats are more likely to live amicably with dogs, than outdoor cats. Interestingly, it is usually the cat that is the driver of any aggressive encounters with dogs. In short, the cat will call the shots on whether the relationship is harmonious or not. Findings Here In a multi-cat home, it is much the same. Some cats cohabit perfectly well, but others may not. Strained relationships can result in excessive grooming, indoor soiling, spraying and even urinary retention, commonly resulting in conditions like cystitis. Cats may also self-soothe by way of sleeping and eating, so they may start to gain unnecessary weight. This is where the idea of learned helplessness appears. This is the “why bother?” concept of managing stressful situations. After repeated exposure to a stressor, the animal perceives they are unable to control or change it, so they stop trying. It’s easy to spot the acute stress
When faced with a sick pet, it can be hard to know where to start. It can sometimes feel like there is a never-ending list of things going wrong. We also have to manage our emotions; our pets are part of the family, and we hate to see them suffering. Sometimes it can help to have a structure when supporting digestive health and to this end, we take a systems approach. Let’s take a look at what this means. Taking A Top-Down Approach We could easily start at the bottom, but let’s start at the top! Neurological Health and Behaviour We can start thinking about any neurological issues our pet may be experiencing, but we can also keep track of their behaviour. Are they quieter than usual? Do they appear anxious or agitated? Are they a fussy eater? We know there is a highway between the gut and the brain, and so what goes on in the gut influences the brain and subsequent behaviour. We may notice sickness behaviour; being quieter than usual, or they may become more anxious. Studies in mice have demonstrated that when experimental colitis was induced, their amygdala became more active along with their fear response. In short, the experimental colitis made them more fearful. Findings Here Time and time again we see that inflammation or digestive discomfort can influence behaviour, so keep a note. Eye Health Moving down slightly, we can see a lot in our pet’s eyes. Not just key components in their body language, but if we have recurring tear staining, this can inform us of immune system health. Tear secretion is complex. It responds to the conditions faced by the eye, but also influenced by a range of hormones and cytokine balance. Cytokine is derived from two Greek words, cyto meaning cell and kinos meaning movement. Cytokines are cell signalling molecules that aid communication in immune responses. They stimulate the movement of cells towards sites of inflammation, infection, and trauma. Cytokines are agents that modulate or alter the immune system response. It makes absolute sense that when faced with an ocular threat, cytokine levels increase, presenting as the usual immune response; water and itchiness which is common with seasonal allergies or intolerances. But what is also interesting is that that the rest of the body can also influence tear production through this inflammatory response. The most considered is how chronic inflammatory diseases of the gut can cause various health issues; inflammatory bowel disease for example is caused by cytokine-driven inflammation of the gut. This leads us to why, no matter what you apply to your white dog’s face, you can’t get rid of those stains. If tear staining is an issue for your dog, then check out our blog here: Is Your Dog A Cry Baby? The Mouth From poor dental hygiene compromising eating habits to translocated bacteria throughout the body, oral health is a huge piece in the puzzle when supporting your dog’s health. Take a look; are there broken teeth? Is there evidence of periodontal disease? Is your dog able to chew? Do they have any abscesses or lesions on their tongue? Whilst it’s a little harder to establish, we can consider the state of the oral microbiota of our pet’s mouth too. Just like in the gut, the food eaten, along with any long term antibiotic or medication use can skew the community of microbes in the mouth. To learn more about oral health, and promoting dental hygiene, check out our blogs here: Your Puppy’s Microbiome Periodontal Disease in Dogs Ear Health Itchy or putrid smelling ears usually tell us things aren’t going as well as they should be. When warm and moist, the ears are perfect breeding grounds for certain bacteria to multiply. This leaves them at risk of infection and bacterial overgrowth. This is particularly common in those water dogs, or those who adore swimming. It can also be a consideration if your dog attends regular hydrotherapy sessions. Ear health is also something to pay attention to, if food sensitivities are prevalent. An elimination diet is often a good place to start. Elimination Diets For Dogs If you think your dog may struggle with yeast overgrowth, check out our blog here: Is Your Dog A Yeasty Beast? Now we’ll head into the digestive system. Stomach Are there any long-term medications that could compromise stomach acid secretion or production? Antihistamines for example? Or the administration of omeprazole alongside long term NSAIDs? As we know, digestion of food starts in the stomach with the help of hydrochloric acid; if there isn’t a good supply, food digestion can be compromised, leaving semi-digested particles to cause issues further down in the system. Gut Guardian Pancreas The pancreas releases a range of digestive enzymes to aid the digestion of food, so a similar principle applies; if the pancreas isn’t working as it should, food isn’t digested as well as it could be, leaving nutrients unavailable and undigested particles to causes issues. A Brief Guide to Our Pet’s Pancreas Liver We call the liver the powerhouse for a reason. It carries out a range of processes, from the assimilation of amino acids into new proteins to the detoxification of harmful compounds. It also produces bile which aids the digestion of fat. If there is an unusual burden for the liver to detoxify, it can get a little overwhelmed. This means that some other processes may be compromised and we may start to see poor protein assimilation, fat digestion issues and more. Liver Guard Gallbladder The gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ that sits just under the liver. Its function is to store and concentrate bile, a yellow-brown digestive juice produced by the liver. It is part of the biliary tract. Bile contains water, electrolytes and a battery of organic molecules including bile acids, cholesterol, phospholipids and bilirubin. Sadly, the build-up of these very compounds can lead to a number of problems in the gallbladder, they are known as canine gallbladder diseases.
Like all the systems in the body, things can and do go a little awry with urinary health. We’ve compiled 3 things to consider if your pet is facing challenges in this system. What can go wrong with my pet’s urinary system? Cats and dogs can be prone to developing urinary stones and infection. These occur when the concentration of certain minerals in your pet’s urine becomes too high (alkaline). In healthy pets, the urine pH is generally in the 6.5 to 7.0 range. If the pH is acidic (pH below 6) or alkaline (pH above 7) it may allow bacteria to thrive and for crystals or stones to form. Stones in the bladder can cause inflammation, predispose to urinary tract infections and even cause an obstruction of the urinary tract. There are different types of stone composed of different minerals and compounds. What Can I Do For My Dog’s Bladder Stones? Your pet can also suffer from bacterial infection in their urinary system, leading to discomfort in the lower urinary tract. Urinary incontinence, anatomic abnormalities and tumours are amongst other conditions that may affect the urinary tract in cats and dogs too. Female dogs and cats are more likely to suffer with UTI’s and stones often due to structure but also possible hormonal changes. This is also suggests that urinary issues may face those neutered dogs too. Signs of UTI’s, stones or other UT issues may include one or more of the following; Chronic diarrhoea, loose stools or constipation Difficult or painful urination Stooping as if to defecate Incomplete urination Urinary incontinence Darker colour urine and offensive odour Fresh blood spots in urine Bloated, tender abdomen Loss of appetite Lack of energy Crying out in pain (generally from stones) Panting Weight loss Possible Causes of UTI’s and Stones Poor commercial foods. We know fresher fed pets have a more biodiverse microbiota that creates metabolites that protect the mucosa and UT. Food allergies and sensitivities. Stress can cause digestive dysfunction, leading to inflammation of the entire body, including the UT. Hormonal changes and neutering of a cat or dog can make for concurrent issues. Endocrine issues and dysfunction tend to affect the UT. Looking at underlying issues is always helpful. Dysbiosis leads to increased intestinal permeability, loss of immune tolerance, aberrant immune responses, and specific microbiome shifts. SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth), is commonly found and highly associated with concurrent UTI’s. Parasitic infections can take hold when the GI is not functioning well and immune function becomes compromised. The urinary tract may become a weakened system because of this. Poor immunity and gut immunity can cause over-reactivity and inflammation. This can arise from birth to not being weaned effectively and even include environmental exposures (or lack thereof). Anatomical structural issues where the urethra is close to the anus, collecting bacteria leading to infection. Genetics in rare occasions can predispose a cat or dog to urinary stones. Cystinuria is a rare inherited disease that results in the formation of stones made of an amino acid called cysteine. The known gene defects responsible for cystinuria affect the kidneys and cause the kidneys to improperly excrete too much cysteine into the urine. Consistent use of antibiotics can wipe out the beneficial bacteria that protect the mucosa of the gut and UT. Adverse drug reactions or over-medication and vaccination can create a hyperactive immune state and inflammation which are implicated in UT issues and infection. Things to consider in supporting UT Health: 1) Feed A Fresh Food Diet A fresh diet rich in easily digestible proteins, beneficial fats and vegetables (fibre) can help support gut microbiota, a healthy body and a healthy UT. Home prepared, cooked or raw is the very best in this instance. The balance of calcium and phosphorus in a dicalcium phosphate form or even better from bones or bone meal is essential. Reducing oxalic vegetables and keeping an eye on high magnesium content is helpful, but a fresher diet can often negate the impact and therefore proliferation of stones and infections. Processed foods and sugars can cause systemic inflammation triggering UT inflammation. Sugar is also the food of choice for many of the less than desirable bacteria. Certain foods can often elicit an unwanted immune response, so understanding what might be causing your pet to react is essential. Elimination Diets For Dogs 2) Consider Supplements Ashwaganda is a beautiful adaptogenic herb, which does what it says on the tin. It helps the body adapt. This is worth considering if there is any element of stress influencing your dog’s UT health. Slippery elm: a beautiful insoluble fibre that tends to help regardless of the cause. It has mucilage properties where it creates a film, soothes, protects and helps to heal the entire gastric system including there productive and UT system. Deglycyrrhised liquorice: this botanical and functional herb is a demulcent (or mucilaginous, the same as slippery elm). It enhances oesophageal and digestive mucosal protection and in powder or liquid form, can help soothe the oesophageal, digestive and UT lining. DGL has been shown to create extra mucus, acting as a barrier to acid in the stomach, oesophagus, and UT. This barrier may allow damaged tissue to heal. Probiotics: the gut microbiota allows for a healthy ecology and functioning of the gut. It helps support immunity, aids the digestion of food, may outcompete pathogenic bacteria and yeast and has shown promise in reducing inflammation. For a happy gut, we need a diverse gut, and this means that certain beneficial bacteria reign. It is proven in humans that a healthy microbiota creates the necessary metabolites within the UT that protect against pathogenic bacteria too, so optimising gut health, with consideration given to probiotic usage may be of benefit. Cranberry and D Mannose: bacterial adhesion has been found to be significantly reduced after culture with urine samples obtained at 30 and 60 days, compared with results for urine samples obtained before extract administration from 12 dogs in a study for UTI’s. Oral administration of
When we understand that that the microbiome has a direct relationship with every organ in the body, why wouldn’t we wonder whether it could play a role in our dog’s bladder stones? We are somewhat lagging in canine data, but let’s take a look at the current information around urinary health and the microbiome. The Urinary System As body cells carry out metabolic activities, they consume oxygen and nutrients. During this process, waste products are made. These waste products must be eliminated from the body because if they are left to accumulate, they can become toxic. As the respiratory system eliminates carbon dioxide, the urinary system picks up the remainder of the waste products. This system consists of: Two kidneys Two ureters One urinary bladder One urethra The kidneys filter the blood of wastes and excretes them into urine. Once formed, urine passes through the ureters and is stored in the urinary bladder. It is then excreted through the urethra. The Bladder and Urine Cats and dogs can be prone to developing urinary stones and infection. These occur when the concentration of certain minerals in your pet’s urine becomes too high (alkaline). In healthy pets, the urine pH is generally in the 6.5 to 7.0 range. If the pH is acidic (pH below 6) or alkaline (pH above 7) it may allow bacteria to thrive and for crystals or stones to form. Stones in the bladder can cause inflammation, predispose to urinary tract infections, and even cause an obstruction of the urinary tract. There are several different types of stones, and they are composed of different minerals and compounds: Struvite Calcium oxalate Urate Cystine The most common causes include: Bacteria in the urinary tract Urinary pH Minerals present in the urine Genetics Bladder inflammation Struvite Stones These stones form due to excess magnesium, ammonium, and phosphorus. Normal canine urine is slightly acidic and contains waste products from metabolism. Struvite is a normal compound found in canine urine and will remain dissolved if the urine is acidic and not too concentrated. When the urine become too concentrated or alkaline, struvite crystals form. These stones tend to form because of a urinary tract infection and involves an enzyme known as urease. Urease is produced by the pathogenic bacteria and breaks down urea, which is normally found in urine. In the process, excess ammonia is produced which causes the urine to become alkaline. Excess ammonia in the urine also results in bladder inflammation, contributing to the issue. These stones are generally more common in female dogs. Kidney disease, long term use of diuretic medication and PPI’s can also result in alkaline urine, predisposing the dog to struvite stones. Calcium Oxalate Stones The current line of thinking is that urine high in calcium, citrates, or oxalates and is acidic predisposes a dog to developing calcium oxalate urinary crystals and stones. Recent studies have shown diets that cause high urine acidity (urine pH less than 6.5) may predispose dogs to develop this type of bladder stone. But, like most things, there are likely other causes of calcium oxalate bladder stones too. For example, over-usage of antibiotics may reduce numbers of the intestinal bacteria Oxalobacter formigenes whose sole nutrient is oxalate. In dogs with low populations of Oxalobacter, excess oxalate is secreted in the urine, increasing the likelihood that calcium oxalate crystals and stones can form if the urine is highly concentrated or becomes acidic. Calcium oxalate uroliths are noted more commonly in male dogs and the breeds most diagnosed with both struvite and calcium oxalate bladder stones included Shih Tzus, Miniature Schnauzer, Bichon Frise, Lhasa Apso, and Yorkshire Terrier. Urate Stones Urate stones are generally caused by a genetic condition in some dog breeds like Dalmatians, Jack Russel Terriers and Bulldogs. But they are also seen with liver disease, especially in dogs or cats with liver shunts. Urate stones are made from compounds called purines. Purines are one of the most common chemical compounds on the planet. There are both endogenous and exogenous. Exogenous purines are absorbed by the body through the foods eaten, and endogenous purines are made by the body itself. Purines and pyrimidines are the two families of nitrogenous base that make up nucleic acids – in short, they are the building blocks of DNA and RNA. Purines have a number of functions in the body: Signalling molecule Provide energy Control cell growth Part of essential coenzymes Contribute to nervous system function (including neuronal development) As you can see, purines perform many important functions in the cell, and so the balance between its synthesis and degradation is essential. When purines are catabolised, the result is uric acid. In all other mammals, apart from humans and Dalmatians, uric acid is then converted to allantoin, which is a very soluble excretion product. For us humans and those unlucky dogs, we excrete uric acid through the kidneys (with some excreted through the gastrointestinal tract). Uric acid is suggested to behave as a potent antioxidant. It is also thought to maintain blood pressure under low salt conditions and has been seen to function as an anti-inflammatory in certain diseases, but when levels become too high, in a condition known as hyperuricemia, problems can ensue. In humans, this can result in diseases such as kidney stones and gout and may cause hypertension. In those unlucky dogs, high uric acid levels result in bladder stones. For this reason, a low purine diet is often suggested for those pets suffering urate stones. Uric Acid and The Microbiota It is thought that around 1/3 of uric acid excretion occurs via the intestinal pathway. When uric acid is excreted into the gut, it is then metabolised by resident bacteria. What is interesting is that when kidney function is impaired, uric acid will mainly be eliminated by the intestine as compensation. It’s not therefore entirely surprising that there is a correlation between efficient uric acid metabolism and certain strains of bacteria found in the gut. Human studies have found a significantly
It is thought there is over 300 recognised breeds of dogs around the World. The American Kennel Club recognise around 190 of them, and the UK Kennel Club recognise 221. For those of us who have a preference for a certain breed we may fondly discuss our love of the Labrador’s happy-go-lucky nature or the trainability of the poodle. It is clear there are breed differences, which suggests a genetic blueprint of certain traits and characteristic. We also know there are genetic predispositions to certain health issues in various breeds. But would you be surprised to learn that there may be breed differences in clinical measurements? A group of researchers, hoping to establish genetic differences in clinical measurements in humans decided that dogs most closely resemble human parameters and so set out to test eight different breeds for 40 clinical markers. Findings Here This is what they found. For the majority of clinical markers, the researchers couldn’t find any significant genetic variants, but for three, they did. Alanine transaminase: ALT ALT is one of the more commonly known liver enzymes. ALT level in blood is used for the diagnosis of liver disease and injury in human and veterinary medicine. Researchers found a variant (SNP) on the gene known as GPT which codes for ALT. A causal variant linked with this SNP could increase expression level of GPT, which would lead to the production of more ALT protein. Belgian Shepherds, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Doberman, Finnish Lapphund, and Newfoundland were breeds identified with a significant variation on this gene compared to other tested breeds, suggesting they may have a higher-than-average ALT level as standard. Additional data has suggested that elevated ALT doesn’t lead to metabolic disease per se and in fact metabolic disease is what leads to elevated enzymes. Therefore, it’s essential to consider test results in context and alongside other results, signs, and symptoms. What Could Cause Elevated Liver Enzymes in My Dog? Fructosamine Fructosamine is a stable condensation product of glucose with serum proteins. It is used as a biomarker for diagnosing and managing diabetes because fructosamine reflects the average blood sugar concentration over the preceding 2 weeks. The researchers found variations in the gene which codes for this protein in the Finnish Lapphund, German Shepherd and Newfoundland. Again, it would be an important consideration to make when monitoring these test results over a period of time, in light of any correlating signs and symptoms. The last marker is one that is particularly interesting. Stress During Physical Exam The researchers identified an experimental-wide association with stress during physical examination at chromosome 1. Two breeds, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Dachshunds were the most significant. Dogs with the A allele of BICF2P1232291 showed more stress during physical examination. Whilst genes are fixed, we can often influence their expression and in this case, we can also mitigate stress in our dog’s life to regulate that overarching response. If you are planning a visit where your dog will need a physical examination: Limit stress before the visit, Engage in calming and enriching activities to activate that parasympathetic nervous system, Consider the use of a thunder jacket or similar, Allow your dog to decompress after the examination – again offering activities to activate that parasympathetic nervous system (chewing, enrichment, sniffing etc.) What Does All This Mean? This data suggests genetic variations in three clinical markers in certain breeds. However, these researchers only tested eight breeds. It would be interesting to establish how the data may change when testing additional breeds, especially when there are so many around the world. We know there are genetic glitches which contribute to the development of certain health issues, like the filaggrin mutation in skin health, or glitches in zinc absorption in certain sled dogs, but this information further highlights how complex our pet’s health issues truly can be. Can Genes Result in Poor Skin Function? Why Zinc is Important for Your Dog If you feel overwhelmed by your dog’s health issues, then please check out our services to see how we can help. Thanks for reading, MPN Team
When establishing the health status of pets, we often pursue a battery of tests. Whilst they may have been explained, you won’t be the first one to wonder what exactly the tests measure and what the numbers mean. One of the most common tests, along with kidney, is liver function. These tests are then talked about in terms of liver enzymes. But what are these liver enzymes and what jobs do they carry out in the body? Here at My Pet Nutritionist we thought we’d compile a brief guide to liver enzyme function. But before we get cracking, we need to understand a little more about the liver. What is the liver? The liver is one of the largest organs in the body and we call it the powerhouse for good reason. It has some incredible metabolic functions. It converts the nutrients in the diet into substances that the body can use, stores these substances, and supplies cells with them when needed. It also takes up toxic substances and converts them into harmless substances or makes sure they are released from the body. In short, if it’s not working as it should, us or our pets are in a little bit of trouble. How does it work? Liver tissue is made up of lots of smaller units of liver cells called lobules. Many canals carrying blood and bile run between the liver cells. Blood coming from digestive organs flows through the portal vein to the liver, carrying nutrients, medication, and toxic substances. Once they reach the liver, these substances are processed, stored, altered, detoxified, and passed back into the blood or released in the bowel to be eliminated. In this way, for us humans the liver can remove alcohol from our blood and for both us and our pets, it can get rid of by-products from the breakdown of medications and more! Another function of the liver, with the help of vitamin K, it produces proteins that are important in blood clotting. It is also one of the organs that break down old or damaged blood cells. To carry out its job effectively, the liver has enzymes. What are enzymes? Enzymes are proteins that speed up processes in the body, you’ll probably be familiar with digestive enzymes; these are compounds which speed up the digestion of food. So, liver enzymes speed up the processes the liver carries out. Enzymes are found in liver cells, so the reason you may have heard of elevated enzymes is because damaged or inflamed liver cells can release enzymes into the bloodstream, of which a blood test picks up. What are the liver enzymes? Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) AST is an enzyme found mostly in the heart and liver and to a lesser extent in skeletal muscle. It plays a role in amino acid metabolism – transferring amino groups. When heart, liver or muscle cells are injured, they release AST into the bloodstream. ALT, which stands for alanine transaminase, is an enzyme found mostly in the liver. It helps break down proteins for the body to absorb, and therefore also plays a role in converting food into energy in the body. When liver cells are damaged, they release ALT into the bloodstream. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) ALP is an enzyme found in the liver and bone and is important for breaking down proteins. Higher-than-normal levels of ALP may indicate liver damage or disease. Gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) GGT is an enzyme found throughout the body, but it is mostly found in the liver. GGT is typically the first liver enzyme to increase in the blood when any liver bile ducts become blocked or constricted. The primary role of GGT is the extracellular catabolism of glutathione, the major thiol antioxidant in cells, therefore playing a significant role in protecting cells against oxidants produced during normal metabolism. In short, GGT plays an important role in cellular defence. This is why GGT levels are often elevated in cases of environmental toxicity. Liver Guard br] What can cause elevated enzyme levels? All dogs should be assessed individually, but there are some common themes which contribute to higher enzyme levels than the general canine population. Certain Medications As the liver plays such a role in the metabolism and detoxification of medications, we often find that certain medications can contribute to higher-than-normal levels. Vaccine Adjuvants A study carried out in 2012 established an apoptotic effect of the hepatitis B vaccine in the mouse liver. What this means is that after vaccine administration, cell death occurred in the liver. As we know, damage to cells in the liver can result in enzymes being released into the bloodstream. It was thought that the adjuvant aluminum hydroxide played a role in cell apoptosis. It’s important to acknowledge that this study was carried out on mice, but that’s largely because researchers aren’t queuing up to dissect canine livers after they’ve had a vaccine, thankfully! But it’s important to note that this adjuvant can be found in some vaccines administered to pets. Food Aflatoxins (AF) found in food have been associated with increased biomarkers in liver function and oxidative stress. Aflatoxins are found in cereals and nuts and we can head back to 1952 to understand the true risk of them. In 1952, an outbreak of fatal liver disease in dogs occurred in the southeastern United States. The disease, termed hepatitis X, was characterised by icterus, lethargy, anorexia, petechiae, epistaxis, and hematemesis. Affected dogs died one to 14 days after clinical presentation. The postmortem findings of hepatitis X were noted to be similar to those in swine and cattle after ingestion of mouldy corn. The disease resulted from exposure to aflatoxins produced by the fungus Aspergillus species. In 1959, the role of aflatoxins in hepatitis X was confirmed when a group of dogs acquired the disease after being fed purified aflatoxin. Outbreaks of aflatoxicosis sadly do occur. In 2005, there were a number of acute outbreaks of hepatic failure in dogs across the United States which raised
We acknowledge the nutritional needs of puppies are quite different to the adult dog, but the adult dog in many of our eyes simple remains an adult dog. We know they are getting older, but we perhaps don’t know when to label them as senior and so often miss the opportunity to make supportive dietary changes. The technical definition of the senior dog is quite vague; it is thought to be when they hit around half of their lifespan and as we know, there are breed differences to consider here. To bring a little more clarity, we thought we’d take a systems approach. If we understand the changes that occur in our dog’s systems as they age, armed with this knowledge we can use nutrition as one of our tools to optimise our dog’s health where possible. System Changes For the Ageing Dog As we always talk about the role of the digestive system in health, we’ll start there. The ageing dog can suffer with dental disease, or its more technical term, periodontal disease. Periodontal Disease Periodontal disease begins when bacteria in the dog’s mouth forms to create a substance called plaque. The plaque sits on the surface of the teeth and with the help of saliva, it hardens to form tartar. Not only does it sit on the teeth, plaque and tartar seeps into gum lines which causes inflammation. Over a period of time, this inflammation and presence of bacteria causes damage to the structures surrounding the teeth; causing receding gum lines and eventually tooth loss. These bacteria can also travel to other parts of the body, causing a range of additional health concerns. It has been found to damage cardiac tissue causing endocarditis (infection and inflammation in the heart). Studies have also shown that periodontal disease is linked to increased insulin resistance, kidney, and liver issues. Signs your dog has dental disease: Bad breath Pawing at his mouth Reluctance to eat Food or toys will have blood on them Smaller breeds are statistically more likely to suffer with periodontal disease, as are brachycephalic breeds. Their teeth are often closer together which means food and bacteria can more easily get stuck. What is also interesting is that it is generally accepted that the inflammation and resulting tissue damage is due to an improperly regulated immune response to bacterial infection, and not solely from the bacterial pathogens themselves. This suggests that if your dog already has immune mediated health concerns, then they may be at a higher risk of dental disease. To support the dental health of your dog, our top tips include: Avoid ultra-processed, refined foods, Offer opportunities to chew, Offer fibrous foods to gnaw on, Daily brushing if not feeding a species appropriate diet, To understand why we recommend this, check out our blog below: Periodontal Disease in Dogs Compromised Digestive Function Moving through the digestive system, get to the stomach and there can be a decline in stomach acid secretion with ageing. What this means, is that digestive function may be compromised for the senior dog, we may find that cooking food aids digestive function. In addition, digestive enzyme production also slows with age, so we may consider including supplemental enzymes under the guidance of a practitioner. Gastrointestinal Motility For the ageing dog, we may also notice decreased gastrointestinal motility. It’s important to support the health of the enteric nervous system responsible for this function, and we can think of the enteric nervous system like the second brain. We therefore need to provide plenty of nutrient dense foods that support nerve health. Potassium and Sodium Nerves send signals throughout the nervous system, and they heavily rely on potassium and sodium (and other nutrients) to do this. If there are low levels, nerves have a harder time carrying out this process. We often see low levels of sodium in some raw fed dogs. Check out our blog below: Are We Really That Good At Doing It Ourselves? B Vitamins B vitamins are crucial for nerve health, we often see deficiencies in B12 associated with neuropathy in humans. Why Your Dog needs Vitamin B12? Calcium Whilst we usually associate calcium with bone health, calcium also plays a role in nerve communication. Why Does My Dog Need Calcium? Essential Fatty Acids Omega-3 fatty acids can support myelin sheath health which is the protective layer around nerves. It allows electrical impulses to transmit quickly and efficiently along the nerve cells. If myelin if damaged, these impulses slow down. This is what happens in cases of degenerative myelopathy; the myelin is damaged resulting in nerve damage. Obesity For the senior dog, they may become less active than they used to be, or with the onset of chronic musculoskeletal issues, we may not be able to exercise them as we used to. We know that the calorie in vs. calorie out model is limited when it comes to the complexities of obesity, but we must adjust food portions to suit not only nutrient needs but also levels of activity. Obesity in Pets – Part One Obesity in Pets – Part Two Urinary System The senior dog may experience decreased renal function, urinary bladder disease and more. To optimise urinary health, this is our checklist: A fresh and unadulterated fresh food diet Moderate in protein Omega fats and antioxidants Super tasty and easily delivered Treats that are part of the daily calorie intake Hydration should also be prioritised. The Importance of Water Musculoskeletal Health There are a number of degenerative conditions that our trusty canines can suffer with like osteoarthritis, and the reality is that it’s never too early to support musculoskeletal health. You don’t have to wait for changes to appear. Our checklist for musculoskeletal health includes: Species appropriate diet – read our range of blogs below for more information Avoid ball flinger activities Use rugs around the home to prevent slipping Regular and appropriate exercise Prioritising rest and recovery Size matched play dates Maintain lean body weight. Natural Arthritis Guide Nutrients
The term allergy is commonly used within the pet nutrition realm. Whilst allergies to cleaning products or compounds in the environment do occur, the true incidence of food allergy in dogs is quite low. Whilst allergies do exist, we tend to see a higher number of intolerances, so what’s the difference and do we need to approach them differently? Let’s take a look at allergies and intolerances in dogs. What is a food allergy? A food allergy or other allergic response is caused by an IgE antibody reacting towards that allergen. IgE binds to mast cells to promote histamine release. In short, the immune system has sensed the particle and wants to get rid of it at all costs. You’ll know the hallmark signs of an allergy if you are unfortunate to suffer with hay fever, but the common symptoms of an allergy include: Itching Hives Swelling Coughing Sneezing/wheezing Watery eyes Anaphylaxis What is a food intolerance? In the case of a food intolerance, we tend to discuss it in terms of IgG. IgG is the work horse antibody; it is the soldier, the memory antibody. This is what gets drafted when your dog is exposed to something they have already figured out a response to. Symptoms usually begin within a few hours of eating the food that your dog is intolerant to but it’s important to note that symptoms can be delayed by up to 48 hours and last for hours or even days, making the offending food especially difficult to pinpoint. IgG’s are mostly raised from the barrier mucosa in the digestive system. After a meal, there are both antibodies and complexes of food antigens bound to specific IgG’s. These complexes are quickly cleared by the reticuloendothelial system. Clinical observations suggest that due to gut inflammation and permeability (leaky gut), the digestive system is unable to digest the proteins effectively which subsequently raises IgG response to certain foods. Chronic intestinal inflammations and permeability are related to and possibly responsible for food IgG sensitivity. A point to note is that 90% of food reactivity comes from IgG’s. Intolerances can be changeable, but allergies tend to be for life and only account for around 10% of food reactivity. The common signs of an intolerance include, and are not limited to: Poor growth in young pets Itching Vomiting Diarrhoea Flatulence Recurring ear issues Acid reflux SIBO Pain or discomfort Loss of appetite As you have gathered there is a glitch in immune function in both allergies and intolerances, but we must also consider the function of the digestive system when we are tackling intolerances. It’s important to note that IgG’s come in different categories but to keep it simple, they are generally defined as cyclic or fixed. A common IgG reaction is cyclic and can take around 3 months to disappear/change. A fixed Intolerance tends to linger for longer and can take around 6 months to disappear/change, what this means is there is no quick fix to support your dog who suffers with intolerances, we’re in it for the long haul. How to Support the Intolerant Dog First of all, we prime and reset the digestive system, and this includes starting with an elimination diet, but also includes gut healing and immune balancing protocols. We follow the 4 R’s. – Remove – carry out an elimination diet. Raw or lightly cooked is the best way to do this. Cooked foods can take pressure off the digestive system, which in these cases is beneficial. Start with novel proteins (proteins your dog’s immune system has not seen before) for example, horse, ostrich, kangaroo and hare are generally well tolerated. Horse is lean too, so a great option if digestive function isn’t where it needs to be, yet. Feed this novel protein for 4-12 weeks. Ideally if you land on a novel protein that helps the itch/digestive discomfort or doesn’t make it any worse, we recommend remaining on this protein for 12 weeks. As we noted this is the time it takes for an intolerance to change. We then introduce other novel proteins – but at no more than one per week and sticking to single source. Treats need to match too! If there are signs of intolerance, then remove that protein and go back to a protein you believe is best tolerated. Notice that it’s called an elimination diet, and not an elimination lifestyle. The overall aim is to eventually maintain a strong diversity in the diet as we know this supports optimal gut health. We would be looking to reintroduce more common proteins as time went on – but this takes time. We also practice the same process when reintroducing any fruit or vegetables – one at a time, over time. It can also be worthwhile opting for a low-histamine approach when reintroducing too. – Repair – support immunity and gut healing. Include ingredients like slippery elm, de-glycerised liquorice, glutamine, and N-acetyl-glucosamine. It is also important to consider how existing medications are affecting gut healing for example, steroid use impairs intestinal absorption which is linked to several gastrointestinal dysfunctions. But, because of their anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive activities, they are often prescribed in cases of allergies or intolerance. Findings here – Restore – optimise microbiome health As the microbiome is key in the development of the immune system, supporting this is essential. However, the introduction of specific pre and probiotic foods or supplements is sometimes best left for a few weeks into your plan, especially when carrying out an elimination diet. There may be probiotics on the market that contain protein sources not indicated on the label – always check with the manufacturer what is contained in their product and indicate that you are carrying out an elimination diet, so you need accurate information. – Replenish Indigestibility of food proteins can also contribute to their antigenic nature, so consider any long-term medication use including proton pump inhibitors which affect gastric acid secretion. Ensuring HCL, pepsin and digestive enzymes are in good
We are often told that the best time to learn a new language is when we are young and on the other side of the scale, that we will naturally lose some cognitive ability as we age. These concepts are true, but they also imply that we reach a plateau of learning or functioning, and we then must just wait for it to disappear. For the owner of an ageing dog, this is often a worry. The million-dollar question on many dog owner’s tongue – can we influence cognitive function as our pet ages, or do we just have to wait for it to “disappear?” It seems there is in fact some hope in the form of this concept known as neurogenesis. What is Neurogenesis? Neurogenesis is the process by which neurons are formed in the brain. Neurons are the fundamental units of the brain and nervous system; they transit information around the body, to other nerve cells, to muscles and even gland cells! Most neurons have a cell body, an axon, and dendrites. In a nutshell, they are crucial to coordinate all the necessary functions of life. Neurogenesis was thought to only occur in young, developing organisms like babies or puppies. But data is now suggesting that it can in fact continue throughout adult life and even into those senior years. Why is this important? Loss of neurons was thought to be irreversible – and the inability to generate replacement cells, quite simply affects functions necessary for life. For decades we saw how neuronal loss was implicated in neurological disease. One of the particularly interesting parts of the brain to be affected is the hippocampus. The hippocampus forms part of the emotional control centre known as the limbic system. It is so named due to its shape – it resembles a seahorse. The Greek for horse is hippos and kampos meaning sea-monster. The hippocampus also deals with memory – particularly short-term memory formation. It has a connection with the cortex, which deals with long-term memory and they have this system where the hippocampus transfers information to the cortex. Both are necessary for memory formation, and this is why if there is hippocampal damage, memory loss ensues. Its other connection is with the amygdala – this is why you may notice how much easier it is to remember things that are emotionally charged, or your dog always remembers that house with the yappy dog at the gate! The hippocampus therefore plays an important role in learning, whether our puppies and dogs are learning tricks or about the world around them. But the hippocampus is also involved in control of the HPA axis, which is a key element of the stress response. A well-functioning hippocampus is therefore vital for an appropriate and resilient stress response. Using Nutrition to Support The Stressed Dog Stress and the Hippocampus Unfortunately, there is data that links stress with reduced hippocampal volume. In short, stress results in a smaller brain. Stress suppresses neuronal proliferation. This smaller hippocampal volume can impede memory and learning, but also result in lower resilience to stress moving forward, and so the cycle continues. Luckily, there is evidence we can mitigate this damage. It seems there is a protein that can defend the hippocampus against shrinkage and support its regrowth and repair. It is known as BDNF (brain derived neurotrophic factor). One of two neurotrophins, BDNF promotes neuronal survival – it helps neurons grow, mature, and survive. It also increases energy efficiency in the brain. In humans, low levels of BDNF are linked with depression and in dogs, low levels of BDNF are associated with separation anxiety. But what’s really nifty is that there are a few things that can boost BDNF levels in the brain: Exercise: Study after study have demonstrated that voluntary exercise increases neurogenesis in the brain, particularly in the hippocampus. Regular walks are important for your dog’s well-being, cardiovascular and skeletal health, but they are also a great way to support their brain health. Interestingly, extreme exercise has been associated with impaired cognitive function due to the overload in reactive oxygen species causing oxidative stress – so balance is key! For that reason, rest is also essential to hippocampal health! The Importance of Sleep There is a diurnal rhythm of neurogenesis and as we know, dogs too are diurnal creatures (awake in the daylight and sleep largely at night). It is mainly at night that the hippocampus experiences growth due to the proteins that control the body clock. Enriched Environment Novel enrichment activities have been noted to increase BDNF levels in the brain – here we are looking for those new challenges for your dog; appropriately named, brain games. It may be puzzle games, learning new tricks, navigating a new trail or hunting a new treasure (food or toy). The key element here is novelty, whilst there are generalised benefits of prior exposure to a task, there are more significant improvements when it is a new experience. Boredom is regularly linked with low BDNF levels! Dog Brain Games Diet Last but not least, we are a nutrition page after all, but diet can influence BDNF levels too. Omega-3 Fatty Acids have been seen to normalise BDNF levels in the brain – they are also thought to be neuroprotective in that they protect neurons from death. Great sources of Omega-3 for the dog include fatty fish like sprats, sardines, mackerel, and salmon. Essential Fats For My Dog’s Diet Vitamin B12 When including both omega-3 and Vitamin B12 in the diet, higher levels of BDNF are found in the hippocampus and cortex. Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that keeps nerve and blood cells healthy. It is also involved in energy production and more! There are no plant-sources of B12, it is produced in the gut of vegetarian animals, then absorbed into their blood stream, and makes its way around their body. Their tissue then provides B12 to whoever eats it. For that reason, sources of B12 include meat,
Osteoarthritis is a common clinical and pathological endpoint from a range of joint disorders that ultimately lead to structural and functional decline of the joint with associated lameness and pain. A multimodal approach is necessary to support your dog who sadly suffers with osteoarthritis, but we thought we’d take a look at the evidence for any herbs that have supported this chronic condition. What is Osteoarthritis? Osteoarthritis, a common pain-causing condition of synovial joints, affects millions of human and non-human animals worldwide. These non-human animals include our trusty dogs. Osteoarthritis, also referred to as osteoarthrosis or degenerative joint disease, is a disease of the entire joint organ, including all its associated tissues, but is most frequently associated with the loss and dysfunction of articular cartilage. Risk Factors for Osteoarthritis: In humans, reported risk factors for the development of osteoarthritis are both systemic and local causes including genetics, age, sex, obesity, previous joint trauma, along with underlying diseases such as cruciate ligament rupture. Recent literature has indicated that up to 20% of dogs over 1 years old suffer with osteoarthritis. Findings Here Primary Vs. Secondary Osteoarthritis Primary osteoarthritis is described as largely idiopathic but can be associated with several risk factors including aging and obesity. Secondary osteoarthritis, where underlying disease processes or injuries play a role in the development of osteoarthritis, is believed to be the most common form in dogs. Secondary osteoarthritis is considered to have a genetic component exacerbated through aspects of lifestyle that impact body condition, such as diet and exercise. Disease processes and pre-existing conditions often influence the development, for example cruciate ligament disease is a common cause of pelvic limb lameness and can result in osteoarthritis development in breeds of all sizes. In addition, dysplasia, commonly occurring in the hip or elbow, describes the failure of normal joint formation during development and can lead to joint conditions causing pain and lameness, and can subsequently progress to osteoarthritis. To understand if any herbs could support this condition, we first need to establish its pathology. The Pathology of Osteoarthritis Osteoarthritis is characterised by joint cartilage degeneration, changes in the underlying bone and synovitis. In addition, there is an increase in pro-inflammatory mediators which promote immune responses, increase oxidative stress, inhibit collagen and proteoglycan synthesis, and diminish chondrocyte proliferation. Furthermore, MMPs are produced which induces the degradation of articular cartilage. For the most part, these changes result in pain, joint stiffness, loss of flexibility, tenderness, grating sensation, bone spurs and swelling. If we are to support this condition, we are looking to modulate inflammation, tackle increased oxidative stress and support the synthesis of those compromised compounds where possible. In turn, we are looking for a reduction in pain and symptoms with an improved quality of life. Herbs for Osteoarthritis (OA) in Dogs Boswellia spp. Boswellia, also known as frankincense, has been used for centuries in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. This herb exhibits anti-inflammatory activity. One clinical trial found that oral supplementation of Boswellia extract for more than 4 months significantly improved physical function by reducing pain and stiffness in OA patients compared to placebo, without causing serious adverse events. Majeed et al. found that OA patients receiving oral B. serrata extract for 8 weeks demonstrated significant improvement in their Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Japanese Knee Osteoarthritis Measure (JKOM), and their Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores in comparison to placebo. Findings Here Curcuma spp. Roots of Curcuma are used as a spice commonly known as turmeric. Curcumin, a polyphenol extract of turmeric, is well known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, and it has a long history of use in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. Treatment with Curcuma has been found to strongly inhibit the production of inflammatory mediators. Researchers have demonstrated that human patients randomized to Curcuma domestica trails experienced significant improvement in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index scores in comparison to baseline over a 4-week period and less abdominal pain and discomfort compared to ibuprofen. Findings Here Another human trial demonstrated that curcumin had comparable efficacy, but better safety and fewer adverse effects than diclofenac. Findings Here Withania somnifera Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) is an Ayurvedic medicine known for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Withania somnifera extract has been shown to slow the degradation of bovine Achilles tendon type I collagen by inhibiting the activity of collagenase. Treatment with W. somnifera has also decreased swelling, redness, deformity, and ankylosis in a collagen-induced arthritis rat model. It has been demonstrated that an aqueous extract of W. somnifera showed a significant chondroprotective effect on damaged human OA cartilage via diminishing the gelatinase activity of collagenases. In a 12-week human clinical trial, treatment with W. somnifera extract was associated with significant reductions in the mean WOMAC and Knee Swelling Index in comparison to baseline and placebo. A significant reduction in scores for pain, stiffness, and disability was also observed. Findings Here Ginger The anti-inflammatory activities of ginger have been widely investigated in patients as well as in vitro and in vivo models. Several clinical trials have been performed to assess the effects of ginger on OA pain-relief. Researchers have found that patients treated with ginger extract had lower VAS scores and gelling or regressive pain compared to placebo. Another study revealed that ginger extract was associated with reducing knee pain and WOMAC indices, although it was associated with gastrointestinal side effects. Further researchers have suggested that topical ginger extract significantly improved knee pain, stiffness, physical function, and patient global assessments following 12 weeks of knee OA treatment. What happens when we combine herbs and supplements? There is evidence of synergistic effects when different herbs are combined, including improvement in therapeutic outcomes and safety. Supplementation with boswellia combined with N-acetyl-D-glucosamine and ginger for 6 months, was found to significantly improve pain-free walking distance and WOMAC signs/symptoms for patients with moderate knee OA in comparison to standard OA management. Boswellic acid combined with methylsulfonymethane (MSM) has been found to improve knee OA pain management and functional recovery along
For some dogs, their sensitivities can be year-round. In this instance we are considering their exposure to environmental toxins, the food they eat and how their immune system matured and subsequently functions. For other dogs there is a direct correlation with the time of year. Whilst the sun is shining and anything feels possible for us humans, it can be a miserable time for our seasonally itchy dogs. Many dogs have a sensitivity to grass sap and keeping them off the freshly mown lawn for a couple of days can help keep pesky irritation at bay, but some allergies are a little more complicated. As always, we are available to help you manage any chronic irritation suffered by your dog, but we thought we would give you some of our top tips that can come in handy when managing your seasonally itchy dog. If you would like to understand more of the mechanism of an allergy or sensitivity, then check out the wealth of information in our other blogs: Why Do Allergies in Dogs Develop? Does My Dog Need an Allergy Test? Your Pet’s Immune System Why Allergies and Itching Have Become Such an Epidemic Now, on to our top tips: 1) Support the Gut! As you will know if you read our articles on the immune system and the lymphatic system, in the gut you will find GALT, or gut-associated lymphoid tissue. The digestive tract is heavily laden with lymphocytes, macrophages and other cells that participate in immune responses. An allergy, in essence is an immune response gone bad, so we need to support immune function and that includes the part of the immune system found in the gut. In addition, in a poor functioning digestive system, rogue particles can end up leaking through the barriers. This can be in cases of periodontal disease (bacteria getting into the blood stream from plaque formation) and damage in the tight junctions in the intestinal tract. When this happens, the immune response is called to the area of the rogue particle to get rid of it. These systemic responses can lead to hypersensitivity, leaving the immune system a little too eager to do its job on a body wide level. It is therefore essential to support the barriers in the mouth; ensuring good dental hygiene but also to support the barrier of the gut. Look to lovely gut healing ingredients such as Slippery Elm, De-Glycerised Licorice, Glutamine and N-Acetyl Glucosamine. 7 Steps to Optimal Gut Health for Pets Gut Guardian 2) Consider the overuse of pharmaceutical flea and worm treatments! Whilst there is sometimes a place for the use of pharmaceutical products in high burdens of parasites, we would always advocate the use of wormcount kits to establish any burden of worms before treatment and also the use of flea repellent products over any spot-on or tablet flea treatment. The overuse of certain pharmaceutical products can place an unusual burden on many pathways in the dog’s body, compromising optimal function. It also pays to consider how often you vaccinate your pet. Vaccinosis: Damage Vaccinations Can Cause Your Pet Does My Pet Need to Detox? Natural Flea and Worming Treatments Supporting the liver and lymphatic system is essential during these times, Liver Guard can be great in this instance. Liver Guard 3) Limit Stress! Mast cells have a key role in allergic response; when they detect a substance that isn’t liked by the body, they release histamine and other chemicals into the bloodstream. Histamine makes the blood vessels expand and the surrounding skin itchy and swollen. This is known as degranulation and what’s super interesting is that stress can result in degranulation too! This may explain the red face you feel as you are getting stressed, or if you break out in hives when you’re facing a particularly stressful time in work. If you are working to tackle allergies in your dog, then it is important to remove as many stress triggers as possible, for your dog, but also you. There is this idea of co-regulation of species, that dogs can pick up when we are stressed and we’ll admit, there is nothing more stressful than seeing our dogs suffer and feeling that we aren’t getting anywhere with fixing it! It can pay to establish our own levels of stress when we are managing a poorly pooch. Check out our perceived stress scale in the following blog to help you understand your own stress levels. 5 Tips For Dealing with a Fussy Eater Calm Complex br] 4) Rinse your dog, but not wash! If you suspect your dog may have sensitivities to certain grasses or pollen, rinse their paws, undercarriage, and chest after walks. You can also wipe their muzzle, ears, and face with a damp microfibre cloth when you get home too. But avoid over-shampooing your dog. Whilst you may opt for non-toxic products, washing can skew the microbiome found on the skin of your dog and this provides a first line of defence for the immune response. The skin has its own community of microbes that can engulf and destroy pesky ones before they have chance to cause problems; frequent bathing can alter this community. So, rinse your dog to remove potential irritants, but keep the shampoo for special occasions, like fox poo events. Your Puppy’s Microbiome 5) Essential Fatty Acids Are Just That! Allergies and sensitivities are an immune response and inflammation is the hallmark of an immune response. Inflammation is a necessary process in the body, but we need just enough to solve the problem at hand. We have compounds necessary to kick start the inflammatory response, and we have compounds that reign it back in again. What we often find is that there are more compounds around to perpetuate inflammation, and not enough to reign it back in! Therefore, it can help to fill up on foods to regulate the inflammatory response. Omega-3 is a fatty acid that has regularly been linked inflammation regulation.
