If you have a Dalmatian, chances are, you’ve been told or have read that he should really be on a low purine diet. We could easily make a list of low purine foods for you, but that wouldn’t be true My Pet Nutritionist style, so let’s take a look at the function of purines, and although they affect a range of cellular processes, they can be somewhat problematic for some dogs. What are 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. A, C, G and T are the letters of DNA code, and they stand for: Adenine Cytosine Guanine Thymine Adenine and Guanine are both purines, and the rule of base pairing means that a purine will always pair with a pyrimidine. 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). It’s easy to see that 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). Now 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 Dalmatians, high uric acid levels result in bladder stones. Bladder Stones Bladder stones are rock-like formations of minerals that form in the urinary bladder and are more common than kidney stones in dogs. There may be a large, single stone or a collection of stones that range in size from sand-like grains to gravel. The general signs of bladder stones similar to the signs of an uncomplicated bladder infection or cystitis. – Hematuria (blood in the urine) – Dysuria (straining to urinate). Hematuria occurs as the stones rub against the bladder wall, irritating and damaging the tissue and causing bleeding. Dysuria may result from inflammation and swelling of the bladder walls or the urethra (the tube that transports the urine from the bladder to the outside of the body), from muscle spasms, or from a physical obstruction to urine flow. Large stones may act almost like a valve or stopcock, causing an intermittent or partial obstruction at the neck of the bladder, the point where the bladder attaches to the urethra. Small stones may flow with the urine into the urethra where they can become lodged and cause an obstruction. If an obstruction occurs, the bladder cannot be emptied fully; if the obstruction is complete, the dog will be unable to urinate at all. If the obstruction is not relieved, the bladder may rupture. The Natural Guide to Urinary Tract Health for Pets Other causes of urate bladder stones include liver diseases such as portosystemic shunts. The Lowdown on Liver Shunts in Dogs Dalmatians demonstrate a genetic mutation which affects their urate transport in the liver and kidney. Of interest, additional studies have found the same mutation in some Bulldogs and Black Russian Terriers. That said, the haplotype is not fixed for these breeds and so it suggested the disease could be eliminated through selection of the gene pool. There are schools of thought that the diseased allele arose through selection for more distinctive spots on the dalmatian, as smaller spotted Dalmatians are less likely to suffer the condition. Findings Here This is a point to note, as not all Dalmatians do form stones. Genetic mutations aside, there are additional factors which can affect purine metabolism and subsequent uric acid formation. High levels of uric acid are often associated with: Kidney disease Liver disease Endocrine and metabolic conditions – diabetes for example There are also schools of thought that high levels of uric acid are implicated in poor pancreatic function too. Findings Here 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 not 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 reduced bacterial diversity in patients suffering with gout compared to controls. Findings Here If we get into the science of it, Escherichia coli is thought to secrete an enzyme known as xanthine dehydrogenase which participates in the oxidative metabolism of purines, so as much as we pop E.coli on our baddies list, in this instance, it actually helps us (in moderation)! Findings Here It does go to show however, that if you do have a dog who isn’t efficiently metabolising purines, their gut health should also be something to focus on. 7 Steps to Optimal Gut Health Low Purine Die There are a number of breeds who are listed for their purine metabolism problems, they include: Dalmatian Beagle Basset Hound Bulldogs Cocker Spaniel Bichon Frise Miniature Schnauzer Lhasa Apso Miniature Poodle Yorkshire Terrier Dachshund Irish Terrier Irish Setter Newfoundland Black Russian Terriers As yet, there are
One of the most controversial discussions in the pet world is the link between diet and heart health – sadly, there are a number of reasons why heart function can be compromised, including genetics. Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we don’t think you can look at a health issue without considering the normal functioning of the system, so we thought we’d explore heart health in a little more detail. Let’s get cracking. The Cardiovascular System The cardiovascular system includes the heart and blood vessels (veins and the arteries). The function of the heart is to pump blood. The right side of the heart pumps blood to the lungs, where oxygen is added to the blood and carbon dioxide is removed from it. The left side pumps blood to the rest of the body, where oxygen and nutrients are delivered to tissues, and waste products are transferred to the blood for removal by other organs (like the kidneys). The heart is a hollow, muscular organ, divided into 4 chambers. There are upper chambers on both the left and ride sides of the heart called the left and the right atria. There are also 2 lower chambers called the left and right ventricles. A series of valves keep blood flowing in one direction through the heart. Each ventricle has an inlet and outlet valve. A heartbeat is actually the sounds of different valves closing. How does a Heart Beat? The heart beats because of electrical currents. Rhythmic electrical impulses or discharges cause the contraction of muscle fibres in the heart. At rest, the discharge is around 120 times per minute in a cat and 60-120 times per minute in the dog. Heart sounds are produced by the rapid acceleration and deceleration of blood and the resulting vibrations in the heart due to the circulation of blood. In dogs, 2 heart sounds can normally be distinguished. Calcium plays important roles in the electrical activity and pumping function of the heart. Calcium particles enter the heart muscle during each heartbeat and contribute to the electrical signal. When calcium is removed, relaxation is triggered. Potassium too plays a vital role at a cellular level. It’s movement in and out of cells helps maintain a regular heartbeat. Low levels of potassium lead to irregular contractions. When there is a high level of a compound in the body, it is termed, hyper, when there are low levels of a compound in the body, it is termed hypo. Sadly, too high and too low levels of all the above can result in irregularities in heart function. Hypokalaemia – low potassium Severe hypokalaemia is likely to cause skeletal muscle weakness, cardiac arrhythmias, and electrocardiographic abnormalities. Causes: Excessive diuretic therapy Vomiting and diarrhoea Diabetes Medications – steroids Conditions including Cushing’s Syndrome and liver failure. Hyperkalaemia – high potassium In this case, cardiac arrhythmias are common. Causes: Insulin deficiency Certain medications (NSAID’s, ACE-inhibitors) Potassium containing antibiotics Hypercalcaemia – high calcium Hypercalcaemia may present as fatigue, depression, confusion, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, constipation, peptic ulceration, or pancreatitis. Cardiac arrhythmias can occur. Causes: Parathyroid related Vitamin D intoxication Hyperthyroidism Vitamin A intoxication Cancer-related Renal failure Hypocalcaemia – low calcium Cardiac arrhythmias will be noted. Causes: Decreased intake of Vitamin D Vitamin D malabsorption Parathyroid related Acute renal failure Sodium is also important for heart health. It initiates contraction in muscles, in both skeletal and cardiac. Sodium deficiency is associated with restlessness, tachycardia, polyuria, and dry and tacky mucous membranes. The current minimum requirement for sodium has been established at 13.3mg/kg bw for dogs, but a higher quantity is suggested for bitches during gestation and lactation. In addition, greyhounds and sled dogs are allocated a higher requirement based on their high levels of exercise. At present, commercially available dog foods provide sodium intakes in excess of minimum requirements. Whilst some posit that dogs are increasingly adaptable to sodium intake, a study carried out in 2003 identified 82 dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy. They established that those with congestive heart failure ate significantly more sodium than those dogs without congestive heart failure. It pays to note that 25% of total daily sodium intake came from treats and table scraps, however. Findings Here Heart Murmurs Heart murmurs are vibrations that can be heard coming from the heart or major blood vessels and generally are the result of turbulent blood flow or vibrations of heart structures, such as part of a valve. Murmurs are typically described by their timing, their intensity, and their location. Not every murmur indicates a heart disorder, however. A heart murmur is like when you hit some white water on a usually calm river. Congenital Murmurs and Acquired Murmurs Congenital murmurs are associated with heart defects that the pet was born with. However, sometimes the defect is only detected later in life. An acquired murmur is a murmur that a pet acquires during their life. These can be benign, but more often (especially in dogs) are associated with developing heart disease. Heart Disease causing Murmurs Mitral valve disease (MVD) is a common acquired heart disease accounting for about 75% of cardiac disease seen in dogs in general practice. Prevalence of MVD increases with age and can be seen in high-risk breeds such as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. It is most common in small-medium sized breed dogs. Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is the other main acquired heart disease seen in dogs. It can be primary in origin or secondary to dietary deficiencies or doxorubicin toxicity (chemotherapy medication). DCM has been reported in Dobermans and Golden Retrievers but other large or giant breed dogs have also been described. DCM is characterised by ventricular dilatation and systolic dysfunction. This poor systolic function means that a heart murmur is often low grade in its intensity. As DCM is regularly considered an inherited condition, it has been posited that certain breeds may need higher concentrations of amino acids like taurine and l-carnitine. Taurine and Heart Healt Taurine is the most abundant intracellular sulphur-containing amino acid. Although it can be
Whilst looking at micronutrients separately can be a somewhat reductionist view of both health and disease, we can’t deny that in many conditions we see here at My Pet Nutritionist, deficiencies may appear. We haven’t covered a specific nutrient for a while, so we thought we’d start again with Folate. Folate is a water-soluble B vitamin that is naturally present in some foods, added to others, and available as a dietary supplement. Folate, formerly known as folacin and sometimes vitamin B9, is the generic term for naturally occurring food folates. Folic acid is the fully oxidized monoglutamate form of the vitamin that is used in fortified foods and most dietary supplements. In short, folate is the natural form, folic acid is the synthetic form. In 1930, Lucy Wills found that marmite could cure macrocytic anaemia in pregnant women, since then we have consistently reinforced the role of folate as a key nutrient for health (and particularly for maternal health and foetal development). Folate comes from the latin folium, largely because folates were first isolated from spinach. Vitamin B9 or folate functions as a coenzyme, which in short means it assists enzymes to catalyse a reaction. B9 plays a role in: Producing nucleic acids (like DNA), Forming blood cells in bone marrow, Ensuring rapid cell growth in infancy, adolescence, and pregnancy, Controlling blood levels of the amino acid homocysteine, Utilizing amino acids in building new proteins. In short, B9 is important in normal blood formation, immune function, cell division and tissue growth. Signs and Symptoms of Deficiency Atrophy of the digestive tract epithelium; reduced absorption of nutrients, diarrhea, anorexia and weight loss, Reduced production of platelets can increased risk of abnormal bleeding, Impairments in white blood cell development can reduce immune response, Elevated blood homocysteine, Impaired foetal growth, Behaviour changes – depression, irritability. Anaemia Folate Deficiency Anaemia Anaemia is a blood disorder where the number of red blood cells is lower than usual. Red blood cells carry oxygen to all parts of the body, so in cases of anaemia, oxygen doesn’t get to tissues and organs. Without oxygen, they can’t carry out the functions they are supposed to. In addition, low folate levels can cause megaloblastic anaemia where red blood cells are larger than normal. As they are larger, they aren’t always able to leave the bone marrow, and so they can’t enter the blood stream to deliver oxygen where it needs to go. Causes of Folate Deficiency It goes without saying that a diet low in naturally occuring folates can result in folate deficiency, but deficiencies usually occur due to small intestinal disease or pancreatic insufficiency. In addition, they can also occur due to chronic use of certain medications. Like vitamin B12, folate is bound to protein so it must be freed by processing or digestion. Digestion starts in the stomach, but then soon calls upon the pancreas to help out with the production of digestive enzymes. Folate is chiefly absorbed in the small intestine so any dysfunction or inflammation here will result in malabsorption. This is why folate deficiency is often seen in inflammatory bowel disease. Gut Guardian Folate deficiency is regularly noted in cases using: Anticonvulsant medication, Sulfasalazine – to treat IBD/colitis, Diuretic medication, Homocysteine Homocysteine is an amino acid that is usually changed into other amino acids ready to be used by the body, but this process depends on other coenzymes and folate is one of them. When folate is low, homocysteine levels can creep up. High homocysteine levels have been associated with: Heart disease, Kidney disease, Arthritis, Neurodegeneration, In humans, we pay a lot of attention to a gene known as MTHFR, for us, this gene can have a glitch which means we don’t convert folate to its active form. As a result, those with MTHFR mutations can suffer with high homocysteine levels. We are still building our understanding in canines, but it appears dogs too can suffer genetic glitches which can affect how well they metabolise and utilise folate. A study carried out in 2014 explored the link between homocysteine levels in dogs and cardiovascular disease, inflammatory conditions, skin and kidney disease. They established breed differences in homocysteine levels, suggesting a genetic component to folate handling, like in humans. In addition, they concluded a strong relationship between high homocysteine levels and skin disease in dogs. Findings Here Folic Acid Supplementation Folic acid often remains unmetabolized in the body, this is the synthetic supplement form. As it is not a normal metabolite, it must first be reduced before it can enter the folate cycle. There are also schools of thought that folic acid competes with naturally occurring folates. For this reason, supplementation should ideally be folate in it’s methylated form. You also bypass the potential issue of genetic glitches. But, if there are no genetic glitches which affect how well your dog metabolises folate, then feeding a nutrient dense, fresh food diet should be sufficient. Sources of Folate: Dark leafy greens – spinach, broccoli, Liver, Seafood, Seeds, Eggs, Nuts, High levels of folate can often mask B12 deficiency, so take a look at our B12 blog for more information. Why Your Dog Needs Vitamin B12 Summary If your dog is suffering with digestive dysfunction, it may affect how well he utilises nutrients, so tackling this is essential. Folate deficiency is often seen in cases of inflammatory bowel disease and pancreatic dysfunction. Natural Guide for Inflammatory Bowel Disease Pancreatitis: Natural Guide for Pets 7 Steps to Optimal Gut Health If you would like more information on vitamin deficiencies in your dog, then check out our blog here: Does My Dog Have a Vitamin Deficiency As always if you are concerned about your dog’s diet, whether he is getting the right nutrients he needs, or indeed whether he is utilising them as needed, then check out our services to see if we can help explore some of these questions with you. Thanks for reading, Team MPN x
Here at My Pet Nutritionist we often deal with dogs who have either a congenital or acquired liver shunt. There is often some misunderstanding around liver shunts because in medicine there are procedures where a “shunt” is inserted into the brain to drain excess spinal fluid – but a liver shunt is a little different, so let’s take a look at what they are and considerations to make in any treatment plan. Liver Function The liver processes blood and the substances found within it. In a healthy animal, blood draining from the intestines passes immediately through the liver for nutrients to processed and for toxic compounds to be removed. The blood then re-enters main circulation. But in an animal with a portosystemic shunt (liver shunt), a significant volume of blood bypasses the liver, enters main circulation and heads to the heart where it can be pumped around the body. As the blood being pumped around the body is technically unfiltered, toxic compounds can build up. In addition, the liver is unable to break down nutrients or regulate the body’s energy balance. In most cases, a liver shunt is caused by a birth defect. This is known as a congenital portosystemic shunt. But acquired shunts can also occur – this is usually linked to primary liver disease, or a disease involving the normal blood vessels into the liver. Symptoms of a Liver Shunt: Stunted growth Poor muscle development Abnormal neurological behaviour – disorientation, staring into space, circling or head pressing, seizures Drinking/urinating too much Vomiting Diarrhoea Lethargy In addition, if a shunt is secondary to liver disease, then you would also note additional symptoms associated with poor liver function including: Loss of appetite Jaundice Fluid retention Liver Guard Congenital Liver Shunts In this instance, your puppy will be born with their shunt. At present there are 33 breeds that are significantly more likely to have a liver shunt than the general population. They include: Havanese Yorkshire Terrier Maltese Pug Miniature Schnauzer Standard Schnauzer Shih Tzu Bernese Mountain Dog Bichon Frise Irish Wolfhound Old English Sheepdog Of interest however, is that in Yorkshire Terriers, the incidence of shunts has increased more than 11 times in the past two decades. In addition, when mating two surgically corrected Yorkshire Terriers, they produce normal offspring. This poses questions around simple autosomal recessive inheritance. Findings Here When the foetus is developing, they will have a large shunt known as the ductus venosus; this carries blood quickly through the foetal liver to the heart. A congenital shunt develops if the ductus venosus fails to collapse at birth and remains intact and open after the foetus no longer needs it, or if a blood vessel outside of the liver develops abnormally and subsequently remains open after the ductus venosus closes. Small breeds tend to suffer extrahepatic liver shunts, which are just one abnormal blood vessel outside of the liver. These are most amenable to surgical correction. A single shunt located inside of the liver is more common in larger breeds and known as intrahepatic – these are still best treated with surgery, but the procedure is more challenging. Surgery for liver shunts focuses on blocking the blood flow through the abnormal vessels so that more of it travels through the liver. Dogs with acquired shunts on the other hand, tend to have multiple abnormal vessels and are often poor candidates for surgery due to their underlying health issues. Acquired Liver Shunts In cases of liver disease, blood flow can become compromised leading to what is known as portal hypertension – or simply, high blood pressure. Like water, blood likes to take the path of least resistance and so APSS (acquired portosystemic shunts) are formed. Clinical parameters would indicate underlying hepatic concerns. In both cases of congenital and acquired, reduced blood flow to the liver also results in atrophy which subsequently affects function. But the liver is a rather unique organ, it is the only one that can regenerate, therefore appropriate intervention and management is essential. Liver Guard Considerations To Make The most common treatment regime (in addition to surgery if appropriate) usually includes a diet change and ensuring intestinal health. The conventional concern with many liver issues is protein intake. When protein is broken down in the body, left behind is ammonia. The liver plays a key role in metabolising ammonia ready for it to be excreted by the kidneys into urine, but when blood flow bypasses the liver, ammonia builds up in the blood and enters systemic circulation – this is what leads to many neurological issues alongside poor liver function. Traditionally, dietary management has included protein restriction to reduce ammonia absorption from the colon, but more recently it is considered that colonic absorption is only significant in those fed poor-quality diets, that contain poorly digestible protein. In addition, it has been established that those with chronic liver disease may develop muscle wasting from being in a long-term catabolic state – with low protein diets leading to increased muscle protein catabolism. Findings Here Therefore we would advocate a fresh-food diet, with highly digestible protein sources. The general school of thought is 2g of protein per kg of body weight. Findings Here Antibiotics are often prescribed in an attempt to reduce intestinal bacterial overgrowth, but there are other considerations to make with regards to intestinal health. Motility – if food sits too long in any one place, problems can start to occur. Stress is one of the key factors which impair motility, so consider your dog’s exposure to any stressful stimuli. In addition, fibre can aid intestinal transit. 5 Reason’s Why Fibre is Your Dog’s Best Friend There are additional factors that can skew the microbial population in your dog’s gut too. What Can Cause Gut Dysbiosis What Can Help Gut Dysbiosis Whilst the liver is unable to effectively metabolise and detoxify, it is important to support this process as much as possible, starting with not overloading it in the first place. Opt for filtered water Feed
Sadly, here at My Pet Nutritionist this is a condition that we are seeing more and more, so we thought we’d pop a blog together to explore, what it is, common causes and considerations to make. So, let’s get cracking. What is Cushing’s Disease? Cushing’s disease in dogs, also known as hyperadrenocorticism, is a condition where a dog’s body produces too much of the stress hormone cortisol. Hyper meaning too much, adreno meaning the adrenal gland and corticism refers to the outer part, or cortex of the adrenal gland. Cushing’s in dogs is the opposite to Addison’s disease, which is when the body doesn’t produce enough hormones. That’s a blog for another day. Both decreased and excessive production of this hormone can be life threatening. The role of Cortisol We tend to know about cortisol as the common stress hormone – but it tends to get a bad rap. Cortisol doesn’t cause stress, it’s just what is produced in response to it. Cortisol is a glucocorticoid (steroid hormone) that is produced from cholesterol in the adrenal glands located on top of each kidney. It is normally released in response to waking up, exercise and of course during stress. But cortisol also plays a role in nutrition. It is involved in energy regulation as it helps select the right type and amount of substrate (like fat or protein) the body needs to meet the physiological demands it is under. When chronically elevated it can have deleterious effects on weight, immune function, and subsequent chronic disease. One of the main functions of cortisol is to reduce inflammation in the body – which is great, but over time these efforts suppress immune function. Chronically elevated cortisol can lead to immune dysfunction which paves the way for sensitivities, and it also increases the risk of gastrointestinal issues. As you can see cortisol has wide ranging functions throughout the body, so it’s easy to see how Cushing’s Disease may not always be diagnosed straight away. Symptoms Include: Increased hunger Increased thirst Frequent urination Hair loss Slow hair regrowth Abdominal swelling (pot belly) Thinning skin or lesions Lethargy Excessive panting Skin Infections. Causes of Cushing’s Disease in Dogs Pituitary Gland Tumou The most common cause of Cushing’s disease is a tumour of the pituitary gland (which is located at the base of the brain). The tumour may be either benign (harmless) or malignant (cancerous). The tumour causes the pituitary gland to overproduce a hormone (ACTH) that stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol. You’ll also remember ACTH for it’s role in the stress response. As the pituitary gland produces more ACTH, it triggers the adrenal glands to produce more cortisol. Adrenal Gland Tumour Cushing’s disease may be the result of a benign or malignant tumour of the adrenal gland itself (adenoma or carcinoma, respectively). If the tumour is benign, surgical removal is considered. Excessive Cortisol from Prolonged Use of Steroids The third type of the disease is called Exogenous Cushing’s Disease. It is caused when there is excessive administration of an oral or injectable steroid. Although the steroids may have been given for a legitimate medical reason, in this case, their excess has become harmful. Glucocorticoids (GCs) are a group of drugs structurally and pharmacologically similar to the hormone cortisol with various functions including anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, anti-proliferative, and vaso-constrictive effects. They are often used as replacement therapy in cases of Addison’s Disease, but also as symptomatic treatment in cases of: Allergies Asthma Sickness/nausea Autoimmunity Chronic inflammatory disease like IBD Steroid-responsive dermatoses Arthritis Preterm delivery They are liked because as in cortisol’s natural role, glucocorticoids lead to suppression of the immune system and decreased inflammation. But the downstream effects of glucocorticoids include: Decreased cytokine production Decreased phagocytosis Decreased number of lymphocytes, macrophages, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils (all immune cells) And of course, the exogenous administration can lead to Cushing’s Disease. In these cases, collaboration with a qualified professional will establish whether steroid usage can be reduced safely. As noted, the most common cause of Cushing’s Disease is a tumour in the pituitary -so where does this come from? Tumours Generally, the first step to cells becoming cancerous is unusual DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) structure. DNA contains the instructions that us and our pets need to develop, live, and reproduce. These instructions are found in every cell and are passed down from parents to their offspring. Every cell must undergo growth, and then it must die. Each cell has a finite number of times it can reproduce, which is why we age. Cancer cells on the other hand, do not – they grow, the body is unable to kill them and so they continue to grow. DNA was largely considered destiny for many years and although DNA cannot be altered, it’s expression can. When our pets are born, they may have been given rogue genes that could cause cancer to grow, but their environment and lifestyle choices can help make that decision too. These choices can make cancer cells grow, or equally, prevent them from dying. Nutrition is, not surprisingly one of those choices to consider. The nutrients required for DNA replication include folate, vitamin B12, magnesium, zinc and iron. For the maintenance of DNA methylation and chromosome stability, the nutrients folate, vitamin B12 are of particular importance. To prevent DNA oxidation, provision of vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, manganese, and selenium is necessary. For DNA damage sensing and repair, niacin, zinc, iron and magnesium are critical. Evidence suggests that deficiency in these micronutrients can increase DNA replication stress and genomic instability. In addition, deficiency here is thought to increase susceptibility to DNA damage caused by endogenous and/or environmental toxins. The bottom line? Certain changes in DNA can cause pituitary cells to produce a tumour – these changes can be inherited but they can also be acquired by outside exposures from pollution, environmental contaminants, nutrition and more. If you would like to know more about genes and gene expression, check out our blog here: How Nutrition Affects Your
The microbiome was first defined in 1958. It was identified as the collective genome of the microorganisms that share body space. These microorganisms include bacteria, archaea, virus, and fungi. It is believed that 90% of human cells are not of human origin; hence the saying we are only 10% human. Microorganisms of the microbiome therefore provide an important genetic variation. Bacterial genes provide diversity and functions that human cells do not have. This similarly applies to our pets. The microbiome is an important modifier of disease and an essential component of immunity. Dysbiosis of the many microbiomes have been associated with a range of disorders and each day we are learning more about more about the community inside and on top of us, and our pets. Whilst our research is still getting a handle on things, and there are many things we still don’t know much about, we know that certain things can skew the microbiome to result in dysbiosis, and there are somethings than can help it sort itself out. Let’s take a look. The intestinal microbiota is the collection of all microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract. The microbiome is the collective genome of these microorganisms. Bacteria make up most microbial cells, showing an increase in abundance from the stomach to the colon. The predominant phyla in the GIT of healthy dogs are: Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, and Fusobacteria But each individual animal will have their own personal profile. A note on testing… it would stand to reason, that if we know the bugs that contribute to healthy microbiomes and those that can start to run amok, if we could test for them, then we could tailor a microbiome for health? This is a great concept and one that is gaining traction in the human world, but we still haven’t established a perfect microbiome or microbiota. As it stands, we need to learn more – and acknowledge that our microbiomes are unique – what may be perfect for your dog, may not be perfect for mine. We know that certain bacterial groups have consequences – both beneficial and potentially deleterious. For example, certain dietary carbohydrates can be fermented by the microbes in the gut – in this process, they produce short-chain-fatty-acids. These are known as butyrate, acetate and propionate. On the plus side, these compounds are anti-inflammatory, they maintain intestinal barrier function, regulate motility (the movement of the digestive system) and also provide energy for epithelial cells. On the downside, they can activate virulence factors of enteropathogens. In addition, bile acids also seem to be a major regulator of the gut microbiota. Liver health is therefore implicated in microbiome composition as reduced bile levels are associated with bacterial overgrowth and inflammation. Secondary bile acids have been seen to inhibit the growth of clostridum difficile, Escherichia coli and more. They are also seen to modulate glucose/insulin secretion from the pancreas. Bacteria in the gut produce these secondary bile acids and so if they aren’t present, their antimicrobial function is missed! Dogs with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency have significantly reduced bacterial diversity, with lactic acid bacteria Bifidobacteriaceae, Enterococcaceae, and Lactobacillaceae increased, likely because of overgrowth associated with maldigestion. As we know, the pancreas produces enzymes that help digestion, so if this isn’t occurring upstream in the digestive process, it can cause problems further down. If you would like to know more about the digestive process that occurs in the dog, check out our blog: The Digestive System of the Dog Many studies have highlighted the alterations in bacterial diversity in a range of conditions in the dog. So, what can result in these alterations in bacterial diversity? Generally, the major types of dysbiosis fall under 4 categories. Abnormal substrates in digestive tract Loss of beneficial commensal bacteria Increase in total bacterial load Increased pathogenic bacteria Abnormal Substrates in Digestive Tract The most common here are undigested nutrients – if there is low stomach acid, digestion is impaired resulting in undigested nutrients moving through the digestive tract. If the pancreas isn’t fully functioning and releasing those helpful digestive enzymes, the same applies. The other abnormal substrate includes medications – which may result in changes in the microbiome. Loss of Beneficial Commensal Bacteria The most common cause of loss of commensal bacteria is the administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics (BSA) – BSAs aren’t fussy – they’ll do their job perfectly, taking all bugs with them – this includes those beneficial commensal bacteria that keep the bad guys in check, and which help produce metabolites for optimal functioning. Of interest here is the mechanism by which antibiotics can affect the chemical transformation of pesticides. Antibiotics, through their bug killing capacity, have been seen to suppress enzymes required in hepatic metabolism and also increase intestinal absorption leading to improved bioavailability of pesticides and therefore skyrocketing their risk factor. Findings Here Increase in Total Bacterial Load This is more relevant in cases of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. When we reference the microbiome, we are considering the microbial community found in the whole of the digestive tract. Generally, the further down we go, the more bugs we find. For this reason, we would expect the majority of the bugs to be found in the colon. SIBO is when there are higher numbers found in the small intestine. Low stomach acid can contribute to the development of SIBO – and the administration of proton pump inhibitors and antihistamines can both suppress gastric acid secretion. Poor motility can also contribute to the development of SIBO, and stress can be a huge factor that contributes to motility issues. In short, if the digestive system isn’t moving, food particles sit where they shouldn’t. Increased bacterial load is what occurs in yeast issues for example. Candida is harmless when kept in check, but for a number of reasons it can overgrow. If you would like to learn more about yeast, check out our blog: Is your Dog a Yeasty Beast? Increased Pathogenic Bacteria No-one will knowingly ingest pathogenic bacteria – we can’t speak for
In our last My Pet Nutritionist article we explored the range of factors that can contribute to a less than happy gut including: Antibiotics, Overuse of certain medications like proton pump inhibitors and antihistamines, Poor liver function, Poor motility, Digestive disorders, Poor pancreatic function, Inflammation in the gut, Stress Environmental toxins, Dietary choices. And more! Why is this important? The microbiome plays an immense role in both health and disease. It has been seen to affect how food it utilised and absorbed – and in actual fact, you aren’t what you eat, you are what you absorb and utilise! This goes for pets too. The microbiome has also been implicated in obesity. Findings Here The microbiome can produce metabolites which can support immune function, modulate inflammation, and influence behaviour. A happy microbiome also forms a defence barrier so is an important part of gut healing if dealing with pets who suffer with sensitivities. So, if we know what can result in gut dysbiosis, is it something we can prevent? And is it something we can reverse? Let’s take a look. First of all, we are looking at puppyhood to prevent dysbiosis. Until recently, it was believed that foetus development occurred within a sterile uterus, however increasing evidence indicates that the foetus develops in an environment that is not entirely germ-free. Many microbial species have been detected in the umbilical cord, the amniotic fluid and the foetal membranes in apparently normal pregnancies without any indication of inflammation or disease. After birth, the new-born acquires microbes from the environment, food, and nearby animals and humans. In the first month of life, gut microbiota is less stable, and its biodiversity will increase over time. Gut Guardian Alongside this microbial colonisation, the immune system must learn to tolerate antigens present in the environment. Colonisation in the early life stages occurs in conjunction with the development, expansion, and education of the immune system. This suggests that during the first colonisation steps, factors with a negative impact on microbiota composition could pave the way for disease in subsequent years. At this point, delivery mode, along with maternal nutrition and environmental exposure are key factors to consider in promoting a healthy gut in your puppy. As your puppy is growing it is essential to: Avoid the overuse of antibiotics – we are not denying that antibiotics are lifesavers, but they can often be prescribed inappropriately. Avoid the overuse of medications – again, some medications are beneficial in acute disease episodes, but the long-term use of many medications often serves as a band-aid – if you are using chronic proton pump inhibitors or antihistamines for your pet, please check out our services to see if we can help. Support normal motility – avoid stressful triggers and work in conjunction with a behaviourist if your dog struggles with stress resilience. Limit exposure to environmental toxins – cleaning and grooming products, pesticides, plastics, contaminated water etc. Is Your Toxic Home Affecting Your Pet The Importance of (Clean) Water Does My Pet Need to Detox The other factors on our list need a little further discussion. Poor Liver Function The liver is an essential organ of the body that performs hundreds of vital functions. We often call it the powerhouse of the body here at My Pet Nutritionist. Some of its main roles include removing waste products and foreign substances from the bloodstream, regulating blood sugar levels, and creating essential nutrients. In addition, it is involved in: Albumin Production: Albumin is a protein that keeps fluids in the bloodstream from leaking into surrounding tissue. It also carries hormones, vitamins, and enzymes through the body. Filters Blood: All the blood leaving the stomach and intestines passes through the liver, which removes toxins, by-products, and other harmful substances. Regulates Amino Acids: The production of proteins depends on amino acids. The liver makes sure amino acid levels in the bloodstream remain healthy and it also plays a role in rearranging amino acids into new proteins. Regulates Blood Clotting: Blood clotting coagulants are created using vitamin K, which can only be absorbed with the help of bile, a fluid the liver produces. Resists Infections: As part of the filtering process, the liver also removes bacteria from the bloodstream. Stores Vitamins and Minerals: The liver stores significant amounts of vitamins A, D, E, K, and B12, as well as iron and copper. Processes Glucose: The liver removes excess glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream and stores it as glycogen. As needed, it can convert glycogen back into glucose. Bile Production: Bile is a fluid that is critical to the digestion and absorption of fats in the small intestine. Bile acids also affect the balance of flora and gut motility, which ultimately affects microbiota composition. But of further interest, there seems to be a bi-directional relationship here as gut dysbiosis is also then implicated in poor liver function and subsequent liver disease. We’re not kidding when we say we need to consider a whole-body approach to health (and disease). And so, if you are looking to support the microbiome, we also need to be supporting the liver (and more – but one step at a time!). Liver Guard Poor Diet – as the liver plays a role in metabolism and detoxification, the less burden we place on it, the better. Bioavailable, nutrient dense foods are best – which is why we advocate a whole-food, fresh diet. Stress – again, the liver plays a role in detoxification, so if the body has plenty of stress hormones to break-down and excrete, the burden on the liver will be increased. Avoid stressful triggers as much as possible. Endocrine disease/disorder – vet checks can establish if this is a consideration that needs to be made but underlying endocrine issues can contribute to impaired liver function. Infectious agents – many infections may affect the liver, and so testing for this is beneficial. Immune support can then be useful in a liver healing plan. Vaccinosis – here we are looking at the burden
Well, it turns out it’s nutrition and hydration week and it couldn’t be a better time with the increasing temperatures we’ve experienced here at My Pet Nutritionist. So, we thought we’d take a look at the importance of water. We know both us and our pets need it, and we should probably drink more than we actually do, but do we know why? Well, we will at the end! What does Water do? Water is possibly the single most important nutrient for the body. It has a range of functions: 1) It functions as a solvent that facilitates reactions and also transports nutrients around the body. 2) Water is able to absorb heat from the processes occurring in the body, without the overall body temperature changing too much. 3) It further contributes to temperature regulation by transporting heat away from working organs through the blood. In other species it also evaporates as sweat, but dogs unfortunately don’t have this mechanism. Whilst small amounts of sweat will be apparent on their paws during times of stress (think vet visit),they actually pant to cool down. 4) Water is crucial in the digestive process; it is a key player in hydrolysis, which is the splitting of larger molecules into smaller molecules (through the addition of water). 5) The kidneys also use large quantities of water when eliminating waste. Water loss is a natural process. Urinary excretion is the largest loss, but dogs will also experience faecal and respiratory loss. Faecal loss is usually minimal,and only becomes an issue when there are associated health issues. In diarrhoea for example, water is absorbed in the large intestine so if food hasn’t spent enough time there, it will be expelled in diarrhoea form. This can be a result of motility dysfunction caused by stress for example, or if the body perceives it contains something harmful/pathogenic. In dogs especially, evaporation occurs from the lungs during respiration. The reason water drinking is encouraged in warmer weather is often less to do with cooling dogs down, and more to replace the water lost during panting. A dog’s total water intake comes from three possible sources: – Water present in food, – Metabolic water, – Drinking water Water Present in Food The amount of water available in food, depends on the type of food it is. Commercial dry food can contain as little as 7% water. Canned foods can contain up to 84% water. Fresh food diets can be both cooked and raw. Meat in its cooked form can average around 60% water and when raw, around 75% water depending on the cut. Dogs will generally compensate for the water content differences by voluntary intake of water – you’ll notice a dry fed dog will voluntarily drink more than a can fed dog for example. Metabolic Water This is the water produced during the processes that occur in the body when metabolising fat, protein, and carbohydrates. Metabolic water produced per 100g Fat – 107ml Carbohydrate – 55ml Protein – 41ml In the grand scheme of things,metabolic water is relatively insignificant as it only accounts for 5-10% of the total water intake in most animals. Drinking Water There are a range of factors that can affect how much water a dog chooses to drink, their environment, their diet, levels of exercise, overall health, and life stage. Voluntary water intake will increase in warm environments and during/after exercise. This is to replace that lost during respiration,panting, and energy metabolism. One study also found that when dogs were fed a diet of 73% moisture, they obtained 38% of their water needs from drinking water. But when their diet only contained 7% water, voluntary water intake increased to 95% of their total intake. Findings Here Voluntary drinking will also increase in diets with a high salt content. Generally, dogs are accurately able to regulate their own water levels, when they have access to freshwater. Water Loss and Dehydration Thirst is triggered in the canine at a bodyweight loss of 0.5-1% due to dehydration. Dry protein also increases dehydration. Water containing protein maintains levels best. Findings Here Back when animal studies were less ethical, dogs needed to be resuscitated after 10-20 days of complete water deprivation (whilst still being fed). Signs of Dehydration Loss of skin elasticity Loss of appetite Vomiting Panting Pale, sticky gums Prolonged capillary refill Dry nose Dry eyes Lethargy Some of these signs may be noticeable at just 5% drop in water volume. There are also links between cognitive function and dehydration. Dehydration has been linked to a reduced blood flow to the brain, humans appear more tired and less alert. In states of 2% water loss,there is a decrease in both speed and efficiency in psychomotor tasks. A state of dehydration likewise induces the stress response in the body. Findings Here Hypertonicity additionally causes mast cell degranulation. Hypertonic dehydration occurs when there is an imbalance of water and salt in the body. Mast cells are those ones that contain granules rich in histamine which are a key player in the inflammatory response. So, there are schools of thought that dehydration can exacerbate inflammatory responses (including allergies). This is of particular interest in sensitive dogs who eat a low moisture content diet. Water Toxicity On the other side of the scale,water toxicity does exist. This is more often connected to secondary drowning, whereby a dog ingests high levels of water when playing near or in a body of water. Early signs of toxicity include restlessness, salivation, and vomiting. Toxic Water It is clear that our pets need free access to fresh drinking water, along with a high moisture diet, but there are also considerations in the type of water you offer to your pets. The UK’s water supply is one of the best in the world yet drinking water quality varies from region to region. Chlorine is one of the ways in which our drinking water is disinfected. When chlorine is added to water, it destroys the membrane of microorganisms
Whilst we share a lot of information about dogs here at My Pet Nutritionist, we also support many cats and their owners on their health journey. It is often easy to miss health concerns with our feline friends because if they are outdoor cats, we don’t witness their toileting habits, or if they are sick. So, let’s start with what we can see; what goes in their bowl. Grab a cuppa, we are going to look at the nutritional needs of cats, and why they aren’t just small dogs. What do cats need No matter where you look, the jury is in – cats evolved as hunters that consume prey containing high amounts of protein, moderate amounts of fat, and minimal amounts of carbohydrates. Protein Proteins are the building blocks of the body. The word protein comes from the Greek word proteios which means of prime importance. And they really are. Proteins have numerous functions,they are the major structural components of hair, skin, nails, tendons,ligaments and cartilage. They are also involved in a number of physiological and chemical processes in the body like cell signalling, muscle contraction, oxygen and nutrient transport, and many reactions including enzyme and energy production. Amino acids are the basic units of proteins and are held together by peptide linkages to form long protein chains. Dietary amino acids are absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, following disruption of the peptide bonds. They are then transported to the liver. The liver changes amino acids so they can be used by the rest of the body. They then enter general circulation. Although hundreds of amino acids exist in nature, there are some which are commonly found as protein components. They are classified as either essential or non-essential. Essential amino acids cannot be synthesised by the body so must be supplied by the diet. Non-essential amino acids, whilst still critical to bodily processes, can be synthesised within the body (when it is healthy). Deficiencies in single essential amino acids can lead to serious health problems. The one you are likely all familiar with for cats, is taurine. Cats and humans are among the few mammals whose bodies do not make taurine, and therefore must obtain it from their diet. In humans, taurine deficiency is rare because taurine is common in meat and fish food products. In the 1970’s, Quinton R. Rogers of UC Davis showed that a taurine deficiency could cause degeneration of the retina in cat’s eyes. Kittens born to taurine deficient mothers are often blind and show many abnormalities such as impaired gait. For this reason, in the 1980’s new cat feeding guidelines were introduced, stating a minimum level for taurine in cat food. But, in later years it was also found that taurine plays a role in regulating calcium entry into heart tissue every time it beats. Researchers soon noticed that cats presenting with dilated cardiomyopathy also had low levels of taurine. When taurine was supplemented in the diet,the cats recovered. Findings Here. But there is another deficiency that gets attention in cats too and that is in the amino acid arginine. This amino acid is critical to the removal of ammonia from the body through urine. Without sufficient arginine, cats may suffer from a toxic build up of ammonia in the blood stream. The urea cycle is not down regulated during periods of fasting in cats, or even when consuming low protein diets – so their dietary requirement always remains high. In cases of chronic kidney disease, arginine production is also compromised; sadly chronic kidney disease is increasing in our feline friends.If you’d like to learn more about kidney disease in cats, then check out our blog: Here Of interest is a case study of a young cat, he acquired urea cycle amino acid deficiency through inflammatory bowel disease and chronic kidney disease. Case Study It’s clear that cats need protein, and the key amino acids required are found in meat products – fish too! Cats Need Fat Too! Dietary fat is a group of compounds (substances made up of two or more elements) known as lipids. They are insoluble in water(hydrophobic). The easiest way to understand this is noticing that you can’t wash fat off your hands without the help of soap. Fatty acids can be saturated, monounsaturated, or polyunsaturated. The difference is in their structure. Fatty acids are used throughout the body for a range of functions, primarily energy, but if they are not needed, they can be stored in adipose tissue. Here, they are an energy source for a later stage. They also serve as insulation, protecting the body from heat loss and also from injury or trauma to vital organs. Certain proteins known as lipoproteins provide for the transport of fats throughout the body, and cholesterol (a type of lipid) is used to form the bile salts necessary for fat digestion and absorption. It is also a precursor for steroid hormones which help control metabolism, salt and water balance, inflammation, and immune function. Along with other lipids, cholesterol forms a protective layer in the skin, which prevents excessive water loss. The body can synthesise some of the fatty acids it needs, but there are some it cannot, and these are known as essential fatty acids. There are two essential fatty acids in dogs, and three in cats. Linoleic Acid Linolenic Acid Arachidonic acid is an essential fatty acid for the cat. These are the precursors to two families of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) known as omega-3 and omega-6. Cats fed essential fatty acid deficient diets develop: Fatty degeneration of the liver. Mineralisation of the adrenal glands Skin lesions Inadequate visual function. It is therefore concluded thatthe inclusion of essential fatty acids in the cat contributes to: Membrane maintenance, Reproductive health, Growth, Lipid transport, Normal skin and coat condition, Maintenance of skin barrier, Blood platelet aggregation. Fish oil is often supplemented for cats – but many meat and poultry products contain necessary levels of fatty acids. Carbohydrates The cat has seemingly evolved
Vomiting is one of the most common reasons owners take their dog to the vet. Here at My Pet Nutritionist it is a common symptom too, but it is often misperceived for regurgitation. There are a number of reasons for both, and they are very different mechanisms. So, let’s first establish the difference between vomiting and regurgitation, and focus specifically on reasons why your dog may be regurgitating. What’s the difference between vomiting and regurgitating? Vomiting is an active process, where the dog is forcefully ejecting the contents of their stomach or intestines. It is often preceded by sound. Food is usually at least partially digested, or it may be bile that comes up. In vomiting you will notice signs of nausea, like drooling or lip licking. Regurgitation is more passive and usually happens while a dog is eating or shortly afterward. There is usually no sound beforehand. Regurgitation is often just water or undigested food. Regurgitation can be common if a dog eats something that is too large – think large bones or chews. Some dogs will attempt to re-ingest it as soon as they’ve regurgitated it. But there are also some other reasons for regurgitation. 1) Stress Stress is a response in the body –and it is similar across humans and dogs. When exposed to a stressful trigger, the sympathetic nervous system fires up. During this process, resources are directed away from the digestive system and so digestive function is compromised. This can lead to the development of acid reflux which is one of the more common reasons for regurgitation. Stress has also been seen to affect oesophageal sensitivity. During stress, corticotropin releasing hormone plays a key role. This hormone is regularly implicated in hypersensitivity (which is why conditions like IBS are more common in those who are anxious or stressed). But what it means is that the oesophagus is more sensitive to mechanical distension, chemical stimuli and more, which may lead to regurgitation. 2) Reduced Mucosal Integrity In the same strand, mucosal integrity also influences oesophageal hypersensitivity. Just like we have a barrier in the skin and gut, we also have an oesophageal one. It too is made up of tight junctions and has its own plethora of defence mechanisms, including a mucosal barrier. But the presence of acid, in cases of acid reflux can injure the oesophageal epithelium and so, in turn, it damages the mucosal barrier, along with the tight junction formation. During attempts to repair, the inflammatory response is called to action, and animal studies into oesophageal damage have suggested it is a double-edged sword. This inflammatory response has been seen to lower oesophageal pressure through its action on smooth muscle which, not only allows for further reflux of acid,but also then delays acid clearance. Findings Here. The take home here is to restore mucosal integrity as soon as possible and modulate inflammation with ingredients such as l-glutamine, slipper elm, deglycerised and marshmallow root. Gut Guardian 3) Good Stress You may notice that your dog is more likely to regurgitate if they eat too soon after exercise. There is such a thing as good stress, but the response in the body will be the same. When your dog is running, chasing and playing, they are asking their body to move away from homeostasis. Their body will need compounds at a higher rate than what they are needed at rest. It therefore places their body under stress and so, resources are redirected. Digestion is no longer a required function and energy conversion is more important. The sympathetic nervous system is the functional stress response, the parasympathetic nervous system is the commande rthat walks into a room and states, “as you were!” But this command can take time to be heard, and so, if your dog eats too soon after exercise, the entirety of the parasympathetic nervous system hasn’t yet got the message. Without a fully functioning digestive system,it propels the food back out again. Always be mindful of when you choose to offer meals to your dog. 4) The Food Being Fed Regurgitation immediately after eating is in fact relatively common in dogs – but this doesn’t mean its normal. From experience, we often link it to the type of food being fed, as often in many cases, when the food is changed,the regurgitation stops. This can be for a number of reasons,but in short, the body isn’t liking what is going in. The enteric nervous system (ENS) is a subset of the autonomous nervous system and can function independently of the central nervous system. The enteric nervous system innervates the entirety of the digestive system and ENS neurons become hyperexcitable in the presence of toxins, bacteria, inflammatory and immune mediators. Animal studies have demonstrated hyperexcitability of ENS neurons after sensitization withmilk ingestion, leading to mast cell degranulation and histamine release. What caused the sensitisation in this study isn’t relevant, the note to make is that hyperexcitability can occur after sensitization, leading to aberrant enteric function. And so, it pays to consider an inflammatory/immune component in cases of chronic regurgitation. An elimination diet may be useful in this case. Check out our blog for more information. Here Equally, an easily digestible recipe such as white fish, can help, if fish is well tolerated. Low Fat Fish Of interest here is the crosstalk between the microbiome and the enteric nervous system. ENS nerves are thought to detect microbial products because germ-free animals exhibit significantly altered enteric function. A healthy microbiome is therefore crucial for the correct digestive messages to get where they need to go. To support your dog’s microbiome, check out our blog: Here 5) Structure There are cases where the structure of the oesophagus can result in frequent regurgitation. This can be a developmental abnormality or blockage. A thorough exam would be necessary to establish the severity of any structural issue. Summary In many acute cases of regurgitation, acid reflux often comes intoplay. If you would like to learn more then check out
One of the most popular herbicides in the world, it was first patented by Monsanto in 1974. Since then, glyphosate tolerant genetically modified crops were commercialised, paving the way for its increasing use, year on year. Here at My Pet Nutritionist, this makes our stomachs churn a little, and we’ll let you know why. What is Glyphosate? Glyphosate is a systemic, broad-spectrum herbicide. This means that it moves throughout the plant, and kills any plant not genetically modified to resist it. Glyphosate is a strong chelating agent; it creates complexes that immobilise the mineral micronutrients of the soil (calcium, iron,magnesium, manganese, nickel, zinc) making them unavailable to plants. It also acts as a powerful antibiotic – killing all bacteria in the soil. Due to its antibacterial properties, glyphosate has been reported to affect the gut microbiota of animals, killing the beneficial bacteria and leaving the pathogenic ones behind. This has been linked to adverse effects in farm animals, which feed on glyphosate-treated soya and corn feed. For more information on the importance of a diverse microbiome, checkout our blogs: Here Here Here Glyphosate and Health The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) of the World Health Organisation (WHO), classified glyphosate as a “probable human carcinogen”, following a thorough analysis performed by 17 independent world leading experts from 11 countries using only publicly available studies. The conclusion on experimental animals was based on two experiments where mice had developed malignant tumours as a result of exposure to glyphosate alone. Findings Here. Glyphosate and Hormone Glyphosate alone and glyphosate-based products alter the hormone metabolism in different mammalian cell lines and have been reported to reduce the conversion of androgens to oestrogens (resulting in production of more male than female hormones). In experimental studies with mice, glyphosate-based products also alter the reproductive hormone metabolism and reduce fertility. Findings Here. Glyphosate, Growth and Development Experimental animals exposed to glyphosate have given birth to foetuses with increased heart malformations and abnormalities, absent kidneys, distorted ribs, lungs and skeleton, as well as embryonic deaths. Findings Here. Glyphosate and the Nervous System Glyphosate and glyphosate-based products have been seen to affect the growth and development of nerve cells also. Glyphosate has been reported to disrupt the function of brain nerve signalling, brain cell organelles (mitochondria) and cause neuronal cell death. Findings Here. Whilst these all offer food for thought; we’re going to focus on cancer research a little further. When concluding that it is a probable human carcinogen,researchers took into consideration the strong evidence of genotoxicity (DNA damage) and oxidative stress (tissue/cell damage) in humans and laboratory animals following exposure to glyphosate-pesticides and its metabolites. As we know, the first step to cells becoming cancerous is unusual DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) structure. DNA contains the instructions that ours and our dog’s cells need to develop, live, and reproduce. These instructions are passed down from parents to their offspring. Every cell must undergo growth, and then it must die. Cancer cells on the other hand receive aberrant instructions. Of interest here is the concept that these instructions are passed down from parents to their offspring, and in relation to glyphosate, it has been established as genotoxic. Here, you not only have to consider your dog’s exposure to the product, but that the damage could be seen in future generations, and equally, your dog could be experiencing health issues because of their parent’s exposure. This is of particular concern when a study highlighted glyphosate has been found in several commercial cat and dog foods on the market. Findings Here. As it is sprayed on many crops, and most commercial foods are crop based, this is of little surprise. Glyphosate has been implicated in the disruption of proteins crucial to detoxification pathways; it affects the host’s ability to remove other environmental chemicals, causing them to be more nephrotoxic than they would otherwise be. This is why, many reviews are now linking glyphosate to kidney disease of unknown origin and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Findings Here. Again, this is a worry if these modifications can be passed from generation to generation. Are dogs becoming less efficient at removing environmental chemicals, in a world where we have never had more? We don’t know the answer to that question, but its certainly worth considering. If you would like to learn more about detoxification pathways and toxins found in the home, check out our blogs: Here Here Here How much are us and our pets actually exposed to? Many laboratory tests have demonstrated the possible absorption of glyphosate in the gastro-intestinal tract of humans and mammals, as well as absorption through inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact. In 2012 the German magazine Oko-Test found traces of glyphosate in wheat flour, oats, and bread in 14 samples out of 20 analysed. In 2014 the Moms Across America group and the SustainablePulse information website reported the presence of glyphosate in human milk in 3 out of 10 samples. In 2015, the National University of La Plata in Argentinadetected traces of glyphosate in 85% of the sample tampons purchased in supermarkets and all analysed samples of medical gauze and cotton. In 2016, research conducted by Boston University and AbraxisLLC revealed the herbicide’s presence in 62% of conventional honeys and in 45% of organic honeys. In 2016, another two studies conducted by the Munich Institute of the Environment and the Consumer Magazine 60 Millions de Consommateurs, found traces of glyphosate in 14 beers, among the best known in Germany (Beck’s, Paulaner, Warsteiner, etc.) and in panty liners from the feminine hygiene company Organyc. In Italy, 100 food products based on flour and 26 samples of drinking water were analysed by the magazine Test-Salvagente, they found traces of glyphosate in half of the food and in two samples of water. Findings Here. The fact that it finds its way into so many different products really shines a light on how we need to pay attention to everything we are exposed to or expose our pets to – including their
Coprophagy,the technical way of saying a dog’s (or other animal’s) tendency to eat their own or other animal’s poop, is possibly more common than you may think, and certainly an issue we are told about here at My Pet Nutritionist. Throwback to the 1940’s and 1960’s and studies on rabbits and rats respectively suggested that it occurred due to vitamin synthesis and the frequency depended largely on nutritional requirements during growth or aging. So, much like Chinese whispers, we have come to the understanding that our dog is eating their poop because they are deficient in something. Findings here. You could stop reading there and have an answer to your question, but you would be wrong. Firstly, your dog isn’t a rat or a rabbit. There’s a little more to this less than desirable habit, so let’s delve a little deeper. What is coprophagy? Coprophagy is common in rats, rabbits, guinea pigs and chinchillas. Rabbits even excrete two types of faeces; hard and soft. Soft faeces are re-ingested but hard faeces are not. If rats are prevented from the act, then they require dietary supplementation of thiamin, biotin, pantothenic acid, folic acid, Vitamin B12 and Vitamin K. Findings here. Based on this information, if you were to notice a dog commonly eating their own poop you would consider that they too did it for nutritional reasons. But it all comes down to the digestive system. In rodents and rabbits, bacterial synthesis of nutrients occurs in the lower gastrointestinal tract. Here, little absorption occurs. By eating their own faeces, it gives them another shot at absorbing the nutrients, for want of a better description. So why do dogs eat their own poop? Well, it has its own name, so it’s nothing new. Canine conspecific coprophagy is regularly mentioned to vets and use alike, and is a regular search term on the world wide web. Some argue that it is a sign of an underlying medical issue,for example: 1) Enzyme deficiency As we know, a key part of the digestive process is enzymatic breakdown. Without key enzymes, food will pass through undigested. There is a school of thought which suggests the dog will eat their own faeces, to give themselves another chance at digesting the food and utilising the nutrients; exactly like the rodents did. 2) Increased appetite There are certain conditions which increase appetite, like diabetes and thyroid issues and so in an attempt to meet their ravenous needs, a dog will eat anything in sight! On the same side of this coin – there are others that argue a dog will eat his own faeces if he is being underfed. That said, the number of obese dogs is increasing year on year, so, before you alter his feeding amounts, check out our blogs: Here and Here. Others argue that it’s not necessarily a health issue, but more a psychological issue. Some have noted that it can occur in bored dogs; whether the dogs are simply amusing themselves, or in fact it’s attention seeking behaviour. For example, many owners don’t like dogs eating poop, so when they spot it, they give the dog attention;despite it being a negative interaction. Think of it like the child who misbehaves as soon as the parent takes that important phone call. However, in order to get a handle on the true reason, a study was conducted that looked at the diet of coprophagic dogs, it looked at house-training, their eating habits and what behaviour modifications had successfully been used in managing it. Findings here. This study found that the diet of the dog had no significant impact,therefore suggesting no nutritional basis for the behaviour and coprophagic dogs were just as easily house-trained as non-coprophagic dogs; so, they still maintained a typical aversion to faeces like most dogs. Interestingly, those dogs who ate their own poop, were more readily described as greedy eaters. Sadly, the success rate of behaviour modification to stop the dog eating their own poop was close to zero. Let’s see if their like of other animal’s poop sheds anymore light on the reasoning behind this particular behaviour. Why do dogs eat cat poop? The most likely explanation is that whatever hasn’t been absorbed by the cat during their digestion, attracts the dog to eat the poop. In some commercial cat foods, compounds are added to make the food palatable; these aren’t always absorbed by the cat, so they just come out the other end. Why do dogs eat another dog’s poop? There’s little evidence to suggest a nutritional basis for eating another dog’s poop. The factors relating to a dog eating faeces include: Greedy eating Breed group (hounds and terriers are more likely to do so) Multiple dogs in the house Eating dirt Eating cat stools It doesn’t appear to make a difference whether they are eating their own, or another dog’s poop – if they are going to eat poop, they’re going to eat poop. Why do dogs eat wild animal poop? When you’re out on your walks with your poop eater, he’s probably found rabbit or horse poop. Why are they drawn to it? The explanation could lie in their plant-eating habits! With horses and rabbits being herbivores, are dogs seeking the plant content of their poop? Again, grass-eating is not linked to nutritional deficiency or illness. Some owners perceive it as a way for dogs to make themselves sick. But dogs fed commercial, table scrap or raw diets were no more prone to grass or plant eating than the others. The answer to this question takes us back to their ancient beginnings. Plant-eating seemed to play a role in controlling internal parasites. Plant material passes through the intestinal tract, wrapping around worms and thereby clearing them out. Findings here. The parasites would then be found in the faeces, which leads us to another reason why a dog would eat poop – to keep their den clear of parasites. Some domestic dogs take themselves off to the furthest point
