A healthy urinary system is important to your pet’s health and detoxification. Your pets’s urinary system, including the kidneys and bladder, work to process and remove waste from their body. Bladder problems may include infections or a variety of stones and these problems can affect your dog’s comfort and overall well being. 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. Alkaline urine can also be caused by kidney disease, long-term drug use such as diuretic or antacids. Sometimes an elevated urine pH, elevated levels of urinary phosphorus or ammonia, may also predispose your pet to the formation of struvite bladder stones. Unlike humans, pets are most likely to suffer from these stones in their bladder, rather than their kidneys. Stones in the bladder can cause inflammation, predispose to urinary tract infections and even cause an obstruction of the urinary tract. This is when this problem can become serious and should not be ignored. There are different types of stone composed of different minerals and compounds. Examples of these are struvite, calcium oxalate, urate and cystine. These stones form due to urine pH, output, genetics and other factors, play a huge role in stones developing. Your pet can also suffer from bacterial infection in their urinary system, leading to discomfort in the lower urinary tract. Urinary incontinence, congenital anatomic abnormalities and tumours are amongst other conditions that may affect the urinary tract in cats and dogs. Dalmatians have a genetic mutation that affects protein processing in their body, putting them at risk of urate stones. English Bulldogs and other breeds can also be affected by this mutation. If your pet is also overweight there is a higher likelihood in developing calcium oxalate stones. Female dogs and cats are more likely to suffer with UTI’s and stones often due to structure but also possible hormonal changes, affecting neutered dogs in particular. The signs of UTI’s, stones or worse 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 (this includes veterinary prescriptions). We know raw fed or fresher fed pets have a more biodiverse microbiota that creates metabolites that protect the mucosa and UT. Food allergies and sensitivities to foods such as beef, chicken, milk, eggs, corn, wheat, and soy or flavourings and colourings are common, commonly found in many processed pet food. Stress is often a low grade release of cortisol that can slow down digestion causing digestive dysfunctions, leading to inflammation of the entire body, including the UT. Hormonal changes and de-sexing of a cat or dog can make for concurrent issues. Cushing Disease or Diabetes Mellitus. 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, immune response, activating immune cells and specific microbiome (good bacteria) shifts. SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth), is commonly found in the bowel and highly associated to concurrent UTI’s. Parasitic infections can take hold when the GI is not functioning well and immune function becomes compromised. The urinary tract may be a weakened system in your pet’s health, displaying different urinary issues. Poor immunity and gut immunity (integrity of the ‘one cell epithelial of the gut’), can cause over-reactivity and inflammation. This can arise from birth from not being weaned effectively to environ Anatomical structural issues where the urethra is close to the anus and collects bacteria easily opening up to many infections. 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 good bacteria that protects the mucosa of the gut and UT. Adverse drug reactions or over-medication and vaccination can create a hyperactive immune state, inflammation and UT issues and infection. Conventional Veterinary Approach to UT issues Vet’s often use bland prescription diets of poor quality and antibiotic drugs as an intervention to reduce infection, inflammation and common symptoms. Whilst this may help the initial inflammation and reduce the alkalinity of the urine, this is not an effective or healthy longterm option. The prescription diets for struvite stones are based on low protein, low phosphorus and low magnesium, helping to acidify the urine. Calcium oxalate stones are rather similar but also need to be careful of calcium and reduce or avoid oxalic vegetables (beet greens, rhubarb, spinach,swiss chard, endives, kale etc). Antibiotics are the most common drug to treat urinary infections. Uropathogenic E. coli is the most prevalent bacteria in UTI’s. Studies show antibiotics used in the treatment of these infections reduce the number of lactobacilli in the urinary system and may cause antibiotic resistance in the following period and destroy the existing natural barrier of the urinary system formed against infections. Vets may also prescribe anti-inflammatory medication to reduce inflammation and pain medication if your cat or dog experiences discomfort. How Diet and Supplements can Help Nutrition Looking at suitable diets and food for your pet is essential. A fresh and balanced diet rich in easily digestible proteins, good fats and vegetables (fibre) can help support gut microbiota, a healthy body and a healthy UT. Home prepared, cooked and home delivered, or raw is the very best in this instance.
Let’s chat about gastrointestinal health. There’s a lot involved in keeping your pet healthy and the main area to focus on is the digestive system. Digestion is important and there are some poor pooches and pussy cats out there whom are diagnosed with inflammatory Bowel Disease, namely Crohns and Colitis. Intestinal issues and disorders are among the most common reasons for trips to the vet whether it be diarrhoea, constipation, IBS and today’s focus, IBD’s such as Crohns and Colitis. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) such as Colitis and Crohns are conditions resulting from an inflammatory response in the gut. They are characterised by the infiltration of pro-inflammatory cells into the intestinal mucosa. The lining of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract may become thickened and/or ulcerated, overreactive and less integral, with lessened gut acid and an imbalance of good gut microbiome (the good bacteria in the gut). Nutrient absorption may be compromised and the passage of food and waste material through the gastrointestinal tract may be altered. This can lead to a very sick pet. There is a genetic correlation in IBD but this disease is a combination of genetics and environmental factors. Some breeds of dog do however seem to be more susceptible to the disease such as Schnauzers, French Bulldogs, Doberman Pinschers, Mastiffs and Alaskan Malamutes. Findings here The signs of IBD may include one or more of the following; Chronic diarrhoea, loose stools or constipation Difficult or painful bowel movements Bloated, tender abdomen and gas Fresh blood and/or mucus in the stool Chronic or intermittent regurgitation/vomiting (often a sign common in cats) Loss of appetite Lack of energy Weight loss While many other problems can also cause these symptoms, when they become more frequent and chronic, then the diagnosis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) can then be given. Colitis by definition is inflammation of the lining of the colon. This can be inflammation only or can turn into ulcerative colitis where the integrity of the bowel lining becomes compromised and ulcerates. Colitis is usually limited to superficial layers (mucosa, superficial part of the submucosa) of the colon. Crohns by definition is Inflammation in different areas of the digestive tract from the mouth through to the anus and tends to affect the deeper layers of the bowel wall. When a pet has IBD, his stomach lining can become irritated, causing food to move through his system faster or gut motility can become slower. Over time, the lining of the digestive tract can ulcerate, thicken and become irritated from the inflammatory cells. Healthy cells that usually fight off bacteria and other invasive allergens will build up within this area of the body, causing diarrhoea, constipation, cramping, and abdominal pain. Possible Causes of IBD’s A poor, inadequate processed pet food can cause inflammation in the GI tract. Food allergies and sensitivities to foods such as beef, chicken, milk, eggs, corn, wheat, and soy or flavourings and colourings are common, commonly found in many processed pet food. Stress is often a low grade release of cortisol that can slow down digestion causing digestive dysfunctions, leading to inflammation. Dysbiosis (bacterial overgrowth in the gut) is highly linked to autoimmunity and in particular digestive disease (IBD). Dysbiosis leads to increased intestinal permeability, loss of immune tolerance, immune response, activating immune cells and specific microbiome (good bacteria) shifts. SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth), is commonly found in the bowel and highly associated to IBD. Histamine and allergic response, impacts SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth), that in humans is linked to IBD’s. Parasitic infections can take hold when the GI is not functioning well and immune function is compromised. Stress leads to mast cell activation via binding of corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) to mast cell CRH receptor sites increasing inflammation and IBD’s. Poor immunity and gut immunity (integrity of the ‘one cell epithelial of the gut’), can cause over-reactivity and inflammation (IBD). This can arise from birth from not being weaned effectively. Adverse drug reactions or over-medication and vaccination, which can create a hyperactive immune state and may be a factor in IBD’s. Conventional Veterinary Approach to IBD Vet’s often use bland prescription diets of poor quality and certain drugs as an intervention to reduce inflammation and common symptoms. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), inhibit the gastric acid production and are amongst the top 10 most commonly prescribed drugs in the world for humans and pets. Acid reflux can be a symptom of an IBD. Whilst inhibitors may give short term relief, a more holistic approach is far more successful than unnaturally suppressing HCL levels. Pro-kinetic medication is sometimes used to help move food through the digestive system and strengthen the oesophageal sphincter muscles in acid reflux, a known symptom of IBD’s. Prednisone or other similar steroids, may me used to address the inflammatory nature of IBD’s. This does however negatively impact the immune and endocrine system and in human conventional medicine, is being used less and less. Long term this is a very damaging drug. How Diet and Supplements can Help Nutrition Looking at suitable diets and food for your pet is essential. A fresh and balanced diet rich in easily digestible proteins, good fats and vegetables (fibre) can help support gut microbiota and stomach acid levels. Home made cooked or raw food are often best in this instance. Findings here Processed foods and sugars can cause inflammation in your dog’s stomach, decrease acid levels, triggering acid reflux symptoms, poor gut motility, proliferation of bad bacteria and so forth. Certain foods can often elicit an unwanted immune response, so understanding what might be causing your pet to react is essential. If feeding a fresh diet has not worked, doing a food sensitivity test can help in removing the offending culprits. Nutriscan sensitivity test: check your pet at home easily for food sensitivity. https://nutriscan.org Low dietary fibre intake is associated with decreased stomach and gut motility and delayed gastric emptying. Low fibre findings are mostly found in humans, but our counterparts experience the same pathogenesis in IBD and
We see acid reflux rather frequently. It’s usually for a number of reasons and can be a symptom that may end up being more of a problem than anticipated. It’s not a nice thing for doggos to experience and is often telling you something is not quite right and finding out what that is, is paramount. So read on my lovely peeps, resolve your doggo’s blessed reflux. What is acid reflux? Acid reflux in dogs, also known as gastroesophageal reflux, occurs when the acid (chime: mix of acid, salts and bile) from the stomach moves into the oesophagus. It can obviously cause some discomfort and although a symptom in itself (that is not deemed dangerous), it can lead to other issues. Reflux can cause irritation, inflammation and wear on the lining of the oesophagus, leading to possible ulcers. If left for long enough, this can cause narrowing, thinning, or necrosis of the oesophagus. Also a constant regurgitation (a common symptom of acid reflux) can cause vomit to enter a dogs’ lungs and lead to further damage or aspiration pneumonia. Symptoms may be as follows: Bad breath Constipation, diarrhoea and bloating Burping, gagging, or minimal vomiting/regurgitation after a meal Dry cough Wheezing Pain after eating, such as restlessness and hunching over Inactivity or lethargy after meal Loss of appetite Weight loss There are many factors that may cause GERD, and these should be systematically evaluated when creating a treatment plan, aiming to address the reason as opposed to the disease itself. What role does acid play in the gut? Appropriate acid levels in the gut are paramount. HCL is also responsible for breaking down dietary proteins aiding in the absorption of nutrients. Healthy levels of acid (HCL) eliminates bacteria and viruses and prevents the overgrowth of pathogens in the upper GI tract, so hypochlorhydria (low HCL) can be a risk factor for SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth), fungal overgrowth, intestinal permeability and possible sensitivities and allergies. Acid in the stomach can be too high but most commonly, is presents as too low, incapable of fully digesting and emptying food into the small intestines, allowing chime to sit in the stomach and allowing regurgitation. There is often the misconception that it’s often too high and therefore must be suppressed by drugs. Research has proven that a lack or suppression of gastric acid (HCL), has been associated with an increase in bone fractures, possible autoimmune disease, impaired absorption of B12, iron and magnesium. Poor gut health and reflux can be linked to allergies, arthritis, autoimmune disease, itching and rashes, fatigue, anxiety, cancer, and so much more. In short, if the gut isn’t functioning at full capacity, then neither is your pet’s health. Why is your dog experiencing acid reflux? Stress is often a low grade release of cortisol that can slow down digestion, creating a bolus of food in the stomach, that can sit around, coming up as regurgitation, rather than emptying into the small intestines in a timely fashion. Poor gut motility sometimes linked to poor food (dry food) or neurological dysfunction. Structural issues can be the cause such as obstruction, a loose dysfunctional lower oesophageal sphincter, hiatal hernia or inflammation caused from disease such as megaesophagus. Food intolerances, sensitivity and allergies can create immune dysfunction and a less hospitable digestive environment. Poor gut microbiota, yeast overgrowth, bacterial overgrowth, SIBO (small intestinal overgrowth), sometimes from antibiotic use. Poor immunity and gut immunity (integrity of the ‘one cell epithelial of the gut’), can cause inflammation and a lower level of acid which can slow down protein digestion and cause regurgitation. Disease such as a liver disease, pancreatitis, IBD (inflammatory bowel disease). Nutritional deficiencies. Being overweight. Conventional Veterinary Approach to Acid Reflux Vet’s often used drugs as an intervention and whilst it might alleviate initial symptoms, it is not a long term solution and implicates longer term issues. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), inhibit the gastric acid production and are amongst the top 10 most commonly prescribed drugs in the world for humans and pets. Pro-kinetic medication is sometimes used to help move food through the digestive system and strengthen the oesophageal sphincter muscles. The above aren’t really successful options long term and most certainly do not address the cause. Whilst inhibitors may give short term relief, a more holistic approach is far more successful than unnaturally suppressing HCL levels. The conventional approach generally believes that acid is overproduced. Whilst this is possible, it is deemed to be the reverse in many circumstances. How Diet and Supplements can Help The gut is the epicentre of immunity and health. If your dog’s digestive system is not working correctly, then nothing else will be. A symptom of acid reflux is telling you there is a dis-ease in the body and something needs to change to rectify it. Determining the reasons why are key. Is the food suitable for your dog? Are you feeding a commercial dry food? Are there nutritional deficiencies? Is there stress? Is the gut functioning properly? Nutrition Looking at suitable diets and food for your pet is essential. A fresh and balanced diet rich in easily digestible proteins, good fats and vegetables (fibre) can help support gut microbiota and stomach acid levels. Home made cooked or raw food are often best in this instance Findings here Processed foods and sugars can cause inflammation in your dog’s stomach, decrease acid levels, triggering acid reflux symptoms. Certain foods can often be an aggravator of reflux, so understanding what might be bothering your dog is essential. If feeding a fresh diet has not worked and you are at a loss. Doing a food sensitivity test can help in removing the culprits. An elimination diet is the best way forward as intolerance and allergy testing can be inconclusive. Low dietary fibre intake is associated with decreased stomach and gut motility and delayed gastric emptying. Low fibre findings are mostly found in humans, but our counterparts experience the same pathogenesis in acid reflux and adding insoluble fibre, may help. Findings here Checking
What does the pancreas do? The pancreas is a small organ that sits behind the small intestine and the stomach. The pancreas digests food and regulates a cat and dog’s blood sugar. The pancreas produces and stores inactive enzymes that should only be activated when they enter the small intestine. Amylase for carbohydrate digestion, lipase for emulsifying and digesting fats and protease for digesting protein. Most of the pancreas is composed of cells that produce digestive enzymes. These cells are arranged in clusters that are connected to a series of small ducts. Pancreatic enzymes and juices flow from the cells and minor ducts into the main pancreatic duct, leading to the duodenum. The pancreas also contains small “islands” of hormone-producing cells called the islets of Langerhans, which secrete insulin and glucagon,along with somatostatin, hormones that mostly regulate blood sugar metabolism. What is pancreatitis Pancreatitis is the intense inflammation and swelling of the pancreas. It can either be an acute case, where animals can be at high risk (sometimes fatal) from a sudden onset of mass inflammation, where this tends to go away in a matter of a few days to a week (if the patient survives it). Chronic pancreatitis is a low grade inflammation over an extended period of time, leading to other possible health complications. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is the termed coined when the pancreas is no longer able to produce digestive enzymes, this can result from chronic pancreatitis. When the pancreas is damaged, further complications such as diabetes may appear over time, if not managed effectively. The prognosis depends on the severity of the disease. If left untreated, pancreatitis may lead to severe organ damage and even sudden death. Pancreatitis can cause a lot of pain and damage so if your pet seems uncomfortable, please do not ignore this, go to your veterinarian. Common symptoms but not exclusive are; Loss of appetite Sickness Diarrhoea Lethargy Dehydration Restlessness Arched back In milder forms, symptoms aren’t always obvious but may include loss of appetite, lethargy and diarrhoea. During an attack they may hunch the back, holding their bottom in the air with front legs and head low to the floor. Why it is so prevalent It is almost 50% more common in cats and dogs than in humans. A combination of environmental and genetic factors plays a role in the development of many cases of pancreatitis in pets. We see many acquired inflammatory issues related to IBS and IBD. You will find certain breeds such as cocker spaniels, dachshunds, miniature schnauzers and poodles are more susceptible to pancreatitis due to common genetic snips (SNP) in cats and dogs. It’s sometimes difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of pancreatitis but the following definitely play a part in the full picture of health. Scavenging; eating spoiled foods and incredibly high amounts of oxidised fat. Processed foods; eating processed foods, always high in sugars and sometimes grains are specifically high in carbohydrates.These carbohydrates put an unusual load on the pancreas. Cats and dogs are carnivores and naturally produce less amylase than any other digestive enzyme in the digestive system. Rancid fats; found in poor processed foods and poorly stored fats, leading to oxidation and inflammation and therefore, more than likely, leaky gut. IBS/IBD; low HCL levels in the gut, poor microbiome and constant immune triggers to environmental stimuli, food being the biggest offender, seems to be involved in a low grade chronic inflammation that may impact the pancreas and can bring about episodes or undiagnosed characteristics of pancreatitis. Grains and Lectins; often contained in dry food due to being cheap ingredients, creates inflammation and up regulates a protein called zonulin. Zonulin is responsible for (and a new diagnostic biomarker of) intestinal permeability (leaky gut). Leaky gut/gut integrity/intestinal permeability; leaky gut is when the integrity of the ‘one cell epithelial’ lining of the gut, becomes compromised by inappropriate foods, allergens, toxins and so forth. These slack and under functioning junctures allow chemicals, including food stuff into the blood stream, that should not be permitted. Leaky gut is linked to many disease states and closely linked to a lowered gut immunity in pancreatitis. Inflammation and imbalanced immunity; acute and chronic pancreatitis are dynamic inflammatory processes. Immune cells playa critical role in pancreatitis progression so looking towards that intricate cascade and supporting stress are key. Pharmaceuticals; in recent years, a large number of commonly prescribed medications have been linked to drug-induced pancreatitis pathogenesis. Although mechanisms are proposed, the exact cause of injury is not well understood. Obesity; obese animals are predisposed to a wide variety of diseases affecting many organ systems. Endocrine disorders commonly associated with obesity include canine pancreatitis. Cushing’s disease; is an endocrine disease and is commonly associated in pancreatitis. High blood levels of fats; triglycerides, have also been listed as a risk factor to pancreatitis in canines. Infections such as Babesia canis or Leishmania have shown to be present in some canine pancreatic patients. Genetics; genetic polymorphisms are found in certain breeds, the most common being SPINK1. Feeding a processed diet and in a toxic environment (vaccinations included), are more likely to express this gene, however this is far too common a disease for it to be purely genetic. Nutrition regime in pancreatitis There’s a lot of conflicting advice out there for pancreatitis but we have worked in this with humans and pets and the aetiology, pathogenesis and therefore dietary plans are rather similar in terms of approach and the following can be very helpful. Findings here We do not advocate any processed foods in this disease, only fresh, balanced, home cooked or raw food. There is often the suggestion that small meals spread over time is the best protocol in pancreatitis but this activates the pancreas, aggravating the inflammation further. When you start feeding fresh and balanced food over time, we find feeding twice a day, if your schedule permits it, feeding breakfast around 9am and then dinner at about 4pm, allowing a longer fast between dinner and the following breakfast. If your pet can tolerate being fed once a day, this might be
Here we are, part 3 of the cancer series (no Home Alone analogies this time). Part 3 is just as important as understanding the pathogenesis, diet and supplementation segments. This is about minimising exposure to external factors that affect the immune system. Whether that be mental well being, stress, how they exercise, monthly chemical treatments and yearly boosters etc, they are all points that must be considered and addressed. Reducing stress in your pet’s life We know anxiety is a silent killer. It reeks havoc on your body and creates immense inflammation that can led to much disease. Dog’s in particular experience a lot of stress living in a 21st century home. Stress can lead to a TH2 dominant immune system, this is also the dominant state your body is in during cancer. Helping to reduce, modulate the stress response is key in supporting this disease state. This can be done in a manner of ways and we always suggest looking into what we call ‘life load’ in functional medicine. How much is your cat or dog taking on? Are they happy being an only pet, do they love their companion, do they get overwhelmed easily, excited easily, do they have a safe space just for them, are they attached to you, are they left home alone a lot. We are not suggesting any one thing is responsible for cancer but taking into account the entire picture and looking at the mental state of mind correlates and can impact physical health greatly. If you feel there are some behavioural constraints, then consulting with a behaviourist is a good idea. If money is too tight to mention, look at some subscription sites or groups on Facebook to help with general tips. Always be careful how you select your support. We once had a family greyhound and she was very nervous of life generally. We made her a den, got her another friend for play dates and played classic FM A LOT and used natural essential oils to induce a more relaxed environment. She had plenty of walks, chewed certain bones under supervision (this has shown to help with stress, exercise and mental stimulation, as well as cleaning teeth) and numerous other things. Please always consider if your pet’s needs are being met. We know how important it is to reduce stress and to feel happy in our own lives, our pets are no different. Exercise Exercise is always important but there is research out on certain types of exercise being cancer respondent. HIIT type exercising, where there’s intense short, sharp bursts of exercise with intermittent periods of rest (basically how most dogs tend to play), may help support cancer patients in a positive way. This has not yet been ‘exercised’ in dogs but research shows some promise as part of a healthy and supportive regime. Not to mention that exercise for dogs is part of a healthy lifestyle where they get to explore, socialise and keep active. Reducing Toxic overload in your dog’s life Toxic daily metabolic overload challenges the immune system every day. This not only includes radiation and environmental pollutants but grooming products, flea and worming products, vaccinations, household items, garden items and the impurity of the water in your pet’s life. Ok so lets’ touch on grooming If you need to wash your dog, then we recommend a gentle and natural shampoo like Helios for itching pets and general applications: Helio shampoo To moisturise, help heal wounds, help itchy dry and flaky skin, I like leucillin as a natural option: Leucillin If you dog has a wound or hotspot that isn’t healing, I recommend green clay as something to have in your emergency cupboard, no chemicals for us: Green clay Flea products and Vaccinations Flea products and tick products are incredibly toxic and overload the body when the immune system is already under challenge. Fleas aren’t a great concern but ticks are so make sure after every walk you check your dog thoroughly and invest in a tick removal kit if you are in a zone for ticks. They can be dangerous to your dog as they carry disease such as Lymes. There are lots of natural products out there. Rotate them as fleas and ticks are adaptable and you need to make sure your pets are not desirable hosts. If your dog is sensitive to oils try diatomaceous earth, it’s a great option and effective. If we aren’t meant to handle topical flea treatments, how can this safely be used on your pet? A lovely spray with beautiful essentials before you go on a walk can be helpful: Flea and Tick repellant Flea & Tick Spray for Pets + Home with Natural Essential Oils A natural flea collar or amber collar can be deterrents and non-toxic: Flea collar Amber Collar If you wish to avoid worming due to toxicity you can buy worm egg count kits. Advised to do every 6 months. Greens also offer a heart worm count. Egg worm count Vaccinations can be over stimulating to the immune system. With yearly boosters and exposure to toxicity on a regular basis, this will only challenge your sick pet further. Vaccinating responsibly is important. There is a movement of vets who are starting to titer test rather than vaccinate yearly.This is a blood test and chargeable by the vet to check antibodies in the blood to see what your pet is currently inoculated against. It’s much safer and less challenging for your dog’s immune system and 9.5/10 your pet won’t need another booster in their lifetime after their initial vaccinations. Titer is not required after 9 years of age. Talk to your vet about it, it’s a supply and demand thing. We recommend looking into Vaccicheck. They have a lot of data and scientific research on titers regardless of what some sceptics may say. Household items Washing up detergents, dish washer detergents, clothes detergents, floor cleaning, general cleaning products can all be hazardous and some dogs
Oh yeah baby Cancer in Pets Part 2! Are you excited (maybe not the right question)? Just a word to the wise, if you haven’t yet read part 1, it would be helpful to get a grasp on immunity and what to consider diet wise first. It won’t ruin part 2 (a bit like watching Home Alone 2 before Home Alone), it’s not a deal breaker but kinda nice to get some back story and structure. Cancer in Pets Part 1 So we now know what type of diet to consider in cancer but we need to compliment this route by looking at immunity and supplement choices, to help support the body and rid the body of as many toxins as possible. After all, Dr Thomas Seyfried did demonstrate that cancer is triggered by toxic overload. When looking at every client, once we have considered genetics, history and presenting symptoms, we then look at the 8 systems in functional medicine. This allows us to approach it with a framework, piecing things together like a jigsaw. Functional medicine isn’t diagnostic, it looks at the what, why and the how. In our consultations we look at the pathophysiology’s in great depth and consider a number of other processes not even mentioned here (we want you to read on). The 8 systems Stress; we know this to be a trigger for cancer. Stress releases cortisol, this tends to shut down the digestive system somewhat. We know this leads to leaky gut and mass inflammation in the body if extended periods of stress are experienced. This type of inflammation is TH2 dominant and cancer is a TH2 dominant disease. If we know there is a lot of stress, we would address this to try and help mediate this response and reduce some inflammation. Immunity; Immunity is effected by absolutely everything and when your pet has cancer this is an immune malfunction and must be treated as such. This is where we look at TH1 and TH2 and help support it with mushrooms, herbs, probiotics and so forth. Stress, detoxification, digestion and pretty much every system greatly impacts immunity so we need to look at everything closely and support all processes. Detoxification; detoxification encompasses the lymphatics, digestion, kidneys, liver and gallbladder. We would look and have particular questions for each system within detoxification. If these systems aren’t in check and in particular the liver, cancer can become a monster. The liver is the powerhouse. It breaks down and filters pretty much everything in the body including toxins and if this isn’t working well, we need to address it. We would definitely look at phase 1 and phase 2 of detoxification pathways in the liver to ensure support during this difficult time. Digestive health; microbiotia is very important to help immune signalling and detoxification. If this isn’t in good balance and your pet is exposed to a lot of allergens, pathogens, toxins and so forth, this can trigger leaky gut and inflammation. Making sure bacteria, acid levels, enzyme production and the integrity of the gut are all in balance is essential for a robust environment to ensure well-being and support in cancer. Reproductive health; this is often an issue as most animals have been desexed and so this has a knock on effect regarding the hormonal system, the immune system and the neurological system. This is very particular to each and every pet but is definitely closely correlated to immunity and in some cases can be the driving factor of certain cancer. Cardiovascular health; heart and kidney function are closely correlated. Strong heart and kidney health is essential in cancer. Methylation is a process that is considered here. We know poor methylation can lead to high homocysteine which appears to be a health marker in heart disease and cancer. Hormones; we tend to just think of sexual hormones but actually hormones come under the endocrine system. These are responsible for a number of things such as growth and development, metabolism, sexual function, reproduction and mood. Serotonin (your feel good hormone), Gaba (the relaxing hormone), Insulin (blood sugar regulation), Cortisol (the stress hormone) and Thyroid (for metabolism) are just to name a few. Hormones such as insulin are inflammatory and high blood levels of insulin indicate a higher risk of cancer which is why we don’t advocate much sugar in your pet’s diet (PERIOD). Structure; making sure connective tissue and the skeletal system are strong is also an essential part of the health matrix. In cancer there is a lot of free radical damage and connective tissue can easily become damaged. This is why antioxidants (in the right form) are essential. Reducing inflammation is key. So lets look at some supplements that may help support your pet. Supplements As a generic approach we would look at the stress, digestion, immune support and detoxification in cancer support. Supplements are an important consideration in cancer but seeking advice from a health care professional is ALWAYS advised. Here are my top 6 supplements Ashwaganda; we love me a bit of Ashwaganda. Ashwagandha is one of the most important herbs in Ayurveda, a form of alternative medicine based on Indian principles of natural healing that has been used for over 3,000 years. It’s a beautiful adaptogenic herb that supports the stress response and immunity in your pet. It’s classically known as a nervine tonic but this beauty has many strings to its bow. The clinical studies and research so far is very promising.The more I formulate with and research this herb, the more I am in awe (and in love). Some research here on Ashwaganda! Probiotics; your dogs microbiome is as individual as they are. Microbiome is a community of thousands of different diverse bacteria, fungi and virus, all working together to fuel health and immunity. Gut microbiotia is essential in health and driven/affected by diet, stress, environmental conditions and so on. Probably the most important bacteria phylum in your dog is Bacteroidetes. These bacteroidetes produce short chain fatty acids that
Cancer is the second most common reason clients consult with MPN. Cancer is an epidemic! It’s estimated that almost 50% of cats and dogs will die from some form of cancer. When considering the full picture of health, at MPN we look at genetics, breeding, health of pregnancy, birthing, weening, environment, nutrition and the functionality of all 8 body systems (neurological, digestive, cardiovascular etc). In order to truly understand your pet’s needs, all these factors must be taken into consideration to obtain the best plan. Particular breeds or certain breeding will transcript coding that makes cancer more likely in certain cats and dogs, however this isn’t exclusive to genes and breeding. This is prevalent and likely in pets who experience chronic inflammation and experience an immune malfunction due to a number of factors. What is cancer Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. Cancer develops when the body’s normal control mechanisms cease to work. Old cells do not die and form new, abnormal cells that can grow at a fast rate. These extra cells may form amass of tissue, called a tumour. The Immune system In 2013, Dr Thomas Seyfried demonstrated that cancer is a metabolic dysfunction of the mitochondria (energy producing organelles in cells), triggered by toxin overload. That is the very nature of cancer but how we end up there is very much to do with the immune system. In order to support cancer one of the major contributing factors is the immune systems functionality and how it responds to invading cancer cells. Cancer is an inflammatory disease. I see Cancer as an ‘immune malfunction’ where a consistent imbalance in the immune system, tips into inflammation. In more than basic terms, the immune system is split into 2 phases, Th1 and Th2. In a healthy pet, Th1 and Th2 cells are maintained in a carefully regulated balance. If a bacterium enters the body, it activates Th2 cells that dominate the network to begin a cascade of immune events leading to an antibody response that clears the infection. If a virus enters cells in the body, it activates Th1 cells which dominate and instruct the killer cell response to clear infected cells. Once the infection is cleared, suppressor cells are activated to shut down the dominate response and bring the network back into a resting state. If the suppressor cells do not act to bring the network back to a resting state, a pathological Th1 or Th2 dominated immune system results. A Th2-dominated immune system is characteristic of cancer patients where the killer cell response in TH1 is suppressed (recognising defective cells). Patients with advanced cancer often have impaired cell-mediated immunity associated with a switch from Th1 to Th2. Research shows that cancer patients, exist in a state of Th2-mediated “chronic inflammation”. Findings suggest that Th2 dominance status encourages carcinogenesis (the initiation of cancer formation). There’s a lot we know about immunity but still so much we don’t. It’s a complex issue but understanding the very basics can help us look at things differently and can help to support your pet. Cancer diet Nutrition is obviously a key factor in supporting cancer. We find the fresher the food the better. Natural, fresh, homemade, and perhaps raw are best (it depends on the immune function: I often suggest lightly cooked dependent on the individual). Intense processed food is definitely not the best choice for optimum health. We know dry food can lead to more inflammation from independent research. Most dry food contains around 35-50% sugars, due to the starch content that binds it all together. Cancer LOVES sugar, this was documented years ago but has never been much of a focus with regards to cancer care until more recent years. We also know from recent research from Dog Risk at the University of Helsinki, that a controlled study of dry fed and raw fed dogs, raised disease markers when fed dry food. The study demonstrated clear data of increased plasma homocysteine in the variations of the dry fed dogs as opposed to raw. We know that homocysteine is a marker for disease and closely linked to cardiovascular complications and other disease states. Recent advances have shown that increased plasma homocysteine could be correlated to cancer also. We are not necessarily advocating raw, in fact in some cases we actively recommend lightly cooked but the above demonstrates differences in metabolites, in dry verses fresh. Fresh always seems to prevail with the best results. It is important to know that not all foods will suit your pet and looking into this is an imperative part of the process. Immune mediated responses can arise from food sensitivities, food allergens, environmental allergens and toxins on a daily basis and sometimes owners aren’t aware of this. This can lead to a permanent state of inflammation. An allergic response is a TH2 response so consistently being exposed to allergens can put your pet in a permanent state of TH2. See above to know that this isn’t groovy for cancer patients or general well-being. Allergies and cancer can by hyperlinked. In fact, histamine (a compound often released in response to an allergy) is commonly known to induce tumour proliferation and immune suppression in certain cases. Ketogenic Diet The ancient Greek practitioners were well known for using ketogenic diets and although it seems more of a new concept and revelation, it’s been around for donkey’s years, so we can’t lay claim to creation. That said, there is a lot of information and research regarding the benefits of keto diets and cancer amongst other disease. In fact, there’s thousands of research papers, many based on animals. There is even a wonderful centre in America called Keto Pets Sanctuary who specialise in keto research. A ketogenic diet is based on moderate protein, high fat and very low carbohydrate. The ratio usually required to induce ketones is fat to protein 2:1. That is a very high fat diet and should be fed with caution. If a diet provides a high fat content, glycogen
Alison’s mother had chronic kidney disease (CKD) and from having a 2-year prognosis based on a bad heart condition, we wanted to get her off dialysis and extend her life expectancy. Alison was a clinical nutritionist at the time (for humans), with a focus on functional medicine and so made it her mission to get her in a better state of health and mind. This condition was never going away but life could be easier for her. After much research and countless testing, we discontinued dialysis, created an impeccable diet and added in a supplement regime. Her mother continued on to have another 8 years with pretty much problem free health (other than the obvious). Ever since then, Alison has seen a lot of cats and dogs with the same problem. Although their nutritional requirements are different to humans, the general rules and pathophysiology’s apply. It’s all a balancing act at maintaining health that can be finely tuned to help with wellness. We are not ‘kidney-ing around’, so read on! Kidney disease – chronic and acute If your pet is presenting with kidney disease, it’s either acute or chronic. Acute Kidney disease presents suddenly and is more easily reversed. Acute is usually due to an obstruction or ingesting a toxic substance or some such case. Prognosis is always better than chronic. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) can take months or even years to identify itself. In fact, most pets don’t even show symptoms until 70-75% of kidney function has been lost! Signs and symptoms of CKD There are number of signs and symptoms in CKD. If any of these arise consistently, you should go to the vets and get it checked out. I would say the first signs would be excessive thirst and weight loss but this is an extensive list: Ascites (swelling of the abdomen) Blood in urine Diarrhea Decreased urination Urinating outside of the litter tray Frothy urine Increased water consumption and increased urination Lack of appetite and weight loss Lethargy Pale gums as a result of anaemia Ulcers on the tongue, inside cheek or gums Joint swelling in conjunction with some of the above Muscle wastage (this tends to appear when advanced) Seizures Blindness Vomiting Weight loss Unfortunately, the majority of these aren’t necessarily specific to CKD as signs and symptoms can vary from case to case. A visit to the vets as soon as any symptoms arise is always the best option. Kidney Function Kidneys have a lot to do and help filter the blood by getting rid of waste products such as glucose, salts, urea, uric acid and unwanted water. The waste products and additional water become urine, which eventually gets eliminated when your pet urinates. The filtering of waste is done by a network of tiny nephrons, as blood passes from the capillaries through the nephrons, essential molecules are kept, but waste products are removed and expelled as urine. The kidneys help regulate the amount of water they retain in our blood and their bodily potassium and sodium levels. The kidneys also produce three major hormones that help regulation of other mechanisms. Calcitriol is a form of vitamin D that helps calcium absorption, Erythropoietin encourages bone marrow to produce red blood cells and renin helps to regulate blood pressure. Diet for CKD The checklist for CKD A fresh and unadulterated fresh food diet Low in Phosphorus (0.2% – 1% dry matter) Moderate in protein Omega fats and antioxidants Low in salt (added salt in particular) Super tasty and easily delivered(hunger can decrease in CKD) Regulated treats that are part of the daily calorie intake No leftovers fed off the plate The use of an appropriately formulated diet is the only treatment that has been shown to prolong survival times and improve quality of life in pets with CKD. We have seen the best results with freshly fed pets on a specific formulated diet whether it be home cooked or raw. Cooking tends to reduce phosphorus levels and is often preferred over raw food. Dry food is a big ‘no no’ in CKD. Dry foods are dehydrating to the bowel, this delivery system can increase thirst and tax the kidneys further. Fresher and more bioavailable proteins are more effective as the kidney’s don’t have to work quite so hard. The protein in dry food can be cross-linked and not very easily assimilated. Dry foods are often higher in sodium and contain a large content of starch, both inappropriate for cats and dogs and kidney disease. Restricting dietary protein is controversial as testing and research was mostly based on processed food fed cats and dogs with limited solid findings. There isn’t a clear consensus as to what level protein intake should be reduced to in the diet of pets with CKD. In stage 1 and 2 CKD, we find moderate levels of fresh and more bioavailable proteins, low in phosphorus and reduced sodium and potassium is the best. We always work with blood tests to see the markers of poor function such as urea and other nitrogenous substances and get a professional to formulate for you. The type of protein you feed a dog with CKD should also be considered. Protein with high biological values leaves less waste behind. For this reason, protein derived from sources such eggs, fish and meats are preferable to vegetable-derived protein such as tofu. In pets with CKD, the excretion of phosphorous is impaired, which can result in further damage to the kidneys. Therefore, while an important component of a healthy pet’s diet, phosphorous should be restricted somewhat. In fact, dietary restriction of phosphorous has been shown to slow down the progression of CKD and this has been key to my practice in pet nutrition. Foods highest in phosphorus include raw bones, dairy products, organ meats, and egg yolks. That does not mean not to feed these foods at all, as they are an important component of a healthy diet, but they should be fed in moderation. When it comes to sodium, there are
Not only is diet important to your pet’s health but also their dental hygiene is essential. Poor dental care and disease is also linked to a higher rate of heart disease. Many owners leave it until it’s a problem. Let’s look at prevention instead shall we? Dry food isn’t something that pet’s naturally graze on with grating action. They nominally chew or crunch the dry food and down the hatch it goes. Once chewed and wet, it’s like any other food, it collects around the teeth and contributes to plaque build-up that leads to hardened tartar. Dental problems and issues are within the top 10 complaints seen by vets in 2019 but here at MPN we have some great tips to help prevent this from happening. Raw feeding (although for some is controversial) boasts great dental hygiene and whiter, cleaner teeth. Feeding bones is also a socially and mental stimulation that namely dogs require. The bare bones of it! My Pet Nutritionist have a strong working relationship with veterinarians but have to tread carefully on how we approach dental care as many vets are ardently against feeding raw bones unless they lean towards raw feeding and holistic care. Bones are perfectly fine but there are hard and fast rules and we would always recommend monitoring at all times (as a duty of care). Vets see mostly dogs coming in with fractured teeth and raw bone due to a lack of knowledge. Both are serious and expensive so please read on. Do not feed cooked or smoked bones. They are dry, hard and would most likely splinter due to indigestible materials. Raw chicken bones are nutritious but can be awkward to consume and they are too soft to warrant cleaning. It’s the grating and consistent gnawing action that tends to clean the gums and teeth, alongside the natural enzyme action, helping to destroy bacteria in the mouth. Medium sized animals such as lamb and goat are probably the most effective and safest bones to serve your dog and ones I generally recommend. If the prey is hard for the dog (or cat) to tackle naturally, then the bones will be too large and hard for your pet to gnaw in reality. Larger animals and bones such as beef are too hard and will more than likely cause dental fractures (think beef knuckle) if left to chew for too long and without supervision. We recommend avoiding beef, bull and bison. Raw dental bones are best fed as a treat approximately twice a week to keep teeth clean. It’s important to note that recreational bones are not to be completely consumed and that any bone should always be fed under supervision. Other options Oral chews have been shown to be beneficial, of course the type is important. plain meat chews, braids and non hides can he very useful. Avoiding dental chews such as dental sticks are highly advised due to poor ingredients. Findings here There are certain supplements on the market and one of which is based on a seaweed that does have a couple of randomised clinical studies to show it helps with the build-up of plaque. The seaweed is called ‘Ascophyllum Nodosum’ and the well-known and registered food supplement product for dogs is called Plaque Off. As part of a regime I have found this useful but great care must be taken with cats as hyperthyroidism can be expressed when taking anything with a high iodine content. This can be added to food or simply added to a homemade treat. Keep sugar containing foods (this includes dry food) to a minimum and even fresh foods naturally containing sugars should be given with care. We are not keen on companies who dehydrate fruits and vegetables such as pumpkin, carrots and papaya and sell them as dental chews. These are highly concentrated sugar chews and for gnawing action aren’t recommended for good oral hygiene, rather an odd treat. Brushing teeth doesn’t have to happen if you feed the correct raw food and bones but generally we need to consider keeping up with a good regime. Brushing teeth with a natural toothpaste and bamboo toothbrush is preferable. Alternatively, you can use a tooth cleaner and the polish from Lintbells. Make sure you don’t use human grade toothpaste with sweeteners added such as xylitol. This is dangerous to dogs. Please remember disease is complicated and our services offer an 8 elements approach to health, looking at nutrition, genetics and the environment. A complex jigsaw to piece together but one we are fully acquainted with and have great success! We look forward to helping you in the future. MPN Team x
Alison has majored her career in new product development for both the health and pet food industry. Although she develops pet foods, she adores NPD of supplements, as it really tickles her fancy for science and creativity. She loves bio chemistry but there’s also innovation and an artistry to formulating good and effective supplements. Here My Pet Nutritionist shares pointers as to how to choose the right supplements for your pets. You’ll sometimes get professionals and non-professionals saying supplements are a waste of money and not worthwhile. This is true if you 1. you don’t know what the issue is and blindly choose something to help the problem or 2. buy something that hasn’t been formulated well or contains inferior ingredients. For a supplement to work there has to be fine tuning to a product. We follow a principle called the 8 element system which is a naturopathic approach at looking at several body systems to consider what happens in its entirety and not looking at masking a problem. Like pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals can just mask an issue, if all aspects of health are not looked at. When formulating a product, we consider energy, immunity, digestion, detoxification, structure, neurological, hormonal and stress levels (including inflammation). We always develop synergistic blends that work in perfect harmony to establish nourishment, balance and restoration no matter what the situation. As you can imagine diet alone cannot often achieve this, especially if symptoms or disease are showing. Supplements help to modulate systems and food alone often cannot do this (although food is also incredibly important). The main criteria for choosing a good supplement · Know what your pet requires; problem specific or nutritional deficiencies for example · Check the source of ingredients; provenance of herbs, extraction or types of minerals · Clinically tested for absorbability; no point in taking it if your pet can’t absorb it · Clinically tested for pureness and safety · Manufactured by a legit R&D company · Well-priced for what you are getting 1. Know what your pet requires (problem specific or nutritional deficiencies for example) It’s important to know what is going on for your pet before purchasing a/several supplements for them. There are some wonderful tests to check mineral status for pets that can be used to establish any nutritional deficiencies in your pet. Don’t allow for blood tests they are inconclusive due to the blood leaching minerals from other parts of the body to try and obtain equilibrium, thus creating an unclear picture of health. If you have been to the vet and received a diagnosis such as arthritis or a nutritional deficiency, then you can get looking for your ideal supplement. If you are at a loss and there are lots of things going on for your pet, this is when coming to see someone like myself can help. 2. Check the source of ingredients; provenance of herbs, extraction or types of minerals used and so forth The source of any ingredient is important. If it’s a herb, it’s good to know it’s provenance, purity, extraction method and also how it is delivered. We love herbs and they have a beautiful nutritive and supportive role for so many systems in the body. Herbs can be adaptogenic so can up or down regulate a process in the body. This is clever and intuitive and unlike any pharmaceuticals we know of, however the purity, extraction and delivery method is important to how effective it may be. For example, we would choose organic for those herbs that are commonly used and extensively farmed. Echinacea is one of the most abundant and commonly used herbs in the industry but a mass farmed batch from China is probably less nutritive and clean than an organic echinacea grown in the Swiss Alps at high altitudes. Every herb and every ingredient has a story. Look to see what companies write about their ingredients used and why they have selected them. Give the brand a call and put them to the test. The type of substrates (binders) in minerals are also important. Different forms of mineral perform different mechanisms but may not be as bioavailable as another. Calcium and magnesium are great examples of this. Calcium carbonate is the cheapest calcium option on the market and the most wildly researched calcium in the pet industry. However, we know from research that calcium carbonate harder to absorb even though it’s around 40% pure calcium. Calcium citrate is probably second in line for expense but much better absorbed and around 20% pure calcium. Therefore we tend to choose better absorbed options such as citrate. 3. Clinically tested for absorbability; no point in taking it if your pet can’t absorb it I sometimes use registered ingredients that can claim and supply clinical data to support the product and gives sound piece of mind as to how effective it is. An example of this is with curcumin. Curcumin is an active extract and effective curcuminoid compound found in turmeric. Turmeric is something everyone seems to be talking about at the moment, whether buying a supplement or just reaching into the kitchen cupboard. And rightly so, this is an awesome and effective ingredient for many health related issues. However, we don’t use regular turmeric or curcumin as it’s hard to assimilate in the body. We therefore use and look out for certain patented curcumins such as Ultrasol® or Curcuwin® that have proven increased bioavailability by making them water soluble or liposomal without having to use added ingredients such as Bioperine®. Bioperine® a pepper extract is well researched for increasing other ingredients bioavailability by interfering with a process called glucuronidation in the liver. It slows down the metabolism and excretion of curcumin thus extending it’s life. MPN prefer to work with ingredients that solely enhance processes within the body and not dampen them down and so avoid ingredients like Bioperine®. Research does show that curcumin is also better absorbed with the whole turmeric that contains a number of curcuminoids. Therefore we like to see a plain
