Naturally, many pet parents come to us, here at My Pet Nutritionist, having received abnormal blood and urine test results. Abnormal readings in our pets’ results, whether high or low, can be extremely worrying for many of us humans; one of the conditions shown through an abnormally low blood test result, is Hypoglycaemia. This blog looks at what it is, how to spot it, what causes it, what the vet may offer, and how you can support the body through diet and therapeutic supplements. What is Hypoglycaemia? If we break down the word ‘hypoglycaemia’ into three parts, we know what this condition entails. ‘Hypo’ means ‘under’ or ‘less’, ‘Glyc’ relates to ‘glucose’ (a monosaccharide carbohydrate; a type of sugar that can be used for energy but must be consumed for it to be present in the body. It is stored as Glycogen), and ‘aemia’ related to ‘blood’. Hypoglycaemia is a metabolic condition diagnosed when your pet has low blood sugar, or low blood glucose readings to be precise! In healthy dogs, the blood glucose level should be between 3.3 and 6.1mmol/L. If your pet’s blood results come back having a blood glucose concentration lower than 3.3mmol/L, your pet has hypoglycaemia, and requires medical attention, and may benefit in many cases from a diet change. Which we will discuss later in this blog. As glucose is one of the main sources of energy, a lack of it can affect various organs in the body, including the brain! Findings Here Symptoms of Hypoglycaemia There are a range of symptoms associated with hypoglycaemia in cats and dogs. If you see any of these symptoms in your pet, seek veterinary assistance as soon as possible! Symptoms you may see include: Reduced appetite Fatigue and lethargy Excessive water consumption (polydipsia) Excessive urination (polyuria) Reduced coordination, and slow response times Rear end weakness, or complete loss of use Seizure activity, including mild tremors, involuntary twitching, and full seizures Neurologically associated symptoms listed above, and reduced willingness to move or exercise are often the earliest signs of hypoglycaemia. Causes of Hypoglycaemia So what could cause your pet to get low blood glucose concentration readings? There are two categories we need to look at here – physiological reasons, and pathological reasons. Let’s start with physiological reasons why your pet’s blood glucose levels may be low: Overworking/extreme exercise. This is often referred to as ‘hunting dog hypoglycaemia’, and happens mostly in dogs as opposed to cats, but can happen in cats too! Overworked pets will use all available glucose for energy, then reserves of glucose in the body are diminished, causing the aforementioned symptoms. These dogs often have inadequate glycogen stores for the amount of work they are asked to do. Malnutrition. Now, malnutrition can be many things – It can be a lack of appropriate diet, the lack of enough food/calories, or even excess portions/calories. In the case of hypoglycaemia, pets with an inadequate dietary consumption of glucose end up with depleted glycogen stores as they use these for energy. Small Stature/Anorexia. Young smaller breed puppies, or juvenile toy breed dogs can be at a greater risk of hypoglycaemia. In cats, anorexia is a possible cause of hypoglycaemia. This is because they have limited muscle mass and body fat, meaning glycogen stores are limited, and blood glucose is used up very quickly. Toxicity. Whether it’s toxicity associated with medications/drugs, consumption of xylitol, or other toxic substances, in some cases in both dogs and cats, hypersecretion of insulin occurs, which lowers blood glucose levels. Similarly, if a diabetic pet has been given two doses of insulin too close together, hypoglycaemia may occur. Extreme vomiting. This is one of the most common reasons a cat may have low blood glucose concentrations, but is possible in dogs too. As the pet vomits excessively, blood glucose is used, and ultimately this causes depletion of glycogen stores in the body. Findings Here Findings Here Moving onto pathological causes of hypoglycaemia in pets, there are many endocrine and hepatic diseases associated with low blood glucose concentration in pets. Let’s take a look at these: Diabetes. This is one of the most common causes of hypoglycaemia in both cats and dogs. When the body produces too much insulin, or the pet is given too much insulin in the event of a hyperglycaemic attack, glucose production is decreased, and hypoglycaemia occurs. You can read more about diabetes in dogs here. Severe hepatic disease. Whether your pat has hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, neoplasia or any other liver disease, hypoglycaemia is a risk. The liver plays a role in glucose storage, in the form of glycogen – this is called hepatic gluconeogenesis. When the liver is diseased, it is unable to perform this function, leading to low glycogen storage, and therefore, low blood glucose concentration. Both cats and dogs can fall victim to these issues. Portosystemic Shunt. This also causes hepatic gluconeogenesis to decrease, as the vein transporting blood to and from the intestines and heart, bypasses the liver. This is seen more commonly in dogs than cats. Hypoadrenocorticism (Addison’s Disease). This disease is associated with the endocrine system. The counter regulatory hormone, Cortisol, plays a huge role in keeping glucose levels stable in the bloodstream, however in cases of Hypoadrenocorticism, when the adrenal gland which releases cortisol is unable to do so, glucose production is inhibited. This can happen in both cats and dogs. Hypopituitarism. Another endocrine condition, this time affecting the pituitary gland, and it’s ability to release relevant hormones. When the gland is unable to produce and release other counter-regulatory hormones, this time being Growth Hormone and adrenocorticotropic hormone, the glycogen stores are diminished as glucose production is slower than the rate it is being used at. Both cats and dogs can be at risk of this pathway. Islet Cell Hyperplasia and Insulinoma. These are two conditions related to the excessive secretion of insulin. Insulin in high amounts makes the body use excessive amounts of glucose, which lowers the blood glucose concentration. These
At My Pet Nutritionist, we help a lot of dogs and cats with kidney and liver disease. These can be caused by many other health aspects, and both require management with diet, supplements, and lifestyle changes, alongside conventional veterinary medicine. Those who we have helped with kidney or liver disease will have been recommended, and formulated a gently cooked diet, specific to the pet’s condition. Why do we recommend a cooked diet for these pets? Find out with us in this blog post as we look at kidney and liver function, and why when diseased, these require a cooked diet! Role of the Kidneys In order to understand why a cooked diet is best for kidney and liver disease, it’s important to know what the kidney and liver do, what stresses them, and what kidney and liver disease are. First up, kidneys. The mammalian body has two kidneys, which are shaped much like a bean (hence the bean commonly used in Mexican cookery among other cuisines being called a ‘kidney bean’; this is the shape of your pet’s, an your own kidneys). They are found in the abdomen of your pet, either side of the spine for dogs, and just below the spine for cats. The kidneys are an incredibly important organ, and without them, the body would be extremely toxic. Kidneys are essentially the body’s built in filter! They remove waste products and substances from both the blood, and the urine. The level of many components of a health blood stream is largely controlled by the kidneys, which also contributes to control of blood pressure. The kidneys are also involved in the endocrine system, which stimulate red blood cell production, and help to regulate calcium homeostasis. You can learn more about kidney function here. As with any organ, it is important to refrain from overstressing the kidneys. There are various factors which may contribute to added pressure on the kidneys such as: High blood pressure High blood sugar (diabetic pets can be more at risk of kidney disease) High sodium levels in the diet Prolonged use of NSAID drugs High phosphorous levels in the diet Processed foods Too much protein in the diet Poor quality protein in the diet Dogs and cats with kidney disease can be at stage 1-4, each stage worsening. When the kidneys are under immense pressure, kidney disease often occurs. We do see a lot of cases of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), as well as other kidney diseases in practice at My Pet Nutritionist. Kidney disease can be trickier to diagnose in cats because they often urinate and drink where the owner is unable to monitor, but is seen in a staggering 1 in 3 cats! Symptoms of kidney disease include: Drinking excessively (polydipsia) Increased urination (polyuria) Vomiting and diarrhoea Rapid weight loss Reduced appetite Anaemia (pale gums and tongue) Increased blood pressure Loss of eyesight Reduced bone density You can learn more about kidney disease for cats here and for dogs here. Role of the Liver Next up, the liver. The liver is a sort of triangle shaped organ, which sits inside the ribcage in both cats and dogs. It consists of 6 lobes, and is extremely important! Much like the kidneys, blood passes through the liver to be cleaned. It plays many roles in the body, such as: Detoxification of the blood from certain medications and environmental toxins Converts ammonia to urea Produces bile, which breaks down fats Breaks down nutrients in the blood, and makes them useable Synthesises some proteins for healthy blood plasma Stores iron Converts excess glucose to glycogen, which is stored in the liver, and can be used as an energy source Regulates blood clotting Helps to remove bacteria from within the blood stream Removes bilirubin from the blood When it comes to stressing the liver, there are various consumables which can put added pressure on the liver, and ultimately cause it to become sluggish, and often results in the onset of liver disease. Feeding a high fat diet puts a huge strain on the liver, as it is unable to produce enough bile quickly enough to digest the fats. High carbohydrate (or sugary) diets can also add pressure on the liver, as well as diets too high in salt. Liver Guard We also need to look at reducing the chemical intake of your pet! Since the liver plays a role in blood detoxification of certain medications, it is wise to use natural flea and worm preventatives, since the often prescribed pharmaceutical chewable options on the market sadly release toxins into your pet’s blood stream, making extra work for the liver. A lot of reports from pet owners with pets affected by these chewable flea, tick and worm treatments have reported a reduction in liver function, or the onset of liver disease! Those with liver disease, often caused by frequent overworking of the liver, tends to be more common in dogs than in cats, but is seen in both species. The symptoms you may see in liver disease patients include: Loss of appetite Rapid weight loss Vomiting and diarrhoea Neurological activity such as seizures (hepatic encephalopathy) Jaundice (yellowing to the eyes and skin) Excessive drinking (polydipsia) Excessive urination (polyuria) Reduction in blood clotting Abdominal bloating You can learn more about liver disease for cats and dogs here. Why Cooked Food? When our customers come to us with a pet with liver or kidney disease, we recommend they switch to a cooked diet. Cooked food is very much the most appropriate option for pets with kidney or liver disease, for a few reasons: Lower phosphorous levels for kidneys: when a pet has kidney disease, feeding low phosphorous is incredibly important because when the kidneys are damaged, they struggle to remove phosphorous from the blood. While phosphorous is an important nutrient for strong bones and teeth, as well as muscular recovery, in excessive amounts, it can affect bone health, and cardiovascular health. When the ingredients in a properly balanced recipe
At My Pet Nutritionist, we help a lot of worried pets owners who’s feline and canine companions have a condition called Pica. Pica can be indirectly life threatening, so we are here to raise awareness of what it is, why it happens, and how we can reduce risk in your pets! What is Pica, and What Causes It? Pica is a compulsive behavioural condition, whereby the pet craves inedible objects. Being a compulsive behavioural disorder, Pica can be very tricky to combat, and requires the help of one, or many professionals, from force free behaviourists to pet nutritionists like us. Underlying illnesses can very much trigger pica in pets, and this is the side we can help you with most. Some of the items commonly ingested by pets with Pica include stones/rocks, dirt, garbage, paper, socks, other fabric items, even walls and plasterboard, or licking paintwork. Faeces is another, which we delve a little deeper into next! As the items often consumed by pets with Pica are often not digestible, they can cause a host of symptoms relating to gut damage, gastric ulceration, internal blockages, and other internal health worries. Symptoms of a secondary health problem include: Vomiting Constipation Diarrhoea Fishy or metallic breath Excessive drinking Excessive drooling Lip licking ‘Downward dog’ position, denoting gastrointestinal pain Burping Changes in behaviour (dogs will often seem ‘low’, cats will often hide) Lethargy When it comes to underlying medical causes of Pica, there are quite a few conditions that can be associated, such as: Lack of nutritional balance leading to malnutrition (likely the most common cause) Kidney disease Immune Mediated Haemolytic Anaemia (IMHA) Parasitic burdens Inflammatory Bowed Disease (IBD) or Lymphatic Gastritis Iron Deficiency Over active thyroid (hyperthyroidism) Diabetes Leaky Gut/poor gut health Gastrointestinal tumours Findings Here Findings Here Those on certain anti seizure medications such as phenobarbital, some pain medications, corticosteroid medications, and some anti-cancer treatments like chemotherapy may also experience Pica. Findings Here Findings Here If we look at causes from a behavioural point of view, it can be particularly common in those with separation anxiety, those lacking mental or physical stimulation, and those lacking appropriate socialization leading to stress. These are all areas to be worked on with a qualified, force free behaviourist, for which specialists in both dogs and cats are available. Coprophagia, A Type of Pica Now, those who are serial faeces eaters, do still have Pica, but a specific type of Pica, known as Coprophagia. Coprophagy occurs more in females than it does in males, and more commonly in dogs than cats. Coprophagy can be normal, specifically in the case of a mother dog with puppies. When nursing a litter of puppies, mother dogs are instinctively clean, and consume their puppy’s excrement for the first few weeks. It is not normal for adult pets who are not nursing litters, to eat faecal matter – this is when coprophagy is not expected, and needs looking into. Findings Here A Side Note on Puppies We feel it is important to mention puppies, specifically. While Pica is indeed, very dangerous in many cases, puppies do explore the world with their mouth! Puppies will often chew inedible items, and ingest parts of toys, socks, splinters of wood from items of furniture they’ve ‘kindly’ redesigned for you; this is quite normal in young and adolescent puppies, and may not follow through to adulthood where Pica becomes an obsessive problem, where underlying illness should be ruled out. To give your puppy the best chance of not ingesting inedible artifacts, ensure plenty of rest is enforced, as well as plenty of mental stimulation. A strong ‘leave it’ command can be majorly beneficial too, and what a better time to instil this, than as a puppy?! Diagnosis and Treatment If you suspect your pet has Pica, it is important to seek veterinary guidance as your first point of call, as acting on the potential for underlying health conditions is important. Similarly, if your dog or cat is experiencing any of the aforementioned symptoms, veterinary help is likely required to reduce the risk of death due to internal blockage. So how is it diagnosed by the vet? Your veterinarian will look at your pet’s medical history – if you have been able to keep a diary of food and behaviour alongside symptoms, this can really aid your vet! A physical examination may be performed, which will feel everything from your dog’s body condition to their lymph nodes. The dog’s mouth will be checked to rule our dental issues, and their heart and lungs will be listened to via stethoscope. Full panel blood tests, and urinalyses may be carried out too, for a more internal approach to diagnostics of underlying health conditions. If the vet feels a blockage is occurring in your pet, they may perform an ultrasound or x-ray, followed by potential surgery for treatment of this issue. Treatments wise, the suitable treatment for any diagnosed internal, underlying condition will be discussed and prescribed. If your vet does not feel surgery or pharmaceutical treatment will be beneficial to your pet, they will likely refer you to a veterinary behaviourist, or other force free behaviourist. How Can We Reduce Risks? In order to reduce the risk of harm from objects consumed by those suffering with Pica, there are a number of precautions we can look at taking – these stem from both a training perspective, and a diet perspective! Training Aids It may seem obvious, but it is incredibly important that we monitor our pets’ actions, especially if they are known to suffer with Pica. Teaching a solid ‘leave it’ command using positive reinforcement is essential. Discuss this with your trainer – it can be learnt at any age. Muzzle training is important for all dogs! This is trickier for cats, but cat muzzles are available to buy. Muzzle training not only means your dog is comfortable in their muzzle, which acts as a barrier between their mouth and the inedible items they like to consume,
If there’s one thing us dog owners and carers see and handle a lot, its poop! It comes in all different colours, shapes, sizes and textures, but do you know if your dog’s poop is ‘good’, or ‘bad’? At My Pet Nutritionist, we often hear from panicked pet parents regarding their pet’s faeces, and if it looks how it should! This handy guide looks at everything ‘dog poop’, including some troubleshooting tips along the way! Pooh Colours When it comes to colour, dog pooh can vary massively! Different colours can indicate different things, so let’s have a look at common dog pooh colours, and what they might mean! Brown is typically associated with poop. Brown can come in any shade, from very light brown, to very dark brown. Brown is a very ‘normal’ colour for faeces. If you feed fresh food, you may notice your dog’s pooh is darker on darker proteins such as lamb, duck or beef, and lighter, almost cream in colour, on lighter proteins like turkey, chicken or white fish. White pooh is commonly seen for two reasons. If it is an older pooh which has been laying around in the garden, it may be simply that it has dried out or been ‘sun bleached’ – especially if your dog is raw fed. If your dog is producing fresh white coloured pooh, and is raw fed, this can be a sign that your dog is not tolerating bone well. In these instances, you may need to switch to a cooked food using one of our recipes, or look at using a bone substitute. Mixed coloured pooh is a common occurrence in fresh fed dogs, and sends a lot of pet owners into panic-mode! Mixed coloured pooh when feeding a fresh food diet is completely normal! You may observe light and dark brown parts withing your dog’s faeces, which is due to your dog having eaten a variety of different proteins. If your dog has eaten a mixture of light and dark proteins in the last day or so, it’s likely their poop will be multi-coloured! Black pooh is something we don’t want to see, particularly if it is loose in texture too! Tarry stools are caused by the presence of Melena (blood) in the faeces, which can be secondary to a number of digestive issues, parasite burdens, liver or kidney disease/cancer. Black, but solid stools can also denote health concerns such as internal bleeding. Some supplements may darken the stool to an almost-black colour, including some soil based probiotic blends. Yellow/orange stools can also be of concern for your dog. Yellow or orange pooh is often soft in texture, and can be due to a number of health conditions. Those suffering with campylobacter often have yellow faeces. Another common reason a dog may have yellow or orange faeces is an issue with the liver, or bile production. Some intolerances present with yellow or orange pooh too, so an elimination diet may be useful. If your dog has yellow or orange stools, further investigation is required by your veterinarian. Pooh Textures Our dogs’ pooh comes in many textures, from so solid it crumbles, to completely watery. Each different pooh formation tells a different story, so it is important to learn what each type means! When your dog’s poop is extremely hard and/or crumbly, it is often shaped in multiple small pieces, and quite often white in colour. ‘Crumbly’ can also be described as the poop turning to dust upon landing on the ground, or when being picked up. Poops like this, are not desirable! These poops show the digestive tract is unable to cope with the recommended amount of bone in a fresh food diet, or that there is too much bone in the fresh diet you are feeding. If this is the case for your dog, you may need to dilute the bone content in the food you are feeding, by replacing 20g of the complete diet per 10kg bodyweight, with the same amount of boneless mince. Some owners prefer to switch to a bone alternative if their dog struggles to digest the bone content of balanced meals, to ensure they’re still getting the calcium they need, but in a form the dog tolerates better. You may also need to give a gut support supplement such as our supplement, Gut Guardian, which you can purchase here! Additional fibre may also be required in the diet. A hard but not crumbly poop is what we are aiming for! The pooh should be a log-like shape, and should be firm to touch (with a poop bag, of course!), but should not easily break apart. This is a great sign that your dog’s digestive tract is functioning well, and their diet is suiting them perfectly! Keep up with the good stuff! Sometimes you may spot a formed, but soft poop laying around, reminding you of the typical cartoon dog poop! These tend to be produced by those on a higher carbohydrate, more processed food (though not all dogs fed these diets will have this type of pooh!), or by a dog with a little digestive upset, be it an intolerance, or gut damage. A small parasitic burden could also result in this type of faeces. In this instance, you may wish to run a wormcount (order a kit from a reputable company, send off your sample, and await results) to check for intestinal parasites, look at running an elimination diet if your dog is already on fresh food, add in some gut support, some more fibre, and perhaps some extra bone. If your dog is fed a dry. Processed diet, switch to a fresh food diet. If you are unable to feed fresh, switching to a food with higher meat content, or a high quality wet food may help you out! If your dog produces a soft and unformed pooh, this should be investigated as it is a clear sign of some digestive upset, or lack of tolerance for
Omega oils are one of the most important components of your pet’s diet, but with such variety of products on the market, aimed both at animals and humans, how do we know which to opt for? Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we recommend a variety of different products from various different brands, and for many different reasons! This blog past aims to help you choose the right omega source for your pets, and explains how to tell one product from the next! What Are Omegas? Omegas are Fatty Acids with a huge variety of uses within the body. Cell membranes are partly formed by Omegas, which deems them an essential nutrient for all living beings. Brain and heart health are both aided by omegas, as well as weight management and cognitive development during puppyhood, and as seniors. Omegas also control part of the body’s inflammatory response, making them useful for joint health, as well as aiding the management of, prevention of, or treatment of many health conditions. Omega Fatty Acids come in three types: Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids are both classed as ‘essential’ nutrients Omega 9 is classed as non-essential but is beneficial to include in the diet So how do the three types of omegas differ chemically? Each different type of omega has not only a different chemical structure, but they have a different amount of saturation of fat. Let’s take a look at their differences a bit more closely. Omega 3 Fatty Acids are ‘polyunsaturated’, which means there is more than one unsaturated carbon bond. In a diagram of chemical structure, you will see two or more ‘double bonds’ between carbon atoms, with a hydrogen atom missing. These polyunsaturated fatty acids cannot be produced by the body, and must be consumed in the diet. Omega 6 Fatty Acids are also ‘polyunsaturated’, however two of the Omega 6 Fatty Acids are able to be produced by the body, leaving the third needing to be consumed in the diet. Omega 9 Fatty Acids are ‘monounsaturated’, which means there is only one unsaturated carbon bond. In a diagram of chemical structure, you would see only one ‘double bond’ with no hydrogen attached to the carbon atoms. These fatty acids can be produced by the body, which makes them non-essential in the diet. We mentioned that some omegas play a role in the body’s inflammatory response, so let’s discuss which ones are inflammatory, and which are anti-inflammatory. Omegas 3 and 9 have some fantastic anti-inflammatory effects on the body, which aids joint health, and is also a contributor to the reduced risk of cancers. There is also one Omega 6 fatty acid which is anti-inflammatory. The names and health roles of these anti-inflammatory Omega 3, 6 and 9 Fatty Acids are as follows: Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA): Omega 3 Fatty Acid playing a role in general reduction in inflammation. Alpha-linolenic Acid (ALA): Omega 3 Fatty Acid playing a role in heart and immune health. Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA): Omega 3 Fatty Acid playing a role in brain health and cognitive development. Gamma-linolenic Acid (GLA): Omega 6 Fatty Acid aiding the control of hormones. Oleic Acid (OA): Omega 9 Fatty Acid plays a large role in prevention of cancer and heart disease, and reduction of cholesterol. The other Omega 6 Fatty Acids are inflammatory, which negate the omega 3, and vice versa. It is very much a balancing act of omega 3 and 6 consumption, to receive the benefits of omega 6, but keep inflammation to a minimum. Linolenic Acid (LA): Omega 6 Fatty Acid which helps to prevent heart disease, keep a regular heartbeat, and potential to prevent blood clots. Arachidonic Acid (ARA): Omega 6 Fatty Acid which as an important signalling molecule, plays a huge role in the mediation of many cellular functions such as remodelling actin, a extremely important protein in some cells in the body, useful for protein-protein interactions. Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here Sources of Omega Where can we find these all important Omegas in order to add them into our pet’s diets? There are so many sources of Omegas, some good, some not so advisable. They are found in many forms, from fresh foods, to extracted oils which come in capsules, or in a large bottle, usually with a pump. There are meat based sources of omegas, and there are plant based sources of omegas. Some of the most popular sources of each type of Omega 3, 6 or 9 Fatty Acid we have discussed so far in this blog post, are: Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA): found in fatty fish and fish oils, as well as many algal oils. Alpha-linolenic Acid (ALA): found in flaxseed oil, chia seeds, walnut oil, perilla oil or oysters. Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA): found in fatty fish , fish oils and algae oils, and eggs. Gamma-linolenic Acid (GLA): found in Hempseed oil, borage oil (to be given with caution, in small quantities only), and evening primrose oil (to be given with caution, and not to be given to epileptic pets) Linolenic Acid (LA): found in sunflower oil, some nuts, seeds, olive oil, flaxseed, avocado oil (though the amount here is low) and eggs. Arachidonic Acid (ARA): found in meat and poultry, particularly farmed. Oleic Acid (OA): found in olive oil, some fish oils, and some nuts. What to Look Out For When it comes to picking an omega source for our pets, as with anything, most of us want to make an informed decision to pick the absolute best for our furry friends! With such huge variety of Omega products on the market, how to we know what is best? How is one product different to another? As with many dietary additions, there are many qualities to look out for or avoid in different products. Not all products are equal in quality, so that’s where we come in handy – keep reading for pointers on selecting a source of omegas for your pets! Fresh Food Sources As with most things we
The topic for this blog post here at My Pet Nutritionist, is all about the skin, specifically, two skin conditions we see frequently in dogs who come to us for help. Calcinosis Cutis, and Mucinosis are two conditions affecting the epidermis, and can be mild, or severe. Find out more about what they look like, what causes them, and how to support the body in getting rid of them in this blog post. What Are Calcinosis Cutis and Mucinosis? Calcinosis cutis and Mucinosis are both skin conditions, which can look quite similar. They both result in hairloss and redness of the skin, usually with either scabs, lesions, or small bobbles of skin, much like a patch of very tiny grapes. The bobbles are more apparent in cases of Mucinosis, and the legions or scabs are more typical of those suffering with calcinosis. Both conditions are as a result of a build up of substances in the various layers of the skin, but the deposits are different depending on the condition. Calcinosis cutis occurs when there are deposits of insoluble minerals in the skin, which leads to dystrophic calcification (where blood calcium levels are normal, but calcium salts are deposited in tissues, often due to damage) or metastatic calcification (where blood calcium levels are elevated). Dystrophic calcification is the more common form of calcification found in dogs, but metastatic calcification can happen. This condition is often in one or two smaller patches on your dog, however if the majority of the body is covered in the associated calcium deposits, the vet may diagnose it as Calcinosis universalis. Findings Here Dogs diagnosed with this condition require further investigation, as it occurs as a secondary issue to an underlying, and often severe health problem, which we will go deeper into shortly. Findings Here Mucinosis, or Cutaneous Mucinosis, happens when there is a build up of a glycoprotein called Mucin. Mucin is predominantly comprised of Hyaluronic Acid, and is essential in the body and plays a role in immune system modulation, inflammation control, lubrication of the digestive and reproductive tracts, lubrication of joints, and aids in the removal of pathogens, allergens, and foreign bodies. The more Hyaluronic Acid in the body, the more mucin there is, produced by the intestinal epithelium. Excess Mucin in the body is pushed toward the surface of the skin, which leads to severe bobbling and folding of the skin. Findings Here Findings Here A diagnosis of Mucinosis is not usually life-threatening, but secondary issues including breathing issues, eye problems such as entropion, and bacterial skin issues may occur. Mucinosis also occurs as a secondary condition to an underlying health problem, much like those with Calcinosis cutis. Causes of Calcinosis Cutis and Mucinosis Both conditions are as a result of an underlying condition, so let’s take a look at what causes what! When it comes to breed predisposition, Mucinosis is common in the Shar Pei. This is thought to be due to a genetic mutation which has been inherited from earlier generations, which causes high levels of hyaluronic acid to be present in blood serum. Larger/heavier set breeds, including bulldogs and German Shepherds seem to be affected by Calcinosis cutis more commonly than other breeds. Findings Here Age can be a factor in Calcinosis cutis too, affecting younger dogs under 2 years of age more commonly than older dogs. Trauma to the body, and reactions to medications, vaccinations, and foreign bodies can all be common underlying causes of Calcinosis cutis, as these leave tissues exposed, and vulnerable to inflammation and deposits of calcium mineral salts. Trauma and reactions cause the dystrophic form. Similarly, as inflamed tissues are at higher risk of damage, allergies and intolerances can be linked back to both conditions. Working on allergies, and running an elimination diet is essential for many with these conditions. You can learn more about elimination diets here. You may also wish to check for allergies using a nutriscan test. Findings Here When we look at specific medications that can cause Calcinosis cutis, there’s one type we commonly see as a cause of the condition; steroids. The over use of steroids is one of the top contributors to the onset of Calcinosis cutis in its metastatic form. Long term steroids can leave the body open to so many diseases, which is why it’s always best to get to the root cause of your pet’s issue, and only use steroids short term, and as a last resort. Findings Here Much like the over use of steroids, the over production of corticosteroids, which are adrenal hormones used by the body in the control of inflammation, is another of the most common underlying problems associated with Calcinosis cutis. The condition ‘hyperadrenocorticism’ (commonly known as Cushing’s Disease) is where the adrenal gland over produces corticosteroids as a result of adrenal cancer, pituitary cancer, or overgrowth of the adrenal glands. Unfortunately, the presence of too much corticosteroid in the body can supress the immune system, and damage the gut microbiome, which causes deposits of calcium to build up in the skin. Findings Here Kidney disease can also be an underlying cause of a build up of calcium in the skin, as their main role is to remove waste and excess products from the blood. If the kidney is unable to function properly, it wont be able to filter out any excess mineral salts. This is more common in cats than dogs, but can also happen in dogs in rarer cases. In dogs, kidney disease and the associated onset of Calcinosis cutis can be caused by contraction of leptospirosis. Findings Here Those with cancerous tumours on major glands in the body can also cause the blood calcium concentration to raise, leaving the body with excess calcium to be pushed through the layers of the skin, causing Calcinosis cutis. Findings Here When it comes to non-genetic underlying causes of Mucinosis in dogs, there are two theories, both regarding hyaluronic acid. The first is that there is a defect
Here as My Pet Nutritionist, we see customers with pets with a host of different diagnoses. Diet and lifestyle play a huge role in the management of such conditions, and this is no different when your pet has been diagnosed with Hypokalaemia. Find out more about this condition in this blog post, where you can learn what it is, how to spot symptoms, conventional treatments available, and how you can help your dog by tweaking their diet and lifestyle. What is Hypokalaemia? Hypokalaemia is a deficiency of potassium in the bloodstream. We can break the word down into three parts; ‘hypo’ meaning there is not enough of something, ‘kal’ being related to the chemical formula of potassium, and ‘aemia’ meaning in relation to the blood. Potassium is an electrolyte, and is an essential mineral, stored mostly inside cells. It plays a huge role in the body, including keeping nerve function healthy, ensuring the muscles and heart function correctly, and aiding the transport of both nutrients, and waste around the body. Those with hypokalaemia are deficient in potassium, which plays havoc on nerve, muscle and heart function as the change in concentration of potassium disrupts electrical charges and cell signals from passing through the cells properly. Nutrient absorption and waste remove may also reduce. Hypokalaemia mostly affects the nervous system, the cardiovascular system (which is as a result of hypokalaemia of the nervous system, as the lack of electric signalling from the brain to the heart causes irregular heartbeat which can ultimately lead to death), and the musculoskeletal system. This condition can happen in both dogs and cats, but is more common in dogs than it is in cats. Symptoms of Hypokalaemia There are a variety of symptoms you may see in your pet prior to diagnosis, however milder cases may be symptom-free until the deficiency is severe, when symptoms start to show. These symptoms can include: Lethargy/fatigue Vomiting Severe constipation Increased thirst Increased urination Weight loss Muscle wastage Changes to gait (stiffness, posture/head position, and walking on the back of their feet, not the sole) Irregular heartbeat If your pet is showing any number of these symptoms, it is important you seek veterinary attention as soon as possible. Causes of Hypokalaemia So what causes hypokalaemia? This certainly isn’t a straight forward, one answer fits all situation, so let’s take a look at the potential causes of hypokalaemia in pets. In the event that too much potassium is lost from the body due to polyurea (excessively urinating), excessive defecating, vomiting or other bodily fluid loss, Hypokalaemia is a risk. This is often seen as a secondary health complication to chronic kidney disease (CKD), cardiac issues, or cancer, but most commonly with CKD. Those with CKD, cardiac issues or cancer may notice symptoms after some time, as the damage caused on cells in the body causes potassium loss, which is often not replaced in the diet. Findings Here As potassium can only be sourced through the diet, the lack of a properly balanced diet, low food intake (such as those with anorexia), or reductions in the amount of food eaten by the individual each day either due to illness, or weight loss where daily food allowances have been reduced too quickly, can all lead to Hypokalaemia. The recommended amount of potassium per day for a dog is 1g per 15kg (33lbs) bodyweight. For a cat, the recommended daily amount of potassium is 0.33g per 4kg (9lbs) bodyweight. Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here Dogs and cats with metabolic conditions may also be at risk of developing hypokalaemia. Those with diabetes mellitus are among the more common to experience a lack of potassium in the bloodstream. Findings Here The use of some medications such as most cardiac medications which are diuretics can lead to hypokalaemia too, however this is a tricky problem to solve, as the medications with the potential to cause hypokalaemia, are often life saving, and required. Findings Here Diagnosing Hypokalaemia As hypokalaemia is very often associated with other diseases, most commonly CKD, your veterinarian will run a urinalysis – this is where you take a sample of your dog or cat’s urine, which is then analysed in a lab to check your pet’s kidney function. abnormal function of the kidneys could point to hypokalaemia being the reason for your pet’s stiff gait, muscle wastage, or other symptoms commonly displayed by pets with the condition. Alongside a urinalysis, your veterinarian will take a sample of your pet’s blood, which will be analysed in a lab to determine current concentrations of potassium in the blood serum. Abnormal levels of potassium will be easily identified via this blood test. As cardiac issues often come hand in hand with hypokalaemia, due to the lack of ability to send electric signals to the muscle to encourage it to work, many veterinarians will also run an ECG on your pet to ensure their heart is in good working order. This is often carried out following diagnosis of hypokalaemia. Auscultation (listening to parts of the body with a stethoscope) will be carried out, as it should be with any veterinary appointment, regardless of reason. This will quickly check for any signs of arrhythmia, from where the veterinarian may proceed to using an ECG. Findings Here Conventional Treatment Options When treating, or managing hypokalaemia, the ‘conventional’ treatments are very much similar to the natural support you can provide your cat or dog. The ultimate goal, is to raise potassium levels! In the more severe cases, where the pet is extremely unwell, unable to walk, constantly vomiting, defecating and urinating, the pet will be given a potassium rich mixture via intravenous drip. Depending on the condition, and medical history of the pet in question, the veterinarian will be able to determine how fast the potassium drip should be administered – too fast, and the heart may be affected by an irregular heartbeat! Your veterinarian may recommend a specific diet, and will also recommend giving your dog daily potassium
Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we don’t like to leave any stone unturned – pun not intended! When it comes to a diagnosis of bladder stones/crystals, it can feel like you’re embarking on a never ending journey. You will find lots of information on each type of bladder stone found in dogs, but this blog post focusses on Struvite Stones. What are Struvite Crystals/Stones? Struvite Crystals are the most common type of crystal found in dogs, and when combined with Urease, a bacteria-produced enzyme, struvite stones are formed. Struvite crystals being present in the urine by themselves, aren’t much of a worry, however when they are combined with the aforementioned Urease, struvite stones do become a problem, and require treatment. Struvite stones also develop as a result of infection by other bacteria types including Proteus, and Staphylococci strains. There are two other names you may see for Struvite Stones, and these are due to their chemical make up; these are: Magnesium-ammonium-phosphate Triple phosphate Female dogs are more at risk of developing struvite stones, with a staggering 85% of cases being seen in female dogs! Dogs with recurring UTIs (urinary tract infections) are also among the most likely to develop struvite stones. Symptoms of Struvite Stones A range of different symptoms may occur if your dog develops struvite stones, including: Blood in urine ‘downward dog’ position indicating stomach pain Frequent urination Urinary incontinence/urinating in unusual places Difficulty urinating Regular licking of the genitals Increased thirst Nausea Findings Here How Do They Form? Struvite Stones thrive in an alkaline environment. When looking at the pH of your dog’s urine using a pH test strip, alkaline urine will show as a blue or purple tone. The healthy range of canine urine is between 6.5 and 7, which is neutral, or very slightly acidic. Anything above pH7 is alkaline. When the body undergoes bacterial infection in the bladder, ammonia is produced, which in turn causes the pH to become more alkaline, allowing the formation of struvite stones to occur. Findings Here Diagnosis of Struvite Stones The easiest way to diagnose struvite stones in dogs, is via X-Ray, however sometimes this isn’t possible due to other parts of the body getting in the way of a clear image. X-Rays use radiowaves, and produce Radiographs (hence those who take the images are known as radiographers!). Struvite stones are radiodense, which means they would show up very easily in X-Rays. In cases where X-Rays are not possible, the veterinarian may use ultrasound on the bladder area. Before scans, the veterinarian may give a coloured liquid to the dog which dyes the stones, making them more visible. The accompanying step to working out the type of stone present, is through urinalysis. Urine samples are needed to find out if any bacteria or crystals are present – this can help determine the type of stone, since bladder stones aren’t very easy to tell apart through imaging alone. If a sample of a stone is taken, this can be analysed by a veterinary laboratory for an official diagnosis of stone type. Findings Here What Can the Vet Do? Much like the removal of another type of bladder stone, the Cysteine Stone, the vet may suggest surgical removal. The surgical procedure is called a Ureteroscopy, during which a very small instrument is passed through the bladder and up the Ureter, pushing the stone out in the process. Alternatively, the pet may be opened up, and large stones causing blockages will be removed by hand. For a non-surgical, less invasive approach, the vet may recommend a procedure known as a urohyrdopropulsion. This procedure is usually most successful on medium to large dogs, and involves two catheters being placed in the dog; one up the urethra, and the other in the urethral lumen. A finger is inserted into the rectum to push against the urethra, causing a build up of pressure and a tight seal. Once a tight seal is made, saline water is flushed through the catheters, and the bladder is palpated, flushing the small stones out. Although this method requires anaesthesia, it is preferred for smaller stones as it is much less invasive than surgery. Findings Here Your veterinarian may suggest a diet change too – however they may wish to sell you a ‘prescription’ dry food diet. This is where fresh feeding is paramount, as dry foods have a low meat content, and low moisture – both of which are essential in abundance for a dog with bladder stones! Let’s take a look at diet, and supplements to help prevent Struvite Stones. Supporting the Body, and Preventing Struvite Stones When it comes to supporting the body with the aim to reduce the risk of recurring Struvite Stones, we need to look at the diet, as well as suitable supplementation. Diet Dogs with any bladder stones, require a high moisture diet! Fresh feeding, whether that’s raw or gently cooked, allows for meals to be suitably high in moisture. You may even wish to ‘float’ the food – meaning you add extra water to it. The other benefit of providing a fresh diet, is the high meat content. Feeding a predominantly meat based diet is essential for those suffering from Struvite Stones as meat naturally encourages a more acidic environment in the bladder. Some ingredients to consider including in your dog’s diet, to promote an acidic environment include: Chicken Pork Beef Eggs Fish Venison Meanwhile, it’s best to avoid more alkaline food like: Broccoli Carrot Cucumber Pumpkin Kale Sweet potato Apple Banana Cabbage Pumpkin We have two recipes balanced to FEDIAF, which are ideal for those with struvite stones – Low Fat Fish and Low Fat Venison. Supplements A number of supplements can be very useful in the combatting of Struvite Stones. Gut Health supplements are one of the most important ones to give, as with almost any condition, a healthy gut microbiome helps. When urea is excreted into the gut passage, it is broken down by the bacterial colonies in
Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we help customers tackle a host of different health conditions and concerns. Some diseases our customers’ dogs come to us with are common, and simple, others are not so common, and more complex. Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency is one of the not-so-common examples of health concerns we have helped customers with. While it is rare, and not tested for as standard, we are beginning to see more and more cases of EPI, so this blog post will be a great educational tool for those who want to learn more about EPI, as well as those who’s pet has been diagnosed with it. What is EPI? EPI, as its commonly called, is shortened from Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency. ‘Exocrine’ is the system to do with the body’s enzymes. The pancreas is an important part of the digestive system, and also an important part of the exocrine and endocrine systems. The pancreas is an organ, located in the right side of the abdomen, close to your dog’s stomach. There are two parts to the pancreas – the exocrine pancreas and the endocrine pancreas. The endocrine pancreas releases the hormone, Insulin, which controls blood sugar levels. The exocrine pancreas releases enzymes responsible for food digestion, particularly the macronutrient, protein. In those suffering with EPI, the pancreas is unable to produce enough of these enzymes, which leads to major malnutrition, unless treated daily. EPI is an incurable disease, and requires daily management to keep symptoms at bay. Findings Here Symptoms of EPI There are a number of symptoms associated with Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency. Many of these symptoms are common symptoms of other health conditions, which makes diagnosis of EPI quite tricky, but the symptoms can be severe, and in some cases life threatening. Here’s some of the main symptoms you could expect from a dog suffering with EPI include: Rapid weight loss Lack of ability to put weight on Insatiable appetite Chronic diarrhoea Mucus in the stool Vomiting Lethargy/fatigue If your dog has a number of these symptoms, it is extremely important you have your dog assessed by a veterinarian, as EPI dogs can go downhill very quickly. Findings Here Diagnosis of EPI Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency is rarely routinely tested for upon first signs of symptoms, and is regularly misdiagnosed. As the disease is quite rare, and little is taught about it in initial veterinary qualifications, dog owners who suspect this disease often have to specifically request for testing for EPI in their initial consultations. So how is EPI diagnosed? There are two tests carried out in those with suspected EPI. A fasted blood test, and a faecal test. Once the sample has been taken, the test used is called a Canine Trypsinogen-like Immunoassay (or cTLI for short!). For this test, pets must be starved for a minimum of 6 hours – this is usually best done overnight. Trypsinogen is a non-activated enzyme; known as a proenzyme. The pancreas of healthy individuals secretes Trypsinogen into the small intestine with other enzymes in the mix, where it converts to Trypsin – the activated form, which is used to digest proteins. It is very much normal for Trypsinogen to be detected in blood tests of healthy animals, because a little Trypsinogen leaks into the blood stream where it is circulated around the body. How do cTLI results differ for those with EPI? The results from a cTLI of a dog with EPI will show as low to no Trypsinogen when analysed. This is because those suffering with EPI have a reduced functionality of the pancreatic tissues, resulting in less Trypsinogen being secreted into the intestine, and therefore less leaking into the bloodstream, if any. Findings Here Another blood test is usually carried out in cases where EPI is suspected, to test for levels of Vitamin B9 (Folate) and Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin). While these vitamins aren’t directly related to the pancreas, they can easily be affected by a poorly functioning pancreas due to the affect EPI has on the microbiome of the gut. Blood serum analysis for Vitamin B12 will be low, as EPI can lead to B12 deficiency, whereas serum analyses for Folate will usually come back in excess. You can read more about high Folate and it’s relationship with low Vitamin B12, and how these are affected by the pancreas in our blog here. Findings Here Let’s move onto the faecal testing side of EPI diagnosis. The test carried out is called a Faecal Elastase Test. This test is for another of the pancreatic enzymes used during digestion, called Elastase. As with all enzymes, Elastase performs a specific job – it’s role in digestion is to help break down fats, carbohydrates and proteins, for use by the body for energy, growth, and cell maintenance. Healthy individuals with a well functioning pancreas will have elastase in their stools, however those with EPI will not produce as much elastase due to damaged pancreatic tissues, so elastase would be lacking in faecal samples. Findings Here Causes of EPI There are various reasons a dog may have EPI – it can be congenital (present from birth), hereditary (genetically inherited), or acquired (through trauma or disease). Congenital and hereditary causes are self-explanatory – it’s important to source puppies from health tested breeding pairs, with no history of EPI in their immediate or extended genetic lines. If you are opening up your heart and home to a rescue dog, there is a small chance of congenital or hereditary EPI, as you don’t know the history of the dog’s genetic lineage, however it is a rare disease, so it wouldn’t be on the forefront of our minds when considering a rescue dog. Should you experience the symptoms listed in this blog post, hopefully our guide will help you and your rescue dog should the need arise. As with many diseases we write about here at My Pet Nutritionist, there are some breeds which are genetically predisposed to EPI, including: West Highland White Terriers German Shepherds Akitas Border
Internal parasitic burdens can be quite worrisome for pet parents – they can affect both our pets, and us humans too, so they’re certainly something to be one step ahead of! Here at My pet Nutritionist, we aim to put your mind at ease, and to help you fully understand the ins and outs of parasites, giving you lots of options to help prevent and control infestations. You can read part 1 here! Welcome to part 2 – Internal Parasites When looking at internal parasites, there are various parts of the body targeted, which we need to look at, including the intestines, (where you can find nematodes, cestodes and protozoa), the lungs, and the heart. Some of these parasites can be life threatening, so it’s important to understand symptoms, prevention, and treatment options. Intestinal Parasites Intestinal parasites are usually referred to by pet owners, as ‘worms’. While some are worms, not all intestinal parasites are worms, nor are all worms equal! Nematodes differ from Cestodes, which differ from Protozoa, so we will delve deeper into each type here in this blog post. Nematodes Nematodes are from the phyla Nematoda, and are your typical worm – they usually look similar to your garden earth worms (though are not actually related!); long and thin, with a squashable texture, and tapered ends. This, of course, is a generalisation, and there are various physical and mechanical differences between the different parasitic nematodes. Here’s the strange thing about nematodes – they can be harmless, and actually beneficial, or they can be parasitic – it’s a very broad phyla! Beneficial nematodes are often used as a means of environmental flea, tick and ant control. These are sold online or from some environmental/gardening shops, and are mixed with water before being sprayed onto the affected area. The microscopic nematodes, now sprayed all over the area, target, and eat the larvae of their target species, which controls pest population! Anyway, getting back to the parasitic kind! Let’s take a look at the intestinal nematodes pet owners may face during their time with pets. Roundworms (Toxocara canis and Toxicaris leonina) Roundworms, also known as Ascarid worms, are very easy to identify in their matured form. If a pet has a burden of these worms, which have matured from their larval stage, they will be very obviously present in the animal’s faeces, or vomit. They are white in colour, usually long (between 4 and 6 inches), thin, and curly – they are often expelled from the body in spirals. The main method of transmission of roundworm to our pets, is through coming into contact with contaminated faeces. Those carrying roundworm, shed microscopic eggs into their faeces, leaving others to come into contact with it. Some insects and other animals, including cockroaches, earthworms, and birds can also carry roundworm eggs, which if eaten by your pet, can pass onto, and mature inside your pet. Puppies can also be born with roundworms, and shed live eggs in their faeces. A question owners often ask, is if they can catch roundworms from their pets – and the answer is yes! Accidental oral contact with your pets faeces can pass roundworms on to you, if your pet is carrying roundworm eggs. Symptoms you may see if your dog has a mature roundworm burden include: Diarrhoea Vomiting Changes to skin and coat Weight loss Bloated appearance to the stomach Visible worms in faeces and/or vomit If your dog has recently contracted roundworm, and it is still in it’s larval stage, it’s unlikely there will be many symptoms, apart from perhaps some loose stools. Findings Here Hookworms (Uncinaria stenocephala and Ancylostoma caninum) The next intestinal nematodes we will look at are Hookworms. As per their name, matured hookworms look like very small, but not microscopic, hooks. They are very thin, no longer than 2cm long, and are white in colour. They can be seen in faeces when they’re matured, but can be confused with undigested food particles, or even small pieces of string. In order to stay inside the intestine, where they are fed and housed in those infected, they have small mouthparts which latch onto the intestine walls where they feed directly from blood vessels surrounding the intestine. There are a few methods of transmission for hookworms in pets – pets can contract them through their mother’s milk as puppies or via the placenta before birth, and they can be orally ingested, or even be contracted through the skin. Hookworm larvae can lay dormant, and reactivate during pregnancy too, so it’s important to run regular faecal samples during pregnancy. Can hookworms transmit to humans? Yes, and no. Larvae can be transmitted in unsanitary conditions, but are rarely transmitted as adults. There is one exception to this however! This may make you shudder, but matured Hookworms can work their way into the human body through the skin, most commonly through bare feet in unsanitary conditions where pets have shed larvae in their faeces. While Hookworm infestations aren’t generally life threatening, they can cause anaemia if left untreated – this is more common in young animals than in adults though. Some symptoms you may notice if your pet has Hookworms include: ‘downward dog’ position in dogs (showing gastrointestinal discomfort) Diarrhoea Vomiting Bloodied stools (due to blood loss when Hookworms detach from the gut lining, as they inject anticoagulants into the localised feeding area) Changes to skin and coat Anaemia, especially in young animals Physical development impairments in young pets Small string like worms visible in faeces Coughing in severe cases If your dog has Hookworms in their larval stage, you may see diarrhoea, but may not see other symptoms, as eggs are microscopic. Findings Here Findings Here Whipworms (Trichuris vulpis) Whipworms, the third nematode sometimes found in our pets, get their name from their shape, much like the other nematodes discussed in this article. If you think of a whip, carried by movie heroes like Indiana Jones, and reduce it’s size to 0.5-5cm – you’ll have
Parasites are always a worry with our pets – let’s face it, our pets touch all sorts on the ground during their walks, sniffing sessions, and play time! It’s inevitable that they come into contact with faeces, urine, slugs, snails and so much more, giving many opportunities for parasites to be picked up, both internally and externally. Here at My Pet Nutritionist we want to help you understand more about parasites, how we can test for them, and how we can help the body rid of them. This is a bumper two part blog, providing you with all the need-to-know information regarding parasites! You can read Part 2 here! Welcome to part 1 – External Parasites Fleas Fleas can be identified as tiny black insects, moving in a hopping form. They jump and crawl around your dog, using a long feeding tube to suck blood from under your dog’s skin. they are very much visible to the naked eye, and another sign of fleas being present, is the dirt they leave behind – this can be identified as black matter in patches across the skin of the dog, at the base of hair follicles. Fleas can be picked up out on walks, or from communal dog establishments when in contact with another dog with fleas, or wildlife with fleas. There are different types of fleas, which target different animal species, some live happily on dogs and cats too, but others can only survive on their intended species, for example hedgehog fleas can only survive on hedgehogs. Cat fleas and dog fleas are the ones most commonly seen in pet households. They can also bite their humans too! If flea infestations are left for too long, the pet can become anaemic (particularly common in puppies), and also suffer with hair loss. Later in this blog post, we will discuss the dangers of using isoxazolines (chewable pest treatments) and spot-on treatments for our pets. Sometimes severe infestations do require one of these products to get them under control, as well as professional house exterminators, but we recommend avoiding these products unless it is as a last resort. Naturally, you can help prevent fleas through the use of selected essential oils (take extra caution with cats when using EOs) and neem oil on the pet, and feeding fresh garlic to dogs (though avoid feeding garlic to puppies under 6 months, and any Japanese breed as these are susceptible to allicin poisoning), as well as another herbal flea prevention supplement. There are many natural topical and internal products on the market, specifically for their target species, whether that’s cat or dog, so using these in a layered approach may give you the best chance of staying flea free! If your pet was to get some fleas, rubbing a thick layer of shampoo onto their dry coat, and leaving for 10 minutes before rinsing out using a comb can really help control the infestation. You can also purchase electric flea-zapping combs which can have great results! In severe cases, food grade diatomaceous earth could be sprinkled onto the coat, however this is extremely drying on the skin, and can be lethal if inhaled. You will also need to focus on steam cleaning your soft furnishings, carpets etc, and clean the house regularly, making extra sure to clean any small, potentially moist nooks and crannies, and wicker items as fleas seem to love these areas! Findings Here Findings Here Ticks Ticks get a really bad reputation – and for good reason, especially in some countries outside of the UK. Ticks can be identified as having a bulbous body, with very small head, and 8 legs, protruding from the head area. When they’re attached to your pet’s skin, you will be able to see the large rounded body (the larger the body, the more the tick has fed), with some legs seen very close to the skin. Ticks need to be removed as soon as possible, as they can carry a range of diseases – anything from Lyme disease (which is the most common tick bourne disease in the UK, though isn’t very common I itself) to disease leading to Alfa Gal Syndrome in humans, and paralysis in the host in other countries. They really can be nasty little creatures! To remove a tick, simply grab a tick removal tool and follow the basic instructions. They’re usually fail safe, and easy to use. If by chance, you do get the head stuck in the pet, these usually work their way out in time. To transmit Lymes Disease, ticks have to be attached for 36-48 hours, however some species of ticks carrying more sinister diseases in countries outside the UK can transmit disease quicker, so it’s super important to check your pets twice a day, and after every walk. You can read more about types of ticks, tick removal, and tick prevention in our blog dedicated to ticks here! Mites Mites come in various forms. The most common ones we see, are Mange (of which there are two types), harvest mites, and ear mites. Let’s take a look at some of these. Mange Mange presents as large areas of hair loss and scabbing. In severe cases, dogs can become completely bald. To test for mange, your veterinarian will take a skin scrape – a sample of the skin’s microbiome, which is analysed under a microscope for mite activity. Each type of mite is a different shape, so the type of mite can easily be diagnosed. Sarcoptic mange is often referred to as Scabies. Sarcoptic mange mites tend to live on the skin’s surface, and tend to be contagious. Ivermectin is the treatment often prescribed by veterinarians to battle sarcoptic mange, however there are some potential complication to using this, which we will discuss later in this blog. Some medicated, anti-seborrheic shampoos, are often used too. There are some natural options that may work in helping fight sarcoptic mange mites, including neem oil, turmeric, and some select essential
Malabsorption is something we see fairly frequently in dogs here at My Pet Nutritionist. It can be quite scary for pet owners to witness, but there may be some things we can recommend to help these pets. This blog post will explain what malabsorption is, what causes it, and how you can support the body through diet and supplements. What is Malabsorption? Malabsorption is a condition that affects the patient’s ability to efficiently absorb nutrients from food sources. The dog may be consuming a perfectly balanced diet, but still unable to benefit from the nutrition it provides. This is down to underlying problems between the small intestine, and the pancreas; these underlying problems can be a multitude of ailments, so further investigation into potential underlying issues is paramount and working with your veterinarian to discover these, is important. Regular visitors to our blog, may notice we often list breeds who are commonly predisposed to each condition we talk about, however when it comes to malabsorption, there is no specific breed predisposed. This is down to the fact that different breeds will be predisposed to different underlying conditions, and it very much depends on the condition diagnosed, which is causing the malabsorption. Symptoms of Malabsorption There are a variety of symptoms you may notice if your dog has malabsorption. Here are some of them: Pica (consumption of unusual/inedible items) Weight loss, often rapid Lethargy and fatigue Insatiable appetite/extreme hunger Loose stools and gurgling stomach Flactulance Nausea and vomiting Reduced coat condition If these symptoms are present in your dog, please seek veterinary advice as soon as possible as investigations are the important first step in helping your dog with malabsorption. Findings Here Causes of Malabsorption There are many underlying conditions which could lead to malabsorption. We will go through some of these, and give a brief description of each one. You may wish to take this article with you to your veterinary appointment as some of the conditions are not routinely tested for. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Inflammatory Bowel Disease is something we talk about, and see a lot here at My Pet Nutritionist. It seems to be very common in lots of dogs who have poor gut health. Those with IBD have inflamed bowels due to the penetration of cytokines and inflammatory cells to the gut and stomach, causing an abnormal immune response. This then has an effect on the lymphatic system, which in severe cases causes Lymphoplasmacytic Gastritis. When the digestive system is inflamed, nutrient absorption becomes very difficult, causing malabsorption. You can read more about severe IBD here. Findings Here Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) We see a lot of patients with SIBO. Those suffering with bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine will often suffer with malabsorption. This major imbalance in the microbiome means that some bad bacteria out-competes the good bacteria required as part of a health microbiome. The bad bacteria, of which there are too many in those with SIBO, often release toxins, and massively interfere with the absorption of nutrients. Findings Here Findings Here Intestinal Blockage Blockages of the intestine are a very common cause of malabsorption. These often go unnoticed, especially if owners don’t realise their dog has swallowed something undigestible, or if the dog is unable to tolerate bone as part of their raw diet. When the bowel is obstructed, food is unable to pass through the intestine, and therefore nutrients are not absorbed from the food, leading to severe weight loss, as part of malabsorption. Blockages causing malabsorption require surgery for removal. Findings Here Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) This disease is a severe one, and is often not checked for routinely by veterinarians. It may be something to bring up with your vet during your appointment, as though its relatively rare, we are starting to see a few more cases here and there. Your vet may need to do some reading up on it before advising. EPI is occurs due to the pancreas producing less digestive enzymes than needed. Because there is a deficiency in digestive enzymes, foods consumed are not appropriately digested, and therefore nutrients are not absorbed, causing rapid weight loss, large volumes of poor stools, pica, and a variety of other symptoms of malabsorption. This condition is not curable, and dogs diagnosed with it will require regular veterinary check ups, and daily enzyme supplements. Findings Here Findings Here Parasitic Burdens Parasites are another fairly common cause of malabsorption because the parasites compromise the health of the gut, and also syphon nutrients for themselves. Severe infestations of intestinal parasites, or severe cases of giardiasis (where cysts form on the gut following infection from the protozoan parasite Giardia) can lead to malabsorption and severe malnutrition, causing many of the symptoms listed above. It is important to send a faecal sample to a faecal testing laboratory on a regular basis, preferably every 12 weeks, to catch any worm eggs or juvenile worms before large infestations are able to occur. Regular natural worm prevention is also essential for those who tolerate it. You can learn more about natural pest control in our blog here. Findings Here Food Sensitivities Food sensitivities are probably the most common ailments in our customer’s dogs. We deal with a huge number of dogs with food sensitivities, many of which have weight loss as a symptom. Food intolerances are generally coupled with poor gut health, especially cases linked to Leaky Gut Syndrome, whereby the integrity of the gut wall is compromised. When the gut is in bad condition, the microbiome becomes unbalanced, making nutrient absorption tricky. Findings Here Intestinal Growths and Tumours Much like those with an intestinal blockage due to consumption of inedible items, growths and tumours in the intestinal tract are a blockage risk. When these growths or tumours develop and grow, they can create a total blockage of the intestine, which stops nutrients from being absorbed efficiently. While these can be removed by surgery in many cases, some require part of the bowel to removed
