It is thought there is over 300 recognised breeds of dogs around the World. The American Kennel Club recognise around 190 of them, and the UK Kennel Club recognise 221. For those of us who have a preference for a certain breed we may fondly discuss our love of the Labrador’s happy-go-lucky nature or the trainability of the poodle. It is clear there are breed differences, which suggests a genetic blueprint of certain traits and characteristic. We also know there are genetic predispositions to certain health issues in various breeds. But would you be surprised to learn that there may be breed differences in clinical measurements? A group of researchers, hoping to establish genetic differences in clinical measurements in humans decided that dogs most closely resemble human parameters and so set out to test eight different breeds for 40 clinical markers. Findings Here This is what they found. For the majority of clinical markers, the researchers couldn’t find any significant genetic variants, but for three, they did. Alanine transaminase: ALT ALT is one of the more commonly known liver enzymes. ALT level in blood is used for the diagnosis of liver disease and injury in human and veterinary medicine. Researchers found a variant (SNP) on the gene known as GPT which codes for ALT. A causal variant linked with this SNP could increase expression level of GPT, which would lead to the production of more ALT protein. Belgian Shepherds, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Doberman, Finnish Lapphund, and Newfoundland were breeds identified with a significant variation on this gene compared to other tested breeds, suggesting they may have a higher-than-average ALT level as standard. Additional data has suggested that elevated ALT doesn’t lead to metabolic disease per se and in fact metabolic disease is what leads to elevated enzymes. Therefore, it’s essential to consider test results in context and alongside other results, signs, and symptoms. What Could Cause Elevated Liver Enzymes in My Dog? Fructosamine Fructosamine is a stable condensation product of glucose with serum proteins. It is used as a biomarker for diagnosing and managing diabetes because fructosamine reflects the average blood sugar concentration over the preceding 2 weeks. The researchers found variations in the gene which codes for this protein in the Finnish Lapphund, German Shepherd and Newfoundland. Again, it would be an important consideration to make when monitoring these test results over a period of time, in light of any correlating signs and symptoms. The last marker is one that is particularly interesting. Stress During Physical Exam The researchers identified an experimental-wide association with stress during physical examination at chromosome 1. Two breeds, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Dachshunds were the most significant. Dogs with the A allele of BICF2P1232291 showed more stress during physical examination. Whilst genes are fixed, we can often influence their expression and in this case, we can also mitigate stress in our dog’s life to regulate that overarching response. If you are planning a visit where your dog will need a physical examination: Limit stress before the visit, Engage in calming and enriching activities to activate that parasympathetic nervous system, Consider the use of a thunder jacket or similar, Allow your dog to decompress after the examination – again offering activities to activate that parasympathetic nervous system (chewing, enrichment, sniffing etc.) What Does All This Mean? This data suggests genetic variations in three clinical markers in certain breeds. However, these researchers only tested eight breeds. It would be interesting to establish how the data may change when testing additional breeds, especially when there are so many around the world. We know there are genetic glitches which contribute to the development of certain health issues, like the filaggrin mutation in skin health, or glitches in zinc absorption in certain sled dogs, but this information further highlights how complex our pet’s health issues truly can be. Can Genes Result in Poor Skin Function? Why Zinc is Important for Your Dog If you feel overwhelmed by your dog’s health issues, then please check out our services to see how we can help. Thanks for reading, MPN Team
When establishing the health status of pets, we often pursue a battery of tests. Whilst they may have been explained, you won’t be the first one to wonder what exactly the tests measure and what the numbers mean. One of the most common tests, along with kidney, is liver function. These tests are then talked about in terms of liver enzymes. But what are these liver enzymes and what jobs do they carry out in the body? Here at My Pet Nutritionist we thought we’d compile a brief guide to liver enzyme function. But before we get cracking, we need to understand a little more about the liver. What is the liver? The liver is one of the largest organs in the body and we call it the powerhouse for good reason. It has some incredible metabolic functions. It converts the nutrients in the diet into substances that the body can use, stores these substances, and supplies cells with them when needed. It also takes up toxic substances and converts them into harmless substances or makes sure they are released from the body. In short, if it’s not working as it should, us or our pets are in a little bit of trouble. How does it work? Liver tissue is made up of lots of smaller units of liver cells called lobules. Many canals carrying blood and bile run between the liver cells. Blood coming from digestive organs flows through the portal vein to the liver, carrying nutrients, medication, and toxic substances. Once they reach the liver, these substances are processed, stored, altered, detoxified, and passed back into the blood or released in the bowel to be eliminated. In this way, for us humans the liver can remove alcohol from our blood and for both us and our pets, it can get rid of by-products from the breakdown of medications and more! Another function of the liver, with the help of vitamin K, it produces proteins that are important in blood clotting. It is also one of the organs that break down old or damaged blood cells. To carry out its job effectively, the liver has enzymes. What are enzymes? Enzymes are proteins that speed up processes in the body, you’ll probably be familiar with digestive enzymes; these are compounds which speed up the digestion of food. So, liver enzymes speed up the processes the liver carries out. Enzymes are found in liver cells, so the reason you may have heard of elevated enzymes is because damaged or inflamed liver cells can release enzymes into the bloodstream, of which a blood test picks up. What are the liver enzymes? Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) AST is an enzyme found mostly in the heart and liver and to a lesser extent in skeletal muscle. It plays a role in amino acid metabolism – transferring amino groups. When heart, liver or muscle cells are injured, they release AST into the bloodstream. ALT, which stands for alanine transaminase, is an enzyme found mostly in the liver. It helps break down proteins for the body to absorb, and therefore also plays a role in converting food into energy in the body. When liver cells are damaged, they release ALT into the bloodstream. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) ALP is an enzyme found in the liver and bone and is important for breaking down proteins. Higher-than-normal levels of ALP may indicate liver damage or disease. Gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) GGT is an enzyme found throughout the body, but it is mostly found in the liver. GGT is typically the first liver enzyme to increase in the blood when any liver bile ducts become blocked or constricted. The primary role of GGT is the extracellular catabolism of glutathione, the major thiol antioxidant in cells, therefore playing a significant role in protecting cells against oxidants produced during normal metabolism. In short, GGT plays an important role in cellular defence. This is why GGT levels are often elevated in cases of environmental toxicity. Liver Guard br] What can cause elevated enzyme levels? All dogs should be assessed individually, but there are some common themes which contribute to higher enzyme levels than the general canine population. Certain Medications As the liver plays such a role in the metabolism and detoxification of medications, we often find that certain medications can contribute to higher-than-normal levels. Vaccine Adjuvants A study carried out in 2012 established an apoptotic effect of the hepatitis B vaccine in the mouse liver. What this means is that after vaccine administration, cell death occurred in the liver. As we know, damage to cells in the liver can result in enzymes being released into the bloodstream. It was thought that the adjuvant aluminum hydroxide played a role in cell apoptosis. It’s important to acknowledge that this study was carried out on mice, but that’s largely because researchers aren’t queuing up to dissect canine livers after they’ve had a vaccine, thankfully! But it’s important to note that this adjuvant can be found in some vaccines administered to pets. Food Aflatoxins (AF) found in food have been associated with increased biomarkers in liver function and oxidative stress. Aflatoxins are found in cereals and nuts and we can head back to 1952 to understand the true risk of them. In 1952, an outbreak of fatal liver disease in dogs occurred in the southeastern United States. The disease, termed hepatitis X, was characterised by icterus, lethargy, anorexia, petechiae, epistaxis, and hematemesis. Affected dogs died one to 14 days after clinical presentation. The postmortem findings of hepatitis X were noted to be similar to those in swine and cattle after ingestion of mouldy corn. The disease resulted from exposure to aflatoxins produced by the fungus Aspergillus species. In 1959, the role of aflatoxins in hepatitis X was confirmed when a group of dogs acquired the disease after being fed purified aflatoxin. Outbreaks of aflatoxicosis sadly do occur. In 2005, there were a number of acute outbreaks of hepatic failure in dogs across the United States which raised
The term allergy is commonly used within the pet nutrition realm. Whilst allergies to cleaning products or compounds in the environment do occur, the true incidence of food allergy in dogs is quite low. Whilst allergies do exist, we tend to see a higher number of intolerances, so what’s the difference and do we need to approach them differently? Let’s take a look at allergies and intolerances in dogs. What is a food allergy? A food allergy or other allergic response is caused by an IgE antibody reacting towards that allergen. IgE binds to mast cells to promote histamine release. In short, the immune system has sensed the particle and wants to get rid of it at all costs. You’ll know the hallmark signs of an allergy if you are unfortunate to suffer with hay fever, but the common symptoms of an allergy include: Itching Hives Swelling Coughing Sneezing/wheezing Watery eyes Anaphylaxis What is a food intolerance? In the case of a food intolerance, we tend to discuss it in terms of IgG. IgG is the work horse antibody; it is the soldier, the memory antibody. This is what gets drafted when your dog is exposed to something they have already figured out a response to. Symptoms usually begin within a few hours of eating the food that your dog is intolerant to but it’s important to note that symptoms can be delayed by up to 48 hours and last for hours or even days, making the offending food especially difficult to pinpoint. IgG’s are mostly raised from the barrier mucosa in the digestive system. After a meal, there are both antibodies and complexes of food antigens bound to specific IgG’s. These complexes are quickly cleared by the reticuloendothelial system. Clinical observations suggest that due to gut inflammation and permeability (leaky gut), the digestive system is unable to digest the proteins effectively which subsequently raises IgG response to certain foods. Chronic intestinal inflammations and permeability are related to and possibly responsible for food IgG sensitivity. A point to note is that 90% of food reactivity comes from IgG’s. Intolerances can be changeable, but allergies tend to be for life and only account for around 10% of food reactivity. The common signs of an intolerance include, and are not limited to: Poor growth in young pets Itching Vomiting Diarrhoea Flatulence Recurring ear issues Acid reflux SIBO Pain or discomfort Loss of appetite As you have gathered there is a glitch in immune function in both allergies and intolerances, but we must also consider the function of the digestive system when we are tackling intolerances. It’s important to note that IgG’s come in different categories but to keep it simple, they are generally defined as cyclic or fixed. A common IgG reaction is cyclic and can take around 3 months to disappear/change. A fixed Intolerance tends to linger for longer and can take around 6 months to disappear/change, what this means is there is no quick fix to support your dog who suffers with intolerances, we’re in it for the long haul. How to Support the Intolerant Dog First of all, we prime and reset the digestive system, and this includes starting with an elimination diet, but also includes gut healing and immune balancing protocols. We follow the 4 R’s. – Remove – carry out an elimination diet. Raw or lightly cooked is the best way to do this. Cooked foods can take pressure off the digestive system, which in these cases is beneficial. Start with novel proteins (proteins your dog’s immune system has not seen before) for example, horse, ostrich, kangaroo and hare are generally well tolerated. Horse is lean too, so a great option if digestive function isn’t where it needs to be, yet. Feed this novel protein for 4-12 weeks. Ideally if you land on a novel protein that helps the itch/digestive discomfort or doesn’t make it any worse, we recommend remaining on this protein for 12 weeks. As we noted this is the time it takes for an intolerance to change. We then introduce other novel proteins – but at no more than one per week and sticking to single source. Treats need to match too! If there are signs of intolerance, then remove that protein and go back to a protein you believe is best tolerated. Notice that it’s called an elimination diet, and not an elimination lifestyle. The overall aim is to eventually maintain a strong diversity in the diet as we know this supports optimal gut health. We would be looking to reintroduce more common proteins as time went on – but this takes time. We also practice the same process when reintroducing any fruit or vegetables – one at a time, over time. It can also be worthwhile opting for a low-histamine approach when reintroducing too. – Repair – support immunity and gut healing. Include ingredients like slippery elm, de-glycerised liquorice, glutamine, and N-acetyl-glucosamine. It is also important to consider how existing medications are affecting gut healing for example, steroid use impairs intestinal absorption which is linked to several gastrointestinal dysfunctions. But, because of their anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive activities, they are often prescribed in cases of allergies or intolerance. Findings here – Restore – optimise microbiome health As the microbiome is key in the development of the immune system, supporting this is essential. However, the introduction of specific pre and probiotic foods or supplements is sometimes best left for a few weeks into your plan, especially when carrying out an elimination diet. There may be probiotics on the market that contain protein sources not indicated on the label – always check with the manufacturer what is contained in their product and indicate that you are carrying out an elimination diet, so you need accurate information. – Replenish Indigestibility of food proteins can also contribute to their antigenic nature, so consider any long-term medication use including proton pump inhibitors which affect gastric acid secretion. Ensuring HCL, pepsin and digestive enzymes are in good
Osteoarthritis is a common clinical and pathological endpoint from a range of joint disorders that ultimately lead to structural and functional decline of the joint with associated lameness and pain. A multimodal approach is necessary to support your dog who sadly suffers with osteoarthritis, but we thought we’d take a look at the evidence for any herbs that have supported this chronic condition. What is Osteoarthritis? Osteoarthritis, a common pain-causing condition of synovial joints, affects millions of human and non-human animals worldwide. These non-human animals include our trusty dogs. Osteoarthritis, also referred to as osteoarthrosis or degenerative joint disease, is a disease of the entire joint organ, including all its associated tissues, but is most frequently associated with the loss and dysfunction of articular cartilage. Risk Factors for Osteoarthritis: In humans, reported risk factors for the development of osteoarthritis are both systemic and local causes including genetics, age, sex, obesity, previous joint trauma, along with underlying diseases such as cruciate ligament rupture. Recent literature has indicated that up to 20% of dogs over 1 years old suffer with osteoarthritis. Findings Here Primary Vs. Secondary Osteoarthritis Primary osteoarthritis is described as largely idiopathic but can be associated with several risk factors including aging and obesity. Secondary osteoarthritis, where underlying disease processes or injuries play a role in the development of osteoarthritis, is believed to be the most common form in dogs. Secondary osteoarthritis is considered to have a genetic component exacerbated through aspects of lifestyle that impact body condition, such as diet and exercise. Disease processes and pre-existing conditions often influence the development, for example cruciate ligament disease is a common cause of pelvic limb lameness and can result in osteoarthritis development in breeds of all sizes. In addition, dysplasia, commonly occurring in the hip or elbow, describes the failure of normal joint formation during development and can lead to joint conditions causing pain and lameness, and can subsequently progress to osteoarthritis. To understand if any herbs could support this condition, we first need to establish its pathology. The Pathology of Osteoarthritis Osteoarthritis is characterised by joint cartilage degeneration, changes in the underlying bone and synovitis. In addition, there is an increase in pro-inflammatory mediators which promote immune responses, increase oxidative stress, inhibit collagen and proteoglycan synthesis, and diminish chondrocyte proliferation. Furthermore, MMPs are produced which induces the degradation of articular cartilage. For the most part, these changes result in pain, joint stiffness, loss of flexibility, tenderness, grating sensation, bone spurs and swelling. If we are to support this condition, we are looking to modulate inflammation, tackle increased oxidative stress and support the synthesis of those compromised compounds where possible. In turn, we are looking for a reduction in pain and symptoms with an improved quality of life. Herbs for Osteoarthritis (OA) in Dogs Boswellia spp. Boswellia, also known as frankincense, has been used for centuries in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. This herb exhibits anti-inflammatory activity. One clinical trial found that oral supplementation of Boswellia extract for more than 4 months significantly improved physical function by reducing pain and stiffness in OA patients compared to placebo, without causing serious adverse events. Majeed et al. found that OA patients receiving oral B. serrata extract for 8 weeks demonstrated significant improvement in their Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Japanese Knee Osteoarthritis Measure (JKOM), and their Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores in comparison to placebo. Findings Here Curcuma spp. Roots of Curcuma are used as a spice commonly known as turmeric. Curcumin, a polyphenol extract of turmeric, is well known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, and it has a long history of use in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. Treatment with Curcuma has been found to strongly inhibit the production of inflammatory mediators. Researchers have demonstrated that human patients randomized to Curcuma domestica trails experienced significant improvement in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index scores in comparison to baseline over a 4-week period and less abdominal pain and discomfort compared to ibuprofen. Findings Here Another human trial demonstrated that curcumin had comparable efficacy, but better safety and fewer adverse effects than diclofenac. Findings Here Withania somnifera Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) is an Ayurvedic medicine known for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Withania somnifera extract has been shown to slow the degradation of bovine Achilles tendon type I collagen by inhibiting the activity of collagenase. Treatment with W. somnifera has also decreased swelling, redness, deformity, and ankylosis in a collagen-induced arthritis rat model. It has been demonstrated that an aqueous extract of W. somnifera showed a significant chondroprotective effect on damaged human OA cartilage via diminishing the gelatinase activity of collagenases. In a 12-week human clinical trial, treatment with W. somnifera extract was associated with significant reductions in the mean WOMAC and Knee Swelling Index in comparison to baseline and placebo. A significant reduction in scores for pain, stiffness, and disability was also observed. Findings Here Ginger The anti-inflammatory activities of ginger have been widely investigated in patients as well as in vitro and in vivo models. Several clinical trials have been performed to assess the effects of ginger on OA pain-relief. Researchers have found that patients treated with ginger extract had lower VAS scores and gelling or regressive pain compared to placebo. Another study revealed that ginger extract was associated with reducing knee pain and WOMAC indices, although it was associated with gastrointestinal side effects. Further researchers have suggested that topical ginger extract significantly improved knee pain, stiffness, physical function, and patient global assessments following 12 weeks of knee OA treatment. What happens when we combine herbs and supplements? There is evidence of synergistic effects when different herbs are combined, including improvement in therapeutic outcomes and safety. Supplementation with boswellia combined with N-acetyl-D-glucosamine and ginger for 6 months, was found to significantly improve pain-free walking distance and WOMAC signs/symptoms for patients with moderate knee OA in comparison to standard OA management. Boswellic acid combined with methylsulfonymethane (MSM) has been found to improve knee OA pain management and functional recovery along
Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS is defined as a disturbance in bowel habits along with abdominal pain, in the absence of known organic pathology. What this means is that on paper, there is no apparent reason for the symptoms. There is no bacterial or viral agent present, and biopsies of the intestine generally show no inflammation or cancer. So, what on earth is going on? Let’s look at IBS in dogs in a little more detail. IBS and IBD Irritable bowel syndrome is different to inflammatory bowel disease, but both manifest similar symptoms. Both cause diarrhoea, constipation, and abdominal pain. But in cases of IBD you may also notice vomiting. The difference is when biopsies of the intestine are carried out in cases of IBD, there are inflammatory cells present. IBS tends to occur in episodes, where IBD is chronic. As gastro symptoms tend to overlap between conditions, it’s essential to get to the bottom of what your dog may be suffering with. IBS in Dogs IBS is a multi-factorial disorder with various contributing factors including: Motility issues Visceral hypersensitivity Altered intestinal microbiota It is considered that diet and stress exposure play the largest role in this disorder. Stress and IBS Study after study indicate that patients with IBS have been noted to exhibit disturbances in the brain-gut axis (GBA). The GBA is a bidirectional neurohumoral communication system that integrates brain and gastrointestinal functions, such as gut motility, appetite, and weight, and not surprisingly the microbiota plays a critical role. Disruption of the physiologic symbiotic relationship between the host and the microbiota is called dysbiosis and is regarded a basic factor for initiating and maintaining IBS in many patients. In a human study, subjects with IBS and who experienced pain had over 5-fold less Bifidobacterium compared to those without pain. The general school of thought currently, is that in cases of IBS there is an increase in pathogenic bacterial species together with a decrease in probiotic species. This dysbiotic microbiota is thought to influence the function of the GBA, and subsequently contribute to IBS symptoms. Diet and IBS Many symptoms can appear to be triggered by certain foods, but here we need to take an overarching look at the inflammatory state in the body. If we have an over-zealous, or under-mature immune system, certain foods will be problematic. A Guide to Inflammation in Pets Elimination Diets For Dogs IBS and Stress IBS is a stress-sensitive disorder and again we can look at the role of the microbiota here. The gut microbiota appears to influence the development of emotional behaviour, stress and pain modulation systems along with brain neurotransmitter systems. Additionally, microbial alterations by probiotics and antibiotics exert modulatory effects on some of these functions. A healthy microbiota plays a critical role in the development of appropriate stress responses. In early life, colonisation with beneficial microorganisms needs to occur to ensure a normal development of the core stress axis. On the other side of the scale, stress can also influence the composition of the microbiota, increasing pathogenic load significantly. What’s interesting is that in human studies, adults with IBS report having an insecure emotional attachment style and recall higher rates of recurrent abdominal pain and symptoms of separation anxiety in childhood. This early life stress could be a contributing factor to their IBS symptoms. Findings Here So, how can we support our dog with IBS? 1) Stress Support Is your dog stressed? Or have they had early life experiences that were particularly stressful? It can be helpful to sit down and create a timeline of your dog’s life and identify major events. Alongside this you can identify when any new symptoms started. Using Nutrition to Support the Stressed Dog Can Stress Affect My Dog’s Digestive System 2) Support Your Dog’s GBA Axis It seems the GBA plays a larger role in IBS symptoms than we originally thought, so take a look at the role it plays. Thankfully, there are a number of things that we can do to optimise gut health and support our dog’s GBA. Does My Dog Have a Gut-Brain-Axis? 3) Support Liver Health There are links between IBS and liver health due to the disruption of the entero-hepatic circulation of bile acids (which is also influenced by the microbiota). To support liver health we need to reduce exposure to toxins and support detoxification systems as much as possible. Does My Pet Need To Detox? 4 Superfoods for Liver Health in Dogs 4) Support a Healthy Microbiome We don’t yet know what the perfect microbiome consists of, but we do know that in cases of IBS we seem to see higher numbers of pathogenic bacteria compared to beneficial. For this reason it’s important to promote a healthy microbiome. What Can Cause Gut Dysbiosis? What Can Help Gut Dysbiosis? Prebiotics Vs. Probiotics Sadly, the symptoms of IBS overlap with many other gastro symptoms, so it’s important to establish what is truly going on for your dog. That said, these 4 tips are great to support digestive health in dogs, no matter what you are facing. If your dog is suffering with their digestive health and you would like some support, then please check out our services to see how we can help. Thanks for reading, MPN Team
Sadly, anal gland issues are quite prevalent in the general dog population and this can end up with owners asking groomers or vets to express them on a regular basis. The issue here is that anal gland expression has become the norm rather than the exception; and it really shouldn’t be. So, let’s take a look at the function of the anal glands and some of our top tips to promote anal gland health in the dog. What are the anal glands? The anal gland’s function is to release pheromones, enabling the communication between dogs and other mammals, including cats. The anal glands located on the lower sides of the anus, produce a fluid with a scent that identifies him or her, communicating sex, health, and approximate age to other animals. Healthy dogs display a huge variation in the appearance of their anal sac fluid; it can vary from yellow to brown and the consistency from watery to mucous to doughy. The secretion contains mucin rich in sialic acid and other anti-microbial proteins, namely lysozyme, immunoglobulin A and lactoferrin. As faeces is passed, the anal glands are expressed and so the fluid is secreted. But like all things in the body, sometimes this process goes a little wrong. The three main issues that arise with anal gland function include: impaction inflammation, and abscessation An anal sac impaction is characterized as an enlargement of the sacs due to retention of anal sac content, without showing any signs of inflammation except for pain and discomfort. Anal sac impaction can occur unilaterally, but most often it presents itself as bilateral. Anal sac inflammation, also called anal sacculitis, is defined as an enlargement combined with inflammation of the anal sac. The anal sac and perianal region often become red, swollen, and painful. In the case of an anal sac abscess, pyrexia (raised body temperature) is often present; however, pyrexia can also occur in the case of severe anal sac inflammation. An inflamed and often alopecic area of the anal sacs can be observed in the case of an anal sac abscess, again accompanied with swelling and pain. Discharge contaminated with blood can also occur. If your dog is suffering with their anal glands, you may notice the following: Scooting (dragging bottom on the floor) Licking or biting at the anus, Difficulty sitting or standing On rare occasion, chasing the tail. Predisposing Factors Anal sac disease is reported to occur more often in adult dogs and cats compared to puppies and kittens, Obesity may be a predisposing factor. Perianal fat can lead to compression of the anal sac ducts, resulting in retention of anal sac content. Anal sac disease in dogs seems to be more prevalent in spring/summer, Adverse food reactions or food allergies and atopic dermatitis are conditions mentioned as being associated with anal sac disease, There appears to be a relationship between the presence of diarrhoea and the occurrence of anal sac disease in dogs. 5 Reasons Why Your Dog May have Diarrhoea Sadly, there also appears to be around a 40% relapse rate for those dogs who suffer with anal gland disease. In dogs, recurrence of anal sac impaction and inflammation occurs on average after 4–5 months; for abscessation, the mean recurrence time is reported to be 10 months on average. Findings Here So, how can we avoid these issues, and certainly, if your dog has suffered anal gland issues, how can we avoid a relapse? 1) Support Healthy Immune Function The correlation between anal gland disease and food sensitivities and atopic dermatitis may suggest dysfunctional immune responses. It’s important to modulate inflammatory responses in the body and support a healthy immune system. It would be wise to embark on an elimination diet to establish any food sensitivities and optimise gut health. Elimination Diets For Dogs 7 Steps to Optimal Gut Health for Pets 2) Create a Healthy Gut Environment As the gut influences every function in the body, it makes sense to support its ecosystem as much as possible. Things that can contribute to a less than happy gut: Antibiotics Overuse of certain medications like proton pump inhibitors and antihistamines Poor liver function Poor motility Digestive disorders Poor pancreatic function Inflammation in the gut Stress Environmental toxins Dietary choices If you’d like to learn more about managing these for your dog, check out our blog here: What Can Help Gut Dysbiosis? 3) Feed a Wholefood Fresh Diet But you knew this one, didn’t you? When we feed foods that the digestive system can digest and utilise, everything moves as it should. Wholefoods offer roughage to the diet, helping elimination processes. Stools are better formed and so, as they pass, they express the anal glands. There has been data which indicated a meat only diet exacerbated anal gland issues, so remember if you do feed fresh, add some raw bones to the mix. If this is something you are unsure of, then please get in touch with us and we can help. Dietary fibre is also excellent at ‘moderating’ the transit time of food in the digestive tract. When this transit time is too fast (diarrhoea), fibre can slow digestion down and where it is too slow (constipation), it can help speed it up. Fibre can adapt beautifully and for this, a variation of vegetables and slippery elm is great. Slippery elm is a wonderful addition to your cat or dog’s diet, if they are having consistent anal gland problems. Slippery elm, also known as the red elm, is a native tree to North America. People use the inner bark for many different health concerns. It is a mucilage and as such, creates a layer around the mucous membrane of the digestive tract, soothing and healing the gut mucosa. If you would like some more pointers on supporting healthy anal gland function, check out our blog here: 4 Cornerstones for Healthy Anal Glands and if you would like some support with your dog’s health, then check out our services to see
Sadly, at some point in our dog’s lives they may get poorly, or need an op. They may also just need periods of some additional TLC. Whilst the most nutritionally demanding phase post weaning is growth in puppies, recovery also has its own set of nutrient demands. We thought we’d take a closer look at the nutrient needs of recovering dogs. What is Recovery? Recovery generally takes the same form, no matter the trauma. If us or our dogs are exposed to an infection, our immune system springs to action to engulf and destroy the threat. The same occurs during trauma – in the case of a wound, immune cells rally to the damaged tissue to prevent any infection from taking hold and encourage growth factors to replace the damaged cells. This also applies in cases of planned operations – the body has experienced a trauma and so, it needs to repair and recover. But, our dogs also need to recover after physical activity – and this is even more important if we have a sporting/performing dog. Recovery Processes Immune cells need certain nutrients to do their jobs, and so when they are working overtime, they want to get paid for it. But a similar mechanism occurs during work. Not only do we have the energy needs of work, but damage can occur to muscles. At a low level, they repair, and come back stronger next time (this is the premise of training). But again, they need materials to rebuild and repair. We can think of the body like a bank account. It is always withdrawing through daily tasks. Providing we fuel it well; we remain in the black. During recovery and recuperation, it takes a little more, and if we don’t deposit enough, we end up in the red. Red signals poor recovery and this isn’t what we want for our canine companions. So, what do we need to do to stay in the black? Carbohydrates There is no physiological need proven for carbohydrates in the dog, however, they do possess a nutrient sparing effect. What this means is that if carbohydrates are utilised for energy, protein can be directed to what it does best – build and repair, and fat can stabilise membranes in those recovering cells! In their cooked form, carbohydrates can be an easily digested source of energy for the recovering dog. Complex carbohydrates like sweet potatoes are a great source of fibre, vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and B vitamins. Fibre is also a carbohydrate, albeit an indigestible one, and as we know fibre is your dog’s best friend for more reasons than one. 5 Reason’s Fibre is Your Dog’s Best Friend Protein Protein is of course top of the list for the recovering dog. Protein is from the Greek meaning “of prime importance” and it really is. The body is built from protein. Once it is ingested, it makes its way through the digestive system and the liver reassembles amino acids into other structures to be used throughout the body. We have: Antibody proteins – these bind to viruses and bacteria to protect the body, Enzyme proteins – enzymes carry out almost all the chemical reactions that occur in the body. They also assist in the formation of new molecules or cells. Messenger proteins – these include hormones that transmit signals throughout the body, coordinating biological processes between cells, tissues, and organs. Structural proteins – these provide structure and support for cells; they also allow the body to move. Transport/storage proteins – these proteins bind and carry atoms and small molecules within cells throughout the body. Genes are what tell amino acids what structure they will be, and therefore what function they will have. So, as you can see, when we’re asking the body to do a lot of these things, they need protein to do the job. Most foods contain either animal or plant cells and will therefore naturally contain protein. But the processing of foods may change the amounts and proportions of some amino acids; for example the Maillard reaction and the associated browning that occurs when foods are baked reduces the available amino acid lysine. The quality of the protein is also important and depends on the amino acids that are present. Proteins from animal sources have a higher biological value than proteins from plant sources. This is because the pattern of amino acids in animal cells is comparable. This difference has led to a concept of first-class and second-class proteins, for animal and plant foods, respectively. Even in human data, we are seeing that probiotic supplementation alongside plant-protein sources is necessary for optimal absorption and utilisation. For the canine, a fresh-food diet containing animal sources of protein will support recovery. Fat Fat is a necessary macronutrient for the dog – they have an improved capacity to utilise fat as energy compared to us humans, but essential fatty acids also play a role in the inflammatory response. Inflammation is necessary, it rallies immune cells to tackle the issue at hand, whether this is an invading virus or a wound that needs to heal, but it can become chronic, and this is where is it problematic. Like goldilocks, we need just enough inflammation. Fatty Acids and Inflammation In dogs, the body has a requirement for two distinct EFA families. The Omega-6 and Omega-3 series. Eicosanoids are products of the oxidation of the omega families; they are collectively known as prostaglandins, thromboxanes and leukotrienes. The number of eicosanoids synthesised depends on the availability and type of fatty acid found in cell membranes. Human studies have demonstrated that the supplementation EPA significantly alters the ratio of EPA (omega-3) to AA (omega-6) in cell membranes which has been beneficial in inflammatory conditions. In short, consumption of omega 3, replaces AA. The result is fewer AA derived eicosanoids and more EPA or GLA eicosanoids, and therefore managing the inflammatory response. The thing to note is the omega 6:3 ratio. In many commercial foods we note
Naturally occurring hypoadrenocorticism (Addison’s disease) is an uncommon illness, with estimates of its incidence ranging from 0.36% to 0.5%. The clinical syndrome occurs when at least 85% to 90% of the adrenocortical tissue is destroyed, resulting in deficiencies of mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids. This all sounds quite complex, so what do we actually need to know about Addison’s Disease in Dogs? Let’s take a look. What is Hypoadrenocorticism? This is where the adrenal glands don’t produce enough cortisol and aldosterone. Aldosterone is the most important naturally occurring mineralocorticoid, while cortisol represents the most important glucocorticoid. Aldosterone has a specific and vital action in the body because it enhances sodium, potassium, and body water homeostasis. It plays an important role among the redundant systems that regulate renal handling of sodium. Aldosterone is the most important hormone affecting renal potassium excretion and its main target organ is the kidney, with lesser actions in the intestinal mucosa, salivary glands, and sweat glands. Cortisol affects almost every tissue in the body. It increases availability of all fuel substrates in the body, by mobilising glucose. Cortisol aids in maintaining blood pressure, water balance, and vascular volume, particularly in the canine species. It also increases vascular sensitivity to catecholamines. Cortisol helps to maintain vascular tone, vascular permeability, and endothelial integrity. Finally, it suppresses inflammatory responses and has catabolic effects on connective tissue, muscle, and bone. Hypoadrenocorticism can affect dogs of any age, but it tends to occur in young to middle-aged dogs. The age range of reported cases is 4 weeks to 16 years. It also seems to occur more commonly in females. Some of the symptoms of Addison’s Disease include: Panting Fatigue/weakness Reduced appetite Dehydration/excessive thirst/increased urination – due to the imbalance of sodium/potassium which leads to lack of water conservation by the kidneys Weight loss Slow heart rate Shaking Cool to touch Vomiting/diarrhoea Although any dog can develop Addison’s, there are certain breeds which are predisposed to it, including: Standard Poodle Bearded Collies Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers West Highland White Terriers Great Danes There are a few main causes of Addison’s Disease. As with Cushing’s disease, tumours are prevalent. It is also suggested that certain medications, toxins, and diseases prime the dog’s immune system to destroy its own adrenal gland. Dogs treated for Cushing’s disease can also develop Addison’s disease in response to the medications destroying too much of the adrenal tissue. The Lowdown on Cushing’s Disease in Dogs Secondary Addison’s disease can develop if a dog has been treated with long- term steroids for any reason and the medication is abruptly stopped. This is known as iatrogenic hypoadrenocorticism and is generally temporary. This suppression occurs because large doses of corticosteroids signal the hypothalamus and pituitary gland to stop producing the hormones that normally stimulate adrenal function. Adrenal Insufficiency Critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency (CIRCI) is also referred to as relative adrenal insufficiency and has been associated with severe illness, such as sepsis, septic shock, or trauma. The syndrome is typically transient, and adrenal function normalises following correction of the underlying condition. Clinical Presentation Clinical signs may appear episodic, or “waxing and waning” in 25% to 43% of cases. Most dogs with hypoadrenocorticism have chronic disease, although it may be an acute exacerbation that prompts veterinary evaluation. Acute exacerbation of chronic hypoadrenocorticism may result from stress such as boarding, grooming, lifestyle changes, moving, or even a trip to the veterinarian. Findings Here Treatment is generally lifelong, but lifestyle modifications alongside can be beneficial. If your dog has been diagnosed with Addison’s Disease and you would like to optimise their diet and lifestyle, then check out our services to see how we can help. Thanks for reading, MPN Team
As our pets eat their food, it passes from the stomach and into the small intestine. Whilst some of the digestive processes have already started, most of the chemical digestion that occurs in the small intestine relies on the activities of the pancreas, liver, and gallbladder. Let’s take a closer look at the function of the pancreas and its role in our pet’s digestion. What is the Pancreas? The pancreas is a gland found in the digestive system of our pet. It is made up of a head, a body and a pointy tail-like end. It is in the upper abdomen behind the stomach and carries out two main roles in the body: The pancreas produces: Enzymes that break down foods in the intestine Hormones that regulate blood sugar levels The pancreas is made up of small clusters of glandular epithelial cells. About 99% of these clusters constitute the exocrine portion of the organ. These cells secrete a mixture of fluid and digestive enzymes known as pancreatic juice. Pancreatic juice consists mostly of water, but it also contains some salts, sodium bicarbonate and several enzymes. The sodium bicarbonate gives the pancreatic juice a slight alkalinity that buffers the stomach acid in the chyme that has just arrived in the small intestine. It also stops the action of pepsin and creates the correct pH for the action of the digestive enzymes to function. The digestive juices that are made in the pancreas flow into the small intestine through a tube known as the pancreatic duct. In most bodies, this duct is joined by a similar duct coming from the gallbladder (the bile duct) before it reaches the small intestine. There is a circular muscle (sphincter) at the shared opening of the two ducts. This muscle controls the release of the digestive juices into the small intestine. The digestive juices usually only start working once they enter the small intestine. But if the pancreas is inflamed (pancreatitis), they already become active in the pancreas. This can start causing a range of issues. Digestive Enzymes Enzymes are biological molecules (typically proteins) that significantly speed up the rate of virtually all of the chemical reactions that take place within cells. When discussing the pancreas, there are three main types of enzymes: Lipases to break down fats Proteases to break down proteins Amylases to break down starch The remaining 1% of the clusters called pancreatic islets (islets of Langerhans) form the endocrine portion of the pancreas. These cells secrete the hormones glucagon, insulin and more. These hormones usually help to regulate blood glucose levels, stopping them from getting too high or too low. Glucose Regulation Glucose is a 6-carbon structure with the chemical formula C6H12O6. It is a source of energy for every organism in the world and is essential to fuel both aerobic and anaerobic cellular respiration. Glucose often enters the body in isometric forms such as galactose and fructose (monosaccharides), lactose and sucrose (disaccharides), or starch (polysaccharide). The body stores excess glucose as glycogen, which becomes liberated in times of fasting. Glucose is also derivable from products of fat and protein break-down through the process of gluconeogenesis. Once glucose is in the body, it travels through the blood and to energy-requiring tissues. There, glucose is broken down in a series of biochemical reactions releasing energy in the form of ATP. The ATP derived from these processes is used to fuel virtually every energy-requiring process in the body. As glucose is so important to life, it stands to reason that regulation of it is incredibly tight. And as we have noted, there are a number of hormones involved in this process. Hormones involved in Glucose Regulation Hormones Involved: Insulin is a peptide hormone. Insulin plays an important role to keep plasma glucose value within a relatively narrow range throughout the day. Insulin’s main actions are: (1) In the liver, insulin promotes glycolysis and storage of glucose as glycogen (glycogenesis), as well as conversion of glucose to triglycerides (2) In muscle, insulin promotes the uptake of glucose and its storage as glycogen (3) in adipose tissue, insulin promotes uptake of glucose and its conversion to triglycerides for storage Insulin lowers glucose levels. Glucagon: Glucagon acts exclusively on the liver to antagonise insulin effects on hepatocytes. It enhances glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis. It also promotes oxidation of fat, which can lead to the formation of ketone bodies. Glucagon increases glucose levels. Levels of both insulin and glucagon vary depending on nutrient intake. The Fed State: The fed state occurs after a meal and is also known as the absorptive state. It is characterised by a high insulin to glucagon ratio. Anabolic metabolism dominates in the fed state largely to replenish fuel stores, this is achieved by glycogen synthesis, fatty acid synthesis and protein and amino acid metabolism. The Fasting State: The fasting state occurs between meals and ensures a maintenance of blood glucose level. This state is characterised by a low insulin to glucagon ratio. This low insulin to glucagon ratio overall promotes catabolism in comparison to the fed state. In this state the major pathways include gluconeogenesis, glycogenolysis, protein catabolism, lipolysis, and ketone body metabolism Endocrine cells secrete these respective hormones in response to external signals, such as nutrient intake or stress, via humoral, neural or hormonal signalling pathways. The Brain-Islet Axis The pancreas is highly innervated with both parasympathetic and sympathetic nerve fibres from the autonomic nervous system. At the same time, insulin receptors are widely distributed within the brain. In rat studies, lesions in various brain regions were shown to affect pancreatic hormone secretion. Norepinephrine also inhibits insulin secretion, which is an important aspect of the fight-or-flight response. Insulin release is stimulated by the cephalic phase, which is the period of anticipating a meal, to prepare the body to adequately respond to incoming nutrients. The Liver-Islet Axis The liver has a key role in glucose homeostasis by storing (glycogenesis) or releasing (glycogenolysis/gluconeogenesis) glucose. Liver Guard The Gut-Islet Axis The gut releases various
When we talk about inflammation, we generally see it as something bad and something we need to get rid of. But like all things ours and our pet’s body does, it serves a purpose. Despite this, there is a difference between acute and chronic inflammation. So, let’s get to grips with the purpose of inflammation, what causes it and when it becomes problematic. We’ll also take a look at some nutrition tips to help modulate this response. What is Inflammation? Inflammation is part of the body’s defence mechanism. It is the process by which the immune system recognises and removes harmful and foreign stimuli and begins the healing process. The immune system senses something is wrong and sends its soldier immune cells to tackle the issue, which is why the hallmark signs of inflammation; heat, redness, swelling and pain occur. Inflammation can be either acute or chronic. Acute Inflammation Tissue damage due to trauma, microbial invasion, or noxious compounds can induce acute inflammation. It starts rapidly, becomes severe in a short time and symptoms may last for a few days, an example is bacterial infection. Chronic Inflammation Chronic inflammation is also referred to as slow, long-term inflammation lasting for prolonged periods of several months to years. Generally, the extent and effects of chronic inflammation vary with the cause of the injury and the ability of the body to repair and overcome the damage. For the most part, acute inflammation serves a purpose, and the issue is resolved. Chronic inflammation is what becomes the issue. Chronic inflammation can be a result of the following: Failure of eliminating the agent causing an acute inflammation like a recurrent infection or exposure to an allergen. Exposure to a low level of a particular irritant or foreign material that cannot be eliminated by enzymatic breakdown or phagocytosis in the body. An autoimmune disorder in which the immune system recognizes the normal component of the body as a foreign antigen and attacks healthy tissue. A defect in the cells responsible for mediating inflammation leading to persistent or recurrent inflammation. Inflammatory and biochemical inducers resulting in oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction such as increased production of free radical molecules, advanced glycation end products (AGEs), uric acid (urate) crystals, oxidized lipoproteins, and homocysteine. Factors that may increase the risk of chronic inflammation include: Ageing Increasing age is associated with elevated levels of inflammatory markers – this could be due to mitochondrial dysfunction or free radical accumulation over time. Obesity Fat tissue is often described as an endocrine organ. It secretes multiple adipokines and inflammatory mediators. There is increasing data showing that the adiposity correlates with levels of pro- inflammatory markers. Diets high in saturated fats This is increased further in those who are obese. Low sex hormones Data has indicated that testosterone and oestrogen can suppress the production of pro-inflammatory markers – so when there are low levels (in the case of neutered pets) inflammation can increase. Findings Here Stress Physical and emotional stress is associated with inflammatory cytokine release – which is why the modulator of the stress response, cortisol is deemed anti-inflammatory. However, prolonged stress can result in cortisol dysfunction. It is thought that cortisol binding is downregulated, and it fails to function. In humans, stress-induced inflammation has been linked to a range of chronic conditions like osteoporosis, myopathy, sciatica and more. Findings Here Poor sleep/recovery Again, cortisol plays a role here. There is a natural diurnal cortisol in dogs. You will see a natural rise in cortisol in the morning, with it progressively dropping throughout the day. Dogs are similar to humans in this respect. If sleep is disrupted or our dogs are unable to follow their diurnal rhythms, cortisol levels can become dysfunctional. Study after study have highlighted that poor sleep is associated with higher levels of inflammatory biomarkers. Findings Here The Importance of Sleep Dietary sensitivities/allergens What goes on in the gut doesn’t always stay in the gut and translocation can occur across the gut wall. This means that particles end up in places they shouldn’t, calling the immune system to action. 7 steps to Optimal Gut Health in Pets Signs of Chronic Inflammation: Body pain Anxiety/depression Gastrointestinal issues like constipation, diarrhoea, and acid reflux Unintended weight gain/loss Frequent infections It is crucial to understand the driver of chronic inflammation, and assessment from a qualified practitioner will be necessary here. But in managing chronic inflammation there are some beneficial changes that can be made: Top Tips: limit intake of ultra-processed foods ensure an appropriate body weight Obesity in Pets Part One Part Two – high intake of dietary fibre is associated with lower inflammatory markers – increase intake of fruits and vegetables – blueberries, apples, brussels sprouts, and broccoli are all high in natural antioxidants and polyphenols which may help protect against inflammation. Does My Dog Need Antioxidants? – Curcumin – significant improvements are noted in inflammatory models in animals when administered turmeric. – Omega-3s – increased intake of omega-3 is associated with lower levels of many inflammatory markers. Essential Fats For My Dog’s Diet – Micronutrients – magnesium, vitamin D, vitamin E, zinc and selenium levels are all associated with inflammatory markers. They all exert inflammatory modulating effects in the body. The Importance of Vitamin D for Cats and Dogs Why Does My Dog Need Minerals? Why Zinc is Important for Your Dog Acute inflammation is necessary, and it is a process by which the body returns to homeostasis. The issue is when inflammation becomes chronic, and we know there are several reasons why this may occur. It’s essential to understand the contributing factors to chronic inflammation, but there are lifestyle changes that can help. Check out our services if you’d like to see how we can help. Thanks for reading, MPN Team
Epilepsy is the most common chronic neurological disorder in dogs, with a formerly reported prevalence of between 0.5% and 5% in the canine population. Epilepsy is not one single disease process but can be elicited by multiple causes and can be classified as genetic (primary or idiopathic), structural and of unknown origin/etiology. Let’s get to grips with what it is and some of the causes. What is Epilepsy? Epilepsy occurs naturally in many species including rodents, cats, dogs, horses, cattle, goats, non-human and human primates. It is the most common acquired chronic neurological disorder in humans having a a worldwide incidence of approximately 50–100 cases per 100,000 persons (higher in undeveloped countries) and a prevalence of 4–10 per 1000 persons. In humans there are over forty epileptic syndromes and related conditions. In dogs, however, epilepsy is not usually differentiated into syndromes. Most dogs with recurrent seizures have no identifiable underlying cause and are classified as having idiopathic epilepsy. The lack of canine epilepsy classification may be due to the difficulty of seizure description and classification, and partly because electroencephalography (EEG) is not routinely used in veterinary neurology clinics. To that end, we simply define epilepsy as a chronic neurological condition characterised by recurrent epileptic seizures. Idiopathic epilepsy in dogs Most dogs with recurrent seizures are thought to have idiopathic epilepsy, in short, no underlying cause of the seizure can be identified. In these cases the first seizure usually occurs between 6 months and 6 years of age, but occasionally seizures have been known to start as young as 3 months and as late as 10 years of age. There appears to be a hereditary basis for idiopathic epilepsy, with several breeds being affected: Beagles German Shepherds Labrador Retrievers Golden Retrievers Bernese Mountain Dog Viszlas Keeshonds English Springer Spaniel Recently a mutation found on the Epm2b gene has shown to be causal in miniature wire-haired dachshunds. The Theory of Epilepsy The pathophysiology of epilepsy is often suggested to be an imbalance between excitation and inhibition in neurotransmitters; increased excitation or decreased inhibition may lead to epileptiform activity in the brain. It is considered that there is a fine balance between the excitatory glutamate neurotransmitter and the inhibitory GABA neurotransmitter. This theory has been tested in dogs and researchers found significantly less GABA and more glutamate in cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) from epileptic patients when compared to normal controls. Sadly, there appears to be a double-edged sword too, many receptors in the brain undergo altered expression following seizures and this may lead to changes in excitability of the brain and be involved in further pathogenesis of seizure disorders. Temporal Lobe Epilepsy In Dogs Temporal lobe epilepsy is the most common partial seizure disorder in adult humans and there are reports of it occurring in dogs. It has also been suggested that “fly-biting” or “fly-catching”, a behaviour in which dogs snap aimlessly into the air as if trying to catch a fly, may have a temporal lobe origin. Treatment Since epilepsy is often associated with inhibition and excitation in the brain, antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are used to alter the excitability of the brain and aim to reset the balance. There are many mechanisms thought to be involved in the action of antiepileptic drugs. They may functionally block voltage-gated sodium channels They may directly or indirectly enhance inhibitory GABAergic transmission They can inhibit excitatory glutamatergic neurotransmission They can modulate calcium ion channels Vagus Nerve Stimulation The method used in humans was devised in canine models and has since been used with mixed results. It is based on the idea that repetitive electrical stimulation of the canine cervical vagus nerve interrupts or abolishes motor seizures. Findings Here Epilepsy and Diet The Keto Diet The ketogenic diet—a high‐fat, low carbohydrate, and moderate protein protocol—has been used to treat epilepsy for nearly 100 years in both children and adults. A randomised controlled trial on childhood epilepsy showed promising results with 38 and 7 % of children on KD diets having >50 and 90 % seizure reduction, respectively. In comparison, only 6 % of the children on control diets achieved >50 % seizure reduction, with no children achieving >90 % seizure reduction. Findings Here It therefore makes sense that a ketogenic diet has been considered for use in dogs. One study of 21 dogs found that seizures were reduced significantly in dogs fed a proprietary ketogenic diet for 3 months. No improvement was seen in dogs fed a standard diet for the same duration. For 3 subjects, seizures appeared to stop entirely, demonstrating a 100% reduction in seizure frequency. In 7 dogs, seizures decreased by at least 50%, and another 5 dogs experienced a lower seizure frequency overall. Findings Here A Whistle Stop Tour of Keto A Keto Diet for Pet Cancer Omega-3 Supplementation Omega-3 fatty acid deficiency has an interesting role in seizure outcome. It is thought that Omega-3 fatty acids can enhance GABAergic transmission in animals with epilepsy by stimulating the formation of new hippocampal interneurons or by altering expression of calcium-binding proteins. When trialled in a patient with drug-resistant epilepsy, seizures reduced by 85%. Findings Here Essential Fats For My Dog’s Diet Epilepsy and Allergy In humans there are a number of reports that associate allergy with epilepsy. For example, children with allergic symptoms have a 76% increased subsequent risk of epilepsy. It has been found that in these individuals, hypoallergenic diets can reduce the frequency of seizures. Again, we must consider that this may apply to dogs. One study followed dogs with allergic disease. It included eight refractory epileptic dogs and seven were found to have gastrointestinal or skin allergies in conjunction with their refractory seizures. Introduction of an exclusion diet reduced seizures to an “acceptable level” in seven out of eight dogs. Behavioural abnormalities associated with seizures were eliminated in all cases. Findings Here Elimination Diets For Dogs Epileptogenic Toxins Many researchers posit that it’s not only certain foods that are epileptogenic, but toxins can also be problematic. Whilst we’re not talking
There are two branches of science that help us understand both ours and our pet’s bodies. Anatomy is the science of body structures and the relationships amongst them. We learned about anatomy through dissection – we carefully cut up body structures to see what they looked like and the relationship they had with those around them. Physiology is the science of body functions -in short how those body parts and structures work. Both branches have sub-branches, for example we may be interested in pathological anatomy – the structural changes associated with disease. In this blog, we are going to take a look at renal physiology – in short, the function of the kidneys. The Urinary System The kidneys form part of the urinary system and overall, this system consists of: Two kidneys Two ureters One urinary bladder One urethra As body cells carry out metabolic activities they consume oxygen and nutrients. During this process, waste products are made. These waste products must be eliminated from the body because if they are left to accumulate, they can become toxic. Just like the respiratory system eliminates carbon dioxide, the urinary system picks up these waste products. But this is not the only function of the urinary system. Functions of the Kidneys Excretion of wastes: By forming urine, the kidneys help excrete waste from the body. Some of these are a result of metabolic processes, like urea and ammonia, which is as a result of the deamination of amino acids, but it also includes creatinine which is a result of breaking down creatine phosphate. Finally, it includes uric acid from the catabolism of nucleic acids. These compounds are all known as nitrogenous wastes as they are wastes that contain nitrogen. The remainder of wastes are foreign substances that have entered the body, like medications and environmental toxins. This is why we look at kidney health when considering the toxins our dogs must break down. Does My Pet Need to Detox? Regulation of blood composition: The kidneys help regulate the blood levels of several ions including sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride, and phosphate. This is achieved by controlling the excretion of said ions into urine. Why Does My Dog Need Minerals? Regulation of blood pH: The kidneys excrete a variable amount of hydrogen ions into the urine and conserve bicarbonate ions which are an important buffer of hydrogen in the blood. Both of these activities help regulate blood pH. Regulation of blood volume: The kidneys adjust blood volume by conserving or eliminating water in the urine. An increase in blood volume increases blood pressure and a decrease in blood volume decreases blood pressure. Regulation of blood pressure: The kidneys secrete the enzyme renin which activates the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone pathway. Increased renin increases blood pressure. Production of hormones: The kidneys produce two hormones, calcitriol helps regulate calcium homeostasis and erythropoietin stimulates the production of red blood cells. Regulation of blood glucose level: Like the liver, the kidneys can use certain amino acids like glutamine in gluconeogenesis, which is the production of new glucose molecules. They can then release glucose into the blood to help maintain a normal blood glucose level. The Contributions of The Urinary System for All Body Systems Skeletal System The kidneys help adjust levels of blood calcium and phosphates needed for building extracellular bone matrix. Nutrition for Bone and Joint Health Muscular System The kidneys help adjust calcium levels for contraction of muscle. Nervous System Through the process of gluconeogenesis, the kidneys provide glucose for ATP production in neurons, especially during fasting or starvation. Endocrine System The kidneys participate in the synthesis of calcitriol, the active form of Vitamin D. They also release erythropoietin which is the hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells. Cardiovascular System As noted previously, the kidneys play a key role in the regulation of blood volume, pressure, and composition. Lymphatic System and Immune Function By increasing or decreasing their reabsorption of water filtered from blood, kidneys help adjust volume of interstitial fluid and lymph. Urine also flushes microbes out of the urethra. Respiratory System The kidneys and lungs cooperate by adjusting pH of body fluids. When Should I be Worried About My Dog Panting? Digestive System As we have mentioned, the kidneys synthesise calcitriol which is the active form of vitamin D. This is necessary for the absorption of dietary calcium. Ageing and the Urinary System With ageing, kidneys do shrink in size; they have decreased blood flow and filter less blood. These age-related changes seem to be linked to a reduction in blood supply to the kidneys for example, with age, blood vessels such as the glomeruli become damaged or decrease in number. There is also a natural decrease in thirst drive with age which brings the added risk of dehydration. Urinary bladder changes include a reduction in size and capacity, along with a weakening of the muscles. This is why urinary tract infections, increased frequency of urination and urinary retention or incontinence becomes an issue with age. It would be easy to conclude that the kidneys main job is to excrete waste, but as you can see, the kidneys contribute to many other body system functions. In addition, they are not the only tissues, organs or systems that handle body wastes. Waste Handling Systems Blood The bloodstream provides a pick-up and delivery service for the transport of wastes, we can think of the bloodstream as our bin wagons. Liver The liver is the primary site for metabolic recycling. The liver rearranges amino acids into other proteins, and also converts them into glucose. The liver also converts toxic substances into less toxic ones. Lungs With each exhalation, the lungs excrete carbon dioxide, along with heat and a little water vapour. Gastrointestinal Tract Through defecation the gastrointestinal tract excretes waste, whether it is undigested foods or metabolic waste products. The kidneys play a number of roles in health, and therefore disease. If you would like to learn more about kidney function and some of our top
