There are so many aspects of health that we look at here at My Pet Nutritionist. Diet and lifestyle are considered, including vaccination schedules, chemical treatment exposure, the quality of water provided and the cleaning products/household products used in the pet’s environment. However there is another factor often overlooked when it comes to disease – stress! We often say disease is expressed according to how we interface with our environment. The main factors here being nutrition, toxins and stress. Stress can be mental, or physical. Mental stress and physical stress can also be linked. In this blog, we will look at the links between stress, and disease. What is Stress? We all know what stress feels like from time to time (and if you don’t, the rest of us are very jealous!), but how does it look from a biological standpoint? What actually happens in our and our pets’ bodies during stress? Stress responses start off in the part of the brain that deals with emotions; the Amygdala. The Amygdala sends a message to the ‘control centre of the body’; the Hypothalamus, the very centre of the brain. The Hypothalamus then interacts with the autonomic nervous system (the part of the nervous system that controls involuntary bodily functions such as breathing, heartbeat, blood pressure etc) to make adjustments in the body, to cope with the stress. The autonomic nervous system is the main system involved in stress responses, and branches into the sympathetic, and parasympathetic nervous systems. These systems are what give the tell-tale signs of stress in your pets (and yourself!), and what help reduce the effects of the stress response. Let’s take a look at some of the common symptoms of stress, caused by the different systems: The sympathetic nervous system Inhibits saliva production Increases heartrate Dilutes pupils Relaxes urinary bladder Inhibits digestive capabilities (read on to find out more on this!) Dilates bronchia The parasympathetic nervous system Promotes saliva production Decreases heartrate Constricts pupils Constricts urinary bladder Stimulates digestive functions Constricts bronchia Stress isn’t always emotional – it’s important to remember this! Common stressors include: Emotional: fear, mental trauma, anxiety Physical: over-exertion, injury, pain Environmental: allergens, pollutants, radiation and rapid temperature changes Biological: bacteria, viruses, parasitic burdens Chemical: pesticides/herbicides, toxins, heavy metals Consumable: ultra-processed foods You can read more about the stress response here! Findings Here Findings Here Calm Complex The Gut-Brain Axis Gut health plays a role in mental health, which means the health of your pet’s gut, is incredibly important to look at if your pet is frequently stressed. The gut is very much linked to every system in the body, and the nervous system is no exception! Bidirectional (both ways) occurs between the gut and the brain, so having a stressed pet, can be a little like a vicious circle, in that emotional stressors can affect the gut, and poor gut health can affect the pet’s emotions. Located in the peripheral nervous system, the main nerve associated with this bidirectional signalling between the gut and the brain, is the Vagus Nerve. Unlike other cranial nerves, which signal between the head and neck areas, the Vagus Nerve reaches all the way through the body, to connect the brain to the gut. The Vagus Nerve is responsible for various bodily functions, including: Allowing for swallowing and vocalisation in the larynx and pharynx Parasympathetic supply to the heart in the thorax, which reduces the heart rate during stressful situations Regulates smooth muscle contraction in the intestine, to enable normal defecation The Vagus Nerve is essential to link the central nervous system to the enteric nervous system to enable healthy digestion. You can read more about the Gut-Brain Axis here! Findings Here Emotional Stress and its Effects on the Body Having an anxious pet can be heartbreaking for the owner – not to mention hard work (which is very much worth it!). Due to the gut-brain axis, we know that emotional stress, doesn’t just stay within the brain! It can cause disease throughout the body, purely down to the fact the Vagus Nerve is an important part of so many systems in the body. The endocrine (hormone) system, and enteric nervous system are both massively affected by poor brain health, and prolonged periods of emotional stress can lead to a host of hormone-related diseases, and disease within the digestive tract. Of course, not all dogs with endocrine or digestive issues are stressed, nor can it always be put down to stress, but stress responses and brain health are very often overlooked – so here is your reminder to check your pet’s mental wellbeing. Think about things you could improve in their life to give them a calmer, more level mental state if they are typically easily overwhelmed, or provide them with a more stimulating routine or space if your dog’s mental health is poor due to boredom. It works both ways! Read on to find out more on how to keep your pet’s stress levels to a minimum. Findings Here Calm Complex Physical/Environmental Stress and its Effects on the Body When our pets go through some form of physical stress, whether it’s injury, or illness, the pressure on the body’s systems (which are already working harder than normal, in order to fight disease or heal injuries) can once again, cause a vicious circle. The added pressure on the body’s systems, makes for the potential for disease to worsen due to stress. We need to help our pets recover in a timely manner with as little emotional stress as possible, in order to reduce stress. Physical and environmental stress can cause emotional stress, which we know can lead to endocrine and digestive upset. Gut damage can then lead to numerous other diseases because 70-80% of the immune system lays in the gut. Chemical/Consumable Stress and its Effects on the Body Chemicals used on the pet, and around the pet as well as what you feed your pet can cause stress on the body, which leads to disease. This is
Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we see a lot of people worried about their dog’s recent blood test results. The Liver Enzyme reading may be higher than expected for a variety of reasons, and could be partly down to the food being fed to your dog. This blog aims to help you gain a better understanding of the value you may have received, and what may have caused it to be high. A Bit About Liver Enzyme Readings When your dog has a full panel of blood tests, performed by your veterinarian, your dog’s liver function is tested. The results will show on the results sheet as values for ‘ALT’, ‘AST’, ‘ALP’, and ‘GGT’. There is a set range of values which denote normal/healthy liver function which are as follows: ALT: 12-118 U/L AST: 15-66 U/L ALP: 20-200 U/L GGT: 0-25 U/L Each reading is the result for a different liver enzyme – read on to learn about each one. Your vet should help you analyse your dog’s results, and offer feedback as to the health of your dog’s liver. Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here What are the Liver Enzymes? As mentioned, each value relates to the levels of a different enzyme. Enzymes help to speed up chemical reactions in the body, and in the case of the liver enzymes as a whole, they are responsible for the production of bile, blood clotting, digestion, breaking down toxins, and helping the body to fight infection. Let’s take a look at the different enzymes tested for in your dog’s liver. Alanine Transaminase (ALT) ALT is an important catalyst for the process involved in the metabolism of glucose and protein, to for pyruvate (major part of cellular respiration) and glutamate (an important neurotransmitter used for memory, mood regulation and cognitive capabilities). When liver cells are damaged, ALT is released into the bloodstream. High amounts of ALT Leakage, means your dog could have liver disease or trauma. Findings Here Findings Here Aspartate Transaminase (AST) AST plays a major role in Gluconeogenesis of the liver, as well as some other tissues and organs. It is a catalyst for the transfer of an amino acid from aspartate to glutamate. Raised AST values can also be caused by leakage into the bloodstream through disease or trauma to the liver, as well as trauma to the muscles in the body, as AST is also found in the musculoskeletal system in mammals. Findings Here Findings Here Alkaline Phosphatase (ASP) ASP is found throughout the body, in the bloodstream. It is the catalyst for the hydrolysis of phosphate esters, leading to the breakdown of proteins in the body, and it is produced not only by the liver, but in the kidneys, intestines, pancreas and bones; it is however, produced mostly by the liver. Findings Here Findings Here Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) GGT aids the transfer of amino acids through the membrane of cells, and is also involved in leukotriene metabolism. It is a prominent marker of liver dysfunction, so elevated GGT readings are best to be further investigated as soon as possible! Findings Here Findings Here Liver Guard What Causes Raised Liver Enzymes? While there are various underlaying health conditions which cause raised liver values, including liver disease, hepatitis, cancer, thyroid disease, various myositis diseases (muscular disease), diet can influence your dog’s liver enzyme values. Too Much Copper When there is too much copper in the diet for the individual dog, the dog may develop copper-storage liver disease, scientifically known as Copper Hepatopathy. Copper is an important nutrient to include in your dog’s diet, as it aids the production of energy, and maintenance of blood vessels, and connective tissues throughout the body, however the liver is unable to process large amounts of it, which leads to a build up in the liver, which then has to store it. This damages the liver, causing elevated liver enzymes due to disease. Findings Here Findings Here Low Copper Too Much Vitamin A While Vitamin A is an important part of a balanced diet, essential for ocular health, healthy development, a strong immune system, and reproductive health, supplementing the diet with extra Vitamin A can cause elevated liver enzymes. When looking at nutrient profiles of your dog’s diet, try to use fresh ingredients (fresh fruit and veg, specifically selected, may be the best addition to your dog’s diet), instead of a supplement. Supplements tend to be very concentrated, which could easily tip your dog over their recommended daily intake of Vitamin A – this is called hepatotoxicity. Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here Too Much Iron Over-supplementing iron can also cause hepatotoxicity, which occurs due to iron-poisoning. Having excess iron intake causes raised liver enzymes due to the damage caused by hepatotoxicity, known as hemochromatosis. Findings Here Findings Here Zinc Deficiency Zinc deficiency often comes hand in hand with excess Vitamin A consumption. Some studies suggest that elevated Vitamin A in the blood could be caused by a lack of zinc, not just by over-consumption. Zinc levels are often skipped during testing for various diseases, but are extremely important to investigate. Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here High Carbohydrate Diets Studies show that dogs fed a high carbohydrate diet are more at risk of developing liver disease, and therefore raised liver enzymes than those fed a low carbohydrate diet. One of the roles of the liver, is to maintain glucose concentrations in order to control the metabolism of carbohydrates. If the liver is strained too hard due to being overloaded by carbohydrates, it is at risk of leaking enzymes into the bloodstream, causing elevated liver enzymes. Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here Ketogenic Diets As much as a high carbohydrate diet may lead to leakage of liver enzymes, a low-to-no carbohydrate diet may also lead to the leakage of liver enzymes, as the liver overproduces them. Some conditions do require a ketogenic diet, such as those suffering from cancer, but if your dog is on a ketogenic diet, ensure your dog’s blood is
Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we help a lot of dogs who present with regurgitation. It’s not a pleasant sensation for us humans, and it’s no different for our canine companions. Regurgitation can occur for various reasons, which we will take a brief look at in this blog. We will also discuss what is the best food to feed your dog, and what supplements could be considered for your dog suffering with regurgitation. What is Regurgitation? Regurgitation is the expulsion of undigested food via the mouth. Unlike when a dog vomits, when there are ‘warning signs’ such as licking of the lips, drool etc, when a dog regurgitates, it’s very much instantaneous with no pre-warning. One of the biggest risks of regurgitation, especially in brachycephalic breeds, is aspiration pneumonia. When regurgitation occurs, the larynx can struggle to close quickly enough. Being open at the time of regurgitation can cause particles of food to be breathed in, which causes the pneumonia. What Can Cause Regurgitation? There are various reasons a dog may regurgitate. It’s not necessarily a condition on it’s own, but it’s more a symptom of an underlaying illness. It can also be partly down to breed predisposition due to being congenital. Breeds with a predisposition include: Chinese shar pei Newfoundland Miniature schnauzer Great dane German shepherd Labrador Fox terrier Acquired causes (those which regurgitation is a symptom of) include: Acid reflux: the pressure of the chyme in the stomach due to digestive incapabilities, causes the dog to regurgitate. Read more about acid reflux here. Megaoesophagus: peristalsis is unable to occur, so food sits in the oesophagus in the chest. Read more on megaoesophagus here. Laryngeal Paralysis: the larynx is unable to function, so the windpipe and throat may be open at the same time. This causes coughing and gagging, which can lead to regurgitation. Read more on Laryngeal Paralysis here. Brachycephalic Obstructive Airways Syndrome (BOAS): some of the breathing and swallowing pathways which are affected in those with BOAS can cause regurgitation. Food particles can get stuck at various points in the digestive system in these dogs. Surgery is required to open the relevant pathways to reduce the risk of regurgitation. Foreign Body: when something is lodged in the throat or chest cavity, regurgitation can occur, as food particles are unable to bypass the blockage. Cancer: depending on where the tumour is, your dog may be unable to digest food, and/or food particles may get stuck somewhere along the digestive tract, leading to their expulsion through the mouth. Stress: digestive function is compromised when the body is under stress as the sympathetic nervous system kicks in. hypersensitivity occurs during stressful situations too, which heightens the risk of oesophageal irritation, and therefore regurgitation. Incorrect Diet: feeding your dog a diet that does not suit them is a major cause of regurgitation. The body reacts to unsuitable food because the Enteric Nervous System (ENS) causes the digestive tract to become hypersensitive, which leads to regurgitation. Allergies and intolerances can also cause this reaction, so it’s important to get on top of these. Read more on why a dog regurgitates here! Findings Here Findings Here What Should you Feed? Recurring regurgitation can be a huge sign that the diet you are feeding your dog is unsuitable, and needs tweaking. Changing the Type of Food It’s very likely that the type of food you are feeding your dog needs changing if your dog is regurgitating. Of course, we recommend feeding a diet as fresh as possible. Raw food, or cooked food (using one of our balanced recipes). If you are feeding raw food already, and your dog is regurgitating, it may be worth looking into feeding a balanced, cooked diet. Many dogs who regurgitate do better on a cooked diet. Feeding an easily digestible protein such as white fish using our balanced white fish cooked food recipe may be beneficial for a dog with regular episodes of regurgitation. In some cases, the dog requires a lower fat diet. Feeding leaner proteins may help. These tend to put less stress on the digestive tract, and are therefore much easier to digest, reducing the risk of regurgitation. It really is a case of finding what suits your individual dog best! Why would we recommend avoiding dry food? The lack of moisture, and vast amount of difficult-to-digest ingredients in dry foods can cause havoc with the digestive system, which can cause regurgitation. Findings Here Getting on Top of Allergies and Intolerances Working on eliminating foods the dog doesn’t tolerate is essential. The more gut inflammation caused by feeding intolerable foods, the higher the chance of regurgitation. A full elimination diet may be required – this entails feeding one single protein for a prolonged period of time (6-12 weeks), in order to see if it is well tolerated or not, before moving on to the next. Read our blog on Elimination Diets here! Our Transform package is ideal for those suffering from allergies and intolerances! Findings Here Changing the Frequency of Meals Many dogs who suffer from regurgitation require smaller, but more frequent meals. This is particularly useful in dogs with slow digestion, and those with weak peristalsis. Feeding smaller portions allows the body to digest food more thoroughly, causing less irritation in the digestive tract. Better digestion, means less chance of regurgitation. Supplementing your Dog’s Diet There are some supplements which may be beneficial to those suffering with recurring regurgitation. Of course, it’s important underlaying illness is ruled out first, with your veterinarian, but the following supplements may reduce the risk of regurgitation in your dog. Mucilage Herbs Mucilage herbs help heal and protect the gut as well as soothing the digestive tract. Those with regurgitation often have irritation throughout the digestive tract following a meal, so adding mucilage herbs into the regime, helps keep the digestive tract comfortable. Some examples of mucilage herbs include slippery elm, marshmallow root, and deglycyrrhizinated liquorice (DGL). Our product Gut Guardian contains all three, plus calming chamomile, and soil
Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we see lots of cases of Hotspots. Those seeing a hotspot for the first time can be worrying; those who deal with them regularly may feel overwhelmed, and frustrated at their regular reappearance. In this blog we will look at what hotspots are, how they happen, their link to gut health, and how we can support the body to heal them efficiently. What Are Hotspots? Hotspots are scientifically known as Pyotraumatic Dermatitis. Another common name for them is ‘Acute Moist Dermatitis’; this name gives more of a visual impression of what you can expect to see of a hotspot case. They present as red raw, moist areas of hairloss, and can happen on both dogs and cats. There is no specific place hotspots can happen on the body, and they tend to show up very quickly. Often confused with ringworm, hotspots are wet in appearance, and often more open/raw looking than ringworm. Ringworm also tends to occur in patches, as opposed to one single spot. Are they sore for your pet? Yes! Hotspots can be very sore for your pet, so it’s important not to leave them. You may notice increased itching and licking of the area, as well as potential behavioural changes due to pain. The sore my ooze liquid, particularly if the hotspot has become infected, which would also bring an unpleasant odour. The fur around the edge of the lesion may be matted. There is no correlation between age, sex or breed when it comes to the likelihood of s dog getting a hotspot. Findings Here What Causes Them? Hotspots are caused by bacterial overgrowth, or are secondary to another underlaying health issue. The biggest trigger for hotspots, is repeated itching of an area on the body. This can make hotspots a secondary health problem to allergies and intolerances, flea infestations and other insect bites, ear infections, grass seeds, stress and anxiety, and poor grooming husbandry when matts are close to the skin. The constant itching and licking of an area makes the perfect growth site for bacteria – moisture and warmth are bacteria’s favourite conditions! Findings Here Findings Here Hotspots and Gut Health As with most skin related problems, there is a huge link with poor gut health. We need to look closely at the Skin-Gut Axis. The skin and gut barrier share many qualities, as they’re both highly vascularised and innervated due to their role in both immune function, and neuro-endocrine function. When looking at the inside of the gut and the surface of the skin, to the naked eye they may seem worlds apart, but both are covered in epithelial cells which both make direct contact with the corresponding environment (the skin contacts particles in the air, things we touch etc, and the inside of the gut touches everything moving through the gut). The biggest similarity between the skin and the gut, is that they both possess their own microbiome. I’m sure you’ve heard us talking about the microbiome on many occasions; but that is because the microbiome is so incredibly important for health and proper functioning of various systems and organs. The microbiome is made up of all microbes the relevant organ uses, and makes contact with, including good (and bad!) bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa and other parasites. Gut Guardian There are many studies which prove positive links between probiotic supplementation and skin quality, which can be found in our blog about the gut-skin axis! Metabolites from the gut are shown to link directly to the skin’s ability to fight off ‘nasties’ which would in turn, reduce the risk of hotspots. An important neurotransmitter called Acetylcholine also plays a role in the functioning of the skin’s barrier, and how it deals with overgrowth of bacteria. Supporting the Body for Healing If your dog currently has a hotspot, it’s very important to treat it as soon as possible, as it won’t go away on it’s own. If the hotspot is oozing a yellow or creamy colour, you will need to seek veterinary attention, however it is important to work on the gut following use of antibiotics your vet may prescribe. Step 1: Shave the Fur Gently shave the fur around the hotspot – this enables you to see the full extent of the hotspot, and gives you a clean area to treat it, without the risk of fur getting into the wound. It also allows the hotspot to ‘breathe’, which is imperative in helping it dry up. Step 2: Clean the Area Using either boiled and cooled salt water, colloidal silver, Leucillin/Dew, or probiotic wound spray, gently clean the area to ensure there’s no bad bacteria on or around the hotspot. Pat it dry gently with a cotton pad. Step 3: Apply Green Clay With a clean, soft brush, such as a clean makeup brush, lightly dust some green clay on the hotspot – green clay is an excellent ‘staple’ for the dog cupboard (come on, everyone has a dog cupboard or drawer)! Green clay helps remove toxin from the skin, and helps dry the wound out. When purchasing your clay, ensure the product is 100% green clay, as some products contain added ingredients, including fragrances, which we definitely don’t want to use on our dogs! If you spot the hotspot getting wet through the clay, pop a little more on. Reapply the green clay once or twice per day, and keep the area dry at all times! Step 4: Prevent the Dog from Licking or Itching It’s important to not let the dog lick the wound, or get it wet. Itching the wound can aggravate it too, so don’t let them do this! You may need to resort to the cone of shame (Elizabethan collar, lampshade, or whatever you might call it!) for a few days to achieve this. Depending on where on the body the hotspot is, you may be able to use a clean t-shirt or sock to help cover it. Step 5: Wait! Hopefully
With new studies recently released, is it time to rethink the use of coconut oil for our dogs? Coconut oil is a very popular product, used by pet owners all over the world, boasting some great health benefits. Take a look at the benefits, and some potential downsides of using coconut oil for your dogs with us! What is Coconut Oil? Coconut oil is made by pressing the flesh of the coconut. The state of the flesh in its complete form, determines the type of oil produced. When shopping for coconut oil, you may notice that both refined, and unrefined varieties are available. Unrefined coconut oil is the fresher option – this is the result of pressing fresh coconut flesh. Refined coconut oil is produced by pressing dried coconut flesh (called copra), so is more processed. Virgin unrefined oils are typically the most pure option, as virgin oils are from the initial press, as opposed to subsequent presses, where non-virgin oils are produced, which are not as nutrient rich. Coconut oil is rich in Medium-Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) – a type of saturated fat, healthier than heavy fats. Around 65% of coconut oil’s make up is MCTs! More on those later! Using Coconut Oil Externally Coconut oil is often a fantastic choice for topical (external) use! It is used in the dog world for all sorts – flea prevention (as it makes the coat more slippery), to treat dry skin and noses, to soothe sore areas of skin, and much more! The MCT content of coconut oil has great antimicrobial properties, so can be used to help promote healing of minor wounds, pyoderma, and other fungal and bacterial skin issues. The specific fatty acid largely responsible for this is called Lauric Acid, which makes up around half of the MCTs. Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here The oil from coconuts is extremely moisturising to the skin! So moisturizing in fact, that studies comparing it to mineral oils (well renowned for being excellent for the skin) have been carried out! Results show coconut oil has just as much of a positive impact on skin moisture as mineral oil. Findings Here Using Coconut Oil Internally Internal use of coconut oil is quite popular among the dog community, however, some new research suggests that it might not be such a good idea. Let’s take a look at the benefits first, before we move on to the new research! Those who feed coconut oil claim it helps their dog’s coat condition due to the content of fatty acids. People also notice a difference in dental health – coconut oil can be a great choice for a doggie toothpaste, mixed with a little bicarbonate of soda (baking soda for those reading from other parts of the world!). Findings Here There is some evidence to suggest that changes to cholesterol levels are possible by consuming coconut oil – it’s said to reduce the bad Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and increase the High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in the body. There are also studies which state the very opposite, and that consuming coconut oil may actually increase levels of LDL. This conflict is something which needs further research, and is something to take into consideration if you’re looking at feeding it to your dog. Findings Here Coconut oil is antioxidant rich – this means it helps to combat dangerous free radicals in the body! Packing antioxidants into your dog’s diet is important, but other sources are available. Blueberries are one of the most powerful antioxidant sources readily available in your supermarket. Findings Here Seizure control is another proposed benefit to feeding coconut oil – this is because as part of a ketogenic diet, fats are important. There is evidence to suggest that the MCT content in coconut oil cause an increase in ketone levels in the bloodstream. There are links between high ketone concentrations and reduced frequency of seizures. Findings Here What Does New Research Suggest? As we mentioned, some new studies into the use of coconut oil internally, have been published! Of course, we had to read and digest them; so what do they say? The new research findings affect the gut! As we always speak about here at My Pet Nutritionist; gut health is so incredibly important, and has a knock on effect to all parts of the body, as well as being largely responsible for immune health. Leaky gut appears to be a major concern with feeding coconut oil, according to the new studies. Leaky gut happens when there is inflammation and irritation of the gut lining. The one-cell-thick intestinal lining is formed with ‘tight junctions’ in the healthy gut – this means the cells are right next to each other with no gaps, which stops particles from crossing the membrane into the bloodstream where they are recognised as foreign bodies, which presents symptomatically as intolerances. When irritated, gaps open up between the cells, which allows for particles to leak from the gut and into the bloodstream. Studies show that the previously mentioned Lauric Acid, is inherently inflammatory. Studies also suggest that although antimicrobial, it may also destroy the membranes of lipopolysaccharides (LPS), which causes an immune response. The studies also state that coconut oil may cause the overproduction of LPS, and also increase it’s toxicity. Findings Here Findings Here As coconut oil is a saturated fat, this also contributes to inflammation in the gut, which leads to leaky gut. The fat content of coconut oil is also a worry because high fat diets feed some bacteria, causing leaky gut. Findings Here What can we use as an alternative? As an alternative to coconut oil, for internal use, you may prefer to use a high quality MCT oil. It’s important to source a good MCT oil, as pure as possible, as not every MCT oil on the market is created equal! For coat and skincare, internally, you can look at some other healthy fatty acid sources, such as fresh or tinned oily fish
Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we see a lot of worried puppy parents, struggling with pyoderma. Skin conditions are a very common topic at MPN HQ, so let’s take a dive into pyoderma, what it is, what causes it, and how to support the body with it. What is Pyoderma? The word pyoderma, literally translates to ‘pus in the skin’ (‘pyo’ = pus, ‘derma’ = skin). The condition presents as acne-like spots on the skin, often in the chin area, and around the lips. Pyoderma is a bacterial skin infection, the most common bacteria affecting it being Staphyloccocus intermedius. When there is too much of a specific bacteria present on the skin, the risk of pyoderma is significant. Pyoderma can happen at any age, but is particularly common in puppies – known as puppy pyoderma. Pyoderma can spread between humans and dogs, so it’s important to clean your hands thoroughly when you touch the affected areas on your dog. Findings Here Findings Here Causes of Pyoderma A common contributing factor of pyoderma is environment. Dogs living in warm, humid environments may be at a higher risk than those living in cool, dry environments. Humidity and warmth are essential for bacterial growth. Items in the environment can also contribute to the onset of pyoderma; the biggest culprit being dog bowls! Plastic bowls are particularly good bacterial breeding grounds because they scratch very easily (even if you cant see the scratches to the naked eye), which leaves crevices which are difficult to fully clean, allowing for bacterial growth. When the dog touches the bowl, the bacteria rubs onto the skin, causing pyoderma. An unhealthy gut is also a huge contributing factor to the overcolonisation of bacteria, which can cause pyoderma. 70-80% of the immune system lays in the gut. When the gut is damaged, through the use of chemicals, pest control pharmaceuticals, poor diet or ingredients, or any other cause of gut damage, this can have a severe effect on the body’s ability to get rid of the over-colonised bad bacteria. This leaves the dog more vulnerable to pyoderma. Secondary infection is also one of the major causes of pyoderma. It can be a secondary infection arising from a poor skin barrier, poor gut flora, intolerences to food, and contact allergies from the environment. As well as these common health complaints, there is also a genetic mutation called the Fillagrin mutation – this is much like eczema in humans. Findings Here Breed predisposition may also be a factor in the onset of pyoderma, however more research in this field is needed. Breeds thought to be at higher risk of pyoderma include: Spaniels (ususally lip fold pyoderma) Pekingese Pugs Boxers Bulldogs Shar Pei Read more about genes and skin health here! Finally, stress could contirbute to a dog getting pyoderma. Just like in us humans, stress-spots are very much possible. This is down to the skin having developed it’s own HPA axis. When the body is under stress, the adrenal glands release, and flood the body with stress hormones. This sudden burst of hormones can cause pyoderma to form on the skin. Read more about the skin’s HPA axis here! How to Prevent Pyoderma Prevention of pyoderma is something that may be overlooked by many pet owners, but it can happen to any dog at any age, so it’s something to be mindful of. Using the Right Bowls In order to reduce the risk of bacteria against the skin on the face, and around the mouth, we need to be mindful of the bowls being used for food and water. Glass (modern Pyrex is great, but avoid vintage Pyrex due to the potential for lead contamination!) bowls are a fantastic option, but beware if your dog is likely to pick it up and drop it. Stainless steel bowls are also a good option. Avoid plastic bowls, and be cautious using ceramic bowls, due to the ease of cracking of the glaze, which could then harbor bacteria. Keeping the Gut Healthy As previously mentioned, 70-80% of the immune system lays in the gut, so keeping the gut healthy is incredibly important. There are many avenues to keeping the gut healthy. Feed a fresh diet where possible – dry food is very drying on the gut, and often contains ingredients that can contribute to Leaky Gut. Fresh food, whether it’s raw or cooked using one of our recipes balanced to FEDIAF, is high in moisture, so is better for the gut. Avoid using worm and flea pharmaceuticals – these act a lot like paint stripper on the gut, and contain damaging ingredients, not to mention the risk of seizures, ataxia, and other nasty side effects. Don’t over-vaccinate! The adjuvants used in vaccinations can be detrimental to gut health due to the content of heavy metals. Use a probiotic, and if needed, a mucilage herb. Our product Gut Gurdian is a great choice, combining three mucilage herbs, calming chamomile, and some good quality soil based probiotics. Keeping the Skin Clean Keeping skin clean and dry is very important – focusing on the chin and mouth area, wrinkles/folds in certain breeds, and armpits and groin areas. You may wish to use a hypochlorous based product, of topical probiotic product to clean with, such as Leucillin or Dew (Hypochlorous based), or Provilan LUCAA+ probiotic products. Ensure areas are thoroughly dried. Keep On Top of Allergies Allergy symptoms usually include itching – constant itching of an area will irritate the skin, and leave it open to bacterial infections, especially in the hair follicles. It’s important to work on finding your dog’s triggers, and eliminating them. Keep the Environment Clean Try to keep the dog’s living environment clean! A clean environment, means less risk of bacteria. Less bacteria in the environment, reduces the risk of transmission to a host. How to Support the Body If your dog has pyoderma already, there are some things you can do to support the body through recovery. Let’s take a look at some
At My Pet Nutritionist we are all about feeding your dogs the freshest, most natural diets, whether that’s raw feeding, or cooked food; this article explains how to balance a raw diet properly. We will also discuss the nutrients which are commonly lacking in a raw diet. Feed a Variety of Proteins Feeding a variety of proteins (meats) is a huge part of balancing your dog’s raw diet. Of course, if your dog is suffering with allergies, and is either on an elimination diet, or limited to a few proteins, this is fine as it’s the best you can do! If your dog is not known to suffer with itchiness or allergies, then feeding as many proteins as possible in your dog’s rotation, is very beneficial. This can be over the course of a week to a month. Different proteins offer different nutrient profiles, which means feeding a variety gives a broader intake of micronutrients, including vitamins and minerals. Let’s take a look at what some of the popular options provide! Chicken: provides high amounts of Vitamin B3 and B12, Selenium, Zinc, Magnesium, Phosphorus, and Biotin. Turkey: rich in Vitamin B6 and B12, Choline, Selenium, Magnesium, and Phosphorus. Beef: great source of Iron, Vitamins B2, B3,B6 and B12, Magnesium, Calcium, Copper, and Zinc. Lamb: Source of Iron, Vitamins B3 and B12, Selenium, and Phosphorus. Duck: Great source of Iron, Selenium and Vitamins B3, B12 and C. Pork: High in various B Vitamins, Zinc, Iron and Phosphorus. Venison: provides Zinc, Phosphorus, Iron, Selenium, a variety of B Vitamins, as well as a small amount of Vitamin E. Rabbit: high in Sodium, Calcium, Phosphorus, and Magnesium. Goat: source of Calcium, Sodium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Magnesium. Salmon: high in Vitamins A, B6, B12 and D, Iodine, Copper, Calcium, Magnesium, and Sodium. There are other options also available, including a variety of other fish products. We will touch on some fish products in the next section! Add in Some Omegas Omegas are essential fatty acids – omega 3 and 6 are the important ones! Omega 3 is anti-inflammatory, whereas omega 6 is inflammatory. Our pets’ meat based diets are naturally high in omega 6, so its important to get plenty of omega 3 into the diet! Cell membranes are partly formed by omegas, and heart and brain health are largely down to omega content in the diet, as well as puppy development, joint and skin health, and weight management. Let’s discuss the different types of omega! Here’s where the words get long… thankfully we abbreviate them! Omega-3 Fatty Acids CANNOT be produced by the body as they are polyunsaturated. There are three Omega-3 fats: Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA): found in fatty fish and fish oils, as well as many algal oils. Helps reduce inflammation. Alpha-linolenic Acid (ALA): found in flaxseed oil and chia seeds. For a non-plant based form, oysters can be added in. Aids heart and immune health. Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA): found in fatty fish , fish oils and algae oils, and eggs. Aids brain health and development. Omega-3 is ANTI-INFLAMMATORY. Omega-6 Fatty Acids are polyunsaturated and also include three different acids – the body can only produce 2 of these. Linolenic Acid (LA): found in sunflower oil and corn. Cannot be produced by the body. Gamma-linolenic Acid (GLA): found in Hempseed oil, borage oil, and Evening Primrose oil. This is the only Omega-6 which is not inflammatory – its great for control of hormones. Arachidonic Acid (ARA): found in meat and poultry, particularly farmed. Omega-6 is INFLAMMATORY (apart from GLA). Sources of omega 3 include: Fatty fish: raw sprats, sardines, salmon, mackerel, herring and trout, tinned sardines or mackerel. Fish oils: Krill Oil, sardine oil, mackerel oil, herring oil. Raw eggs: (EPA and DHA) Green Lipped Mussels and Oil (EPA and DHA) Phytoplankton (EPA and DHA) Algae Oil (DHA HEAVY with a little EPA) Flaxseed Oil (ALA – also contains LA, and conversion to EPA is poor, so perhaps not the best choice) It’s very important to ensure there’s plenty of omega in the diet! Findings Here Findings Here Add in Some Plant Matter Adding some plant matter to your dog’s diet brings great benefits! Not only does plant matter provide fibre (which helps gut motility), polyphenols, phytonutrients and antioxidants are also introduced into the diet. Polyphenols help regulate metabolism, help maintain a healthy weight, help regulate and reduce the risk of chronic disease, and also aids the replication of cells within the body. Keeping the body free from chronic disease, at a healthy weight, and with a good metabolic rate may aid longevity! Findings Here Phytonutrients are essential for immune system modulation which helps keep various diseases at bay. Phytonutrients are thought to help prevent chronic disease such as cancer and diabetes, as well as supporting joints, digestive health, circadian rhythms (sleep patterns), and brain development. Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here Antioxidants also aid longevity by destroying free radicals in the body. Free radicals form during oxidisation, and are unstable atoms which damage cells in the body and lead to ageing. Destroying the free radicals slows the process of ageing due to lack of damage to the cells in the body. Findings Here Fruits and Vegetables are also full of vitamins and minerals so can really boost an 80:10:10 meal! Some examples of suitable plant matter include: Kale Spring greens Asparagus Broccoli Brussels Sprouts Cabbage Cauliflower Courgette Green beans Strawberries Mango Pear Apple Up to 10% of the weight of the portion of raw meat can be added! It’s a good idea to lightly steam and/or blend vegetables before feeding, to make them more bioavailable, by breaking down the cellulose cell wall. What is often Lacking from the Raw Diet? When feeding a raw diet, while it’s the best, most natural diet available (though not all tolerate it – that’s what we’re here for!), there are 6 nutrients which are often lacking in most raw diets. Try to include a variety of these sources! Zinc (essential for cell growth, DNA
Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we often help pet owners battle with oxalate crystals/stones in their pets. A diagnosis of any urinary stone can seem daunting, but that’s where we can step in to help! This is a handy guide to the ins-and-outs of Calcium Oxalate stones! What are Oxalate Stones? Oxalate stones, formally known as Calcium Oxalate stones, are formed of microscopic crystals of calcium oxalate. They’re the second most common type of urinary stone found in dogs, second to Struvite stones. If left untreated, oxalate crystals are one of the leading causes of kidneys stones. Males tend to get diagnosed with oxalate stones more often than females, and they’re more common in older dogs than they are in younger dogs. Some breeds are predisposed to Oxalate Stones. These include: Miniature schnauzer Yorkshire terrier Lhasa apso Bichon frise Shih Tzu Miniature poodle Chihuahua Jack Russel Findings Here Findings Here Symptoms of Oxalate Stones There are a number of symptoms caused by oxalate stones, including: Difficulty urinating Bloody or cloudy urine Smelly urine Frequent urination Distended abdomen Lack of appetite Changes in behaviour Lethargy Vomiting If your dog has such symptoms, it’s important to seek veterinary assistance. How Do They Form? Studies show that feeding a diet that causes high levels of urine acidity can contribute to the formation of oxalate stones. Research suggests that urine high in calcium, citrates and oxalates (these changes to urine are largely controlled by diet) can increase the risk of the dog having oxalate stones. Breed, and sex predisposition are huge factors in the formation of oxalate stones, alongside the aforementioned dietary factors. Findings Here Findings Here Diagnosis, and Getting Rid of Oxalate Stones When taken to the vet, the dog will have a blood sample taken, and a full blood panel will be run. A urinalysis will also be performed to check for increased levels of acidity, calcium, citrates and oxalates. If bladder stones are not able to be felt through palpation of the bladder, an x-ray may be performed to work out exactly what we are dealing with. Unfortunately, oxalate stones usually require surgical intervention, as they cannot be dissolved once formed. Like with Cysteine stones, smaller crystals may be able to be flushed out using urohydropropulsion, however as these crystals, untreated, can grow rapidly and cause urine infections, most veterinary surgeons would prefer to operate and remove all crystals as a first port of call. Findings Here Supporting the Body, and Preventing Oxalate Stones There are many ways we can support the body to prevent recurring formation of oxalate stones. Let’s discuss these! Probiotics Studies show that probiotics are effective at breaking down oxalates in the digestive system, so it’s wise to give a good, broad spectrum probiotic every day. Avoid high calcium, acidic, and high oxalate foods It’s incredibly important to keep the pH of the urine as alkaline as possible. There are certain foods we recommend to avoid feeding your dog if they have history of oxalate stone development. These include: Spinach (high in oxalates) Leafy Greens (the darker they are, the more oxalates they contain) Beets (high in oxalates) Citrus fruits (high in citrates and oxalates) Legumes (high in lectin, and oxalates) Beans (high in lectin and oxalates) Nuts and seeds (high in oxalates) Berries (high in oxalates) Increase moisture intake Always insure your dog is drinking plenty of water! A high moisture diet is also incredibly important, be it raw, or freshly cooked. You can also ‘float’ the food, by adding extra water to it. Check out our low oxalate recipe here! Limit sodium intake Another reason to avoid dry foods, is that they’re often high in salt. Salt is very dehydrating on the body, so it’s important to limit sodium intake. Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here Has your dog been diagnosed with Oxalate, of any other type of urinary tones? If the answer is YES, don’t hesitate to book a consultation with one of our team! Team MPN x
This year, tick infestations seem to be particularly bad. At My Pet Nutritionist, we have had many worried pet owners coming to us, regarding tick prevention, worrying about potential diseases the ticks their dogs are picking up may carry. This guide explains what ticks are, how to identify them, how the severity of tick bites differs depending on your location in the world, what diseases ticks can carry, and how to help prevent tick bites. We will also discuss the dangers of conventional tick treatments, and explain how to safely remove any engorged ticks. (Did anyone get the ode to Fantastic Beasts, and Where to Find Them?! Ticks are definitely not ‘fantastic’ beasts, however!) How to Identify a Tick Ticks are often mistaken for skin tags… or those latched on the stomach area, often mistaken for nipples! Ticks have very small heads, and large, shiny, rounded bodies. They have 8 legs, which protrude from around the head area. Ticks can be a variety of colours, from peachy-nude, to red, to dark brown, grey and black. They can be seen crawling across your pet’s fur, or engorged, in which case, only the large rounded body will be visible, with the legs also visible right next to the skin. We will talk about tick removal later in this article. Ticks in the UK In the UK, our tick population doesn’t tend to carry diseases which are deadly to healthy dogs, unlike other countries which have ticks carrying more severe diseases. We have around 20 species of tick in the UK. The most common species of tick in the UK are Castor Bean ticks (Ixodes Ricinus), Hedgehog ticks (Ixodes hexagonus), and Dog ticks (Ixodes canisuga), though deer ticks are sometimes picked up. Ticks in the Rest of the World Ticks in countries outside of the UK can be much more dangerous than those in the UK, to both humans and dogs. Paralysis ticks are an example – once engorged, Australian Paralysis ticks (Ixodes holocyclus) and the European Red Sheep tick (Haemaphysalis punctata) release a neurotoxin which causes paralysis in the host. Another of the more dangerous ticks is the Lone Star tick (Amblyomma Americanum) which can transmit ehrlichiosis in dogs, which can cause internal bleeding, and death. In humans, the Lone Star tick can cause Alpha-gal syndrome, which is a severe allergy to red meat, and products made from mammals. But What About Lyme Disease? Often carried by Deer Ticks, Lyme disease is the most common potential disease transmitted from ticks. In humans, Lyme Disease is a very debilitating condition, and has a huge affect on one’s quality of life. Humans affected, will likely be on very long courses, or even lifelong medication. Thankfully, Lyme Disease in dogs is much less of a worry! Dogs have a great ability to fight the bacteria causing Lyme Disease. In a study of Beagles exposed to Lyme disease, none of the adult dogs showed any symptoms! Puppies naturally have a less developed immune system, so the puppies in the study had around 4 days of mild symptoms, before their immune system fought off the bacteria! By keeping the immune system strong, we can reduce the risk of symptomatic Lyme Disease in our dogs! Feed fresh, and keep the gut healthy to help keep the immune system strong! Interesting fact: For transmission of Lyme Disease, a tick has to be engorged (attached to your dog, feeding) for 24-36 hours. If removed safely before this period, the risk of transmission is low. Findings Here How To Safely Remove a Tick First we’ll explain how NOT to remove a tick, as this is incredibly important to minimise the risk of disease transmission, and is a common mistake made by pet owners. The cardinal sin in tick removal, is smothering it. Never smother a tick in Vaseline, natural tick prevention, or any other product, and never attempt to burn them off. When you smother a tick, they let go as they are unable to breathe efficiently, however this also causes them to panic. When a tick panics, they regurgitate. Their innards, which could be hosting disease, would be expelled into your dog’s blood stream! If the tick is carrying anything untoward, it would be passed onto your dog! Now onto the SAFE removal of a tick! There are 4 tools you can use! Let’s take a look at each of these! Tick Twisters: These are plastic tools, with a forked end. Simply slide the tick between the forks, right by the skin, so the tick’s head is in the tool, and twist it. The twisting action causes the tick to let go. Tick Keys: These have a large hole, with a very thin opening at the end. Simply hook the tick into the thinnest part of the hole, and pull away from the skin. This pulls the tick from the skin. Tick Lassos: These are pen-like items, with a retractable wire loop at one end. Hook the wire over the tick, and retract it so the tick cannot move. Gently twist, and pull it away from the skin. Tweezers: This is probably the least effective method, but perhaps slightly more accessible if you don’t have a tick tool at home yet (it’s a great idea to add one to your dog first aid kit!). Fine pointed tweezers work best. Pinch the tick with the tweezers as close to the skin as possible, and gently lift the tick away. Be sure to remove the head! Once removed, spray the area with Leucillin, or similar natural antiseptic spray. How to Prevent Ticks There are a number of natural tick prevention methods available. A layered approach is best; an internal product, an external product, and perhaps a repelling collar. Internal products often include herbs such as neem leaf, peppermint leaf, yucca, ginger, fenugreek, lemon balm, and garlic. These all make the dog unattractive to ticks. Fresh garlic is a great internal preventative, in the correct amounts for your size of dog. Do
Immunity is no doubt at the forefront of most pet owner’s minds. Everyone wants their pets to live a long and healthy life, so keeping a strong immune system is essential. Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we help many pet owners through their own experiences of disease in their pets, so we thought we would put together this blog on the cornerstones for a strong immune system in your pets. 1. Gut Health Gut health is key to general health of all species, whether it be human, canine, feline, or even smaller furry pets! Virtually all aspects of health can be improved through good gut heath. Around 70% of the immune system is found in the gut! Quite a staggering figure, but a very important fact to keep in mind when it comes to our pets’ health. In an unhealthy gut, the immune system becomes massively impaired, leading to a potential multitude of health issues, including those allergy dogs we so often help here at My Pet Nutritionist. Many things can damage the gut, including chemical flea and worm treatments, poor diets which are processed and/or high in ingredients containing lectin, contact with household and garden chemicals and much more. It’s imperative to gut health, to feed fresh, and limit the exposure to all toxins! Using a mucilage herb for those with damaged guts, helps to heal the gut; these include slippery elm, marshmallow root, and deglycyrrhised liquorice. Teaming these with a probiotic allows the gut to flourish, as a damaged gut will leak the good bacteria which forms a large part of the immune system. Gut Guardian 2. Methylation DNA Methylation is a very important chemical process within the body. This process includes the chemical modification of DNA during replication of cells. Gene expression can be altered through methylation too. So, why is this process an important part of keeping the immune system strong? Various malignant cells, including those for lymphoid cells (produces immune cells B, T and NK) and myeloid cells (related health issues, such as Mast Cells) replicate through a process called hematopoiesis, making these cells ‘hematopoietic stem cells’ (HSCs). Myeloid cells are not ones we want replicating in the body, as they can lead to various types of tumour. Here’s where the process of Methylation comes in to play! Methylation has the ability to regulate HSC differentiation – in other words, it reduces the risk of the Myeloid cells replicating, and forming tumours, but increases differentiation of lymphoid cells. For more information on the types of cells involved in immune responses, read our blog here! Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here 3. Healthy Brain and Endocrine System The Endocrine System is what keeps the body’s organs in good health, through homeostasis. The endocrine system and immune system used to be thought to work independently from one another, but more recently, it was discovered that the two systems work hand in hand to keep the body healthy, and control infection. The immune system uses a mixture of immune receptors and cytokines to fight infection, and the endocrine system uses hormones to regulate metabolism in the body’s organs. As an example, one of the most important regulations aided by both systems, is the metabolism of glucose. Insulin is produced by the endocrine system to regulate glucose levels in the blood, and helps the body to fight infection. Cytokines aid the body during glucose spikes by increasing responsiveness of the peripheral organs to the endocrine system. When the organ becomes more responsive to the signals from the endocrine system, greater amounts of the required hormone can be produced. The brain produces so many important hormones for health of the body, and to help fight a variety of infections, so it is important to keep the brain healthy and free from inflammation. Supplementing your pet’s diet with plenty of omega 3 is a great way to keep inflammation down. To read more about the endocrine system, and the importance of hormones, read our blog here! Findings Here Findings Here 4. Circulation and Lymphatics The lymphatic and circulatory systems are an important part of immunity, and keeping the immune system strong. The lymphatic system is responsible for draining excess fluid from bodily tissues, removing cellular waste, absorption of fat soluble vitamins from dietary sources, and helping to fight infections. The circulatory system works with the lymphatic system to transport the cellular waste and excess fluid around the body, and away from the relative organs. The interstitial fluid (found between tissues) is what provides the body’s cells with important nutrients, and a way of removing any waste from the cells. The lymphatic system acts as a taxi for antigens and antigen-presenting cells to transport them through the body to places of infection. This enables the antigens to fight the infection in question, and expel waste. Findings Here Findings Here 5. Detoxification Finally, detoxification is essential for immune health. The body is exposed to a host of toxins, just by going through daily life. We live, generally, in a very toxic world, so detoxifying the body is essential. Detoxification aids methylation, which as discussed above, is a very important process for a strong immune system. Liver Guard Heavy metals can be picked up and consumed very easily in our pets – traces can be found in food, and heavy metals are also in abundance in vaccinations. Those who have received vaccinations during their lives, whether only one has been given at an appropriate age as a puppy, or they’re given regularly (if given regularly, over vaccination occurs, making the risk of vaccinosis higher; read more here) the likelihood that your pet has heavy metals in the bloodstream is high. Heavy metals disrupt metabolic functions in vital organs, as well as reducing the ability to efficiently absorb vitamins and minerals from dietary sources. Detoxification can be achieved through feeding a fresh, preferably organic diet, minimising exposure to environmental and veterinary toxins, occasionally offering Epsom salt baths, supplementing the diet with milk thistle (this
At My Pet Nutritionist, we often get enquiries about dogs suffering with urinary crystals or bladder stones. One of the types of crystal often diagnosed, is the Cysteine crystal. What are Cysteine Stones? There are 4 main types of bladder stone/crystal; Struvite, Calcium Oxalate, Urate, and Cysteine. Cysteine stones are uroliths (solidified lumps of crystalloids) which can form in the bladder, urinary tract, or kidneys. Of the four stones, Cysteine stones are incredibly rare, with only around 1% of diagnoses being Cysteine. While these stones can happen in female dogs, they are most common in males. Learn more about the different types of stone in our blog here! How are Cysteine Stones Formed? The amino acid, Cystine, is made by the body after synthesis of methionine. Cysteine can also be found in some higher protein foods. It is reabsorbed by the kidneys, but when the kidneys are unable to absorb it, a condition called cystinuria occurs. When this happens, the cystine becomes very concentrated in the urine, which causes the formation of Cysteine bladder or kidney stones. As with each type of urinary stone, there are some unique characteristics associated with it; these stones only form in acidic urine. Dogs with more alkaline urine will not form this stone. The risk of cysteine stones forming, may also be down to genetic abnormalities. Findings Here Findings Here Symptoms of Cysteine Stones Though similar for other stone types, some symptoms your pet may show are: Frequent, sometimes bloody urine Painful urination Excessive drinking Nausea and vomiting Breed Predisposition Some breeds of dog are genetically predisposed to Cysteine stones, and may require regular treatment, as this type of stone is often a recurrent issue. Breeds predisposed to Cysteine stones include: Basset Hounds Dachshunds Newfoundlands (unusual female cases have been recorded in this breed) Bullmastiffs English Bulldogs Irish Terriers Findings Here What Can the Vet Do? Surgery Often required for those with larger stones, surgery is a very common path to take when battling Cysteine stones. 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. Findings Here Non-Surgical Removal There is a non-surgical option available for those with very small cysteine stones; this procedure is known as 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 How Can we Support the Body? Diet Diet plays a huge role in the prevention of Cysteine stones. With these stones, its advisable to feed a normal amount of calcium, but slightly lower protein, and also low salt (to avoid water retention/dehydration). As well as these specific nutrient requirements, it is imperative that your dog’s diet includes as much moisture as possible! Moisture in the diet will help flush the bladder; feeding a dry food would dehydrate the dog, and could worsen the issue. Feeding a fresh food is very much recommended for any bladder stone, including Cysteine! Findings Here Find our recipe suitable for dogs suffering from cysteine stones here! Supplements Omega 3 in the form of Alpha Linoleic Acid (ALA) is thought to inhibit cysteine crystal formation, due to it’s anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. ALA can be found in leafy greens, nuts (avoid peanuts, and macadamia nuts), and animal fat. Findings Here Selenium has been proven to reduce the volume of cysteine crystal formation. When looking for a supplement, ensure it is as pure as possible. Findings Here Bonus Factoid: Cystinuria Type 3 Cystinuria Type 3 is a cysteine based, androgen dependent disease which means it only affects entire males. Bulldog breeds are particularly prone to this condition. The veterinary treatment is the same as standard cysteine stones, regarding urohyrdopropulsion, however in order to stop this painful condition from recurring regularly, the only method of prevention is castration. Neutering should be discussed with your veterinarian, and performed at the right time if your dog is a frequent sufferer of Cystinuria Type 3 flare ups. Findings Here If your dog has been suffering with recurring cysteine stones or crystals, consider booking in with one of our team! Team MPN x
Megaoesophagus is a challenging condition to care for, and a commonly discussed topic in the dog care world. Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we are often asked about how is best to care for a dog with Megaoesophagus, so here is our guide to megaoesophagus, and how to support those with it. What is Megaoesophagus? Often shortened to ME, Megaoesophagus is a condition which affects the oesophagus. The oesophagus is part of the digestive system, and one of the first body parts to be used in digestion. It can be found behind the trachea (windpipe), running down through the chest cavity between the heart and the spine. The oesophagus pushes food from the throat, to the stomach, where it is digested, by a process called peristalsis. Peristalsis is a wave-like series of contractions which squeezes food through the tube. When a dog has megaoesophagus, the oesophagus is dilated, which ultimately causes a lack of motility due to poor conformation and the inability to carry out peristalsis, so food is unable to reach the stomach, and the dog is unable to benefit from nutrients in the food. Megaoesophagus can occur in any breed of dog, and at any age, however some breeds are more at risk than others due to predisposition. These include: German Shepherd Shar Pei Newfoundland Great Dane Miniature Schnauzer Greyhound Labrador Findings Here Findings Here Symptoms of Megaoasophagus Regurgitation: probably the first symptom owners recognise. Because peristalsis is unable to occur, food sits in the oesophagus in the chest cavity, which results in it being ejected through the throat, and mouth, undigested. Aspiration pneumonia: a major health complication, and can be a sign that the dog has a dilated oesophagus. The dog may aspirate during regurgitation, causing major breathing difficulties and lung infections like Pneumonia. Lack of appetite: common in ME cases, dogs will often decide they’d rather not eat due to the discomfort caused by the food they’ve eaten sitting in the chest cavity. Extreme hunger: on the other end of the scale, the dog may seem constantly very hungry, because they are not receiving any nutritional benefits from the food being consumed. Frequent swallowing or air licking: dogs will often show these signs as they are unable to move food from the chest cavity, making them feel nauseous. Coughing: can occur as the dog attempts to move food from the chest cavity. Raspy breathing: this often occurs due to inflammation in the chest area, caused by the stuck food. Weight loss and stunted growth: as the dog is unable to make use of the nutrients from the food (as the food cannot get to the stomach to be digested), weight loss is very common, and growth in puppies is stunted. Smelly breath: the gasses from food stuck in the oesophagus can cause severely smelly breath. Drooling: often a sign of nausea, drooling is common in dogs with ME. Findings Here Causes of Megaoesophagus It is unclear as to how the majority of cases are caused. ME can be congenital (present from birth), hereditary (passed genetically from parents), or acquired (developing during life, but not genetically inherited). One potential cause of ME, is as a secondary effect of Persistent Right Aortic Arch; which is one of the most common vascular diseases in dogs, and causes the tightening of a ring around the oesophagus. Tumours in the oesophagus can be a cause of ME, as the tumour causes an obstruction, and changes the structure of the muscles in the tube, which then dilates it. Trauma to the oesophagus, spinal cord, or brain is often a trigger, as soft tissue damage heals with scar tissue, which effects the motility of the oesophagus. Parasitic infections are thought to be able to cause ME too, as the parasites latch onto the walls of the oesophagus, causing damage to the muscular structure. Myasthenia Gravis is a neuromuscular condition whereby generalised muscular weakness occurs in the body. This can also affect the muscles involved in peristalsis. Toxin exposure is a large potential, too. Toxins have so many poor effects on various parts of the body, and bodily processes. Its always best to keep toxins to a minimum by minimally vaccinating, using natural pest preventions, using natural household products, and feeding a fresh diet. There are also various studies to suggest that hormonal disorders regarding the thyroid can be a contributing factor to ME cases, including Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism, and Hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing’s Disease). Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here How is Megaoesophagus Diagnosed? If your dog is experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, it is imperative that you get them checked out by a veterinarian. The typical veterinary test for diagnosis of ME, is the Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study (VFSS), whereby the vet is able to see a live view of the scan being performed, so they are able to watch the path taken by food and liquid given before the study is carried out. They can see how efficiently it moves from the throat to the stomach. Findings Here What Conventional Treatments are Available? The vet may offer surgery to help improve your dog’s quality of life, however it is unlikely that surgery will completely cure the problem. The surgery will reduce the risk of aspiration pneumonia, which is a life threatening disease in itself, and may help to improve motility of food to the stomach. A gastric feeding tube may also be offered to your dog – this is a tube implanted directly into the stomach, through which food can be given, in order to completely skip use of the oesophagus. Food will not be regurgitated, however regurgitation of saliva will still occur. The final treatment your vet may suggest, is medication – there are a few medications which may be trialled, or even a botox injection into the lower part of the oesophagus, to help stabilise it. Findings Here What Can we do to Support the Body? There are many ways in which we can support those with ME.
