The prevalence of chronic kidney disease in the cat is seemingly on the up. Generally, what goes up, must come down, but when we look at the factors underlying kidney disease, there is a real concern that this may not happen. Currently, it is suggested that 1 in 3 cats suffer with some form of kidney disease. So, what can we do about it? Let’s take a look at kidney disease in a little more detail, why the kidneys are so important and some of the underlying factors that contribute to the development of it. What is kidney Disease Chronic kidney disease in cats is a prolonged process marked by the irreversible loss of kidney function. It is suggested that the early stages of CKD are often missed in cats, likely because many are outdoor cats so urination and drinking behaviours may not be as easily noted, along with vomiting etc. Kidney disease is generally associated with ageing pets; like all things, kidneys too get tired as they get older. But there are new concerns, well, new in 2014, that younger cats are seemingly presenting with the disease too. Where 30-50% of cats 15 years of age or older suffer with CKD, 13% of those under the age of 4 also suffer. Symptoms of Kidney Disease in the Cat: Increased thirst Increased urination Reduced appetite Weight loss Vomiting Fatigue Weakness Bad breath There are 4 stages of kidney disease in the cat, they are based on serum creatinine concentration: stage 1 through 4, with 2 being mild, 3 being moderate and 4 being severe. Findings here Why are the kidneys so important? The two bean shaped organs have vital functions in the body. They monitor fluid levels in the body, control and process waste and release vitamins, minerals and hormones. Their main function is to collect waste products and turn them into urine. Blood enters the kidney though arteries and splits into nephrons. The nephron splits into two nifty mechanisms to filter the blood. This includes the glomerulus and tubule. The glomerulus is like a sieve, allowing certain compounds from the blood into the tubule. The tubule then senses whether any of these compounds are needed around the body. If so, they are absorbed into the body. The tubule also senses waste products, like urea which is produced during the break down of protein. It redirects urea as urine which travels down the ureter, into the bladder to be excreted. The kidneys also activate vitamin D, and release hormones such as erythropoietin which is needed to produce red blood cells and renin which regulates blood pressure. Without the kidneys, the body would be full of blood that hadn’t been sieved and full of harmful waste. It also wouldn’t be receiving the vitamins and minerals, which, without being dramatic, are in fact critical to life. Causes of Kidney Disease There are genetic predispositions to developing kidney disease; certain breeds that are more likely to suffer with kidney issues include the Persian, Siamese, Ragdoll, Russian Blue and MaineCoon. But other than acute renal failure caused by poisoning (plants, pesticides etc), there are other factors that can contribute to kidney issues. As we have established, one of the kidney’s main role is to filter helpful and harmful compounds in the blood. It stands to reason that the more harmful compounds it must process, the sooner it reaches its retirement party! It is often suggested that chemical exposure isa progression factor in the disease and sadly cats are regularly exposed to cleaning agents, pesticides, and many more environmental toxins. These can be ingested, inhaled, or exposed transdermally (through the skin). The foods fed to cats can also impair kidney function. Mycotoxins are a diverse group of chemicals produced by a diverse group of fungi. However, mycotoxins, can be nephrotoxic (toxic to the kidneys). Studies have demonstrated that anywhere between 62% to 100% of cat foods sampled had mycotoxin contamination. Findings here There are also reports of melamine toxicity in cats, resulting in kidney damage. You guessed it; the source of melamine was contaminated food. Findings here Mild dehydration is also a risk factor for kidney disease. This is a concern because of the moisture content in many commercial foods. Dry-based cereal foods rank low on moisture,with dogs demonstrating increased drinking to counterbalance their water requirement. Cats, however, have an evolutionary low thirst-drive. Cats are obligative carnivores, meaning they get what they need from animal tissue. Therefore, they would naturally get moisture from their whole prey kills. But they are no longer getting the same level of moisture with a dry based diet and their thirst-drive hasn’t yet caught up (in evolutionary terms)! Starch also poses a risk for developing periodontal disease. Wait, what has periodontal disease got to do with the kidneys? And what has starch got to do with cats? Stick with us. Starch is the storage form of energy in plants; and then becomes a source of sugar in an animal’s diet. Bacteria found in the mouth feed off these starches and form a biofilm called plaque. This slowly degrades the tooth and surrounding structures. Not only that but the frequency of eating can contribute to the development of periodontal disease. Saliva can perform a clean-up between meals, but this becomes less of an option for the cat who is free fed throughout the day. The long and the short of it, many dry-based foods contain starch, which is a risk for periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is regularly implicated as a risk factor for kidney disease due to the relocation of oral bacteria throughout the body. Despite this, there are also things that can help mitigate the risks associated with kidney disease. Water intake is of utmost importance in all kidney patients. Therefore, a high moisture diet is essential. When offering drinking water, ensure it is filtered to remove any potential harmful compounds before they even get into the body. Protein restriction in kidney cases is much discussed and often controversial. Surely
Whilst every diet under the sun has been touted for its weight loss properties, keto has been liked for its benefit incases of epilepsy and cancer. A ketogenic diet consists of high fat, with moderate to low protein and very low carbohydrate. This in a nutshell, forces the body to use fat instead of glucose for energy. There are two reasons this poses food for thought for the canine with cancer. Firstly, we’ll head back to the early 1900’s and pop into the lab with some sea urchins. Otto Warburg was massively interested in the chromosomes of sea urchin eggs. He wanted to understand how they fuelled their growth. Warburg found that they increased their oxygen consumption significantly as they grew. Turning his attention to a rat tumour, he expected the same. But he was wrong. Instead, the cancer cells fuelled their growth by glucose and broke it down without oxygen. To Warburg, this made no sense, but this effect as he found, is estimated to occur in many cancers. High concentrations of glucose are seen to significantly increase the proliferation of cancer cells. Findings here Not only that, but glucose has been noted to disappear from the urine of patients with diabetes after they have been diagnosed with cancer, suggesting it is recruited to cancerous areas and consumed in high amounts. Findings here Diets low in carbohydrate were thought to starve cancer cells, in essence. Glucose normally stimulates pancreatic cells to release insulin which allows glucose to enter cells and provide energy. When glucose is scarce, the body senses the need to make an alternative form of energy for cells. The liver then produces ketones and fatty acids, which provide for normal cells, but do not benefit cancer cells. It also pays to mention at this point, not only is the keto diet low in carbohydrate but it is also moderate in protein. Where low protein is no friend to anyone, protein can still be converted to glucose if consumed in high amounts through the process of gluconeogenesis, so it should be monitored. Being in a state of ketosis has seen a decrease in glucose uptake at tumour sites and also demonstrated no evidence of progression. Findings here In short, there are many studies which have demonstrated benefits of a ketogenic diet in cancer, whether as an adjuvant to traditional therapy or stand alone. Findings here The other reason why the ketogenic diet is such an interesting concept for the canine is due to their greater capacity for fat oxidation. Compared to humans, high fat diets for the dog have been seen to increase stamina and maximise energy production in healthy controls. Relative to metabolic body size, dogs metabolise free fatty acids at twice the rate of humans. It is thought that dog albumin (a protein made by the liver, whose main role is transport of various substances) can bind more fatty acids. This is deemed an endurance-adaptation in the species. Findings here So not only are dogs adept at using fat for energy, in the canine with cancer, low carbohydrate diets have demonstrated clear benefits. That said, the ketogenic diet has been seen to cause some potential side effects. The acute side effects of high fat intake are typically lethargy, nausea and vomiting, but this can be seen in many dietary changes. There are also reports of some deficiencies in trace minerals like selenium, copper and zinc, but conclusions merely indicate the potential need for supplementation if considering this diet. There are reports of elevated LDL cholesterol and kidney stones in humans consuming a ketogenic diet long term, but it is unclear how this translates to the canine. Findings here Despite this, literature reviews still conclude that the ketogenic diet has a protective role against tumorigenesis (the production or formation of a tumour or tumours) and that it does indicate a prolonged survival, reducing the risk of experiencing the pre-defined endpoint. Findings here The issue in commercial pet food is, on average, more than 45% is carbohydrate. The ketogenic diet for the canine shifts this to less than 10%. It is observed that dogs routinely enter a state of ketosis using 82% fat, 17% protein and 1% carbohydrate. After around 120 days, they may be able to maintain ketosis on a lower formulation like 69% fat, 30% protein and 1%carbohydrate. But as we know, all dogs are different and regular monitoring will inform the appropriate formulation. Findings here Due to the high content of carbohydrate found in commercial food, a switch to fresh food is essential. Whilst fruits are, for example, are still carb rich, the inclusion of low carb fibrous veggies can still provide certain micronutrients. There is also evidence that fasting alongside keto can be of benefit in cancer cases. It is argued to bring about the state of ketosis sooner. There is also evidence that fasting has been seen to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy or radiation therapy. However, there is a concern that when fat stores are exhausted, muscle breakdown will begin in order to fuel gluconeogenesis, resulting in muscle atrophy. It is concluded that this pairing may not be suitable for all patients, especially in underweight cases. It should also not be attempted without the supervision of a qualified practitioner. Findings here The other thing to be mindful of is using the ketogenic in liver cancer. Whilst ketosis is well tolerated by a normal, healthy and functioning liver, it is essential to seek the advice of a qualified practitioner when increasing the demands on an already compromised body system. Individual case studies have highlighted that a ketogenic has been utilised in cases of liver cancer to some efficacy, but this was under close monitoring. Findings here As highlighted by many professionals, if using keto in a medical condition, it becomes a medical diet. It should therefore be treated as such. To avoid many of the noted side effects, supplementation can be useful, but this is specific to the individual dog. Ketosis is also a
Traditional Chinese medicine focuses on healing the root cause of disease; encompassing a range of modalities from herbal medicine, mind-body exercise, acupuncture and of course nutrition. Nutrition encompasses food energetics which are based on the idea that certain foods have certain profiles and can subsequently be used to change the profile of the body. Yin energy is cold or cool, and there are certain foods which have cooling properties. Yang energy is warm or hot, and there are certain foods which are warming. There are also neutral foods,which are thought to have little impact on body profile. It is also thought that flavours can act upon certain organ systems and therefore create a desired health benefit. Not only that, but TCM also advocates a seasonal approach to good health. Creating a holistic view of health, it is easy to nod in agreement with many of the TCM ideas, so let’s explore them in a little more detail. Yin and Yang Yin Yang theory forms the basis of TCM; the idea that balance is key. When a deficiency exists, it should be toned up. When an excess exists, it should be reduced. If there is too much heat, it should be cooled. When there is too much cold, it should be warmed. If dampness is present, it should be dried and so on. Yin and Yang is also assigned based on heat signs. Heat and cold can be both deficient and excess; the goal is to be in harmony. Generally speaking, active, young, and outgoing pets are described as yang. Whereas older, quiet, and shy pets are described as yin. Some animals will self-regulate, the older quiet yin cat may choose to sleep in a warm window, whereas the young yang,excited puppy might jump in the water to cool off. However, we can help yang animals remained balanced by adjusting the environment. For the yang pet, provide cooling environments and foods. Include plenty of shade, air conditioning,fans, and misting. Offer fish, turkey,banana, duck, celery, kelp, spinach and broccoli. For the yin pet, provide warming environments and foods; space to sunbathe, heaters and blankets. Offer mutton, deer, chicken, ginger, chicken liver, squash, and pumpkin. Maintaining the yin-yang balance is key to ultimate health and TCM dictates that its disharmony is the basis of all disease. Yang Excess Yang excess is produced by the invasion of excessive heat, yin us unable to counteract the warming properties so an excess heat condition appears. Treatment requires the heat to be dispelled. Clinical signs: Acute onset Short course Younger age No general weakness Hyperactive High fever Red or purple tongue Strong and fast pulse Yin Excess Yin excess occurs when there is an invasion of excessive coldness. Clinical signs: Acute onset Short course Younger age No general weakness Pain Swelling or oedema Loose stool Pale or purple tongue Strong and slow pulse Yang Deficiency Yang deficiency occurs when yang is lower than normal, but yin is at its normal level. The warming properties of yang are insufficient to equalise the cooling properties, resulting in a cold condition. Clinical signs: Chronic onset Long course Older age Coldness at extremities Edema Loose stool Urinary incontinence Chronic pain/weakness Weakness in rear limbs Infertility Pale tongue Weak and deep pulse Yin Deficiency Yin deficiency is when yin is lower than normal, but yang remains stable. This heat condition is named a false heat. Clinical signs: Chronic onset Long course Older age General weakness Thirsty Lower degree of fever Restless or anxious Prefers cool Red and dry tongue Thready and fast pulse These patterns are then used, by a qualified practitioner, to classify clinical conditions and develop a treatment plan. TCM for Itchy Dogs Whilst the clinical manifestation of skin issues overall becomes quite complex in TCM, the general thought is that most conditions are heat invasions, with damp elements and yin deficiencies. When presented with seasonal allergies, eczema, itching, erosions with pus, alopecia, hot spots and dermatitis, a cooling diet is recommended. In cases of geriatric dryness or dandruff and chronic skin conditions a neutral or cooling diet is recommended. Cooling meats include turkey, ocean fish, rabbit, and white fish. Cooling vegetables include spinach, broccoli, celery, kelp, cabbage, cucumber, and melon. Sesame and flaxseed oil are also cooling. Low Fat Fish Neutral meats include pork, bison, duck, beef liver, pork liver, goose, mackerel, sardines, herring, salmon, and tuna. Neutral vegetables include carrots, green beans, peas, and shiitake mushrooms. Olive oil is also classed as neutral. If we are to consider foods to drain damp, they include beef, beef kidney, lamb kidney, mackerel, and sardines. Along with parsley, lettuce, parsnip, pumpkin,and seaweed. TCM for Skeletal Health With many skeletal issues facing dogs, it is no surprise we want to know if we can use food energetics to our advantage. What is particularly interesting, is that cases of rheumatoid arthritis can present as either hot or cold. The cold pattern is described in humans (dogs have yet to learn how to speak) as cold feelings in the limbs and joints, stiffness, or pain in a joint or muscle which is relieved by applying warmth. Symptoms increase with exposure to cold. The heat pattern is associated with hot, red, and swollen joints with severe pain generally relieved by applying cold. Although diagnosed across the board as rheumatoid arthritis, both hot and cold patterns exhibit different biological markers. Both patterns share the same expressed genes, but they appear to have different signalling pathways. T cell proliferation and the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines appear to be increased in hot pattern RA patients. There also appears to be more severe collagen destruction in hot pattern RA too. Cold pattern RA appears to have a higher rate of protein and fat mobilisation demonstrating a more obvious muscle breakdown. Cold pattern patients also demonstrate a reduced hypothalamic-pituitary-axis function which is associated with a decreased stress response which goes someway to explain the higher fatigue level reported in cold pattern RA. Findings here RA, to most is considered
When looking at the nation’s dogs we have a major issue on our hands, a topic that can stir up emotive responses from owners and something that animal professionals may have a tricky time addressing… OBESITY From an owners perspective, they only want the best for their dog, and to be told their dog is overweight can be hurtful to hear. Your animal professional hasn’t seen those puppy dog eyes, peering over the plate looking for crumbs. Or the look you get when you need to nip out and you’re compelled to give them a treat as compensation. From an animal professional perspective, we see that overweight dog walk into our clinic and our heart sinks. Desperately wanting to tell you the list of byproduct diseases of obesity and give you a long list of things to change for your dog’s health. Instead, we softly mention they could stand to lose a little weight, to be met with a look of shock and disheartened words. Please don’t think we are here to make you feel that you’re not doing your best, we are here to guide you and want you to have the most time with your beloved pet. As much as it may be a tough conversation to have, we as animal professionals have a duty of care to animals in our clinic, and weight management is something that we need to be discussing more. For us it isn’t simply a case of sprinting around the park and cutting back portion sizes, there is so much more that we can do and it starts by inspecting what is in the dog’s bowl. Say for example your dog is on processed kibble, cutting back portion size when looking at the calorie deficit model for weight loss may have some impact. However,with your older dogs they will reserve reduced energy levels caused by food restriction, meaning weight loss can be very slow or stationary. Most processed dog food has a high percentage of carbohydrates, and this is where the issue lies. When a high volume of carbohydrates hit the GI tract, this causes a rapid increase in blood sugar and insulin levels. If the body cannot use this energy quickly enough, the leftovers get shunted into fat cells held in adipose tissue. Now going on a slight but relevant tangent, arthritis is a byproduct of obesity. Arthritis is an inflammatory disease affecting the joints and shows a higher prevalence in overweight dogs. Findings here If adipose tissue has a larger surface area caused by obesity, this increases the amount of pro inflammatory adipokines. So not only does additional physical pressure cause inflammation, but inflammation responses are increased tenfold with adipokines also jumping on an arthritic joint. Findings here So we know that carbohydrates increase blood sugar and insulin and lead to a cacophony of different issues, of which I’ve briefly discussed one. How can we look to combat this and get the best from our dog’s health, well for a start you can cut the carbs or at least look to reduce them. At MPN, we are hugely passionate about species appropriate diets and have seen incredible progress with pain management, all from just swapping to fresh foods. Even if you can’t make the leap to fully raw feed or fresh feed, there is plenty of middle ground that you can address, that will help towards a healthy life for your dog. Supercharging the bowl Whether you’re a keen raw feeder or just wanting to liven up the bowl by adding in some fresh, there is plenty of choice. Focusing on musculoskeletal health, our first port of call is adding things high in glucosamine and chondroitin. Both are complex sugars found within the structures of cartilage. Studies have indicated that these have a positive effect on pain management and ROM increase associated with Osteoarthritis. Findings here If you have compromised cartilage, you can heal with cartilage and these are super easy to source for your dog’s bowl, from bone broth, raw beef trachea to green lipped mussels (GLM). By supporting the joint health of an overweight dog, we can encourage further ROM and decrease inflammation, all working towards weight loss, there is a lot of research around turmeric (curcumin) and ginger (gingerol). Findings here Other favourites of ours for targeting joint inflammation are ACV, chamomile, fresh small fish and sunflower seeds. There is a huge amount of free radical damage (oxidative stress) created from excess adipose tissue and so looking at antioxidants to support this can be helpful. A diet high in colourful, fresh vegetables and Vitamin C can be fabulous in this instance. Findings here Lifestyle management If your dog is overweight, their joint health is likely already under pressure, but we can add some simple changes in place to reduce this strain. Start by increasing the length of your dog’s exercise, but reduce the pace. By having your dog run around the park doesn’t necessarily mean they will burn off more calories. High-impact activities will increase inflammation responses and then facilitate a pain response. Count your dog’s steps, have them on a lead next to you and go that bit further with less pressure, rather than seeing them flail around on the horizon chasing a squirrel. Be present and enjoy the walk with them, as much as it’s good for your dog, it’s good for you too! Oh no, here comes the fun police… ball flingers. Ball flingers can cause such horrific damage to your dog’s musculoskeletal structure over time, from huge repetitive stress crashing through the body when they come to a stop. If you’re not ready to put the ball flinger down, maybe drop the amount of times you throw it, or ensure warm up and cool down regime, the aim being to reduce inflammation and injury. Even things like ramps into the car and little stairs for the sofa make a tremendous impact on keeping inflammation and strain at bay. Therapies If your dog is
When we’re out walking our dog and they are panting, we rarely pay any attention, we know that it’s a typical behaviour associated with exercise. Equally, if it’s gotten a little warmer, we expect panting (within reason). But is there a time when panting can indicate something which does require some further attention? It’s a behaviour that we ask pet guardians about in a My Pet Nutritionist consult, so let’s get to the bottom of what panting is, and if it’s anything to worry about. What is panting? Panting is characterised by fast, shallow breaths, a wide-open mouth, and an extended tongue. It’s generally associated with a dog trying to cool down, also known as thermoregulation. Cooling results from the inhalation of cooler air and exhalation of heat along with the evaporation of water in the dog’s respiratory system. The respiratory system in dogs is made up of their mouth, nose, trachea and lungs and it serves two main functions. Firstly, like in humans, it is how the body exchanges carbon dioxide and oxygen. In general, healthy dogs will have a resting respiration rate of anywhere between 15 and 40 inhalations and exhalations a minute. The typical respiration rate when panting increases 10-fold, so up to 400 inhalations and exhalations per minute is expected. It’s second function is to regulate body temperature. A normal body temperature for a dog is between 38.3°C and 39.2°C. An increase by just 1-2°C can have major effects on the dog’s system. They therefore rely on panting as their primary means of expelling heat. There are three known patterns of panting: inhalation and exhalation through the nose, inhalation through the nose and exhalation through the mouth, inhalation through the nose and mouth and exhalation through the nose and mouth. It is suggested that the most effective cooling system is when air is directed through the nose and out through the mouth. So why don’t dogs sweat to cool down? The human mechanism for cooling down is to sweat. As sweat evaporates, we cool down. Due to the thick coats dogs have, sweat just wouldn’t evaporate resulting in a thick, furry coat full of sweat! Nice! Dogs do have sweat glands, but on their paws. It is rare to see a dog with sweaty paws after exercise. You will tend to find sweaty paws in response to stress – which is why you’ll see damp patches on the table at the vets or groomers. What are the triggers and causes for a dog panting? Exercise This is a well-known cause for panting in dogs. Exertion increases heart rate and overall body temperature. Therefore, to regulate their body temperature, dogs will pant. Heat It is suggested that it can take from 7-60 days for a dog to acclimatise to a temperature change in the environment. This can be influenced by body shape, size, coat type and length and the overall health of the dog. Some of the breeds that are more sensitive to an increase in environmental temperature include: Pugs, Lhasa Apso, Boston Terrier, English Bulldog, Boxer, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and French Bulldog. These are known as brachycephalic breeds and due to their small nasal passages and short windpipes, they don’t pant as efficiently as other breeds. This puts them at a much higher risk of heatstroke. Dog Days of Summer Anxiety/Fear/Phobia Many dogs who suffer with anxiety or fear will pant. It is thought that the fear response increases the heart rate which in turn raises the body temperature. There are usually other signs that accompany panting in a fear response, such as yawning, pacing, crying, whining, shaking, lip licking or hiding. Storms and holidays with fireworks are often a source of anxiety for dogs, so it is quite common to see more panting during these times. There are many ways to help relieve anxiety in dogs including: Thunder Jackets, Plug-in diffusers – these release calming pheromones which mimic those of nursing dams when comforting their litter. Creating a safe place – a covered crate or a space under the stairs or a table. Top Tips for Anxiety in Cats and Dogs 6 Nutritional Tips for Anxiety in Dogs Panting accompanied with shaking is a typical stress response in dogs so consider whether there has been any change to their daily routine, even the smallest changes can be worrying for some dogs. Is panting a symptom of a long-term health condition? It can be. Heart failure When the heart is no longer pumping oxygenated blood efficiently, body parts and tissues will become oxygen deprived. The easiest way to correct this depletion is to increase respiration which often results in panting. Symptoms of heart failure include: Fatigue, Difficulty breathing, Loss of appetite, Weight loss, Coughing. Older dogs are more susceptible to heart issues. The ageing process naturally causes your dog’s organs and systems to deteriorate. Keeping Your Senior Dog Healthy Heart failure can also occur as a result of heartworm disease. Heartworms are spread through mosquitoes. Infective heartworm larvae migrate through the dog’s body until they reach the heart and blood vessels in the lungs. Symptoms of heartworm include: Coughing, Intolerance of exercise, Laboured breathing/panting. Natural Worming Options for Pets Obesity Overweight dogs will often pant excessively. This is due to the strain placed upon the cardiovascular system. In determining whether your dog is a healthy weight, you should be able to see a waistline, feel the ribs and from a bird’s eye view, your dog should have an hourglass outline. Maintaining a healthy weight in your dog should be achieved through species appropriate diet with portion control and regular exercise. Obesity in Pets Part I Obesity in Pets Part II Low Fat Fish Cushing’s Disease This is when the adrenal glands produce too much cortisol, also known as hyperadrenocorticism. Cortisol is produced and stored by the adrenal glands, two small glands which sit on top of the kidneys. Investigations of the cause will usually be tumours found on the pituitary or adrenal gland or
Many dogs experience some kind of joint problem in their lifetime. This can be due to some kind of injury, strains, sprains, fractures, hip or elbow dysplasia, knee problems like torn cruciate ligaments, patellar luxation and Arthritis. Did you know 1 in 5 dogs suffer from Arthritis? So, what exactly is Arthritis and which is the most prevalent in dogs. Arthritis refers to many related conditions involving inflammation of one or more of the joints. Osteoarthritis (OA) or degenerative joint disease (DJD) is the most common we see in dogs today and is named because the problem is caused by the bones (Osteo). Arthritis in pets can also be caused by infection (septic arthritis or bacterial arthritis) or by the body attacking itself in an immune system malfunction (Rheumatoid Arthritis). The risk of Arthritis increases with age but it can develop at any age. Larger and giant breeds are most likely to get OA so it would be sensible to start adding supplements to support their joints at approximately a year old. A study that was carried out during 2013 found that 200,000 UK dogs were affected. Risk factors associated with osteoarthritis diagnosis included breed (e.g. Labrador, Golden Retriever), being neutered, higher bodyweight and being older than eight years. Research here What is inflammation Inflammation is a normal part of the immune response. Think of the last time you scraped your skin, got a bug bite, or had a pesky splinter you just couldn’t get out. Chances are the affected area got swollen and red, even hot or painful. This is inflammation at work, and in cases of acute injury, it’s a good thing! The inflammatory response is basically your immune system gathering defences to the injured tissue, helping to protect and heal the affected area. This is done by increasing blood flow to the area, gathering immune cells, causing pain to stop you from using injured tissue, and protecting the tissue in other ways that we call Acute Inflammation. Many of the chronic diseases afflicting today’s dogs result from Chronic Inflammation which isn’t such a good thing and can be avoided in some cases. The conventional veterinary community, typically relies on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID’s), commercial prescription diets and Adequan injections to treat OA in dogs. In some cases, certain vets may also recommend glucosamine and chondroitin. Ironically, most commercial prescription OA diets contain grains, gluten and/or white potato-all of which can promote inflammation. These diets can also contain a pro-inflammatory ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids. NSAID’s – prolonged use can cause damage or injury to tissues of the liver, kidneys and bone marrow (Dodds& Lassin, 2013). Arthritis or DJD can affect one or more joints and is one of the most frequent causes of lameness in dogs. Osteo Arthritisis characterised by: deterioration of the joint cartilage called articular cartilage; a formation of bony growths or spurs on the joints, calledosteophytes; changes in the subchondral bone (the bone below the articular cartilage); and joint inflammation. These changes occur following alterations in both the biomechanical and biochemical properties of the joints (Logaret al., 2007; Sanchez & Balligand, 2005; Zhang et al.,2012). Some might say it is in the genes. Historically doctors have viewed and treated arthritis as a structural disease that involves the breakdown of cartilage and its subsequent effects on the joints, but that view is changing with thanks to a new tool to measure gene expression, including reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR),differential display and DNA microarray analysis. Even if we have genetics to consider, nutritional intervention can help support and hopefully prevent this from occurring or at least progressing. Possible Causes of joint issues Leaky Gut Leaky gut syndrome has become an epidemic in people and animals. About 70-80% of the immune system is housed in the gut, so making sure it’s in tip-top shape is key to good health. Since balance of bacteria in our gut influences the balance of our immune system, an unbalanced gut microbiota with too many opportunistic pathogens, can shift the immune system to an increased inflammatory state. Gut Guardian can help address leaky gut. Gut Guardian Inflammatory diet The role of inflammation in many diseases is significant, especially in pets that aren’t receiving a high number of dietary antioxidants. Inappropriate foods such as kibble are ultra-processed and inflammatory. They may contain grains, lectins, gluten and white potato that promote inflammation in the body. Kibble is cooked at high heat, a process called extrusion, that destroys many vital nutrients and enzymes. Your dry food will contain anywhere between 18-60% carbohydrate and we know that sugar raises inflammation. Common meats used in these foods are often chicken and pork. Both high in omega-6, pushing inflammation further, if not coupled with a good omega 3 source. Feed a species appropriate, fresh whole foods diet if possible, preferably raw or lightly cooked. Fresh foods are lower in carbohydrate content and are naturally anti inflammatory compared to carbohydrate foods. Natural sources to support joints are oily fish; salmon, sardines, herring and mackerel as these are the best source of DHA and EPA that are proven to help reduce inflammation. If your dog can’t eat fish due to an intolerance or just doesn’t like it, algae oil is a good plant-based alternative that you can find on the link below. Other sources, that contain smaller amounts of vitamin D foods are organic beef liver and egg yolks. Plant based Vitamin D can be found in parsley, alfalfa, nettle, dandelion and rosehips. Unlike us humans, dogs get very little vitamin D from the sunlight on their skin, so nearly all their vitamin D must come from their diet. Link here for a variety of carefully selected supplements by Green’s for joint health. Drugs, other toxins and over vaccination Avoid unnecessary steroids, antibiotics and (NSAIDs) all of which lead to an unbalanced gut microbiota. Prescription deworming, flea and tick prevention that contain pesticides can play havoc on the immune system so these should be avoided and used only
Very much like itching, hypothyroidism has become an epidemic amongst dogs. If your pet has been given the diagnosis of some sort of thyroid dysfunction/disease and you want the very best for them, then read on. Holistic principles and nutrition offer a tremendous advantage over conventional approaches to thyroid problems, because they tend to address the multi-factorial convergence of factors influencing thyroid health. The approach in this article is to not look at the thyroid in isolation but to consider adrenal health, gut function, liver function and immunity. Thyroid Disease Hypothyroidism is the natural deficiency of thyroid hormone that regulates your dog’s metabolism. This deficiency is produced by immune-mediated destruction of the thyroid gland by natural atrophy of the gland, by dietary deficiencies, or as a congenital problem. Low thyroid levels can affect all of your dog’s organ systems and if left unattended to, may develop into something really serious. The symptoms of hypothyroidism can vary greatly from dog to dog. There are different forms and reasons for thyroid disease but ultimately it manifests in a slowing of metabolism. Conversely, hyperthyroidism, commonly found in cats, is metabolism in overdrive, due to the over production of hormones. The main forms of thyroid disease such as Autoimmune Thyroiditis (Hashimotos), Hypothyroidism (non autoimmune), and Hyperthyroidism (Graves Disease). Autoimmune Thyroiditis (Hashimotos) is the most common cause of primary hypothyroidism in dogs. The body’s immune system develops antibodies against its own thyroid gland because of an over reactive immune response. Cells as they become attacked and destroyed, leave remaining cells having to work harder, trying to over compensate. Around 95% of hypothyroidism is caused by Autoimmune Thyroiditis and not nutritional deficiency. A blood marker called Canine Thyroglobulin Autoantibody (TgAA), highlights the nature of this thyroiditis. Other, rarer causes of hypothyroidism include cancer and congenital defects. Hypothyroidism (non-autoimmune), when not caused by autoimmunity, hypothyroidism is due to the under production of the two main hormones, T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine). This is often caused by nutritional deficiency or genetics and accounts for about 5% of hypothyroid cases. It happens most often in female dogs over 5 years of age, but can affect dogs of any age and sex. This chronic condition typically comes on gradually and can go undetected for a long time. In both hypothyroidism (non autoimmunity and autoimmunity) there are multi-factorial factors influencing thyroid health. Hyperthyroidism (Graves Disease) occurs when your dog’s body produces too much of the thyroid hormone, increasing your dog’s metabolic rate to potentially dangerous levels. This disease is rare in dogs and is more commonly seen in cats. When it does affect dogs it tends to be incredibly serious. There is another blog on this coming shortly. Goitre can be a symptom of thyroid function and is the enlargement of this gland. Often caused by possible iodine deficiencies, eating a lot of goitrogenic foods, too much iodine in a diet, and inherited genetic polymorphisms, can affect the synthesis of thyroid hormones. Cancer of the thyroid is very rare but not unheard of. Certain breeds certainly, genetically fall prey to such issues but not restricted to. Breeds most likely to develop the hypothyroidism are Cocker Spaniels, Miniature Schnauzers, Dachshunds, Golden Retrievers, Doberman Pinschers, Airedale Terriers, and Irish Setters. There are number of signs and symptoms in Thyroid disease. If any of these arise consistently, you should go to the vets and get it checked out. Possible signs and symptoms in Hypothyroidism Aggression Depression Constipation/Diarrhoea Dull and dry coat Weight gain Lethargy Feeing the cold/signs such as dithering Thickening of the skin Thinning coat Itching Hair loss in patches Various skin disorders Anaemia Muscle weakness Possible stiffness Dry cough Slow heart rate Development of furrowed head wrinkles Unfortunately, the majority of these aren’t necessarily specific to thyroid disease as signs and symptoms can vary from case to case. A visit to the vets as soon as any symptoms arise, is always the best option. Thyroid function The thyroid gland is part of the endocrine system, a small butterfly-shaped gland in the neck, just in front of the windpipe (trachea). One of its main functions is to produce hormones that help to regulate the body’s metabolism (the process that turns food into energy). These hormones are called triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4). What may cause Thyroid Disease: Poor Diet; ultra processed food can trigger inflammation and an imbalanced immune system. Diet may not solely be to play in the etiology of this disease, but it certainly plays a huge role. Dry food contains a high amount of starch, imbalanced Omega 6:3 ratios and often inappropriate ingredients that create inflammation and in turn can lead to autoimmunity. Nutritional Deficiencies; although only 5% of hypothyroidism boils down to nutritional deficiency, it is always advised to have testing done to cover all bases. Common nutrients are B2, B9, B12, Iodine, Zinc, Magnesium and Selenium. Poor Methylation; leads us on from nutritional deficiencies. Very much like humans, dog’s have to convert folate into methyl folate to allow DNA methylation and synthesis to occur. Poor methylation due to diet and genetics may mean poor bodily function and B9 nutritional deficiency. A good B9 status is highly correlated to a healthy thyroid function. Food sensitivities and allergies; the intestinal lining can become inflamed after immunological reactions, caused by sensitivities and allergies. This can lead to poor stomach acid, poor gut microbiota, possible SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) and leaky gut. Poor Stomach Acid: the most common instigator of poor absorption among thyroid patients is reduced levels of stomach acid. Stomach acid is necessary for the absorption of both macro and micro-nutrients, digesting protein and killing bad bacteria and yeasts. Poor Gut Microbiota; the microbiota influences the uptake of iodine, selenium, and iron, and the microbiota may alter the availability of L-thyroxine. Gut Guardian Leaky Gut Syndrome; caused by poor diet, stress, toxins and so much more, an immune response within the gut can cause inflammation and damage to the ‘one cell epithelial’. Human findings have correlated celiac disease/leaky gut with Hypothyroidism. Findings here
Here at MPN, we see many cases of liver disease. If your pet has been given the diagnosis of liver disease and you want the very best for them, then read on. Feeding prescription diets don’t often work successfully and if you want to learn about how you can help with fresh food and supplements, then this is the guide for you. Liver Disease Liver disease can present differently, so I have listed some of the common disease we see today. Chronic Hepatitis is the most common primary liver disease found in dogs. This chronic inflammatory condition is generally not determined although genetics, copper, infectious agents, infections such as leptospirosis or viral infections, severe trauma and various drugs (phenobarbital, NSAIDs, paracetamol) may be implicated. Copper-associated hepatitis, where copper accumulates within hepatocytes can become toxic and cause liver damage. Acute liver failure results in sudden loss of liver function, which is often associated with neurologic problems and blood clotting issues. It can occur due to a sudden injury or due to an additional issue, taxing an already diseased liver. Hepatic encephalopathy, a syndrome of neurologic problems caused by poor liver function, is seen in a quite a few liver disease cases. While the development of this condition is not totally understood, failure of the liver to clear poisons from the bloodstream, changes in amino acid metabolism and neurologic issues may synergistically work together to cause this disease. Portosystemic shunts are often described as congenital (inborn). However, they can rarely develop over time due to illness and this is called an acquired liver shunt (often occurring in older dogs and less frequently in cats). They can be caused by high blood pressure in the vessels entering into the liver. In a healthy cat or dog, blood supply draining the intestines, travels through the portal vein into the liver, where it is then filtered. It then returns blood to the heart via the vena cava. A portosystemic shunt (also known as PSS), is an abnormal vein connecting the blood supply returning from the intestines to the vein returning blood to the heart. It bypasses the liver by shunting the blood flow and there in lies it’s name. The key is to detect liver disease early as it can take months or even years to identify itself. Signs and symptoms of Liver Disease There are number of signs and symptoms in Liver Disease. If any of these arise consistently, you should go to the vets and get it checked out. Ascites (swelling of the abdomen) Play bowing Increased salivation (common in cats) Diarrhoea/orange coloured often Yellowish eyes, tongue, and/or gums (jaundice) Bloody urine or stools Licking of Lips (often a sign of nausea) Vomiting Increased water consumption and increased urination Possible pruritus (itching) An unstable walk Weight loss Lethargy Confusion Muscle wastage (this tends to appear when advanced) Seizures (if your dog’s liver disease isn’t caught at an early stage, it can lead to a serious condition Blindness (in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) the eyes and liver share important meridians Unfortunately, the majority of these aren’t necessarily specific to liver disease as signs and symptoms can vary from case to case. A visit to the vets as soon as any symptoms arise, is always the best option. Liver Function I refer to the liver as the power house. It manages, processes and filters pretty much everything in the body. The liver has two main sections, called the right and the left lobes. The gallbladder sits under the liver, along with parts of the pancreas and intestines. The liver and these organs work together beautifully to digest, absorb, and process food. The liver filters the blood coming from the digestive system, before passing it to the rest of the body. The liver also detoxifies chemicals and metabolises hormones and drugs and any other toxins the body needs to rid. Whilst all of this is going on, the liver secretes bile that ends up in the intestines, emulsifying fats in the digestive process. The liver also makes proteins essential for blood clotting and many other functions. Its an incredibly clever and intuitive organ and can even regenerate liver cells, even if a portion of liver is removed in surgery. It’s a miraculous organ and your pet relies on it’s functioning for good health. What may cause Liver Disease (some factors) Poor Diet; can trigger genetics and put a massive strain on the liver. Diet may not be solely responsible in the etiology of this disease, but it certainly plays a role in treatment and support. Stress; should never be underestimated in the pathogenisis of liver disease. Trying to modulate the stress response is always helpful in any disease state. Calm Complex Copper Toxicity; copper-associated hepatitis, where copper accumulates within hepatocytes can become toxic and cause liver damage. This can be due to a low level zinc diet or genetics that impair the detoxification of copper and the assimilation and absorption of zinc. Low Copper Endocrine Disease; diabetes mellitus, hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing’s disease) and hyperthyroidism are all diseases in which impaired liver function can arise. i always ask for your vet to check this first, as treating the underlying endocrine disease is often the most important and effective part of caring for the liver. Infectious agents (leptospirosis or viral); sometimes vets will say the cause of liver disease is unknown but testing for a viral infection can sometimes implicate liver damage. We find working with the immune system in these cases and supporting the liver function is essential. Several types of infections may affect the liver, including bacterial, fungal, and parasitic diseases. Severe trauma; your pet could have been in a terrible accident that involved the liver area. Trauma can cause damage so understanding that trauma is important. Pharmaceuticals; the overuse or poor tolerance of phenobarbital, NSAIDs, paracetamol and other drugs may be implicated in liver disease. Vaccinosis; we are keen on safe vaccinations. We adhere and recommend the WSAVA vaccination guidelines as a minimum (world small
What does the pancreas do? The pancreas is a small organ that sits behind the small intestine and the stomach. The pancreas digests food and regulates a cat and dog’s blood sugar. The pancreas produces and stores inactive enzymes that should only be activated when they enter the small intestine. Amylase for carbohydrate digestion, lipase for emulsifying and digesting fats and protease for digesting protein. Most of the pancreas is composed of cells that produce digestive enzymes. These cells are arranged in clusters that are connected to a series of small ducts. Pancreatic enzymes and juices flow from the cells and minor ducts into the main pancreatic duct, leading to the duodenum. The pancreas also contains small “islands” of hormone-producing cells called the islets of Langerhans, which secrete insulin and glucagon,along with somatostatin, hormones that mostly regulate blood sugar metabolism. What is pancreatitis Pancreatitis is the intense inflammation and swelling of the pancreas. It can either be an acute case, where animals can be at high risk (sometimes fatal) from a sudden onset of mass inflammation, where this tends to go away in a matter of a few days to a week (if the patient survives it). Chronic pancreatitis is a low grade inflammation over an extended period of time, leading to other possible health complications. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is the termed coined when the pancreas is no longer able to produce digestive enzymes, this can result from chronic pancreatitis. When the pancreas is damaged, further complications such as diabetes may appear over time, if not managed effectively. The prognosis depends on the severity of the disease. If left untreated, pancreatitis may lead to severe organ damage and even sudden death. Pancreatitis can cause a lot of pain and damage so if your pet seems uncomfortable, please do not ignore this, go to your veterinarian. Common symptoms but not exclusive are; Loss of appetite Sickness Diarrhoea Lethargy Dehydration Restlessness Arched back In milder forms, symptoms aren’t always obvious but may include loss of appetite, lethargy and diarrhoea. During an attack they may hunch the back, holding their bottom in the air with front legs and head low to the floor. Why it is so prevalent It is almost 50% more common in cats and dogs than in humans. A combination of environmental and genetic factors plays a role in the development of many cases of pancreatitis in pets. We see many acquired inflammatory issues related to IBS and IBD. You will find certain breeds such as cocker spaniels, dachshunds, miniature schnauzers and poodles are more susceptible to pancreatitis due to common genetic snips (SNP) in cats and dogs. It’s sometimes difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of pancreatitis but the following definitely play a part in the full picture of health. Scavenging; eating spoiled foods and incredibly high amounts of oxidised fat. Processed foods; eating processed foods, always high in sugars and sometimes grains are specifically high in carbohydrates.These carbohydrates put an unusual load on the pancreas. Cats and dogs are carnivores and naturally produce less amylase than any other digestive enzyme in the digestive system. Rancid fats; found in poor processed foods and poorly stored fats, leading to oxidation and inflammation and therefore, more than likely, leaky gut. IBS/IBD; low HCL levels in the gut, poor microbiome and constant immune triggers to environmental stimuli, food being the biggest offender, seems to be involved in a low grade chronic inflammation that may impact the pancreas and can bring about episodes or undiagnosed characteristics of pancreatitis. Grains and Lectins; often contained in dry food due to being cheap ingredients, creates inflammation and up regulates a protein called zonulin. Zonulin is responsible for (and a new diagnostic biomarker of) intestinal permeability (leaky gut). Leaky gut/gut integrity/intestinal permeability; leaky gut is when the integrity of the ‘one cell epithelial’ lining of the gut, becomes compromised by inappropriate foods, allergens, toxins and so forth. These slack and under functioning junctures allow chemicals, including food stuff into the blood stream, that should not be permitted. Leaky gut is linked to many disease states and closely linked to a lowered gut immunity in pancreatitis. Inflammation and imbalanced immunity; acute and chronic pancreatitis are dynamic inflammatory processes. Immune cells playa critical role in pancreatitis progression so looking towards that intricate cascade and supporting stress are key. Pharmaceuticals; in recent years, a large number of commonly prescribed medications have been linked to drug-induced pancreatitis pathogenesis. Although mechanisms are proposed, the exact cause of injury is not well understood. Obesity; obese animals are predisposed to a wide variety of diseases affecting many organ systems. Endocrine disorders commonly associated with obesity include canine pancreatitis. Cushing’s disease; is an endocrine disease and is commonly associated in pancreatitis. High blood levels of fats; triglycerides, have also been listed as a risk factor to pancreatitis in canines. Infections such as Babesia canis or Leishmania have shown to be present in some canine pancreatic patients. Genetics; genetic polymorphisms are found in certain breeds, the most common being SPINK1. Feeding a processed diet and in a toxic environment (vaccinations included), are more likely to express this gene, however this is far too common a disease for it to be purely genetic. Nutrition regime in pancreatitis There’s a lot of conflicting advice out there for pancreatitis but we have worked in this with humans and pets and the aetiology, pathogenesis and therefore dietary plans are rather similar in terms of approach and the following can be very helpful. Findings here We do not advocate any processed foods in this disease, only fresh, balanced, home cooked or raw food. There is often the suggestion that small meals spread over time is the best protocol in pancreatitis but this activates the pancreas, aggravating the inflammation further. When you start feeding fresh and balanced food over time, we find feeding twice a day, if your schedule permits it, feeding breakfast around 9am and then dinner at about 4pm, allowing a longer fast between dinner and the following breakfast. If your pet can tolerate being fed once a day, this might be
Here we are, part 3 of the cancer series (no Home Alone analogies this time). Part 3 is just as important as understanding the pathogenesis, diet and supplementation segments. This is about minimising exposure to external factors that affect the immune system. Whether that be mental well being, stress, how they exercise, monthly chemical treatments and yearly boosters etc, they are all points that must be considered and addressed. Reducing stress in your pet’s life We know anxiety is a silent killer. It reeks havoc on your body and creates immense inflammation that can led to much disease. Dog’s in particular experience a lot of stress living in a 21st century home. Stress can lead to a TH2 dominant immune system, this is also the dominant state your body is in during cancer. Helping to reduce, modulate the stress response is key in supporting this disease state. This can be done in a manner of ways and we always suggest looking into what we call ‘life load’ in functional medicine. How much is your cat or dog taking on? Are they happy being an only pet, do they love their companion, do they get overwhelmed easily, excited easily, do they have a safe space just for them, are they attached to you, are they left home alone a lot. We are not suggesting any one thing is responsible for cancer but taking into account the entire picture and looking at the mental state of mind correlates and can impact physical health greatly. If you feel there are some behavioural constraints, then consulting with a behaviourist is a good idea. If money is too tight to mention, look at some subscription sites or groups on Facebook to help with general tips. Always be careful how you select your support. We once had a family greyhound and she was very nervous of life generally. We made her a den, got her another friend for play dates and played classic FM A LOT and used natural essential oils to induce a more relaxed environment. She had plenty of walks, chewed certain bones under supervision (this has shown to help with stress, exercise and mental stimulation, as well as cleaning teeth) and numerous other things. Please always consider if your pet’s needs are being met. We know how important it is to reduce stress and to feel happy in our own lives, our pets are no different. Exercise Exercise is always important but there is research out on certain types of exercise being cancer respondent. HIIT type exercising, where there’s intense short, sharp bursts of exercise with intermittent periods of rest (basically how most dogs tend to play), may help support cancer patients in a positive way. This has not yet been ‘exercised’ in dogs but research shows some promise as part of a healthy and supportive regime. Not to mention that exercise for dogs is part of a healthy lifestyle where they get to explore, socialise and keep active. Reducing Toxic overload in your dog’s life Toxic daily metabolic overload challenges the immune system every day. This not only includes radiation and environmental pollutants but grooming products, flea and worming products, vaccinations, household items, garden items and the impurity of the water in your pet’s life. Ok so lets’ touch on grooming If you need to wash your dog, then we recommend a gentle and natural shampoo like Helios for itching pets and general applications: Helio shampoo To moisturise, help heal wounds, help itchy dry and flaky skin, I like leucillin as a natural option: Leucillin If you dog has a wound or hotspot that isn’t healing, I recommend green clay as something to have in your emergency cupboard, no chemicals for us: Green clay Flea products and Vaccinations Flea products and tick products are incredibly toxic and overload the body when the immune system is already under challenge. Fleas aren’t a great concern but ticks are so make sure after every walk you check your dog thoroughly and invest in a tick removal kit if you are in a zone for ticks. They can be dangerous to your dog as they carry disease such as Lymes. There are lots of natural products out there. Rotate them as fleas and ticks are adaptable and you need to make sure your pets are not desirable hosts. If your dog is sensitive to oils try diatomaceous earth, it’s a great option and effective. If we aren’t meant to handle topical flea treatments, how can this safely be used on your pet? A lovely spray with beautiful essentials before you go on a walk can be helpful: Flea and Tick repellant Flea & Tick Spray for Pets + Home with Natural Essential Oils A natural flea collar or amber collar can be deterrents and non-toxic: Flea collar Amber Collar If you wish to avoid worming due to toxicity you can buy worm egg count kits. Advised to do every 6 months. Greens also offer a heart worm count. Egg worm count Vaccinations can be over stimulating to the immune system. With yearly boosters and exposure to toxicity on a regular basis, this will only challenge your sick pet further. Vaccinating responsibly is important. There is a movement of vets who are starting to titer test rather than vaccinate yearly.This is a blood test and chargeable by the vet to check antibodies in the blood to see what your pet is currently inoculated against. It’s much safer and less challenging for your dog’s immune system and 9.5/10 your pet won’t need another booster in their lifetime after their initial vaccinations. Titer is not required after 9 years of age. Talk to your vet about it, it’s a supply and demand thing. We recommend looking into Vaccicheck. They have a lot of data and scientific research on titers regardless of what some sceptics may say. Household items Washing up detergents, dish washer detergents, clothes detergents, floor cleaning, general cleaning products can all be hazardous and some dogs
Oh yeah baby Cancer in Pets Part 2! Are you excited (maybe not the right question)? Just a word to the wise, if you haven’t yet read part 1, it would be helpful to get a grasp on immunity and what to consider diet wise first. It won’t ruin part 2 (a bit like watching Home Alone 2 before Home Alone), it’s not a deal breaker but kinda nice to get some back story and structure. Cancer in Pets Part 1 So we now know what type of diet to consider in cancer but we need to compliment this route by looking at immunity and supplement choices, to help support the body and rid the body of as many toxins as possible. After all, Dr Thomas Seyfried did demonstrate that cancer is triggered by toxic overload. When looking at every client, once we have considered genetics, history and presenting symptoms, we then look at the 8 systems in functional medicine. This allows us to approach it with a framework, piecing things together like a jigsaw. Functional medicine isn’t diagnostic, it looks at the what, why and the how. In our consultations we look at the pathophysiology’s in great depth and consider a number of other processes not even mentioned here (we want you to read on). The 8 systems Stress; we know this to be a trigger for cancer. Stress releases cortisol, this tends to shut down the digestive system somewhat. We know this leads to leaky gut and mass inflammation in the body if extended periods of stress are experienced. This type of inflammation is TH2 dominant and cancer is a TH2 dominant disease. If we know there is a lot of stress, we would address this to try and help mediate this response and reduce some inflammation. Immunity; Immunity is effected by absolutely everything and when your pet has cancer this is an immune malfunction and must be treated as such. This is where we look at TH1 and TH2 and help support it with mushrooms, herbs, probiotics and so forth. Stress, detoxification, digestion and pretty much every system greatly impacts immunity so we need to look at everything closely and support all processes. Detoxification; detoxification encompasses the lymphatics, digestion, kidneys, liver and gallbladder. We would look and have particular questions for each system within detoxification. If these systems aren’t in check and in particular the liver, cancer can become a monster. The liver is the powerhouse. It breaks down and filters pretty much everything in the body including toxins and if this isn’t working well, we need to address it. We would definitely look at phase 1 and phase 2 of detoxification pathways in the liver to ensure support during this difficult time. Digestive health; microbiotia is very important to help immune signalling and detoxification. If this isn’t in good balance and your pet is exposed to a lot of allergens, pathogens, toxins and so forth, this can trigger leaky gut and inflammation. Making sure bacteria, acid levels, enzyme production and the integrity of the gut are all in balance is essential for a robust environment to ensure well-being and support in cancer. Reproductive health; this is often an issue as most animals have been desexed and so this has a knock on effect regarding the hormonal system, the immune system and the neurological system. This is very particular to each and every pet but is definitely closely correlated to immunity and in some cases can be the driving factor of certain cancer. Cardiovascular health; heart and kidney function are closely correlated. Strong heart and kidney health is essential in cancer. Methylation is a process that is considered here. We know poor methylation can lead to high homocysteine which appears to be a health marker in heart disease and cancer. Hormones; we tend to just think of sexual hormones but actually hormones come under the endocrine system. These are responsible for a number of things such as growth and development, metabolism, sexual function, reproduction and mood. Serotonin (your feel good hormone), Gaba (the relaxing hormone), Insulin (blood sugar regulation), Cortisol (the stress hormone) and Thyroid (for metabolism) are just to name a few. Hormones such as insulin are inflammatory and high blood levels of insulin indicate a higher risk of cancer which is why we don’t advocate much sugar in your pet’s diet (PERIOD). Structure; making sure connective tissue and the skeletal system are strong is also an essential part of the health matrix. In cancer there is a lot of free radical damage and connective tissue can easily become damaged. This is why antioxidants (in the right form) are essential. Reducing inflammation is key. So lets look at some supplements that may help support your pet. Supplements As a generic approach we would look at the stress, digestion, immune support and detoxification in cancer support. Supplements are an important consideration in cancer but seeking advice from a health care professional is ALWAYS advised. Here are my top 6 supplements Ashwaganda; we love me a bit of Ashwaganda. Ashwagandha is one of the most important herbs in Ayurveda, a form of alternative medicine based on Indian principles of natural healing that has been used for over 3,000 years. It’s a beautiful adaptogenic herb that supports the stress response and immunity in your pet. It’s classically known as a nervine tonic but this beauty has many strings to its bow. The clinical studies and research so far is very promising.The more I formulate with and research this herb, the more I am in awe (and in love). Some research here on Ashwaganda! Probiotics; your dogs microbiome is as individual as they are. Microbiome is a community of thousands of different diverse bacteria, fungi and virus, all working together to fuel health and immunity. Gut microbiotia is essential in health and driven/affected by diet, stress, environmental conditions and so on. Probably the most important bacteria phylum in your dog is Bacteroidetes. These bacteroidetes produce short chain fatty acids that
Cancer is the second most common reason clients consult with MPN. Cancer is an epidemic! It’s estimated that almost 50% of cats and dogs will die from some form of cancer. When considering the full picture of health, at MPN we look at genetics, breeding, health of pregnancy, birthing, weening, environment, nutrition and the functionality of all 8 body systems (neurological, digestive, cardiovascular etc). In order to truly understand your pet’s needs, all these factors must be taken into consideration to obtain the best plan. Particular breeds or certain breeding will transcript coding that makes cancer more likely in certain cats and dogs, however this isn’t exclusive to genes and breeding. This is prevalent and likely in pets who experience chronic inflammation and experience an immune malfunction due to a number of factors. What is cancer Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. Cancer develops when the body’s normal control mechanisms cease to work. Old cells do not die and form new, abnormal cells that can grow at a fast rate. These extra cells may form amass of tissue, called a tumour. The Immune system In 2013, Dr Thomas Seyfried demonstrated that cancer is a metabolic dysfunction of the mitochondria (energy producing organelles in cells), triggered by toxin overload. That is the very nature of cancer but how we end up there is very much to do with the immune system. In order to support cancer one of the major contributing factors is the immune systems functionality and how it responds to invading cancer cells. Cancer is an inflammatory disease. I see Cancer as an ‘immune malfunction’ where a consistent imbalance in the immune system, tips into inflammation. In more than basic terms, the immune system is split into 2 phases, Th1 and Th2. In a healthy pet, Th1 and Th2 cells are maintained in a carefully regulated balance. If a bacterium enters the body, it activates Th2 cells that dominate the network to begin a cascade of immune events leading to an antibody response that clears the infection. If a virus enters cells in the body, it activates Th1 cells which dominate and instruct the killer cell response to clear infected cells. Once the infection is cleared, suppressor cells are activated to shut down the dominate response and bring the network back into a resting state. If the suppressor cells do not act to bring the network back to a resting state, a pathological Th1 or Th2 dominated immune system results. A Th2-dominated immune system is characteristic of cancer patients where the killer cell response in TH1 is suppressed (recognising defective cells). Patients with advanced cancer often have impaired cell-mediated immunity associated with a switch from Th1 to Th2. Research shows that cancer patients, exist in a state of Th2-mediated “chronic inflammation”. Findings suggest that Th2 dominance status encourages carcinogenesis (the initiation of cancer formation). There’s a lot we know about immunity but still so much we don’t. It’s a complex issue but understanding the very basics can help us look at things differently and can help to support your pet. Cancer diet Nutrition is obviously a key factor in supporting cancer. We find the fresher the food the better. Natural, fresh, homemade, and perhaps raw are best (it depends on the immune function: I often suggest lightly cooked dependent on the individual). Intense processed food is definitely not the best choice for optimum health. We know dry food can lead to more inflammation from independent research. Most dry food contains around 35-50% sugars, due to the starch content that binds it all together. Cancer LOVES sugar, this was documented years ago but has never been much of a focus with regards to cancer care until more recent years. We also know from recent research from Dog Risk at the University of Helsinki, that a controlled study of dry fed and raw fed dogs, raised disease markers when fed dry food. The study demonstrated clear data of increased plasma homocysteine in the variations of the dry fed dogs as opposed to raw. We know that homocysteine is a marker for disease and closely linked to cardiovascular complications and other disease states. Recent advances have shown that increased plasma homocysteine could be correlated to cancer also. We are not necessarily advocating raw, in fact in some cases we actively recommend lightly cooked but the above demonstrates differences in metabolites, in dry verses fresh. Fresh always seems to prevail with the best results. It is important to know that not all foods will suit your pet and looking into this is an imperative part of the process. Immune mediated responses can arise from food sensitivities, food allergens, environmental allergens and toxins on a daily basis and sometimes owners aren’t aware of this. This can lead to a permanent state of inflammation. An allergic response is a TH2 response so consistently being exposed to allergens can put your pet in a permanent state of TH2. See above to know that this isn’t groovy for cancer patients or general well-being. Allergies and cancer can by hyperlinked. In fact, histamine (a compound often released in response to an allergy) is commonly known to induce tumour proliferation and immune suppression in certain cases. Ketogenic Diet The ancient Greek practitioners were well known for using ketogenic diets and although it seems more of a new concept and revelation, it’s been around for donkey’s years, so we can’t lay claim to creation. That said, there is a lot of information and research regarding the benefits of keto diets and cancer amongst other disease. In fact, there’s thousands of research papers, many based on animals. There is even a wonderful centre in America called Keto Pets Sanctuary who specialise in keto research. A ketogenic diet is based on moderate protein, high fat and very low carbohydrate. The ratio usually required to induce ketones is fat to protein 2:1. That is a very high fat diet and should be fed with caution. If a diet provides a high fat content, glycogen
