Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we often see excessive thirst as a symptom often related to diet, sickness, disease or behaviour. Many pet owners might notice their dogs drinking more water at certain times, so this guide outlines the basics and possible reasons why, from the not so serious to the serious. The scientific name for excessive thirst, causing excessive water consumption, is Polydipsia. The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) define polydipsia as ‘water intake that is twice maintenance requirements’ – dogs consuming more than 100ml/kg bodyweight per day is considered excessive. Dogs may have Polydipsia for a number of reasons, which we will cover in this blog! Findings here Checking for Dehydration First things first, here’s a simple technique called ‘tenting’ which you can use to check if your dog is dehydrated. Gently pinch some of your dogs skin on their side. Does it ping straight back to normal? Yes: your dog is well hydrated No: your dog is dehydrated Gums should be pink and moist. Grey, tacky, or dry gums may show dehydration. Exercise and Environment Just like their human counterparts, dogs if exercising/exerting extra energy and not offered water during their exercise, will become dehydrated. Many will get home and rush straight to their water bowl for a big drink. We recommend taking a portable dog water bowl with you, particularly on longer walks. Filtered water is always recommended. If the weather is warm or humid, your dog will lose water through sweat and panting, so will need to drink more to replenish what’s missing. Diet The diet you choose for your dog may contribute to your dog’s Polydipsia. A fresh food diet (including raw and cooked food), or high quality wet food diet will contain a lot of moisture at around 65-75%. Feeding a dry food, whether it be freeze dried, air dried, or kibble, will sadly be dehydrating, due to lack of moisture at around 6-10%. This may cause a strain on the kidneys also, so many people choose to ‘float’ their dogs meal (adding water to the meal). The salt content in some dry foods and treats, may also contribute to thirst as salt puts extra pressure on the kidneys, meaning a higher water intake is required to help them flush it through. Illness Dogs who have been unwell with a bug, or an intolerance/allergy to a food, causing sickness and/or diarrhoea, may drink excessively, as they lose a lot of water through vomit and faeces. The feeling of nausea may also encourage excessive drinking. There are more specific medical problems of which polydipsia is a symptom. Let’s have a look at those: Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) When dogs experience a UTI, they produce a lot of urine. Due to expelling so much urine, their bodies will feel in a constant state of dehydration, leading to excessive consumption of water to replace the lost fluids. This is the first medical condition to rule out as it is one of the more common reasons a dog may drink lots of water. Findings here Diabetes Polydipsia and Polyurea (excessive urination) are two of the most prominent symptoms of Diabetes Insipidus. Of the types of Diabetes Insipidus in dogs, the most common is Secondary Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus and can be of varying degrees of severity. Your veterinarian may wish to rule out other potential conditions first, then may instruct a water deprivation test to diagnose Diabetes Insipidus – this is the only time you should restrict water from your pet; under full veterinary guidance! Findings here Cushing’s Disease (hyperadrenocorticism) Cushing’s disease is caused when the adrenal gland produces too much of a hormone called Cortisol. Cortisol is used in regulation of blood pressure, keeping heart and blood vessels healthy and working smoothly, and reducing inflammation. When there’s too much Cortisol in the body, weight gain, increased thirst, swelling, hair loss, calcinosis cutis, lethargy, and excessive panting can all be symptoms. Dogs with polydipsia suffering from Cushing’s Disease, drink between 2 and 10 times the normal amount for a dog their size. Cushing’s Disease is often mistaken for dermatitis or liver disease. Findings here Findings here Liver Disease Excessive thirst is one of the most common signs of liver disease, showing in around 50% of liver disease patients. Dogs suffering with liver disease, specifically hepatic encephalopathy, have increased production of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH for short!), which causes an increase in cortisol in the body, ultimately causing dehydration of plasma cells. Because the plasma cells require more water, the dog’s thirst is increased. Other liver diseases also cause polydipsia. Findings here Hypercalcemia and Kidney Disease Having too much calcium in the blood causes hypercalcemia, which can lead to poor functioning of the heart and brain, as well as weakened bones, and the potential for kidney stones. It’s caused by overactive parathyroid glands. Hypercalcemia is often as a result of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), Acute Kidney Disease, hyperparathyroidism, underactive adrenal gland, Cancers and in very rare cases, when the body has taken in too much Vitamin D. Excessive thirst and urinating are the most typical signs of hypercalcemia due to the kidneys being unable to concentrate urine properly. In order to properly dilute urine before excretion, the dog needs to need to drink more to ensure there’s enough water reaching the tissues ofthe kidneys. Findings here Findings here Tumours There are links between polydipsia and tumours in dogs, primarily cancerous tumours involving the kidneys, for similar reasons as in dogs suffering with kidney disease. Polydipsia can also be a symptom of tumours (benign or malignant) due to paraneoplastic syndromes, that are triggered by the formation of a tumour and activates the immune system in an unusual way. Findings here Findings here Pyometra Entire bitches may suffer from open (more common and generally treatable) and closed (life threatening) pyometra. The average age for pyometra is 7.25 years, but it can happen at any age, especially in those who have had multiple seasons. Excessive water consumption is a common symptom
Mast cell tumour (MCT) represents a cancer of a type of blood cell normally involved in the body’s response to allergens and inflammation. When they occur on the skin, MCTs vary widely in appearance. They can be a raised lump or bump on or just under the skin, and may be red, ulcerated, or swollen. In addition, many owners will report a waxing and waning size of the tumour, which can occur spontaneously, or can be produced by agitation of the tumour, causing degranulation. Before we explore this tumour in more detail, lets take a look at mast cell function. Mast Cells Mast cells are found in mucosal and epithelial tissues throughout the body. They are involved in the regulation of variety of physiological functions, including: vasodilation formation of new blood cells bacterial and parasite elimination In addition, mast cells regulate the function of many cell types, such as: dendritic cells macrophages T cells B cells fibroblasts eosinophils endothelial cells epithelial cells Since mast cells generate and release potent molecules, such as histamine, proteases, prostanoids, leukotrienes, heparin, and many cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors, they have the capacity to be involved in regulating the functions of many organs and tissues. Mast cells also play a significant role in the regulation of bone growth, remodelling, and mineral homeostasis. Mast Cell Tumours When mast cells undergo malignant transformation (become cancerous), mast cell tumours (MCTs) are formed. Prevalence Several epidemiological studies from many countries point out that MCTs have a high frequency in dogs. It is the third most common tumour subtype, and is the most common malignant skin tumour, accounting for 11% of skin cancer cases. Breed Predisposition Some breeds are predisposed to MCT development, including: Boxer Bull Terrier French Bulldog Golden Retriever Labrador Retriever Shar-pei Dachshund On the other hand, some breeds present a lower risk of MCT development, including: German Shepherd Chihuahua Poodle Yorkshire Terrier Cocker Spaniel Recent studies also sought to correlate the breed predisposition to the biological behaviour of MCT, and suggest that Pug and Boxer dogs are more prone to tumours with less aggressive behaviour, while the shar-pei tends to develop more aggressive tumours. Sexual Predisposition To date, no sexual predisposition has been considered. Age Predisposition MCT can develop at any age, but it is more common in adult to older animals. Risk Factors: chronic inflammation in the skin, exposure to irritating compounds, c-KIT gene (KIT) mutation Associated Symptoms: delayed wound healing coagulation abnormalities hypotension and circulatory collapse may also occur Gastrointestinal complications are also seen, including ulceration. It is thought this is due to the high blood levels of histamine that stimulate the H2 receptor on parietal cells, resulting in excessive production of gastric acid and increased gastric motility. Gastrointestinal ulcerations are observed in 35–83% of canines affected by MCTs. You may notice black, tarry stools in this case. Conventional Treatment Options: Surgery Anti-cancer medications Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors But, if we are to explore this tumour in all its glory, we must look to the risk factors. Chronic inflammation in the skin It would be wise to consider current skin health, and whether there may be high levels of inflammation. Is your dog itching? Is there an unmanaged sensitivity? Things to Think About: Skin Health Does My Pet’s Skin Have its Own HPA Axis? Tackling Atopic Dermatitis in Pets Exposure to irritating compounds We talk at length about reducing our pet’s exposure to irritating compounds. Here we are considering all exposure, whether its diet, flea/worm treatments, cleaning products in the home or others found in the environment. Check out some of our blogs for more information: Is Your Toxic Home Affecting Your Pet? How Does My Dog Manage Toxin Exposure? c-KIT gene (KIT) mutation This gene encodes a receptor tyrosine kinase that binds stem cell factor in canine mast cells. Mutations drive uncontrolled cell survival and proliferation, which is related to MCT development and progression. We can’t escape that many cancers have a genetic element. At one time we thought genes were destiny, but we are learning more and more that genes load the gun, and the environment pulls the trigger. We can to some extent modulate gene expression, through lifestyle and therefore diet. How Nutrition Affects Your Pet’s Genes In addition, we have some general considerations to make regarding cancer, no matter where it is in the body. Immunity and Diet Supplements Lifestyle Keto For Cancer If you are currently managing an MCT diagnosis and would like to support your dog’s journey, check out our services to see how we can help. Thanks for reading, MPN Team
The fancy way of saying hair loss, alopecia affects more pets than we may think. It may be congenital or acquired and for it to be managed effectively, we really need to understand it. So, let’s take a look at 5 reasons for alopecia in pets. What is Alopecia? Alopecia is the partial or complete lack of hairs in areas where they are normally present. We can imagine our pet’s hair (and skin for that matter) as a report card for the body. If it’s looking a little worrisome, we need to investigate. As we mentioned, alopecia can be both congenital and acquired. Congenital means the animal is born with the condition. Congenital hair loss may or may not be hereditary. It’s caused by a lack of normal development of hair follicles. It may be apparent at, or shortly after birth. Your pet may be born with a normal coat, and patchy or widespread hair loss occurs when they become a young adult. In acquired hair loss, your pet is born with a normal hair coat. It has or had normal hair follicles at one time and is or could produce structurally normal hairs. Subsequently, any disease that can affect hair follicles can cause hair loss. Certain diseases may destroy the hair follicle or shaft or interfere with the growth of hair. Some diseases can cause discomfort, leading to self-trauma (scratching and biting) and loss of hair. It’s important to remember that acquired hair loss can be inflammatory or non-inflammatory. What diseases can Interfere with the growth of hair? Diseases that can directly cause destruction or damage to the hair shaft or follicle include bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections. It can also include inflammatory diseases of the skin along with skin trauma. These diseases tend to be inflammatory. Parasites and What You Really Need to Know But there can also be factors that inhibit or slow down follicle growth resulting in alopecia. Let’s take a look. Nutritional Deficiencies We are seeing more and more data around specific nutrients in hair growth and health. For example: – Low vitamin D status has been implicated in cases of alopecia, – Over-supplementation of Vitamin A is associated with alopecia – In a Biotin deficiency, signs include hair loss – Folate deficiency can result in hair, skin and nail changes – Vitamin C is known to aid iron absorption, the latter being implicated in hair loss – Hair loss is a common sign of zinc deficiency – Hair loss can be seen in Iodine deficiency as it’s a mineral that aids thyroid function (we’ll share why this is relevant next) We advocate a fresh food diet, rich in nutrients to support overall health. Check out our range of blogs on different nutrients if you would like to learn more. Hormonal imbalances So much of a factor, there is a condition deemed hormonal alopecia in dogs. This can be linked to neutering with many owners reporting hair loss or thinning post neutering. But when we say hormones, we are also considering thyroid hormones. The thyroid gland is active in the initiation of hair growth and replacement. Located in the neck near the trachea or windpipe, this gland produces hormones which regulate metabolism. Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can result in hair loss in the dog although hypothyroidism is likely the more commonly occurring form of hormonal alopecia in dogs. Initially hair loss is patchy, the coat is dry, the hair is brittle and easily pulled out. Quite often hyper pigmentation occurs. In some cases, secondary pyoderma and seborrheic dermatitis may follow. Ultimate Guide: Hypothyroidism Stress Hair loss can follow months after a traumatic event often making it difficult to connect the dots. Hair cycles through different phases and all follicles can be at different stages at any one time. What we now know is that high levels of stress can cause shifts in those cycles. This results in balding or thinning of hair. Stress also depletes nutritional resources along with impeding the digestion and absorption of them and as we’ve already mentioned, sufficient growth relies on a great supply of nutrients. Can Stress Affect My Dog’s Digestive System? Irritation When your dog scratches or bites because they are irritated, it can result in hair loss. Causes of irritation include: – Infection – Pain – Parasites – Sensitivities/allergies Itchy Dogs and Cats Naturally Things to Think About: Skin Health in Dogs Overgrooming Overgrooming can be a calming behaviour employed by your pet. This may be in response to stress or being overwhelmed. Its important to notice any change in grooming behaviour and establish the potential trigger. Stressors may include: – Change in routine – Addition of a new pet – Our own stress – Change in health – Time of year – holidays/fireworks/weather change If you think hair loss may be associated with stress, check out the following blogs for more information: The Pet Owner’s Stress Load Using Nutrition To Support The Stressed Dog Why Dogs Need To Chew 5 Nutrients to Support Your Anxious Dog Overgrooming can also be linked to pain and digestive issues, so check out our blog on licking behaviour for more information. Why Does My Dog Keep Licking Signs of Hair Loss Signs of hair loss may be obvious or subtle, depending on what’s causing it. Congenital or hereditary hair loss can be symmetric (appearing similar on both sides of the body) or located in one area only. It is not usually accompanied by inflammation. Signs of acquired hair loss are influenced by the underlying causes. Hair loss may affect an isolated spot or multiple areas; it may be symmetric or widespread. You may also notice inflammation, thickened skin, colour change, scaling, excessive shedding and/or itching. In addition, some causes may lead to the development of secondary skin diseases like infection or fluid discharge. Some questions to ask when establishing the cause of your pet’s alopecia? Are they getting the nutrients they need from the diet they are offered? Could stress
Every day, our pet’s bodies are exposed to toxins. They are produced internally in the body which includes things like lactic acid and waste products from gut microbes, hormones, and neurotransmitters, but they are also found externally, like air pollution, chemicals from cleaning products or volatile organic compounds from the plug-in air diffuser in your lounge. What’s really sad is that the number of eternal toxins seems to be increasing year on year. The concern is that these toxins have the ability to disrupt essential biological structures in the body. We can’t avoid toxins, because as we have noted, they are also produced internally from normal metabolic processes, but we can limit our pet’s external exposure to reduce the burden on their detoxification systems. Let’s take a look at how these detoxification systems work and why it’s so important to consider how exposed our pets truly are. What is Metabolic Detoxification? Detoxification is carried out by a range of mechanisms and this comes in particularly handy if one pathway is overwhelmed, another can pick up the slack. We can think of it like a waterfall, water will always find a way down. In a healthy system, toxins will be able to find a way out. Initially, the body will attempt to detoxify at source. These locations include the intestinal mucosa, the respiratory mucosa, the microbiome, and the skin epidermis. Whilst these also provide a physical barrier to prevent toxin transport, they also express a range of enzymes which are essential in sweeping toxins away. Detoxification falls into three phases. The first two phases are concerned with breaking down the toxin in the body, and phase three is concerned with excreting it. For the body to manage a toxic load, all three phases need to be working optimally. Phase I Detoxification Here we are mostly concerned with a range of enzymes like MAOs or monoamine oxidases dealing with neurotransmitters (those chemical messengers involved in mood and behaviour amongst other things) and PON1 or paraoxonase 1 dealing with pesticides and oxidised lipids. The names aren’t important, but the point is that at this stage the body needs to be efficiently producing these enzymes to metabolise the toxins. Most of this occurs in the liver, so for healthy detoxification processes, the liver needs to be functioning well too. A Brief Guide to Liver Function in Pets This stage is particularly nutrient-demanding and sufficient levels of key vitamins and minerals are essential. They include: Vitamin A Vitamin C Vitamin E Vitamins B1, B2, B3 Iron But amino acids like cysteine are also important. Free Radicals and Detox This phase also generates high numbers of reactive oxygen species, or ROS leading to oxidative stress. So, supporting the body’s antioxidant defences is also important. Does My Dog Need Antioxidants? Once toxins have passed through phase I, they are not completely finished with. Intermediate metabolites are produced and they sit in the body. It’s almost like putting your rubbish in the outside bin, but missing collection day. The rubbish remains. This is where Phase II comes in. Liver Guard Phase II Detoxification Within phase II there are a number of pathways and they are all responsible for detoxifying different compounds. The pathways include: Methylation Sulphation Conjugation Glucuronidation Acetylation The process of methylation deals with heavy metals, plastics, medications, mould, histamine, and hormones, amongst others. Methylation Nutrient Needs: Vitamin B9 Vitamin B6 Zinc Magnesium The process of sulphation deals with heavy metals, heavy smoke, hormones, neurotransmitters, plastics, phenols, and medications including antibiotics. Glutathione conjugation deals with heavy metals, plastics, mould, heavy smoke, pesticides, and medications like steroids. Glutathione is a master antioxidant so is also important in neutralising the reactive oxygen species produced in phase I. Glucuronidation is involved in managing heavy metals, sex hormones, neurotransmitters, plastics, mould, smoke, medications including paracetamol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories and immunosuppressants. Glucuronidation Nutrient Needs: Vitamin B3 Vitamin B6 Iron Acetylation supports the detoxification of smoke, halides, neurotransmitters, histamine, and medications including antibiotics. Phase III Detoxification At this point, we move into phase III, where we need to ensure the excretory part of the process is working as it should. This includes the function of the gut, skin, liver and kidneys. For optimal excretion of toxins through the digestive system, gut health is vitally important. Maintaining the mucosal barrier is key for gut health along with supporting motility. What Is The Gut Barrier? The Dog’s Digestive System Here functional ingredients can help lubricate the digestive tract, promote regular motility, aid elimination, and support the microbiome. Some useful ingredients include: Slippery elm De-glycerised liquorice (DGL) Glutamine N-acetyl-glucosamine Gut Guardian What Can Help Gut Dysbiosis? Adequate hydration is also important along with limiting stress where possible. Can Stress Affect My Dog’s Digestive System? The Importance of Water Top tips to support detoxification: Support detox at source – ensure skin and gut health The skin provides an effective physical barrier to prevent toxins entering the body, so its structure and microbiome is key. Feed a diet that includes bioavailable protein and fat and reduce exposure to grooming products that can skew the microbiome of the skin. We also need to take steps to optimise gut health. 7 Steps to Optimal Gut Health For Pets Feed a nutrient dense diet Each phase of detoxification requires certain nutrients, and the processes are quite demanding. Ensure you are feeding a diet rich in the following nutrients: Vitamins A, C, E B Vitamins: B1, B2, B3, B6 and B9 (folate) Minerals: Iron, Zinc and Magnesium. The first phase also produces high numbers of free radicals so include antioxidant foods in the diet too! Perfect additions include: – Berries – Nuts and Seeds – Green Leafy Vegetables – Oily Fish – Eggs – Liver – Meats – Peppers – Strawberries – Broccoli Reduce the toxic burden The best way to support the detoxification system is to not overload it in the first place, so avoiding toxins wherever possible. This isn’t easy,
Whether it’s a trail of slobber across your face or you’re sitting in wonder at your dog licking the slate around the fireplace, dogs like to lick. Everything. We find it endearing and a sign of affection when we get a tongue to the ear, or we just assume they’re practicing good hygiene when they are licking their paws. More often than not, only your dog knows why they are licking that rock in the garden. But there are occasions when there is more to licking behaviour. Let’s delve into the world of allergies, stress, pain and just good old-fashioned grooming. Why do dogs lick their paws? If you made a tally of a day in the life of your dog, licking paws would come in pretty high. More often than not, dogs will lick their paws to groom themselves. So, if they’ve come in from their walk or even just from a mooch around the garden, you’ll find them preening themselves and even having a little nibble. This is generally expected behaviour. However, this can become excessive if your dog is irritated by something they walk through or on. Grasses, pollens and toxic chemicals can all cause irritation to their sensitive paws. You also run the risk of salt or antifreeze exposure during extreme weather. Not only does this irritate them externally, but through grooming, they ingest it and can cause subsequent damage internally. It’s always best to rinse your dog’s paws when returning from a walk and give them a towel dry. In extreme climates you can even apply an all-natural paw balm or simply some coconut oil. Dogs will also lick parts of their body that are painful or stiff; so, if your dog has strained or sprained their leg, they may start licking their paw of the affected leg. Long nails can cause pain too, so check your dog thoroughly if the licking is a new behaviour. Dogs In Pain Excessive licking is usually identified by a reddening of the hair on the area being licked, so it’s pretty easy to notice. This is thanks to a protein found in the saliva which stains the hair. It’s not blood, don’t worry. However, excessive licking can cause trauma to the hair and skin, leaving inflamed, red and sore patches. This is why the underlying issue needs to be tackled as soon as possible. Why do dogs lick people? Some dogs lick people, some dogs don’t. How they have been raised plays a huge part in this. Quite often, if a dog has been allowed to lick their owner, they may lick other humans. If, however, an owner doesn’t want this behaviour, then they will ignore it. The dog won’t get a response and often will cease to do it. Those of us crazy dog owners who couldn’t care less whose canine slobber we get covered in, usually become jovial, we smile or laugh. The dog, even in the absence of a “food” reward, is receiving positive reinforcement. Dogs can read human emotion and, maybe, if they think we like being licked, they figure it’s just something they should keep doing. Why do dogs lick faces? It’s impossible to know for certain why dogs like our faces, but we think it comes from their puppyhood. If you notice how Mum Dogs behave with their puppies, they spend a huge time licking them, grooming them. The great thing is, the more a Mum Dog does this, the more resilient her puppy is as they grow. They are also less reactive to stress. It is believed that this behaviour reduces the amount of stress hormones in the puppy’s body. So, we could argue that our dog licks our face because they are imitating the behaviour they experienced. We could also argue that our dogs do it to help soothe us (do they do it more if we are stressed?) The less endearing explanation is that actually, as a dog’s sense of smell is so great, they’ve sniffed out a crumb or remnant of food/drink around our mouths and actually just want a taste. Why do dogs lick your feet? Most will agree, feet are the smelliest part of the human body. In terms of biology, this is pretty accurate. Human feet have more sweat glands per inch than anywhere else on the body. Wearing tight fitting socks and shoes also keeps moisture and heat in, providing a great environment for bacteria to multiply. Dogs have a great sense of smell, so when there could potentially be a great mixture of water, ammonia, potassium, nicotinic acid, magnesium, chloride, sodium, creatinine, uric acid, ascorbic acid, thiamine and riboflavin (also known as sweat) and then a whole host of different bacteria, why wouldn’t your dog have a lick and see what they could find? Dog’s explore their world through smell and sight. Maybe they’re just drawn to the smelliest part of the human body? (we’re not saying you have smelly feet, they can just find more information there). Why do dogs lick the air? Whilst dogs do explore their world through smell, and smell contributes massively to taste experience, it’s unlikely that when your dog is licking the air, they are trying to “taste” the air. They are more likely, stressed. Licking is a stress behaviour for canines. Notice when your dog is licking the air; what is happening in their environment. Is someone touching them? Has someone new come into the home? Are you near their food? Is someone near their toy? Are kids nearby? Have you made a fuss and touched a certain part of their body? This could indicate pain. It’s important to notice the trigger and also watch for other stress behaviours like; drooling, panting, yawning, pacing, head flicking or turning away from the stressor/trigger. Find the trigger and remove it. Licking is a warning signal; ignorance often leads to escalation. Why do dogs lick their nose? Like we mentioned above, this is most likely a sign of
Obesity is a huge problem in the pet world. Whilst official figures are quite reserved in their rates, the true number of pets who are obese or overweight is worrying. Being overweight increases the risk factors for developing: Cancer Diabetes Heart disease Osteoarthritis and degeneration of joints Urinary bladder stones Surgery complications Respiratory difficulties Kidney disease All things considered, it’s easy to see why obesity significantly reduces lifespan and why it is something that really needs to be addressed. What is Obesity? Obesity is defined as an accumulation of excessive amounts of adipose tissue. It is generally a state of positive energy balance. When food is ingested, it is digested and metabolised. The body uses the nutrients it needs and converts the main macronutrients to energy. On a simplistic level, it could be argued that obesity is the result of eating more food than is needed to carry out normal daily activities. However, we know that obesity is far more complex than this. Whilst this can be an issue for some pets, we must also consider other factors which contribute to weight gain in pets. Obese Microbes When we said obesity is multifactorial, we weren’t kidding. Studies have demonstrated that transplanting the microbes from an overweight mouse to a lean mouse, would subsequently make the lean mouse, fat. Findings here The suggestion is that the presence of a particular gut microbial community may affect how much energy is extracted from the diet. Antibiotics of course play a role in this. Studies have shown that treatment with antibiotics markedly influences body composition. In short, low diversity in the gut is associated with marked overall adiposity. There are a range of factors that can contribute to low diversity in the gut including: Maternal grooming behaviour Newborn environment Medications/antibiotics Diet Environmental toxins Stress Microbes can also drive hunger. In short, they secrete proteins that generate cravings for the substances they thrive on. Many processed foods are calorie dense but not nutrient dense. This is worth considering for the hungry dog who never appears to be satisfied. Predisposing Genes There is also a polymorphism found on four genes that can contribute to canine obesity. Not surprisingly one particular variant is found in some Labradors. This variant regulates how the brain recognises hunger and feelings of being full. Findings here This doesn’t mean that these dogs are destined to be obese, what it means is that their environment needs more modification than those dogs who don’t possess the variant. Hormones It seems that, on a simplistic level, certain hormones cause fat cells to suck up fatty acids more readily than they otherwise would or slow down the rate at which triglycerides are converted back. Both oestrogen and testosterone have been shown to decrease the rate at which certain cells take up free fatty acids, which results in keeping the fat cells relatively small (and why in humans you will notice differences in fat gain between males and females). This is why after neutering your pet, you are advised to monitor their weight as more often than not, they gain weight. Thyroid Issues The thyroid gland releases hormones that regulate your dog’s metabolism, so a thyroid condition could cause your dog to rapidly gain weight if it reduces the amount of hormones being produced. This condition is known as hypothyroidism and can cause weight gain, lethargy, dull or dry coat, or oily, greasy skin. Hypothyroidism in Pets Cushing’s Disease Cushing’s disease in dogs, also known as hyperadrenocorticism, is a condition where a dog’s body produces too much of the stress hormone cortisol. Hyper meaning too much, adreno meaning the adrenal gland and corticism refers to the outer part, or cortex of the adrenal gland. Cushing’s in dogs is the opposite to Addison’s disease, which is when the body doesn’t produce enough hormones. Cushing’s Disease in Dogs Generally if your dog is gaining weight over a period of time, it is worth looking at their food intake compared with their activity levels. If you see a more rapid onset of weight gain, it could be worth getting your dog checked over for any underlying health issues. Check out our blogs for managing obesity in pets: Obesity in Pets – Part One Obesity in Pets – Part Two If you are concerned about your pet’s health, then check out our services to see how we can help. Thanks for reading, MPN Team
Dogs can be vaccinated against many things, including Kennel Cough, as it’s not a core vaccination many owners often wonder whether their dog should be. Let’s take a look at kennel cough in a little more detail and some data around the vaccination. What is Kennel Cough? Kennel cough is a broad term covering any infectious or contagious condition of dogs where coughing is one of the main symptoms. Several viruses and bacteria can cause kennel cough, and often at the same time. They include (but are not limited to): Adenovirus type-2 (distinct from the adenovirus type 1 that causes infectious hepatitis), Parainfluenza virus Bordetella bronchiseptica. The coinfection of these pathogens, among others, manifests as CIRD and they act synergistically to cause respiratory illness. Kennel Cough: A Natural Guide What Does The Vaccine Do? The smallpox vaccine was introduced in 1796 after Edward Jenner observed that milkmaids who had previously caught cow pox didn’t catch smallpox. The idea was that exposure to killed or weakened virus/bacteria that cause disease can prime the immune response, but it doesn’t actually make the host sick. So, vaccinations allow the host to develop immunity without having to suffer the disease. This is the basic premise of the kennel cough vaccine – or any vaccine your dog may have for that matter. Sadly, it’s not quite as cut and dry as it sounds. There is increasing evidence that over-vaccination is associated with the development or aggravation of immune-mediated disorders and chronic diseases in individual pets that are genetically predisposed. This raises a particularly interesting element that has perhaps been missed when developing the blanket vaccination schedules for our pets. Twin studies in humans have demonstrated there is a clear genetic role in vaccine response. A growing list of genes have been associated with immune related functions critical to immunological response and much data is concluding it is the status of these genes that is key to immune response. Human data is highlighting that this is one of the reasons vaccines can either elicit partial, complete or failure to protect individuals treated under the same conditions. This would also suggest that the opposite is therefore true; gene status could elicit partial or complete adverse reaction, or hopefully failure to demonstrate adverse reaction. This is likely understood in the canine world to some extent because most vaccines are advised as safe for healthy dogs but not those with a compromised immune system, and this applies to the kennel cough vaccine for dogs. Is the Kennel Cough Vaccine Effective? One study of 972 dogs found that the kennel cough vaccine was around 20% effective in reducing coughing compared with a placebo vaccine. Findings Here In addition, another study demonstrated that between 40-60% of all dogs who suffered with kennel cough, had a history of vaccination. Findings Here However, other studies regularly report a 100% effectiveness rate. A literature review from 1977-2014 explored all relevant studies on the kennel cough vaccines and concluded that questions around the longevity of vaccine induced immunity and the prevalence of natural exposure on immunity remained largely unanswered. They also suggested that many studies into the vaccine are flawed. Whilst researchers seemingly disagree on the effectiveness of the vaccine, they continue to ask whether the live attenuated vaccine and its shedding contributes to exposure and therefore herd immunity? On the other side of this scale, could it be contributing to levels of the pathogens in the environment and fuelling further infections? It is well known that the kennel cough vaccine can shed for around 6 weeks after administration after all. Is the Kennel Cough Vaccine Safe? There are side effects reported after administration of the kennel cough vaccine including: Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Lethargy, Fever, Discomfort at vaccination site. We must also consider the risk of vaccinosis. Check out our blog here for more information: Vaccinosis in Pets Whilst researchers are still disagreeing on the effectiveness of the vaccine, they all agree that prevention is better than cure. Largely because most healthy dogs recover uneventfully. There may be concerns if poorly or elderly dogs catch kennel cough, but even if we were to consider a vaccine here, like all data sheets suggest, a vaccine should only be administered to healthy dogs anyway. Can I titre test for Kennel Cough? A titre test is a simple blood test which establishes the levels of existing antibodies in the blood. Antibodies are produced when an antigen provokes a response from the immune system. This response can be from natural exposure or a previous vaccination. The issue is that kennel cough can be caused by a number of bacteria or viruses; often at the same time, so a titre test is little use in this case. So, Should I Vaccinate My Dog Against Kennel Cough? The choice is ultimately up to you, but we would ask the following questions to help you decide? Is the vaccine safe? Is the vaccine effective? Is your dog at risk of catching it? Is your dog healthy? You can also learn more about vaccinations in general in our blog here: Everything You Need to Know About Vaccinations Preventing Kennel Cough The best weapon in your arsenal is to support your dog’s immune function as much as possible. If they have a well-developed and mature immune system they are better able to fight threats. Your Pet’s Immune System Do We Need To Boost Our Pet’s Immune System? 10 Top Foods For Your Dog’s Immunity If you would like some support with your pet’s health, then check out our services to see how we can help. Thanks for reading, MPN Team
Kennel cough is relatively common in the canine world but its name is slightly misleading. For decades it was associated with kennels and many owners thought that if their dog never went to kennels, it wasn’t a risk for them. The reason it’s common in kennels is because dogs are in such close proximity to each other and so it spreads like wildfire! But any dog can suffer with Kennel Cough, or more technically canine infectious respiratory disease. For the most part, healthy dogs recover without issue – but it can be more of a worry for puppies or older dogs. Let’s take a look at it in a little more detail, and we’ll share some of our favourite remedies. What is Kennel Cough? Canine infectious respiratory disease (CIRD) is an acute, highly contagious disease complex caused by a variety of infectious agents. CIRD is characterised by an acute onset of mild to severe episodes of a dry cough and nasal discharge. Due to the highly contagious nature of the disease, dogs living in crowded conditions, such as shelters and day care centres, are especially susceptible to infection. Most dogs with CIRD recover spontaneously within days to weeks unless complicating factors occur, such as lower respiratory tract involvement or severe secondary infections. A variety of viral and bacterial agents have been detected in dogs with CIRD. The commonly reported pathogens include: Canine distemper virus (CDV) Canine adenovirus type 2 (CAV-2) Canine parainfluenza virus (CPIV) Canine herpesvirus-1 (CHV) Bordetella bronchiseptica Can I Vaccinate Against It? Yes you can, but one study demonstrated that 43.3% of all dogs with CIRD and 60.9% of CPIV positive dogs with CIRD had a history of parenteral vaccination against CPIV. Since the time between vaccination and the onset of clinical CIRD was not documented, it was not clear whether the dogs developed clinical CPIV due to an insufficient immune response following vaccination or if some dogs tested positive for a vaccination strain of CPIV. After-all, it has been suggested that dogs vaccinated with a modified live CPIV vaccine could shed the virus for some time after vaccination. Can I Prevent My Dog Catching It? CIRD is an attack on the immune system. The pathogens hijack many defences which results in the symptoms we recognise. So, a well-functioning immune system is the first part of your dog’s defence against kennel cough. Vitamin C contributes to immune defence by supporting various cellular functions of both the innate and adaptive immune system. Vitamin C helps encourage the production of white blood cells known as lymphocytes and phagocytes, which help protect the body against infection. Foods Containing Vitamin C: Blueberries Seaweed Peppers Sweet Potatoes Pumpkin Vitamin A helps maintain structural and functional integrity of mucosal cells in innate barriers (skin, respiratory tract etc). It is also important for the functioning of natural killer cells, macrophages, and neutrophils. In the adaptive immune response, vitamin A is necessary for the functioning of T and B cells and therefore for the generation of antibody responses to an antigen. Sources of Vitamin A Include: Liver Fish Oil Egg Yolks In the innate immune system, vitamin B6 helps regulate inflammation and has roles in cytokine production and natural killer cell activity. In the adaptive immunity system, vitamin B6 plays a role in the metabolism of amino acids, which are the building blocks of cytokines and antibodies. B6 is also involved in lymphocyte proliferation, differentiation and maturation and it maintains Th1 immune responses. Sources of Vitamin B6 include: Beef Chicken Turkey Sardines Salmon Organ Meats Stock or broth made by boiling chicken bones is a great option and contains gelatin, chondroitin and other nutrients that are helpful in gut healing in immune function. Zinc is a particular powerhouse when it comes to immune function. It has antioxidant effects protecting against reactive oxygen species, it helps modulate cytokine release and also helps maintain skin and mucosal membrane integrity (that first line of defence). In the adaptive immune response, zinc has a central role in cellular growth and differentiation of immune cells. It plays a role in T cell development and activation and supports the Th1 response. Sources of Zinc Include: Seafood Meat Fish We find vitamin D receptors throughout the immune system which demonstrates the role it plays in its function. Vitamin D stimulates immune cell proliferation and cytokine production, and it helps protect against infection caused by pathogens. It also demonstrates an inhibitory effect in adaptive immunity, suggesting that it is in fact an immune modulator. This is often why we notice increased cases of autoimmunity where there is low vitamin D. Sources of Vitamin D Include: Liver Fish Egg Yolks Mushrooms We can also feed a range of foods to support overall immune function. To learn more check out our blog here: 10 Top Foods For Your Dog’s Immunity What Happens if My Dog Gets Kennel Cough? If your dog is generally healthy, it is usually self-limiting, but if you are concerned it is best to seek vet advice. We do have some tried and tested remedies which can usually help too. Chamomile Chamomile is widely used to treat inflammations of the skin and mucous membranes, and for various bacterial infections of the skin, oral cavity and gums, and respiratory tract. Tincture or tea is generally better tolerated by dogs. Honey Manuka honey possesses soothing properties along with functioning as an: Antiviral Antibacterial There is increasing evidence that it inhibits a range of pathogens. Findings Here It also disperses and kills bacteria living in biofilms, those matrixes that adhere to wounds, teeth, and mucosal surfaces. Slippery Elm Gruel and Colloidal Silver Silver is recognized to have antimicrobial activity. There are three main ways in which it achieves this. Firstly, silver cations can form pores and puncture the bacterial cell wall by reacting with the peptidoglycan component. Secondly, silver ions can enter into the bacterial cell, both inhibiting cellular respiration and disrupting metabolic pathways resulting in generation of reactive oxygen species. Lastly, once in the
Your dog may have recently undergone surgery or sadly suffered an injury when out on a walk. We know the importance of rest for healing, but if there is trauma to the skin in the form of a wound, can we support that process? Let’s take a look. The Wound Healing Process Wound healing, as a normal biological process in the body, is achieved through four precisely and highly programmed phases: hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodelling. For a wound to heal successfully, all four phases must occur in the proper sequence and time frame. Hemostasis consists of vascular constriction, platelet aggregation, degranulation and fibrin clot formation. When tissue damage results in bleeding, fibrinogen is converted at the wound into fibrin by the action of thrombin, a clotting enzyme. Fibrin molecules then combine to form long fibrin threads that entangle platelets, building up a spongy mass that gradually hardens and contracts to form the blood clot. During inflammation there is neutrophil infiltration, monocyte infiltration and differentiation to macrophage and lymphocyte infiltration. Proliferation consists of re-epithelialization (formation of new epithelial and skin appendages), angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels), collagen synthesis and ECM (extracellular matrix) formation. During remodelling, there is collagen remodelling and vascular maturation and regression. Wounds that exhibit impaired healing, including delayed acute wounds and chronic wounds have generally failed to progress through the normal stages of healing. These wounds frequently enter a state of pathologic inflammation due to a postponed, incomplete, or uncoordinated healing process. Factors That Can Affect Wound Healing Oxygenation Oxygen is important for cell metabolism, especially energy production by means of ATP, and is critical for nearly all wound-healing processes. It: prevents wounds from infection Induces angiogenesis Increases keratinocyte differentiation Increases migration Promotes re-epithelialization Enhances fibroblast proliferation Enhances collagen synthesis Promotes wound contraction In wounds where oxygenation is not restored, healing is impaired. Infection Infection, not surprisingly, also influences wound healing. Age Many clinical and animal studies at the cellular and molecular level have examined age-related changes and delays in wound healing. It is commonly recognized that, in healthy older bodies, the effect of ageing causes a temporal delay in wound healing, but not an actual impairment in terms of the quality of healing. Interestingly, exercise has been reported to improve cutaneous wound healing in older humans as well as aged mice, and the improvement is associated with decreased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the wound tissue. Stress Studies in both humans and animals have demonstrated that psychological stress causes a substantial delay in wound healing. Caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s and students undergoing academic stress during examinations demonstrated delayed wound healing. Medications Many medications, such as those which interfere with clot formation or platelet function, or inflammatory responses and cell proliferation have the capacity to affect wound healing. Systemic glucocorticoids (GC), which are frequently used as anti-inflammatory agents, are well-known to inhibit wound repair via global anti-inflammatory effects and suppression of cellular wound responses, including fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis. In animal models, systemic use of ibuprofen (NSAID) has demonstrated an anti-proliferative effect on wound healing, resulting in decreased numbers of fibroblasts, weakened breaking strength, reduced wound contraction and delayed epithelialization. Obesity An increased frequency of wound complications has been reported for obese human individuals undergoing surgery. Recent findings have documented that adipose tissue secretes a large variety of bioactive substances that are collectively named adipokines. Both adipocytes themselves as well as macrophages inside the adipose tissue are known to produce bioactive molecules including cytokines, chemokines, and hormone-like factors such as leptin, adiponectin, and resistin. Adipokines have a profound impact on the immune and inflammatory response. Not only this but in obese individuals, there is increased pressure on the wound, decreased vascularity in adipose tissue and additional skin folds which may harbour infectious pathogens. Obesity in Pets 1 Obesity in Pets 2 Nutrition Carbohydrates Glucose is the major source of fuel used to create the cellular ATP that provides energy for angiogenesis and deposition of the new tissues – to this end, there may be an argument for easily digested carbohydrates in the recovering dog. Protein Protein is one of the most important nutrient factors affecting wound healing. A deficiency of protein can impair capillary formation, fibroblast proliferation, proteoglycan synthesis, collagen synthesis, and wound remodelling. A lack of protein also influences immune system function, with resultant decreased leukocyte phagocytosis and increased susceptibility to infection. Not only this, but collagen is the major protein of connective tissue. Collagen synthesis requires hydroxylation of lysine and proline, and co-factors such as iron and vitamin C. Glutamine is a major source of metabolic energy for rapidly proliferating cells such as fibroblasts, lymphocytes, epithelial cells, and macrophages. To this end, it is important for wound healing. Fat Essential fatty acids are thought to affect pro-inflammatory cytokine production, cell metabolism, gene expression, and angiogenesis in wound sites, suggesting an important role in wound healing. Micronutrients Low levels of Vitamin C result in impaired healing, and have been linked to decreased collagen synthesis and fibroblast proliferation, decreased angiogenesis, and increased capillary fragility. Also, low vitamin C leads to an impaired immune response and increased susceptibility to wound infection. Whilst healthy dogs are generally able to synthesise their own Vitamin C, there may be a consideration for additional dietary sources during times of high need. Vitamin A behaves as an antioxidant, which protects membrane integrity, in addition it has been associated with increased fibroblast proliferation, modulation of cellular differentiation and proliferation, increased collagen and hyaluronate synthesis, and decreased MMP-mediated extracellular matrix degradation. MMPs play a role in protein breakdown (which is a necessary process – as long as there isn’t too much). Vitamin E has anti-inflammatory properties and is thought to have a role in decreasing excess scar formation in chronic wounds. Animal experiments have indicated that vitamin E supplementation is beneficial to wound healing. Magnesium functions as a cofactor for many enzymes involved in protein and collagen synthesis. Copper is a required cofactor for cytochrome oxidase, for cytosolic antioxidant superoxide dismutase,
In most cases, a liver shunt is caused by a birth defect. This is known as a congenital portosystemic shunt. But acquired shunts can also occur – this is usually linked to primary liver disease, or a disease involving the normal blood vessels into the liver. We describe the liver as the powerhouse of the body, quite simply because it carries out so many functions, so, is there anything we can do to support it when it’s function isn’t quite up to par? Let’s take a look at whether we can support a dog with a liver shunt. What Does The Liver Do? The liver processes blood and the substances found within it. In a healthy animal, blood draining from the intestines passes immediately through the liver for nutrients to be processed and for toxic compounds to be removed. The blood then re-enters main circulation. What is a Liver Shunt? In an animal with a portosystemic shunt (liver shunt), a significant volume of blood bypasses the liver, enters main circulation and heads to the heart where it can be pumped around the body. As the blood being pumped around the body is technically unfiltered, toxic compounds can build up. In addition, the liver is unable to break down nutrients or regulate the body’s energy balance. Signs and Symptoms of a Liver Shunt: Stunted growth Poor muscle development Abnormal neurological behaviour – disorientation, staring into space, circling or head pressing, seizures Drinking/urinating too much Vomiting Diarrhoea Lethargy In both cases of congenital and acquired, reduced blood flow to the liver also results in atrophy which subsequently affects function. But the liver is a rather unique organ, it is the only one that can regenerate, therefore appropriate intervention and management is essential. Liver Guard Considerations to make for the dog with a liver shunt: Diet The conventional concern with many liver issues is protein intake. When protein is broken down in the body, left behind is ammonia. The liver plays a key role in metabolising ammonia ready for it to be excreted by the kidneys into urine, but when blood flow bypasses the liver, ammonia builds up in the blood and enters systemic circulation – this is what leads to many neurological issues alongside poor liver function. Traditionally, dietary management has included protein restriction to reduce ammonia absorption from the colon, but more recently it is considered that colonic absorption is only significant in those fed poor-quality diets that contain poorly digestible protein. In addition, it has been established that those with chronic liver disease may develop muscle wasting from being in a long-term catabolic state – with low protein diets leading to increased muscle protein catabolism. Findings Here We would advocate a fresh-food diet, with highly digestible protein sources. The general school of thought is 2g of protein per kg of body weight. Beneficial proteins to feed in liver disease include eggs for the most bioavailable protein and choline content, poultry and a little fish such as sardines, salmon and cod. Fats such as omega-6 and omega-3 in 4:1 ratio are important in liver conditions. Moderate amounts of hemp oil, phytoplankton (offering DHA and EPA) and fish, both whole and in pure oil source may help to protect the liver and reduce systemic inflammation and inflammation in the liver. Detoxification The liver neutralises a range of toxic chemicals, both those produced internally (waste from used hormones or neurotransmitters for example) and those from the environment, like air pollution, pesticides and food additives. It does this by filtering the blood to remove large toxins, synthesising, and secreting bile and lastly enzymatically disassembling unwanted chemicals found in the body. If its function isn’t up to par, toxins can start to build up. Enzymatic Detoxification This enzymatical detoxification occurs in three phases. Phase I directly neutralises chemicals and changes them into new metabolites. These are then processed by phase II enzymes. This is known as the conjugation phase, which in short, liver enzymes attach small chemicals to the toxin. There are many ways in which this is done, it all depends on the type of chemical the liver is trying to manage. Phase I results in high levels of reactive oxygen species so antioxidant levels are key in modulating potential damage. Does My Dog Need Antioxidants? Liver Guard Beneficial Additions: Broccoli contains glucobrassicin, the glucosinolate precursor of indole-3-carbinol (I3C) and subsequently Diindolylmethane (DIM) which is attributed to supporting phase one of the liver detoxification. Berries and cranberries whole and in extract contain anthocyanins that demonstrate hepato-protective abilities. An experiment found that antioxidants commonly found in berries slowed the development of lesions and fibrosis, the development of scar tissue, in the livers of rats. Phase II is nutrient demanding and sufficient levels of key vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, C, E, B1, B2, B3 and iron are essential. There has also been data to suggest dandelion amongst others can support the enzymatic detoxification pathway too. Phase III is the elimination phase. For optimal excretion of toxins through the digestive system, gut health is vitally important. Maintaining the mucosal barrier is key for gut health along with supporting motility. It’s important to include a range of functional ingredients in your dog’s diet that can lubricate the digestive tract, promote regular motility, aid elimination and support the microbiome. Prevention of absorption through trapping of potential toxins is also an effective way of mitigating toxin exposure and this is a key feature of many clay products. 7 Reasons to Use Clay In addition, some fibre helps to speed up colonic transit and prevent constipation. This reduces the amount of toxins absorbed from the colon and circulated into the system for the liver to deal with. 7 Foods To Add Fibre To Your Dog’s Diet The most important thing to do to support detoxification is to avoid exposure in the first place, so consider how much you and your dog are exposed to: Pesticides Heavy smoke Phthalates Mould Medications like steroids, antibiotics, and painkillers Heavy metals Cleaning
If you are a current pet owner or have been in the past, there is a 99% chance your pet has had pain medication at some point in their life. Or they have at least had it prescribed or suggested for them. For us to fully weigh up what we are administering to our pets, it makes sense to start with the basics. So, how do pain medications work in pets? Pain medications come in different forms, but there are a few common ones: NSAIDs Opioids Paracetamol NSAIDs Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are exactly what they say on the tin – they are used to reduce inflammation. Inflammation is an immune response. When something becomes damaged or threatened in the body, compounds are released which kick start an immune response to help fight the threat or heal the trauma. A Guide to Inflammation in Pets NSAIDs are typically divided into groups based on their chemical structure and selectivity. They include: acetylated salicylates (aspirin) non-acetylated salicylates propionic acids (ibuprofen) acetic acids (diclofenac) enolic acids (meloxicam) anthranilic acids (meclofenamate) naphthylalanine (nabumetone) selective COX-2 inhibitors (celecoxib) The main mechanism of action of NSAIDs is the inhibition of the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX). Cyclooxygenase is required to convert arachidonic acid (a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid) into thromboxanes, prostaglandins, and prostacyclins (which are all inflammatory mediators). The therapeutic effects of NSAIDs are therefore attributed to the reduction of them. Many NSAIDs are not selective, meaning they take out all COX enzymes; this is beneficial if we are targeting inflammatory mediators, but COX enzymes also carry out other roles in the body. COX1 enzymes play a role in: protecting the gastrointestinal tract renal blood flow platelet aggregation This is why proton pump inhibitors are often administered alongside NSAIDs, the reduction in stomach acid secretion is thought to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects. In addition, there is also evidence of long term NSAID use and chronic kidney disease. The administration of certain NSAIDs can also trigger hypersensitivity reactions. Non-selective NSAIDs exert effects by inhibiting COX-1 and subsequently shift arachidonic acid metabolism from prostaglandin (especially PGE2) synthesis toward pro-inflammatory cysteinyl leukotrienes (LTs) such as LTC4, LTD4, and LTE4. Overproduction of LTs leads to activation of mast cells and eosinophils, which can result in typical allergic symptoms like itching and hives, along with bronchoconstriction. This is worth noting if you have a particularly sensitive dog. Opioids Opioids function primarily in the nervous system; they inhibit neurotransmitter release. The Neuroscience of Pain Morphine is commonly considered to be the archetypal opioid analgesic and the agent to which all other painkillers are compared. There is evidence to suggest that as long ago as 3000 bc the opium poppy, Papaver somniferum, was cultivated for its active ingredients. But, it wasn’t until morphine was isolated from opium in 1806 by Sertürner that modern opioid pharmacology was truly born. In 1847 the chemical formula for morphine was established and this, coupled with the invention of the hypodermic needle in 1853, led to the widespread clinical use of morphine. How Does It Work? Opioid receptors are distributed throughout the central nervous system and within peripheral tissue of neural and non-neural origin. Opioids reduce excitability of neurons, and decrease the release of nociceptive neurotransmitters like substance P. See our blog on The Neuroscience of Pain above to learn more about this. Because opioids work in the nervous system, in essence slowing everything down, the concern is that they may do it a little too well and knock everything a little out of whack. As we know the body likes balance, and it does everything in its power to keep it that way. To this end, behavioural side effects of opioids include panting, vocalisation, salivation, nausea, vomiting, defecation, and sedation or hyperactivity. Physiological side effects of opioids in dogs may include central nervous system depression, respiratory depression, bradycardia, usually accompanied with little to no change in cardiac output, ileus, and urinary retention. Findings Here Paracetamol It has been assumed that paracetamol probably acts through the cyclooxygenase (COX) pathway. This is the pathway through which the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) act. Much investigation has focussed on paracetamol’s inhibition of the COX enzyme because its analgesic and antipyretic effects are similar to those of aspirin, the archetype NSAID. However, paracetamol does not have significant anti-inflammatory activity, or does it inhibit production of the pro-clotting TXAs. In addition, paracetamol does not appear to have a major effect peripherally; its action appears to be mostly central. It seems reasonable to assume that although there may be some effect on COX enzymes, this effect is different from that seen with typical NSAIDs. Because of this, other mechanisms of action have been considered. It is thought that serotonin has a major role in modulating pain perception. Serotonergic drugs are used in the treatment of migraine headaches in humans and combined serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors have been used in chronic pain management. It has been considered that paracetamol, in effect, activates serotonin pathways to influence pain perception. Other data has indicated that when cannabinoid receptors are blocked, paracetamol loses its action, suggesting the endocannabinoid system may play a role in paracetamol’s actions too. Findings Here Whilst we may not know the full mechanism of action of paracetamol, it is possibly the widest used pain medication The side effects usually associated with paracetamol include: yellowing of white of eyes or gums (jaundice) reduction in appetite vomiting or diarrhoea blood in faeces Are There Any Other Pain Medications Worth Mentioning? There are a number of products on the market which target pain, but they could fill a book, so we’ll just take a look at two more. Librela Librela is an injectable which targets pain in cases of osteoarthritis. The active ingredient in librela is bedinvetmab which is a monoclonal antibody. This antibody (or protein) is trained to recognise and attach to a protein known as Nerve Growth Factor (NGF). Once attached it prevents NGF from attaching to its own receptors on nerve cells and therefore
If you have ever come across some lectures with neuroscientists or psychologists on pain, you will likely hear the story of a man who fell on a nail. He understandably was in agony and had to be given strong painkillers on the way to the hospital. But, when arriving at the hospital, it was discovered that the nail had in fact gone through the gaps in his toes and not penetrated his foot at all. What on earth was going on here? You can’t say his pain wasn’t real, because to him it was sheer agony. But it was his perception of what had occurred which fuelled his response and need for strong painkillers. The brain had constructed a response based on cues from the environment; the pain signal was therefore appropriate to stop the man in his tracks and prevent the likelihood he would fall on another nail. Except the brain got it a little wrong. This example is great for showing us that pain is subjective and a perception; but we already knew this didn’t we? What may be painful for one person, may not even result in a wince from another. This is also true for our dogs. We joke that certain breeds are a little sensitive, and then we find other breeds completely stoic when suffering a chronic issue. If pain is crucial to our survival, quite literally, but it can be subjective, what on earth is it? Let’s take a look at the neuroscience of pain. The Neuroscience of Pain Pain is a sensation and as such is processed in the brain. It is a necessary function that warns the body of potential or actual injury. It occurs when nociceptor fibres detect painful stimulus on the skin or in an internal organ (peripheral nervous system). The detection signal is picked up by receptors in the spinal cord and brainstem and transmitted to various areas of the brain as sensory information. The facilitators of this are known as neurotransmitters and as we know these are in essence, chemical messengers. Some transmitters are excitatory, meaning they facilitate the transmission of the message, and some are inhibitory, meaning they impede transmission. Both types of messengers are important in the modulation of pain. For example, excitatory neurotransmitters acting without an inhibitory system results in pain. Several neurotransmitters are involved, but glutamate and substance P (SP) are the main ones involved in pain. Glutamate is usually involved in the rapid neurotransmission of acute pain, such as with mechanical stimuli or temperature stimuli producing quick, sharp pain. SP regulates smooth muscle contractility, epithelial ion transport, vascular permeability, and immune function in the gastrointestinal tract. SP transmits pain by secretion from nerves and inflammatory cells, and acts by binding to certain receptors on the spinal cord. SP is typically seen in chronic pain cases due to its slow excitatory connection. The success in treating pain with opiates, such as morphine, that block nociceptive transmission of pain within the spinal cord is perceived to be, in part, due to a decrease in the release of SP. Recent data has indicated a role for dopamine in pain too. Dopamine is already known to play important roles in thinking, memory, movement, and reward. However, researchers have shown that dopaminergic neurotransmission plays a central role in modulating pain perception and analgesia within certain parts of the brain including the insula, thalamus, basal ganglia, anterior cingulate cortex and periaqueductal grey. It is thought that low levels of dopamine could contribute to the perception of painful symptoms. Amino Acids and Pain Management The body’s three primary pain modulators appear to be the neurotransmitters endorphin, serotonin, and GABA (gamma amino butyric acid). Each of these pain fighters is produced from very specific nutrients called amino acids. Amino acids are required for the production and maintenance of almost every function and tissue in the body. Amino acids are found in abundance in protein rich foods, but you can also find them in supplement form. DLPA (DL-phenylalanine) is a natural amino acid that has been used to treat chronic pain. DLPA inhibits several enzymes that are responsible for the destruction of endorphins. Endorphins are pain-killing hormones and by inhibiting their destruction, pain relief is prolonged. It can also potentiate opiate analgesia and prolong the effects of acupuncture. Tryptophan (Trp) is an indispensable amino acid for domestic canines. Tryptophan, and ultimately the serotonergic system, has been shown to influence behaviours related to anxiety, stress, fear, and aggression which may play a role chronic pain, and its perception. Acute Vs Chronic Pain Acute pain, which serves as a warning signal of injury or illness, normally comes on quickly and lasts for a short time. If not treated properly, acute pain can develop into chronic pain in which the pain persists even after the initial injury or illness is healed. When this happens, considerable changes occur in both the peripheral and central nervous systems (CNS) as well as in the psychological profiles of sufferers. Some recent studies have found that information about the transition from acute pain to chronic pain could be documented by changes in brain structure and function. In general, where acute pain largely activates brain regions involved in nociceptive information processing, chronic pain is consistently and substantially encoded by brain regions related to emotional and motivational states of sufferers. This suggests that we should also consider how stressed or anxious our pets may be alongside their pain experiences. What is particularly interesting about this concept is that our pets can’t talk, so it can be particularly difficult to establish their emotional and motivational states. This is even more worrying when we consider veterinarian and public opinion of pain sensitivity in certain breeds of dogs. A study carried out in 2020 wanted to establish whether there is a breed difference in pain sensitivity in dogs. But, as pain is a perception and there are significant limitations in subjectivity scales, the researchers thought asking veterinarians and the general public would be an interesting
