Bladder stones are exactly that, stones that form in your pet’s bladder. The more technical term is urolithiasis, which denotes the presence of uroliths in the urinary tract. These stones can develop over weeks or months, and a common question we are asked here at My Pet Nutritionist is whether dietary changes can make a difference. We thought we’d focus on what bladder stones are, the different types and whether in fact dietary management is something to consider. What Are Bladder Stones? Cats and dogs can be prone to developing urinary stones and infection. These occur when the concentration of certain minerals in your pet’s urine becomes too high (alkaline). In healthy pets, the urine pH is generally in the 6.5 to 7.0 range. If the pH is acidic (pH below 6) or alkaline (pH above 7) it may allow bacteria to thrive and for crystals or stones to form. Stones in the bladder can cause inflammation, predispose to urinary tract infections, and even cause an obstruction of the urinary tract. There are several different types of stones, and they are composed of different minerals and compounds: Struvite Calcium oxalate Urate Cystine The most common causes include: Bacteria in the urinary tract Urinary pH Minerals present in the urine Genetics Bladder inflammation Struvite Stones These stones form due to excess magnesium, ammonium and phosphorus. Normal canine urine is slightly acidic and contains waste products from metabolism. Struvite is a normal compound found in canine urine and will remain dissolved as long as the urine is acid and not too concentrated. When the urine become too concentrated or alkaline, struvite crystals form. These stones tend to form as a result of a urinary tract infection and involves an enzyme known as urease. Urease is produced by the pathogenic bacteria and breaks down urea, which is normally found in urine. In the process, excess ammonia is produced which causes the urine to become alkaline. Excess ammonia in the urine also results in bladder inflammation, contributing to the issue. These stones are generally more common in female dogs. Kidney disease, long term use of diuretic medication and PPI’s can also result in alkaline urine, predisposing the dog to struvite stones. Calcium Oxalate Stones The current line of thinking is that urine high in calcium, citrates, or oxalates and is acidic predisposes a dog to developing calcium oxalate urinary crystals and stones. Recent studies have shown diets that cause high urine acidity (urine pH less than 6.5) may predispose dogs to develop this type of bladder stone. But, like most things, there are likely other causes of calcium oxalate bladder stones too. For example, over-usage of antibiotics may reduce numbers of the intestinal bacteria Oxalobacter formigenes whose sole nutrient is oxalate. In dogs with low populations of Oxalobacter, excess oxalate is secreted in the urine, increasing the likelihood that calcium oxalate crystals and stones can form if the urine is highly concentrated or becomes acidic. Calcium oxalate uroliths are noted more commonly in male dogs and the breeds most diagnosed with both struvite and calcium oxalate bladder stones included Shih Tzus, Miniature Schnauzer, Bichon Frise, Lhasa Apso, and Yorkshire Terrier. Urate Stones Urate stones are generally caused by a genetic condition in some dog breeds like Dalmatians, Jack Russel Terriers and Bulldogs. But they are also seen with liver disease, especially in dogs or cats with liver shunts. Urate stones are made from compounds called purines. Purines are one of the most common chemical compounds on the planet. There are both endogenous and exogenous. Exogenous purines are absorbed by the body through the foods eaten, and endogenous purines are made by the body itself. Purines and pyrimidines are the two families of nitrogenous base that make up nucleic acids – in short, they are the building blocks of DNA and RNA. Purines have a number of functions in the body: Signalling molecule Provide energy Control cell growth Part of essential coenzymes Contribute to nervous system function (including neuronal development) As you can see, purines perform many important functions in the cell, and so the balance between its synthesis and degradation is essential. When purines are catabolised, the result is uric acid. In all other mammals, apart from humans and Dalmatians, uric acid is then converted to allantoin, which is a very soluble excretion product. For us humans and those unlucky dogs, we excrete uric acid through the kidneys (with some excreted through the gastrointestinal tract). Uric acid is suggested to behave as a potent antioxidant. It is also thought to maintain blood pressure under low salt conditions and has been seen to function as an anti-inflammatory in certain diseases, but when levels become too high, in a condition known as hyperuricemia, problems can ensue. In humans, this can result in diseases such as kidney stones and gout and may cause hypertension. In those unlucky dogs, high uric acid levels result in bladder stones. For this reason, a low purine diet is often suggested for those pets suffering urate stones. Foods High in Purines Organs/offal (brain, heart, liver, kidneys) Wild or Farmed Game Herring Mackerel Trout Sardines Sprats Legumes (such as kidney beans, lentils, chickpeas) Foods Lower in Purines Green leafy vegetables (except spinach) Eggs Nuts Muscle meats from chicken, turkey, lamb, pork, beef, Fruits If urate stones are associated with liver disease, you may want to learn more about liver disease in our other blogs. Liver Disease Liver Shunts Foods to Feed in Liver Disease Cystine Stones This is rarer in the dog, but it can occur. This is when bladder stones are composed of cystine crystals, and it is largely genetic. They are more commonly found in the following breeds: Mastiff Saluki Puli Basset Hound Dachshunds Findings Here Cystine is an amino acid that is freely filtered in urine and almost completely reabsorbed by the kidney tubules. Sadly, an inborn error of metabolism causes high concentrations of urinary cystine in those affected dogs. These stones also form in acidic environments and in
Being Global Prebiotic Week and something we are asked about regularly here at My Pet Nutritionist, we thought we’d explore the key differences between all those biotics! When we’re presented with prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics, it’s hard to know where to start and if they even do a thing! So let’s get cracking. Prebiotics and probiotics are often thought of as one and the same, but their commonalities end with their role in the intestine. Prebiotics are fibre that feed the beneficial microorganisms residing in the intestine. Probiotics are live microorganisms that when ingested, can enhance intestinal microbial balance. Why is this important? The microbiome is an important modifier of disease and an essential component of immunity. Dysbiosis of the many microbiomes have been associated with a range of disorders. Your Puppy’s Microbiome What Can Cause Gut Dysbiosis Your Pet’s Immune System So, caring for the ecosystem found in the gut is of paramount importance. Prebiotics and Gut Health The most commonly considered prebiotics are classified as soluble fibres. They were first introduced as a functional food in 1995 by Marcel Roberfroid, but in 2007 Roberfroid clarified that only two classes of fructooligosaccharides (FOS) meet the full definition of a prebiotic. These are oligofructose and inulin. Oligofructose is a 2-8–chain fructose-based saccharide molecule that undergoes fermentation in the colon, providing nourishment to the bacteria found there. Inulin is a longer 9-64–chain fructose-based saccharide that is fermented more slowly, benefiting bacteria further down in the digestive system. It can also be broken down into FOS by intestinal bacteria to provide both FOS and inulin. These 2 fibres are considered minimally digestible because of the β bond–based connections of the fructose molecules. It is thought that dogs and cats lack the intestinal enzyme needed to break down the β bond and so they usually break down α saccharide bonds. The resident bacteria can break the β bond, producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) known as acetate, propionate, and butyrate. SCFA’s have a range of roles for host health including: Energy source of intestinal cells Promote gut integrity Lower colonic pH Stimulate sodium and water absorption In addition, you may also find prebiotics containing the following: Mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) – from the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae Galactooligosaccharides (GOS) – found in dairy, beans and root vegetables Probiotics and Health Rather than encouraging the growth of beneficial bacteria and suppressing the growth of pathogenic bacteria, probiotics are thought to introduce beneficial bacteria into the environment. It is considered that the best use for these products is treatment of GI disease, such as diarrhoea and other GI abnormalities, including inflammatory bowel disease. The more we are learning about probiotic use, the more we are realising that the benefits associated are bacterial strain specific. What this means is the devil is in the detail. In addition, to function as a probiotic, the bacteria must: Survive the acid and bile in the GI tract Adhere to intestinal cells or colonise areas within the tract Exclude pathogenic adherence Produce acids, or other compounds which antagonise the growth of pathogens Be safe, non-invasive, non-carcinogenic and non-pathogenic The primary bacterial populations included in probiotics that have been seen to benefit both cats and dogs are lactic acid bacteria, especially lactobacilli, bifidobacteria, and enterococci. Postbiotics and Health Postbiotics are the bioactive compounds that probiotic bacteria produce when they consume prebiotic fibre. They are technically the waste products of probiotic bacteria and SCFA’s are one kind, along with: Enzymes Cell wall fragments Metabolites like vitamins and minerals Postbiotics are a relatively new concept, but they have been associated with a range of benefits: Postbiotics like butyrate (SCFA) can stimulate the production of regulatory T cells in the intestine, supporting immune function Cell wall fragments can increase the production of anti-inflammatory chemical messengers known as cytokines that help reduce inflammation and modulate immune responses Increased levels of butyrate have been associated with improved clinical outcomes in inflammatory bowel disease How Do We Get Them? It’s easy to reach for supplements, but certain foods already possess biotic properties. Sources of Prebiotics: Mushrooms Chicory Root Garlic Asparagus Dandelion Greens Bananas Sources of Probiotics: Fermented foods contain naturally occurring probiotics; but remember that prebiotics aren’t fussy about which bacteria they feed, so they could also feed harmful bacteria and yeast. Fermented foods can also be an issue for those dogs suffering SIBO or yeast infections. Bacterial Overgrowth Is Your Dog a Yeasty Beast Supplementation may be appropriate in certain cases, but as we have noted, benefits are often strain-specific and it’s essential to read the label fully if your dog suffers with sensitivities. Does My Dog Need a Prebiotic, Probiotic or Postbiotic? We would always advocate a food first approach, so offering a fresh whole-food diet, full of variety. But in tending to the ecosystem, which is a great modifier of disease, it’s important to not only include things of benefit, but avoid things of detriment too. The issue is when the bacteria populations in the gut get a little out of whack. We need to avoid those things that can cause imbalances between the good and bad guys in the gut: Overuse of antibiotics Proton pump inhibitors Antihistamines Poor motility Digestive disorders Poor pancreatic function Inflammation in the gut Stress Environmental toxins Dietary choices Poor liver function What Can Cause Gut Dysbiosis The inclusion of prebiotic foods is relatively easy to do, and either pre or probiotic supplementation may or may not be appropriate for your pet, but as you can see, it’s never as clear cut as we would like. Luckily, here at My Pet Nutritionist we look at everything that is going on for your pet and what may be compromising their health. Using this information, we develop a bespoke plan to get them on the right track. Check out our services if you would like to know more. Thanks for reading, Team MPN x
When we take on a dog, we make it our life mission to keep them healthy and happy; but this isn’t always easy. In an age of information, it can get confusing what to do for the best, so here at My Pet Nutritionist, we thought we’d pop together the top 5 mistakes dog owners can make which compromises health. 1) Over-Vaccinating There is no doubt that vaccination has been progressive in public health concerns, for both humans and pets, but they were never meant to make the host sick. For a number of reasons, the current vaccinations schedule for our pets, is. 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 is where titre testing can be useful. A titre 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. A positive test indicates that the patient does have protective levels of antibodies. A negative test indicates that the patient does not have protective levels of circulating antibody. However, it is worth noting here that a negative test result does not indicate susceptibility to disease. On the whole, test correlation with protection is fair to good. Canine adenovirus, distemper virus and parvovirus all correlate well. Feline calicivirus is fair to good, whereas herpesvirus is fair. Feline parvovirus correlates well. Findings Here Titre tests are routinely used to establish the efficacy of rabies vaccination for pet travel schemes. Findings Here These outcomes particularly shine when you compare them to the suspected adverse reactions for vaccination in small animals. Findings Here Titre testing is like checking your fuel gauge before you leave home. You want to make sure you have enough fuel to get to where you need to go. Why not check your dog needs a vaccine before you actually give it? Vaccinosis: Damage Vaccinations Can Cause Your Pet 2) Not Feeding A Fresh Food Diet Dogs are facultative carnivores. This means they thrive on a meat-based diet. Every cell in the body requires energy to carry out its role. Without getting caught up in biology 101, there are a number of cycles that occur in the body to produce energy. Dogs have this nifty ability to use this process known as gluconeogenesis – this produces glucose from non-carbohydrate sources. Dogs have a great capacity for using fat for energy. Not only do they reap the energy rewards from nutrients, but meat in it’s whole-food form contains a number of micronutrients which support body function. Why Does My Dog Need Minerals The issue with over-processed food is that it often becomes nutrient deplete during the process, and so, synthetic nutrients are added back in – makes a little more sense to offer them in their whole-food form in the first place doesn’t it? In addition, food is only as useful as its constituents; it all needs to be digested. Dogs have evolved on a whole-food diet for thousands of years, so their digestive system has figured out how to deal with it. It also makes sense to feed the system something it knows how to work its magic on doesn’t it? Why Dry Food Is Not Good For Your Pets What Is The Best Kind Of Pet Food 3) Using Toxic Chemicals in Your Home and Garden Every day, ours and our pet’s bodies are exposed to toxins. They are produced internally in the body, like lactic acid, and consist of waste products from gut microbes, hormones, and neurotransmitters. But the largest threat is possibly those external toxins, like air pollution, chemicals from cleaning products and volatile organic compounds from the plug-in air diffuser in your lounge. It is thought that in the 25 years between 1970 and 1995, the volume of synthetic organic chemicals produced tripled from about 50 million tonnes to approximately 150 million tons, and this number has grown year on year since. Findings Here Data way back in 2008 reported that dogs have perfluorochemicals in their systems 2.4 times higher than humans, and cats have fire retardant particles in their systems 23.4 times higher than humans. We can only imagine how this has panned out over recent years. The Environmental Working Group found that dogs and cats are contaminated with 48 out of 70 industrial chemicals found in plastics, food packaging, heavy metals, fire retardants and stain-proofing chemicals. In dogs, the findings established: Contamination with 11 carcinogens Contamination with 31 chemicals toxic to reproductive health Contamination with 23 neurotoxins Exposure included: Dog food bag coatings House dust Stain-proofed furniture Medications/pesticides Dog beds Carpets Plastic toys Shampoos Findings Here Check out our other blogs on how to avoid this and also ways to help! Does My Pet Need To Detox Is Your Toxic Home Affecting Your Pet 4) Overuse of Medications Whilst medications are lifesaving, there are often cases of overuse. Antibiotics are commonly inappropriately prescribed which can have long lasting effects on the health of your dog’s gut. Broad-spectrum antibiotics are exactly that – they take all the bugs (both the bad and the good). There is also the increasing concern around antibiotic resistance; this is when a microbe becomes more or fully resistant to antimicrobials which could previously treat it. For this reason, the EMA “is promoting the prudent use of antimicrobials in animals.” Source NSAIDs are also increasingly overused. During the inflammatory response, certain enzymes catalyse the production of compounds which cause pain, redness, and heat. NSAIDs work by blocking the activity of these enzymes and so inhibit the response. But these same enzymes, like many in the body don’t just carry out that role. They are also protective of the stomach mucosa for example, which means when you take out that enzyme, you also take out a layer of mucosal protection! This is why chronic
We sometimes talk about intolerances and allergies like this is the only thing that can cause your cat or dog’s itching. There can be so many reasons, layered reasons and some more serious than others. Here we explore some of the undetected and misdiagnosed reasons for your dog being itchy. Adrenal function The adrenal glands are located just in front of the kidneys. You will recognise them from when we discuss the stress response more often than not. The adrenal gland has 2 parts—the cortex and the medulla. The adrenal cortex is subdivided into 3 layers, and each layer produces a different set of steroid hormones. The outer layer produces the mineralocorticoids, which help regulate sodium and potassium salts. The middle layer produces glucocorticoids, which are involved in metabolising nutrients and reducing inflammation and immune responses. Finally, the inner layer produces sex hormones such as oestrogen, progesterone, and androgens. The adrenal medulla plays an important role in response to stress or low blood sugar levels in the body. It releases adrenaline and noradrenaline, both of which increase heart rate and blood pressure, increase blood sugar and slow digestion; the hallmark responses when us or our dogs are exposed to a stress trigger. The adrenal glands are part of the endocrine system – which is simply a system of glands that release chemical messengers called hormones. The endocrine system influences almost every cell, organ, and function in the body. So, if there is any issue in any part of it, things can start to go wrong. The two most common ways in which adrenal glands cause health issues are by producing too little or too much of certain hormones, which leads to hormonal imbalances. Hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing’s Disease) due to an excess of cortisol production frequently causes dogs to itch, lose hair, have thin skin with dark pigment, drink excessively and have recurring skin problems. But this raises another point, even if there are no physiological issues with the adrenal glands, high cortisol levels due to daily stress can also lead to itchy skin! Thyroid Function We’ll continue with the hormones for a minute and look at thyroid function. The thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland found in the neck. One of its main functions is to produce hormones to regulate the body’s metabolism, the process that turns food into energy. This too can produce too many hormones, or too few. These conditions are known as hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism respectively. Hypothyroidism Hyperthyroidism Hyperthyroidism in Cats Skin issues are regularly noted in times of thyroid dysfunction, and this includes itchiness. Kidney Function Intense itchiness often accompanies late-stage kidney disease, and whilst the jury is out on the exact reasons behind it, it is thought that it’s relating to the build up of toxins in the body. This leads us nicely into the same itchy symptoms associated with early-stage liver disease, and this is considered for similar reasons. 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. The Liver 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. Liver Guard 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. 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. 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. The kidneys will also filter and process toxins from circulation, excreting them as urine. The skin also forms as an elimination pathway. This is why detoxification issues can result in skin issues. In cases of liver disease, it is considered that bile salt deposits under the skin, which results in itchiness. 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 products Air fresheners Eating foods cooked at high temperatures (most commercial dry foods) This list is not exhaustive, but it is a place to start. This mechanism also applies to vaccines. 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. The primary role of the immune system in dogs is to protect against foreign invaders, or abnormal cells that invade or attack. The immune system must distinguish between self and non-self. Substances that stimulate a response are antigens. These can be contained within bacteria, viruses or microorganisms or cancer cells. They may also exist on their own, like pollen or food particles. There are three lines of defence, physical barriers, nonspecific immunity, and specific immunity. But the immune system does not always function properly, it can be underactive and overactive. An underactive system puts the animal at risk of infection, but an overactive immune system can attack parts of its body that it misidentifies as being foreign. This is what happens in autoimmune conditions. The immune system can also overreact
Sadly, anxiety is as common in dogs as it is in humans. Anxiety is the body’s normal response to stress; the problem is that our stress response hasn’t evolved with modern life and both us and our dogs often feel overwhelmed. A stressful situation can bring about a whole cascade of biological responses and it all starts in the brain. When someone confronts an oncoming danger, the eyes or ears, or both (and parts of the peripheral nervous system) send the information to the amygdala, which is the area of the brain that deals with emotions. The amygdala interprets the images and sounds and sends a message to the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is like the command centre. It communicates with the rest of the body through the autonomic nervous system, which controls such involuntary body functions like breathing, blood pressure and heartbeat. It also controls the dilation or constriction of key blood vessels and small airways in the lungs called bronchioles. The autonomic nervous system is further split into two branches, the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system functions like a gas pedal in a car and it triggers the fight-or-flight response. The parasympathetic nervous system is like the brake pedal; it slows everything back down and returns the body to homeostasis, or as we know it, rest and digest. In cases of anxiety, the sympathetic nervous system remains activated, it’s a form of chronic stress. So, when tackling anxiety, we need to take the paw off the gas pedal, and firmly place it on the brake. It goes without saying that removing the trigger that causes the stress or anxiety is of paramount importance, but in many cases, like on bonfire night, we can’t remove it in its entirety. In cases of separation anxiety too, we often want to take the edge off the response in order to work through a behavioural programme. 1) Thunder Jackets These jackets work under the premise that applied pressure calms nervous system function and many owners report success. A study in the Journal of Veterinary Behaviour explored a range of methods for managing firework fear in dogs with the following efficacy: Pressure jackets 44% Counterconditioning 70% Relaxation training 69% Noise CDs 55% 2) Chamomile Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) is one of the most widely used herbal remedies in the world. While there are many varieties of chamomile, Roman (A. nobilis) and German (M. recutita) are the most widely used forms. These are members of the Compositae (Asteracae) family. German chamomile is considered the more potent and is most widely used. It has many medicinal uses including carminative (anti-colic), antiseptic, and anxiolytic. Chamomile is notorious for its continuous bloom! Chamomile serves as a safe, general purpose calming herb that doesn’t taste too shabby either. In human tests it has been effective in mild to moderate generalized anxiety disorder. Findings Here It can be served as a tea, but is also available as an oil infusion, tincture, salve and ointment. 3) Valerian Many will recognise valerian for its similar smell to old, dirty socks! Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is commonly used for the treatment of insomnia and anxiety disorders in humans. It has a mechanism of action similar to benzodiazepines; however, instead of binding to the gamma subunit like a benzodiazepine, it appears to bind to the beta subunit on the GABA-A receptor instead. Regardless, it has the same effect on chloride movement into the neuron when the major inhibitory neurotransmitter, GABA, binds to the GABA-A receptor, thereby causing a hyperpolarized state. In addition, valerian has also been shown to decrease the removal or metabolism of GABA, thereby allowing GABA to stay around longer and do it’s thing. And as we know, GABA is the brake like neurotransmitter in the body. Findings Here Valerian is available in tincture, tea and fresh or dried root. 4) Skullcap Another herb used for insomnia in humans, it has a similar mechanism of action to Valerian. Skullcap too is thought to be GABAergic. But it is also thought to have an effect on serotonin receptors, which is why it has reported sedative and relaxing effects. A small, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover study of 43 human participants demonstrated that skullcap reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression in some individuals without causing an observable reduction in energy or cognition. In both cats and dogs, skullcap has been effective in generous nervousness and excitability and in any condition where there is oversensitivity in the nervous system. Skullcap is usually found in dried herb or tincture form. 5) St John’s Wort St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is an herbal medication that consists of anthraquinones, which have displayed anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects. It has also been used as an antidepressant in humans. It derives from a flowering plant found in Europe and Asia. It is usually found in capsule, tea, or liquid extract. It is thought that St. John’s Wort acts as a serotonin reuptake inhibitor. This works to reduce the uptake of serotonin at neuronal synapses, as well as dopamine and norepinephrine. One of the primary adverse effects is the risk of an increase in serotonin when combined with certain antidepressants and the inhibition of monoamine oxidase. Be cautious of signs including tachycardia, increased blood pressure and mydriasis. There may also be a fever. It is however, often used in dogs with fear-based or separation anxiety. A great product for anxiety is our Calming Complex Calm Complex The introduction of any new supplement or herb is always done best under the guidance of a practitioner. If your dog suffers with anxiety, it’s crucial to work within a behaviour programme to tackle key triggers. However, there can also be a multi-modal approach and our services may be of use. Please take a look under our “what we offer” tab! Thanks for reading, Team MPN x
In a previous My Pet Nutritionist blog we looked at the function of the urinary system; if you missed it, you can check it out! As you will know, any system that is compromised, results in a range of signs and symptoms. Kidney disease or compromise ideally needs the support of knowledgeable practitioner, but there are many of us who simply want to get our pets off to the best start and support their health before things go rogue. So, we thought we’d do a one stop shop of nutrients that are particularly helpful for supporting general kidney health. B Vitamins Along with vitamin C, the B vits are water soluble and there are eight of them: B1 Thiamin B2 Riboflavin B3 Niacin B5 Pantothenic Acid B6 Pyridoxine B7 Biotin B9 Folate B12 Cobalamin These vitamins are involved in many functions as they help a variety of enzymes do their jobs – they help release energy from macronutrients and they help transport oxygen and energy containing nutrients around the body. B1 is involved in energy metabolism – it helps our dogs turn what they eat into energy. It also plays a role in nervous system function. In addition is helps metabolise certain neurotransmitters which as we know are chemical messages that are sent between the body and brain! Finally, B1 is involved in the synthesis of collagen and other proteins which contributes to structural health and wound healing. B2 or riboflavin is involved in energy production, and it is a cofactor of the master antioxidant glutathione, therefore adequate intake is essential to antioxidant capacities. Does My Dog Need Antioxidants B3 is necessary in the biosynthesis of fatty acids and also in energy production. It is essential for skin health, mucous membrane integrity and digestive and nervous system health. In addition, B3 is involved in DNA replication and repair, blood sugar regulation and also functions as an antioxidant. B5 is involved in energy production, the synthesis of fatty acids, cholesterol, steroid hormones and also vitamins A and D. It is essential in protein and amino acid synthesis along with the formation of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine which is the chief of the parasympathetic nervous system (the rest and digest side of the stress response). Vitamin B6 plays a vital role in the production of protein compounds (like haemoglobin), cells of the immune system, hormones, neurotransmitters, RNA, DNA and many enzymes. It is also involved in the manufacture of prostaglandins, which are produced at the site of injury or infection, largely controlling the inflammatory response. Vitamin B6 also activates the release of glycogen from the liver and muscles, for this reason it is essential to physical activity (and gets depleted in times of high demand). It also helps balance sodium and potassium which in turn, regulates bodily fluids and promotes the normal functioning of the nervous and musculoskeletal systems. Known as Vitamin H, for Haar and Haut (hair and skin), we know it more commonly as vitamin B7, or Biotin. This vitamin too helps the body convert food into energy; specifically, biotin is involved in gluconeogenesis, which as we know is the synthesis of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources. Biotin is also involved in fatty acid synthesis, which is important in energy metabolism but also key in skin health. Deficiency of biotin has been associated with immune depression and reduced collagen synthesis. Findings Here Of interest, the use of antibiotics decreases the bacterial population of the large intestine which increase the dietary requirement for biotin. Rancid fats also inactive biotin along with chlorine. Good dietary sources of B7 include liver, eggs, salmon, sardines, mushrooms. B9 is essential in growing and dividing cells. A lack of folate has the most impact on those rapidly dividing cells like those in the digestive system, the genital tract and of course red blood cells. B9 is key in the synthesis of structural and functional proteins, and the formation of the master antioxidant, glutathione, is indirectly dependent on folate. And finally, vitamin B12 is essential for DNA and RNA synthesis and for cellular energy production. All cells in all bodies need to know what they are doing, and they need energy to do them; B12 ensures this occurs. There are no known naturally occurring bioactive forms of B12 in plant sources. This is because B12 is synthesised by the bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract of animals, and then absorbed by the host animals. B12 is concentrated in their tissues, which is then eaten by other animals. Sources of B12 include red meat, fish, dairy, and eggs. Why Your Dog Needs B12 You can ensure a fresh food diet, rich in these B Vitamins, or with the guidance of a practitioner, consider supplementation in methylated form. Coenzyme Q10 Coenzyme Q10 (COQ10) is an essential compound of the body which is synthesized in the mitochondrial inner membrane. It has many important functions in the body. Firstly, it can be named the key-component of electron transport chain in mitochondria necessary for ATP production and secondly, it can act as an intercellular antioxidant. In the body, COQ10 is found in all systems of organs. The highest concentration of ubiquinone is noted in the tissues of the heart, liver, muscles and you guessed it, kidneys! In poor kidney function, levels of COQ10 are often depressed, and much research has indicated that COQ10 may have favourable effects on cardiac function, glucose metabolism, lipid profiles, inflammation and oxidative stress in patients with non-dialysis chronic kidney disease. Findings Here Cordyceps Cordyceps cicadae, a caterpillar-shaped medicinal mushroom that derives its nutrients from larvae of Cicada flammata Dist., has been utilized in Chinese herbal medicine for thousands of years. All Cordyceps species are endoparasitoids, living mainly on insects and other arthropods. It has been well evidence that the use of cordyceps has demonstrated beneficial effects in decreasing the progression of end-stage kidney disease. Findings Here it is largely thought this is due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunostimulant properties. But that doesn’t mean we have to wait
One of the common issues we are asked about here at My Pet Nutritionist is kidney and urinary health. Our blog on urinary tract issues can be found. Here But we thought we’d go back to basics and look at the role of the urinary system and why supporting its function is important to overall health. The Urinary System As body cells carry out metabolic activities, they consume oxygen and nutrients. During this process, waste products are made. These waste products must be eliminated from the body because if they are left to accumulate, they can become toxic. As the respiratory system eliminates carbon dioxide, the urinary system picks up the remainder of the waste products. But this is not the only function of the urinary system, so let’s take a look. This system consists of: Two ureters, One urinary bladder, One urethra. The kidneys filter the blood of wastes and excretes them into urine. Once formed, urine passes through the ureters and is stored in the urinary bladder. It is then excreted through the urethra. Functions of the Kidneys Excretion of wastes: By forming urine, the kidneys help excrete waste from the body. Some of these are a result of metabolic processes, like urea and ammonia, which is as a result of the deamination of amino acids. It also includes creatinine which is a result of breaking down creatine phosphate. Finally, it includes uric acid from the catabolism of nucleic acids. These compounds are all known as nitrogenous wastes as they are wastes that contain nitrogen. The remainder of wastes are foreign substances that have entered the body, like medications and environmental toxins. Regulation of blood composition: The kidneys help regulate the blood levels of several ions including sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride, and phosphate. This is achieved by controlling the excretion of said ions into urine. Regulation of blood pH Regulation of blood volume: The kidneys adjust blood volume by conserving or eliminating water in the urine. An increase in blood volume increases blood pressure and a decrease in blood volume decreases blood pressure. Regulation of blood pressure: The kidneys secrete the enzyme renin which activates the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone pathway. Increased renin increases blood pressure. Production of hormones: The kidneys produce two hormones, calcitriol helps regulate calcium homeostasis and erythropoietin stimulates the production of red blood cells. Regulation of blood glucose level: Live the liver, the kidneys can use certain amino acids like glutamine in gluconeogenesis, which is the production of new glucose molecules. The Contributions of The Urinary System for All Body Systems Skeletal System The kidneys help adjust levels of blood calcium and phosphates needed for building extracellular bone matrix. Muscular System The kidneys help adjust calcium levels for contraction of muscle. Nervous System Through the process of gluconeogenesis, the kidneys provide glucose for ATP production in neurons, especially during fasting or starvation. Endocrine System The kidneys participate in the synthesis of calcitriol, the active form of Vitamin D. They also release erythropoietin which is the hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells. Cardiovascular System As noted previously, the kidneys play a key role in the regulation of blood volume, pressure and composition. Lymphatic System and Immune Function By increasing or decreasing their reabsorption of water filtered from blood, kidneys help adjust volume of interstitial fluid and lymph. Urine also flushes microbes out of the urethra. Respiratory System The kidneys and lungs cooperate by adjusting pH of body fluids. Digestive System As we have mentioned, the kidneys synthesise calcitriol which is the active form of vitamin D. This is necessary for the absorption of dietary calcium. Evaluation of Kidney Function As you have gathered, the kidneys play a pretty important role in the body, and there are a number of ways we check how well they are doing it. The blood urea nitrogen test measures the amount of urea in a sample of blood. Urea is a waste product of the breakdown of protein. When glomerular filtration rate (how much blood is filtered) decreases severely in the case of renal disease or obstruction in the urinary tract, BUN rises steeply. The other test that is often used is to measure plasma creatinine. This is the result of the catabolism of creatine phosphate in skeletal muscle. Normally the creatinine levels remain steady, because the rate of excretion in the urine remains equal to its discharge from muscle, but high creatinine levels can indicate poor renal function. Renal plasma clearance is a test which establishes how effective the kidneys are at removing a given substance from blood plasma. Urine Water accounts for around 95% of the total volume of urine. The remaining 5% consists of: Electrolytes Solutes derived from cellular metabolism Exogenous compounds (like medications) Typical constitutes of urine include: Filtered and secreted electrolytes Urea Creatinine Uric acid Urobilinogen Small amounts of fatty acids, pigments, enzymes, and hormones If disease alters body metabolism or kidney function, traces of substances not normally present may appear in the urine, or normal constituents may appear in abnormal amounts. For example: Albumin: a normal constituent of plasma, it usually appears in small amounts in urine. The presence of excess albumin indicates increased permeability of kidney filtration membranes due to injury or disease, increased blood pressure, or irritation of kidney cells by substances like bacterial toxins or heavy metals. Glucose: presence in the urine usually indicates diabetes but it can also be a result of stress (causing excess epinephrine secretion – epinephrine stimulates the breakdown of glycogen and liberation of glucose from the liver). Red blood cells: this usually indicates a pathological condition. One cause is acute inflammation or urinary organs due to disease or irritation from kidney stones. Ketone bodies: high levels of ketone bodies in urine may indicate diabetes, anorexia, or starvation. Bilirubin: when red blood cells are destroyed by macrophages, the globin portion of haemoglobin is split off and haem is converted to biliverdin, this is then converted to bilirubin which gives bile its pigmentation. Microbes: these will be
In 2017, 56% of dogs in the US were classed as being overweight or obese. This is a whopping 50.2 million dogs who are at risk of developing secondary conditions such as arthritis, certain cancers, kidney disease and an overall poorer quality of life with a reduced life expectancy. Yet in the same time frame, 58% of dog owners said they had tried to help their dog lose weight. The true obesity figures are hard to come by, but most practitioners that we speak with here at My Pet Nutritionist would say that obesity in pets is much higher. If we know that our pet is overweight and we are actively trying to help them lose weight, what’s going on? Most owners say it’s lack of time to exercise their dog, but exercise is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to weight loss. So, we’ve put together our top tips for helping our pets lose weight. 1) Find out if your pet is overweight. A dog in its range of ideal weight for its breed should have an hourglass figure from above. You should be able to see a definite waistline. If you feel their body, the ribs should be palpable, but you shouldn’t be able to see them. During exercise, they will pant but they won’t be winded. They should be enthusiastic about movement. If you notice heavy panting, respiratory distress, general lethargy or reluctance to move along with what appears to be excess weight you really should be thinking about a dog diet (if other health issues have been ruled out of course). 2) Know the why! The long-term impact of pet obesity includes: Heat intolerance Diabetes Liver disease Osteoarthritis Poor immune function CancerReduced life expectancy Understanding that those extra pounds are seriously impacting our pet’s quality of life can help keep us on track. 3) Find out exactly what you’re feeding. Studies have consistently shown that when fed the same number of calories, those dogs fed a low carb, but higher protein diet lost more body weight than those dogs fed a high carb, low protein diet. Findings Here This is why we would always advocate a whole food, fresh diet that is moderate in protein and fat. If you’re not quite there with a fresh diet, studies have shown that pets fed on a canned diet as opposed to the equivalent dry, lose more fat. Findings Here 4) Monitor Intake! Any human who has tried to lose weight will remember being bombarded with information of what club to join or which diet to follow. None are quite as effective as keeping a food diary. This is key to your dog lose weight too! 2 meals a day, or even 1, what more is there to record? What about that crust off your sandwich, or the scraps the kids feed under the table? Or the treat the neighbour gives him every day? Once you start noticing and logging his food intake, you’ll be surprised at how many extra bits he gets! 5) Measure! It may sound simple, but the most important part of helping your dog to lose weight is to measure their food. Despite us doing it for years, feeding by eye can sometimes deceive us. It may seem a lot of work, but it really is the only way to ensure we are keeping tabs on what our pets are actually eating! 6) It’s all in the mind! Most owners struggle with dog weight loss plans because they feel guilty! Those sad eyes looking up at you when they think you haven’t given them enough! Dogs are scavengers. It’s this trait that domesticated them from the ancient wolf. Findings Here Some breeds, like the Labrador also don’t seem to have a satiety switch. They also learn through reinforcement – they have probably learned that if they look at you long enough, you’ll give in and offer them extras! Findings Here If you feel guilty when you leave the house for a few hours, save some of their daily intake for when you’re leaving. Do they always scrounge at the table when you’re eating, and you can’t say no? Put them in a different room whilst you’re eating or offer them a long-lasting chew (incorporated into their caloric intake). 7) Get by with a little help from my friends! You’ve been in that situation, trying to cut back on certain foods, then your colleague brings cake in! Minus the cake, it is often other well-meaning friends and relatives that can sabotage your dog’s weight loss plan too. You may be monitoring his calories, cutting back and watching everything that goes into his mouth, but if the children are still giving him scraps, the neighbours throwing treats over the fence and your Aunt feeding him sandwiches when she pops in to let him out, you’re on to a loser! Let everyone know your plan. Explain why you need to cut back and the risks associated with being over-weight. If they adore him enough to treat him, they’ll soon support your plan. If you don’t want to stop the treats, you could work out some calorie allowance by reducing some of his meal intake. Work out how many treats this is and put them in a jar on the tabletop. Let friends and family know that they can treat him from this jar. If it’s empty – he’s had his lot for the day! 8) Feed animals separately! Whilst the plan so far seems easy, as soon as you throw other pets into the mix it becomes more difficult. If they are fed in the same room, they can swap bowls and finish each other’s meals. If you have cats, you can bet your life the dog is eating the cat food too! Part of your dog weight plan needs to make provision for feeding animals separately. Summary It is generally thought that the single best way to shed unwanted weight is a calorie-controlled
It’s a supplement that we often see adverts for, but when we talk about the antioxidant properties of certain nutrients, it’s easy to forget what that actually means in the body. So, we thought we’d compile a brief guide to antioxidants, what they are, what they do, and where we get them from. But first we need to know what a free radical is. Free Radicals Free radicals are created in the body from normal essential metabolic process like exercise, or during the conversion of food to energy. You can think of them like the exhaust fumes of work. But they can also be a result of external exposure to x-rays, smoke, air pollution, industrial chemicals and the ozone. When maintained at low or moderate concentrations, free radicals play several beneficial roles for the host. They are needed to synthesize some cellular structures and are used by the immune system to fight pathogens. Phagocytes synthesise and store free radicals, in order to be able to release them when invading pathogenic microbes have to be destroyed. Free radicals also play a key regulatory role in intracellular signalling cascades, in many cell types like fibroblasts, endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, cardiac myocytes, and thyroid tissue. The most well-known free radical acting as a signalling molecule is nitric oxide (NO). It is an important cell-to-cell messenger required for a proper blood flow modulation, involved in thrombosis, and is crucial for the normal neural activity. NO is also involved in nonspecific host defence, required to eliminate intracellular pathogens and tumour cells. The issue is when the number of free radicals outweighs the body’s ability to cope with them. When this occurs, so does oxidative stress. Oxidative Stress Oxidative stress can be responsible for the induction of several diseases, both chronic and degenerative, as well as speeding up body ageing processes and causing acute pathologies. It can damage cells, and even DNA is prone to oxidative stress. Oxidative stress has been associated with: Cancer development Cardiovascular disease Neurological disease Respiratory disease Arthritis Kidney disease Delayed sexual maturation Findings Here And so, the body has put in place several strategies to counteract the effects of free radicals and oxidative stress, based on enzymatic (e.g., SOD, CAT, and GPx) and nonenzymatic (e.g., lipoic acid, glutathione, ʟ-arginine, and coenzyme Q10) antioxidant molecules. In addition, there are several exogenous antioxidant molecules of animal or vegetable origin, introduced by diet or by nutritional supplementation. Antioxidants Antioxidants neutralise free radicals – they do have a few tricks up their sleeve to do this, but in many cases, they donate an electron to stabilise the free radical. In this process, they don’t themselves become destabilised, so they stop the cycle. Nutritional Antioxidants: Vitamin E The term vitamin E encompasses several molecules (α-, β-, γ-, and δ-tocopherol and α-, β-, γ-, and δ-tocotrienol) synthesized by vegetables and contained in edible oils and seeds, as well as in food that has been artificially enriched. In mice prone to allergic disease, supplementing allergic mothers (at the time of mating) with α-tocopherol was enough to inhibit pup allergic responses. It has been also observed, from in vivo experiments, that α– and γ-tocopherol supplementation of allergic and nonallergic pregnant mice can alter the allergic responsiveness development in offspring of mice. Findings Here Flavonoids Flavonoids are a class of polyphenolic compounds. They are a class of natural compounds extensively present in foods of vegetal origin (fruits, oils, seeds, etc). Flavonoids could be further classified into flavonols (e.g., quercetin, rutin), flavanones (e.g., naringenin, hesperidin), flavanols (e.g., epicatechin, gallocatechin), flavones (e.g., luteolin, apigenin), and anthocyanins (e.g., pelargonidin, malvidin). These flavonoids exert their anti-oxidative action in several ways including direct trapping and scavenging of free radicals, decreasing leukocyte immobilization, and regulation of nitric oxide and xanthine oxidase activity. Not only that, but flavonoids are also thought to be: Neuroprotective Hepatoprotective Geroprotective Anticancer Cardioprotective Antimicrobial Anti-inflammatory Great sources of flavonoids include: Ginger Carrots Turmeric Cruciferous vegetables, garlic Apple Green tea (decaf) Berries Vitamin C Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is a water-soluble compound classified under the group of natural antioxidants. Ascorbate reacts with ROS therefore quenching them. Sources include: Peppers Strawberries Raspberries Blackberries Broccoli Antioxidants and Ageing Aging and the production of free radicals can lead to oxidative damage to proteins, lipids and nucleotides that, in turn, may cause neuronal dysfunction and ultimately neuronal death. Several mechanisms are in place that balances the production of free radicals. But with age, it is possible that these protective mechanisms begin to fail. Researchers have often found increased oxidative end products in the aged canine brain. Furthermore, low Vitamin E levels are regularly noted in the brains of aged dogs with cognitive dysfunction. Oxidative damage may also be associated with behavioural decline. To this end, dietary modification, and the use of antioxidants has been noted to improve cognitive performance in the ageing dog. Findings Here If you would like to learn more about the ageing dog, check out our blog here: Keeping Your Senior Dog Healthy Contributory Nutrients Despite molecules possessing obvious antioxidant capacity, certain trace minerals such as selenium, copper, zinc, and manganese are also important to enzymes that specifically detoxify free radicals. Selenium – organ meats, seafood, nuts, Copper – shellfish, seeds, nuts, organ meats, Zinc – oysters, red meat, poultry, nuts, Manganese – mussels, nuts, leafy vegetables, The bottom line? The body does possess its own antioxidant defences, but they can get overwhelmed. When this occurs, it results in oxidative stress which has been linked with a range of chronic health conditions. Free radicals can be produced internally, from normal day to day processes, but exposure in the environment also increased the burden. This includes toxin exposure. It’s best to limit exposure in the first place, but there is also value in providing nutritional defences too! A fresh, wholefood diet can include a range of antioxidant compounds, but check out our other blogs around toxin exposure for reducing burden. Does My Pet Need To Detox Is Your Toxic Home Affecting Your
If you read our latest blog then you will understand the important role the cardiovascular system has on maintaining homeostasis, and more. With many breeds predisposed to health issues, it pays to consider if there are dietary compounds which can support heart health. Here at My Pet Nutritionist, it’s something we deal with regularly, so we thought we’d put together our top nutrients for heart and cardiovascular health. Magnesium Taurate One of the most abundant minerals in the body, along with calcium and phosphorus, magnesium is essential to bodily function. Whilst there is some disagreement on the numbers, anywhere from 60-70% of the body’s magnesium is found in bone; the rest is in cellular fluid and soft tissue. Magnesium deficiencies have been linked with cardiovascular disorders, including high blood pressure and abnormal rhythms and there are a number of mechanisms in which magnesium supports heart health and function. Magnesium naturally competes with calcium which is essential in generating heart muscle contractions. Calcium stimulates the muscle and magnesium counters it which helps them to relax (this is also why magnesium is used in cases of spasms). When magnesium levels are low, calcium can overstimulate heart muscles causing a rapid or irregular heartbeat. Magnesium is thereforekey to maintaining balance. Magnesium taurate contains the amino acid taurine and it’s this combination that supports healthy blood pressure; to this end it is suggested that this form bolsters heart health. Methylated B Vitamins There are eight B vitamins: B1 Thiamin B2 Riboflavin B3 Niacin B5 Pantothenic Acid B6 Pyridoxine B7 Biotin B9 Folate B12 Cobalamin These vitamins are involved in many functions as they help a variety of enzymes do their jobs – they help release energy from macronutrients and transport oxygen and energy containing nutrients around the body. Studies have noted that suboptimal serum levels of folic acid, vitamin B12 and vitamin B6 may underlie the development of heart disease. It is suggested that such deficiencies lead to inadequate production of S-adenosyl-methionine, creating a state of hypomethylation. This, in turn, may damage the DNA in arterial cells. Methylation is a biochemical process which involves the addition of a ‘methyl group’ to other molecules and is dependent on the availability of a number of key nutrients. When these B vitamins are supplemented in their methylated form, it’s almost like it’s one less job for the body to do. Omega 3’s How Omega-3 Fatty Acids May Affect the Heart: Lower triglyceride levels, increase HDL (ie, good cholesterol) Lower resting blood pressure Decrease platelet aggregation and prevent blockage of coronary artery Decrease risk of arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythm) Increase compliance of arteries Decrease atherosclerosis Reduce inflammatory markers There is evidence of rapid declines in coronary heart disease mortality with the consumption of oils rich in alpha-linolenic acid. Findings Here Studies have demonstrated a significant reduction in risk of sudden cardiac death in humans consuming the most linolenic acid. A diet rich in linolenic acid has been associated with a lower incidence of calcified coronary plaques along with a reduced risk of cardiovascular mortality, which subsequently lowers the all-cause mortality levels in humans. Findings Here In Humans, the Lyon Diet Heart Study is perhaps the most well-known, and it separated 605 myocardial infarction survivors into two groups, one group was placed on a low-fat diet, and the other on a Mediterranean diet including margarine enriched in linolenic acid (1.1 g/day). After a two-year follow-up, the incidence of cardiovascular disease, including cardiac mortality, decreased dramatically (73%) in the intervention group. This raised the possibility that the inclusion of linolenic acid in the diet can significantly improve cardiovascular health. Evidence has suggested that omega-3 supplementation has reduced the incidence of atrial fibrillation in dogs and as we know, atrial fibrillation is a heart condition that causes an irregular and abnormally fast heart rate. Findings Here There is also data which suggests omega-3 supplementation significantly affects survival rates in those dogs suffering with heart failure secondary to DCM. Findings Here It is thought that the effect of omega-3 is multifactorial, but they include significant effects on sodium, potassium, and calcium channels. It is also considered that omega-3’s reduces platelet aggregation, which mitigates risks of clots and therefore won’t impede blood flow to the heart. Findings Here COQ10 Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an essential compound of the body which is synthesized in the mitochondrial inner membrane. It has many important functions in human body. Firstly, it can be named the key-component of electron transport chain in mitochondria necessary for ATP production and secondly, in addition to its important role in electrons’ transport, COQ10 can act as an intercellular antioxidant, protecting the plasmatic membrane against peroxidation. Oxidative stress is considered to be an essential player in the development of cardiovascular disease, and it is this theory that suggests antioxidants’ like COQ10 can subsequently lower the risk. In the body, COQ10 is found in all systems of organs. The highest concentration of ubiquinone is noted in the tissues of the heart, kidneys, liver and muscles. In humans, three out of four patients with heart diseases have low levels of CoQ10. It was noticed that CoQ10’s plasma levels in patients with ischemic heart disease and dilated cardiomyopathy are much lower than in healthy ones. Depending on the severity of heart injury, circulating level of COQ10 decreases in direct proportion to disease progression. Furthermore, heart failure is related to a chronic pro-inflammatory state and there are increasing studies that establish anti-inflammatory properties of COQ10. CoQ10 deficiency is frequently encountered in dilated cardiomyopathy, and this may be reversible by the COQ10 administration. In a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial in children with dilated cardiomyopathy, COQ10 administration for 6 months resulted in improvement of diastolic function and a lower mean score for the index of cardiac failure. Findings Here Hawthorn Hawthorne is widely used in Europe as a cardiotinic and for congestive heart failure. The principle active components in hawthorn leaves, berries, and blossoms are flavonoids. One of these flavonoids, proanthocyanidin, has especially important cardiovascular effects. Mechanisms
The cardiovascular system consists of the blood, heart, and blood vessels. Sadly, one of the more common health issues we see here at My Pet Nutritionist are things involving the heart (both emotionally for us, and physically for the client). So, we thought we’d do a whistle stop tour of the cardiovascular system. If we know what it does, we can notice when things start to go a little awry. In addition, we can consider lifestyle choices in which to support its health. 1) The Blood Functions and Properties of Blood: Blood transports oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients, wastes and hormones. It helps regulate pH, body temperature, and water content of cells. It provides protection through clotting and by combatting toxins and microbes through certain phagocytic white blood cells or specialised blood plasma proteins. The formed elements in blood include red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. 2) The Heart The heart is located in the chest between the right and left lungs and is contained in a very thin sac called the pericardial sac. The heart extends from around the 3rd to the 6th rib of the dog. The heart is the central organ that contracts rhythmically to pump blood continuously through the blood vessels. The heart consists of four chambers: The right atrium is the collecting chamber for blood from distant parts of the body. Blood is carried back to this upper right chamber of the heart in various veins. The oxygen levels in the blood in this chamber are very low. As the right atrium contracts, blood flows through the tricuspid valve into the right ventricle. The right ventricle is the pumping chamber of the lower right heart. As the right ventricle contracts, it sends blood it has received from the right atrium into the pulmonary artery. The pulmonary valve sits at the opening of the pulmonary artery and prevents blood from moving backwards into the right ventricle after it contracts. The pulmonary artery carries the blood into the lungs where it grabs oxygen and gets rid of carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide leaves when dogs breathe out, and oxygen is taken in when they take a breath in. The left atrium – blood that is high in oxygen returns to the heart from the lungs and enters the upper left chamber of the heart, the left atrium. The left atrium is a collecting chamber that sends this oxygenated blood to the left ventricle. The valve that separates the left atrium from the left ventricle is the mitral valve. The left ventricle – the left ventricle is the major pumping chamber of the heart. This lower left chamber is responsible for pumping oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body. The blood from the left ventricle enters the aorta through the aortic valve. The aorta and other arteries distribute this oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. Cardiac Muscle Tissue Cardiac muscle fibres usually contain a single centrally located nucleus. Compared with skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle fibres have more and larger mitochondria (which as we know, are the powerhouses of cells). In comparison to skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle produces little of the ATP (energy) it needs by anaerobic cellular respiration (without oxygen). Instead, it relies on aerobic respiration (with oxygen). Cardiac muscle uses several fuels to power mitochondrial ATP production. At rest, the heart’s ATP comes mainly from the oxidation of fatty acids and glucose, with smaller contributions coming from lactic acid, amino acids, and ketone bodies. During exercise, the heart’s use of lactic acid, produced by actively using skeletal muscle, rises. Like skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle also produces some ATP from creatinine phosphate. This is relevant in cases of heart issues; when there is injured or dying cardiac muscle, creatine kinase (the enzyme that catalyses the transfer of a phosphate group from creatine phosphate to ADP to make ATP) is found in the blood. Cardiac Output The heart’s operation is mainly governed by events occurring throughout the body. Body cells must receive a certain amount of oxygen from blood each minute, to maintain health and life. When cells are metabolically active, as with exercise, they take up even more oxygen from the blood. During rest, cellular metabolic need is reduced and the workload of the heart decreases. Heart Rate Certain chemicals influence both the basic physiology of cardiac muscle and heart rate. Hormones Epinephrine and norepinephrine enhance the heart’s pumping effectiveness. They increase both heart rate and contractility. As we know. exercise, stress, and excitement cause the adrenal medullae to release more hormones. Thyroid hormones also enhance cardiac contractility and heart rate. One sign of hyperthyroidism is tachycardia, or elevated resting heart rate. Hyperthyroidism Cations The concentrations of several cations are crucial for action potentials in all nerve and muscle fibres. This includes the heart. The relative concentrations of: K (Potassium), Ca (Calcium) and Na (Sodium) have a huge impact on cardiac function. Elevated blood levels of K or Na decreases heart rate and contractility. Excess Na blocks Ca inflow which decreases contraction, and excess K blocks the generation of action potentials. A moderate increase in Ca speeds heart rate and strengthens heartbeat. The bottom line? There are a number of nutrients that are crucial to heart function, and in the incorrect amounts, can start to run amok! Increased body temperature, as with exercise understandably increases heart rate, but in cases of increased body temperature due to infection, the same also applies. So increased heart rate may be a sign of pathogenic load. Why Is The Cardiovascular System So Important? The heart pumps blood through blood vessels to body tissues, delivering oxygen and nutrients and removing waste by capillary exchange. Circulating blood keeps body tissues at a correct temperature. In short, it is vital for homeostasis. Integumentary System (Skin) Blood delivers clotting factors and white blood cells that aid in recovery when skin is damaged. Changes in blood flow contribute to body temperature regulation by adjusting the amount of heat loss via the skin. Skeletal System Blood delivers
Kennel cough is a broad term covering any infectious or contagious condition of dogs where coughing is one of the main symptoms. It’s sadly a common occurrence in the dog population, so let’s take a look at what it actually is and our top tips for prevention and management. Did you know 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. Canine Adenovirus Type 2 Infection CAV-2 infection is a common but transient contagious disease of the respiratory tract of dogs, it tends to cause mild fever, nasal discharge, coughing, and poor weight gain. Viral entry is generally by inhalation of infected particles followed by viral replication in the cells of the upper respiratory tract, mucous cells of the trachea and bronchi, bronchiolar epithelial cells, and others. Infection with CAV-2 is generally deemed mild unless complicated with a secondary bacterial infection or coinfections with other viruses like distemper virus. Experimental work suggests CAV-2 reinfection may lead to hyperreactive airways, which is a nonspecific condition where the bronchial mucosa becomes highly responsive to irritation caused by cold air, gases, or cigarette smoke. Canine parainfluenza virus (CPIV) This virus is a highly contagious ribonucleic acid virus that causes respiratory disease in dogs. Dogs with CPIV may exhibit no clinical signs or mild clinical signs of a dry, harsh cough for around and up to 7 days, with or without fever and nasal discharge. These signs are generally more severe in those dogs with viral or bacterial coinfections. CPIV suppresses the innate branch of the immune system, resulting in the loss of cilia and ciliated epithelium, making the host more favourable for coinfections. This is why it is of concern for immunocompromised dogs, along with puppies, or the senior dog. CPIV survives on nonporous surfaces for 4 to 12 days, but it is susceptible to a range of disinfectants. Bordetella bronchiseptica B bronchiseptica is a gram-negative, aerobic coccobacillus that is often implicated as a complicating factor in dogs with concurrent viral respiratory infections. After B bronchiseptica colonises the airways, it can evade the immune system by expressing various virulence factors that lead to: Direct cellular injury of respiratory epithelium Impaired immune recognition Disrupted immune clearance It seemingly manages to paralyze the mucociliary apparatus—a key component of the respiratory tract’s local defence mechanisms. The mucociliary apparatus moves inhaled debris and potentially harmful pathogens away from the lower respiratory tract, decreasing the risk of colonisation by these organisms. By doing this, B bronchiseptica not only improves its own virulence and chance for colonisation, but also paves the way for infections of the lower respiratory tract. In cases of infection, some dogs suffer mild disease including nasal discharge and intermittent coughing, whereas others develop severe pneumonia. Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRD) The coinfection of these pathogens, among others, manifests as CIRD and they act synergistically to causes respiratory illness. This is why a multifaceted approach to prevention and subsequent management is crucial. Immune Function As you have likely noticed, CIRD is an attack on the immune system. The pathogens hijack many defences which results in the lingering symptoms. 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 as you know if you read our guide to the immune system, they help protect the body against infection. Your Pet’s Immune System 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. Vitamin A also supports the Th2 anti-inflammatory response. 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. 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. 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. Further to this, we often note higher rates of infection (with a range of pathogens) when there are existing health issues that involve: The gut Thyroid Kidneys Liver function 7 Steps to Optimal Gut Health Liver Health Kidney Disease Therefore, ensuring you take a holistic approach to your dog’s health is vital. But, we do have some tricks up our sleeves when it comes to dealing with kennel cough in dogs. Mushrooms Mushrooms are thought to have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular-protective, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, and anticancer
