Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we tend to see quite a few cases of Cushing’s disease. Some cases seem to occur as a result of corticosteroid treatment and others tend to come with a plethora of other symptoms and disease. Here we can cover all we understand about this disease from a conventional perspective, and then we can delve deeper into the natural support we tend to offer. Cushing’s disease, also known as hyperadrenocorticism, is a condition in dogs where the adrenal glands produce too much cortisol; a hormone that helps regulate metabolism, immune response, and stress. There are two primary forms of Cushing’s disease in dogs as we currently understand, but various other forms which are perhaps less common. Let’s take a look at these, starting with the two primary forms. Pituitary-dependent Cushing’s Disease (PDH): This is the most common form, accounting for about 85% of cases. It’s caused by a benign tumour in the pituitary gland (a small gland at the base of the brain) that stimulates the adrenal glands to produce excess cortisol. Adrenal-dependent Cushing’s Disease (ADH): This form is less common and results from a tumour in one of the adrenal glands themselves. This tumour produces excess cortisol independently of the pituitary gland. Iatrogenic Cushing’s Disease: This form of Cushing’s Disease is caused by the administration of corticosteroid medications (e.g., prednisone) for other medical conditions. Long-term or high-dose use of these medications can lead to symptoms similar to Cushing’s Disease. This is not a true form of Cushing’s Disease but rather a drug-induced condition, meaning it can be ‘reversed’. Once the corticosteroid medication is reduced or stopped, the symptoms usually resolve, though it’s important to do so under veterinary guidance. Primary Adrenal Hyperplasia: In rare cases, a dog may develop Cushing’s Disease due to non-tumour-related hyperplasia (enlargement) of the adrenal glands, which leads to excessive cortisol production. This is less common compared to pituitary or adrenal tumours, and may occur due to chronic inflammation or trauma. ACTH-Secreting Tumours Elsewhere: While the pituitary gland is the most common source of excessive adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) production leading to Cushing’s Disease, there are rare cases where tumours in other parts of the body (such as the pancreas) can produce ACTH or ACTH-like substances, leading to Cushing’s- like symptoms. Genetic or Congenital Causes: Although rare, some genetic or congenital conditions could potentially lead to Cushing’s Disease by causing the adrenal glands to produce excessive cortisol. However, this is not well-documented and is less commonly recognised or understood. In summary, while tumours in the pituitary gland or adrenal glands are the most common causes of Cushing’s Disease in dogs, other less common scenarios, such as iatrogenic effects or rare forms of hyperplasia, can also lead to similar symptoms. Symptoms of Cushing’s Disease The symptoms of Cushing’s Disease can vary, but common signs include: Increased thirst and urination. Dogs may drink more water (polydipsia) and urinate (polyuria) more frequently. Increased appetite Excessive Panting Abdominal swelling: A “pot-bellied” appearance due to abdominal distension. The weight is usually carried differently to those who are simply obese. Hair loss: The coat may become thin or brittle, and dogs may experience symmetrical hair loss, sometimes all over! Skin changes: The skin may become thin and prone to bruising/discolouration or infections. Those with hair loss caused by Cushing’s Disease often have a black, scaly look about them. Lethargy and fatigue Muscle wastage, especially in the hind limbs Behavioural change, including increased irritability or changes in mood. If you suspect your dog has Cushing’s Disease, your first step as a responsible pet owner is to seek veterinary assistance, where your dog’s symptoms can be investigated, and an appropriate diagnosis made. It is important to work with your veterinarian to build a suitable treatment plan for your pet. It is also important to note that some of these symptoms can also commonly be seen in other disease, hence the importance of a veterinary consultation. Causes and Risk Factors The exact cause of Cushing’s Disease isn’t always clear, but several factors can contribute: Genetics: Certain breeds are more prone to developing Cushing’s Disease, including most commonly Dachshunds, Poodles, Boxers, and Beagles. Age: Cushing’s Disease is more commonly diagnosed in middle-aged to older dogs, typically between 6 to 12 years of age. Tumours: Tumours in the pituitary gland or adrenal glands are the primary cause of Cushing’s Disease. These tumours are usually benign but can lead to significant health issues due to the impact on hormonal production and the overproduction of cortisol. Gut Health: Gut health has a huge impact on Cushing’s Disease for many reasons. Gut dysbiosis (which occurs when there is an imbalance in the gut microbiome) can come hand-in-hand with Cushing’s Disease due to the fact that some types of bacteria found in the gut cause Cortisol degradation. In those with Gut Dysbiosis, the microbiome may lack enough of this bacteria, causing elevated Cortisol levels. Inflammation: any inflammation in the body is a risk factor of Cushing’s Disease. Cortisol is known to reduce inflammation, however levels are often so high in those with Cushing’s Disease, the body often enters a state of low-grade systemic inflammation. This generalised inflammation can lead to a host of other diseases including cardiovascular (heart) disease, diabetes, and bone mass issues such as osteoarthritis. Toxin Exposure: When we really look into the nitty gritty of toxin exposure, both internally and externally, we can see worrying factors that can cause Cushing’s Disease, and other endocrine diseases. Unfortunately, some toxins our pets (and their humans!) often come into frequent contact with, are known endocrine disruptors. Endocrine disruptors interfere with the balance of hormones in the HPA Axis, which can cause overproduction of the cortisol hormone, and also commonly presents as skin issues. You can read more about the HPA axis here. Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here Diagnosis Diagnosing Cushing’s Disease involves a combination of blood tests, urine tests, and diagnostic imaging (usually ultrasound or CT scans) to check for tumours and assess
There are so many reasons why your dog may have diarrhoea. At My Pet Nutritionist, we help lots of owners with dogs with frequent diarrhoea, and some common causes seem to come up more than others during client consultations. In this blog post, you will find information about the most common causes of diarrhoea in dogs. Diarrhoea is generally a symptom of a physiological stressor; a huge amount of conditions come under this. This blog post only touches the most common reasons we see in practice, however the cause of diarrhoea is certainly nowhere near limited to these issues – seeking veterinary attention if your dog has recurring diarrhoea is essential, in order to rule out any longer term, or more serious health problems. Parasitic Burdens Parasitic burdens, whether they’re intestinal worms, or protozoan parasites like giardia, often cause diarrhoea; in fact, diarrhoea is one of the most common symptoms of parasitic burdens. How do we know if our pets have parasitic burdens? So many pet parents are shocked when they’re informed their pet has parasites, purely on the basis that they cannot see them in the pet’s poop. Intestinal worms are only visible in the faeces if the burden is high. Diarrhoea can start to develop as soon as there are parasite eggs in the digestive tract – these are microscopic, so cannot be seen with the naked eye! Now, your veterinarian can run a faecal egg test, but you can also do these at home! There are various companies from whom you can order a sampling kit from. You simply follow the instructions, pop a poop sample in the provided pot, and pop it in the post back to the company you ordered from. Their laboratories will then look at your dog’s sample under the microscope, record the results, and return them via email. Some companies include protozoan parasites as standard, but others require a separate test for these. Lungworm counts are separate sampling kits, and require a pooled sample over the course of 3 days. It’s advisable to test for intestinal worms every 3 months, and lungworm every 6 to 8 weeks. Depending on the result of your wormcount, you may be able to treat it using GSE – we recommend the BioCare Grapefruit Extract. Heavier burdens may require veterinary intervention. You can read more about internal parasites in our comprehensive blog post here. Findings Here Findings Here Food Sensitivities Food sensitivities are an extremely common topic here at My Pet Nutritionist. We help a huge amount of owners overcome their pets’ dietary troubles when it comes to allergies and intolerances. Food allergies are caused by a malfunction of the immune system, whereas food intolerances are usually down to poor gut health, especially in cases of Leaky Gut where the gut wall integrity is poor. The gut microbiome is very fragile, and is ever so important for all round general health as 70-80% of the immune system resides in the gut. The microbiome as a whole, includes everything from good and bad bacteria, to parasites viruses etc, but a health gut microbiome is in perfect balance, where the ‘good guys’ out weigh the ‘bad guys’. When a dog has poor gut health, and in turn has food sensitivities, the ‘bad guys’ start to overrule the ‘good guys’, which then leads to diarrhoea. In order to work on food sensitivities, and rule out problematic ingredients form your dog’s diet, it is advisable to run a full elimination diet, and carry out lots of gut work through the use of mucilage herbs and probiotics, which will help to heal the gut wall, and improve the amount of ‘good guys’ in the gut microbiome, ultimately reducing the risk of diarrhoea and possible bacterial infections. Our Gut Guardian supplement is a high quality blend of mucilage herbs, soil based probiotics, and calming chamomile. Gut Guardian You can read more on running an elimination diet here. Findings Here Findings Here IBD and Lymphoplasmacytic Gastritis Another common topic among our clients in their consultations with the team is IBD – Inflammatory Bowel Disease. An extreme case of IBD can be diagnosed as Lymphoplasmacytic Gastritis. Lymphoplasmacytic Gastritis is a chronic form of IBD, whereby inflammatory cells and cytokines (the substance which stimulates inflammation of cells) penetrate the stomach and intestinal lining. As you can imagine, when inflammatory cells enter the digestive system, it causes havoc! The inflammatory cells invade the stomach and intestinal lining due to having been subject to an abnormal immune response. There is a huge link to the lymphatic system in the gut too; which means a knock on effect to the rest of the body is very likely. Lymphoplasmacytic Gastritis happens most commonly in older dogs, but has been known in dogs as young as 8 months old. There are a number of causes of this condition, including the adorementioned parasitic burdens and food sensitivities, as well as Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) whereby the bad bacteria in the small intestine’s microbiome overtake the goof bacteria, leading to diarrhoea. As with food sensitivities, gut health is very important in tackling this disease, and got work supplements are highly recommended. Reducing environmental toxins is also paramount in your journey to a better belly! You can read more about Lymphoplasmacytic Gastritis here. Findings Here Findings Here Stress and Anxiety Stress and anxiety can massively affect the gut. The gut is much like a roundabout, with a large number of axes stemming from it to other parts of the body, linking gut health to nearly every other system within the body! When it comes to stress, anxiety, and even excitement (when adrenaline is high), the gut-brain axis is in focus. The gut-brain axis means that stress, anxiety and excitement can affect the gut microbiome, and a bad gut microbiome can also have an affect on brain health and mood. Calm Complex If your dog gets particularly excited or stressed for their walks, you may find they have a loose stool, despite being
At My Pet Nutritionist, we help a lot of worried pets owners who’s feline and canine companions have a condition called Pica. Pica can be indirectly life threatening, so we are here to raise awareness of what it is, why it happens, and how we can reduce risk in your pets! What is Pica, and What Causes It? Pica is a compulsive behavioural condition, whereby the pet craves inedible objects. Being a compulsive behavioural disorder, Pica can be very tricky to combat, and requires the help of one, or many professionals, from force free behaviourists to pet nutritionists like us. Underlying illnesses can very much trigger pica in pets, and this is the side we can help you with most. Some of the items commonly ingested by pets with Pica include stones/rocks, dirt, garbage, paper, socks, other fabric items, even walls and plasterboard, or licking paintwork. Faeces is another, which we delve a little deeper into next! As the items often consumed by pets with Pica are often not digestible, they can cause a host of symptoms relating to gut damage, gastric ulceration, internal blockages, and other internal health worries. Symptoms of a secondary health problem include: Vomiting Constipation Diarrhoea Fishy or metallic breath Excessive drinking Excessive drooling Lip licking ‘Downward dog’ position, denoting gastrointestinal pain Burping Changes in behaviour (dogs will often seem ‘low’, cats will often hide) Lethargy When it comes to underlying medical causes of Pica, there are quite a few conditions that can be associated, such as: Lack of nutritional balance leading to malnutrition (likely the most common cause) Kidney disease Immune Mediated Haemolytic Anaemia (IMHA) Parasitic burdens Inflammatory Bowed Disease (IBD) or Lymphatic Gastritis Iron Deficiency Over active thyroid (hyperthyroidism) Diabetes Leaky Gut/poor gut health Gastrointestinal tumours Findings Here Findings Here Those on certain anti seizure medications such as phenobarbital, some pain medications, corticosteroid medications, and some anti-cancer treatments like chemotherapy may also experience Pica. Findings Here Findings Here If we look at causes from a behavioural point of view, it can be particularly common in those with separation anxiety, those lacking mental or physical stimulation, and those lacking appropriate socialization leading to stress. These are all areas to be worked on with a qualified, force free behaviourist, for which specialists in both dogs and cats are available. Coprophagia, A Type of Pica Now, those who are serial faeces eaters, do still have Pica, but a specific type of Pica, known as Coprophagia. Coprophagy occurs more in females than it does in males, and more commonly in dogs than cats. Coprophagy can be normal, specifically in the case of a mother dog with puppies. When nursing a litter of puppies, mother dogs are instinctively clean, and consume their puppy’s excrement for the first few weeks. It is not normal for adult pets who are not nursing litters, to eat faecal matter – this is when coprophagy is not expected, and needs looking into. Findings Here A Side Note on Puppies We feel it is important to mention puppies, specifically. While Pica is indeed, very dangerous in many cases, puppies do explore the world with their mouth! Puppies will often chew inedible items, and ingest parts of toys, socks, splinters of wood from items of furniture they’ve ‘kindly’ redesigned for you; this is quite normal in young and adolescent puppies, and may not follow through to adulthood where Pica becomes an obsessive problem, where underlying illness should be ruled out. To give your puppy the best chance of not ingesting inedible artifacts, ensure plenty of rest is enforced, as well as plenty of mental stimulation. A strong ‘leave it’ command can be majorly beneficial too, and what a better time to instil this, than as a puppy?! Diagnosis and Treatment If you suspect your pet has Pica, it is important to seek veterinary guidance as your first point of call, as acting on the potential for underlying health conditions is important. Similarly, if your dog or cat is experiencing any of the aforementioned symptoms, veterinary help is likely required to reduce the risk of death due to internal blockage. So how is it diagnosed by the vet? Your veterinarian will look at your pet’s medical history – if you have been able to keep a diary of food and behaviour alongside symptoms, this can really aid your vet! A physical examination may be performed, which will feel everything from your dog’s body condition to their lymph nodes. The dog’s mouth will be checked to rule our dental issues, and their heart and lungs will be listened to via stethoscope. Full panel blood tests, and urinalyses may be carried out too, for a more internal approach to diagnostics of underlying health conditions. If the vet feels a blockage is occurring in your pet, they may perform an ultrasound or x-ray, followed by potential surgery for treatment of this issue. Treatments wise, the suitable treatment for any diagnosed internal, underlying condition will be discussed and prescribed. If your vet does not feel surgery or pharmaceutical treatment will be beneficial to your pet, they will likely refer you to a veterinary behaviourist, or other force free behaviourist. How Can We Reduce Risks? In order to reduce the risk of harm from objects consumed by those suffering with Pica, there are a number of precautions we can look at taking – these stem from both a training perspective, and a diet perspective! Training Aids It may seem obvious, but it is incredibly important that we monitor our pets’ actions, especially if they are known to suffer with Pica. Teaching a solid ‘leave it’ command using positive reinforcement is essential. Discuss this with your trainer – it can be learnt at any age. Muzzle training is important for all dogs! This is trickier for cats, but cat muzzles are available to buy. Muzzle training not only means your dog is comfortable in their muzzle, which acts as a barrier between their mouth and the inedible items they like to consume,
If there’s one thing us dog owners and carers see and handle a lot, its poop! It comes in all different colours, shapes, sizes and textures, but do you know if your dog’s poop is ‘good’, or ‘bad’? At My Pet Nutritionist, we often hear from panicked pet parents regarding their pet’s faeces, and if it looks how it should! This handy guide looks at everything ‘dog poop’, including some troubleshooting tips along the way! Pooh Colours When it comes to colour, dog pooh can vary massively! Different colours can indicate different things, so let’s have a look at common dog pooh colours, and what they might mean! Brown is typically associated with poop. Brown can come in any shade, from very light brown, to very dark brown. Brown is a very ‘normal’ colour for faeces. If you feed fresh food, you may notice your dog’s pooh is darker on darker proteins such as lamb, duck or beef, and lighter, almost cream in colour, on lighter proteins like turkey, chicken or white fish. White pooh is commonly seen for two reasons. If it is an older pooh which has been laying around in the garden, it may be simply that it has dried out or been ‘sun bleached’ – especially if your dog is raw fed. If your dog is producing fresh white coloured pooh, and is raw fed, this can be a sign that your dog is not tolerating bone well. In these instances, you may need to switch to a cooked food using one of our recipes, or look at using a bone substitute. Mixed coloured pooh is a common occurrence in fresh fed dogs, and sends a lot of pet owners into panic-mode! Mixed coloured pooh when feeding a fresh food diet is completely normal! You may observe light and dark brown parts withing your dog’s faeces, which is due to your dog having eaten a variety of different proteins. If your dog has eaten a mixture of light and dark proteins in the last day or so, it’s likely their poop will be multi-coloured! Black pooh is something we don’t want to see, particularly if it is loose in texture too! Tarry stools are caused by the presence of Melena (blood) in the faeces, which can be secondary to a number of digestive issues, parasite burdens, liver or kidney disease/cancer. Black, but solid stools can also denote health concerns such as internal bleeding. Some supplements may darken the stool to an almost-black colour, including some soil based probiotic blends. Yellow/orange stools can also be of concern for your dog. Yellow or orange pooh is often soft in texture, and can be due to a number of health conditions. Those suffering with campylobacter often have yellow faeces. Another common reason a dog may have yellow or orange faeces is an issue with the liver, or bile production. Some intolerances present with yellow or orange pooh too, so an elimination diet may be useful. If your dog has yellow or orange stools, further investigation is required by your veterinarian. Pooh Textures Our dogs’ pooh comes in many textures, from so solid it crumbles, to completely watery. Each different pooh formation tells a different story, so it is important to learn what each type means! When your dog’s poop is extremely hard and/or crumbly, it is often shaped in multiple small pieces, and quite often white in colour. ‘Crumbly’ can also be described as the poop turning to dust upon landing on the ground, or when being picked up. Poops like this, are not desirable! These poops show the digestive tract is unable to cope with the recommended amount of bone in a fresh food diet, or that there is too much bone in the fresh diet you are feeding. If this is the case for your dog, you may need to dilute the bone content in the food you are feeding, by replacing 20g of the complete diet per 10kg bodyweight, with the same amount of boneless mince. Some owners prefer to switch to a bone alternative if their dog struggles to digest the bone content of balanced meals, to ensure they’re still getting the calcium they need, but in a form the dog tolerates better. You may also need to give a gut support supplement such as our supplement, Gut Guardian, which you can purchase here! Additional fibre may also be required in the diet. A hard but not crumbly poop is what we are aiming for! The pooh should be a log-like shape, and should be firm to touch (with a poop bag, of course!), but should not easily break apart. This is a great sign that your dog’s digestive tract is functioning well, and their diet is suiting them perfectly! Keep up with the good stuff! Sometimes you may spot a formed, but soft poop laying around, reminding you of the typical cartoon dog poop! These tend to be produced by those on a higher carbohydrate, more processed food (though not all dogs fed these diets will have this type of pooh!), or by a dog with a little digestive upset, be it an intolerance, or gut damage. A small parasitic burden could also result in this type of faeces. In this instance, you may wish to run a wormcount (order a kit from a reputable company, send off your sample, and await results) to check for intestinal parasites, look at running an elimination diet if your dog is already on fresh food, add in some gut support, some more fibre, and perhaps some extra bone. If your dog is fed a dry. Processed diet, switch to a fresh food diet. If you are unable to feed fresh, switching to a food with higher meat content, or a high quality wet food may help you out! If your dog produces a soft and unformed pooh, this should be investigated as it is a clear sign of some digestive upset, or lack of tolerance for
Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we don’t like to leave any stone unturned – pun not intended! When it comes to a diagnosis of bladder stones/crystals, it can feel like you’re embarking on a never ending journey. You will find lots of information on each type of bladder stone found in dogs, but this blog post focusses on Struvite Stones. What are Struvite Crystals/Stones? Struvite Crystals are the most common type of crystal found in dogs, and when combined with Urease, a bacteria-produced enzyme, struvite stones are formed. Struvite crystals being present in the urine by themselves, aren’t much of a worry, however when they are combined with the aforementioned Urease, struvite stones do become a problem, and require treatment. Struvite stones also develop as a result of infection by other bacteria types including Proteus, and Staphylococci strains. There are two other names you may see for Struvite Stones, and these are due to their chemical make up; these are: Magnesium-ammonium-phosphate Triple phosphate Female dogs are more at risk of developing struvite stones, with a staggering 85% of cases being seen in female dogs! Dogs with recurring UTIs (urinary tract infections) are also among the most likely to develop struvite stones. Symptoms of Struvite Stones A range of different symptoms may occur if your dog develops struvite stones, including: Blood in urine ‘downward dog’ position indicating stomach pain Frequent urination Urinary incontinence/urinating in unusual places Difficulty urinating Regular licking of the genitals Increased thirst Nausea Findings Here How Do They Form? Struvite Stones thrive in an alkaline environment. When looking at the pH of your dog’s urine using a pH test strip, alkaline urine will show as a blue or purple tone. The healthy range of canine urine is between 6.5 and 7, which is neutral, or very slightly acidic. Anything above pH7 is alkaline. When the body undergoes bacterial infection in the bladder, ammonia is produced, which in turn causes the pH to become more alkaline, allowing the formation of struvite stones to occur. Findings Here Diagnosis of Struvite Stones The easiest way to diagnose struvite stones in dogs, is via X-Ray, however sometimes this isn’t possible due to other parts of the body getting in the way of a clear image. X-Rays use radiowaves, and produce Radiographs (hence those who take the images are known as radiographers!). Struvite stones are radiodense, which means they would show up very easily in X-Rays. In cases where X-Rays are not possible, the veterinarian may use ultrasound on the bladder area. Before scans, the veterinarian may give a coloured liquid to the dog which dyes the stones, making them more visible. The accompanying step to working out the type of stone present, is through urinalysis. Urine samples are needed to find out if any bacteria or crystals are present – this can help determine the type of stone, since bladder stones aren’t very easy to tell apart through imaging alone. If a sample of a stone is taken, this can be analysed by a veterinary laboratory for an official diagnosis of stone type. Findings Here What Can the Vet Do? Much like the removal of another type of bladder stone, the Cysteine Stone, the vet may suggest surgical removal. The surgical procedure is called a Ureteroscopy, during which a very small instrument is passed through the bladder and up the Ureter, pushing the stone out in the process. Alternatively, the pet may be opened up, and large stones causing blockages will be removed by hand. For a non-surgical, less invasive approach, the vet may recommend a procedure known as a urohyrdopropulsion. This procedure is usually most successful on medium to large dogs, and involves two catheters being placed in the dog; one up the urethra, and the other in the urethral lumen. A finger is inserted into the rectum to push against the urethra, causing a build up of pressure and a tight seal. Once a tight seal is made, saline water is flushed through the catheters, and the bladder is palpated, flushing the small stones out. Although this method requires anaesthesia, it is preferred for smaller stones as it is much less invasive than surgery. Findings Here Your veterinarian may suggest a diet change too – however they may wish to sell you a ‘prescription’ dry food diet. This is where fresh feeding is paramount, as dry foods have a low meat content, and low moisture – both of which are essential in abundance for a dog with bladder stones! Let’s take a look at diet, and supplements to help prevent Struvite Stones. Supporting the Body, and Preventing Struvite Stones When it comes to supporting the body with the aim to reduce the risk of recurring Struvite Stones, we need to look at the diet, as well as suitable supplementation. Diet Dogs with any bladder stones, require a high moisture diet! Fresh feeding, whether that’s raw or gently cooked, allows for meals to be suitably high in moisture. You may even wish to ‘float’ the food – meaning you add extra water to it. The other benefit of providing a fresh diet, is the high meat content. Feeding a predominantly meat based diet is essential for those suffering from Struvite Stones as meat naturally encourages a more acidic environment in the bladder. Some ingredients to consider including in your dog’s diet, to promote an acidic environment include: Chicken Pork Beef Eggs Fish Venison Meanwhile, it’s best to avoid more alkaline food like: Broccoli Carrot Cucumber Pumpkin Kale Sweet potato Apple Banana Cabbage Pumpkin We have two recipes balanced to FEDIAF, which are ideal for those with struvite stones – Low Fat Fish and Low Fat Venison. Supplements A number of supplements can be very useful in the combatting of Struvite Stones. Gut Health supplements are one of the most important ones to give, as with almost any condition, a healthy gut microbiome helps. When urea is excreted into the gut passage, it is broken down by the bacterial colonies in
In the modern dog world, there are so many controversies over various food items, from salmon oil to raw eggs to coconut oil to garlic. Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we like to put owners minds at ease, and help you to evaluate whether it is suitable for your pets, using both scientific and anecdotal evidence based on our professional experience. Salmon oil, raw eggs and coconut oil have all been covered within our blog to date, so now it’s time to have garlic in the spotlight! Let’s discover some myths, and truths about this powerful, often useful ingredient! What Is Garlic? This may seem a bit of an obvious section to many, but you may learn something new too! Garlic (Latin name: Allium sativum), is the bulb of a flowering plant, and is a potent addition to foods in the human world, for flavour as well as medicine. It’s closest relatives are onions, leeks, shallots and chives. Humans have consumed garlic since the times of Ancient Egypt. Originating from south and central Asia, and Iran, the vast majority of the world’s garlic production occurs in China. The chemical make up of garlic gives it it’s many beneficial uses in both the human and dog world, however there are caveats when it comes to garlic and dogs! Allicin, ajoene and polysulfides are among the most powerful sulfur containing compounds, alongside lots of useful enzymes, flavonoids (often useful as antioxidants), and saponins (which have great cancer risk reducing properties, as well as being great for lowering blood fat and blood glucose levels. Findings Here Findings Here The Controversy Around Garlic As dog owners, we only want the best for our precious pooches! And that’s where the confusion sets in – safe? Unsafe? My vet said it’s toxic! Someone on an online dog forum said it’s toxic, but another said its ok? The stigma around garlic really is huge! Some professionals will advise against it through no fault of their own – it’s often simply what is taught to them during their education. The controversy all stems from one specific study on garlic, and it’s affects on dogs. Afterall, it’s relatives onion and leek are very much toxic to our pets, so why should garlic be ok when it contains the same active ingredient, allicin? As well as allicin, members of the allium family also contain Thiosulfate. Thiosulfate, in large quantities, can cause a severe type of anaemia in cats and dogs, called Heinz Body Anaemia. If we look at onions vs garlic, we can compare the amount of thiosulfate, and therefore calculate the risk of Heinz Body Anaemia. Onions contain large quantities of Thiosulfate, whereas garlic only contains miniscule amounts, which plays very little to no risk in healthy individuals, and studies were began to work out just how much garlic is safe for our pet dogs. Findings Here So, moving on to the study. The nutrition world was taken by a storm in 2000 when Dr Osamu Yamamoto released a study called ‘Haemolytic Changes Associated with the Appearance of Eccentrocytes After Intragastric Administration of Garlic Extract to Dogs’. You can find the study here. Now, the first point to make, just from looking at the title; garlic ‘extract’ was used. Have you ever baked a cake, using Vanilla Extract? You may notice the extract is extremely concentrated, making it extremely pungent, requiring just a few drips to flavour the entire cake batter! This concept goes for any extract, including that of garlic. The garlic was administered to the dogs in the study in extract form – 1.2mls of this liquid was given to each dog per day for 7 days – likely the equivalent to much more than one would consider giving their dog of anything! More on equivalent amounts shortly. When looking at the health of the dogs in the study, it’s important to note that there was a death rate of 0% – that’s right, a big fat ZERO! No dogs died in the study, nor were there any physical changes to the dogs. When blood tests were analysed under a microscope, despite the lack of symptoms, there was a case of Heinz Body Anaemia. This was the evidence which caused the scientists to make the rather bold statement, that garlic is unsafe for dogs, sending the pet world into panic! Some of the large pet information databases and websites are still under the assumption that garlic is very much toxic to dogs, warning owners to avoid it. Pet food manufacturers were forced to remove garlic from their recipes once this information was released, but further studies were needed to ascertain whether fresh garlic would be safe, since the aforementioned study used the ultra concentrated garlic extract. Let’s take a deeper look at exactly how fresh garlic tolerance levels differ to that of concentrated garlic extract! What Science Has to Say About It As with many preliminary scientific studies, mass panic had set in, opening up opportunities to research the tolerance level of fresh garlic in dogs, after all in unsuitable quantities, anything can be classed as toxic – even water, and we all know water is incredibly important for all living things! When converting the amount of garlic extract that would need to be administered to a medium sized dog for adverse reactions to occur, to the equivalent amount of fresh garlic, the dog would need to consume 35 cloves of garlic every day (or 245 cloves per week!) – not something any owner would dream of doing, we are very sure! Now for the next study by Dr Osamu Yamamoto, titled ‘Acceleration of Superoxide Generation in Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes and Inhibition of Platelet Aggregation by Alk(en)yl Thiosulfates Derived from Onion and Garlic in Dogs and Humans’, published in 2004. This study can be found here. In this study, they used a fresher form of garlic to carry out their investigation, which ultimately found that garlic was in fact good for cardiovascular health, and useful for a
Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we help customers tackle a host of different health conditions and concerns. Some diseases our customers’ dogs come to us with are common, and simple, others are not so common, and more complex. Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency is one of the not-so-common examples of health concerns we have helped customers with. While it is rare, and not tested for as standard, we are beginning to see more and more cases of EPI, so this blog post will be a great educational tool for those who want to learn more about EPI, as well as those who’s pet has been diagnosed with it. What is EPI? EPI, as its commonly called, is shortened from Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency. ‘Exocrine’ is the system to do with the body’s enzymes. The pancreas is an important part of the digestive system, and also an important part of the exocrine and endocrine systems. The pancreas is an organ, located in the right side of the abdomen, close to your dog’s stomach. There are two parts to the pancreas – the exocrine pancreas and the endocrine pancreas. The endocrine pancreas releases the hormone, Insulin, which controls blood sugar levels. The exocrine pancreas releases enzymes responsible for food digestion, particularly the macronutrient, protein. In those suffering with EPI, the pancreas is unable to produce enough of these enzymes, which leads to major malnutrition, unless treated daily. EPI is an incurable disease, and requires daily management to keep symptoms at bay. Findings Here Symptoms of EPI There are a number of symptoms associated with Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency. Many of these symptoms are common symptoms of other health conditions, which makes diagnosis of EPI quite tricky, but the symptoms can be severe, and in some cases life threatening. Here’s some of the main symptoms you could expect from a dog suffering with EPI include: Rapid weight loss Lack of ability to put weight on Insatiable appetite Chronic diarrhoea Mucus in the stool Vomiting Lethargy/fatigue If your dog has a number of these symptoms, it is extremely important you have your dog assessed by a veterinarian, as EPI dogs can go downhill very quickly. Findings Here Diagnosis of EPI Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency is rarely routinely tested for upon first signs of symptoms, and is regularly misdiagnosed. As the disease is quite rare, and little is taught about it in initial veterinary qualifications, dog owners who suspect this disease often have to specifically request for testing for EPI in their initial consultations. So how is EPI diagnosed? There are two tests carried out in those with suspected EPI. A fasted blood test, and a faecal test. Once the sample has been taken, the test used is called a Canine Trypsinogen-like Immunoassay (or cTLI for short!). For this test, pets must be starved for a minimum of 6 hours – this is usually best done overnight. Trypsinogen is a non-activated enzyme; known as a proenzyme. The pancreas of healthy individuals secretes Trypsinogen into the small intestine with other enzymes in the mix, where it converts to Trypsin – the activated form, which is used to digest proteins. It is very much normal for Trypsinogen to be detected in blood tests of healthy animals, because a little Trypsinogen leaks into the blood stream where it is circulated around the body. How do cTLI results differ for those with EPI? The results from a cTLI of a dog with EPI will show as low to no Trypsinogen when analysed. This is because those suffering with EPI have a reduced functionality of the pancreatic tissues, resulting in less Trypsinogen being secreted into the intestine, and therefore less leaking into the bloodstream, if any. Findings Here Another blood test is usually carried out in cases where EPI is suspected, to test for levels of Vitamin B9 (Folate) and Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin). While these vitamins aren’t directly related to the pancreas, they can easily be affected by a poorly functioning pancreas due to the affect EPI has on the microbiome of the gut. Blood serum analysis for Vitamin B12 will be low, as EPI can lead to B12 deficiency, whereas serum analyses for Folate will usually come back in excess. You can read more about high Folate and it’s relationship with low Vitamin B12, and how these are affected by the pancreas in our blog here. Findings Here Let’s move onto the faecal testing side of EPI diagnosis. The test carried out is called a Faecal Elastase Test. This test is for another of the pancreatic enzymes used during digestion, called Elastase. As with all enzymes, Elastase performs a specific job – it’s role in digestion is to help break down fats, carbohydrates and proteins, for use by the body for energy, growth, and cell maintenance. Healthy individuals with a well functioning pancreas will have elastase in their stools, however those with EPI will not produce as much elastase due to damaged pancreatic tissues, so elastase would be lacking in faecal samples. Findings Here Causes of EPI There are various reasons a dog may have EPI – it can be congenital (present from birth), hereditary (genetically inherited), or acquired (through trauma or disease). Congenital and hereditary causes are self-explanatory – it’s important to source puppies from health tested breeding pairs, with no history of EPI in their immediate or extended genetic lines. If you are opening up your heart and home to a rescue dog, there is a small chance of congenital or hereditary EPI, as you don’t know the history of the dog’s genetic lineage, however it is a rare disease, so it wouldn’t be on the forefront of our minds when considering a rescue dog. Should you experience the symptoms listed in this blog post, hopefully our guide will help you and your rescue dog should the need arise. As with many diseases we write about here at My Pet Nutritionist, there are some breeds which are genetically predisposed to EPI, including: West Highland White Terriers German Shepherds Akitas Border
Malabsorption is something we see fairly frequently in dogs here at My Pet Nutritionist. It can be quite scary for pet owners to witness, but there may be some things we can recommend to help these pets. This blog post will explain what malabsorption is, what causes it, and how you can support the body through diet and supplements. What is Malabsorption? Malabsorption is a condition that affects the patient’s ability to efficiently absorb nutrients from food sources. The dog may be consuming a perfectly balanced diet, but still unable to benefit from the nutrition it provides. This is down to underlying problems between the small intestine, and the pancreas; these underlying problems can be a multitude of ailments, so further investigation into potential underlying issues is paramount and working with your veterinarian to discover these, is important. Regular visitors to our blog, may notice we often list breeds who are commonly predisposed to each condition we talk about, however when it comes to malabsorption, there is no specific breed predisposed. This is down to the fact that different breeds will be predisposed to different underlying conditions, and it very much depends on the condition diagnosed, which is causing the malabsorption. Symptoms of Malabsorption There are a variety of symptoms you may notice if your dog has malabsorption. Here are some of them: Pica (consumption of unusual/inedible items) Weight loss, often rapid Lethargy and fatigue Insatiable appetite/extreme hunger Loose stools and gurgling stomach Flactulance Nausea and vomiting Reduced coat condition If these symptoms are present in your dog, please seek veterinary advice as soon as possible as investigations are the important first step in helping your dog with malabsorption. Findings Here Causes of Malabsorption There are many underlying conditions which could lead to malabsorption. We will go through some of these, and give a brief description of each one. You may wish to take this article with you to your veterinary appointment as some of the conditions are not routinely tested for. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Inflammatory Bowel Disease is something we talk about, and see a lot here at My Pet Nutritionist. It seems to be very common in lots of dogs who have poor gut health. Those with IBD have inflamed bowels due to the penetration of cytokines and inflammatory cells to the gut and stomach, causing an abnormal immune response. This then has an effect on the lymphatic system, which in severe cases causes Lymphoplasmacytic Gastritis. When the digestive system is inflamed, nutrient absorption becomes very difficult, causing malabsorption. You can read more about severe IBD here. Findings Here Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) We see a lot of patients with SIBO. Those suffering with bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine will often suffer with malabsorption. This major imbalance in the microbiome means that some bad bacteria out-competes the good bacteria required as part of a health microbiome. The bad bacteria, of which there are too many in those with SIBO, often release toxins, and massively interfere with the absorption of nutrients. Findings Here Findings Here Intestinal Blockage Blockages of the intestine are a very common cause of malabsorption. These often go unnoticed, especially if owners don’t realise their dog has swallowed something undigestible, or if the dog is unable to tolerate bone as part of their raw diet. When the bowel is obstructed, food is unable to pass through the intestine, and therefore nutrients are not absorbed from the food, leading to severe weight loss, as part of malabsorption. Blockages causing malabsorption require surgery for removal. Findings Here Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) This disease is a severe one, and is often not checked for routinely by veterinarians. It may be something to bring up with your vet during your appointment, as though its relatively rare, we are starting to see a few more cases here and there. Your vet may need to do some reading up on it before advising. EPI is occurs due to the pancreas producing less digestive enzymes than needed. Because there is a deficiency in digestive enzymes, foods consumed are not appropriately digested, and therefore nutrients are not absorbed, causing rapid weight loss, large volumes of poor stools, pica, and a variety of other symptoms of malabsorption. This condition is not curable, and dogs diagnosed with it will require regular veterinary check ups, and daily enzyme supplements. Findings Here Findings Here Parasitic Burdens Parasites are another fairly common cause of malabsorption because the parasites compromise the health of the gut, and also syphon nutrients for themselves. Severe infestations of intestinal parasites, or severe cases of giardiasis (where cysts form on the gut following infection from the protozoan parasite Giardia) can lead to malabsorption and severe malnutrition, causing many of the symptoms listed above. It is important to send a faecal sample to a faecal testing laboratory on a regular basis, preferably every 12 weeks, to catch any worm eggs or juvenile worms before large infestations are able to occur. Regular natural worm prevention is also essential for those who tolerate it. You can learn more about natural pest control in our blog here. Findings Here Food Sensitivities Food sensitivities are probably the most common ailments in our customer’s dogs. We deal with a huge number of dogs with food sensitivities, many of which have weight loss as a symptom. Food intolerances are generally coupled with poor gut health, especially cases linked to Leaky Gut Syndrome, whereby the integrity of the gut wall is compromised. When the gut is in bad condition, the microbiome becomes unbalanced, making nutrient absorption tricky. Findings Here Intestinal Growths and Tumours Much like those with an intestinal blockage due to consumption of inedible items, growths and tumours in the intestinal tract are a blockage risk. When these growths or tumours develop and grow, they can create a total blockage of the intestine, which stops nutrients from being absorbed efficiently. While these can be removed by surgery in many cases, some require part of the bowel to removed
Here at My Pet Nutritionist, Liver Disease is something we help pet parents with quite often. The prospect of living with a dog with liver disease can be a daunting one. But we are here to help put your mind at ease, with this handy blog post packed full of useful hints and tips to supporting your pet’s liver, naturally. The Role of the Liver The liver is an extremely important organ in the body. It plays many roles in the overall health of the pet, including digestion, nutrient absorption, metabolism, detoxification, immunity, and endocrinologically. These roles, all link with one another, much like a large ‘loop’ of bodily functions dependent on the liver. Metabolically, the liver detoxifies fats from the body, and is also involved in the conversion of thyroid hormone 3 to thyroid hormone 4, which we can also look at from an endocrinology point of view. When looking deeper into the liver’s role in detoxification, we see that not only does it detoxify the body of excess fatty acids, but also of drugs, steroidal hormones, environmental toxins, and ammonia (as it helps the formation of urea). In terms of nutrients absorption and storage, the liver is involved in the storage of glycogen, which controls blood sugar levels, and also plays a role in the storage and absorption of Vitamins A, B12, D, E and K, as well as minerals such as iron, magnesium, zinc, and copper. If we look at what the liver produces, we see is produces cholesterol, which is an important precursor to vitamin D synthesis, and production of sex hormones, and it also produces bile, which is used for digestion of food, and also helps keep the gut free from unwanted microbes. Looking at hormone production, the liver produces and secretes four main hormones, or precursors for production of other important hormones. These are: Somatomedin (insulin-like growth factor, essential for regulation of growth of bones and tissues in the body) Angiotensinogen (involved in the regulation of blood pressure and balance of fluid) Thrombopoietin (used by the body to stimulate blood platelet development) Hepcidin (used to block the ability of cells releasing iron, which in turn regulates iron homeostasis in the body) Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here Finally, the liver is largely involved in the synthesis of some of the body’s most important proteins, such as: Prothrombin (used in blood clotting) Albumin (plasma protein responsible for controlling the flow of fluids through the capillaries, known as Oncotic Pressure) Globulins (used in immune function) Ceruloplasmin (enables healthy absorption of dietary copper) Lipoproteins (used to transport cholesterol in the body) Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here What is Liver Disease? Liver disease can be any form of problem with your dog’s liver. Generally speaking, most liver problems in dogs start with an enlarged or swollen liver. Due to the strain on the liver when it is inflamed, liver cells begin to die off, while being replaced by scar tissues – tissues that form after trauma, and can be obstructive if they become too thick. The presence of scar tissues in the liver, cause the structure, texture and appearance of the liver to change. It tends to become firmer – the scientific name for this, is cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is not reversible, and can be a death sentence for the dog, as the liver fails. There can be many triggers and causes of liver disease in pets, including use of some drugs such as selected pest treatments, onset of hepatitis (chronic swelling of the liver), cancer, environmental toxins, infection or sepsis, congenital issues, and even autoimmune disease. Symptoms of liver disease include: Lack of appetite Blood in vomit due to stomach ulceration Jaundice (yellowing of skin, eyes and mucous membranes) Fluid build-up in the abdomen/bloat Excessive urination (polyuria) Excessive water consumption (polydipsia) Diarrhoea Fever Neurologic symptoms Issues with blood clotting There are some changes to diet and lifestyle we can make to help those with liver disease – let’s find out about these! Liver Guard Supporting the Liver Gut Health Gut health may seem like an odd connection to liver disease, however the two can certainly be linked! There’s a group of systems, or axes, which link the gut with the rest of the body, acting as a sort of ‘roundabout’ for the microbiome. You may have heard us mentioning the HPA Axis, the Gut-Brain Axis, and the Gut-Skin Axis; well, the Gut-Liver Axis is another! The main vein involved in the interactions between the gut and the liver, is called the Portal Vein. This is a two way path, through which products derived from the gut are transported directly the liver, and bile, and other liver secretions are transported directly back to the gut to be used in digestion. As the gut microbiome is so incredibly important for prevention, and management of nearly all health conditions, a healthy gut is ever so important. Healthy microbial communities in the gut, make for healthy gut-liver axis homeostasis. Having an unhealthy or unbalanced gut microbiome can lead to exposure to microbes which are pro-inflammatory, causing liver inflammation, and consequently, liver disease. Findings Here To keep the gut healthy, we can tweak the diet, and add supplements – which we will discuss next! Diet As ever, when the body is under inflammatory stress, or has any disease, we need to look at tweaking the diet, to ensure the pet is being fed the most biologically appropriate diet, with the correct nutrition to nurture the body depending on the specific health condition(s) the pet may be facing. A fresh diet would be most suitable, whether that’s raw or cooked. Many dogs suffering with liver problems, may do better on a cooked food instead of raw, but many do just as well on raw! Now, when it comes to different liver conditions, there is no one-recipe-fits-all. Those with liver shunts for example, we would recommend sought advice from one of our team, so we can provide
A question commonly asked by owners, here at My Pet Nutritionist, is ‘how can I boost my dog’s immunity?’, or ‘how do I strengthen my dog’s immune system?’. Well, we’re here to give you some helpful tips on how to strengthen your dog’s immune system – you may be surprised with some of the topics covered, but hopefully you will understand the concepts in this detailed blog post. A healthy immune system is the difference between overall health, and disease, and in many cases, the difference between life or death! We strive to keep our own immune systems strong, and our pets deserve just as much strength in their immune system – they are outside, low to the ground, sniffing public areas barefoot much of the time, after all! The Immune System There are various parts to the immune system as a whole. Generally speaking, when an owner wants to ‘boost the immune system’, it’s the Adaptive (or Acquired) Immune System in question – the immunity gained following seroconversion of vaccinations. Here’s a bit about the Adaptive Immune System, which can be split into two mechanisms: Humoral (antibody mediated) immunity primarily involves B-Lymphocytes. During a humoral immune response, when an antigen is detected, with the help of T Helper Lymphocytes, the B Cells go through a differentiation process, which produces Memory B Cells and Effector B Cells, which are both specific to the B Cell they were differentiated from, and therefore are specifically shaped to combat a specific antigen/pathogen. This is the most common immune response, especially following successful vaccination. Titre Tests pick up these antibodies. Cellular, or cell-mediated immunity involves another type of cell – T-Cells. When T-Cells differentiate, they become T-Killer Cells which attach to and engulf antigens. Allergic responses and autoimmune conditions are part of the cell-mediated adaptive immune system. There are other parts to the overall immune system of a dog, or any other mammal, too. Let’s take a brief look at what these are, and how they differ from the Adaptive Immune System. Active Immunity: this is what is happening when the dog is exposed to a pathogen. The active immune system is the fastest acting system and is the body’s first response to the presence of a pathogen. In the presence of a pathogen, the B-Lymphocytes create and release antibodies. Passive Immunity: this is the immunity passed on to an individual instead of being created by their body. In dogs we call this Maternally Derived Antibodies (MDA). MDA is passed onto the puppies from the mother and is vital to health in the early weeks. It usually wanes between 10 and 16 weeks of age, unless interrupted by vaccination. MDA is passed onto the puppies through the placenta, and through the mothers milk. If a puppy is hand reared, he/she may require extra caution than those who drink mothers milk. Innate (also called non-specific) Immunity: this includes the immunity and defence systems your dog is born with. Barriers like skin, the gastro-intestinal tract, eyelashes etc all help keep pathogens out of the body which is why gut health is so very important – at least 70% of your immune system is in the gut! Defence systems like mucosal layers, saliva, stomach acid etc are also part of the innate immune system. Another immune response included as part of the innate immune system is inflammation – this often acts as a marker to pathogens so they can be destroyed. There are various day-to-day aspects of life, including diet and lifestyle which can affect your dog’s immune capabilities, so let’s dig deeper into these. How Gut Health Affects the Immune System It is becoming more widely known, that 70-80% of the immune system lays in the gut – quite a staggering figure! The all important gut microbiome is naturally perfectly balanced – there are ‘good guys’ and ‘bad guys’ that all make up a healthy gut microbiome, but there’s enough of the ‘good guys’ to keep the ‘bad guys’ under control. When the gut is not healthy, the microbiome is knocked out of balance, and the ‘bad guys’ are able to take over, causing disease within the body. There are various substances, and other triggers such as stress, which cause damage to the gut wall, too. When the gut wall is damaged, the gut microbiome is again, knocked out of balance as it is leaked from the gut (known as Leaky Gut). When the gut is leaking, the immune system is left very vulnerable, so it’s imperative to keep the gut healthy at all times – and if it’s not healthy, focus on getting it healthy! The vast majority of systems in the body are connected to the gut very much like a roundabout. These connections are called axis and there are many, for example, the gut-brain axis, the gut-musculoskeletal axis, the gut-liver axis, and the gut-skin axis. The microbiome communicates with this organ systems by creating messengers and metabolites such as probiotics in order to help support function. This is an emerging area of immunity that science is newly delving into. We will delve into some gut health supplements later on in this blog post. Findings Here Findings Here Gut Guardian How Diet Affects the Immune System The diet plays a large role in gut and immune health. Commercial dry food diets being overly processed do not have the live capacity to nourish the gut microbiome like fresh foods do. Moisture in food is incredibly important for all mammalian species, and dogs are no different. Dry food generally has 6-10% moisture; making it dehydrating to the intestinal tract. We know there are some wondrous foods to feed our dogs to support immunity. Fresh in raw or cooked form is always advisable but there are certain ingredients that we favour as they hold great healing and supportive capabilities. We have a fantastic blog explaining the ingredients we tend to favour, which can be found here. When we look at ingredients, both in kibble and in
Graves Disease is an autoimmune disease involving the endocrine (hormone) system, specifically the thyroid, which we see from time to time here at My Pet Nutritionist. It can be a worrisome diagnosis for any pet owner, and it’s important that owners of pets with Graves Disease understand what it is, and how they can tailor their pet’s diet and lifestyle to keep on top of symptoms; which ultimately extends their pet’s comfort. That’s where we come in, to provide you our Ultimate Guide to Graves Disease in Pets. What is Graves Disease? Graves Disease is the non-clinical, or common, name for autoimmune Hyperthyroidism. You may have heard about Hypothyroidism quite regularly on social media and other platforms where pet owners connect, particularly on dog based platforms; but you may not have seen much discussion on Hyperthyroidism. Graves Disease is rare, but possible, in dogs but tends to be more of a frequent trouble for our feline companions. It can be found in us humans, too! So what exactly is Graves Disease? What happens when your pet has it? If you want the short answer, the thyroid gland in your pet is overactive – it’s working over time! We feel it’s important to understand more about it though, so read on! Graves Disease is an autoimmune condition. Autoimmunity tends to occur due to a damaged immune system, or in individuals with a genetically compromised immune system. The body essentially attacks itself, as it recognises various proteins and other substances in the body, as foreign. The thyroid is a gland which produces various hormones, essential for a healthy life. The hormones produced and secreted by the thyroid are called triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4) – these help regulate the body’s metabolic rate. When there is a deficiency in these hormones, important bodily processes slow down, which causes a host of health issues. Now, when these hormones are too abundant, effects on the body can be equally as disruptive. We will discuss symptoms next. Symptoms of Graves Disease There are various symptoms of Graves Disease which you may notice in your cat or dog. Let’s take a look at some of the main symptoms: Weight loss, often rapid Diarrhoea Nausea/vomiting Swelling of the neck and face Increased urination Increased drinking Increased appetite Difficulty swallowing Shortness of breath and increases heart rate Change in pitch of bark Reduced eyesight capabilities Behavioural changes, including anxiety depression, and/or hyperactivity. Causes of Graves Disease The cause of Graves Disease is very much unknown. There is very little research into the causes of Graves Disease. It is often describes as ‘idiopathic’, meaning there’s no known cause. Some studies suggest that one known cause of Graves Disease in dogs (though rare) is as a result of a rapidly spreading cancer, called thyroid carcinoma. In cats, some cases of Graves Disease are secondary to a non-cancerous tumour forming on the thyroid gland called Adenomas. Like in dogs, in rare occasions, malignant tumours known as adenocarcinomas can cause the development of Graves Disease by causing the over production of hormones. It is possible that deficiencies in the diet may contribute to onset of Hyperthyroidism, as well as exposure to chemicals and toxins absorbed by the body, including flea and tick products which are toxins, and end up in the bloodstream, which disrupts the normal functioning of the thyroid. Diagnosing Graves Disease The first step in a diagnosis of Graves Disease, is a physical examination of the neck area of your pet. The purpose of this, is to feel for an enlarged thyroid gland. Secondly, the vet will take a blood sample to test for hormone levels in the blood. If the reading comes back with a value higher than the ideal’ threshold for each hormone, it’s very likely your pet has Graves Disease. If the T3 readings are high, but the T4 readings are ideal, more tests may be required, which would be discussed with the vet. These tests may include further bloodwork, and a urinalysis, which will show potential secondary defects to the heart and kidneys. As the thyroid is involved hormonally with the vast majority of the body’s organs, imperfect bloodwork in relation to other organs, could help show a problem with the thyroid. Conventional Treatments As always, here at My Pet Nutritionist, we like owners to be able to make an informed choice with their dog’s health, and encourage the use of conventional treatments where necessary in life potentially endangering situations, and situations where quality of life becomes the biggest importance. This is of course, alongside as much natural support as possible, and feeding a fresh, therapeutic diet. More on this later – let’s take a look at the conventional treatments your veterinarian may offer. There are various approaches which may be taken. As carcinomas are one of the most common, treatable reasons a dog or cat may have Hyperthyroidism, most are based around treating the cancer. Radioactive Iodine Therapy Radioactive Iodine Therapy is fairly common in practices which offer it as a treatment. The radioactive iodine is injected into the bloodstream, which makes its way to the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland takes the iodine up, causing radiation to be emitted. The emitted radiation then destroys any cancerous tissues around the thyroid, but does not cause any damage further afield. This treatment often results in normal levels of hormone production within mere weeks of the injection, making it extremely effective in curing hyperthyroidism. This treatment option has to be undertaken in a specialist veterinary hospital with licencing to carry and use radioactive substances. The pet must also be kept in the surgery until their levels of radiation are safe for handling. Findings Here Findings Here Medication Some drugs may be offered, to inhibit the production and release of hormones from the thyroid. As the thyroid is overactive, slowing it down is imperative to managing Graves Disease. This method will not cure, but can support the pet in reducing flare ups and secondary health implications. Being the
Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we deal with a huge amount of dogs with skin complaints. One of the skin complaints we see fairly often is Furunculosis. As a recurring skin infection, there are things we can do to support the body; read on to find out how we can help. What is Furunculosis? Furunculosis is a deeply embedded infection of the skin, or deep rooted inflammation of the skin. it is a bacterial infection of the skin and soft tissues, and emanates from the around, and inside the base of hair follicles, reaching through the dermis, and into the subcutaneous layers of the skin (the layers just beneath the skin’s surface). Findings Here Furunculosis clinically presents as small, often pus-filled boils on, or just under the skin. There are a few types of furunculosis you may have seen mentioned in your time as a dog owner, so let’s take a look at the common ones! Anal Furunculosis What is it? Probably one of the most common types of furunculosis mentioned by dog owners, is Anal Furunculosis. As per it’s name, this is where hair follicles around the anus become infected, and chronically inflamed. Another name for Anal Furunculosis is Perianal Fistula. This is an extremely painful type of furunculosis, as well as being one of the most difficult to treat, and stop from recurring. Findings Here Causes Evidence suggests it’s an immune mediated disease, as there is a strong genetic association with one specific allele, and tests show upregulated cytokine expression causing T-cell infiltration. It also tends to mostly affect middle aged dogs. Findings Here Findings Here A zinc deficiency could contribute to the onset of furunculosis too; zinc deficiencies usually present clinically in the form of a variety of skin issues. Findings Here Genetic predisposition is a common cause of anal furunclulosis, including the following breeds: German Shepherd (most common predisposition) Beagle Labrador Various Bulldog breeds Old English Sheepdog Australian Shepherd Staffordshire Bull Terrier Findings Here Symptoms There are various symptoms of anal furunculosis, but many are similar to general anal gland troubles, and not obvious until the infected boils begin to show. Some signs and symptoms include: Scooting Licking/nibbling around the anus and base of the tail Change in posture Difficulty passing faeces Bloodied stool (bright red) Lethargy Potential weight loss Interdigital Furunculosis What is it? Many of our readers will likely have seen ‘interdigital cysts’ mentioned by other dog owners – these are incredibly common in our domestic dogs. ‘Interdigital cyst’ is the somewhat shorter, almost self-explanatory term for Interdigital Furunculosis. Interdigital means ‘between the digits’ – no, not number in this sense; but the toes. Inflamed and infected boils/cysts appear between the toes, causing pain and annoyance to the dog, due to infection showing outwardly, from the hair follicles in the area. Findings Here Causes Most causes of Interdigital Furunculosis are down to trauma to hair follicles present between the toes. A variety of things can cause this, which we will discuss below, but first, we will take a look at some other potential causes of interdigital cysts. Endocrine diseases such as Cushing’s Disease and hypothyroidism can contribute to problems internally with the hair follicles around the toes. Bacterial and fungal infections in the foot areas, including yeast (for which you can read more about in our blog here), and various strains of Staphylococcus infection, can cause the onset of furunculosis in between the toes. Now on to the trauma related causes! Paw licking is a huge risk factor for hair follicle trauma between the toes. Paw licking can be caused by food sensitivities, anxiety, pain in the area, or even due to compulsive neurological disorders. Foreign bodies like the dreaded grass seed may also cause both paw licking, and generalised inflammation of the toe area, and therefore increase the risk of interdigital furunculosis. The root cause of any paw licking must be found and treated as a matter of importance! The length of a dog’s paw hair can also cause trauma to the hair follicles. When the dog walks on his or her feet, the hair between the toes may rub, which causes skin inflammation, and leaves the hair follicles vulnerable to infection. Those with longer fur between the toes, may be at a much lower risk of hair follicle damage, as the fur helps protect the follicles. Dog breeds at a greater risk of interdigital irritation due to their shorter coat length include: Various Bulldog breeds Basset Hound Staffordshire Bull Terrier Pug Great Dane Boxer Boston Terrier Beagle The shape of the dog’s foot can also have bearing on it’s potential for the onset of Interdigital Furunculosis. Those with wider gaps between their toes leave the skin in between their toes open to irritation by the environment. Those who are overweight are also more likely to have poor paw conformation whereby their toes spread, causing potential for irritation of the interdigital hair follicles. Findings Here Symptoms Early signs of Interdigital Furunculosis are a little easier to spot than Anal Furunculosis. Generally, the area will become red to start with, and slight swelling may become apparent. In cases where a foreign body is present, oozing of the area may occur. This needs veterinary treatment right away. The dog will usually lick, nibble and or favour the paw(s) affected, which is a very strong sign of a paw ailment. Once fully established, the Interdigital Furunculosis will present as a large swelling between the toes, usually warm or hot to touch, and very red in colour. It can be a shiny texture on it’s surface too, due to the swelling of a specific hair follicle, and lack of fur on it. Findings Here General Furunculosis After Grooming What is it? While there’s generally no single reason for the onset of both Anal and Interdigital Furunculosis, generalized post-grooming Furunculosis has a clear trigger, and usually crops up 24-48 hours after a dog has been groomed. It can establish in any part of the body, particularly in
