Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we get asked about vaccines a lot. We have plenty of data and scientific, validated research on the core DHP vaccines, but then we have the supposed concern of Leptosporosis, so here is our presentation of the facts. Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection with around 250 serovars. It affects dogs, most mammals and marsupials and even humans. Leptospirosis can be found worldwide but is most prevalent in warm humid countries that experience heavy rain fall. The bacteria can be found in puddles, stagnant water and moist soil that has been infected by the urine of an infected animal. Leptospirosis is transmitted by drinking infected water, through open wounds and through mucus membranes like the eyes and nose. Symptoms can range from mild, subclinical infection with little to no symptoms at all, to multi-organ failure and in some cases death. Signs of leptospirosis are fever, muscle tenderness, vomiting, diarrhoea and jaundice to liver and kidney failure. In 80-90% of cases, leptospirosis is treatable with doxycycline. Low Phosphorus Beef {br} The leptospirosis vaccine is made by Nobivac MSD animal health, a subsidiary of Merck. There are two vaccines available, Nobivac Lepto 2 which covers two serovars and Nobivac Lepto 4, that covers four serovars. We must note that the L3 serovars is not found in the U.K., so one quarter of the vaccine is totally unnecessary. Vaccinating dose not prevent your dog from getting leptospirosis, it is only meant to lessen the severity of the illness. Interestingly a post vaccination survey done by Canine health concern, observed and analysed the history of over 3,800 dogs post vaccination, found that every single dog in the study with leptospirosis, contracted it within three months of the vaccination, which begs the question are we reducing the severity or actually making our dogs more susceptible to it!? Findings here In a 2007 study completed before the availability of the Lepto 4 vaccination, 1,241 healthy dogs, some of whom had been vaccinated and some had not, found that 24.9% of dogs had antibodies 1-6 different serovars. This shows these dogs had natural exposure to these serovars and had built some natural immunity to them. Findings here In cases of the vaccinated dogs, some showed antibodies up to 1,745 days after vaccination. Is this from the vaccination? If so, why are we annually vaccinating? If not, is this from natural exposure? If so, why is it necessary to vaccinate? In 2013, Christopher Ball from Liverpool university wrote his thesis on leptospirosis. This was funded by MSD the manufacturer of Nobivac leptospirosis vaccine. A questionnaire was sent out to 472 vet clinics all around the U.K.. They were asked how many cases of leptospirosis had been seen in the last 12 month’s. 89 clinic’s returned the the questionnaire, the majority reported no cases at all in the last twelve months, only 13 of the practises reported a case within the last twelve months, of which only 3 had been confirmed by laboratory test. None of the practises in the study reported suspecting or confirming two or more cases of leptospirosis in the previous 12 months to the study. With these figures, we need to ask ourselves how prevalent leptospirosis is in the U.K.? And does it really warrant the risks associated with the vaccine? Gut Guardian We may need to look to other means for evidence of adverse reactions, there has been a Facebook group set up called “Novibac Lepto 4 -our experiences” with 35,000 members and growing. Some of whom are professionals all sharing their experiences of this vaccine. There are some extremely harrowing and heartbreaking stories in the this Facebook group. The manufacturer’s of the vaccine and some professionals will say these stories are anecdotal, this may be so, but it reaches a point when ‘coincidence’ can’t be ignored when so many of the same stories are being shared. The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) say that leptospirosis is not a core vaccine and in 2013 Christopher Day said in his thesis due to the perceived low rates of infection in the U.K., the leptospirosis vaccine is not considered a core vaccine, yet recently the BSAVA (British Small Animal Veterinary Association) made it a core vaccination. We would like to know what research and data this is based off. Leptospirosis is a killed vaccine (not live) and therefore contains adjuvants such as mercury and aluminium hydroxide, to stimulate the immune response when the vaccine is administered. This may potentially make it more dangerous in terms of adverse immune events in some dogs. Adverse reactions can be instant or within 7 days of administration. Symptoms can be anything from, sickness, diarrhoea, welts and swelling at the injection site, swollen glands, hives to anaphylactic shock, seizures, auto immune responses and even death. Vaccinosis however, is a disease resulting from a vaccination. This can occur many weeks and even months after the vaccine has been administered, hence why it can be difficult to get a vet to acknowledge and report adverse reactions. Leptospirosis is a zooatonic infection which means we can contract it from other animals. Lepto is known as weils disease in humans and we are often led to believe (from our vets) that it’s very important to vaccinate our dogs due to the risk of leptospirosis to ourselves and our families. However, on the NHS website it say ‘it’s very rare” to contract leptospirosis from our pets. When we take into consideration the low number of cases of leptospirosis, in Christopher Days study, and the fact the NHS have said its very rare to contract it off our pets, this would defiantly go against the consideration of this vaccination for our dogs. Findings here Health and safety executive .gov.uk say there is are around 50 cases of weils (Lepto) disease in the U.K. per year, out of a population of 65 million people. Some of those cases are brought back from abroad, its treated with antibiotics and there is no
Any quick search on the internet will populate a range of breeds that are seemingly notorious for being fussy eaters. If you have a basenji, husky or yorkie, it looks like you’re signed up for a lifetime of stressful meals. Except here at My Pet Nutritionist, we don’t believe everything we read on the internet. Whilst all those breeds could indeed be fussy eaters, so can many more. And they are. It is perhaps one of the more common questions we are asked, “how can I get my dog to eat?” Being a fussy eater can be technically defined as an eating disorder, and there are a number of causes. From behavioural to biochemical, let’s take a look at the complex world of the fussy eater. The Function of Eating Food components are the main sources of energy for the canine body. Not only that, but it provides the compounds needed for each cell to do its job. As the body carries out its tasks, it uses fuel and compounds, as reserves run low, signals bounce around the body to kickstart feeding behaviour. This is hunger, a physical need to eat. Appetite is quite simply the desire to eat. Hunger and appetite can be at odds. You may want to eat, but not need to, and you may need to eat, but not want to (in times of stress for example). Appetite and hunger are largely controlled by the brain and a range of hormones. The Brain In the brain sits the hypothalamus. Through its connection to the pituitary gland, it modulates the endocrine system. It is involved in a range of daily activities including temperature regulation and energy maintenance. We know it plays a role in eating behaviour as several lesions to small areas of it can result in overeating and under eating. The lateral hypothalamus is defined as the feeding centre and the ventromedial hypothalamus is defined as the satiety centre. This is largely an oversimplification, but it certainly demonstrates the role. The hypothalamus receives information from the digestive system like stomach extension, chemical nature of ingested food and the metabolic activity of the liver and uses it to maintain energy balance. It also receives information from the emotion/reward system. Food is a rewarding object that induces pleasant emotions. Findings here The amygdala is largely responsible for this. Studies have demonstrated that when the reward value of food decreases, so too does eating motivation. Sadly, these studies often include the injection of lithium after eating, of which causes discomfort. But it does raise an interesting point in terms of the fussy eater in your life. We’ll revisit this later. Food reward is elicited by several events that occur before it even passes through the oesophagus, namingly the appearance and shape of the food, the taste and smell and then the pleasure of swallowing the food. We know this because in tube-feeding studies, reward sensations are reduced. In short, when subjects were no longer allowed to taste or chew it, they did not want to eat it. That said, in sham studies, when animals are denied nutrition because everything swallowed leaks out of a tube connected to the oesophagus, they eat and swallow more than usual, but they are still unsatiated. This tells us just how complex eating behaviour actually is. And provides food for thought for the gluttonous dog (on the other side of the scale). Hormones Hormones are probably the most talked about in terms of eating behaviour. You’ve all likely come across leptin and ghrelin. Leptin is produced in adipose cells, or fat cells. So, the more fat cells there are,the more leptin. In short, the more fat available in reserves, the less you need to eat. If you have no fat cells, you need to conserve your energy until you next find food. Leptin crosses the blood-brain barrier, and there are high numbers of leptin receptors found in the hypothalamus, brain stem and other regions of the brain. Rising leptin in a fed state inhibits food intake by suppressing a range of peptides involved in eating behaviour. Ghrelin is predominantly secreted in the stomach and it too modulates cells found in the hypothalamus by increasing excitatory inputs and decreasing inhibitory inputs. Here we are talking about neurotransmitters. These chemical messengers modulate much of our and our pet’s behaviour and they either make something do something or stop something from doing something. Whilst dopamine can be both inhibitory and excitatory, ghrelin is seen to have a large influence on the release of dopamine via increases in cell excitability. As dopamine is involved in reward and motivation, ghrelin is thought to target the motivational functions geared to gaining food and to select those which are more rewarding (high calorie). Findings here In eating disorders, dopamine is one of the neurotransmitters that gets a lot of attention. In times of reduced food intake (fussy eating), dopamine neurons are activated, in the short-term rewarding the lack of food. It is considered that it is a physiological response in an attempt to increase motivation to forage for food. Findings here However, there are also other mechanisms in which the dopaminergic system comes into play for the fussy eater. A central feature of the dopamine neuron response is that it is triggered by unexpectancy. After receiving an unexpected reward like food (or how many likes our recent post has got on social media) a dopamine surge is elicited. When this becomes a regular occurrence, the dopamine signal is triggered by the conditioned stimulus in predicting the reward. However, the dopamine system does not respond when the reward is received. If the reward is predicted, then not received, there is a dip in dopamine activity. What this means, is that your dog may do the song and dance ready for their bowl of food, but then walk a way as soon as it is placed in front of them. The reward they predicted (tasty food), isn’t what was received. The other neurotransmitter that gets a
You’re in the middle of your daily grooming session and you notice a thinning patch of hair on your canine companion. Without any obvious recent trauma to result in scar tissue and no replacement hair, your mind starts going to all the places it shouldn’t. A quick google search likely doesn’t help but well here at My Pet Nutritionist, we hope to give you possible solutions. There are in fact a number of reasons why your dog may start losing his hair, or having thinning areas, so let’s look at them in a little more detail. Hair growth occurs in stages: – Anagen – the growing phase – Catagen – the transition phase – Telogen – the resting phase – Exogen – the shedding phase An intact hair coat is maintained by the lifelong cycling of these phases. When a hair follicle has passed the telogen stage and shed it, if it remains empty for a period of time it is deemed kenogen. The anagen phase is restarted when epithelial stem cells are in good form. Stem cell activity is dependent on many complex interactions including: Immune cell function Nerve fibres Hormones Genetics Daylight Nutrition Circadian rhythm And stress 1. Hormones So much of a factor, there is a condition deemed hormonal alopecia in dogs. This can be linked to neutering with many owners reporting hair loss or thinning post neutering. But when we say hormones we are also considering thyroid hormones. The thyroid gland is in fact active in the initiation of hair growth and replacement. Located in the neck near the trachea or windpipe, this gland produces hormones which regulate metabolism. Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can result in hair loss in the dog although hypothyroidism is likely the more commonly occurring form of hormonal alopecia in dogs. Initially hair loss is patchy, the coat is dry, the hair is brittle and easily pulled out. Quite often hyper pigmentation occurs. In some cases, secondary pyoderma and seborrheic dermatitis may follow. The hair that remains is often stuck in the telogen or resting phase, hence it’s poor condition. Other signs of hypothyroidism includes: Weight gain Lethargy Increased susceptibility to infections Slow heart rate Abnormal nerve functioning which presents as non-painful lameness or lack of coordination Keratoconjunctivitis or dry eye Fat deposits in the corneas of the eyes Thyroid function is easily assessed through screening and if it isn’t running all on cylinders, then it can often be managed. 2. Nutrition It wouldn’t be a My Pet Nutritionist blog without mentioning nutrition now would it. Nutritional status affects hair growth and maintenance. Every cell in every body, including our dog’s, needs basic components to carry out their function. This includes immune cells, stem cells and hair follicles. The root of a hair is made up of protein cells and nourished by nearby blood vessels. As it grows, sebaceous glands near the hair follicles produce sebum which is made up of triglycerides, wax esters and cholesterol. Sebum lubricates the skin and hair to protect it from friction and therefore makes it impervious to moisture and/or pathogens. The hair moves through its phases, but new data is suggesting that even though telogen is defined as the resting phase, hair follicles aren’t doing that much resting. In fact, much cellular activity occurs during this phase so that tissues can regenerate and grow new hair. This means there is a demand for nutrients. Time and time again there has been a link made between nutritional status and hair health and growth. Low vitamin D status has been implicated in cases of alopecia Over-supplementation of Vitamin A is associated with alopecia In a Biotin deficiency signs include hair loss, Folate deficiency can result in hair, skin and nail changes Vitamin C is known to aid iron absorption, the latter being implicated in hair loss Hair loss is a common sign of zinc deficiency Hair loss can be seen in Iodine deficiency, also a mineral that aids thyroid function All things considered we would advocate afresh food diet which includes: Meat protein (haem iron is found in meat, chicken and fish and is more easily absorbed that non-haem iron found in plant foods). Oily fish (source of Vitamin D) Organ meats (good source of biotin) Leafy greens (folate came from the latin folium because it was first found in leaves!) Berries (source of Vitamin C) Meat and shellfish (source of zinc) Be mindful if you are tackling any other health concern which requires the elimination of any of these foods, we can always help you find alternative nutrient sources. 3. Stress Stress, we can confidently say is the bane of everyone’s life, including our pet’s. But what is particularly interesting is that in some cases, hair loss follows months after a traumatic event often making it difficult to connect the dots. As we have mentioned, hair cycles through different phases and all follicles can be at different stages at any onetime. Many will be in the growth phase or anagen phase before hitting telogen and ultimately shedding. But high levels of stress can cause a blanket shift in the phases and bump many of the follicles to telogen, all at the same time. The result? Bald patches or thinning. It makes sense evolutionarily. When facing a threat, what is more important? Brain and muscle function or hair growth? Stress triggers a sort of redistribution of resources, which in the short term is manageable. The issue is when faced with chronic stress. Hair loss as a result of trauma may not appear until the initial stressor has passed, the growth phase has been prematurely stopped, hitting telogen sooner, but then we still have to wait for the shedding to occur. We then need the growth phase to start again, which may or may not happen depending on the recovery from the stressor or in fact whether the host is still experiencing it. Stress also depletes nutritional resources along with impeding the digestion and absorption of them and as
Halitosis, as it’s more technically known, in dogs, can be a symptom of a range of health concerns. Ranging from dental disease to some cheeky gut bugs overworking, bad breath is often the first sign things may not be as they should, so lets take a look at the more common reasons and what options are available to you. 1) Periodontal Disease Periodontal disease begins when bacteria in the dog’s mouth forms to create a substance called plaque. The plaque sits on the surface of the teeth and with the help of saliva, it hardens to form tartar. Not only does it sit on the teeth, plaque and tartar seeps into gum lines which causes inflammation. Over a period of time, this inflammation and presence of bacteria causes damage to the structures surrounding the teeth; causing receding gum lines and eventually tooth loss. Not only are the mouth and teeth a concern, but the bacteria found in the mouth of your dog can be released into the circulatory system, which then travels through the body. It has been found to damage cardiac tissue causing endocarditis (infection and inflammation in the heart). Studies have also shown that periodontal disease is linked to increased insulin resistance, kidney and liver issues. Findings here The mouth is full of bacteria, primarily to form a first line of defence to protect us and our pets from the bad bugs, but the bad bugs can use carbohydrates, known as starches, as fuel, and subsequently thrive. These bacteria destroy enamel which further develop into cavities, or holes. This is why, in most human literature we are told to avoid sugars for the benefit of our oral health. It stands to reason that we would want to avoid starchy food for our pets too. A fresh food diet is as standard, low in starch, but the inclusion of raw meaty bones, if appropriate, can also create friction when eaten and contribute to the prevention of build-up on the teeth. Please note common dry foods on the market, although not marketed contain between 18-60% carbohydrates. So, if your dog’s breath could keep a vampire away, you may want to check his oral hygiene. Look for build-up, grey/brown deposits, and any breakdown of teeth. 2) SIBO Whilst it sounds like a mission to outer space, SIBO is actually a little more common than that. Small intestine bacterial overgrowth is getting increasingly common in the pet world. Whilst we usually define the microbiome as the microbial community found in the whole of the digestive tract, abundance generally increases from the stomach to the colon So, we would generally find more microbes the further down we go. SIBO occurs when we get more than we bargained for in the small intestine. It is more commonly associated with surgery, or rather a complication of surgery, but it can also occur as a result of any disease which slows the passage of food and waste products down. This means they stay in the wrong place for too long, and we all know what happens when you’re in the wrong place at the wrong time. SIBO is often associated with cases of IBD or IBS, but there must also be consideration given in times of chronic stress as we know motility is affected here. Symptoms of SIBO include loss of appetite, abdominal pain, nausea, bloating, diarrhoea, and weight loss. Due to the overgrowth of bacteria, bad breath is often a symptom. Unfortunately, there are a number of complications associated with SIBO. It can result in poor digestion and absorption of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. Bile salts that are usually required to digest fats are often broken down by the bacteria, leaving few left to digest the fat in the diet. This then leads to reduced absorption, transport and utilisation of any of the fat-soluble vitamins, A, D, E and K. The overgrown bacteria also utilise the B12 marked for host use, subsequently leading to B12 deficiency. SIBO is also indicated in cases of immune deficiency, cirrhosis, and pancreatitis. Findings here Nutritional management plays a huge role in SIBO, so if you are concerned your dog may be showing symptoms, then please book a consultation here. Gut Guardian 3) Liver Disease When the liver isn’t performing to its fully capacity, it can result in potential toxins still circulating in the body. This includes the lungs. On exhale, this can present as a strong faecal smell (be mindful we are dealing with dogs, and some of them do perform coprophagy: eating poop). However, in cases of liver disease you would notice other symptoms such as loss of appetite, weight loss, increased thirst, increased urination, jaundice (yellowing of the gums and eyes), weakness and loss of stability and in some cases seizures. Liver disease can occur as part of ageing, or there are genetic predispositions. However, oxidative stress is a significant contributor to liver complications. Risk factors associated with oxidative stress include: Obesity Diets high in processed foods Exposure to radiation Pollution Exposure to pesticides Not only that, but the body’s natural immune system can also trigger oxidative stress. This is a normal process that is swiftly managed in a healthy system. The concern is when your dog’s immune system is regularly being called to duty, over not-so-threatening threats. This state of chronic inflammation can result in higher levels of oxidative stress, putting pressure on many body systems. A diet high in antioxidants can help modulate oxidative stress, but if you are concerned about your dog’s liver function, then it’s best to speak to a qualified practitioner. If you would like to read more about liver disease, then check out our blog here. Liver Guard 4) Kidney Disease Another part of the detoxification system, when the kidneys aren’t doing what they’re supposed to, excessive urea can end up in the bloodstream resulting in a halitosis. This odour is described as ammonia smelling and having a metallic taste – but as our dogs can’t talk, we’ll just have
Zinc is a nutrient that all humans and pets need to stay healthy – it is involved in many functions in the body. Zinc helps fight disease and aids wound healing. It assists a range of hormones in their roles like insulin, growth hormone, and those produced by the thymus. It is also essential for healthy skin, eye, and brain function. Whilst still relatively unclear, there also seems to be an increased risk of certain cancers with low circulating levels. In case you hadn’t noticed, zinc is involved in many processes in the body and when deficient, can cause a whole host of issues; perhaps some you never would have considered. So, let’s look at its function in a little more detail and what happens when things go a little awry. Functions in the body Immunity The immune system is a complex network of cells and proteins that defend the body. All cells depend on a regular supply of zinc to function and none more so than immune cells with their high rates of proliferation and differentiation. One of the mechanisms that zinc helps protect the body is by stabilising cell membranes. Deficiency can cause damage to epidermal cells and to the linings of the gastrointestinal and pulmonary tracts. Consequently, this facilitates the entrance of potential pathogens into the body. It has been repeatedly proven that low levels of circulating zinc results in suppressed immune responses and increased susceptibility to infectious agents. In short, zinc brings the army rather than a brigade. Inflammation It is well established that zinc mediates inflammatory response, it reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines. Whilst inflammation is a natural process that serves to protect, constantly increased pro-inflammatory cytokines are associated with a range of chronic disease, so modulation of inflammation can be a useful preventative agent for pet health. Findings here Zinc as an antioxidant It’s easy to disregard the purpose of antioxidants when we are bombarded with superfoods containing them everywhere we turn, but they are a crucial component to a healthy system. When cells generate energy, free radicals are produced as a consequence. Think of them like the exhaust fumes of work. These fumes then need to be neutralised by antioxidant defence mechanisms. If there is an imbalance, oxidative stress results which can lead to cell and tissue damage. Overproduction of free radicals is linked with cancer, cardiovascular disease, neurodegeneration, metabolic disorder, inflammation, and advanced ageing. Zinc performs as an antioxidant, through a range of functions. On one hand, it is key in stabilising membrane structures, likely from its capacity to prevent lipid peroxidation. This is where free radicals steal electrons from cell membranes, resulting in cell damage. Studies have shown that zinc supplementation can decrease lipid peroxides. Its relationship with metallothionein and copper is also of interest. Metallothioneins are a family of proteins which detox heavy metals, scavenge free radicals and have anti-inflammatory processes; zinc causes an increase in metallothionein. Findings here What is particularly interesting is that metallothioneins (MTs) play a pivotal role in tumour formation, progression, and drug resistance. MT expression varies from tumour to tumour, but there are promising markers when we are looking at cancer outcomes. Findings here Copper is also critical in processes to remove free radicals. They key is in the balance of zinc to copper for this process to work efficiently as excess copper levels can actually result in oxidative damage and interfere with cellular function. Findings here Hormonal regulation Zinc has a key influence on the endocrine system. Comprised of a number of glands in the body, it includes the ovaries, testes, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, pineal and pituitary glands. The effect of low zinc levels on the endocrine system includes: – Reduced conversion of thyroxine to triiodothyronine (these hormones play an important role in weight regulation, energy levels, internal temperature, skin and hair health and nail growth.) Findings here – Reduced activity of thymulin (induces differentiation and function of T cells, which are crucial to immune function). – Lowered insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels (important during growth periods). – Affected synthesis, storage and secretion of insulin (zinc deficiency is linked to insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease). Findings here Hypothyroidism is a common cause of hair loss in pets – what is often forgotten is that zinc and other trace elements, like copper and selenium are required for the synthesis of thyroid hormones. Deficiency in these elements can result in hypothyroidism. Likewise,thyroid hormones are essential for the absorption of zinc, which is why hypothyroidism can result in acquired zinc deficiency. At MPN, if your dog presents with allergies and itchy skin, we always recommend checking thyroid function. Brain Function Zinc is essential for brain development and physiology. Low zinc has been associated with alterations to behaviour, abnormal central nervous system development and neurological disease. There is demonstrated decreased nerve conduction, neuro-sensory disorders and obvious mental lethargy. Zinc is known to affect neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission. Findings here In practice, low zinc is associated with increased anxiety, aggression, and depression like behaviour, along with an impaired sense of smell and taste. This poses food for thought in cases of dog reactivity and working dog performance. Eye Health Zinc is found in ocular tissue, particularly in the retina which is why zinc supplementation is often used to aid retinal health. Studies have shown that supplementation can reduce the progression of macular degeneration (eye disease). It has also been linked to reduction in vision loss. Findings here Skin Health The skin has the third highest abundance of zinc in the body. Its concentration being higher in the epidermis than the dermis. As we have already established, zinc stabilises membrane structure which is key to skin health. Zinc has regularly been used in a range of skin conditions including infections, inflammatory dermatoses, pigmentary disorders and neoplasias. What is particularly interesting is its role in allergic and inflammatory responses. Mast cells play an important part in adaptive immunity, they are found in the skin and many other places including
Did you know herbs have a wealth of protective polyphenols-plant compounds with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects? Not only do they have these wonderful medicinal actions for us humans many uses apply to our pets to. Millions of years before the first human walked the earth, creatures large and small were using plants as their primary source of healing. Today western society is spoiled by the concept of making problems go away quickly so we can get on with life rather than taking the longer route towards finding the cure. This is an incredibly big problem in the veterinary world, how they use allopathic medicine like prednisone,steroids, NASAIDs and the over use of antibiotics that suppress the immune system more. These are all a ‘quick fix’ and mask the problem. Although allopathic medicine does have its place, common conditions can be supported successfully with the use of herbs. Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we use holistic principles and philosophies and treat and find the cause, rather than suppressing symptoms. While using these wonderful herbs, they enable us to support the natural healing mechanisms of the body and help our pet’s homeostasis; the state of harmonious balance. I have listed some of the wonderful herbs we regularly use in clinic today that have astounding results, alongside diet and other nutraceuticals. Nature itself is the best physician. Hippocrates ASHWAGANDHA Is a small evergreen shrub that grows in India, the Middle East and parts of Africa. Ashwagandha (withania somnifera) is commonly known as ‘Indian Winter Cherry’ or ‘Indian Ginseng’ It belongs to the Solanaceae (nightshade) family. This lovely shrub is considered as an adaptogen, meaning it promotes balance in many different systems of the body. It has amazing anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immune amphoteric, nervine, antispasmodic, chemoprotective activity and a wonderful immunomodulator. It’s species name, somnifera means ’sleep –inducing’ in Latin. Somnifera indicates it’s traditional Ayurvedic use for supporting somnolence or sleepiness. It is one of the most important herbs ofAyurveda (the traditional system of medicine in India) and can be traced back to 6000 BC (Charak Samhita, 1949). Ashwagandha for humans and dogs help to regulate and boost the immune system and reduce anxiety. It supports a healthy response to stress and mental wellbeing. Human studies have shown it to lower high cortisol levels significantly. Ashwagandha contains carotene, vitamin C, iron, calcium, flavonoids, antioxidants and essential minerals that support hundreds of biological functions in the body. Recommended Cytoplan Organic Ashwaganda based on 200mg per 10kg of weight. PARTS USED – Root COMMON USES -Stimulating the thyroid (dogs with hypothyroidism), anxiety, fatigue, nervous exhaustion (adrenal fatigue), immunity, rheumatoid arthritis, adrenal lymphoma, lymphosarcoma and sexual hormonal balance. SLIPPERY ELM Is a deciduous tree that can grow to 80feet tall. They are found in forests of the eastern half of the USA and Canada.Slippery Elm is related to the American Elm (ulmus americana)and is sometimes called Red Elm or Moose Elm. The name is developed due to the mucilaginous inner bark which pioneers in North America chewed for quenching thirst. It was also used by physicians during the American Revolution. Today it is best used in the digestive track, where it serves as a soothing, protecting and lubricating demulcent and general astringent at the same time. The inner bark of the Slippery Elm is not only packed with nutrients like vitamins A, B complex, C, K, Calcium, magnesium and sodium, but it is also having anti-inflammatory properties that is soothing of the respiratory system which is known to help with kennel cough and very soothing on the mucous membranes that reduces inflammation. Sadly, the tree is declining so slippery elm should be reserved for circumstances where alternatives are ineffective. In many instances slippery elm can be substituted with plantain (Plantagosp.) If a more mucilaginous remedy is needed, marshmallow root (Altheaofficinalis) is an excellent alternative. Greens for Healthy Pets have a lovely sustainable sourced slippery elm based. PARTS USED – Inner bark COMMON USES – Digestive tract, respiratory tract, skin MILK THISTLE A native of the Mediterranean region ofEurope, milk thistle (Silybum marianum) has become naturalised in many portions of North America. In many areas it has earned the reputation of being an invasive weed that has been used for over 2000 years.Milk thistle is cultivated throughout much of the world for its medicinal seeds and is effective in protecting and regenerating the liver due to the chemical it provides called silymarin (which is a mixture of 3 compounds known assilybin, silydianin and silychristine). Because of the benefits that have been examined in humans it has also been approved as beneficial for pets. The liver stores many toxins which can lead to many diseases in our pets including kidney disease, pancreatitis, cancer and diabetes. According to Mark E. Richardson in his article entitled The True Causes of Allergies, your pet’s liver can be overproducing histamines because it has too many toxins to deal with. As our pets are exposed to so many environmental toxins that we can’t control it’s a good idea to detox regularly with milk thistle especially at the end of every season. Avoiding chemical flea, tick, worming treatments and over vaccinating will also reduce the toxic load we expose them to. Milk thistle contains high amounts of essential amino acids and minerals including calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, iron,manganese, zinc and copper. Greens for Healthy Pets Organic Milk Thistle. PARTS USED – Ripe seeds COMMON USES – protecting and strengthens the liver/gallbladder and a good detox PARSLEY Originally a native of southeast Europe and west Asia, parsley is now cultivated worldwide. The most common varieties are curly and flat leaf. This is a must have in your home or garden as it is one of the most versatile, cheap and easy to grow. Parsley (Petroselinumcrispum) leaves and stems are very nutritious, containing up to 22percent protein and impressive amount of vitamins A, C, B 1,B2,and K, calcium, riboflavin, potassium, iron, magnesium, niacin,magnesium, manganese, chlorophyll, phosphorus as well as providing fibre and phytonutrients – wow impressive?
I am writing this blog today because I keep seeing a bashing of the use of supplementation of vitamins and minerals for your dog and I think it can become confusing and taken out of context. I wanted to create a whole picture of your dog’s health, the nutritional profile of food, common deficiencies, genetic mutations and malabsorption issues, that can affect this entire picture of health and where deficiencies can most certainly lead to concerns such as poor digestion, skin issues and disease. I am not an advocate of throw it in and see happens, but I am an advocate for addressing nutritional shortfalls in a diet that can most certainly lead to other issues if left unturned. So this blog is about balance, retrospect and highlighting that there isn’t always a generic approach to feeding. Food supplements are an umbrella for functional ingredients whether they are wholefoods, probiotics, fatty acids or vitamins and minerals. Food supplements are big business and rightly so as certain supplements can offer unique and effective support in some cases. Many of us may know about chamomile and valerian for calming, medicinal mushrooms for immune support, glucosamine and green lipped mussel for joint support and probiotics for digestive support and immunity. The list is endless when it comes to wonderful supplements we can use, some of great quality and efficacy and some not so great. Supplements are a wonderful addition to a healthy diet if used correctly and can support disease. Today I wanted to mention the use of vitamins and minerals and the controversy surrounding them. Gut Guardian Vitamins and minerals, unless from wholefood source, and believe me I’ve been in the industry long enough to know this process is far from the ‘wholefood’ dream you are sold, are derived from a number of sources that may be deemed synthetic. This seems to be a dirty word in the industry at the moment and without people knowing much about it, they tend to give it a bad wrap. Whilst I am not an advocate of overloading the body with additional vitamins and minerals, I do know how transformative they are when used in deficiency or disease and also in some cases, prevention. Foods nowadays don’t tend to provide the levels of nutrients expected and required from what we call a balanced diet. This is why it’s become such a huge industry in the health sector. Looking at pets, this trend closely follows. Due to agriculture, farming and depleted soils, food doesn’t always offer the nutritional profile we are led to believe (no one meat source or vegetables will contain the same amount of vitamins and minerals). Creating recipes is something I have to do on a weekly basis. I love working with the power and transformative therapy of food but I do on occasion like to ensure a little added vitamin and mineral are provided when I know it is something that often shows up as a deficiency due to depletion or that a particular dog will require additional support. For example, there are some beautiful zinc rich foods that you can include in your dog’s food on a daily basis if you create your own food at home. Whether this be from oysters, pumpkin seeds, venison and other red meats but as a formulator of foods, it’s easy to see how many meals, even over time, don’t quite hit the mark for the amounts required by dogs. Research has proven that zinc is one of the hardest minerals to absorb due to it being pipped to the post by so many other minerals and around 60-85% of zinc in the diet is not well utilised and absorbed. I hope I am painting a fair picture here, it’s simply about balance and looking at possible shortfalls. In my practise, I work with due diligence and a fine tooth comb. As a functional medicine practitioner, I work off a grid that maps all bodily systems over a 12 page questionnaire. We look at this sytem as well as history, presenting symptoms and possible diagnosis. I would call it a jigsaw puzzle that I piece together, trying to fill in any missing pieces. I can quite often tell if there is a deficiency but I do often work with tests to make sure the more dangerously stored nutrients such as A,D,E and K are tested. Unfortunately there is poor testing for minerals and whilst some might still offer blood tests, this often gives inaccurate readings unless your dog is at death’s door. There are a number of symptoms associated with deficiencies that when taking in the whole picture of health, can often tell you a lot about the pathophysiology and the health state of your dog. Fresh foods are incredibly important for a number of reasons. They provide enzymes, antioxidants, phytonutrients and fatty acids that are all essential for good health. Vitamins and minerals are only one factor and aspect when we look at ‘nourishment’. However, vitamins and minerals are incredibly important and involved in 1000’s of biochemical pathways in your dog’s body. Whilst food source is always preferable, we can see that there can be many reasons for dog’s not to absorb effectively. The most common deficiencies I see in clinic today are vitamin B9, vitamin B12, vitamin D, magnesium and zinc. Obviously this is not exclusive, just my overall experience. Reasons for nutritional deficiencies Poor commercial food I don’t even know where to begin. Most foods are so void of any nutrition after they have been cooked to high temperatures, several times over, a premix of vitamins and minerals have to be added to provide any nutrition at all. This isn’t good basic nutrition and i am not a fan of any commercial food unless home cooked style or raw. To further the problem even more, many commercial pet food in the EU do not fulfil nutritional requirements. Only 6% (6/97) of wet and 38% (30/80) of dry food were fully compliant
Here at MPN, we see many cases of liver disease. If your pet has been given the diagnosis of liver disease and you want the very best for them, then read on. Feeding prescription diets don’t often work successfully and if you want to learn about how you can help with fresh food and supplements, then this is the guide for you. Liver Disease Liver disease can present differently, so I have listed some of the common disease we see today. Chronic Hepatitis is the most common primary liver disease found in dogs. This chronic inflammatory condition is generally not determined although genetics, copper, infectious agents, infections such as leptospirosis or viral infections, severe trauma and various drugs (phenobarbital, NSAIDs, paracetamol) may be implicated. Copper-associated hepatitis, where copper accumulates within hepatocytes can become toxic and cause liver damage. Acute liver failure results in sudden loss of liver function, which is often associated with neurologic problems and blood clotting issues. It can occur due to a sudden injury or due to an additional issue, taxing an already diseased liver. Hepatic encephalopathy, a syndrome of neurologic problems caused by poor liver function, is seen in a quite a few liver disease cases. While the development of this condition is not totally understood, failure of the liver to clear poisons from the bloodstream, changes in amino acid metabolism and neurologic issues may synergistically work together to cause this disease. Portosystemic shunts are often described as congenital (inborn). However, they can rarely develop over time due to illness and this is called an acquired liver shunt (often occurring in older dogs and less frequently in cats). They can be caused by high blood pressure in the vessels entering into the liver. In a healthy cat or dog, blood supply draining the intestines, travels through the portal vein into the liver, where it is then filtered. It then returns blood to the heart via the vena cava. A portosystemic shunt (also known as PSS), is an abnormal vein connecting the blood supply returning from the intestines to the vein returning blood to the heart. It bypasses the liver by shunting the blood flow and there in lies it’s name. The key is to detect liver disease early as it can take months or even years to identify itself. Signs and symptoms of Liver Disease There are number of signs and symptoms in Liver Disease. If any of these arise consistently, you should go to the vets and get it checked out. Ascites (swelling of the abdomen) Play bowing Increased salivation (common in cats) Diarrhoea/orange coloured often Yellowish eyes, tongue, and/or gums (jaundice) Bloody urine or stools Licking of Lips (often a sign of nausea) Vomiting Increased water consumption and increased urination Possible pruritus (itching) An unstable walk Weight loss Lethargy Confusion Muscle wastage (this tends to appear when advanced) Seizures (if your dog’s liver disease isn’t caught at an early stage, it can lead to a serious condition Blindness (in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) the eyes and liver share important meridians Unfortunately, the majority of these aren’t necessarily specific to liver disease as signs and symptoms can vary from case to case. A visit to the vets as soon as any symptoms arise, is always the best option. Liver Function I refer to the liver as the power house. It manages, processes and filters pretty much everything in the body. The liver has two main sections, called the right and the left lobes. The gallbladder sits under the liver, along with parts of the pancreas and intestines. The liver and these organs work together beautifully to digest, absorb, and process food. The liver filters the blood coming from the digestive system, before passing it to the rest of the body. The liver also detoxifies chemicals and metabolises hormones and drugs and any other toxins the body needs to rid. Whilst all of this is going on, the liver secretes bile that ends up in the intestines, emulsifying fats in the digestive process. The liver also makes proteins essential for blood clotting and many other functions. Its an incredibly clever and intuitive organ and can even regenerate liver cells, even if a portion of liver is removed in surgery. It’s a miraculous organ and your pet relies on it’s functioning for good health. What may cause Liver Disease (some factors) Poor Diet; can trigger genetics and put a massive strain on the liver. Diet may not be solely responsible in the etiology of this disease, but it certainly plays a role in treatment and support. Stress; should never be underestimated in the pathogenisis of liver disease. Trying to modulate the stress response is always helpful in any disease state. Calm Complex Copper Toxicity; copper-associated hepatitis, where copper accumulates within hepatocytes can become toxic and cause liver damage. This can be due to a low level zinc diet or genetics that impair the detoxification of copper and the assimilation and absorption of zinc. Low Copper Endocrine Disease; diabetes mellitus, hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing’s disease) and hyperthyroidism are all diseases in which impaired liver function can arise. i always ask for your vet to check this first, as treating the underlying endocrine disease is often the most important and effective part of caring for the liver. Infectious agents (leptospirosis or viral); sometimes vets will say the cause of liver disease is unknown but testing for a viral infection can sometimes implicate liver damage. We find working with the immune system in these cases and supporting the liver function is essential. Several types of infections may affect the liver, including bacterial, fungal, and parasitic diseases. Severe trauma; your pet could have been in a terrible accident that involved the liver area. Trauma can cause damage so understanding that trauma is important. Pharmaceuticals; the overuse or poor tolerance of phenobarbital, NSAIDs, paracetamol and other drugs may be implicated in liver disease. Vaccinosis; we are keen on safe vaccinations. We adhere and recommend the WSAVA vaccination guidelines as a minimum (world small
Here at MPN, we see a number of different cases whether it be itching/allergies, cancer, pancreatitis, IBS, IBD, liver and kidney disease and more. There’s a lot that goes into a consultation at MPN and its bespoke to your pet. No 2 clients are going to get the same plan. However, Bentonite clay is one of the ingredients can that be applied to a lot of these problems as an initial support. So, let’s get the dirt on clay! See what I did there? Does your dog dig for soil or want to eat cardboard? Does your cat try and eat litter? Then Bentonite could be just what they are looking for. Clay has been used with the following issues successfully and supported by research for both humans and animals: · Skin issues and Allergies · Digestive issues · Pancreatitis · Kidney and liver Support · Immune support · Parasites · General detoxification My favourite, which is Bentonite clay, can be interchangeably referred to as Montmorillonite clay and are both regarded as an absorbent aluminium phyllosilicate clay from the Smectites family. They are both named after regions they come from but in nature they have the same structure and have a much higher absorption capacity than other clays found in nature and on the market. It has been used and eaten since ancient times as humans believed in its therapeutic benefits. So let’s chat about Bentonite clay and its wondrous abilities. Skin issues and Allergies Due to many skin issues arising from immune reactions and toxicity, Bentonite can be calming and cooling both applied internally and externally. Internally Bentonite clay has proven to remove many different bacteria and fungi, including candida albicans, that can lead to skin issues. It can help support and excrete histamine from the bowel (histamine, we know can create intense itching and can accumulate whether your pet is experiencing allergies or not) and clay can help support liver and kidney function which is essential when detoxification is required due to the above. Applied externally (clay being wet and made into a paste) can help hotspots, wounds, calm itching and help fungal infections. This is our favourite on the market for EXTERNAL application only. Digestive issues Clay can positively affect digestion by boosting gut flora and ridding the digestive tract of any unwanted toxins. One trial states that bentonite may help nutrient absorption through increasing gut flora activity. We know gut flora (microbiota is essential for digestive health and good immunity). Bentonite clay has for a long time been considered as an effective treatment for diarrhoea, IBS and IBD. A trial in 1961, was shown that orally administered bentonite treated 97% of cases with different causative factors of diarrhoea. These being virus infection, food allergy, spastic colitis, mucous colitis, and food poisoning. This is pretty incredible don’t you think? Pancreatitis Clay can be a wonderful addition to a diet in EPI(Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency) especially when stools are upset and voluminous. In pancreatitis the pancreas becomes inflamed and enzyme production is less than desired. A trial with montmorillonite clay improved diarrhoea, enhanced intestinal mucosal integrity and the production of digestive enzymes in animals found here. Kidney and liver Support Bentonite can really help kidney and liver function. Two examples of how this may help. Bentonite is a natural phosphate binder which is a essential support in kidney disease. The excess phosphates and urea that the kidneys can’t clear can be greatly helped by Bentonite clay and will allow your pet to feel much better, improving appetite and energy level. SerumUrea is a by-product of kidney disease and poor function. Bentonite is shown to promote the diffusion of urea from blood vessel to intestine, and inhibits the absorption of urea in intestine here. Also Bentonite clay was able to restore liver function during exposure to toxins. And it didn’t affect their digestion of good nutrients here. Immune support We know Bentonite clay supports digestion and over 70% of the immune system resides in the digestive system. We know effective detoxification supports general immune function but we also know cancer and Bentonite have a direct correlation. Bentonite has been shown to inhibit the growth of human cancer cell lines U251 (central nervous system, glioblastoma). It seems that bentonite clay surfaces, controls the levels of metabolic growth components here. It has also been shown to demonstrate an anti-bacterial affect and the ability to pull pathogens out of the bowel here. Parasites Bentonite helps to clear intestinal parasites by dehydrating them, binding to them and then pulling them out of the body. Clay may also be used externally to suffocate and kill parasites on your pet. Dry powder can be put over your pet’s coat or pasting wet clay for a period of time. Just to warn you folks, this could get messy. General detoxification Clay has first and foremost always been considered as a detoxifier. It ultimately helps many of the above issues due to its detoxifying nature. Bentonite clay is negatively charged and so manages to attract and pull out toxins that by nature are positively charged. Clever isn’t it? If your pet has been on a processed diet, been exposed to allergens, pathogens, parasites, vaccinations or just plain fatigued and trying to eat soil, then Bentonite clay is a wonderful supplement to consider. Clay is basically ideal for most of the pet population if taken with caution. How to use Bentonite Clay Bentonite clay needs to be given on an empty stomach and not to be fed food, herbs or medications until at least 2 hours after consumption. Please make sure dose is considered for your pet’s size and health and check with a healthcare professional first if unsure. Also select a reputable and established supplemental clay as it can naturally contain heavy metals and quality can differ between brands. Caution must be taken when given and reassessed after a period of administration. Make sure clean and filtered water is available at all time. The very essence of
This might be as dry as a rice cake and to be honest, we thought we might be able to put you to sleep but all joking aside, although this blog doesn’t give you exact solutions, you can see how we look at allergies and how we approach itchy pets with great knowledge and success. Now put on the kettle and don’t read this horizontally in bed; falling asleep is guaranteed. Although this is from a scientific and pathophysiological perspective, I’m yet to meet a conventional veterinarian who looks at itchy pets in the same way. Allergy/itching is one of the most prevalent problems seen by vets and My Pet Nutritionist to date. It’s almost become our life’s work to understand how and why this happens as we get clients everyday with the same issues. Natural means is really the only way to go to solve this issue but to do this successfully, we need to understand the complex immunity and physiological pathways and address is with nutrition and supplements. In short, itching and allergies are due to an overactive and underachieving immune system as well as possible genetic and nutritional snips and deficiencies. The immune system is so finely tuned you wouldn’t get your breath. There’s so much we don’t know and some of the following has thin scientific research. In more than basic terms the immune system is split into 2 parts, Th1 and Th2 (actually there is a more newly discovered TH3 and TH17 but let’s not complicate things). Both parts should work in harmony and balance. Th1 and Th2 cells are maintained in a carefully regulated balance. If a bacterium enters the body, it activates Th2 cells that dominate the network to begin a cascade of immune events leading to an antibody response that clears the infection. If a virus enters cells in the body, it activates Th1 cells which dominate and instruct the killer cell response to clear infected cells. Once the infection is cleared up, suppressor cells are activated to shut down the dominate response and bring the network back into what we call a resting state. If the suppressor cells do not act to bring the network back to a resting state, a pathological Th1-or Th2 dominated immune system results. A Th1 dominated immune system is characteristic of food intolerances and autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 diabetes where the immune system is attacking normal tissues. A Th2-dominated immune system is characteristic of allergies and cancer and so forth. The incessant itching arises from an excessive and dominant reaction in the immune system. In Th2 allergic reactions (IGE), histamine is the compound released. There are several things we need to consider to piece it all together. Breeding has a lot to do with it and can dominate how well they will be in life, unless you have people like us on board. Factors to be considered are: Genetics; it’s like a lottery and no matter what kennel club certifications you have there are no guarantees. Certain breeds are always more at risk. Foetal development and birth; how healthy is the mother, what is she fed and how many litters she has sired previously, all come into play. Certain breeds don’t experience the healthy birthing through the canal such as some French Bull dogs. C-section is proven to under develop the much needed microbiota in your pet’s gut and can pre determine how balanced immunity will be. During pregnancy the mother is TH2 dominant which means so is your pup or kitten when born, this is cleverly put back into balance during weaning. Breast feeding and weaning; feeding from mother and getting the first colostrum and being fed like this for a good 10-12 weeks is so important for immunity and reactions. Many people arrive home with their new pet at 8 weeks’ old which is way too young. This might not allow for puppy or kitten to modulate immunity and come out of TH2 dominance and balance nicely. Environmental challenges in the early months; Initial vaccinations are important but timing is essential in allowing the immune system to respond accordingly. Also being exposed to different proteins and a healthy diet helps build a positive immunity and reaction to foods in future months.The first few months determine a lot and you don’t always have control over this. How our pet interfaces with the world, very much dictates whether immune dysfunction comes into play from the above points. The below considerations need to be looked at in its entirety not individually. Causative factors of itching to be considered: Physiological and emotional stress; we know stress triggers inflammation and a TH2 dominance, those with allergies are naturally be more TH2 dominant. Intestinal permeability; allowing for the escape of undigested proteins and pathogens through the gut wall and directly into the bloodstream, evoking prolonged inflammatory immune responses. Stress, diet, poor microbiota and environmental toxins can all destroy epithelial mucosa that cause intestinal permeability. Altered gut microflora; c-section, early weening, stress, diet, hormones and so on can effect gut bacteria and immunity. Hormonal imbalances; cortisol, oestrogen, thyroid hormones are actively associated with histamine behaviour and imbalance of immunity TH2 dominance. We de sex most of our dogs and wonder why they have so many issues. I’m glad no one gave me a hysterectomy in my first few years of life. Diet & nutritional deficiency; poor or an inappropriate diet can trigger TH1 or TH2 dominance and so will make reactions worse. Some foods such as wheat, grains, soy, gluten and corn are known foods to elicit reactions but it can get really complicated. Vitamin D and zinc are the most prevalently deficient in animals with allergies. Genetics; certain genetic polymorphisms affect immune TH1/TH2 dominance, DAO/MAO polymorphisms mean genetically your pet is less able to metabolise/breakdown histamines in the body. We know histamine to be the most related immune response to intolerances and allergies (a.k.a Histamine intolerance). Blog on Histamine Intolerance here. Heavy metal toxicity; we don’t need
