V16I3 (Jun/Jul 2014)

ANIMAL WELLNESS

AnimalWELLNESS For a long, healthy life!

OPTIMIZE

his immune health!

SUPPLEMENTS

Flower essences

for skin problems

Non-toxic ways to ease the itch

that calm ANXIETY

My car smells

DOGGY!

Medicinal mushrooms Top 3 healing powerhouses

Protect your vehicle’s interior from odors and stains

WHAT’S THE LATEST ON VACCINATION?

Know which ones she really needs

Summer

BOAT SAFETY

“Stuff on

Scout’s Head”

This lovable pit bull has a unique talent that’s made him famous as an ambassador for his breed

feline WELLNESS

How to keep your canine co-captain shipshape

Hip, cool and healthy!

FOCUS on FIV

How alternative therapies can help her lead a normal life

JUNE/JULY 2014 Display until July 14, 2014

Does he hate being

GROOMED? Maybe acupressure can help

$6.95 USA/Canada

Cat Chat VOLUME 16 ISSUE 3

AnimalWellnessMagazine.com

Saying goodbye

– from Lil BUB to cat cafés

TO A SPECIAL FRIEND

BONUS INSIDE!

feline wellness

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Contents June/July 2014

18 FEATURES 18 KEEP HIS IMMUNE SYSTEM HEALTHY!

Many illnesses could be avoided or alleviated by balancing your dog or cat’s immune system. Nutrition plays a big part in boosting his defenses against disease.

22 BOAT SAFETY FOR DOGS

Heading out on the water with your canine cocaptain this summer? Here are four important ways to keep him safe and shipshape.

25 TALENT FOR INNOVATION

A passion for animals and their quality of life is the driving force behind this company and its products, including a massage therapy coat for dogs.

26 LET’S LOOK AT L-CARNITINE

Necessary for heart, brain and muscle function, this nutrient is naturally produced by the body. But there are times when supplementation is needed.

30 SUPPLEMENTS FOR SKIN PROBLEMS Nutracueticals and good nutrition help ease the inflammation caused by dermatological conditions.

34 GIVING YOUR DOG AFFECTION – THE RIGHT WAY

It seems natural to hug and kiss him, but it may feel threatening to some canines. Learn to read his response to your adoration, and show your love in a way he understands.

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38 FLOWER ESSENCES FOR ANXIOUS DOGS

It can be a noisy, scary world sometimes, but these gentle and effective remedies can soothe your canine’s fears.

44 THE LATEST ON VACCINATION

We know about the risks of over-vaccination, but many vets, trainers, kennel operators and others still promote yearly boosters. Know which vaccines are really necessary.

47 RABIES CHALLENGE FUND It’s five years in, and the first results are in.

Find out what they’re telling us about rabies vaccines and their duration of immunity.

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Older or long-haired cats need help with their cleaning regime, but may dislike being brushed. This simple session can help turn your kitty’s aversion to enjoyment.

64 KALAYA’S LAST VISIT

Growing up and moving away didn’t diminish my love for this special cat, especially on the night she passed.

68 IS YOUR CAR “DOGGY”?

Most canines love car rides, but accidents and messes are sometimes inevitable, and getting rid of odors, stains and hair can be challenging. Check out these solutions.

74 THE POWER OF MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS

50 “STUFF ON SCOUT’S HEAD”

Consider the amazing healing properties of Reishi, Maitake, and Shiitake.

53 FILLING THE GAP

A close-up look at prevention and treatment, and why both conventional and alternative therapies play important roles.

His whimsical balancing act has made him a star – and an irresistible “spokesdog” for pit bulls.

An anesthesia-free pioneer adds a new dimension to dentistry for dogs and cats.

60 FOCUS ON FIV

It’s a serious disease with no cure, but alternative therapies can boost immunity and help infected cats lead a normal life.

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62 ACUPRESSURE CAN HELP HER ACCEPT GROOMING

82 ALL ABOUT HEARTWORM – PART 2

89 GUARD AGAINST GIARDIA

Lakes, streams and ponds can host this troublesome parasite. If you’re taking your dog near water this summer, help protect him by keeping his GI system healthy.

22 50 SOCIAL MEDIA Tips, contests and more!

Like us /AnimalWellnessMagazine Updates, news, events! @ AnimalWellnessMagazine Product reviews and tutorials!

AnimalWellnessTV

COLUMNS

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12 Yakkity yak 41 Beyond the label 58 Cat chat 72 To the rescue 78 Passages 86 Case study 92 Book reviews 98 Tail end

DEPARTMENTS 8 Editorial 42 Product picks 54 Animal Wellness resource guide

66 The scoop 80 Social media

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81 MUTTS comic strip shelter winner

94 Marketplace 96 Events calendar 97 ClassiďŹ eds animal wellness

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VOLUME 16 ISSUE 3 EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT Editor-in-Chief: Dana Cox Managing Editor: Ann Brightman Senior Graphic Designer: Dawn Cumby-Dallin Senior Graphic Designer: Kathleen Atkinson Social Media Manager: Natasha Roulston Social Media Editor: Jasmine Cabanaw Webmaster: Brad Vader Tail End Illustration: Melissa Wilson Cover Image Courtesy of: Madi Chambers COLUMNISTS & CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kathleen Aspenns Ihor Basko, DVM, CVA Carmen Colitz, PhD, DVM, DACVO Kris L. Christine Michele Dixon W. Jean Dodds, DVM Audi Donamor Daniel Estep, PhD, CAAB Lisa Evans Suzanne Hetts, PhD, CAAB, CVJ Carol A. Hulse Janice Huntingford, DVM Scot Macdonald Erin Mayo, DVM Shawn Messonnier, DVM Nancy Scanlan, DVM, CVA Amberly Scott Hindler Karen Shaw Becker, DVM Amy Snow Sharon Therien Charlotte Walker Diane Weinmann Nancy Zidonis ADMINISTRATION & SALES President/C.E.O.: Tim Hockley Accounting: Sherri Soucie Circulation & Office Manager: Libby Sinden

ON THE COVER PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF: Madi Chambers

Know many dogs who could patiently balance food on their heads without shaking it off and gobbling it up?

Probably not! But Scout is different. Shortly after he was rescued and rehabilitated by his guardian, Jen Gillen, this sweet pit bull revealed an unusual talent that has made him famous – he can balance just about anything on his big, broad head, and not just food, either! Read his full story on page 50.

Madi Chambers is an emerging photographer and graduate of OCAD University. She focuses on photographing rescue dogs.

You can see more of her work at eastlakephoto.ca.

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SUBMISSIONS: Please send all editorial material, advertising material, photos and correspondence to: Animal Wellness Magazine, 160 Charlotte St., Suite 202, Peterborough, ON, Canada K9J 2T8. We welcome previously unpublished articles and color pictures either in transparency or disc form at 300 dpi. We cannot guarantee that either articles or pictures will be used or that they will be returned. We reserve the right to publish all letters received. Email your articles to: info@redstonemediagroup.com.

ADVERTISING SALES National Sales Manager: Ann Beacom, (866) 764-1212 ext. 222 annbeacom@redstonemediagroup.com Western Regional Manager: Becky Starr, (866) 764-1212 ext. 221 becky@redstonemediagroup.com Marketing and Sales Assistant: Melissa Wilson, (866) 764-1212 ext. 115 melissa@redstonemediagroup.com CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING: Sherri Soucie classifiedads@animalwellnessmagazine.com TO SUBSCRIBE: Subscription price at time of this issue is $24.00 in the U.S. and Canada, including taxes for six issues shipped via surface mail. Subscriptions can be processed by: Website: www.animalwellnessmagazine.com Phone: 1-866-764-1212 ext 405 US MAIL: Animal Wellness Magazine, 6834 S University Blvd PMB 155 Centennial, CO 80122 CDN MAIL: Animal Wellness Magazine, 160 Charlotte St., Suite 202, Peterborough, ON, Canada K9J 2T8 Subscriptions are payable by VISA, MasterCard, American Express, check or money order. The material in this magazine is not intended to replace the care of veterinary practitioners. The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the editor, and different views may appear in other issues. Redstone Media Group Inc., publisher of Animal Wellness, does not promote any of the products orservices advertised by a third party advertiser in this publication, nor does Redstone Media Group Inc. verify the accuracy of any claims made in connection with such advertisers.

Refund policy: call or write our customer service department and we will refund unmailed issues.

DEALER INQUIRIES WELCOME: Animal Wellness Magazine is available at a discount for resale in retail shops and through various organizations. Call Libby at 1-866-764-1212 ext 100 and ask for dealer magazine sales, fax us at 705-742-4596 or e-mail at libby@animalwellnessmagazine.com

AnimalWellnessMagazine.com Animal Wellness Magazine (ISSN 1710-1190) is published six times a year by Redstone Media Group Inc. Publications Mail Agreement #40884047. Entire contents copyrightŠ 2014. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted by any means, without prior written permission of the publisher. Publication date: May 2014.

IMPROVING THE LIVES OF ANIMALS...

ONE READER AT A TIME.

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EDITORIAL

WALKING the walk

We have a very busy house. In addition to a teenager and an almost nine-year-old, our other “kids” include two dogs, a cat and two rats. From a health perspective, everyone gets treated pretty much the same. We try to make sure all members of the family eat wholesome fresh foods, get enough exercise and mental stimulation, and use organic and natural products as much as possible. Many of you can probably relate to the fact that it’s much easier to get the four-legged kids in line than the two-legged versions. I rarely have to nag the dogs to do anything!

Since we limit vaccines to the bare minimum (my kids are not vaccinated at all since I had vaccine reactions as a child), one of my focuses as a mom has always been to ensure everyone’s immune system is as strong as it can be. After all, a strong immune system helps the body resist disease, so it’s one of the most important keys to optimal wellness. So far we’ve been lucky – the kids have had very few illnesses that have kept them home for more than a day or two, and the animals? Well, they could teach a college course on healthy living. In case they don’t get around to that, though, this issue of AW shares numerous ways to help keep your dog or cat’s immunity balanced and healthy.

You might start by reading Dr. Karen Becker’s article on how to maintain a healthy balance between an underactive and overactive immune system. Dr. Jean Dodds revisits the issue of over-vaccination – a practice that wreaks havoc with the immune system – and what to do to ensure your companion gets only the vaccines he absolutely needs. Immune imbalances can also contribute to skin problems; Dr. Nancy Scanlan reviews some of the best supplements for soothing the itch and inflammation. And be sure to check out the immuneenhancing properties of medicinal mushrooms, courtesy of Dr. Ihor Basko.

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Now that summer’s here, you may be planning a vacation with your dog. If you’re going to be near water, read our tips on boat safety, and how to take steps to guard your pooch against giardia. And find out how to protect your car’s interior from the stains and odors caused by accidents, muddy paws and other doggy messes.

In our bonus Feline Wellness section, Dr. Janice Huntingford looks at FIV and why it doesn’t have to mean a death sentence.

And if your older or arthritic cat needs grooming but draws the line at being brushed, learn to do a simple acupressure system that will encourage her to accept your assistance.

Our cover dog is a rescued pit bull named Scout, whose claim to fame is his whimsical ability to balance just about anything on his head! He’s also a “spokesdog” for the much-maligned pit bull breed – and few dogs are more perfectly suited for the role.

Who could resist that sweet, soulful face!

Dana Cox Editor-in-Chief

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CONTRIBUTORS

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1. Veterinarian Dr. Karen Shaw Becker received her degree from the Iowa State College of Veterinary Medicine. She owns/operates Natural Pet Animal Hospital, Feathers Bird Clinic, TheraPaw Rehabilitation and Pain Management Clinic and Covenant Wildlife Rehabilitation in Illinois. She co-authored Real Food for Healthy Pets and hosts a holistic animal wellness website (mercolahealthypets.com). Turn to page 18 for Dr. Becker’s article on immune health.

2. Veterinarian Dr. Nancy Scanlan is Executive Director for the AHVM Foundation. She has been using complementary therapies in her veterinary practice since 1969 -- nutraceuticals, acupuncture, non-classical homeopathy, Chinese and Western herbs, and homotoxicology. Dr. Scanlan recently resigned from three years as Executive Director of the AHVMA to work fulltime for the AHVM Foundation. In this issue (page 30), Dr. Scanlan discusses supplements for skin health.

3. Veterinarian Dr. Jean Dodds received her veterinary degree in 1964 from the Ontario Veterinary College. In 1986, she established Hemopet, the first non-profit national blood bank program for animals. Dr. Dodds has been a member of many committees on hematology, animal models of human disease and veterinary medicine. She received the Holistic Veterinarian of the Year Award from the AHVMA in 1994. On page 44, Dr. Dodds presents the latest on vaccination.

4. Veterinarian Dr. Shawn Messonnier authored the Natural Health Bible for Dogs and Cats, The Natural Vet’s Guide to Preventing and Treating Cancer in Dogs, and 8 Weeks to a Healthy Dog. He’s the pet care expert for Martha Stewart Living’s “Dr. Shawn – The Natural Vet” on Sirius Satellite

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Radio, and creator of Dr. Shawn’s Pet Organics.

His practice, Paws & Claws Animal Hospital (petcarenaturally.com), is in Plano, Texas. See page 82 for part two of his heartworm article.

5. Nancy Zidonis and Amy Snow authored AcuCat: A Guide to Feline Acupressure and Acu-Dog: A Guide to Canine Acupressure. They founded Tallgrass, offering books, manuals, DVDs, apps and meridian charts, as well as training courses, including a 300-hour Practitioner Certification Program. Tallgrass (animalacupressure.com) is an approved school for the Dept. of Higher Education through the State of Colorado, an approved provider of NCBTMB Continuing Education credits, and accepted by NCCAOM. On page 62, learn to use acupressure to prepare your cat for grooming.

6. Veterinarian Dr. Janice Huntingford practices integrative medicine in Essex, Ontario. She is certified in animal chiropractic, acupuncture and rehabilitation therapy. Her clinic features a state of the art underwater treadmill and fitness pool for dogs. Dr. Huntingford is married and lives on a farm/winery complete with horses, cattle, chickens, cats, dogs and three children. On page 60, Dr. Huntingford focuses on FIV. 7. Veterinarian Dr. Erin Mayo graduated from the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2002. She received her veterinary acupuncture and Chinese herbal certification from the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society, and provide holistic and TCVM services for companion animals in central New Jersey. Read Dr. Mayo’s article on L-carnitine (page 26).

8. Audi Donamor has been successfully creating special needs diets for companion animals

for nearly 20 years. She is the founder of the University of Guelph’s Smiling Blue Skies® Cancer Fund and Smiling Blue Skies® Fund for Innovative Research, and is the proud recipient of a variety of awards, including a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. Turn to page 89 for Audi’s article on giardia in dogs.

9. Dr. Suzanne Hetts, Ph.D., CAAB and her husband Dr. Daniel Estep, Ph.D., CAAB are award-winning speakers and authors, having lectured on four continents to animal parents and professionals. Their company, Animal Behavior Associates, Inc., provides behavior education to animal parents at SensibleDogTraining.com and CatBehaviorHelp.com. See page 34 for their article on how dogs interpret affection.

10. Veterinarian Dr. Ihor Basko graduated from Michigan State University in 1971, and began studying Chinese medicine, acupuncture, herbology and homeopathy. He joined the IVAS in 1977 and began teaching acupuncture, herbology, and nutrition. He is a member of AHVMA, AVMA, VBMA, and is HVMA licensed in California and Hawaii. Dr. Basko practices TCM/Acupuncture and Nutritional Therapy in Hawaii. For his advice on medicinal mushrooms, turn to page 74.

11. Kathleen Aspenns is an animal lover with an interest in alternative healing and animal behavior.

She has worked as a veterinary technician. In 2008, she was certified as a flower essence practitioner with the Alaskan Flower Essence Project. She works with people and animals all over the US. She is also researching and developing a line of flower essences that includes many plants used in TCM. On page 38, Kathleen looks at flower essences for canine anxiety.

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12. Kris L. Christine is Founder and Co-Trustee of The Rabies Challenge Fund, and a leading advocate for pet vaccine disclosure. Her work led to the first pet vaccine disclosure legislation being filed in the United States in 2005. She is engaged in national rabies legislation to ensure all states recognize the threeyear vaccine. Kris’s efforts have led to the passage of medical exemption clauses into rabies laws/ regulations in six states. Kris co-writes about The Rabies Challenge Fund results to date, on page 47.

13. Amberly Scott Hindler owns and operates Lux Dog Daycare, Inc. in West Los Angeles, (luxdogdaycare.com). She worked in client services at high-traffic veterinary hospitals in Los Angeles

CONTRIBUTORS

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for many years after graduating from the University of Southern California. Amberly is the recipient of a Gold Circle Award for Journalists from Columbia University’s Scholastic Press Association. See page 22 for her advice on canine boat safety.

15. Sharon Therien is a freelance writer who specializes in copywriting, health topics and writing about life. She loves all animals and currently has a tiger tabby named Isabella. Sharon shares her memories of a special feline friend on page 64.

14. Carol Hulse is a freelance writer, web content and communications consultant, and animal Reiki practitioner. She lives with her dog Silver in the wine country north of San Francisco. Carol loves to volunteer at BrightHaven, a holistic animal sanctuary, hospice and rescue organization for senior and special-needs animals. On page 86, Carol looks at how warm water therapy helped one dog regain her mobility.

16. Lisa Evans is a freelance health, beauty, fitness, lifestyle and travel writer. Her work has appeared in Alive, Canadian Living, The Globe and Mail, The Toronto Star and others. For this issue (page 68), Lisa looks at ways to remove doggy odors and stains from the car.

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YAKKITY YAK WHO’S YOUR HERO?

Photography Photo courtesy of Michael Rueter

In the wake of 9/11, Roselle led her blind guardian to safety through the smoldering ruins of the World Trade Center.

Gabe, meanwhile, is a military working dog who completed over 210 combat missions in Iraq, with 26 finds of explosives and weapons. These are just two of many remarkable canines celebrated each year, thanks to the American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards Contest.

The 2014 contest is underway, and AHA invites you to visit herodogawards.org and vote for your favorite dog in each of eight categories: Law Enforcement Dogs, Military Dogs, Arson Dogs, Search and Rescue Dogs, Guide/Hearing Dogs, Service Dogs, Therapy Dogs, and Emerging Hero Dogs (for ordinary dogs who do extraordinary things).

Last year’s top American Hero Dog was Elle, a therapy pit bull that teaches children about dog safety, reading, and overcoming prejudice. She’s shown here with her guardian, Leah Brewer, along with awards host Joey Lawrence (far left) and AHA President Dr. Robin Ganzert (far right).

Though the first round of voting wraps up on June 6, there will be additional opportunities to vote during second and third rounds before the finalists are chosen in September.

TOP “HYPOALLERGENIC” DOGS Does Fido make you sneeze? The recently-released Allergen All-Star Pet Awards, compiled by a team of independent researchers and scientists with Environmental Health & Engineering (eheinc.com), highlights the top hypoallergenic breeds: 1. Bedlington terrier – Known to be allergen-friendly because they don’t shed.

2. Irish water spaniel – Coats produce less hair and dander.

3. Italian greyhound – Thin coats makes them easier to keep clean with baths.

4. Labradoodle – In a 2012 study, homes with Labradoodles had the lowest allergen levels in floor dust compared to homes with other dogs.

5. Labrador retriever – Studies have shown they have lower allergen levels than other breeds.

6. Maltese – Has no undercoat. Listed on the AKC’s list of breeds suggested for allergy sufferers.

7. Schnauzer –Touted by many as a good breed for people concerned about allergens.

8. Yorkshire terrier – Doesn’t shed much and is therefore less likely to produce large amounts of allergens.

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MAKING SURE YOUR DOG HAS 24/7 ACCESS TO FRESH WATER IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT DURING HOT SUMMER WEATHER.

DON’T PICK YOUR POISON Many everyday household items can be poisonous to dogs. Trupanion recently looked into its pet database to compile a list of eight common household substances most toxic to dogs (Trupanion.com/pet-care/poison-prevention):

1 Caffeine 2 Xylitol 3 Raisins and grapes 4 Sago Palm 5 Medications 6 Household cleaners 7 Antifreeze 8 Rodenticide

SAY WHAT? Dogs sometimes seem to understand what we say, and to know when we’re feeling happy or depressed. A recent study from the Comparative Ethology Research Group at the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, published in Current Biology,, may explain why.

By doing MRI scans of 11 dogs, the researchers discovered that the canine brain is very similar to ours in the way it responds to human speech or emotional expressions. To do the study, the dogs were specially trained, using positive reinforcement, to lie motionless for up to eight minutes in the scanner room. Brain scans from 22 human volunteers were also used for comparison purposes.

Each dog and person listened to 200 different sounds, including human voices, dog barks, traffic noises and more. The researchers found that when human vocalizations were played, a similar part of the brain (called the temporal pole) was stimulated in all subjects, whether canine or human. A subsequent study will look at how dogs respond to specific words.

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YAKKITY YAK GENESIS AWARDS GO ONLINE

The animated movie Free Birds won an award for best Feature Film.

For the past 27 years, the Genesis Awards have been presented at a star-studded ceremony in L.A., with representatives from the media, entertainment industry, social, business, and humane communities in attendance. This year, however, the HSUS presented the Awards, which pay tribute to the media for outstanding works that raise public

Image courtesy of Reel FX/Relativity Media

awareness of animal issues, online.

In case you missed it, here are just a few of this year’s award recipients:

CHECK YOUR DOG FOR TICKS AFTER HIKING THROUGH WOODS OR LONG GRASS.

• Television: The Colbert Report: The Word: Philantrophy – Steve Colbert takes aim at Safari Club International for auctioning off an endangered rhino hunt for “charity” • Children’s Programming: Bubble Guppies: “Puppy Love” – Teaches preschoolers about responsible animal guardianship • National News: NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams: “Making a Difference” – A photographer provides a second chance for senior shelter dogs, with reporter Jill Rappaport • Talk Show: The Ellen DeGeneres Show – Discussion of Ag-gag bills For the complete list, visit humanesociety.org/about/events/genesis_awards/2014-winners.html

Photos courtesy of Alexander Zemlianichenko Jr./AP Images for Humane Society International

SAVING SOCHI’S DOGS

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Ten dogs rescued from the streets of Sochi, Russia, the site of the 2014 Winter Olympics, were brought to the US in late March and adopted out to new homes, thanks to the PovoDog Animal Shelter in Sochi, Humane Society International and the Washington Animal Rescue League.

“We are excited to make the connection for homeless Sochi dogs with loving homes in the United States, with our focus on helping street dogs in Russia and around the world,” said Kelly O’Meara, director of HSI Companion Animals and Engagement. “Our goal is to protect street dogs from cruel and unnecessary killing programs – like the one employed by Sochi officials to ‘clean up’ in advance of the Olympics – by working with governments to create humane and effective dog population management programs.” hsi.org, warl.org Two of ten dogs rescued from the streets of Sochi that have found new homes in the US. animal wellness

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YAKKITY YAK WIN-WIN PROGRAM Shelter dogs make great companions – and many also have the potential to become assistive and working canines. Best Friends Animal Society’s Canines with Careers program, run by animal behavior expert Sherry Woodard, teaches a range of individuals – from dog trainers and rescue groups to prison staff and healthcare professionals – how to identify, screen, select, train and place appropriate shelter and rescue dogs for career work.

“In animal shelters there are literally thousands of dogs who have the right stuff to be career dogs,” said Sherry. “Last year Best Friends Animal Society and a team of committed people successfully placed more than 380 rescued canines in jobs that saved the dogs’ lives and benefited people.” For example, a Missouri program pairs prisoners with dogs who need training before they are ready for adoption, while a Kentucky foundation trains shelter dogs to be service dogs for autistic children.

Sherry Woodard runs the Canines bestfriends.org with Careers program.

ANIMAL SPENDING SKYROCKETS LATEST ON CANINE INFLUENZA

“Since it was first discovered in Florida ten years ago, CIV [canine influenza virus] has spread rapidly across the country, posing a threat to the general dog population in the United States,” writes veterinarian Dr. Kelly Diehl in the Morris Animal Foundation’s spring issue of Vet News.

A recent study funded by the Morris Animal Foundation and completed at Colorado State University studied the dynamics of CIV infection in shelter dogs over six different regions across the US. “The researchers learned that CIV was introduced from the community through dogs entering the shelter, rather than being perpetuated within the shelter,” writes Dr. Diehl. “More importantly, they found that the virus may be starting to mutate into two distinct subgroups. An equally important finding was that the bedside test was not very good at detecting infection...when compared with the highly accurate real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, the gold standard for CIV diagnosis.

“These study results have enabled the researchers to make recommendations regarding control measures against CIV in shelters.”

MorrisAnimalFoundation.org

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We’re investing more money than ever in our animal companions! According to the American Pet Products Association, spending estimates for 2013 actually fell short of the real total, which came to almost $56 billion, a 4.5% increase over 2012.

Pet food, supplies and veterinary care made up the bulk of expenses, although spending on services such as grooming, training and boarding jumped by more than 6% from 2012. And the forecast for 2014? APPA predicts we’ll spend over $58 billion this year on our dogs, cats and other critters. americanpetproducts.org

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Many illnesses could be avoided or alleviated by taking steps to balance your dog or cat’s immune system. Nutrition plays a big part in boosting his defenses against disease.

Keep his

IMMUNE SYSTEM healthy!

D gs Cats

If

your dog or cat has a healthy immune system, he’s much less likely to get sick. In fact, the importance of a balanced, functional immune system cannot be overstated. It’s one of the foundations of good health, along with optimal species-appropriate nutrition and a strong, resilient frame and organ systems.

Immune health and nutrigenomics

Immune function depends on two factors: genetics and environment. Fortunately, there is a way to influence both an animal’s genetic inheritance, and his environment, to enhance the immune system’s ability to do its job effectively.

It’s called nutrigenomics.

Nutrigenomics is an emerging science based on the theory that the nutrition each individual needs depends on his or her genetic makeup. Genes and the expression of genes are controlled by individual nutrients, which means each of us requires individualized functional nutrition to be optimally healthy. The right nutrition opens the door to a healthy immune system and resistance to disease. The key to unlock the door is personalized, balanced nutrition.

Early identification of cell markers can allow doctors to provide nutritional intervention and return patients to cellular health, avoiding genetically inherited disease. It’s important to understand how the nutrients we feed our dogs and cats will affect their genes, and therefore, their health. If we know which nutrients are essential for individual animals, we can impact longevity, reduce the risk of chronic disease, and help them heal from illness much more rapidly.

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By Karen Shaw Becker, DVM

Every individual has a unique molecular dietary signature that determines which nutrients he should eat in order to thrive. If your dog or cat belongs to a breed that is genetically predisposed to a certain health problem, we can suppress certain genes through nutrition so they don’t express themselves, or encourage the expression of other genes.

For example, the feline heart condition known as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is, in my opinion, rooted in nutrigenomics.

Because amino acid deficiency from a dietary shortage of meatbased protein can fuel this condition, I strongly recommend that all my feline patients consume a human-grade, meatbased diet without fillers such as grains (many of which are genetically modified) and unnecessary carbohydrates that offset appropriate protein levels in pet food.

Another example is a very young dog or cat with multiple sensitivities that result in significant allergic reactions. In my opinion, there is a genetic predisposition – an IgA deficiency, perhaps – when this type of illness presents in a young animal.

There’s no “cure” for the DNA the animal was born with, so the goal must be to help the body decrease expression of genetic weaknesses by modifying diet as well as environmental conditions (including the number and frequency of vaccines, evaluating the environmental chemical load, and addressing air and water quality).

When we look at heat maps created from DNA or RNA microarrays of an animal with a particular disease, we can see the enzymes that are turned on, upregulated, and pro-

inflammatory. When we treat that animal with the appropriate food and functional botanicals, the same heat map technology allows us to visually witness a reversal of the inflammatory process

Nutrition for a

balanced immune system

Around 70% of your dog or cat’s immune system resides in the gut, so immune cell receptors in the GI tract create an excellent platform for modulating the immune system through diet.

Immunonutrition refers to macronutrients, vitamins, antioxidants, minerals and trace elements that support the immune system through their effects on inflammatory processes, the action of white blood cells, the production of antibodies, and disease resistance.

What you feed your companion impacts her immune system on several levels. The first level involves providing basic essential nutrients (see sidebar), followed by delivering higher levels of vital nutrients, including: • Protein and amino acids. Arginine is an amino acid that when supplemented in the diet has been shown to increase T-cell immune function. T-cell activity is critical to the immune system’s ability to respond effectively to pathogens and cancers.

It’s nearly impossible to determine how much arginine is in commercial pet food, but chicken, salmon and eggs are excellent sources of this important amino acid.

Continued on page 20.

keys

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to a species-

appropriate diet

Balanced, species-appropriate nutrition can keep his immune system healthy.

1 The ideal species-appropriate diet for dogs and cats is anti-inflammatory, consisting of real, whole foods, preferably served raw.

2 It should be rich in high quality (bio-available) protein, including muscle meat, organs and bone.

3 Mimicking an ancestral diet, protein should make up 75% of a healthy dog’s diet, and about 88% of a cat’s.

4 The diet should include moderate levels of animal fat, and a few fresh cut vegetables and a bit of fruit that have been pureed for optimum digestibility and absorbability.

5 It should also include the correct quantity of marine-sourced EPA and DHA (Omega-3 fatty acids), a vitamin/mineral supplement that fills in any nutritional gaps in the recipe, and a few beneficial additions like probiotics, digestive enzymes and super green foods.

6 The overall moisture content of the diet should be high, and there should be no grains or starches. animal wellness

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Continued from page 19.

A SPECTRUM of

wellness

Health exists on a spectrum. Your companion is either moving toward immune homeostasis (balance), or away from it.

• On one end of the spectrum is an underactive immune system. It results in the body’s inability to fight disease, prevent degenerative changes, or recognize abnormal cell growth (cancer).

• On the other end of the spectrum is an overactive immune system. The body experiences an exaggerated response leading to allergies, hypersensitivities, or in the worst case scenario, autoimmune disease, in which the body attacks itself.

Once an animal’s immune system is overactive and causing health problems, the traditional treatment is an immuno-suppressant drug like prednisone or cyclosporine. These drugs turn the immune system down or off so it no longer overreacts. Symptoms subside, and the animal temporarily feels much more comfortable.

Unfortunately, these drugs only treat the symptoms of immune system overreaction, and often have terrible short and long-term side effects. Animals cannot remain on them indefinitely without risk of significant complications.

And once they’re weaned off these medications, symptoms commonly recur because the root cause of the issue was never addressed.

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• Essential fatty acids. Arachadonic acid (AA) is a pro-inflammatory Omega-6 fatty acid found in high quantities in many inexpensive commercial pet foods. Supplementing with an Omega-3 fatty acid – ideally krill oil – decreases production of prostaglandins, which reduces inflammation throughout your animal’s body. Keep in mind that prolonged low-grade inflammation is one of the primary findings in almost every type of chronic illness, including arthritis, diabetes and cancer – all common diseases in dogs and cats.

• Vitamins and minerals. Free radicals are molecules responsible for aging and tissue damage. Antioxidants, in particular vitamins A, C and E, selenium and zinc, protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. When your animal is sick or otherwise stressed, free radical production increases significantly. Foods rich in antioxidants include fresh vegetables and fruits. Raw nuts and seeds are a great source of vitamin E, selenium and zinc. You can also offer your dog or cat a whole food supplement.

“Leaky gut syndrome” and

immunity

Whenever there is an imbalance of bacteria in the gut, involving inadequate supplies of good bacteria plus an overgrowth of bad bacteria and sometimes yeast, it can lead to inflammation of the intestinal membranes, resulting in the condition known as dysbiosis or “leaky gut”.

The most common cause of dysbiosis is the use of antibiotics.

Antibiotics kill both good and bad bacteria, upsetting the natural balance of bugs and depleting the supply of friendly bacteria that keep GI immune defenses strong and resilient. Other drugs known to have a similar effect are corticosteroids, such as prednisone, and NSAIDS.

Health exists on a SPECTRUM. Your companion is either moving toward immune homeostasis (balance), or away from it.

Additional contributors to leaky gut can include highly processed diets; biologically inappropriate foods containing a large amount of grains; food additives such as dyes, preservatives, surfactants, emulsifiers and flavor enhancers; stress; ingestion of toxins, including heterocyclic amines and acrylamides from extruded pet foods; vaccines (vaccines actually stimulate gutassociated lymphoid tissue or GALT); and parasite infections.

Typical symptoms of a leaky gut are gas, bloating and diarrhea.

But dysbiosis can also cause or exacerbate a wide variety of other conditions, many of which may appear to have nothing to do with digestion, including hyperactivity, certain types of cancer, allergies, asthma, gum disease and many more.

For animals with dysbiosis, it’s not enough to provide proper nutrition, because their bodies aren’t able to make optimum use of the food they eat. As well, each case of dysbiosis is unique, so a customized healing protocol must be designed for each dog or cat based on his specific set of conditions. Dysbiotic animals have very fragile immune and digestive systems. A sudden change in diet or a harsh GI detoxification protocol could make them worse instead of better.

Dysbiosis treatment involves addressing food allergies and intolerances, as well as any underlying nutritional deficiencies caused

by malabsorption or inefficient digestion. Holistic veterinarians prescribe appropriate strains of probiotics, enzymes, and a variety of nutraceuticals to help reduce inflammation and facilitate a healing response within the GI tract.

In general, removing highly processed, pro-inflammatory foods from a sick dog or cat’s diet in favor of species-appropriate nutrition; adding appropriate supplements to address inflammation, yeast and opportunistic pathogens, if necessary; and support of other organ systems, including the liver and pancreas, can relieve symptoms, address the root cause of the leaky gut, and get the animal on the road to recovery.

A high quality species-appropriate diet is a good place to start in keeping your dog or cat’s immune system balanced and healthy. Working with a holistic vet to create the best possible diet and supplement regime for him, as well as address any underlying deficiencies, allergies or other issues, can help build a properly-functioning immune system that’s neither under nor overactive.

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BOATforSAFETY dogs Heading out on the water with your canine co-captain this summer? important ways to keep him safe and shipshape.

Here are

4

By Amberly Scott Hindler

Negin Haghighi is an avid sailor, and guardian to an elderly Shiba Inu named Shiba. She loves taking her little dog boating with her. “In my opinion, there is no better feeling than enjoying this spectacular experience with my dog, and the look on her face as she watches the water,” says Negin. She adds that after Shiba’s fascination with

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the water wanes, the gentle rocking relaxes the dog and eventually lulls her to sleep.

For many people and their canines, the arrival of summer is synonymous with beaches, lakeside cottages, swimming and boating. Whether you have a canoe, motorboat or

yacht, if you’re taking your best friend on board, be sure to factor his safety and comfort into the equation.

Get him a lifejacket Many dogs are extremely agile, and can scale down a steep, treacherous trail like a mountain goat, only to look back at you as if to say, “What’s taking you so long?”

Yet that same spirited climber will rattle around in the car and fall haplessly off the seat at the slightest gear change (one of the many reasons for doggie seatbelts).

The same goes for dogs and boats. The swells and chops that thrill us can be stressful and even dangerous for your pooch. He could lose his balance and footing and slide overboard before you know what’s happened.

Even if your dog is a good swimmer, it’s a good idea for him to wear a lifejacket when he’s on a boat of any size, especially if you’re going to be on deep or rough water far from shore. Do not use a lifejacket designed for people – many pet supply retailers and dog outfitters offer lifejackets and vests made especially for dogs. Be sure you get one that fits your canine properly and comfortably.

A lifejacket won’t help him much if it doesn’t fit right or slips off easily.

Continued on page 24.

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Continued from page 23.

Keep an eye on him Even when he has his lifejacket on, keep an eye on your furry nautical friend. A lifejacket does not mean it is safe to stop monitoring him when he’s onboard a vessel. “Pay attention to your [dog],” advises BluePearl Veterinary Partners. “The movement of the boat can be quite a workout for them and could cause them to become fatigued or injured due to the constant movement and balancing they have to do.”

Preventing slippage for her pooch is especially important to Negin. Shiba is not only elderly but also has a limp. Negin makes sure her wobbly pup is safe onboard by keeping her in a restricted area away from all ledges. It’s a good idea to provide your dog with a safe, sheltered and comfortable spot someplace on board where he can lie down and rest if he needs to.

Provide him with shade and water Because boating is associated with lakes, oceans and rivers, we typically have water safety at the forefront of our minds. But it’s equally important to respect the other natural elements – including the sun – while onboard a boat. Just as we can easily become dehydrated by spending long periods in the sun, so too can our dogs.

“There are not many trees for shade out there in the ocean,” quips veteran boater L.J. Mismas. He and his pals typically have one or more dogs onboard with them and he always ensures the animals have shelter from the elements. “The dogs have their own space out of the sun under the seats both on the deck and inside, where they have full water bowls and comfy beds to lay down and cool off on.”

Negin also makes sure Shiba has shade and never sets sail without food, water, and a dog bed. The veterinarians at BluePearl Veterinary Partners acknowledge the importance of giving dogs “an area onboard the vessel where they can get out of the sun so they don’t overheat, [and] ensuring they have access to plenty of fresh drinking water.”

Think safety when swimming While it may seem obvious to not have anyone swimming near the boat’s motor when it is running, many deaths occur each year when distracted boaters forget to turn off their engines during swim time. People usually know not to swim near a running engine, so they are safer from this tragic occurrence, but a dog that fancies a swim might just jump into the water on a whim, and of course won’t pay any regard as to whether or not the engine is on. If your dog is an unpredictable jumper,

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animal wellness

keep him inside while the motors are turned on. If your boat doesn’t have a cabin, keep him on a lead. Only let him out for a dip once the engines are disengaged.

Watch your dog while he’s in the water, so that he doesn’t swim too far from the boat or get overtired. “If your [dog] is going to go swimming, ensure there is an easy access point for him to get on and off the boat to prevent fatigue and injuries,” advises BluePearl Veterinary Partners.

Boating with your canine co-captain is one of the greatest natural highs summer has to offer. As long as you outfit him with a life jacket, give him plenty of shade and water, and keep a close eye on him, there’s no reason the fun has to end!

Talent INNOVATION for

Louisa Williams, developer of the Sportz-Vibe massage coat, makes a splash with her St. Bernard, Homer.

By Charlotte Walker

passion

A FOR ANIMALS AND THEIR QUALITY OF LIFE IS THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND THIS COMPANY AND ITS PRODUCTS, INCLUDING A MASSAGE THERAPY COAT FOR DOGS.

During the 1980s, Tom MacGuinness was working at his family’s riding stable in Dundalk, Ireland. Fed up with using horse blankets that leaked and slipped, he set out to create a warm, durable, waterproof and properly-fitting blanket. It became a hit among other horse owners, and in 1985, Tom and his wife Carol launched Horseware Ireland.

The couple were keen to expand their product line, so when they were approached by Louisa Williams with an idea for a massage and cooling boot for horses, they took her on board.

From there, with Louisa’s help, it was a short step to developing products for dogs as well as horses.

“Our dog range started out with miniature versions of the horse blankets,” says Louisa, adding that the North American branch of the company is located in Kinston, North Carolina. “As the popularity of our dog products has grown, we have branched out into healthcare products for dogs. We recently launched Sportz-Vibe, a massage therapy coat for dogs.”

“My inspiration for creating the massage coat was that my St. Bernard suffered from hip dysplasia at just one year old,” explains Louisa. “I felt he was too young to start medicating and I wanted to find an alternative, so I built a prototype using the massage panels from the horse boots I developed, and one of our dog coats, and noticed immediate results.”

“It helps relieve pain in dogs suffering from back or hip conditions and can be used to ease soreness and stiffness after long workouts in performance dogs,” she continues. “The coat has two removable massage panels that work alternately on either side of the dog’s back to stimulate circulation. By encouraging the lymph system to move, massage helps drain inflammation and stimulate repair to damaged tissue. Using the coat before exercise can help reduce the risk of injury, as increasing blood flow to muscles, tendons and ligaments helps make them more elastic. The coat also helps manage everyday wear and tear on joints, while rehabilitation through injury can be achieved more quickly.”

Horseware Ireland’s mission is to create innovative products that make life easier and more comfortable for animals and their people. “We believe that people’s love for their dogs and horses comes first, and our products help us give them the best life we can,” says Lousia. This mission also extends to homeless animals. “We are a regular contributor to charities around the world. We donate over 250 blankets every year to horses and dogs with the ISPCA, RSPCA, and the IHWT, among others.”

“I love helping animals,” Louisa says. “It’s as simple as that.

I love helping them have a better quality of life. I hope our products help more dogs and horses around the world live a full and healthy life.” animal wellness

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D gs Cats

LET’S LOOK AT L-CARNITINE

Necessary for heart, brain and muscle function, this nutrient is naturally produced by the body. But there are times when supplementation is needed.

By Erin Mayo, DVM You might be familiar with L-carnitine as a supplement popular among bodybuilders.

But did you know it can also be useful for your animal’s health? This nutrient plays a vital role in energy production for muscle cells and may be helpful for treating a wide variety of conditions.

AMINO ACID COMBO L-carnitine is composed of the amino acids lysine and methionine. It is naturally produced by the liver and kidneys, then stored in skeletal muscle, heart and brain tissues. While it can be readily absorbed from food, most healthy people and animals are capable of synthesizing adequate amounts in their bodies.

L-carnitine plays an important role in fat metabolism. It assists with the transport of fatty acids from the cytosol (intracellular fluid of the cell) into the mitochondria (the cell’s energy factory). This allows the cell to utilize the fat for energy production, which is especially useful for brain and heart function as well as muscle movement.

Research has shown that L-carnitine improves the function of myocardial cells (the cells that make the heart contract) and acts as an antioxidant. It scavenges free radicals, which can damage cells and DNA.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THERE ISN’T ENOUGH? A deficiency in L-carnitine is generally diagnosed in adult dogs and is characterized by cardiomyopathy (abnormal heart muscle, dilated being the most common). Several breeds have been shown to have a predisposition to dilated cardiomyopathy, and include the boxer, Doberman pinscher, great Dane and other giant breeds.

A diagnosis of L-carnitine deficiency can be made through a biopsy of the affected tissue (heart). This is not commonly done, however, so this is a rare diagnosis in dogs.

Since there is no routine screening done for L-carnitine deficiency, it is unclear how prevalent the condition is. In people, symptoms occur when the deficiency is 10% to 20% below normal levels, so there could be many dogs with mild deficiencies that go undiagnosed.

WHEN SHOULD YOU CONSIDER SUPPLEMENTATION? Growing evidence points to the potential benefits of supplementation with L-carnitine.

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In dogs, it is most frequently recommended for heart disease. Studies have shown improvements in the cardiac function of cocker spaniels and boxers with dilated cardiomyopathy, though the results are not as consistent for other breeds with the same condition.

2 3 4

L-carnitine may also be helpful in the prevention and treatment of diabetes in both dogs and cats. This may be due to its action as an aid in fat metabolism, which may make it useful in weight loss and obesity management. There is some evidence that L-carnitine can accelerate weight loss in obese cats.

Another potential use is for cases of myopathy (muscle weakness), since L-carnitine may be helpful for building muscle mass in people. There is one published report of a border collie successfully treated with L-carnitine, CoQ10 and vitamin B for a rare myopathy condition that caused weakness in his hind legs.

One study demonstrated that L-carnitine slows cognitive decline in dogs. Beagles supplemented for two months with L-carnitine and alpha-lipoic acid showed improved learning and discrimination compared with beagles that received no supplement.

SOURCES OF L-CARNITINE As always, the best method of supplementation is to feed your companion good quality food. Sources high in L-carnitine include red meat (especially lamb), fish, poultry, tempeh, and peanut butter.

If additional supplementation is needed, there are many options on the market to choose from. Manufacturers are responsible for following minimum quality standards, labeling their products appropriately and ensuring there are no contaminants present.

Therefore, it is up to you to be a wise shopper and to do your homework and/or consult an integrative or holistic vet before choosing a product.

As with any supplement, L-carnitine is not a cure-all. But it is very safe, and may prove beneficial for a range of health issues in both dogs and cats.

Are there any contraindications?

L-carnitine is generally very safe, though there are a few instances in humans when caution is warranted. On the veterinary side, there are no documented instances of side effects from supplementation with L-carnitine.

However, because of its ability to antagonize peripheral thyroxine receptors, L-carnitine should probably not be given to hypothyroid dogs. If you feel your dog will still benefit from supplementation, and he is on thyroid medication, consult with your veterinarian before starting L-carnitine, since it may alter the dose of his medication. animal wellness

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IMMUNITY Healing with light therapy

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animal wellness

The Breeders BIS pet health line of Best In Show products are the most advanced and complete supplements with 16 years of happy and loyal customers. Chances are you know someone who has recommended one of these for improved mobility, digestion and immune.

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Supplements for skin problems

By Nancy Scanlan, DVM, CVA

D gs Cats

NUTRACUETICALS AND GOOD NUTRITION HELP EASE THE INFLAMMATION CAUSED BY DERMATOLOGICAL CONDITIONS.

For a lot of dogs and cats,

summer means an increase in skin problems and allergies. Others suffer from these issues all year round, thanks to flea dermatitis, food intolerances and other conditions. Whatever the cause of your companion’s skin problems, the itchiness and inflammation can make his life miserable. This article will concentrate on supplements that can help him feel better. Be sure to work with a holistic or integrative veterinarian for the correct dosages to meet your particular animal’s requirements.

UNDERLYING PAIN CAN TRIGGER SKIN ISSUES You may not realize it, but skin conditions such as lick granulomas in dogs, and overgrooming with subsequent hair loss and miliary dermatitis in cats, are often a sign of chronic pain or discomfort in underlying tissues. If the skin condition is on a lower leg or lower part of the body, the underlying problem is often pain in the back or a joint in the upper part of the leg, or even on the opposite leg. Tail pain is usually manifested as overgrooming at the site itself.

Nutritional supplements that decrease pain and/or inflammation are often helpful for these cases.

• DLPA (dl-phenylalanine) is especially helpful for back and joint pain.

• Vitamin E (d-alpha tocopherol).

• Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is also helpful. Because of the role vitamin C plays in regenerating vitamin E back to its antioxidant form, I recommend they always be used together. Vitamins E and C are also useful for pemphigus.

• Curcumin phytosome – the phytosome form is absorbed 29 times better than the regular form, allowing pharmacologically active levels of curcumin in the body.

FOOD ALLERGIES OR INTOLERANCE Improving nutrition in general will help most health problems.

In the case of food allergies or intolerance, whenever a food causes an intestinal breach, larger molecules that would not normally enter the circulatory system are absorbed. If they can be pre-digested, however, the allergenic load is decreased. Both plant-based and animal-based (pancreatic) enzymes can be used. It’s best to begin with plant-based

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eynzymes; in a severely allergic animal, pancreatic enzymes are the most likely to cause an allergic reaction, are more expensive, and are often not as well accepted.

To decrease inflammation in an allergic animal, it may help to change the meat source to pasture-finished. Grass-finished meat has higher levels of Omega-3 fatty acids, lower fat content, more beta carotene, and less E. coli and salmonella than grain-finished meat. The fatty acid content and profile more closely match that of wild game. Natural or organic meat is not necessarily grassfinished, and may still undergo a final feeding of grain for a month or two. Venison that is commercially raised, using grain to finish the carcass, also has a fatty acid profile that is closer to feedlot-fed beef than to grass-fed beef or wild venison.

PLANT STEROLS ARE IMMUNE-MODULATING CHEMICALS THAT DECREASE INFLAMMATION WHILE ENHANCING IMMUNITY. SOOTHING GENERAL INFLAMMATION Essentially all dermatological problems, from flea allergies to food intolerance, cause inflammation of the skin. Many supplements help directly with this inflammation.

• Antioxidants decrease inflammation, so vitamins C and E can help. Reported results using vitamin E have been mixed, but this may be because it was not used with vitamin C. Without C to restore its action, the pro-oxidant form accumulates and gradually starts inducing more inflammation.

• Vitamin A can be used topically for feline acne and acanthosis nigricans. Published reports of vitamin A toxicity involve large amounts consumed over a relatively short time (e.g., 100,000 IU per day for a cat for six months), and it takes years on an all-liver diet to see the effects. Long term ingestion of relatively lower doses can still be toxic, however. If an animal is already getting fish oil as a supplement, ask your vet to calculate the total amount of vitamin A ingested before increasing the dose.

Note that we’re not talking about beta carotene. Some product labels list vitamin A, but underneath in small print they’ll say “in the form of beta carotene”. Beta carotene does not have the same effect that vitamin A does, and pure beta carotene as a supplement has been linked with an increased incidence of three types of lung cancer in humans.

There are no reports of this for mixed carotenoids.

• Zinc is also helpful for acanthosis nigricans; for any hyperkeratotic lesions, especially involving foot pads and nails; bacterial and yeast infections; and general dermatitis. Excess calcium and copper can interfere with zinc uptake.

• Fatty acids can be a two-edged sword. We used to see a good response to skin problems by using Omega-6 fatty acids, but animal wellness

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TOXIN BUILDUP

CAN WORSEN SKIN ISSUES A dog or cat that has been given an excess of drugs (including antihistamines, antibiotics, corticosteroids, and other immune suppressants), and even those who have had no drugs but exhibit an exuberant inflammatory process, store up toxic substances in fat and interstitial spaces. These toxins cause further inflammation, both in the skin and the rest of the body, rendering them less able to deal with inflammatory processes. Toxins are processed in the liver with phase I and phase II system enzymes. Phase I system enzymes produce a greater number of free radicals, and are increased when there are higher levels of toxins present.

Antioxidants in as many forms as possible are critical to counteract this process and decrease inflammation: • Vitamins E and C • Bioflavonoids • Carotenoids • Grapeseed extract • Acai, goji, blueberries, blackberries and noni berries or juice • Sprouts (high in superoxide dismutase) • Coenzyme Q10 (help fuel cells to speed detoxification reactions)

most pet food companies now include enough. Excess Omega-6s can increase inflammation, so supplements may compound the problem. Omega-3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory over a broad spectrum of tissues, so it is often preferable to use a supplement that only includes Omega-3s. Flax oil (one source of Omega-3s) cannot be processed by cats into an active form, so fish oil is the preferable source. Dogs only convert about 10%, and it is only converted to EPA. Algal oils only contain DHA (although there are algae that produce EPA), and are expensive. A dose of 50 to 250 mg/kg/day of Omega-3 fatty acids is a starting point for decreasing inflammation. The best Omega-6:3 ratio for this purpose has been found to be 1.5:1. Older research indicating a ratio of 5:1 never explored a lower ratio.

• Plant sterols are immune-modulating chemicals that decrease inflammation while enhancing immunity.

• Anxiety and stress contribute to symptoms and unwanted behavior in dermatitis. Several nutritional supplements can decrease these issues. One is l-theanine. As well, l-tryptophan is back on the market and is an excellent anxiolytic. Melatonin, given half an hour before bedtime, is also helpful.

• Iodine is helpful against candidiasis. Kelp is an excellent source of both iodine and microminerals. Microminerals are often overlooked; they go beyond trace minerals and mimic those found in the sea. They have been leached out of farmland and, except on organic farms, are never replaced. Food grade diatomaceous earth and mineral deposits such as bentonite and montmorillonite are also sources of microminerals.

• A concoction of half aloe vera juice and half strong black tea, mixed together and kept in the refrigerator, can be applied as often as needed (at least twice a day) to hot spots or any other areas that are moist and inflamed, and to areas with a strong yeast smell. The tannic acid in the tea has an astringent effect, and aloe vera helps decrease inflammation and speed healing. It will turn white fur brown, however, so be warned.

Using these nutritional and supplemental aids along with Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, homeopathy, chiropractic and other modalities to correct the underlying imbalances causing your dog or cat’s skin problems will prevent future issues. They’ll alleviate symptoms and support the skin while the deeper cures are developing.

TO DECREASE INFLAMMATION IN AN ALLERGIC ANIMAL, IT MAY HELP TO CHANGE THE MEAT SOURCE TO PASTURE-FINISHED. 32

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Beta glucans – balancing the immune system

By Dr. Carmen Colitz, PhD, DVM, DACVO Your animal’s immune system is a complicated network that protects his body against stressors and disease. When his immune system becomes imbalanced, the risk of illness is increased.

A weak or impaired immune system can predispose your animal’s body to infections, impaired healing and even cancer. An over-exuberant immune system can result in allergies, immunemediated diseases and, again, cancer.

The majority of the immune system resides in the gastrointestinal tract. This means food, medications, etc. can affect systemic immunity. Maintaining an optimal immune system is critical to overall health.

Beta glucans are naturally-obtained polysaccharides that modulate the immune system. They are found in various mushrooms as well as rice bran, vegetables such as yams, algae, seaweed, and the cell walls of yeast.

Beta glucans help regulate the immune system by triggering a cascade of events that promote immune cell activation, and stimulate macrophages and lymphocytes to destroy target cells.

They can enhance the overall activity of natural killer T cells and B cells. Beta glucans have the ability to simultaneously stimulate the immune system to fight disease, while providing appropriate anti-inflammatory properties.

Beta glucans have numerous other medicinal properties and have been used for high cholesterol, diabetes, cancer and HIV in humans. In dogs, beta glucans improve vaccination titers in immuno-compromised animals, and have been used for managing atopy, demodecosis, osteoarthritis and neoplasia.

Dr. Carmen Colitz is a board certified veterinary ophthalmologist with a PhD in Comparative and Experimental Medicine. animal wellness

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GIVING YOUR DOG

AFFECTION It may seem natural to hug and kiss your furry friend, but these gestures may actually feel threatening to some canines. Learn how to read his response to your adoration, and show your love in a way he understands.

By Suzanne Hetts, PhD, CAAB, CVJ and Daniel Estep, PhD, CAAB

We adore our Irish setter, Coral. From the time we brought her home as a seven-week-old puppy, we’ve showered her with hundreds if not thousands of kisses on her head, paws, legs, body and ears. The only area we may have missed is her tail!

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animal wellness

In return, we’ve received as many, if not more, of what we call Coral Kisses – being licked on our hands, legs, feet and faces when we return home, when we wake up in the morning, and a host of other times.

KISSING VS. LICKING Kissing and hugging are very important displays of affection among people, but clearly they are not in a dog’s behavioral repertoire. On the other hand, licking one another is important to dogs, but not something humans normally do! Because we love Coral so much, most of the time we don’t mind her licking. But depending on where, when, and for how long she chooses to deliver her licks to us, it can become annoying.

In turn, we wonder if our kisses and hugs annoy her as well.

HOW CAN WE TELL? Practically speaking, the best way to know how an animal feels is to observe her behavior. How will she behave if she enjoys our displays of affection? She should remain relaxed and not tense up. The ears should stay forward and the tail high. If Coral likes our kisses, for example, she shouldn’t move away and try to avoid being kissed. If we stop kissing her and she wants us to continue, we would expect her to move toward us and show a behavior that has worked in other contexts to get what she wants, such as pawing at us or leaning against us.

Coral rarely “asks” for more kisses. But she frequently asks for more petting by pawing at us, or just placing her paw on our arms if we stop stroking her. If we pair kissing the top of her head with massaging her ears, Coral will often move in closer to us, and position her head so we can more easily reach the back of her ears.

MANY SPECIES OF SOCIAL ANIMAL – INCLUDING DOGS – LICK OTHER INDIVIDUALS THEY ARE ATTACHED TO” On the other hand, if our affectionate displays annoyed or frightened Coral, we’d expect completely different behaviors in response. We’d expect to see her tense up while being kissed, her eyes to get wide, her tail to go down, and her ears to go back.

She might also move or duck away from us, as she does when she’s too busy to stay still and be petted.

HUGS CAN SEEM THREATENING We have to admit, we also hug Coral. We do so gently, not tightly, so she is always free to escape from our arms if she wants to. Most dogs learn to accept or tolerate hugs from familiar individuals, but because they obviously don’t hug one another, it’s unlikely they recognize this as an affection behavior. In fact, just the opposite may be true.

Dogs sometimes bite children who try to hug them – especially children they don’t know well. For a dog, a hug can resemble the social threat of having another dog place his paws on or animal wellness

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drape his neck overtop her shoulders. Dogs usually tell us they don’t like being hugged by using the postures we’ve already described – lowering their tails, pulling their ears back, tensing up, or trying to move away.

Being hugged is probably quite confusing for dogs. Why would their best friends, their family, all of a sudden attempt such a threatening gesture? When dogs are confused or uncertain in social situations, they display displacement behaviors. These are normal behaviors that are displaced out of their usual contexts. The most common canine displacement behaviors are lip licking and yawning. If a dog shows any of these behaviors when being hugged or kissed, it’s a clear sign to stop, because she not only doesn’t enjoy what you are doing, but could feel threatened enough to bite.

FIND A COMMON GROUND Because dogs likely find at least some of our affectionate displays annoying or even frightening, what are the best ways to let them know we love them?

Dogs and people share some commonalities when it comes to how we behave toward individuals we are bonded to.

Both dogs and people like to be close to those they love.

Sitting next to each other on the couch, letting your dog sit in your lap or share your bed (contrary to popular dog training mythology, there is nothing inherently wrong with this!) are meaningful to both species. Spending time together and engaging in activities you both enjoy are also good. Touching is important too – it feels good to pet our dogs, and most dogs love it as well.

THE BEST WAY TO KNOW HOW AN ANIMAL FEELS IS TO OBSERVE HER BEHAVIOR.”

When we do use human gestures of affection that dogs don’t share, such as kissing and hugging, we must be sensitive to the dog’s reactions. Carefully monitor his body language for signs of anxiety, stress or defensiveness. Some dogs will be happier (and humans safer) if we find other ways to express our love. Play a game of fetch, take your dog for a walk or give her a gentle brushing. These are things most dogs enjoy – and giving them the things they want is the best way to express our affection!

AFFILIATIVE BEHAVIORS It’s natural for both people and dogs to display their affection for one another with behaviors that are typical for their own species. Behaviorists usually use the term “affiliative behaviors” to describe gestures among individuals with a social bond.

Dogs will show canine-specific behaviors to demonstrate their affection, but their behaviors are different from the hugging, kissing and cuddling that people show to express their love.

• Many species of social animal – including dogs – lick other individuals they are attached to. This is called “allogrooming” and is likely one reason Coral licks us.

• Another very important affiliative behavior in dogs is simply being close to each other.

Think about how often your dogs sleep curled next to one another – or to you.

Following each other from place to place is another sign of social attachment. In our house, if Coral isn’t in the same room as us, she’s likely someplace where she can see us and monitor what we are doing.

• Play is another affiliative behavior that is used to create as well as maintain social bonds.

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animal wellness

Flower Essences for anxious dogs

By Kathleen Aspenns, CertiďŹ ed Flower Essence Practitioner

Modern life is full of

things that can make a

dog nervous. From the CHERRY PLUM

sensit ive

constant assault of noise on

ears to the

overwhelming sights and

calmest

smells of a city street, even the

dog may

become stressed from time to time.

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animal wellness

For a highly sensitive dog, even life at home can be a challenge. Stressors can be specific, like the sight or sound of a vacuum cleaner, or more general, such as any sudden noise. Fortunately, there are many ways to help anxious canines cope. Flower essences are a valuable complement to any stress-reducing program.

Flower essences are a type of herbal medicine consisting of dilute tinctures made from flowers. They work on a vibrational principle, as homeopathic remedies do. Because they are so dilute, there is no potential for toxicity or interaction with other treatments, and so they are safe for all members of the family, including animals.

Flower essences work primarily on the mental and emotional levels, helping to balance and soothe. Animals really enjoy these gentle remedies, and respond quickly and positively to them.

Start with Rescue Remedy As a flower essence practitioner, one of the first essences I recommend for any type of anxiety is Five Flower Formula, also known as Rescue Remedy. This combination of five flower essences was created by Dr Edward Bach, an English physician and homeopath. It helps to calm and comfort animals and people in all kinds of stressful situations. It can be used to help ease the anxiety of a veterinary visit, give comfort after a scary experience at the dog park, or for any other kind of stressful incident. I recommend keeping a bottle in your pocket or purse, as you never know when it might come in handy for you or your dog.

See over for case studies. animal wellness

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How to use them Flower essences can be given in a variety of ways, so try several and see what works best for your dog.

• One of the best ways is to give the drops by mouth. I recommend putting four drops of the essence in a small glass, and filling it with water. Then dip a treat in the water and offer it to your dog.

• Putting drops in his water bowl is also a great way to give flower essences on an ongoing basis.

• Another alternative is to put a few drops on your hands and stroke the remedy into the dog’s coat, particularly the ears.

• You might put drops on the pads of his paws as well.

Flower essence case studies 1. Camus – Rescue Remedy and Star of Bethlehem Camus, a beautiful black Corgi, showed signs of anxiety during walks with his person, Kelley. He would bark and lunge whenever other dogs came near. Even at home, he would bark loudly at men, sometimes even nipping them.

I recommended positive reinforcement training techniques, and suggested that Kelley exchange Camus’ collar for a harness on walks. Flower essences were also an important part of his anxiety reduction program. His formula contained Five Flower Formula (also known as Rescue Remedy) and Star of Bethlehem, among others. Star of Bethlehem is excellent for grounding and calming, and helps animals feel safe.

Kelley reports that Camus has greatly improved, and she feels far more empowered when working with his behavior.

2. Sadie – Mimulus and Aspen Riding in the car can trigger anxiety in some dogs. Many experience carsickness and anxiety as puppies, and outgrow it as they mature, but a few remain nervous of the car as adults, even if they no longer become carsick. They may show anxiety by barking or whining, shivering, or restlessly moving around. Flower essences can be very helpful in easing the stress of a car ride.

Samantha got in touch with me to see if anything could be done for her Norwich terrier, Sadie. Sadie was very nervous in the car, unable to settle, and flicked her tongue as if she were licking the air. I made a formula for her that included Mimulus, the Bach remedy for known fears. Mimulus helps with specific fears, such as a fear of men, hats, or other dogs.

I often combine this essence with Aspen, also from the Bach line of essences, for vague or unidentifiable fears. Aspen is very useful for the fear of loud noises, especially thunderstorms or fireworks, since dogs cannot understand the source of these frightening noises.

Samantha called me a few weeks later, happy to report that Sadie was now a happy camper in the car.

3. Peanut – Aspen, Cherry Plum and Rock Rose Peanut was troubled by loud noises.

Unfortunately, she lived in a rural area where one of the neighbors regularly used rifles for target practice. Her person, Pam, contacted me to see if there was anything

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animal wellness

MIMULUS

STAR OF BETHLEHEM

Beyond the label The great grain debate

I could recommend to help Peanut, who would cower in the bathroom when she heard the gunshots; if she happened to be outdoors at the time, she would run around in a wild panic.

I gave Peanut a formula with Aspen as well as Cherry Plum and Rock Rose. Cherry Plum is beneficial for restoring calm in panic-stricken animals, and who act wildly or selfdestructively when frightened. Rock Rose is indicated for animals who are absolutely terrified and fear for their lives.

These essences were very helpful for Peanut, who is now considerably calmer about the loud noises. While she certainly doesn’t like them, she can now come out of the bathroom and be near Pam for comfort.

As the above examples show, many different circumstances can provoke anxiety in dogs. Fortunately, there are also many flower essences to help them feel better. They are a valuable addition to your home first aid kit, and are available at most health food stores. What a simple and effective way to help calm your canine!

BY MICHELE DIXON

These days, many of us pay much more attention to what we’re putting into our bodies – and the bodies of our four-legged family members. One result is a very significant trend towards grain-free pet foods.

What are some of the important considerations in the great “grains-are-good” versus “grain-free” debate? The fact is, there is a place for both types of pet food.

• Contrary to those who believe the only road to good health is the grain-free route, many dogs thrive on foods that contain grains. Grains are an excellent source of quick energy for dogs, with lots of fiber to help firm up loose stool.

• Although there are some good reasons to feed a grainfree diet, it is important to remember that grains as a whole are not a source of allergies. Rather, each grain must be treated as a potential individual allergen. In addition, animal parents should be aware that what might be perceived as an allergy to a grain is often a meat protein sensitivity. Foods with a single novel protein and limited carbohydrates can help determine if your animal has sensitivities.

Choosing a food that’s ideal for your animal is an important part of ensuring his long term health, happiness and vitality. Taking the time to do some research up front will most definitely pay off down the road.

Michele Dixon is the Health and Nutrition Specialist with Petcurean Pet Nutrition (petcurean.com).

petcurean.com

/petcurean

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PRODUCT PICKS Smooth ride

If your dog rides in the car, you want him to be safe and comfortable – and to keep your back seat clean. PetDek is an ideal solution. Easy to install, this durable “car space pet place” provides your dog with a large, level, flat surface to sit or lie on. It weighs only 12 pounds, but can carry up to 200 lbs. Seatbelt buckles are exposed so you can hook up your dog’s safety harness for added security. PetDek is easily washed, hosed off or vacuumed, and folds in half for storage. $129.95 petdek.com

Rock on!

The nitrogen in dog urine can burn your grass and leave unsightly patches on your lawn. Dog Rocks is an all-natural way to prevent and cure urine burn marks by reducing the nitrates that get into your dog’s system. Placed in his water bowl, they provide a stable, micro-porous medium that purifies the water via ion exchange, acting like a sponge to absorb excess nitrogen from the water. Each package lasts two months.

One package: $16.99 dogrocksus.com

Antioxidant treats

Good health and longevity depend on quality nutrition, and that includes antioxidants. Nzymes Antioxidant Treats provide dogs and cats with important raw food nutrition, in a tasty, chewable tablet form. They’re created using the company’s proprietary sprout blend with added antioxidant vitamins, rice bran, and beef and liver flavoring. The treats also provide the dietary enzymes so often missing from pet foods.

Bottle of 60 tablets: $21 nzymes.com

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animal wellness

Reach for oregano

oil

Oregano oil offers powerful healing properties.

OregaPetTM First Aid Gel is a natural disinfectant and wound healer made with oregano oil and medicinal honeys. It prevents and treats all topical infections – bacterial, fungal or parasitic – and reduces pain and inflammation while accelerating the healing of damaged tissue. Use for minor cuts and scratches, rashes, burns, hot spots, abscesses, boils, insect bites and stings.

60 ml: $18.95 oregapet.com

Size matters

Does your dog need joint support? Response Products introduces a new product size in their Advanced Cetyl M Joint Action Formula for Dogs.

The 50-tablet bottle is ideal for travel, and for smaller dogs. As with the 120- and 360-tablet bottles, the palatable formula contains cetyl myristoleate complex, glucosamine HCI, and powerful Omega-5 fatty acids to support the structural integrity of joints and connective tissues.

50 tablets: $19.97 120 tablets: $38.97 360 tablets: $104.97 responseproducts.com

Loosen up

Agility and other competition dogs need lots of flexibility. Back on Track blankets help keep their muscles loose and supple before and after events.

The blankets are made of functional textiles with heat reflective properties – a synergy of Traditional Chinese Medicine and modern scientific technology. Ceramic particles are fused into the blankets’ polyester fibers; when heated, the particles radiate long-wave heat radiation back towards the body. $79 - $109, depending on size backontrackproducts.com

animal wellness

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The latest on D gs Cats

VACCINATION We’ve known about the risks of over-vaccination for awhile now, though many veterinarians, trainers, boarding kennel operators and others still promote yearly boosters. Learn which vaccines are really necessary, and when, and how to protect your companion from their side effects.

By W. Jean Dodds, DVM

By now, many savvy animal lovers are aware of the dangers of over-vaccination, and are opting against annual boosters for their dogs and cats. While there’s no doubt that vaccines effectively protect companion animals against serious infectious disease, there’s also no doubt that over-vaccination can cause serious disease of a different kind.

This article outlines approaches that balance the need to protect animals against serious infectious diseases with the risk of adverse events from vaccines. As my colleague, Dr. Ron Schultz of the University of Wisconsin, states: “Be wise and immunize, but immunize wisely!”

For more than a decade now, scientifically based information has lead to revised guidelines and policies about companion animal vaccines. So why are so many veterinarians, as well as training, boarding and grooming facilities, still reluctant to embrace and apply this knowledge?

Vaccine reactions usually occur in puppies, kittens or older animals that are genetically predisposed to react adversely when vaccinated.

Why the resistance to change?

Veterinary practitioners may simply believe what they were taught about vaccines, so don’t take the time or have the inclination to change or “fix” what is perceived to be unbroken. As well, vaccination programs have been promoted as “practice management tools” rather than medical procedures. A “more is better” philosophy still prevails with regard to dog and cat vaccines.

Annual vaccination has long been the single most important reason why most people take their animals to the vet for an annual “wellness visit”. Another reason for the reluctance to change current vaccination programs is that many practitioners really don’t understand the principles of vaccinal immunity (that portion of immunity conveyed by vaccines). The accumulated evidence indicates that vaccination protocols should no longer be considered as a “one size fits all” program.

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animal wellness

Adverse reactions to vaccination

• The associated clinical signs typically include fever, stiffness, sore joints and abdominal tenderness, susceptibility to infections, neurological disorders and encephalitis, autoimmune thyroid disease, severe anemia and jaundice from destruction of red blood cells, and pinpoint or larger hemorrhages from platelet destruction.

• Liver enzymes may be markedly elevated, and liver or kidney failure may occur by itself or accompany bone marrow suppression.

• Both modified-live virus (MLV) and killed inactivated vaccines, such as those for canine distemper and rabies, respectively, have been associated with post-vaccinal encephalitis (PVE).

This can result in various clinical and behavioral signs.

• An augmented immune response to vaccines is seen in dogs with pre-existing inhalant allergies (atopy) to pollens, grasses, weeds and trees.

• In cats and dogs, aggressive tumors (fibrosarcomas) can occasionally arise at the site of vaccination. Other cancers such as leukemia have also been associated with vaccines.

• Additionally, vaccinating dogs with rabies vaccine, either alone or with other vaccines, can induce production of antithyroglobulin autoantibodies, which can contribute to the subsequent development of hypothyroidism.

Other issues that arise from over-vaccination include the increased cost. Having your animal receive annual boosters when they’re not necessary means you’re paying for a service that is likely of little benefit to his existing level of protection against these infectious diseases. Repeated exposure to the foreign substances in vaccines also increases the risk of adverse reactions.

Focus on core vaccines The concept of “core” vaccines was developed some years ago to distinguish vaccines that every dog and cat should have, from those that are “non-core” (optional or depend on the region/area where the animal lives).

For dogs, there are four core vaccines: • Canine distemper virus • Canine parvovirus • Canine adenovirus (hepatitis) • Rabies virus

Non-responders and low responders Animals that don’t develop any or enough protective antibodies when vaccinated for a particular disease are known as non-responders or low responders. This situation is a genetic trait, and the animals will remain susceptible to the disease in question all their lives. It’s relatively rare, but some breeds are more prone than others: • 1:1,000 for CPV (parvovirus) – especially in black Labradors and Akitas • 1:5,000 for CDV (distemper virus) – especially in greyhounds • Zero for CAV (hepatitis, adenovirus) • Rate of occurrence in cats is unknown

Note that cross-protection against canine adenovirus-1 (CAV-1, infectious canine hepatitis virus) is provided by canine adenovirus-2 (CAV-2, kennel cough) vaccines; the original CAV-1 vaccines produced an immune precipitate in the eye called “blue eye”. But except for one incident at the Canadian/US east coast border area several years ago, there have been no documented cases of CAV-1 disease in North America for at least 15 years. That’s the reason why veterinarians like myself prefer not to give this vaccine, especially to puppies, as it can cause immune suppression for about ten days when given together in an MLV CDV combo vaccine (you cannot obtain CAV-1 vaccine by itself).

There are also four core vaccines for cats: • Feline panleukopenia, a parvovirus • Feline calicivirus • Feline herpesvirus-1 • Rabies virus The first vaccination should not be given before six weeks of age and is best given later (e.g. eight to ten weeks), since most puppies and kittens of vaccinated mothers are protected by their residual maternal immunity. Either two or three boosters are given, with the last one at 14 to 16 weeks of age. Rabies vaccine should be given separately whenever possible, and as late as allowed by local, state or provincial law.

Continued on page 46. animal wellness

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Continued from page 45.

Vaccine reactions

– some stats for dogs and cats Check out these findings from a study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association in 2005.

Canine vaccine adverse events: • Retrospective cohort study; 1.25 million dogs vaccinated at 360 veterinary hospitals • 38 adverse events per 10,000 dogs vaccinated

These core vaccines are important for protecting dogs and cats against the most serious and prevalent infectious diseases, and all puppies and kittens should receive them. However, even the core vaccines (including rabies – see next page) are being shown to have a much longer duration of immunity than previously thought, making annual boosters unnecessary.

7 things you can do There are several steps you can take to help protect your animal companion from the adverse effects of overvaccination.

• Inversely related to dog weight • Vaccines prescribed on a one-dose-fits-all basis, rather than by body weight • Increased for dogs up to two years of age, then declined • Greater for neutered versus sexually intact dogs • Increased as number of vaccines given together increased • Increased after the third or fourth vaccination • Genetic predisposition to adverse events documented Factors that increase risk of adverse events three days after vaccination: • Young adult age • Small breed size • Neutering • Multiple vaccines given per visit

Feline vaccine adverse events: • Retrospective cohort study; 0.5 million cats vaccinated at 329 veterinary hospitals • 51.6 adverse events per 10,000 cats vaccinated • Inversely related to cat weight • Increased for cats about one year of age • Greater for neutered versus sexually intact cats • Increased as number of vaccines given together increased • Lethargy with or without fever was most common sign Factors that increase risk of adverse events 30 days after vaccination: • Young adult age • Neutering • Multiple vaccines given per visit Moore, et al, JAVMA, 227:1102–1108, 2005.

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animal wellness

 Ask to have titer tests done on your dog or cat in lieu of annual or three year boosters.  Concentrate on core vaccines, and avoid additional unnecessary vaccines.  Be cautious about vaccinating sick or febrile individuals.  Work with your vet to tailor a specific minimal vaccination protocol, especially for animals of breeds or families known to be at increased risk for adverse reactions.  With a puppy or kitten, start the vaccination series later, such as nine or ten weeks of age when the immune system is more able to handle antigenic challenge.  Pay particular attention to the puppy or kitten’s behavior and overall health after vaccination.  Avoid re-vaccination of individuals that have already experienced a significant adverse event.

The problems associated with over-vaccination have been getting a lot of attention over the past ten years or so, and even though many veterinarians and other animal professional appear unwilling to accept what recent research has been telling us, the tide is turning.

Rabies

Challenge Fund – the results so far

By W. Jean Dodds, DVM and Kris L. Christine

As any animal lover knows, rabies vaccine is the one immunization required by law. All dogs and cats must receive it at least once every three years, after the initial two-dose series, even though researchers believe this vaccine causes among the most and worst adverse reactions.

To address this situation, we established the Rabies Challenge Fund Charitable Trust (rabieschallengefund.org) in 2005. The mission is to better define the duration of immunity (DOI) conveyed by rabies vaccine in dogs. The eventual goal is to extend the legally required interval for rabies boosters to five and then seven years. The Rabies

Challenge Fund also intends to establish the world’s first canine rabies titer standard with research backed by the same federal challenge criteria required to license rabies vaccines.

This vaccine research project is being performed by Dr. Ronald Schultz at the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine. The study follows the strictly defined federal standards for licensing rabies vaccines and involves concurrent five- and seven-year challenge trials. The funds are collected

by Dr. Dodds at Hemopet, and distributed annually to the University of Wisconsin Foundation.

Continued on page 48.

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Continued from page 47.

To date, funds have been sent to the University of Wisconsin Foundation for five years of the study – $175,000 for each of the first two years, $150,000 for year three, and $145,000 for years four and five. Hemopet provides the financial accounting and tax filings for the Trust.

Summary of five-year DOI study The first rabies vaccine studied was selected based on the superior response it provided in the USDA challenge trials for licensing; it is no longer available now as the company merged with another.

Then, a second licensed rabies vaccine was administered to a separate group of dogs two years after the first study began, so that two licensed rabies vaccines would be tested. The second vaccine selected is the one currently administered to a very high percentage of dogs.

Both vaccines demonstrated excellent response based on rabies antibody testing for each of the first three study years. However, fewer than 30% of dogs in the first vaccine group, now six years since vaccination, had serum rabies antibody titer levels considered adequate on the Rapid Fluorescent Focus Inhibition Test (RFFIT) (above the 0.1 IU/mL level stated by the Centers for Disease Control to be an adequate response to rabies vaccination

1

Several factors affect immune response to vaccines – An animal’s size, age and breed, as well as the sampling time and vaccine used, have significant effects on the rabies titers measured to comply with the internationally accepted antibody titer of 0.5 IU/mL for entry into rabies-free countries like the UK and Sweden. The data in two separate studies showed that: a. Smaller dogs elicited higher rabies antibody levels than larger breeds. b. The duration of rabies immunity also varied between breeds.

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Our conclusion from studies with the initial rabies vaccine is that the immunity conferred by that product, and assessed by the RFFIT, was excellent for the first three years, then declined during the fourth year, and continued to drop during the fifth.

Nevertheless, the dogs that completed the five-year study who were given a second rabies vaccine (even those with rabies antibody titers that dropped below the RFFIT adequate level), demonstrated boosted rabies titers, indicating the presence of an active immune memory cell response. The second vaccine group, which is now four-and-a-half years from vaccination, will remain on study for two more years.

We are continuing to raise funds to complete years six and seven of the Rabies Challenge Fund study and look forward to the results, which should benefit all dogs everywhere.

3 important issues about rabies vaccine

Not all vets comply with new mandates – All 50 states now recognize the three-year rabies vaccine, although some county ordinances still require annual boosters. Thus, the vast majority of dogs in the United States can follow a three-year rabies booster protocol after the initial two-dose series is given within 12 months. In some states, however, veterinarians are given the discretion whether to administer more frequent boosters.

If veterinarians believe that rabies boosters should be given annually or biennially (every two years), they can usually talk their clients into doing so. In Minnesota, this issue has created a longstanding controversy and public campaign to overturn the practice by which veterinarians date rabies vaccine certificates for only two years even though they administered a three-year vaccine. North Dakota has similar issues.

2

in people).

Some of the dogs with low or no detected RFFIT antibody were further tested to determine if they had “immunologic memory”.

This in vitro test shows whether memory is present or not, even in cases when serum antibody cannot be detected at a level considered to be adequate. The results of this further testing indicated that most of the dogs vaccinated five years ago, even without an adequate RFFIT, do have “immunologic memory”.

animal wellness

c. Young animals, less than one year of age, generated a lower antibody response to rabies vaccination than adults. d. The number of days between vaccine administration and when the rabies titers were measured was also an important determining factor. e. Failure to achieve the required rabies antibody level also varied among different vaccines tested: two vaccines performed equally well, and significantly better than the others. These findings were confirmed in a separate French study.

3

Mercury is used in most vaccines – Despite their toxicity, mercury compounds have been widely used in medicine.

Called thimerosol, mercury is used in all but two of the rabies vaccines licensed in North America. Mercury and other heavy metals affect the body in two main ways: through toxic and immunological reactions – the latter causing hypersensitivity or autoimmunity. Studies show that metals, including mercury, can be a risk factor for the development of various autoimmune diseases, such as thyroiditis, multiple sclerosis and kidney disease, as well as nonspecific symptoms such as chronic fatigue and myalgia (muscle pain). Studies have shown that mercury can induce reactions, such as skin disease or autoimmunity, depending on the individual animal’s genetic makeup.

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APOPTOGENS – important supplements you’ve never heard of.

C

ell death isn’t always a bad thing. In fact, natural cell suicide, a type of genetically programmed cell death known as apoptosis, can be a very good thing. Old cells die by apoptosis every day, to make room for healthy new cells.

This natural cell suicide is also turned on when a cell becomes deranged or damaged. Conversely, if apoptosis genes don’t turn on when they should, health suffers.

“The lack of normal apoptosis is a hallmark of all cancers, no matter where they occur in the body,” says Dr. Demian Dressler, veterinarian and author of The Dog Cancer Survival Guide. One in three dogs — and one in two over the age of ten — develop cancer, with its lack of normal apoptosis.

Scientists have known about apoptosis for over a century. But a deeper understanding of its significance surged in 2002, when the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to Sydney Brenner, H. Robert Horvitz and John E. Sulston “for their discoveries concerning genetic regulation of organ development and programmed cell death.” Ever since, pharmaceutical companies have been spending billions developing synthetic pharmaceutical apoptogens.

Yet Mother Nature has already invented apoptogens, in the form of plant-based bioflavonoids such as luteolin, curcumin and apigenin.

These tiny molecules, when extracted from foods and carefully formulated, naturally wake up the apoptosis genes in old, damaged, or deranged cells. Turmeric contains curcumin, which is now the blueprint for over 40 different synthetic anti-cancer drugs. Apigenin

is found in parsley, while luteolin is found in plants like celery, green peppers, artichokes, and peanut hulls. Dr. Dressler, the chief medical officer at Functional Nutriments, is the maker of the world’s first apoptogen supplement for dogs, Apocaps CX. Supplementation is not just for cases of apoptosis deficiency.

Supplementing healthy dogs with smaller maintenance doses of apoptogens on a daily basis is very beneficial. Functional Nutriments includes select apoptogens in their daily dog supplement, EverPup. It also includes Omega-3s, glucosamine, probiotics, prebiotics, and a range of vitamins and minerals – and incorporates a special technology called Biovadex to slip the apoptogens through the body’s defenses into the bloodstream, so they can reach the cells.

A quick glance at the label might lead you to believe EverPup is “missing” some ingredients we’ve come to expect. For example, with the inclusion of glucosamine, EverPup offers full joint support – but the hyaluronic acid we’re used to seeing is not a separate ingredient. Instead, it’s created by the synergy of certain apoptogens.

“It turns out that Mother Nature has already invented the wheel,” Dr. Dressler says. “We’ve got caught up over the last few years in thinking more supplements are better, but the reality is we only need a few, carefully balanced and working together. Now we can avoid over-dosing, and still get more benefits than we would if we were giving six or more separate supplements.”

Article provided by Functional Nutriments (functionalnutriments.com). animal wellness

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Check out the

Stuff on Scout’s Head

whimsical

His balancing act has made him a star – and an “spokesdog” for pit bulls.

irresistible

By Ann Brightman

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animal wellness

e’s patient, good-natured and droll. And he has a uniquely humorous talent that has attracted attention from news networks, TV shows and dog lovers all over the globe. Scout is a charming nine-year-old pit bull who loves to balance “stuff” on his large, handsome, unusually flat head. And that stuff can include just about anything you can imagine – from sombreros and party hats, to vases of flowers, board games, and even a stack of pancakes!

It may seem an unusual calling for any dog, but then Scout is one of a kind, according to his “mom”, Jen Gillen. Certainly, when you look at his photos, it’s almost impossible to imagine that he was once a scared, malnourished soul who had been neglected, abused and underfed by his former family.

“He came from the All Breed Canine Rescue in St. Thomas, Ontario,” Jen says. (Turn to page 72 to learn more about this rescue.) “When I first adopted him, he was super antisocial. The rescue told me he was very scared of other dogs, and that he didn’t even like cuddling.”

Jen could see Scout’s potential, however, and instantly connected with him. “I knew he was the dog for me.” She determined to give him a second chance at life with loads of TLC and positive training. “Within three months, he was a totally different dog,” she says. “Together, we were able to work through his separation anxiety and social issues, and he started blossoming into the big lapdog he is today!”

As if Scout’s transformation into a gentle and loving canine companion wasn’t amazing enough, Jen also discovered something else about her new friend. “He can balance anything on his very flat (and kissable) head,” she laughs. “It all started with a friend’s suggestion, and the way Scout sits very still. It made me realize there was some potential with this. I’ve never let Scout get away with begging, so with a little bit of extra training we were able to cultivate this into a really rad series of pictures. I make him sit and stay for everything – going outside, crossing the street, waiting for food – so all I had to do was ask him to sit and stay with objects on his head!”

The result was “Stuff on Scout’s Head”, a website devoted to delightful photos of the fun-loving pit bull balancing a range of objects on his head. “One picture that really stands out in my mind is the vase of flowers sent to Scout by a local florist who is an amazing dog lover herself – she never thought they would end up on his head, but she was delighted!” In other photos, Scout is balancing a huge rawhide bone, a bunch of asparagus, an empty paint tin, a notebook computer – you name it, Scout’s had it on his head!

When he’s not balancing stuff on his head, Scout likes to chill out with Jen’s other canine companion, Rudy.

But “Stuff on Scout’s Head” also has a serious side. One of Jen’s main goals is to help educate people about pit bulls, and disprove the false belief that they’re vicious, unpredictable dogs. And because the province of Ontario has Breed Specific Legislation, that makes Jen’s job even more challenging.

“I think as a whole it’s wrong to label an entire breed as ‘bad’,” she says, adding that she sometimes encounters negativity from those who fear the pit bull breed. “We do what we can. Scout has a baby blue muzzle with decorative sparkle bones on it, and he always walks at my side to help him look as friendly as possible.”

Despite his amiable demeanor, however, Jen says people still go out of their way to avoid him. “Once, he was wearing a cowl-neck knit scarf and a mother made her daughter cross the street as the toddler laughed and pointed out: ‘Mommy, that dog is wearing a scarf!’”

Jen has been posting her fun photos for over two years as a way to help soften people’s attitude towards pit bulls. But what she didn’t expect is that Scout and animal wellness

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his talent would suddenly be discovered by the media. Over the past six months alone, he has appeared on CTV News, Animal Planet, numerous social media sites, and most recently, the Rachel Ray Show in New York. “It was amazing!” Jen says of the latter trip.

There’s now also a book in the works, titled Lessons in Balance: A Dog’s Reflection on Life. “It will be coming out in the fall, which is super exciting,” enthuses Jen. “There will be a lot of really fun pics along with some words of wisdom that we can’t really divulge yet! I’m so glad we’re able to raise awareness not only about pit bulls, but also about rescue, through all of this. As a whole, we’ll continue educating, raising awareness, and rebranding what everyone thinks of when they hear the words ‘pit bull’.”

With his affectionate and whimsical personality, Scout is perfectly suited to the task of being a “spokedog” for his breed.

“He’s definitely a charmer, and quite the ladies’ man! He has a great combination of typical pit bull features, a soft soulful look, and even the occasional wink and smirk.

“It’s true that dogs come into your life at the right time and this was no exception,” Jen concludes. “I think to pinpoint the greatest joy Scout has brought me is very hard, but just being able to watch this guy develop into who he is now – and having him by my side – there are no words to describe it.”

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D gs Cats

Filling gap the

AN ANESTHESIA-FREE PIONEER ADDS A NEW DIMENSION TO DENTISTRY FOR DOGS AND CATS.

Dental care

is vital to good oral health in dogs and cats -- but very few actually get it. Some surveys estimate that less than 10% of animals with periodontal disease receive the treatment they need.1 For reasons that include expense, fear of anesthesia risk, and lack of education, a large population of dogs and cats remain untreated for this progressive disease.

Ken Kurtz (pictured above) believes that regular dental maintenance is important not just for oral health, but to the overall well being and longevity of our companion animals. He also understands that traditional veterinary dental procedures present obstacles for many people and prevent them from maintaining consistent care. So in 1992, Ken set out to develop an alternative to traditional anesthetic dentals. “By combining traditional dentistry methods with my own specialized techniques, I found that I could perform a full dental cleaning, effectively and safely, without anesthesia,” he says.

With the help of a handful of local veterinarians, Ken began offering his anesthesia-free treatment at their clinics. The response was immediate and positive, and Animal Dental Care was born. Today, the company offers its Preventative Dental Cleaning and Assessment (PDCA) service in over 300 animal hospitals.

We’re offering a safe and effective form of care that has more appeal for a significant percentage of people with dogs and cats. Whatever their reasons for avoiding anesthetic dental treatment, those people now have an option other than no treatment at all.”

Like any complex procedure, however, the results of an anesthesia-free treatment depend on the skills of the person performing it. This is where Animal Dental Care sets itself apart, claims veterinarian Dr. Michael Borin. “Through intensive training, ongoing education, and constant review, we field the most highly-skilled practitioners. And our dedication to working cooperatively with veterinarians ensures that animals get the best treatment possible.”

Asked about Animal Dental Care’s long-term goals, Ken responds, “Over 80% of adult dogs and cats have dental disease. By filling the gap between home brushing and full anesthetic dental treatments, and by educating people about the importance of a comprehensive approach to dental health, we want to reduce that percentage. The end goal? Healthier, happier animals for everyone!” thinkpets.com/articles/Revenue-from-Dental-Services-GoingUntapped.aspx?print=true

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“I see PDCA as part of the total veterinary dental solution,” says Ken. “We’re not trying to replace traditional dentals. animal wellness

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COMMUNICATORS

HOLISTIC HEALTHCARE • In home support by RVTs •Senior pets • Special needs • Hospice Santa Rosa, CA, (707) 695-2500 www.animalrn.com

INTEGRATIVE VETS Affordable Holistic Animal Therapies West Hollywood, CA USA Phone: 323-304-2984 Dr. Autumn Drouin, DVM, ND and Dr. Sasan Haghighat (Hyatt), DVM, CVA North-East Newmarket Veterinary Service Newmarket, ON Canada Phone: (905) 830-1030 Email: holisticveterinarian@gmail.com Website: www.holistic-vet.ca Janice DeFonda Can We Talk Fayetteville, NY USA Phone: (315) 329-0116 Email: angelwhispurr@gmail.com Website: www.angelwhispurr.com

Ballantrae Animal Hospital Margaret Hacking, DVM Stouffville, ON Canada Phone: (905) 640-6809 Website: www.AnimalWellnessCentre.com Beechmount Animal Hospital Waterloo, ON Canada Phone: (519) 888-6590 Website: www.beechmountanhosp.ca

Family Veterinary Center Haydenville, MA USA Phone: (413) 268-8387 Website: www.famvets.com Gail Jewell, DVM Kelowna, BC Canada Phone: (888) 622-8300 Website: www.holisticvet.ca

Individualized, Integrative Veterinary Care • Acupuncture • Chiropractic •Conventional Medicine •Therapeutic Nutrition •Traditional Chinese Medicine Guelph, Ontario, Canada (519)836-2782 www.GuelphVet.com info@GuelphVet.com Harwood Oaks Animal Clinic Bedford, TX USA Phone: 817-354-7676 Website: www.harwoodoaksanimalclinic.com Hawks Prairie Veterinary Hospital Lacey, WA USA Phone: (360) 459-6556 Email: hawksprairievet@yahoo.com Website: www.hawksprairieveterinaryhospital.com Holistic Animal Care Stephanie Chalmers, DVM, CVH Santa Rosa, CA USA Phone: (707) 538-4643 Home Vet Weston , CT USA Phone: (203) 222-7979 Website: www.homevet.com Horizon Veterinary Services Susan Maier, DVM Simpsonville, KY USA Phone: (502) 722-8231 Email: horizonvetserv@yahoo.com Website: www.horizonvetserv.com Integrated Veterinary Clinic Sacramento, CA USA Phone: 916-454-1825

Advertise your business in the Wellness Resource Guide 1-866-764-1212

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Dr. Shawn Messonnier Paws and Claws Vet Clinic Plano, TX USA Phone: (972) 712-0893 Email: shawnvet@sbcglobal.net Website: www.pettogethers.net/healthypet

communicators - holistic healthcare - integrative vets - natural products Reiki therapy - resource directory - schools & wellness education - shelters & rescues

Steven Marsden, DVM Edmonton Holistic Veterinary Clinic Edmonton, AB Canada Phone: 780-436-4944

RESOURCE DIRECTORY

Mark Newkirk, VMD Newkirk Family Veterinarians gg Harbor Township, NJ USA Phone: (609) 645-2120 Email: mnewk@alternativevet.com Website: www.alternativevet.com

NATURAL PRODUCT

MANUFACTURERS & DISTRIBUTORS

California Coastal Horse Rescue Ojai, CA USA Phone: (805) 649-1090 Website: www.calcoastalhorserescue.com

SCHOOLS & WELLNESS EDUCATION PetMassage, Ltd. Toledo, OH USA Toll Free: (800) 779-1001 Phone: (419) 475-3539 Email: info@petmassage.com Website: www.petmassage.com

NATURAL PRODUCT RETAILERS

Columbia-Willamette Beagle Rescue Portland, OR USA Phone: (503) 243-4619 Golden Retriever Club of Greater LA Rescue Los Angeles, CA USA Phone: (818) 700-5200 Email: Hurd@pacbell.net Website: www.grcglarescue.org Grey2K USA Somerville, MA USA Toll Free: (866) 2-GREY2K Phone: (617) 666-3526 Email: christine@grey2kusa.org Website: www.grey2kusa.org Greyhound Rescue & Rehabilitation Cross River, NY USA Phone: (914) 763-2221 Email: greytest1@aol.com

DERMagic Skin Care for Animals, Inc. Kingston, WA USA Phone: (425) 637-4643 Email: info@DERMagic.com Website: www.DERMagic.net

New England Brittany Rescue Perkasie, PA USA Phone: (781) 275-0630 Website: www.nebr.petfinder.org

Dog Gone Dirt All Natural Dog & Horse Skin Care Products Crescent City, FL USA Phone: (386) 559-3454 Email: doggonedirt@yahoo.com Website: www.doggonedirt.com

REIKI THERAPY

Boston Terrier Club of America PA USA Phone: (724) 883-4732 Email: btcaresc@greenepa.net

Treetops Rocklyn Limited Alliston, ON Canada Toll Free: (866) 919-8733 Phone: (705) 735-6174 Email: info@treetops.on.ca Website: www.treetopsweb.com Well Animal Institute Brighton, CO USA Phone: (303) 514-0076 Email: info@wellanimalinstitute.com Website: www.wellanimalinstitute.com

Pets & People Homefinders Culver City, CA USA Phone: (310) 398-6683 Email: jc@pets-people.com Website: www.pets-people.com Golden Retriever Club of Greater LA Rescue Los Angeles, CA USA Phone: (818) 700-5200 Email: Hurd@pacbell.net Website: www.grcglarescue.org

SHELTERS & RESCUES Alaskan Malamute Mt. Gilead, OH USA Phone: (419) 512-2423 Email: shaman@brightnet.net Animal Avengers Los Angeles, CA USA Phone: (323) 655-4220 Email: admin@animalavengers.com Website: www.animalavengers.com

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feline WELLNESS Hip, cool and healthy!

FOCUS on FIV

How alternative therapies can help her lead a normal life

Does he hate being

GROOMED? Maybe acupressure can help

Cat Chat Saying goodbye

– from Lil BUB to cat cafés

TO A SPECIAL FRIEND feline wellness

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CAT CHAT 1 Feline

Feline NEWS FROM THE ASPCA

phenomenon Lil BUB (left) is helping special needs cats across the country. All donations collected for Lil BUB’s BIG Fund for the ASPCA will be distributed to animal welfare organizations to support cats that need special care or help getting adopted, due to conditions such as birth defects, developmental disabilities, mobility impairment and more. In addition, 8% to 10% of the purchase price of items in the Bub Store (store.lilbub.com) will be donated to the fund.

Grants made through the fund will go to programs at shelters, rescues and other animal welfare groups for veterinary care, rehabilitation, hospice and sanctuary care, shelter enrichment, foster programs, adoption events and more. aspca.org/secure/lilbub

2 Looking for a special piece of jewelry that not only looks good but does good? The Cat EcoFriendly Sterling Silver Necklace (left) was created by artist Sara Pocius of Sea Pony Studios in Los Angeles. All proceeds made from each necklace go to the ASPCA to help provide animals with a second chance at life.

Sara was awarded a $5,000 grant from the Feline Arts Grant Council to produce 100 necklaces.

“As an undeniable cat person, it’s such an honor to help raise funds for all the animals rescued by the ASPCA,” she says. “Designing something beautiful for people that also generates love and support for the animals is an amazing feeling.”

Order at aspcaonlinestore.com/product/46413.

CAT

cafés COME TO CANADA

It’s no longer just a Japanese or European phenomenon. Cat cafés are popping up in Canada too. For example, Café Chat l’Heureux is opening this summer in Montreal. It will offer drinks and pastries as well as Wifi access and books – and, of course, a chance to interact and play with adoptable cats. The project is being spearheaded by Clément Marty, whose goal is to raise awareness of the plight of shelter animals.

As of this writing, Toronto and Vancouver may also become home to cat cafés in the nottoo-distant future. The Vancouver café (dubbed Catfe) could be opening as soon as this fall, while the Toronto one (Smitten Kitten Café) is still in the earliest planning stages.

facebook.com/pages/Caf%C3%A9-Chat-lheureux-cat-caf%C3%A9Montr%C3%A9al/714917808526964 or facebook.com/catfe Clément Marty is opening Montreal’s first cat café this summer.

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It’s a serious disease with no cure, but alternative therapies can boost immunity and help infected cats lead a normal life.

By Janice Huntingford, DVM

FOCUS ON FIV

S

ydney was dismayed when her young rescue cat, Tigger, was diagnosed with FIV. “I figured I’d lose him almost as soon as I adopted him,” she says. But thanks to a holistic treatment regime, Sydney was able to boost Tigger’s immune system to keep him relatively healthy. The friendly orange tabby is now five years old and doing well. “You wouldn’t think anything was wrong with him,” Sydney says.

kitten through milk, but that sexual transmission is not considered a significant cause of viral spread. If an FIV-positive cat lives in a household with other uninfected cats, transmission is not likely unless they fight. Casual contact does not spread this virus. Although FIV is similar to the human immunodeficiency virus, it is feline specific and not contagious to people or dogs.

Feline immunodeficiency virus or FIV is a retrovirus in the same family as the feline leukemia virus. It is classified by virologists as a “lentivirus” because it has a very slow mode of action. The FIV virus attacks the immune system and is found worldwide, and in the United States the infection rate is between 2% to 3% of all cats. Among sick or at-risk cats, the infection rate can be as high as 15%.

When an infected cat bites another cat, the virus is injected into the bloodstream by way of the canine teeth. The virus then travels via the blood to the closest lymph node where it multiples inside the cells. It spreads to all the other lymph nodes and may cause them to increase in size. A fever may be present at this point, but will likely go unnoticed unless the lymph nodes are very large or the cat seems ill. Most cats infected with FIV never eliminate the infection; it persists in the body and slowly destroys the immune system over months or years.

HOW IS IT SPREAD?

SECONDARY INFECTIONS ARE BIGGEST DANGER

FIV is most commonly spread by bite wounds, so unneutered, aggressive male outdoor cats are at the greatest risk. Indoor cats have the lowest risk of contracting the disease. Studies indicate that the virus can occasionally be transferred from mother to

Many cats with FIV live for years and appear completely normal. But because the virus attacks the immune system, the cat is eventually unable to cope with common bacteria, viruses and parasites found in the environment. Most of the clinical

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signs associated with FIV arise from secondary infections, not the virus itself.

After the cat has been infected for a number of years and the immune system is no longer functioning well, you may see the following clinical signs of disease: • Loss of appetite • Chronic weight loss • Persistent fever • Poor hair coat • Inflammation of gums and mouth • Chronic recurrent bladder, skin or respiratory tract infections • Persistent diarrhea • Cancerous tumors • Neurological conditions such as seizures and behavioral changes • Bleeding disorders and bone marrow problems

HOLISTIC TREATMENTS ARE THE BEST BET If you have a FIV-infected cat, keep him indoors so you do not spread the virus. He should be spayed or neutered and have regular veterinary checkups. It’s recommended that he be the only cat in the household, but if this isn’t possible and all the cats get along without fighting, then the risk to the others is low.

SHOULD YOU HAVE YOUR CAT TESTED?

To diagnose FIV, a sample of the cat’s blood is tested for antibodies to the virus. If the antibody is present, it indicates the cat is infected. If a cat tests positive, however, he is generally re-tested because false positives can occur. Kittens born to FIV-positive mothers may have antibodies without actually having the virus. Kittens should be tested after six months of age to ensure accuracy.

Even if a cat tests negative, he should be re-tested in 60 days if there has been possible exposure from a bite wound – it takes a number of weeks before the viral antibodies can be detected.

Have your cat tested for FIV if he: • Has never been tested • Is sick • Is newly adopted and you do not know his FIV status • Is a stray • Has been exposed to an infected cat

It is difficult to know how long your infected cat will live. If he shows no clinical signs, he may enjoy a normal lifespan, but if he suffers from weight loss, persistent fevers and infections, his longevity may be reduced. There are no conventional treatments for FIV. There is a vaccination, but it’s controversial and generally not recommended.

From a holistic perspective, FIV cats need to be treated like immune deficient individuals.

 Stress reduction is very important.  Homotoxicology and homeopathy can be helpful supports. A homeopathic nosode for FIV does exist and shows some promise.

 Astragalus and herbal formulations with isatis are useful because of their antiviral properties. There are Western and Chinese herbal formulas that contain these herbs and are helpful to build immune function.

 A good, well balanced, preferably homemade diet can do a lot to help support the cat’s stressed immune system. A raw diet is not recommended because these cats are immune compromised.

Although FIV is a serious disease, it does not have to be a death sentence. With the proper care, many infected cats go on to live long and happy lives. feline wellness

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ACUPRESSURE can help her accept grooming Older or long-haired cats often need help with their cleaning regime, but may not take kindly to being brushed or combed. This simple session can help turn your kitty’s aversion to enjoyment.

By Amy Snow and Nancy Zidonis Orca, a handsome black and white tuxedo cat with a mediumlength coat, was a fastidious groomer when he was young. When he wasn’t hunting up a good game or sleeping in sun puddles, he was rolling in dust then strenuously licking every inch of his lovely coat. His sleek body glowed, from the adorable black smudge on his nose to the tip of his long, expressive tail.

As Orca has aged, however, a less-than-glossy strip has appeared down the middle of his back. The hair is stuck together and appears dull and spiky. After watching him during his grooming ritual, it soon became obvious to me that he is having trouble reaching the center of his back. Age has a way of making us all stiffer and less supple!

It’s time to give Orca a bit of grooming assistance. Trouble is, even with good and gentle intentions, Orca isn’t particularly happy about getting help from a human. Though he loves cuddling and petting, the brush and fine-toothed comb seem too invasive for him. His first reaction is to run and hide. It’s going to take a slow and steady approach to help Orca become less reactive to being groomed.

The grooming process Cats spend roughly half their waking hours meticulously grooming themselves. Most follow a familiar grooming ritual, and start by washing the mouth, chin and whiskers with a damp front paw. Next comes a powerful licking of the forelegs and shoulders. The cat then moves down to his flanks hind legs, genitals and tail.

This is a rigorous and focused procedure – and he isn’t done yet! Next,

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he’ll scratch his neck and ears with a back paw. This is followed by nibbling the nails to keep them sharp. If there’s more than one cat in the household, they often help each other out by grooming areas on the body that are difficult to reach, like the back of the neck and top of the head.

A cat’s rough, scratchy tongue stimulates an oily secretion or sebum from the sebaceous glands located at the base of each hair follicle. This oily substance is spread over the cat’s coat, both lubricating and waterproofing his fur. Cats like to roll in dry dirt as part of the cleansing process. The oil is absorbed into the dust and the cat can then lick the excess oil from his fur.

A helping hand Older cats and/or those with joint issues may find it increasingly difficult to groom themselves thoroughly. Long-haired cats, meanwhile, are susceptible to matting. It’s difficult for these cats to tease mats out of a soft, thick, long coat. Matted hair can lead to skin infections and discomfort. In cases like this, for the cat’s health and comfort, human intervention is needed.

Given their natural inclination to groom themselves, however, a lot of cats don’t take too kindly to having us whip out brushes, combs and soft cloths and going after them to clean them up.

It might take a long time to desensitize your cat to the use of grooming tools, but there’s to reason to rush.

1 Start by going gently down his back with a wide-toothed comb. Repeat this simple way of connecting with him as often as he seems open to it.

2 Reinforce this desensitization combing technique with acupressure. It can help your cat become comfortable with grooming more quickly.

Acupoints for trust Specific acupressure points (“acupoints”) on your cat’s body are

E

known to enhance trust and create a sense of well being.

Specifically, two acupoints on the foreleg just above his wrist (carpus) help reduce fear by calming the mind and building trust (see chart at right).

• Heart 7 (Ht 7) is located in the little indented space on the outside (lateral side) of the cat’s paw above his wrist, between the tendon and wrist bone.

• Pericardium 7 (Pe 7) is found on the inside (medial side) of the cat’s paw, exactly opposite Ht 7. You will feel the tendons on the inside of the paw above the wrist when holding Pe 7.

To perform the session, simultaneously hold Ht 7 and Pe 7 between the soft tips of your thumb and forefinger, on each side of the cat’s paw.

Don’t press too hard. Hold the points for a slow count of 20, then do the same on the other front leg.

With some patience on your part, this simple acupressure session will help your cat accept your grooming assistance, and even come to enjoy it.

Cats like to be clean Cats want to be clean; in the wild, in fact, it’s necessary for their survival. A cat is a predatory animal, but if he emits an odor, his rodent supper would be alerted to his whereabouts and escape.

Cleanliness also helps prevent the cat from attracting unwanted attention from other predators. Neither prey nor predators should be able to smell him hiding or approaching.

Feline cleanliness is also a matter of health. If cats weren’t as industrious about their grooming regime, their wellbeing would be compromised by skin infections and parasites. When a cat isn’t making the effort to groom, it’s often an indicator that he isn’t well; it’s abnormal for a cat not to take grooming seriously.

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Ka lay a’s

LAST VISIT

GROWING UP AND MOVING AWAY DIDN’T DIMINISH MY LOVE FOR THIS SPECIAL CAT, ESPECIALLY ON THE NIGHT SHE PASSED.

By Sharon Therien

When I was 14, my family and I went to a beatup farmhouse in small-town New Jersey that was advertising kittens. The owner of the house came to us with five kittens in her arms. We requested a female, so she handed us the only one in the litter.

The first night after we brought Kalaya home, she wouldn’t stop trying to cuddle with me under the covers. Normally I would love that, but I quickly discovered she was covered in fleas – and so was I! To this day, I still feel bad that we had to lock her in the bathroom that night, when all she wanted was some love.

Although all her siblings had orange and white stripes, the

HAPPY MEMORIES

female kitten had a beautiful layer of speckled brown and black over her stripes. She was a beauty, with large golden eyes and a diamond-shaped patch of fur on her forehead. We took her home with us, ecstatic to have a new feline friend.

We had recently lost our precious Siamese, Snowflake, and were ready to fill the hole in our hearts. We also felt that our other cat, Sydney, needed a new companion.

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My family and I quickly made up for that first night. Kalaya slept on our beds countless nights after that, alternating between my parents, brother and me. She also received plenty of love from Sydney. They would cuddle on the couch or in a dresser drawer, and Sydney would lick her clean, just as he had done with Snowflake. Sometimes, the two of them sat on my lap together.

Although there was barely enough space, we made it work.

When we were both young, I would chase Kalaya across the yard into the woods and she would come zooming out from under the hanging branches to chase me back. She was such a playful cat. My brother would flick folded paper footballs into the air and she would fly higher than I’ve ever seen a cat jump to catch them. She also loved the outdoors. She would spend countless hours in the garden simply enjoying the sun, patiently hunting mice and rolling in catnip plants.

Don’t get me wrong, though – Kalaya wasn’t always sweet. She had a vengeful side, and would give you a swift all-claws-out whack for an unforgiven crime, or for petting her when she wasn’t in the mood!

MOVING AWAY When I left home to go to college, it was hard for me to leave Kalaya. I think it was hard for her too. I only saw her when I visited my mom, and that only included some weekends and a few months between semesters. My visits dwindled to a couple of weeks a year when I moved to Florida.

Just about every time I arrived at my mom’s house, I would find Kalaya in the form of a lump in the bed, sleeping under the covers. She would act like she didn’t know me and would give me the cold shoulder. But after a couple of hours, she would inevitably sit on my lap.

The last time I saw Kalaya, she snuggled with me the whole time I was home, and I wonder in hindsight if she knew she was dying.

When we were both young, I would chase Kalaya across the yard into the woods and she would come zooming out from under the hanging branches to chase me back.”

ONE LAST MOMENT About six months after that trip, when Kalaya was 14, we discovered she had kidney failure – the same condition Sydney had died from a few years before. We knew she was dying, but I was unfortunately unable to make the trip to New Jersey to say goodbye. She quickly declined, and even though I was living so far away, I had trouble imagining a world without Kalaya in it. My mom had been planning to move to Florida in the near future, and I was looking forward to seeing Kalaya more often…but now that wasn’t going to happen.

When I knew Kalaya’s time was near, I asked my mom to hold the phone up to her. I told her how much I loved her and I said goodbye. While reading later that night, I suddenly felt as if Kalaya was with me. I savored the moment and then looked at the time, planning to ask my mom if that’s when she died. It was 8:50 p.m.

The next morning, Mom called me and told me Kalaya had died at 3:00 a.m. I told her about my experience, and she said that was about the time Kalaya started relaxing and leaving this world. My mom said both she and my sister-in-law had similar experiences during the night.

Some might say it’s silly, or just wishful thinking to make myself feel better, but I’ll always believe Kalaya came to visit me before she left this earth. I still grieve over her sometimes, but I’m grateful I got to spend that one last moment with her. feline wellness

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THE SCOOP LEARN ABOUT FLOWER ESSENCES Nelsons USA, the North American distributor of Bach Flower Remedies, adds a new course to the Bach International Education Program. Pets & Their People is a one-day course that includes an introduction to the 38 remedies, and how they can be applied to common behavior problems. Visit BachRemedies.com and click on Training/Find a Course.

A HOME FOR DEBBIE Debbie, a stray Lab mix in a San Antonio neighborhood, has been walking local kids to school for seven years. In return, she received food, water and basic care.

Then she got hit by a car. She spent over a month at South Texas Veterinary Specialists, a BluePearl Veterinary Partners hospital, and now has a forever home with Ronald Zawacki-Maldonado, the schoolteacher who rescued her. bluepearlvet.com

NEW WEBSITE Zephyr’s Garden has unveiled a new and improved website. It offers easy access to information and product ordering for effective, herbal-based, all-natural topicals for dogs.

Zephyr’s Garden will now be identified as a Uckele Company, but product branding and formulas remain unchanged. zephyrsgarden.com

GRANTS FOR SPAY RESEARCH Found Animals, a non-profit working to find ways to reduce euthanasia, celebrates the five-year anniversary of its Michelson Prize & Grants initiative by approving $15 million in grant funding. It supports researchers in developing an alternative to traditional spay/ neuter procedures. Funds have been awarded to over 30 research teams.

FoundAnimals.org

ADOPTION ON THE MOVE Animal Care & Control of NYC (AC&C) recently unveiled its first dedicated Mobile Adoption Center. The brand new 26-foot long vehicle will enable AC&C to bring shelter dogs and cats to previously unreachable New Yorkers throughout the five boroughs, who are looking to adopt. nycacc.org

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Is your car

“doggy”?

Most canines love car rides, but accidents and messes are sometimes inevitable, and getting rid of odors, stains and hair can be challenging.

Check out these solutions.

By Lisa Evans

E

veryone loves summer road trips, especially the family dog. While your furry pal can make your vacation more fun, hours spent in a cramped vehicle can be a recipe for accidents. Wet, muddy feet, shed hair and long claws can wreak havoc with the upholstery, and if your dog suffers from motion sickness, you may also find yourself dealing with vomit from time to time. And even the best canine travelers can emit a “doggy” smell that lingers long after you’ve returned home. In short, if you have dogs, your vehicle may harbor many unpleasant odors and unsightly stains and marks.

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START WITH PREVENTION One way to protect your car’s interior is to take steps to prevent messes in the first place.

• If your dog has a strong smell, schedule a visit to your veterinarian. He or she will look for any medical reasons your dog may exude a foul odor. Veterinarian Dr. Jeffrey Levy says there are many reasons a dog may produce a bad smell, including dental problems, infections or wounds on the skin, coat conditions, or yeast in the ears.

• Bathe your dog regularly, or take him to a groomer. Dirt and feces can get trapped in many dogs’ coats, especially if the hair is long. Bathing your dog before a road trip will ensure he won’t bring any outside odors into your vehicle. Just make sure he’s well dried before he jumps in the back seat.

• If you’re bringing your dog’s bedding along for the ride, clean it before you put in the car. “You can put a deodorizing material between the bed and its cover, as long as you make sure your dog can’t eat it,” says Dr. Levy. Lavender oil or sachets are good ways to keep your pup’s bedding smelling clean and fresh.

• Put a car seat cover over your upholstery. Designed especially for dogs, many are waterproof and help protect fabrics from accidents as well as hair and dirt. You can find a wide selection of car seat covers at sites such as AutoAnything.com. You could

Keeping your dog’s nails trimmed will help prevent them from scratching or making holes in your car seats. also use towels to help protect your car’s upholstery from dirt, hair and stains; they’re easy to remove and can be tossed in the washing machine.

• Maintain proper aeration in the vehicle. Ensuring continuous airflow will not only help disperse odors but will make your dog more comfortable, reducing nausea or anxiety-induced vomiting. Turn on the ventilation system or air conditioning, or crack open the windows – but not far enough for your pooch to stick his head out.

• To further help prevent motion sickness, avoid giving your dog a meal prior to going out in the car.

• If you’re traveling a long distance, reduce the likelihood of accidents by stopping for frequent washroom breaks.

IN CASE OF ACCIDENTS Despite your best efforts, accidents aren’t always avoidable.

The key is to deal with them promptly to reduce the risk of staining, and use the right products to get rid of odor.

Clean up messes immediately, using a non-toxic upholstery or leather cleaner. This will help prevent stains from damaging

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your car’s interior. “The sooner a urine spot is treated, the less chance there is for it to bleach out the affected area, and the easier it is to remove the stain associated with the accident,” says Jotham Hatch at Chem-Dry, a carpet and upholstery cleaning service. Start by soaking up a urine or vomit stain with a cloth, paper towel or newspaper, then use a non-toxic odor eliminating product (see next section).

Avoid air fresheners. These may temporarily mask odor, but they aren’t a longterm solution. As well, your dog (and human passengers) may find the fragrance overwhelming and irritating. “Most products will disguise the smell for several hours or even days, but the fragrance typically weakens before the urine smell does,” says Jotham.

This is because air fresheners don’t actually eliminate the source of the smell.

“What your nose identifies as odor is actually a very small gas molecule,” says John Davidson of BioFog, a company that develops odor elimination products.

“The odor molecule is produced by bacteria that are eating a residue [such as urine or vomit].”

ODOR ELIMINATORS Many products only attack the odor molecules but don’t treat the source of the problem – the residue (urine or vomit) that the odor-causing bacteria feed from.

They may work temporarily, but over time, the bacteria multiply and produce more odor molecules, meaning you will have to frequently re-apply the product to keep the smell at bay. To permanently eliminate odors, you need to look for products that actually attack the source of the odor.

For example, SCOE 10X (scoe10x.com) from BioFog is a bacteria-based product that eats at the source of the odor (urine, vomit, etc.). This removes the food source from odor-causing bacteria to permanently eliminate the smell.

Nok Out (nokout.ca) from OdorTECH of Canada is a hypoallergenic and non-toxic odor eliminator that also gets rid of odor at the source, leaving no scent behind. It eliminates odors by oxidizing the bacteria that cause odors at the source.

By taking a few preventative steps and arming yourself with the right products for odor elimination, cleanup and upholstery protection, you and your dog can enjoy carefree car rides this summer!

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WHAT ABOUT HAIR AND DIRT? The best way to avoid smears of mud and shed hair in your vehicle is to cover your seats before your dog gets in. If this isn’t possible, deal with any mud stains on upholstery by letting them dry first; trying to remove wet mud from fabric will only spread the dirt particles and grind them deeper into the weave. Once the mud is dry, you can brush or vacuum up the dirt.

For leather seats, rub mud or dirt off using a cloth moistened with a mixture of water and vinegar.

Dog hair is more challenging to cope with. It can be vacuumed up from leather seats, but can be very hard to remove from upholstery. A range of methods exist, but none are perfect. Some people use tape to help pick up the hairs, while others will use a lint brush or a pair of wet rubber gloves (the type for washing dishes, with textured fingertips). Whichever method you use, it’ll take patience and persistence. The best way to avoid a lot of dog hair in your car is to keep him properly groomed, and cover the seats.

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To the Rescue All Breed Canine Rescue –

Animal Wellness will donate 40% of each subscription purchased using promo code AWA207 to All Breed Canine Rescue.

Location: London and St. Thomas, Ontario Year established: 2005 Number of staff/volunteers/foster homes: No paid staff; all volunteers and over 65 foster homes Types of animal they work with: “We save all breeds, ages and sizes of dog, from Chihuahuas to Labs,” says Lois Jackson. “We also rescue cats if they are going to be euthanized or die outside.”

Fundraising initiatives: “We are currently fundraising to pay off our vet debt, which climbed to an all-time high last year due to the increased number of sick and injured animals that came into the city pound or were surrendered by owners. We are under constant pressure to cover vet costs.”

Favorite rescue story: “Zeus was a scarred, scared pit bull at the St. Thomas City Pound.

He was going to be euthanized if I didn’t find someone to help him. I cast out a plea far and wide: ‘Zeus needs help, now!’

“A woman named Gerda Potzel saved Zeus’s life. ‘One of my own dogs passed away in August of 2013,’ Gerda writes. ‘On November 16, I had this sudden awakening from the beyond: You are a good mom, there is a dog that needs a home. I searched Pet Finder and the first link that appeared read: ZEUS – URGENT – Zeus is on a very short time limit at the city pound and must be adopted ASAP! Next day, my remaining dog Suzie and I drove the twoand-a-half hours to St. Thomas, and Zeus and I became buds forever after the first sniff.’” allbreedcaninerescue.petfinder.com

Animal Defense League of Texas –

Nellie and Rosa Rita have found a loving new home.

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ABCR volunteers Zeus

Animal Wellness will donate 40% of each subscription purchased using promo code AWA211 to Animal Defense League of Texas.

Location: San Antonio, TX Year established: 1934 Number of staff/volunteers/foster homes: Just over 50 full time staff, including a veterinarian and veterinary staff; 115 foster parents and over 1,000 volunteers Types of animal they work with: Abandoned, abused or neglected dogs and cats Fundraising initiatives: “Every event we attend is treated as a fundraising opportunity due to our animals’ needs,” says Hugo Vital. “Our operations are funded through donations, and our Annual Fur Ball is held each March.”

Favorite rescue story: “We transferred in two dachshund mixes from the city shelter last November. The mother and daughter pair, Nellie and Rosa Rita, were surrendered to the shelter after their owner passed away. The duo was followed online by a Las Vegas family that was put in contact with us.

They drove to San Antonio right after their Thanksgiving dinner and arrived on Black Friday. They adopted the dogs and drove back to Las Vegas that day. We are happy to report that Nellie and Rosa Rita are doing just fine!” adltexas.org

Animal Wellness has supported rescue efforts for almost 15 years and is a proud partner of Best Friends Animal Society. This column honors the work of shelters and rescues across North America.

For their full stories, visit www.AnimalWellnessMagazine.com

S.A.V.E. Rescue Coalition – The Maxmobile adoption trailer

Paco

Bullies in Need –

Animal Wellness will donate 40% of each subscription purchased using promo code AWA212 to S.A.V.E. Rescue Coalition.

Location: Houston, TX Year established: 2012 Number of staff/volunteers/foster homes: Over 60 volunteers Types of animal they work with: Homeless dogs and cats in the Houston area Fundraising initiatives: “We have no salaries and receive no government funding,” says Teresa B. “Rescue support, adoptions, fostering and everything else we do is community-based. For example, a local business did a dog wash and raised nearly $1,000, while a fundraiser silent auction by a volunteer raised nearly $2,500. We will be doing a Mutt Strutt to raise money in October.”

Favorite rescue story: “Paco was found in a parking lot with an injured rear leg.

We suspected a break and got him to our veterinarian, who did x-rays. Paco was underweight, heartworm positive, had an old break in his pelvis, and the x-rays revealed he had been shot – the bullet was visible in his leg and had fractured it in two places. Our veterinarian referred us to an orthopedic specialist, who decided that the best route for Paco is to remove the leg. So Paco will be having surgery, paid for by S.A.V.E. “Paco is a great little dog, with a lot of charm that has made him a S.A.V.E. favorite.

He has worked his way into the heart of his foster dad, so after his surgery and recovery, it looks like he will have a forever home.” saverescue.org

Animal Wellness will donate 40% of each subscription purchased using promo code AWA208 to Bullies in Need.

Location: Foster homes across southern Ontario, Quebec and Newfoundland Year established: 2005 Number of staff/volunteers/foster homes: No paid staff; volunteer numbers fluctuate and range from ten to 30 active coordinators, foster homes and fundraising volunteers Types of animal they work with: “Bullies In Need is dedicated to ‘pit bull type’ dogs in Ontario who face euthanasia in shelters as a result of Breed Specific Legislation,” says Patti Moore. “We regard the restoration of this breed’s reputation as the highest priority. We also focus on educating the public about this breed.”

Fundraising initiatives: “We are always fundraising to cover the costs of vetting, training and caring for the dogs in our program.”

Favorite rescue story: “During a drug raid in Hamilton in 2005, a pit bull puppy was found shoved in a crate two sizes too small for him. He was crouching because he didn’t have enough room to stand, he was under-socialized, and his body needed some healing. He blossomed in foster care and went from ugly duckling to Mighty Duck (our name for him)! We have never met a happier dog with such a zest for life.

“Mighty Duck was adopted to a wonderful couple in Newfoundland. That little drug raid puppy started his own revolution and is hands-down responsible for many more Bullies in Need dogs finding their forever homes in Newfoundland. Ducky has encouraged people to see beyond the words ‘pit bull’, and radiates all the wonderful qualities this breed is known for. He is the reason we rescue.” bulliesinneed.ca

Mighty Duck

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SHIITAKE

The

POWER medicinal mushrooms

MAITAKE

of

D gs Cats

ByIhorBasko,DVM,CVA

Mielle was diagnosed with a bleeding hemiangiosarcoma of the spleen. The 14-year-old standard poodle was weak from blood loss and had not eaten in a few days. She also had osteoarthritis in her knees, as well as spondylosis, and could hardly stand. The attending veterinarian thought her case hopeless and suggested it might be time to think about euthanasia.

Her family brought Mielle to me to for a second opinion, and I prescribed Chinese herbs to quell the bleeding and a tonic for the blood loss. We put her on a formula of the three power mushrooms (Reishi, Maitake and Shiitake) as well as antioxidants.

Mielle recovered her strength and appetite and now takes short walks. The tumor is stable, her color and pulses good, and she is maintaining a good quality of life. The tumor has not gone away, but the “life” and the “light” have come back.

For centuries, various cultures around the world have used mushrooms for medicinal purposes. Modern research backs up what ancient healers and scientists learned through practical experience – studies indicate that medicinal mushrooms (MMs) contain polysaccharides, lysozymes and triterpenes, which have antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-tumor properties. Some

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mushrooms contain compounds that stimulate the immune system, and assist healing of the liver, kidneys, and heart tissues.

MMs for cancer The most common use of medicinal mushrooms is in the treatment and prevention of cancers. Results compiled from research suggest that whole-mushroom extracts contain compounds that modulate tumorigenesis and carcinogenesis at different stages. Because they have many different mechanisms and modes of action on cancer cells via the immune system, medicinal mushrooms could potentially provide additive benefits and synergistic effects in the prevention and treatment of cancer.

Besides being Qi (life energy) tonics in general, medicinal mushrooms can support the treatment of TCM symptoms categorized as Excess Dampness, Damp Phlegm or Damp Heat, which include edema, diarrhea, urinary tract infections, uterine infections, prostate problems, diseases of the kidneys, and inflammation.

In addition to having phytotherapeutic actions, these fungal wonders of nature contain many different vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, protein and sterols. They are easily administered with little or no side effects.

THE POWERFUL THREE: Reishi, Maitake, and Shiitake

Reishi, Ling Zhi (Ganoderma lucidum) Reishi, often called “The Herb of Immortality”, is my favorite mushroom, both for personal use and to dispense in my practice in various forms and combinations with other mushrooms, herbs, and antioxidants. TCM regards the fruiting body as a nourishing Qi tonic. The “actives” are found in the polysaccharide, lysosomal enzyme, and triterpene constituents of the fungus. Reishi also contains more germanium than any other plant or mushroom.

Germanium increases oxygen utilization of the blood, making it useful in the treatment of altitude sickness and heart disease.

Properties of Reishi Pharmacology Polysaccharides

Lysozymes

Triterpenes

• Anti-tumor effects

• Antibacterial against Staph, Strep, Bacillus pneumoniae, etc.

• Adaptogenic

• Immunostimulating and modulating properties • Antiviral

• Anti-hypertensive • Anti-allergic (inhibits histamine release) • Antioxidant, hepato-protectant

Other Properties • Enhances bone marrow proliferation • Regenerates bronchial epithelium • Increases WBCs • Protects against ionizing radiation • Reduces toxic effects of caffeine • Analgesic and muscle relaxant

Maitake (Grifola frondosa) Maitake means “dancing mushroom” in Japanese, or “chicken of the woods” in the West. It is commonly found growing in the eastern USA, Europe and Asia. Rarely, it is reported in the Pacific Northwest. The name probably comes from the fact that this mushroom grows in overlapping groups that resemble butterflies in a wild dance. Japan grows these mushrooms commercially, since wild-crafted mushrooms are now endangered, if not extinct, in many areas.

Continued on page 76.

REISHI

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Continued from page 75.

Properties of Maitake

Common

uses for Reishi, Maitake and Shiitake

Pharmacology Polysaccharides • Immune-stimulating agent • Tumor growth inhibition • Phospholipids Other Properties • Anti-cancer

•

• Lowers blood pressure • Decreases cholesterol

•

• Hepato-protective

• • •

• Enhances immune system function • Lowers blood glucose/anti-diabetic • Anti-inflammatory

• •

Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) Shiitake is an edible mushroom highly appreciated for its nutritional and medicinal properties. In Japan, it has always been considered an “elixir of life”, possessing the ability to enhance vital energy and cure colds. Shiitake contain 30 enzymes, ten amino acids, and is high in many minerals. Recent studies report that substances in this popular fungus can reduce blood pressure, decrease blood cholesterol levels, prevent heart disease, and fight cancer. Other studies show its potential antibiotic actions.

In general, Shiitake stimulates WBCs, antibodies and interferon, and inhibits prostaglandins.

Properties of Shiitake Pharmacology Polysaccharides • Enhances the numbers and functions of macrophages, NK cells and T-cells

LEM (a protein bound with vitamin B compounds and sugars) • Liver protectant

• Modulates immunity

• Stimulates the immune system

Lentinan (a non-protein)

• Anti-tumor

• Anti-tumor

• Regulates urinary incontinence

• Accelerates the degeneration of tumor cells • Immune enhancing: increases T-lymphocytes and inhibits viruses (HIV/AIDS)

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• Anti-viral

• •

• Geriatric diseases with chronic debilitation complex: muscle atrophy, cardiac problems, and weakness (Qi Deficiencies) Alone or in conjunction with chemotherapy for cancer

patients (synergistic effects) Side-effects of cortisone therapy (adaptogenic and

hepato-protective) Supportive care with Cushing’s disease (adaptogenic) Weak puppies or kittens with severe parasitism Cats with compromised immune systems (FIV, FIP, FeLV) or kittens with viral upper respiratory tract infections Hepatitis, liver failure, mushroom poisoning Adjunct to antibiotic or anti-fungal pharmaceuticals

(synergistic effect) Acute and chronic cystitis (used with Poria cocos and

Polyporus umbellatus) Urinary incontinence (used with Cordyceps )

Mixing mushrooms By using Reishi, Maitake and Shiitake together, their individual positive effects become enhanced. Other mushrooms, Chinese herbs, and antioxidants may also be added to this synergistic base. For example, Trametes versicolor can be added to treat lymphoma or bone cancer, and Cordyceps sinensis can be added to help support the treatment of kidney problems, liver cancers, and hepatitis.

Eritadenine • Lowers cholesterol • Removes lipids in the liver • Improves circulation

I use both whole herb mushroom extract powders and a few formulations (combinations). The powder forms can be simply added to food. As with anything else, consult with a holistic or integrative veterinarian for the correct usage and dosage for your own animal’s individual requirements. Administered properly, medicinal mushrooms are powerful healers that can help with many diseases and conditions in both dogs and cats.

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grief

PASSAGES

Getting through

G

By Diane Weinmann

Grief has many meanings. According to Wikipedia, it’s “a multifaceted response to loss, particularly the loss of someone or something to which a bond was formed. Although we usually focus on the emotional response to loss, grief also has physical, cognitive, behavioral, social, spiritual, and philosophical dimensions.”

Getting through grief is as multi-faceted as the grief itself. It involves not only accepting and working through your feelings, but also taking some cognitive and physical action steps to help yourself heal.

1

healing

However you experience your loss, know you have a right to feel as you do. No one should tell you to “get over it” or that “it was only a pet”. Your beloved dog or cat was a member of your family, and whether that family is large

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or small, your animal was a big part of it, and of your life.

Without your companion, life as you know it has changed dramatically, and grief is a natural result.

2 3 4

Grief is what you naturally feel when your animal companions transition into spirit. You are sad. You are sick to your stomach.

You cannot get out of bed. Your life has no meaning without the soul you lost. You cannot eat or sleep; or maybe you’re experiencing the exact opposite and are over-sleeping to escape or eating to comfort yourself.

8 steps to

D gs Cats

Accept that grief hurts, and that the time it takes to heal varies from person to person. Know that it eventually gets better – not because you love your dog or cat any less, but simply because life goes on. You may have a job, and kids or a significant other to take care of. There is shopping, cooking and cleaning to do, school projects to complete, and the lawn to mow. All these external factors help to push the pain away. It may feel temporary at first, but the time between your meltdowns will become longer over time.

Don’t feel guilty when you start to feel better, and when you are able to smile instead of cry when you remember your companion. It’s the best honor you can bestow upon your beloved animal friend.

Many people, myself included, believe that every time you think of your dog or cat, he knows it, and that he can feel your heart remember. Our beloved companions are not “gone”; we simply cannot see or touch them. They are in

spirit, but they still exist. So go ahead – send him love, laugh out loud as you remember his antics, or cry when you think of a tender moment. I am an animal communicator and have spoken to many animals that have passed away. The most common thing they tell me is how much they love their families, how much their people did for them and how cherished they felt. That is a wonderful legacy. Your dog or cat still feels your love, and remembers all the good in his life.

5 6 7

I also believe through my communications that animals do not dwell on how they passed away. It’s of no consequence to them other than to place a physical distance between you. Your dog or cat visits you often, even if you may not be aware of it. You may catch a glimpse of him out of the corner of your eye. You might feel him touch you softly, or jump on your lap or bed. If you experience these things, you are not losing your mind. It’s simply your companion coming to visit. He misses you too. This was not a one-sided love affair. In fact, he has the best side of the deal, because he can still see you!

To further cope with your feelings, you might consider a grief counselor or bereavement group. Some of the latter are geared towards pet loss. If you cannot find one specifically for pet loss then join one that resonates with you. Loss is loss, in my book. Love is love.

It doesn’t matter if it’s a person, dog, cat, or any other creature.

Sometimes action is the best way to help kick start the heart healing. a) Celebrate your dog or cat’s life. Throw a party and talk about all the things he meant to you. Invite others who also cared about him. b) Donate time, supplies or money in your companion’s honor to the charity/ shelter/rescue of your choice. c) Some people like to set up a special spot in their homes where they can keep reminders of their animals. You might place his favorite toys, collar, dish or other significant items along with some photos on a table or desk. While these reminders might be too painful for many people at first, it’s something you might consider after the first acute stages of grief have passed. Eventually, as you walk by your memorial every day, you will begin to heal and the pain will fade. In place of the pain will be the beloved memories you’ll always cherish of your animal.

8

Many people feel an urge to rush out and adopt another animal to fill the void left by the old one. While this may work for some, it’s usually better to wait until your grief has eased a bit before bringing another companion into your life. Whatever you decide to do, don’t feel guilty about it. You’re not “replacing” or betraying your old companion!

Every dog and cat is unique, and you’ll never forget the love and companionship you shared with your friend. He’ll never forget you, either. Honor him by celebrating what you had together. Who knows, he may even come back to you someday…but that’s a topic for another time! animal wellness

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SOCIAL MEDIA Horsin’ around

Cat crazy

We love horsin’ around and we heard that some of you do, too! If a horse if your dog’s best friend, check out Equine Wellness Magazine on Facebook. We’ve got Daily Tips, great contests, informative articles, and more. As a bonus, all of our Facebook fans get a free recipe e-book filled with yummy treats your horse will love! LIKE us at Facebook.com/EquineWellnessMagazine. Mention that you liked us because of this article and we’ll send you a FREE issue of Equine Wellness Magazine!

Crazy about cats? We thought so! We’ve received numerous requests for more cat content, so we created a separate Facebook page for Feline Wellness Magazine.

We’ve got the same kind of Daily Tips, contests, and articles as our Animal Wellness page, but with a “cats only” focus. No dogs allowed! We’ll continue to post cat content on our Animal Wellness page, too, but if you just want info about your feline friends, visit Facebook.com/ FelineWellnessMagazine and give us a LIKE!

Follow us on Twitter

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WHAT’S HAPPENING Congratulations Rocky Ridge Refuge Here is their comic strip!

We want to say a big THANK YOU to everyone who entered the MUTTS Comics/Animal Wellness contest and nominated a rescue. We received an overwhelmingly positive response and funds were raised to save animals! Our winning rescue organization, Rocky Ridge Rescue, is run by Janice Wolf

and located in Arkansas. Janice takes in really tough cases and welcomes all species of animals. Her sanctuary is home to dogs, cats, ducks, deer, and a capybara, just to name a few! If you’d like to learn more about Rocky Ridge Refuge, check them out at Facebook.com/RockyRidgeRefuge.

Animal Wellness Magazine has teamed up with Amazing Pet Expos to raise money for rescues groups. We are giving away FREE booth space to a local rescue and donating 20% of every subscription to that organization. Visit one of our booths at the following Amazing Pet Expos and support a rescue!

Dallas Pet Expo

June 7

Minnesota Pet Expo June 14 Chicago Pet Expo

July 19

Austin Pet Expo

August 2

Denver Pet Expo

August 16

Top: Old English Sheepdog Rescue of Southern California (AWA174) at San Diego Pet Expo.

Bottom: Georgia Center for Humane Education (AWA177) at Atlanta Pet Expo.

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All about

By Shawn Messonnier, DVM

HEARTWORM Part II

A close-up look at prevention and treatment, and why both conventional and alternative therapies play important roles.

I

f you have a dog, you already know something about but it’s important to realize that depending on where you live, heartworm. But there are several misunderstandings they are an effective way to protect your dog, and are part of an integrative prevention approach. There are several choices – surrounding this disease that need clarification. In oral, topical, or injectable. the second of this two-part article, we’ll take a detailed look at treatment and prevention options, and why an 1 Oral monthly medications use medicine such as ivermectin or milbemycin. In general, these drugs are nearly 100% integrative approach is the best defense.

PREVENTING HEARTWORM If you live in a region where heartworm is prevalent, you need to be proactive about prevention. Start by taking steps to minimize your dog’s risk of being bitten by mosquitoes (see sidebar).

Your dog may also need to receive a conventional heartworm preventive. Many people shy away from these medications,

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effective when given following label instructions, and are actually among the safest medications used in clinical practice.

In general, most holistic veterinarians prefer oral medications for conventional heartworm prevention because they don’t last as long in the body as topical and injectable medications (only 24 to 48 hours as opposed to months). While some people have expressed concerns about ivermectin, because certain breeds are more sensitive to these chemicals, the

sometimes fatal reactions found in some lines of collies and collie crosses involve much higher levels of this chemical than what is found in heartworm preventives.

2

Topical medicines are applied monthly to the dog’s skin.

After application, they enter the bloodstream through the skin; concentrations of the medicine in the blood and tissues prevent heartworm disease. Because they persist in the dog’s body for several months, however, they aren’t the first choice with most holistic veterinarians.

3 There is currently one injectable medication for heartworm prevention. It was recently returned to the market after being removed several years ago due to severe side effects in a number of dogs. There are still significant warnings and restrictions on the label, and veterinarians must be certified in order to administer this product. Because the medication lasts in the dog’s body for at least six months, most holistic doctors don’t prefer it.

USING ORAL PREVENTIVES PROPERLY It’s important that oral preventive medication be given per the manufacturer’s recommendations. I’m often asked if it’s okay to give the medication every 45 to 60 days rather than every 30 days. The people who ask this tend to be those who really resist giving their animals any medication. While I would like to find (or maybe even invent!) a natural heartworm preventive

In general, most holistic veterinarians prefer oral medications for conventional heartworm prevention because they don’t last as long in the body as topical and injectable medications.

that’s as effective as the monthly oral medications currently prescribed, the low dose of medication contained in these products is way below the toxic or lethal dose.

When you administer the medication, it is quickly absorbed into the body. If an infected mosquito bites your dog that day, the medication will kill any immature heartworm larvae injected into him by the mosquito. If the mosquito bites the dog a few days later, the medication has already been expelled by the dog’s body and the injected heartworm larvae will begin developing. However, if you give the next dose of medication 30 days later, it will kill the developing larvae (despite what some people think, the medication does not work “retroactively” but actually kills developing larvae at the time of administration).

If you wait longer than 30 days to give the next dose, then the drug is less effective due to maturation of the heartworm

Repelling mosquitoes • Start by taking some simple measures such as keeping your dog indoors during times when mosquitoes are most active – i.e., dawn and dusk.

• Eliminate areas of standing water where mosquitoes can breed.

• Look into using a non-toxic insect repellent; essential oils such as tea tree, lavender, eucalyptus and neem can help keep mosquitoes away from your dog. Dilute a few drops of the oil in water to make a spray for your dog’s coat – be sure to keep it away from his eyes, nose and mouth.

• Keep your dog in good overall health to ensure that his immune system is strong. This includes a high quality diet with appropriate supplementation for his individual needs, adequate exercise, minimal vaccines, and a low-stress lifestyle.

• Check your windows, doors and screens to minimize the possibility of mosquitoes entering the house.

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larvae. For this reason, it’s really important to give the drug as close to every 30 days as possible.

TREATMENT – CONVENTIONAL MEDICATIONS Prevention is always preferable to treatment, since the latter is costly, involved, and requires strong drugs. Prior to treatment, it is imperative to confirm the diagnosis. I see a number of animals that test positive for heartworms (usually on the less accurate filter test) but are found to be negative when re-tested using the occult test. These dogs should be tested at least twice more in the next one to two months to make sure they are still negative and don’t end up being treated for a disease they don’t have.

For dogs that are positive on re-testing, a pre-treatment evaluation is necessary to stage the disease. This includes chest radiographs (X-rays), a blood chemistry profile, CBC, urinalysis, and an EKG. Dogs with heartworm infection will be normal on all these tests, whereas dogs with heartworm disease will show some abnormalities. Even if clinical signs of disease are not present once infection is diagnosed, it is imperative to run these additional tests prior to starting treatment. Normal test results mean treatment can begin, severe side effects are unlikely, and a baseline value for each test is established in the event complications occur during therapy. In the event any of the tests are positive, further evaluation and treatment is needed before beginning heartworm therapy. This prior treatment is needed to stabilize the dog and make the actual heartworm treatment safer.

Milk thistle helps support the liver as it detoxifies the heartworm medication and dying adult heartworms.

Currently, the conventional treatment of choice for heartworm involves a drug called immiticide. It is given via deep intramuscular injection into the lumbar muscles. Treatment is given as a two- or three-dose series of injections. The twoinjection protocol (given 24 hours apart) kills about 90% of the adult worms, whereas the three-dose protocol (one injection followed at least one month later by two injections 24 hours apart) kills 98% of the worms. Keep in mind that this standard protocol may be modified depending on the health of the dog, stage of the disease, and any side effects.

Following treatment, the dog should be retested in four to six months to ensure the infection is successfully cured.

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WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS? Minor side effects seen with treatment include pain and inflammation at the site of the injections. This can be managed with conventional analgesic medications. Additionally, I have often seen panting lasting up to eight to 12 hours following the injection. There is no specific therapy for this and it has always resolved.

Most serious side effects involve blood clotting (thromboembolism) and inflammation of the blood vessels of the lungs. Several factors influence the development of these severe side effects, including pre-treatment disease, the activity level of the dog, the extent of blood vessel disease, and the severity of infection (high versus low worm burdens).

Dead and dying heartworms cause significant damage to the blood vessels. As worms die from natural causes or as a result of treatment, they lodge in the blood vessels of the lungs, causing inflammation and blocking blood flow. During periods of increased activity or exercise, the increased blood flow to these blocked vessels can cause blood vessel rupture, and possibly heart failure. There is a direct correlation between the activity level of the dog and the chance of these side effects occurring.

The greater the number of heartworms killed during treatment, the higher the potential for side effects. Unfortunately, there is no way to accurately determine the number of heartworms present, although some occult tests can indicate the potential for low versus high worm burdens. The best course of action is to assume that post-treatment complications could occur and that every infected dog must be managed with strict rest for four to six weeks following treatment. Signs of post-treatment complications can include coughing, weakness, passing out, and sudden death. If coughing or weakness is seen, aggressive hospitalization and treatment with supportive care, oxygen, IV fluids, and corticosteroids are needed.

NATURAL SUPPORT Unfortunately, no natural treatments have been proven effective as the sole means to kill adult heartworms.

Nevertheless, holistic veterinarians often employ natural medicines at the time of conventional treatment to support the animal during therapy. In my own practice, the following natural medicines have been used safely and effectively.

• Milk thistle helps support the liver as it detoxifies the heartworm medication and dying adult heartworms. Its antioxidant effects may also reduce blood vessel damage caused by the significant oxidation following treatment.

dandelion

• Mild diuretics such as help encourage urinary elimination of toxins and any fluid that might accumulate in the lungs.

• Coenzyme Q10 and hawthorn can be used to maintain proper heart health and encourage normal blood flow through the pulmonary vessels.

• Lung and cardiac glandulars help support the lungs and heart.

• Immune support using astragalus or Echinacea can support whole body health.

• Homeopathic/homotoxicologic support of the immune system, and a general body detoxification using remedies such as Berberis and Nux Vomica, are also helpful.

herbs

and homeopathics can • Symptomatic therapy with be used for dogs experiencing side effects. For example, muscle soreness after injection with immiticide can be addressed with Arnica or Hypericum.

fish oil

help reduce the inflammatory • Antioxidants and reaction that occurs from heartworm infection and treatment.

Heartworm infection and disease is easily prevented with an integrative approach. If treatment is needed, staging the disease and using carefully selected natural therapies will make it more effective and safer.

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By

. ol A

M

y friend Yvonne Garst always wanted a Bernese mountain dog because the breed reminded her of a cherished dog from her childhood. Her dream came true when she brought home a “Berner” puppy named Morgan back in 2001.

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HOW WARM WATER THERAPY

CHANGED MORGAN’S LIFE

orked ne w n o v n on Y orga with M lar basis u a reg tain her in to ma y. it il b mo

Several weeks later, Yvonne noticed Morgan had started to limp.

The problem seemed to alternate between her two elbows. A veterinarian, and later a canine orthopedist, diagnosed elbow dysplasia, a disease prevalent in large breeds such as Berners.

She was just eight months old.

WHAT IS ELBOW DYSPLASIA? Elbow dysplasia, or ununited anconeal process, occurs when a small bony projection called the anconeal process fails to unite and fuse with the ulna, the smaller of the two bones that comprise a dog’s foreleg. The anconeal process is vital for the correct formation of the elbow joint because it provides stability, especially when the foreleg is extended.

Elbow dysplasia is an inherited disease that primarily affects intermediate and large dog breeds, such as the Bernese mountain dog. It is characterized by varying degrees of elbow issues including lameness, bone chips and severe arthritis.

MORGAN HAS SURGERY

cour Photo

tesy of

x Tom Fo

Morgan’s orthopedist recommended the arthroscopic removal of bone fragments as well as an ulnar osteotomy, a procedure that cuts two inches out of the ulna bone to relieve stress in the joint, allowing the anconeal process to fuse with the ulna in a normal fashion.

After careful consideration and in-depth research, Yvonne decided to proceed with the suggested surgery. One of the decisive factors was Morgan’s age. She was still a puppy, which made her a highly suitable surgical candidate. Another key consideration was Morgan’s grim prognosis without the surgery -- she would suffer a lot of pain that would require ongoing medications and result in restricted mobility and a low quality of life.

Morgan underwent an operation on her right elbow, and five weeks later had her left elbow done. Unfortunately, when her hips were x-rayed during the second surgery, this genetic condition was found there too. So ten days later, Morgan’s

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Tom Fox

benefits

Photo courte sy of

The of warm water therapy A canine warm water therapy session typically consists of moving the dog through the water, and some form of bodywork and stretching between periods of motion.

Yvonne’s backgroun d in personal tr aining and massa ge allowed h er to become M organ’s physical th erapist.

surgeon performed a bilateral triple pelvic osteotomy (TPO) on her hips. A TPO preserves the natural hip joint, eliminates laxity and prevents the progression of arthritis.

LONG ROAD TO REHABILITATION Following her surgeries, Morgan had to be crated for over four months to keep her inactive. During this prolonged recovery period, her bones went soft. As a certified personal trainer

Warm water provides an ideal therapeutic environment. Its intrinsic buoyancy supports the canine swimmer and lessens stress on bodily joints.

Non-weight-bearing movement against resistance is integral to water’s recuperative powers. Warm water also creates a naturally soothing environment, facilitating the release of emotional stressors that may negatively impact a dog’s overall wellness.

The details of a particular swim session vary and are dependent on each dog’s unique physical and/ or emotional requirements, age, temperament, etc.

The therapist’s primary goals are to understand an individual dog’s needs before beginning a session, and to keep the dog safe and comfortable in the water at all times.

As with any new exercise program, it’s important to consult a vet before beginning water therapy.

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and licensed human massage therapist focused on post-injury rehabilitation, Yvonne started researching rehab possibilities for dogs. She knew she had to get Morgan moving to build her muscle and bone strength, and help her maintain a healthy weight.

During her research, Yvonne came upon a book that talked about the curative benefits of warm water therapy for dogs. The book also mentioned a canine warm water therapist located six hours from Yvonne’s home. She immediately made the necessary arrangements, and Morgan was in the water for therapy every day for a full week.

MORGAN IS TRANSFORMED Yvonne marveled as she watched Morgan’s water-induced transformation. She saw significant physical improvement: the healing effects of the warm water resulted in better range of motion and mobility each time the dog left the pool. Morgan’s confidence in the pool increased with every session. The therapy also helped her release some of the toxins absorbed by her body during her surgeries and recuperation. In addition, her spirit was rejuvenated. Morgan had looked and acted very drained and tired after her surgeries, but after just one week of warm water therapy, she was a different dog.

MAINTAINING HER MOBILITY Yvonne tried to locate water therapists closer to home, without success. So she continued Morgan’s rehab in other ways by applying information gathered from various holistic vets. She took Morgan for acupuncture treatments, changed her diet, and added supplements, massage, stretching and range-of-motion exercises to her healing regimen.

A few years later, when Morgan started to limp again, Yvonne took her to a physical therapist for ten sessions during which the therapist applied strength and stretching exercises, cold therapy and more swimming.

After this, Yvonne decided to begin working with Morgan in a local pool. It felt natural for Yvonne to get into the water with her dog and handle her ongoing physical therapy herself. Not only was Yvonne educated and experienced in human anatomy, rehabilitation and massage training, but she had also learned a lot about canine anatomy, therapy and massage techniques throughout Morgan’s illness and surgical recovery period.

Yvonne says that Morgan’s rehabilitation not only changed her dog’s life, it also changed her own. Inspired by their experiences, Yvonne went on to become certified in canine massage treatment and warm water therapy. Thanks to her dedication, Morgan’s wellness program included a warm water therapy session once or twice a week, with Yvonne as her therapist, for the rest of her nearly ten years of life.

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GUARD AGAINST GIARDIA Lakes, streams and ponds can host this troublesome parasite.

If you’re taking your dog on vacation near water this summer, help protect him by keeping his GI system healthy.

By Audi Donamor

W

e once took our dog on a road trip in Northern Ontario. We stayed at a beautiful lakeside resort that offered the perfect playground for him. Each time he went in the water, he took great delight in drinking from the lake when he wasn’t swimming and playing. While he ate his meals with gusto, he threw up afterwards, and had loose stools as well. There was no lethargy, no temperature, nothing that would indicate anything was wrong, but I called our veterinarian back home for advice.

We decided to wait and see what the next day would bring.

After another day of swimming, water play, and drinking from the lake, our dog again threw up his dinner and had diarrhea a half hour after eating.

After two days of this, we packed up and headed home. There was no more vomiting or loose stools, but being the Triple “A” personality that I am, I got our vet to run some tests.

“It could be giardia,” the veterinarian said. “It could have been introduced into your dog’s system during his adventures in the lake.” We never found out for sure, because the fecal tests were not definitive, and I didn’t know much about the giardia

ELISA assay (more on this below). However, I learned a valuable lesson that weekend. If you are visiting lakes, ponds and other water sources with your dog, he could contract giardia if you aren’t careful.

THE FACTS ABOUT GIARDIA The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention describe Giardia intestinalis as a common, microscopic (intestinal) parasite that regularly affects humans, dogs and cats. Common signs and symptoms of giardia infection are diarrhea, gas, abdominal discomfort, nausea and vomiting.

Giardia is found in puddles, ponds, rivers and lakes. It can also be picked up from feces. All it takes is for a dog to drink from a contaminated body of water; come into contact with infected feces from another animal; roll and play in an area of contaminated soil; or lick himself after coming into contact with a contaminated surface. In short, absolutely anything that comes in contact with feces from infected animals can become contaminated with the giardia parasite, and dogs (and humans) become infected when they swallow the parasite.

As with many other things, puppies and senior canines are at greater risk for infection than adult dogs.

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SYMPTOMS CAN VARY

Giardia is a stubborn organism. It is difficult to diagnose and kill. It can infiltrate the upper small intestine, breaking down the dog’s immune defenses. It can even find its way into the liver, where it invades the biliary tract.

weight loss through inappetence, and lethargy. It could even cause malabsorption because this parasitic infection can pack a wallop, making it difficult for dogs to absorb valuable nutrients from the food they are eating.

Dogs with giardia may have greenish foul-smelling diarrhea. It can be explosive in nature, covered in mucus, and there may be blood in it too. Diarrhea can persist for several days, and may go so far as to cause dehydration,

On the other hand, the diarrhea may come and go and become a chronic problem, making it even more difficult to deal with. It is also possible for dogs to be infected with the parasite and show no signs or symptoms of illness.

Continued from page 89.

DIAGNOSIS AND CONVENTIONAL TREATMENT First, we need to understand the life cycle of the giardia organism.

For example, a dog ingests an infected cyst through contaminated water. The organism moves around and attaches to the wall of the intestines, where it can reproduce. The parasites encase themselves in cysts, pass through the body in feces, and go on to contaminate other areas.

Testing conducted by a veterinary clinic’s in-house laboratory has been found to be less effective than testing done by standardized equipment at labs like Antech and Idexx. The giardia parasite is not continuously being shed in the feces, so you can be faced with intermittent cyst-free stools. If you think your dog has been infected by the giardia parasite, request an ELISA or PCR test. The fecal antigen test can tell you a story that a fecal float may not.

An ELISA test can be giardia positive for up to six months following treatment, because the antigens need to clear the system. The SNAP Giardia Test by Idexx Labs detects soluble

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giardia antigens. It is the first USDA-approved in-clinic rapid assay for the detection of the giardia-solution antigen, and can be used as an adjunct to a fecal float parasitic diagnosis.

Drugs with anti-protozoal activity such as fenbendazole and metronidazole are used for the treatment of giardia, but they do not show 100% efficacy. As well, super-infections can occur, or dogs can become persistent carriers. Once upon a time, there was a giardia vaccine on the market, but in 2006, the American Animal Hospital Association Guidelines listed it as “not recommended”.

KEEP HIS GI SYSTEM HEALTHY Guarding your dog against giardia involves a preventive program that includes helping him maintain a healthy and strong gastrointestinal system.

1 If you are visiting different bodies of water with your dog, you may want to consider grapefruit seed extract. I am never without it, at home or on the road.

Grapefruit seed extract (GSE) is considered one of nature’s antiseptics. It can be used both topically and internally. Its use began back in the 1970s, when immunologist Dr. Jacob Harich was looking for a natural, non-toxic alternative to antibiotics that would help the body resist bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi. He found what he was looking for in the seeds and connecting tissue of the grapefruit.

GSE is great for diarrhea, and treats a variety of parasites and viruses. It exhibits significant anti-microbial activity at low concentration. When my dogs experience loose stools or diarrhea, I reach for the GSE right away. The dosage is one drop per ten pounds body weight, or one capsule for every ten pounds body weight, three times per day.

When we’re on the road, and are not sure about the safety of the water supply we will be using, we simply add a couple of drops of GSE to our dogs’ food. It has really made a difference.

2 Oil of oregano is often referred to as “the cure in the cupboard.” “Oil of oregano, like all essential oils, contains

“OREGANOAT” CRISPS

a wide range of substances,” writes Dr. Cass Ingram in The Cure is in the Cupboard. “One well-studied compound that predominates in the oil is a substance called carvacrol, a type of phenol. Carvacrol is found in only a few herbs, notably, oregano and savory. Phenols are potent antiseptics. In fact, a synthetic phenol, known as carbolic acid, was used as the standard by which all other antiseptics were measured, for much of the 20th century. As late as the 1950s, carbolic acid was the primary antiseptic used for sterilizing instruments prior to surgery and was the main antiseptic used in hospitals.”

Generally, I use two to three drops of oil of oregano, and simply add it to my dogs’ food. Many people double the dose, when they know they are going to be taking their dogs to a place where infection may be a risk. One bottle lasts for ages and ages. It is also a great addition to homemade treats, like the one included with this article.

Other preventive measures include not letting your dog drink from streams, ponds and lakes, and keeping him away from the feces of other animals. If he loves to swim, of course, it’ll be difficult to stop him from ingesting the water, but if you keep some GSE and oil of oregano on hand, you can help stave off any unpleasant GI upsets that might cut your vacation short.

(This recipe can be easily doubled.) *Oats support the gastrointestinal system by helping to remove toxins from the body.

INGREDIENTS

INSTRUCTIONS

2 cups stone ground whole oat flour*

Choose organic ingredients whenever possible.

1 tablespoon dried, rubbed oregano or 2 tablespoons finely

Combine all ingredients in a bowl. This is easy to do by hand, or you can use a mixer. Form the dough into a ball.

chopped fresh oregano 1 teaspoon sea salt 10 drops oil of oregano ¼ cup first pressed olive oil ½ cup filtered water

Line a cookie sheet with a piece of parchment paper. Then, place the parchment paper on the counter, take the dough and place it in the middle of the parchment paper.

Roll out the dough on the parchment paper; don’t worry about clean edges. The dough should be quite thin, about 1/8” in thickness.

Lightly score the dough into bite-sized pieces or use a cookie cutter.

You can also bake the sheet of dough, and then break it into pieces.

Place the cookie sheet in a cold oven. Turn the oven to 350°F, and when it reaches heat, turn it down to 250°F and bake for one hour.

Cool completely before removing from the oven.

Bite-sized crisps will be lightly golden in color and have a nice crunch!

Store in an open container. If the treats are not going to be used right away, store in the refrigerator or freezer.

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BOOK REVIEWS TITLE: Paleo Dog AUTHORS: Jean Hofve, DVM and

Celeste Yarnall, PhD

Wolves and other wild canines don’t eat commercial kibble. So why do so many people think it’s okay for our dogs to eat it? With their new book Paleo Dog, holistic veterinarian Dr. Jean Hofve and Dr. Celeste Yarnall present an excellent guide to feeding your dog the way nature intended – by nurturing his “inner wolf”.

You’ll be guided through an assessment of your dog’s current diet, and learn how to find the right balance of healthy ingredients to feed him. The book is packed with nutrition info, recipes and recommendations for safe treating, as well as tips on training, exercise, supplements, limiting vaccines, massage and alternative therapies such as herbs, homeopathy and others.

Hitting bookstores in June, Paleo Dog is sure to be a best-seller among those who want their dogs to enjoy long and healthy lives.

Publisher: Rodale

TITLE: Hazards to Pets in the Garden AUTHORS: Leo E. O’Connor, DVM, and Anne G. O’Connor It’s gardening season again, and that means making sure you don’t plant or use anything that might harm your dog or cat. Hazards to Pets in the Garden by veterinarian Dr. Leo O’Connor and Master Gardener Anne O’Connor is an easy-to-use handbook of toxic plants, pollen- and allergy-producing trees and grasses, mulches, fertilizers, weed killers and other items to nix from your landscaping plans. It includes things you might not even think of, such as treated seeds, ornamental pond algae, and wild mushrooms on your lawn.

Each plant entry includes a color photo to help with identification as well as a description and list of symptoms caused by ingestion -- and a professional page for your veterinarian with the recommended treatment. Also included is a list of non-toxic plants to include in your garden, so both you and your companion can enjoy your yard in safety this summer.

Publisher: Ithaca Press

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TITLE: Cancer and Your Pet AUTHOR: Marie Cargill Cancer is common in dogs and cats, and conventional treatments of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation can be debilitating. But alternative and integrative therapies can help your companion through his treatment.

In Cancer and Your Pet, acupuncturist and herbalist Marie Cargill shows how dietary strategies, herbs, Traditional Chinese Medicine, homeopathy, acupuncture and supplements can support conventional treatment and help prevent cancer. She discusses the importance of good immune health, the role of antioxidants, how inflammation can lead to cancer, and more. The book’s appendices feature healthy homemade recipes for dogs and cats, and herbs to ease side effects from conventional treatments.

Cancer and Your Pet is an invaluable guide if your beloved companion is ever diagnosed with this dreaded disease.

Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

TITLE: How to Foster Dogs AUTHOR: Pat Miller, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA Are you cut out for fostering dogs? Find out in this new book by dog behaviorist and trainer Pat Miller. How to Foster Dogs guides you through the process of taking on a homeless pooch and readying him for adoption into a forever home.

The book opens with an overview of fostering – what it involves and how to determine whether or not it’s something you could do. Learn how to choose a foster program that’s right for you, and what types of dog you’re capable of taking on. There’s advice on caring for and training your foster, what to do about common behavior problems, and dealing with fear, aggression and separation anxiety – common in rescue dogs. There’s even a section on saying goodbye when it’s time to give your friend up to his new home.

This is the book to read if you want to foster dogs. It’ll answer all your questions, and help you make sure you’re up for the challenge!

Publisher: Dogwise Publishing

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EVENTS Woofstock May 24-25, 2014 – Toronto, ON Woofstock is a free admission event that will take place at Woodbine Park in the Beaches. Woofstock is the largest outdoor festival for dogs in all of North America. Join in for a weekend of fun with your four-legged friend and find everything from contests, to large variety of pet products and much more!

Learn About Pet Care, Volunteerism, Grooming, Pet Behavior & Training, Traveling with your Pet, How You Can Make a Difference, Different Types of Pets/Breeds, Veterinarian FAQ, Fun Activities for You & Your Pet And MUCH MORE!

For more information: (907) 743-8072 Anchorage@HealingTouchforAnimals.com www.healingtouchforanimals.com

For more information: (800) 977-3609 www.anchoragepetexpo.com

SuperZoo 2014 July 22-24, 2014 – Las Vegas, NV

Central Bark Fido Fest June 14, 2014 - Milwaukee, WI

For more information: (416) 234-WOOF info@woofstock.ca www.woofstock.ca

Enjoy a day filled with a wide array of vendors, doggy activities, lure coursing, dock diving, live music, great food, contests and demonstrations. Don’t miss out on the K9 Splash Zone. Fido Fest will benefit Barkley’s Forever Friends and will be held in conjunction with the 18th annual Hart Fest.

Healing Touch for Animals® Level 1 Course June 6-8, 2014 – Columbus, OH Introduction to Healing Touch: Friday / 6:00pm - 10:00pm This class is a prerequisite of the Small Animal Class.

Small Animal Class: Saturday / 9:00am - 6:00pm This class is a prerequisite of the Large Animal Class.

For more information: (262) 512-WOOF (9663) fidofest@centralbarkusa.com www.hartfest.com

Large Animal Class: Sunday / 9:00am - 6:00pm This class is required in order to apply to become a Healing Touch for Animals® Certified Practitioner. Working with the horses’ large energy systems benefits students with greater energetic awareness and a well-rounded experience.

Taking Action for Animals 2014 June 27-30, 2014 - Washington, D.C

For more information: (614) 271-9338 Columbus@HealingTouchforAnimals.com www.healingtouchforanimals.com Anchorage Pet Expo June 14, 2014 – Anchorage, AK

Dozens of Rescue Groups and a Mega-Adoption Event, Discounted Vaccinations, Micro-chipping and Heartworm & Flea Preventatives, Free Nail Trims, Agility Demonstrations, Live Entertainment, Obedience Demonstrations, Author Readings/ Book Signings. The Latest & Greatest Pet Products!

For more information: (800) 999-729 info@wpamail.org www.superzoo.org Niagara Dog Fest 2013 July 26, 2014 – St. Catharines, ON Come on out and enjoy this festival for dogs and the people who love them! You will find many vendors and exhibitors as well as contests, rescue and charity organizations, a BBQ, and free grab bags to the first 300 paid admissions. This event is sure to be fun for the whole family!

This exciting biennial educational conference is designed to motivate, inform, and inspire anyone who’d like to make a difference for animals. During TAFA you’ll learn about issues ranging from factory farming to animal fighting and leave with the tools to take action.

Admission is $5 and kids under 12 are Free!

For more information: takingactionforanimals.org

Pet Loss & Grief Companioning Certification Courses August 21-23 – New Orleans, LA

Nashville Pet Expo July 12, 2014 – Nashville, TN

Fabulous Prize Giveaways & Fun for both the Two-Legged AND Four-Legged!

SuperZoo is the pet industry’s leading place for business with a combination of fun and function, no wonder pet professionals love it! Come out this year to network, expand your customer base and improve your sales.

You will find tons of exhibitors and demonstrations as well as free nail trims. There will be prize giveaways and live entertainment. You can adopt from one of the many Rescue groups and also learn about pet care, volunteerism, grooming, training and much more!

Be sure to check out other Amazing Pet Expo events all year around at www.amazingpetexpos.com For more information: (800) 977-3609 www.nashvillepetexpo.com Healing Touch for Animals® Level 2 Course July 18-20 – Anchorage, AK Introduction to Healing Touch: Friday / 6:00pm - 10:00pm This class is a prerequisite of the Small Animal Class.

Small Animal Class: Saturday / 9:00am - 6:00pm This class is a prerequisite of the Large Animal Class.

For more information: niagaradogfest@cogeco.ca www.niagaradogfest.com

Pet death care consulting organization Two Hearts Pet Loss Center, in partnership with the Pet Loss Professionals Alliance (PLPA) will be offering Pet Loss & Grief Companioning certification courses.

Some of the topics covered during each three-day session include: • Pet loss companioning • Central needs for mourning • Pet loss support groups • Importance of self-care • Memorial services • And much more These courses meet the requirements for 15 hours of continuing education credit in jurisdictions that recognize the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) and the Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE).

For more information: (317) 966-0096 coleen@twoheartspetlosscenter.com www.twoheartspetlosscenter.com

Large Animal Class: Sunday / 9:00am - 6:00pm This class is required in order to apply to become a Healing Touch for Animals® Certified Practitioner. Working with the horses’ large energy systems benefits students with greater energetic awareness and a well-rounded experience.

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Email your event to: info@animalwellnessmagazine.com

CLASSIFIEDS Allergies DOES YOUR PET HAVE ALLERGIES? Are they itchy or scratching all the time? Get natural, sustainable, nontoxic, cost-effective solutions!

Visit http://allergies.healx.com for testimonials, answers and to save money. (800) 946-4782 Animal Communicators CAROL LYNN ANDERSON (SCHULTZ) – Animal Communicator/Intuitive Healing Support.

Interactive, compassionate and insightful Consultations and Guidance for all animal species (including humans). Assistance with emotional, behaviorial, physical, end of life, in spirit, plus lost animals. (815) 531-2850 and SKYPE www.carolschultz.com or www.carol-lynn-anderson.com SHIRLEY SCOTT – Internationally known Animal Communicator & Clairvoyant connects with your pets here or in spirit. She reads emotional/ behavior/health problems, provides classes & workshops in animal communication & training.

(541) 577-3051, sscott@shirley-scott.com, www.shirley-scott.com Associations INTERNATIONAL ASS’N OF ANIMAL MASSAGE & BODYWORK/ASS’N OF CANINE WATER THERAPY – Welcome trained practitioners of Animal Massage and Bodywork. The IAAMB/ ACWT supports and promotes the practitioners of complementary care for animals through networking, continuing education, website, online referrals, newsletters, insurance, annual educational conferences, lobbying and credentialing of schools. www.IAAMB.org Books & Publications 1000’s OF DOG BOOKS, DVD’S AND TRAINING TOOLS IN STOCK – Ready to ship. Dogwise has what you want! (800) 776-2665; www.dogwise.com Distributors/Retailers Wanted CANINE LIGHT THERAPY – Many veterinarians and therapists offer their clients the healing benefits of photonic energy with our Equine Light Therapy Pads! Contact us to learn more

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about the advantages of offering them through your practice! According to “Gospel”…Equine Light Therapy/Canine Light Therapy. www.equinelighttherapy.com, questions@equinelighttherapy.com, (615) 293-3025 Holistic Veterinarians EAST YORK ANIMAL CLINIC HOLISTIC CENTRE – Dr. Paul McCutcheon, Dr. Cindy Kneebone & Dr. Candice Chiu. The first and oldest integrative veterinary clinic in Ontario with over fifty years of service to the community and our collective veterinarian experience of 95 years. We provide a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic methods utilizing the latest research in integrative medicine.

Please visit our website to explore our services. www.holisticpetvet.com eyac@holisticpetvet.com (416) 757-3569, 805 O’Connor Drive, Toronto, ON, M4B 2S7 ESSEX ANIMAL HOSPITAL, REHAB & K9 FITNESS CENTRE – Dr. Janice Huntingford practices integrative medicine for optimal pet health. Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Physical Rehab, Therapy pool and underwater treadmill, Alternative Medicine, Chinese Herbs, Holistic Consults. Please visit our website and facebook page. (519) 776-7325 Essex, ON. essexanimalclinic@cogeco.net, www.essexanimalhospital.ca GUELPH ANIMAL HOSPITAL – Offers a full range of conventional veterinary services as well as acupuncture, chiropractic, massage, herbal and nutritional. Dr. Rob Butler is certified in Veterinary Acupuncture and is also trained in Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine. Dr. Smolkin is certified in Animal Chiropractic. By integrating conventional and complementary therapies, treatments can be tailored to the individual’s needs and preferences. Contact Guelph Animal Hospital at (519) 836-2781 or www.quelphvet.com

Pet Portraits ANNIEO’S PET PORTRAITS – Specializing in oil painting for 31 years. Nationwide clientele. Portraits of any pet of your choice. Credit card, personal check or money order. 44 Church St., Tilton, NH 03276. (603) 524-3778 Website: www.petportraitsbyannieo.com Schools & Training INTEGRATED TOUCH THERAPY, INC. – Has taught animal massage to thousands of students from all over the world for over 17 years. Offering intensive, hands-on workshops. Free Brochure: (800) 251-0007 wshaw1@bright.net www.integratedtouchtherapy.com PETMASSAGE TRAINING AND RESEARCH INSTITUTE – On-site workshops for canine massage and PetMassage WaterWork.

Vocational training to work in vet offices, dog day cares, agility events, and with private clients. Curricula for children’s canine massage programs. Workshops approved for CEs for MT’s and RVT’s. www.petmassage.com, info@petmassage.com, (800) 779-1001 WALKS ‘N’ WAGS PET FIRST AID – National Leaders in Pet First Aid Certification Courses for dogs and cats. Learn preventative skills and practice emergency bandaging with live wiggly pets. Distance Learning also available. www.walksnwags.com or (800) 298-1152

Pet Loss Suppport PET LOSS GRIEF SUPPORT – 24 Hour Helpline.

Compassionate, non-judgemental support for your grief journey. The bond isn’t over just because your companion is gone. Animal Bonding & Training Center. www.whisperwillowfarms.com (519) 851-3303

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TAIL END

Aurora

goes on a diet

By Scot Macdonald

One day,

we realized Aurora was fat. It had happened gradually, like middle age, rising taxes and global warming.

Being responsible dog lovers, my wife and I decided to reduce the size of her meals.

After our pudgy pooch returned to a healthy weight, we switched her to another recipe to make sure she kept those pounds off. It contained ground beef, brown rice, mixed veggies and fish, olive or safflower oil.

But Aurora was a vocal Keeshond, gifted in the art of verbal, if non-English, communication. The first morning my wife reduced her breakfast to what Aurora appeared to believe was a shadow of its former self, the canine started wailing as if we had been starving her for a week.

Aurora lived happily ever after at a healthy weight. Best of all, she no longer wailed at every meal. But be warned – if you have more than one dog, they’ll probably want to go on the diet too. When Aurora started eating her homemade food, our Scottie, Macduff, soon wouldn’t even deign to sniff his store-bought food. We were soon cooking for him as well as Aurora. Who knew being on a diet could taste so good?

My wife did not last a day, let alone a week. By next morning, I was appointed the culinary villain. I took over the role of weight loss waiter, and my wife securely ensconced herself behind our closed bedroom door during mealtimes. But she could still hear Aurora’s plaintive wails of loss. After a couple of meals, my wife was ready to unconditionally surrender.

But we are dutiful dog patrons, and decided there had to be another, middle-ground way whereby Aurora would lose weight without my wife’s ears and soul being assailed by her cries of sadness at the sight of her miniscule meals.

We found a solution in the form of a “dieter’s dog food” in a book called The Natural Dog by veterinarian Dr. Mary Brennan and Norma Eckroate. The trick, we discovered, was to make up in lowcalorie bulk what we were giving up in high-calorie eats.

With some trepidation, my wife mixed up a batch of the new food – and viola! Aurora was happy again, and my wife no longer tormented as if she was the Marquis de Sade of dog owners.

Here’s the reducing recipe Aurora fell in love with: * Quarter pound skinless chicken, boiled or broiled * Half cup cottage cheese or natural cultured yogurt * 4 cups mixed vegetables * Vitamin and mineral supplement * 1 tablespoon oil

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