Innovative VETERINARY CARE
VOLUME 12 ISSUE 4
IS ADRENAL FATIGUE A TRUE MEDICAL CONDITION? THOUGH THERE’S NO SCIENTIFIC PROOF, MOUNTING EVIDENCE SUGGESTS ADRENAL FATIGUE IN DOGS AND CATS IS REAL — AND WE ARE MISDIAGNOSING IT. — P. 8
HOW THE RIGHT DIET COULD REVERSE FELINE DIABETES _
HAVE YOUR CLIENTS PROVIDED FOR THEIR PETS?
AN INTEGRATIVE APPROACH TO SEIZURES IN DOGS
TREATING CUSHING’ S DISEASE NATURALLY
USING TCVM TO TREAT LIVER DISEASE
DIAGNOSING AND TREATING THYROID DISEASES IN DOGS AND CATS
Feeding diabetic cats a species appropriate diet that’s low in carbs and high in protein may cause the disease to go into remission. — P. 15
www.IV
FALL 2022
C Journal.com
Integrative therapies take time to work when controlling seizures and epilepsy in dogs, but they can be effective and don’t have side effects. — P. 22
How TCVM modalities like nutrition, herbal medicine, Tui_na and acupuncture help treat liver disease in dogs. —P. 32
Would your animal patients have someone to care for them if something happened to their owners? How to start a conversation around this important topic. — P. 38
Find out how nutrition, glandulars, herbs, acupuncture and more can treat your canine Cushing’s patients. — P. 54
Accurate diagnostic testing is vital to successfully managing hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. — P. 26
contents FEATURES
FATIGUE IN DOGS 8 ADRENAL AND CATS
32
By Marlene Siegel, DVM
Though there is no scientific proof to say adrenal fatigue is a true medical condition in pets, mounting evidence suggests it’s real, and we are misdiagnosing the symptoms and warning signs.
8
15
NUTRITION NOOK DIET AND DIABETES MELLITUS IN CATS
15
22
38
Conventional drugs used to control seizures and epilepsy in dogs can lead to side effects and withdrawal problems. An integrative approach takes time to work but can be an effective way to treat these conditions.
22
MANAGING AND 26 DIAGNOSING, TREATING THYROID DISEASES IN DOGS AND CATS By W. Jean Dodds, DVM Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are commonly-seen disorders in canine and feline patients. Accurate diagnostic testing and screening are vital to successful treatment and management.
46 26 4
IVC Fall 2022
WHEN THE UNEXPECTED HAPPENS — ENSURING A FUTURE FOR YOUR CLIENTS’PETS
By Christina Chambreau, DVM, CVH Have your clients provided for their pets in the event something happens to them? How to start a conversation around this important topic.
46
MAKING SENSE OF FELINE PANLEUKOPENIA (FPV) TESTING By Linda S. Jacobson, BVSc, MMedVet (Med) PhD, Toronto Humane Society
How studies on FPV diagnosis and management are helping answer some practical questions important to shelter medicine and beyond.
SEIZURES AND EPILEPSY IN DOGS — HOW TO MINIMIZE SIDE EFFECTS OF PHARMACEUTICALS By Ihor Basko, DVM, CVA
By Jody Bearman, DVM Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) includes nutrition, herbal medicine, Tui-na and acupuncture. All these modalities are helpful for treating liver disease in dogs.
By Chris Bessent, DVM, MSOM, Dipl. OM, L.Ac. Many domesticated cats eat kibble diets high in carbohydrates, leading over time to the development of diabetes mellitus. Feeding a species-appropriate diet that’s low in carbs and high in protein creates better health and can even cause diabetes to go into remission.
TCVM FOR LIVER DISEASE IN CANINES
54
NATURAL APPROACH TO CUSHING'S DISEASE IN DOGS By Jodie Gruenstern, DVM, CVA
A natural approach to Cushing’s disease in dogs includes nutrition, glandulars, herbs, acupuncture and more, addressing all facets of the disease with no side effects.
62
HOMEOPATHY FOR HYPERTHYROID CATS
By Todd Cooney, DVM, CVH Unknown before the 1970s, hyperthyroidism is now a common ailment in cats. Homeopathy is an effective alternative to conventional treatments.
COLUMNS & DEPARTMENTS
7 Editorial
advisoryboard
19 From the AHVMA 25 From the VMAA 51 From the AAVA 59 Industry innovations 61 From the VBMA 65 From the AVH PROFITABLE PRACTICE
14 ImpriMed 21 VDI Laboratory 31 Alaskan Naturals 43 Infusion Pump Repair (IPR) 53 HempMy Pet™ IN THE NEWS
20 Restoring native predators can
reduce invasive species
44 US govt against concentration of
ownership in vet industry by large players
Dr. Richard Palmquist, DVM GDipVCHM(CIVT) CVCHM (IVAS), graduated from Colorado State University in 1983. He is chief of integrative health services at Centinela Animal Hospital in Inglewood, California, former president and research chair of the AHVMA, and an international speaker in integrative veterinary medicine. Dr. Palmquist is a consultant for the Veterinary Information Network (VIN) and a past president of the AHVM Foundation. He has published two books, one for conventional veterinarians and a second for clients discussing how integrative thinking works.
Michelle J. Rivera, MT, VDT, is an instructor at the University of Wisconsin and The Healing Oasis Wellness Center, a post-graduate educational institution offering state-approved programs. She is coowner of The Healing Oasis Veterinary Hospital, offering massage, rehabilitation, chiropractic and Chinese and Western Herbology. Michelle completed the Chinese Herbal Medicine program from the China Beijing International Acupuncture Training Center, and is certified in Chinese Medicine by the Wisconsin Institute of Chinese Herbology.
Dr. Joyce Harman, DVM, MRCVS, graduated in 1984 from Virginia Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. Her practice is 100% holistic, using acupuncture, chiropractic, herbal medicine and homeopathy to treat horses to enhance performance and those with a variety of chronic conditions, with an emphasis on Lyme Disease. Her publications include the Pain Free Back and Saddle Fit Books, and numerous articles in lay and professional magazines. She maintains an informative website: www.harmanyequine.com. Dr. Steve Marsden, DVM, ND, MSOM, Lac. Dipl.CH, CVA, AHG lectures for IVAS, the AHVMA, the AVMA, and numerous other organizations. He is co-founder of the College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies and is a director emeritus of the National University of Natural Medicine in Portland OR. He authored the Manual of Natural Veterinary Medicine (Mosby); and Essential Guide to Chinese Herbal Formulas (CIVT). Dr. Marsden is extensively trained in alternative medicine, including Chinese herbology, acupuncture and naturopathic medicine. He has holistic veterinary and naturopathic medical practices in Edmonton, Alberta. In 2010, Dr. Marsden was named Teacher of the Year by the AHVMA; and Small Animal Veterinarian of the year by the CVMA in 2009. Dr. Jean Dodds, DVM, received her veterinary degree in 1964 from the Ontario Veterinary College. In 1986, she moved to Southern California to establish Hemopet, the first non-profit national blood bank program for animals. Dr. Dodds has been a member of many national and international committees on hematology, animal models of human disease, veterinary medicine, and laboratory animal science. She received the Holistic Veterinarian of the Year Award from the AHVMA in 1994.
52 Wildfire-injured cats more prone
to blood clots
60 Can pets get monkeypox? 66 More pets, fewer vets
Dr. Barbara Fougere, DVM, CVAA graduated in 1986, and was named the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association Educator for 2011. Dr. Fougere is the principal and one of the founders of the College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies. She has continued studying over the last 26 years, and has three Bachelor degrees, two Masters degrees, three post Graduate Diplomas, several Certifications and numerous other courses under her belt.
Dr. Christina Chambreau, DVM, CVH, graduated from the University of Georgia Veterinary College in 1980. She is a founder of the Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy, was on the faculty of the National Center for Homeopathy Summer School and has been the holistic modality adjunct faculty liaison for the Maryland Veterinary Technician Program and is the former Associate Editor of IVC Journal. Dr. Chambreau teaches classes in homeopathy for animals, lectures on many topics, speaks on Radio and TV, and is the author of the Healthy Animal’s Journal among other titles. She is now on the faculty of the Holistic Actions Academy, which empowers members to keep their animals healthy with weekly live webinars.
IVC Fall 2022
5
ADRENAL FATIGUE IN DOGS AND CATS BY MARLENE SIEGEL, DVM
Though there is no scientific proof to say adrenal fatigue is a true medical condition in pets, mounting evidence suggests it’s real, and we are misdiagnosing the symptoms and warning signs.
Adrenal fatigue is not a widely recognized condition in pets, although it affects 10% to 15% of the human population in developed countries.1 Extrapolating information known about adrenal fatigue in humans suggests that veterinarians are probably missing the early warning signs of this condition in pets, consequently misdiagnosing the symptoms as other disorders.
FOLLOW THE CORTISOL Anything that raises cortisol levels, whether as a result of stress or the use of prescription medications, creates a risk for blood sugar imbalances, high inflammation, hormone imbalances, weight gain, low energy and poor vitality. High cortisol contributes to fat breakdown, reduced bone formation, insulin resistance, decreased amino acid uptake by
8
IVC Fall 2022
the muscles, metabolic acidosis, impaired lymphatic function and the generation of more glucose from the liver. High cortisol also leads to leaky gut, which allows molecules to enter the body through the gastrointestinal tract. These foreign invaders are carried by the blood stream to the liver where they trigger an inflammatory response. The cycle becomes perpetual unless cortisol levels are reduced and the leaky gut is repaired.
CHRONIC INFLAMMATION IS THE ROOT CAUSE OF ALL “DIS-EASE” Early warning signs of adrenal fatigue in pets mimic “allergy” symptoms such as sneezing, itching, excessive eye tearing,
or paw licking. Instead of addressing the root cause of the “allergies”, veterinarians often treat these pets symptomatically with steroids, Apoquil or Cytopoint.2
OUR MODERN WORLD
The brain does not distinguish between real and perceived threats. In today’s modern world, humans experience nonstop “perceived threats”. The “lion” is the S.A.D. Day (Standard American Day), though of course stressors Other symptoms of adrenal fatigue may include waxing don’t just exist in America. People are sleep-deprived, and waning gastrointestinal signs, a finicky appetite, an have financial concerns, eat processed, nutrientinappropriate response to stressors and generalized lethargy. deficient foods, are exposed to thousands of toxins, and are bathed in EMF pollution. Many also live in a state of FEAR (Future Events Appearing Real). Practitioners see these symptoms often, but again, the The S.A.D Day includes the S.A.D. Western practitioner tends to address the symptoms but Diet (Standard American Diet). not the underlying “dis-ease”. The pet improves — until
the next episode. Eventually, the pet relapses or the condition worsens into a chronic degenerative disease or autoimmune condition.3
THE ADRENAL GLANDS
his perpetual state of high alert, T high sympathetic tone, and high cortisol release contributes to adrenal fatigue in people.
The adrenal glands regulate the body’s ability to respond to stress and maintain other essential life functions. Adrenal fatigue, more accurately termed Hypothalamic-PituitaryAdrenal Axis (HPA Axis) dysfunction, is characterized by chronically low cortisol levels. Veterinarians are trained to recognize two major adrenal dysfunctions once they have advanced past the early adrenal dysfunction stage:4 Hyperadrenalcortism (also called Cushing’s disease) results from an excess production of cortisol. This may occur due to a tumor in the pituitary or adrenal gland, or the over usage of exogenous steroids (Iatrogenic). Chronic cortisol
elevation leads to blood sugar imbalances, one of the most insidious robbers of health. Blood sugar imbalance increases inflammation, which puts more stress on the adrenals and begins a vicious cycle as they continue to make each other worse. Whatever the cause of chronically increased cortisol, it marks the start of adrenal dysfunction.5
MEASURING STRESS AND HEART RATE VARIABILITY (HRV) Whether real or perceived, stress increases heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure. When the threat is over, the body relaxes, the heart rate, breathing and blood pressure reduce, and there is a return to a resting state. Heart rate variability (a measure of the variability between heartbeats) is a metric of how the body is recovering from stresses throughout the day, and is an evaluator of overall fitness. Low heart rate variability is considered a sign of current or future health problems because it shows the body is less resilient and struggles to handle changing situations. Low HRV may be an early indicator of adrenal fatigue.8
Adrenal insufficiency6 (also called Addisons disease or Hypoadrenalcortism) is an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks the outer layers of the adrenal glands. This leads to a deficiency in key hormones (e.g. cortisol, which is a glucocorticoid necessary for the stress response; and aldosterone, a mineralocorticoid needed to maintain water and electrolyte balance). Other causes of adrenal tissue destruction include metastatic tumors, hemorrhage, infarctions, granulomatous diseases, and adrenolytic agents like Miototane or Trilostane which inhibit adrenal enzymes. Regardless of the cause, the adrenals have lost the ability to produce the hormones necessary to respond to stress and maintain body functions.7
THE AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM (ANS) The ANS has two branches: sympathetic and parasympathetic. As information comes into the brain (through sight, sound, feel, taste and smell), it is processed through the amygdala, an area that contributes to emotional processing. Depending on how the message is received and interpreted, one of the two branches of the autonomic nervous system will be activated. If the message is “danger”, a distress signal is sent to the hypothalamus. This area of the brain functions like a command center, communicating with the rest of the body through the ANS to activate the sympathetic branch for a fight or flight response. When the sympathetic branch is activated, it sends a signal to the adrenal gland.
10
IVC Fall 2022
Cortisol and adrenaline are released, increased energy and blood supply go to the muscles, stored sugars are released into the blood for immediate energy, and the fight/flight response takes over (run away from the danger or fight to survive). High sympathetic tone shuts down the parasympathetic branch of the ANS. The parasympathetic branch regulates rest, repair, digestion, reproduction and detoxification. As the initial surge of adrenaline (also called epinephrine) subsides, the hypothalamus activates the second component of the stress response system, the HPA axis, which relies on a series of hormonal signals to keep the sympathetic nervous system activated.
THE HPA AXIS The Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis is a collaboration of the adrenal and pituitary glands, and the hypothalamus. Their joint activities help control the body’s reactions to stress, (physical or psychological). They also help regulate digestion, the immune system, and energy usage. If the brain continues to perceive something as dangerous, the hypothalamus releases corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), which travels to the pituitary gland, triggering the release of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). This hormone travels to the adrenal glands, prompting them to release cortisol. This process allows the body to stay in high alert. Once the danger passes, cortisol levels drop, and the vagus nerve stimulates the parasympathetic branch of the ANS, signaling that rest, repair, digestion and detoxification can begin.
ANS BALANCE IS THE KEY TO THRIVING The ability to appropriately respond to danger and then recover (by moving into a parasympathetic state) through rest, repair and detoxification is imperative for a healthy immune system. Nature demonstrates ANS balance beautifully. A herd of gazelle graze peacefully (but alertly) until chased by a predator (like a lion). They shift immediately into sympathetic tone and run for their lives. The lion (who was in high sympathetic tone while chasing the herd) shifts into parasympathetic while eating his kill. The herd of gazelle settle back down into parasympathetic and return to grazing, even though the lion is still nearby, because the threat has passed.
RISK FACTORS LEADING TO ADRENAL FATIGUE IN PETS
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
S pecies-inappropriate diets (highly processed, enzymatically dead, nutrient-deficient and loaded with carbohydrates and toxins) contribute to metabolic stress. Non-structured tap water (loaded with heavy metals, insecticides, pesticides, fluoride, pharmaceuticals, glyphosate and more) adds to the toxic burden, plus the body has to re-structure the water in order to absorb it intracellularly. This extra work increases metabolic stress. E nvironmental toxins such as hormone disrupters, mold, volatile organic compounds and electromagnetic pollution (EMF) create massive stress on the body. T he pet’s “stress” can be their own (physiologic or psychological) but can also be entrained from their stressed out owners. Steroids and other drugs used to control symptoms of “dis-ease” are not addressing the root cause of the problem. Their misuse may further suppress the individual, driving the “dis-ease” further into the body. E xogenous steroids are the most overused and abused drugs in the conventional veterinarian’s pharmacy.
The consequences of chronic low-level adrenal stimulation are multifold: •
An increased load on the heart may lead to heart failure.
•
Chronic excess blood glucose may lead to diabetes mellitus.
•
Persistent stimulation of the adrenals may lead to adrenal fatigue or ultimately to adrenal failure (Addison’s disease).
IVC Fall 2022
11
Seizures and Epilepsy in dogs —
how to minimize side effects of pharmaceuticals Conventional drugs used to control seizures and epilepsy in dogs can lead to side effects and withdrawal problems. An integrative approach takes time to work but can be an effective way to treat these conditions. BY IHOR BASKO, DVM, CVA
Seeing a dog suffering from seizures or epilepsy is a frightening experience for clients. Diagnosing the problem by trying to get to the root cause, and taking an integrative approach to treatment, can help manage the problem while minimizing the issues arising from long-term drug use.
EPILEPSY AND SEIZURES — WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE? The disease of “epilepsy” is not very well understood by Western conventional veterinary medicine, especially in dogs and cats. There is no cure, and treatments are designed to suppress biochemical reactions and “slow the excitability” of the neurons. Dogs who have “seizures” might not have true epilepsy but are responding to physical, environmental, or emotional stress while experiencing compromised brain function due to lack of proper nutrition, aging, hereditary reasons, or a buildup of heavy metals in the brain from food and water. A “stroke” can be classified as a type of seizure, and can reoccur, causing progressive signs such as permanent head tilt, deafness, blindness, and vertigo.
CONDITIONS THAT CAN LEAD TO SEIZURES Many conditions can result in seizure activity in dogs. If we want to affect a cure for the problem, it’s important to track back and see if we can identify any “triggers” that may have been overlooked. Some of these include: • Chronic exposure to pesticides and toxins •D rug reactions (Proin, Heartguard/Invermectin, Fipronil, etc.) • Food allergy reaction • Tramatic brain injuries • Brain tumors • Genetic predisposition • Cervical vertebral luxation • Kidney disease • Eclampsia/milk fever • Hepatitis/liver disease/metabolic syndrome • Idiopathic
22
IVC Fall 2022
• Low blood glucose to the brain can be another factor. A condition that seems to be common in certain breeds with seizures (Labs, Golden Retrievers, Dobermans, German Shepherds, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, etc.) is hypothyroidism. • With the onset of “rat lung/brain worms” in humans living in some areas of Hawaii, parasites in the brain might be another cause. A spinal tap might help diagnose the problem. Also, dogs eating raw meat, especially lamb, may have a tapeworm called Echinococcus that may be associated with seizures. • More recently, veterinarians in the US are reporting seizures after multiple vaccinations, especially rabies. •S eizures in geriatric dogs (eight years and older) can result from metabolic biochemical disturbances in the brain. These can be due to poor circulation, vitamin or mineral deficiencies, fatty infiltration, chronic infections, liver dysfunction, a deficiency in the heart, and a buildup of heavy metals and pesticides. Different dogs may react in a variety of similar and different ways during a seizure, and there are many kinds of seizures.
CONVENTIONAL VETERINARY MEDICINE FOCUSES ON DRUGS Conventional medicine goes for drugs rather than real solutions, because the causative factors are not well investigated, and most practices do not have the ability to do tests such as CT scans and MRIs, nor can most clients afford these procedures. Although the drugs used for these conditions can improve the quality of life in the short term, dependency becomes a problem. This is because they’re addictive substances that may cause “withdrawal” problems that in turn could cause seizures when dosages are reduced or stopped. Commonly-used drugs include barbiturates such as Phenobarbital, and muscle relaxants such as Diazepam; other drugs (potassium bromide, Gabapentin) can cause damage to the liver when used for long periods.
Encourage clients to do the following if seizures occur: • Calm yourself first, by taking five, deep, slow breaths. • I f necessary, move your dog to a safer area, such as a carpet without nearby furniture, lamps, glass, and other hazards. • Place your hands on the dog’s chest (while calming yourself with deep breaths) and gently massage his/ her neck and head in circular motions. • Be with your dog until he/she gets through it. • Crushed ice bags on the belly and neck, or ice water on ears and face, can help reduce the seizure’s duration. • If the dog suffers from frequent and severe seizures, keep valium on hand (clients can learn to inject it without a needle into the rectum). As an alternative to valium, CBD can be administered under the tongue. • Discontinue: — Heartworm preventative (for two consecutive months), then resume monthly treatment. — Flea and tick medications. — All vaccines. • Keep a diary to record observations, along with what is working and what is not. On the days a “seizure” occurs,
note the symptoms, duration, intensity and what worked to bring your dog out of it, what was eaten that day, and what emotions or stimuli were present. • Note the color of the dog’s tongue: — Pale pink = lack of blood flow. — Pale pink purple = poor blood flow with stagnation (somewhere in the body’s blood stream. — Purple = stagnation and lack of oxygen. — Bluish = lack of oxygen — check breathing and do “mouth to mouth” resuscitation. • Take the dog’s temperature (using a rectal thermometer) right after the seizure. This will show how serious it was and if there could be more brain damage.4 • Listing all the contributing stress factors present in the dog’s environment, if possible, will give us clues as how to mollify the situation by avoiding or eliminating them. • Vagal Nerve Stimulation might be a good way to control the severity and length of seizures. The dog owner could employ this technique before the dog has a seizure, during one of the prior behaviors that seem to occur each time. IVC Fall 2022
23
TAKING AN INTEGRATIVE APPROACH TO TREATMENT Treatment with integrative medicine focuses on the cause of the problem, revitalizes the nervous system, repairs damage, controls symptoms, and improves quality of life without the use of harmful drugs. Treating epilepsy and seizures from an integrative standpoint might take several months and includes understanding the dog and how he/she reacts to the environment. • Acupuncture will help a dog experience less stress from any chemical imbalance in the brain, and will stimulate healthy endorphins that counterbalance the brain after seizures. •C hinese herbs are prescribed to assist the detoxification of the dog’s liver and nervous system, and help control seizures. Nutraceuticals, antioxidants, and vitamins may be prescribed to aid in repair. See chart below right for a list of ingredients featured in many products formulated for anxiety. Other considerations to support drug or Chinese herbal therapy include DHA (Pure Encapsulations EPA/DHA) and Phosphatidylcholine, and possibly more magnesium (Pure Encapsulations) (avoid using any herbal calming formula containing tryptophan with SSRI antianxiety drugs).
Reducing Drug Dosages You need to guide the process of withdrawing a client’s dog from medication. If the dog is on Phenobarbital, and you want to begin to reduce the dose, do so gradually if it has been more than a month. I would recommend waiting three weeks after beginning the above supplements, unless the dog has high liver enzymes and is showing signs of phenobarbital toxicity. In case of toxicity, decrease phenobarbital (after three weeks on the above supplements) by 25% and re-evaluate. If seizures don’t occur or are greatly reduced, continue another three weeks, decrease the drug by another 25% (this should be now half the original dose) and re-evaluate. Keep in mind that it’s not possible to do this with every situation and every dog. It's important to note that seizures may occur as you reduce medications that the dog’s body has become dependent on. 24
IVC Fall 2022
Most drug doses can begin to be reduced after three to six weeks when using the above supplements. In some cases, the severity of the seizures can be lifethreatening and drugs should be given. Adding antioxidants such as milk thistle (silymarin), turmeric, and vitamin C will help prevent the side effects of the drug(s). In my experience, most dogs I see respond to non-drug treatments except those that: • Have a brain tumor (very rare) • Had a series of strokes, causing paralysis •H ave excessive heavy metal or pesticide poisoning of the sympathetic nervous system.
GENERAL TREATMENT PLAN FOR SEIZURES AND EPILEPSY I. Improve nutrition to the brain •P hosphatidylcholine supplement)
(eggs,
liver,
broccoli,
kale,
• DHA (Omega-3 fish oils) • Antioxidants (alpha-lipoic acid) • B-complex vitamins II. Support detoxification and improve liver function •A ntioxidants to support liver function (milk thistle, dandelion root, alpha-lipoic acid) • Avoid drugs and chemicals • Chinese herbal formula (based on the patient’s constitution • Turmeric • Coenzyme Q10 •A ntioxidant-rich vegetables (kale, chard, broccoli, green papaya [needs to be cooked], red cabbage, carrots, parsley, alfalfa sprouts, etc.) III. I mprove blood flow dynamics (to brain, heart and liver) • Omega-3 EPA • Gingko, Dan Shen, Uncaria • Acupuncture IV. Support the calming circuits in the brain with herbs and supplements
From the VMAA The Veterinary Medical Aromatherapy® Association (VMAA) is an organization of veterinarians and veterinary technicians dedicated to the responsible use of aromatherapy in animal practices. Their mission is to promote standards of excellence in animal aromatherapy, to provide outreach and education to veterinarians and auxiliary animal practices, and to promote continual improvements in Veterinary Medical Aromatherapy®. The VMAA is elevating the veterinary profession through innovation, education, and advocacy of integrative medicine.
AROMATHERAPY CASE STUDIES A two-year-old spayed female Bichon was suffering from urinary incontinence three months after her OVH surgery. She would leak urine in her sleep in the guardian’s bed. We used a blend of biologically active essential oils over the sacrum three times a day. Blend: 25 drops Clary Sage, 15 drops Peppermint, 25 drops Spanish Sage, and 10 drops Fennel essential oils in 15ml of fractionated coconut oil. Two to three drops of this blend were placed on the dog’s sacrum every eight hours. The incontinence resolved within two weeks without any other therapy. A five-year-old male neutered mix breed dog presented for collapse. The diagnosis was Addison’s disease. Conventional treatment was started but the dog continued to have severe stress episodes. We used a blend of biologically active essential oils over the kidney/adrenal area three times a day. Blend: 20 drops Spearmint, 8 drops Sage, 12 drops Geranium, 10 drops Myrtle, 5 drops Nutmeg and 8 drops Chamomile in 15ml of fractionated coconut oil. Two to three drops of this blend were placed over the L1-2 area of the back. After three days of application, there were no more stress episodes. The owners were to use this blend four times a week and twice a day if stress is anticipated. Overall, biologically active essential oils can mimic neurocrines or hormones and naturally balance the system.
• Passion flower, chamomile, valerian, kava kava, CBD (hemp) • Melatonin • B complex • Magnesium, oyster shell • Acupuncture V. Support hearth health/decrease stress with adaptogens •Z izyphus, Dan Shen, licorice, Siberian ginseng, ashwagandha, medicinal mushrooms (Reishi) Treating seizures and epilepsy integratively requires time and effort, but it can be an effective way to manage the problem while reducing the use of conventional medications and their side effects.
Submitted by Nancy M. Brandt, DVM, CVC, CVA, CVMA IVC Fall 2022
25