Innovative VETERINARY CARE
VOLUME 14 ISSUE 4
INTEGRATIVE THERAPIES THAT ADDRESS ORTHOPEDIC CONDITIONS IN DOGS A LOOK AT HERBAL AND NON-HERBAL MODALITIES THAT CAN HELP DOGS WITH ARTHRITIS, HIP DYSPLASIA, AND OTHER RELATED DISORDERS. — P. 8
HOW PROBIOTICS MAY LOWER RISK OF SOME CANINE CANCERS
Research shows probiotics improve immune system function, and can even produce anti-tumorigenic compounds. — p. 18
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WHAT ROLE DOES NUTRITION PLAY IN TREATING CANINE OSTEOARTHRITIS? Concepts such as “nutri-nourishment” are among the nutritional approaches that can successfully address osteoarthritis in dogs. — p. 8
USING KINESIOLOGY TAPE IN HORSES WITH DJD
Kinesiology tape provides support, stability, and pain relief, while improving circulation, lymphatic drainage, and proprioception. — p. 28
WHY CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE IS A HELPFUL APPROACH TO IVDD IN DOGS
When combined with acupuncture and Western medicine, a Chinese herbal approach to intervertebral disc disease in dogs can provide immediate and lasting results. — p. 32
CAN ESSENTIAL OILS TREAT PAIN AND INFLAMMATION IN CATS?
Addressing orthopedic problems in feline patients can be challenging, but alternative options such as essential oils can be both safe and effective. — p. 42
BUILDING FOUNDATIONS FOR A HEALTHY, ACTIVE DOG
Addressing nutritional and energy needs is the key to keeping active dogs fit. — p. 46
contents FEATURES
NUTRITION NOOK 8 NUTRITIONAL APPROACHES FOR CANINE OSTEOARTHRITIS
by Denise Elizabeth Hall, DVM, CVA, MDIV
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Concepts such as “nutri-nourishment” are among the nutritional approaches that can successfully address osteoarthritis in dogs.
AN INTEGRATIVE 12 BECOMING VETERINARIAN
by Ruth Roberts, DVM, CVA, CVH, CVFT, NAN As an integrative veterinarian, you’ll have the ability to offer more comprehensive and personalized treatment plans for patients by expanding your expertise to include alternative modalities.
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AND CANINE 18 PROBIOTICS CANCER: A NOVEL APPROACH TO IMMUNE MODULATION by Margo Roman DVM, CVA, COT, CPT, FAAO Research shows probiotics may lower the risk of some canine cancers, help the immune system function better, and even produce anti-tumorigenic compounds.
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THERAPIES 22 INTEGRATIVE FOR CANINE ORTHOPEDIC CONDITIONS by W. Jean Dodds, DVM Herbal and non-herbal modalities — including TCVM, Chinese and Western herbal medicine, nutraceuticals and more — can help address arthritis, hip dysplasia, and other orthopedic disorders in dogs.
KINESIOLOGY TAPE FOR 28 USING DEGENERATIVE JOINT DISEASE IN HORSES
by Dr. Angelique Barbara, MS, DC Kinesiology tape helps manage the symptoms of degenerative joint disease in horses by providing support, stability, and pain relief, while improving circulation, lymphatic drainage, and proprioception.
CHINESE HERBAL APPROACH TO 32 (IVDD) INTERVERTEBRAL DISC DISEASE IN DOGS by Chris Bessent, DVM, MSOM, DIPL. OM, L.AC. Using Chinese herbal medicine to treat intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) in dogs can be highly rewarding. When combined with acupuncture and Western medicine, it can provide immediate and lasting results.
36 JIN SHIN JYUTSU
by Marlene Siegel, DVM Jin Shin Jyutsu is a transformative practice with profound implications for both veterinary professionals and pet parents. Rooted in ancient wisdom and supported by contemporary research, this gentle yet powerful touch therapy offers a pathway to balance and healing.
OILS FOR PAIN 42 ESSENTIAL AND INFLAMMATION IN FELINES WITH ORTHOPEDIC CONDITIONS
by Jared Mitchell, DVM, CVMA, CVA, CVFT Treating pain and inflammation in our feline patients can be difficult using only the limited pharmaceuticals that are available. Holistic and integrative options offer a treatment plan that can be both safe and effective, and essential oils are a great addition to the regimen.
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advisory board FOUNDATIONS FOR 46 BUILDING A HEALTHY, ACTIVE DOG
by Kimberly Henneman, DVM, DACVSMR (EQ, K9), FAAVA, CVA, CVC Addressing the active dog’s nutritional and energy needs, as well as managing heat during exercise, are the foundations for keeping him fit and healthy.
COLUMNS & DEPARTMENTS
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.
7 Editorial 11 From the AVH 21 From the VBMA 41 From the AHVMA 45 From the VMAA IN THE NEWS:
17 The AI revolution: transforming veterinary education and practice
27 Breakthrough in canine periodontal
disease detection: oral microbiome study shows promise
31 Cannabis in Veterinary Medicine: updated report sheds light on research and regulations
52 H5N1 influenza A virus spreads among mammals: new concerns for veterinarians
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.
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.
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nutrition nook
NUTRITIONAL APPROACHES
for canine osteoarthritis BY DENISE ELIZABETH HALL, DVM, CVA, MDIV
Concepts such as “nutri-nourishment” are among the nutritional approaches that can successfully address osteoarthritis in dogs.
Osteoarthritis is defined as progressive deterioration of articular cartilage in diarthrodial joints. It is characterized by hyaline cartilage thinning, joint effusion, and periarticular osteophyte formation. Joint degeneration in dogs can be caused by trauma, infection, immune-mediated diseases, or developmental malformations. The etiology and inciting cause initiates chondrocyte death and necrosis, the release of degradative enzymes and synovitis, including cartilage destruction and inflammation. In this article, we look at how a nutritional approach, including the concept of “nutri-nourishment,” can help dogs with osteoarthritis.
20% OF DOGS HAVE OSTEOARTHRITIS “Research shows…larger dogs are affected more than younger canines. Degenerative joint disease (DJD), as osteoarthritis (OA), is by far the most prevalent kind…. It is the friction (within the joint) that results in pain and reduced motion” (https://lanapaws. com/blogs/friends-of-lana/arthritis-in-dogs-early-signs-diagnosis-andtreatment). “Clinical signs of degenerative joint disease include lameness, joint swelling, muscle atrophy, pericapsular fibrosis, and crepitation. Radiographic changes in the joint include joint effusion, periarticular soft-tissue swelling, osteophytosis, subchondral bone sclerosis, and possibly narrowed joint space. Arthrocentesis may be unremarkable or yield minor changes in color, turbidity, or cell counts of synovial fluid” (“Osteoarthritis,” Merck Veterinary Manual 2.1). In reference to certain breeds, or congenital anomalies, abnormal cartilage congruence and joint capsule anatomy may lead to joint biomechanics dysfunction. Pain and lameness result, secondary to the dysfunction. Muscle atrophy may ensue, with subsequent
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limb disuse. Joint degeneration can often be assessed in dogs that are older or above their ideal weight.
JOINT HEALTH FROM A WHOLISTIC INTEGRATIVE AND PREVENTIVE APPROACH Focusing on nutri-nourishment — i.e. nutrition that is actually nourishing — is a wholistic integrative veterinary medical practice. “Wholistic” refers to the entire being — physical body, mind, environment, and spirit. A wholistic integrative approach brings in the best of all worlds; it’s where West meets East for optimal, overall health and wellness. Nutri-nourishment is front and center of this approach, as preventive veterinary medicine. A dog’s nutri-nourishment will provide support for osteoarthritic symptomatology, especially if it includes non-GMO, sustainably raised, organic certified ingredients void of preservatives, additives, and colorings. Most manufactured feeds contain
Keep the joints moving! When coping with osteoarthritis, intense bone pain is often a limiting factor for physical movement, exercise, and basic activities. Positive energy options include rehabilitative exercise, such as “aquatherapy” or water therapy, which offers great recovery responses for intense bone pain. Gentle massage techniques, such as Tellington TTouch, are another alternative, where homeostatically accessing acupressure points provides movement of healing Qi energy.
these ingredients. Thus, it serves us to read labels and become familiar with the ingredients, especially the primary proteins. Lean novel proteins, minerals, and supplemented vitamins are necessary in the 21st century global context. Achieving and maintaining a slim, lean, physical body is a primary foundation for optimal wellness, which includes the microbiome (prebiotics, probiotics) and gut health for the immune system (Gut Associated Lymphoid Tissue or GALT). Veterinarians play a key role in monitoring young dogs under the age of one, and especially large breeds with a genetic tendency for hip dysplasia. It’s critical to educate clients who are looking to adopt certain breeds known to have various joint and bone deformities.
NUTRITION IS NUMBER ONE!
For animal stewards (e.g. pet parents), supporting dogs with their carnivorous natures in mind will lead to healthy joints. Therefore, appropriate and well-thought-out nutri-nourishment, whole food supplementation, regular exercise, and weight management may prevent the onset of osteoarthritis. Ultimately, the end goal is to improve overall health and well-being.
FOOD INGREDIENT OPTIONS FOR DOGS WITH OSTEOARTHRITIS Most of these lean novel proteins are easily found, and are bioavailable for digestive accessibility. novel proteins, such as bison, chevron, duck, lamb, 1. Lean elk, venison, fish, and other game will assist in maintaining a lean body mass and provide vitamins and minerals that promote joint health.
All veterinarians must acquire educational prowess in nutrition, which is a significant realm of animal health. Dogs are very popular as companion animals, and corporate feed companies seem to bring out new offerings on a regular basis. Most of these feeds are loaded with filler additives, preservatives, and colorings.
fish, like sardines, mackerel, salmon, rohu, catla, 2. Oily anchovies, trout, and whitefish contain Omega-3 fatty
Here is where nutri-nourishment must be appreciated. Veterinarians and animal stewards hold the advocacy capacity to hold feed companies accountable for their product ingredients. In particular, kibble-based diets have manufactured their way into a realm of integrity that nevertheless continues to be wrought with questionable corporate practices.
are a whole complete protein that are often over3. Eggs looked when it comes to meal prep ingredients. Boiled eggs
Avoiding processed kibble and canned foods is highly recommended as part of a preventive approach for canine osteoarthritis. In this article, only verified human-grade and wholistic options are considered viable options, outside of veterinarian-recommended recipes for companion animals. An age-appropriate dietary regimen for growing animals is highly recommended, and daily nutritional requirements must be compliantly adhered to for normal cellular function.
DOGS ARE CARNIVOROUS MAMMALS THAT MOSTLY EAT MEAT As predators, dogs have an innate capacity to eat prey animals. It serves to understand and appreciate which primary proteins in feed ingredients best serve companion dogs, especially during the first year of life.
acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties. Usually, fish comes highly recommended as a primary protein, due to its high quality beneficial properties.
are simple to make and feed. broth is a favorite, as it contains so many beneficial 4. Bone ingredients, such as collagen. Collagen is derived from the main structural proteins of skin, connective tissues, and bone. Remarkably, bone broth supports joint health, improves hydration, benefits digestion and gut health, supports immunity, and haircoat/skin health. Making bone broth, or purchasing a low-sodium, organic, grass-fed beef or bison bone broth is highly recommended.
WHOLE FOOD SUPPLEMENTS FOR OSTEOARTHRITIS Whole food supplements are a welcome addition to preventive care for common chronic maladies such as osteoarthritis. • Standard Process has developed “veterinary formulas” or primary veterinary care doctors, with a great system of access for animal stewards (StandardProcess.com). • Ayurvedic veterinary medicine offers two main options for osteoarthritis: Boswelia and Ashwagandha. Centuries IVC Fall 2024
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Options outside nutri-nourishment Conventional Western treatments tend to be myopically mechanical and compartmentalized, whether medical or surgical. However, utilizing a wholistic integrative and preventive approach translates into utilizing Western medicine when warranted.
Use caution with NSAIDs Nonsurgical options include weight reduction, controlled exercise on soft surfaces, therapeutic application of warm compresses to affected joints, and the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs such as aspirin, etodolac, carprofen, deracoxib, meloxicam, firocoxib, and tepoxalin are well known to reduce pain and inflammation. However, extreme caution is necessary given Western medicine’s tendency to utilize NSAIDs over the long term. Adverse effects include gastrointestinal upsets such as inappetence, vomiting, and hemorrhagic gastroenteritis. Carprofen-associated hepatopathy is known to occur in Labrador Retrievers. The suppression of prostaglandin synthesis, with subsequent
of empirical wisdom have shown these herbs are beneficial for inflammation modulation and healing. Excellent results come from Ayurvedic medicine. • New Zealand Deer Velvet offers astounding healing properties for canine osteoarthritis. It is full of phenomenal nutrients and also contains green-lipped mussel and sea cucumber. It is delivered as a powder, easy and simple to mix in with food preparations.
THE IMPORTANCE OF VITAMINS Vitamins are a group of essential (“vita”) organic compounds for normal growth and nutrition. They are required in relatively small quantities for digestive intake, as they are not innately formed within the physical body. Due to current unsustainable agricultural methods on a global scale, along with rapidly changing weather patterns and climate change, an understanding and appreciation of the “Soil Food Web” is crucial for supporting the availability and accessibility of vitamins in food production. For dogs, the first year sets the foundation for a lifetime of optimal overall health and wellness. Thus, age-appropriate nutrinourishment considerations must be communicated from veterinarians to pet parents. This preventive approach practically eliminates many common chronic ailments, such as obesity and osteoarthritis; it’s dogs above their ideal weight who are plagued with deep bone pain from sensitive joints, recognized as osteoarthritis.
inflammation, often occurs with long term corticosteroid usage. When administered, corticosteroids should be used for the short term in order to prevent iatrogenic hyperadrenocorticism, cartilage degeneration, and intestinal perforation. Osteoarthritis may actually result from long term corticosteroid use. The market does offer joint-fluid modifiers, such as glycosaminoglycans or sodium hyaluronate, to prevent cartilage degradation.
Surgery is a last resort Joint fusion (arthrodesis) is most frequently performed on the carpus and tarsus joints. Commonly applied joint surgery, such as hip replacement, is often done in large breed dogs. Joint excision with femoral head and neck osteotomy, as well as amputation, are other surgical options. Prognosis is variable and depends on the location and severity of the arthropathy or diseased joint.
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Most wholistic health practitioners aware of global soil conditions highly recommend nutri-nourishment vitamin supplementation. For example, vitamins C, D, and E provide for optimal immune system response from the gastrointestinal tract’s microbiome, and a reduction of oxidative stressors to help the body move towards overall homeostasis. Whole food supplementation is the gold standard, and far superior to fractional nutrition. Pet parents who utilize veterinary recipes must acquire the best vitamin options available. Reading labels and understanding the nutritional analyses usually provided by feed companies is very important. • Peanut butter is fantastic for dogs, and contains vitamin E, one of the fat soluble vitamins that help minimize or prevent inflammation. Vitamin E is also essential for maintaining healthy muscles, eyes, and skin. • Water soluble vitamin B7 helps maintain healthy skin, coat, and nails, while vitamin B3 (also water soluble) aids with fatty acid metabolism and benefits brain function.
• Yams or sweet potatoes are very valuable for nutri-nourishment. They contain antioxidant and inflammatorymodulating nutrients for osteoarthritis and overall gastrointestinal health. For pet parents making homemade recipes, avoid common seasonings and oils. Plain is perfect. • Pumpkin is another great choice, and contains several nutrients known to have wonderful gut properties for digestion. It also modulates and reduces systemic inflammation, and offers beneficial nutrients such as beta-carotene, vitamin C, and magnesium.
MINERALS MATTER Minerals such as copper support a healthy immune response from the GALT as well as the total immunological system. Vital minerals must be considered in appropriate ratios, especially for the first year of a dog’s life. The calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, for instance, is essential since the musculoskeletal system takes some priority with bone and muscle growth. The ratio varies depending on the dog’s breed. It is recommended that veterinarians review the proper ratio with pet parents in order to prevent deficiencies, especially in dogs under one year of age.
INGREDIENTS AND SUPPLEMENTS THAT COUNTER OR PREVENT INFLAMMATION • For dogs, celery, carrots, zucchini, sweet potatoes, kale, spinach, quinoa, lentils, parsley, and apples are all part of a whole food dietary regimen that counter, or even prevent, inflammation, especially osteoarthritis. Carbohydrates with low-glycemic indices are well tolerated by the body and will modulate potential inflammation. • Nutritional supplements, such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, provide supportive cellular relief for inflammation, especially in the joints. Glucosamine is a building block for healthy cartilage cells, while chondroitin sulfate inhibits the degradation of cartilage and joint fluid enzymes. • Cannabis tincture is well known for helping with any type of inflammatory process within the body. Many veterinarians are currently awaiting new decision-making regarding cannabis from the Drug Enforcement Agency, since this benevolent plant is still designated a controlled Schedule II drug. Most veterinarians will not discuss cannabis as a
Veterinary-Client-PatientRelationship must be maintained The Veterinary-Client-Patient-Relationship (VCPR) is absolutely necessary for ensuring essential communications, along with the best veterinary care. The VCPR is especially significant for follow-up, follow-through, fine-tuning wholistic integrative and preventive options, and monitoring potential inflammatory etiology. Regular consultations in the first year of a dog’s life are vital. From years one to ten, fine-tuning the feeding regimen must take place every quarter to assure the dog stays lean and healthy. Senior dogs are best monitored on a quarterly basis, and educating pet parents on quality of life, including daily observations, is critical for optimal overall health and well-being. Older dogs must be maintained on an appropriate dietary regimen to ensure their gut microbiome is functioning well, and that they stay lean, especially in the case of large breeds.
viable option, due to this legal limbo from the federal government. However, cannabis is on the horizon as “medical plant nutrition,” and its full acceptance into various markets will revolutionize pain management in both humans and animals. • Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are known to offer much benefit and relief from inflammatory ailments, especially in the joints. Improved mobility and movement have been readily noted in both humans and animals. Omega-3s are found in fish (e.g. sardines, salmon, mackerel, herring, krill) and seed oils (e.g. hemp, flax, algae). • Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT) are easily digestible and offer great potential in modulating inflammation. Coconut oil is one example. Hemp oil is another option that is gaining more popularity. Begin with small amounts, such as 1 ml per 7 kg (15 lbs) of body weight. Given the high prevalence of osteoarthritis in dogs, it serves veterinarians well to learn as much as possible about integrative approaches to the disease, particularly the use of nutrition, to help treat or even prevent it in their patients.
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PROBIOTICS AND CANINE CANCER:
a novel approach to immune modulation BY MARGO ROMAN, DVM, CVA, COT, CPT, FAAO
Research shows probiotics may lower the risk of some canine cancers, help the immune system function better, and even produce anti-tumorigenic compounds.
Cancer is an autoimmune disease. When a dog’s body cannot identify something abnormal, such as cancer cells, and the problem starts multiplying, there’s an issue with his body’s innate protection. This article looks at how the gut microbiome, which is closely connected to the immune system, may influence cancer in the dog.
CANINE CANCERS HAVE INCREASED EXPONENTIALLY The incidence of canine cancer has increased so much that over 50% of dogs now get the disease in their lifetimes. This is very troubling and disturbing. In 1974, the literature showed that only Boxers got cancer, in the form of melanomas and mast cell tumors. In 1977, studies out of Angell Memorial Hospital in Boston were finding hemangiosarcoma in German Shepherds. I was an intern at Angell then, working on these cases, and at the time we thought we’d found a new issue. Now, hemangiosarcoma is found in many breeds. Dogs age seven times faster than we do, and as such are portraying a picture of us in fast time. They get exposed to
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the same chemicals we do in our homes, and their food is tainted with glyphosate, preservatives, and other microbiomedemolishing compounds, very much as human foods are.
HOW THE MICROBIOME MAY INFLUENCE CANCER The gut microbiome is a complex mix of microorganisms and their metabolites, and is closely linked to the immune system. Would knowing all the species of these microorganisms, and their interactions with each other and their host, be the knowledge we need to understand how cancer starts, and what makes it spread and dominate the host? Does a course of antibiotics reduce microbial diversity, and hence increase the chances of cancer? The microbiome protects us and our canine patients against pathogens, fine-tunes our immune systems, shapes how we use nutrients, and produces a host of chemicals that impact cell function. We have come to realize that the microbiome can also hasten or slow cancer development as well as influence our response to anticancer therapies. For example,
research is being done into how the microbiome influences the body’s reaction to particular immunotherapies for cancer, and is finding that an individual who was resistant to a particular immunotherapy responded better when they received a fecal transplant from an individual who responded well to the immunotherapy (more on fecal transplants below). While it is not yet fully understood if microbiomes around a cancer lesion can cause or control the lesion, growing evidence suggests they may influence the tumor environment in several ways. In cancer, cell types around the tumor are different from normal tissue. The question is, are these microbiome organisms helping to promote the cancer, or trying to stop it from killing the host? Allowing the body to be inflamed around the cancer could give it the microbes needed to attack the malignancy. Recent evidence shows the state of the human microbiome is associated with various diseases, including cancer. The salivary microbiome, fecal microbiome, and circulating microbial DNA in blood plasma have all been used experimentally as diagnostic biomarkers for many types of cancer. The microbiomes present within local tissues, other regions, and the tumors themselves have been shown to promote or restrict the development and progression of cancer, most often by affecting cancer cells or the host’s immune system. Perhaps the best evidence that microbiota are not just passengers or bystanders comes from Helicobacter pylori and several oncogenic viruses that drive cancer (see Table 1). H. pylori infections are strongly linked to gastric adenocarcinoma; this is mediated by inflammation with H. pylori–induced gastritis, considered a precursor of cancer While the exact mechanisms by which microbiomes around cancer lesions influence the disease are still being researched, it is clear they can have a significant impact on cancer development, progression, and treatment. Further studies are needed to fully understand these interactions and to develop effective microbiome-based therapeutic strategies. Getting the best response from the microbes you use is also very important for success.
HOW PROBIOTICS MAY LOWER RISK OF SOME CANCERS What gives an animal the ability to live with cancer? Can these qualities be shared? Are they due to specific probiotics in the animal? What microbe species may have protected
our animals from cancer, but have since been lost over the generations? An organic, plant-based, fresh raw diet seems to reduce cancer. Is this because it gives microbes to the gut from the plants? Fewer toxins build up in plants than in animal proteins, so a plant-based diet reduces insults to the body. Probiotics are being studied as a way to possibly help lower the risk of some cancers, and modulate the gut microbiome during cancer treatment. Probiotics may help the immune system function better, allowing it to detect and kill cells that could become cancerous. Probiotics may have further anticancer effects by eliminating carcinogens, altering colon conditions, and producing anti-tumorigenic compounds. Some clinical applications have shown that certain probiotic strains may reduce postoperative inflammation in cancer patients. See the sidebar of resources on the next page for more information on the potential role of probiotics in cancer. Probiotics can be obtained through dietary sources like yogurt and fermented foods, or as supplements. However, the FDA has not approved any probiotics for use with immunotherapy, and more research is needed.
LEARNING MORE ABOUT MICROBIOME SPECIES The first step in developing probiotics for immunotherapy is identifying helpful or harmful bacteria down to the strain level. But we do not know the species; we may think some are harmful, but they may be part of a synergistic effect that makes them positive for health. In addition, too much of a particular probiotic will cause dysbiosis, resulting in higher levels than would be present in a balanced microbiome. With probiotics, we are using only a few species of bacteria, when there are so many others that could work together and be even more effective at fighting cancer. We don’t really know much yet about the balance of bacteria in the microbiome. Could certain species be the influencers that prevent cancer? Studies are looking at specific species, but we are still far from finding the real numbers and relationships we need to be definitive. How many of these species have been lost due to the constant use of chemicals and antibiotics?
MBRT MIXOLOGY Microbiome Restorative Therapy (MBRT) is an emerging therapeutic approach aimed at restoring a healthy and balanced IVC Fall 2024
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