Greater Monroe Kennel Club 2014 ANNUAL DUES RENEWAL

Greater Monroe Kennel Club
2014 Newsletter Editor:
Donna Otero
January 2014, Volume 14, Issue 1
4975 Friendly Farms Road
Greensboro, NC 27406
[email protected]
All Meetings are Now Held at the Hilltop Bistro
GMKC by-laws state that the newsletter
is to be distributed 2 weeks IN ADVANCE OF THE GENERAL MEETING.
Therefore, ALL articles and information
for the newsletter need to be submitted
by the TUESDAY that is 2 WEEKS
FOLLOWING THE GENERAL MEETING. For the Feb. 2014 newsletter, I
will need all your information by Jan.
28, 2014.
Next Meeting is Tuesday, Jan 14, 2014 at 7:00 p.m.
Opinions expressed in this newsletter
are those of the contributor and do not
necessarily reflect the views of GMKC
either as a group or individually.
Advice or helpful hints should never be
taken as substitutes for personal veterinary counsel.
1602 E. Roosevelt Blvd.
Monroe, NC 28112
(704) 289-3733
We meet in the back room of the Bistro. In order to minimize interruptions to the meeting, please plan to arrive by
6:00 p.m. if you are having dinner.
Board Meeting will follow after the regular meeting adjourns.
Inside this edition:
ACKcommunicates
Page 1
December 2013 Meeting Minutes
Page 2
Rehoming Megaesophagus Dogs
Page 3
2014 Officers and Directors
Stop Gassing Shelter Animals Petition
Page 3
President—John Schoeneman
2014 Annual Dues Renewal Notice
Page 4
Vice President—Martha Milligan
Cabin Fever Flyer
Page 5
Secretary—Janet Broome
Emergency Training to Protect Working K-9’s
Page 6
Treasurer— Gene Hains
Karen’s Korner
Page 7
Contact and referral persons are in no
way guaranteed by the GMKC
Board of Directors
Beth Warren
Bobbe Jackson
Pat Ginocchio
Www.greatermonroekc.org
Click below for the latest AKCommunicates Newsletter
GMKC Paw Prints
January 2014
GMKC December Minutes/Board Minutes – December 11, 2013
The December Kennel Club meeting was held at Rolling Hills Country Club.
A motion to take club business out of order was made by Lori Schoeneman, seconded by Betty
Montgomery, vote unanimous.
Election of Officers: The Secretary cast a vote for the club to approve Officers as presented by
the Nominating Committee. New Officers for 2014 are:
John Schoeneman, President
Martha Milligan, Vice President
Gene Hains, Treasurer
Janet Broome, Secretary
Pat Ginocchio, Board Member
Beth Warren, Board Member
Bobbe Jackson, Board Member and Membership Secretary
New Member Application: The application for membership for Ginger Russell was read to the club as per club bylaws. The application will be voted on at the January meeting.
New Business: Premiums for the March Show are due. We need a Show Committee meeting either between Christmas and New
Year’s or the first week of January, 2014.
Show Business for 2014: We have new motels to list for Concord, will be discussed at the upcoming Show Committee Meeting.
There is a concern about the man we have in charge of marking off grooming spaces at the Arena giving too much space for
“preferred” groomers and others are lacking space. There have been some complaints so John has asked that any complaints or
suggestions for the 2014 shows be presented to him so he can take care of it.
Turning Point Family for Christmas: GMKC gives Christmas support to a chosen Turning Point family. This year a motion was
made to give $300 to the Turning Point mother with 3 boys for Christmas; vote was unanimous. Martha will take the gifts from
the Christmas Meeting and the gift certificate for $300 to Turning Point for this family.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:53 pm.
No Board Meeting for December.
End of Report.
www.greatermonroekc.org
Page 2
GMKC Paw Prints
January 2014
It’s Membership Renewal Time
Please print, complete and include the following page with your payment.
Helen Brinn and a couple of her friends have developed a website
for Rehoming Megaesophagus Dogs.
The link to her site is http://rehomingmegaesophagusdogs.com/
Please check it out.
Submitted by Helen Brinn
Commissioners of Union County North Carolina and
Animal Services
Stop Gassing Shelter Animals
Submitted by Karen Phillips
www.greatermonroekc.org
Page 3
Greater Monroe Kennel Club
2014 ANNUAL DUES RENEWAL NOTICE
Family Membership: $25.00
Individual Membership: $20.00
Junior Membership: $10.00
Payments are due by January 1, 2014
Make checks payable to : Greater Monroe Kennel Club (or GMKC)
You may deliver checks at the meeting (places bring this completed form.),
Or mail payment to :
Bobbe Jackson
5913 Rocky River Road North
Indian Trail, NC 28079
___________________________________________________________
Please complete the following Information and return with your dues:
Member(s) Name _________________________________________
Address _________________________________________________
City, State, Zip ____________________________________________
Phone No. _______________________________________________
Email ___________________________________________________
Breed(s) ________________________________________________
GMKC Paw Prints
January 2014
NC State University
College of Veterinary Medicine
Presents
K-9 Down
Life-Saving Emergency Training to Protect Working K-9’s
February 22, 2014
http://www.cvm.ncsu.edu/conted/k9down.html
I’ve been to the training it is awesome. You learn how to intubate, set a pick line, install an ost, bandage,
splint, and puncture for bloat. Classes are usually offered in Raleigh, New York, and Miami. Go if you
can.
Josie Lodder
Submitted by Martha Milligan
www.greatermonroekc.org
Page 6
GMKC Paw Prints
January 2014
Karen’s
Korner
All Articles in this
section were submitted by Karen
Phillips
Benefits of
Fish Oil to
Your Dog’s
health
Alternative
Treatment &
Supplement Recommendations
Breast Cancer in Pets
Consistent
Success with
Heartworm
Treatment
Chemical
Watch Factsheet
Foundation
Launches Study of
Cancer in Golden
Retrievers
GMO
Againstg the
Grain
Willard
Water
www.greatermonroekc.org
Reducing
Pain in Dogs
with Cancer
Make Cleaning Pet Safe
Page 7
CONSISTENT SUCCESS WITH HEARTWORM TREATMENTS AND PREVENTION
Over the last several years I have had the opportunity to treat several heartworm positive
cases in various stages of the disease with excellent results. The treatment focus is to
specifically target the dog’s own immune system against the parasites directly. There are
no side effects to the treatment and dogs do not need to be confined during treatment as
they would with conventional drug treatments. There seems to be no risks of the parasites dislodging and creating vessel blockage as the body apparently is dissolving them
down as they would with any other dead or diseased tissue. In conventional treatment
the parasites are immediately killed off in a massive attack, which could lead to obstruction of vessels causing immediate death of the animal, thus the need for the animal to
remain confined and quiet for 3-4 weeks.
Long term side effects of traditional treatments are known to lead to heart or liver problems. With the natural protocol there are no long-term side effects, except maybe the dog
is now actually healthier then before treatment!
Natural treatment generally involves specific homeopathic and herbal formulas to target
the body’s killer cells against the specific invader. Treatment protocols are individually
designed to meet the patients needs; as an example some patients might require extra
liver support to aid in the detoxification process that allows the immune system to oper-
ate at it’s full potential. Remedies are easy to administer and most are given twice daily
which makes for easy compliance.
This approach is truly integrative. The owner, depending on the case, may determine that
ivermectin also be given monthly to keep down the parasite load of microflaria while the
dog is killing off the adult parasite load that exists in the body. This helps to ensure that
no further parasites could migrate and eliminates the compounding effects of the parasites. We have treated cases with or without the use of ivermectin with equally good results.
The only small drawback for the natural protocol to heartworm treatment is that it does
take a little patience. Of course, results will vary, but in general remedies are given at full
dosage for approximately two months. Then fewer remedies are required but are continued for approximately another two months (or longer if necessary).
It is well known that when re-testing a dog who has been through conventional heartworm treatment it may take 4 to 6 months for the heartworm test to come back negative.
The body’s circulating antibodies are often still present during this time frame, thus the
result of a heartworm test will show a positive reading. This is also true when re-testing a
naturally treated dog.
It is good to know that there are safe options available for the treatment of heartworms
and the persona of fear and the death sentence surrounding heartworm patients can be
dispelled.
Return to Karen’s Korner
I'm submitting this article on a chemical found in a new flea collar SERESTO.
I found the information on the chemical to be interesting.
This article does not
state Imidacloprid usage in SERESTO flea
collar is going to hurt your dog.
Chemical Watch Factsheet
A Beyond Pesticides Factsheet
IMIDACLOPRID
I
midacloprid (1[(6-chloro-3-pyridinyl)methyl]-N-nitro-2- imidazolidinimine) is a systemic,
chloro-nicotinyl insec�cide
used for the control of sucking insects such as fleas, aphids, whiteflies, termites, turf insects, soil insects, and some beetles.
It is used on cotton and vegetable crops as foliar and seed treatments, soil, structures, indoor and outdoor insect control, home gardening
and pet products. It was first registered in the U.S. in 1994 as the first chemical in its
chemical class by Bayer CropScience.
.....
While many in the industry consider imidacloprid to be a pesticide of relatively low toxicity, it has been found to be extremely toxic
to non-target insects like bees, and recently has led to resistance in the Colorado potato
beetle.
Mode of Action
Imidacloprid belongs to the nicotinoid chemical family, a family of chemicals similar to the
tobacco chemical, nicotine. It works by interfering
with the transmission of stimuli in the insect nervous system causing irreversible blockage
of acetylcholine receptors, which are found in a type
of neural pathway that is more abundant in insects than in warm-blooded animals. These
receptors are rendered incapable of receiving acetylcholine molecules (an
important neurotransmitter) and an accumulation of acetylcholine occurs, resul�ng in the
insect’s paralysis and eventual death. It is effective on contact and via stomach action.
Acute Toxicity
Imidacloprid is classified by the Environmental Protec�on Agency (EPA) as both a toxicity
class II and class III pes�cide (on a scale of I to IV, I being the highest toxicity class),
and must be labeled with the signal word “Warning” or “Caution.” Symptoms of
acute exposure would
be similar to nicotonic signs and are expected
to be diarrhea, fatigue,
twitching, salivation, convulsions, cramps, and muscle weakness including the muscles necessary for breathing. Symptoms can last for
five days following exposure.
Imidacloprid is quickly and nearly completely absorbed from the
gas¬trointestinal tract and eliminated in urine and feces. The airborne concentration that resulted in mortality to
half of the test organisms (LC50) is >69 mg/m3 air in the form of an aerosol, and >5323 mg/
m3 in air in the form of dust. It is considered non-irritatang to eyes and skin,
and non-sensitizing to skin, though some granular formulations may contain clay as an inert ingredient, which may act as an eye irritant.
3
Chronic Toxicity
Chronic or long term toxicity of imidacloprid is linked to reproductive and mutagenic
effects at relatively high doses. Studies with laboratory rats fed imidacloprid
over two years resulted in decreased body weight and increased thyroid lesions. Elevated
blood cholesterol levels and stress to the liver were also observed in dogs fed
imidacloprid for 1-year. It categorized as a “Group E” carcino¬gen (evidence of noncarcinogenicity for humans) by the EPA.
Reproductive Effects
A three generation reproduction study in rats fed up to 700 ppm imidacloprid resulted in
decreased pup body weights. An increase in the frequency of miscarriages
and an increase in the number of offspring with abnormal skeletons were observed in
pregnant rabbits fed a dose of 72mg/kg/day.
Neurotoxic Effects
Tremors, uncoordinated gait and decreased activity were observed in male rats fed 310
mg/kg imidacloprid. A dose-related decrease in a measure of motor and locomotor
activity was observed. Most clinical signs of toxicity were resolved after 1- 5 days of treatment. In EPA studies, neurotoxicity was characterized by decreases in motor
or locomotor activity in female rats at 42 mg/kg/day.
Mutagenic Effects
Imidacloprid may be weakly mutagenic. It has been determined that imidacloprid increased the frequency of genetic damage by chemically binding to DNA.
It also tested positive for causing changes in human lymphocyte chro¬mosomes and for
genotoxicity in Chinese hamster ovary cells.
4
Metabolites
There are several break-down products or metabolites of imidacloprid, many with toxic
effects. The main urinary metabolites are 6-chloronicolinic acid and two
monohydroxylated metabolites (5-hydroxyimidacloprid) and (4-hydroxyimidacloprid),
among others. The nitroso metaboloite (1-(6-chloro-3-pyridylmethyl)-N- nitroso
(imidazolidin-2-ylideneamine)
when fed to rats in drinking water led to higher lymphocyte counts and lower numbers of
polymorphonuclear cells (a category of white blood cells).
4
One metabolite found in imidacloprid-treated plants, called the olefin metabolite (1-(6Chloro-3-pyridylmethyl)-N-nitro(4- imidazolin-2-ylidene)amine), is more toxic to insects
than imidacloprid itself. The guanidine metabolite however, does not possess insec�cidal
proper�es, but has a higher mammalian toxicity than the parent compound.
Ecological Effects
Imidacloprid is toxic to upland game and birds especially Japanese quail, house sparrow,
canary and pigeons. So toxic is imidacloprid to birds that the EPA concluded that the ‘levels
of concern’
for secondary exposures were exceeded for both non-endangered and endangered songbirds. Imidacloprid causes abnormal behavior, such as lack of coordination, lack of responsiveness
2
and an inability to fly, in birds for which it is not considered highly toxic, such as mallards.
Other adverse effects observed include eggshell thinning
(at exposures of 61mg/kg), decreased weight (at exposures of 150 ppm) in food) and reduced egg produc�on and hatching success.
Reproductive Effects
A three genera�on reproduction study in rats fed up to 700 ppm imidacloprid resulted in
decreased pup body weights. An increase in the frequency of miscarriages
and an increase in the number of offspring with abnormal skeletons were observed in
pregnant rabbits fed a dose of 72mg/kg/day.
Neurotoxic Effects
Tremors, uncoordinated gait and decreased activity were observed in male rats fed 310
mg/kg imidacloprid. A dose-related decrease in a measure of motor
and locomotor activity was observed. Most clinical signs of toxicity were resolved after 1- 5
days of treatment. In EPA studies, neurotoxicity was characterized
by decreases in motor or locomotor ac�vity in female rats at 42 mg/kg/day.
Mutagenic Effects
Imidacloprid may be weakly mutagenic. It has been determined that imidacloprid increased the frequency of genetic damage by chemically binding to DNA.
It also tested posi�ve for causing changes in human lymphocyte chro¬mosomes and for
genotoxicity in Chinese hamster ovary cells.
4
Metabolites
There are several break-down products or metabolites of imidacloprid, many with toxic
effects. The main urinary metabolites are 6-chloronicolonic acid
and two monohydroxylated metabolites (5-hydroxyimidacloprid) and (4hydroxyimidacloprid), among others. The nitroso metabolite
(1-(6-chloro-3-pyridylmethyl)-N- nitroso(imidazolidin-2-ylideneamine) when fed to rats in
drinking water led to higher lymphocyte counts and lower numbers
One metabolite found in imidacloprid-treated plants, called the olefin metabolite (1-(6-Chloro-3-pyridylmethyl)-N-nitro(4- imidazolin-2ylidene)amine),
is more toxic to insects than imidacloprid itself. The guanidine metabolite however, does not possess insecticidal proper�es, but has a
higher mammalian toxicity than the parent compound.
of polymorphonuclear cells (a category of white blood cells).
4
Ecological Effects
Imidacloprid is toxic to upland game and birds especially Japanese quail, house sparrow,
canary and pigeons. So toxic is imidacloprid to birds that the EPA
concluded that the ‘levels of concern’ for secondary exposures were exceeded for both
non-endangered and endangered songbirds.
2
Imidacloprid causes abnormal behavior, such as lack of coordination, lack of responsiveness and an inability to fly, in birds for which it is not considered highly toxic,
such as mallards. Other adverse effects observed include eggshell thinning (at exposures
of 61mg/kg), decreased weight (at exposures of 150 ppm) in food)
and reduced egg production and hatching success. Imidacloprid also appears to repel birds
when used as a seed treatment.
Return to Karen’s Korner
Willard Water
Some dog owners swear this substance helps treat anything effectively.
BY CJ PUOTINEN
Willard Water is one of life’s mysteries. Most people have never heard of it. Those who
have, tend to use it religiously, even though they aren’t sure what it is or how it works.
They say it improves digestion, reduces migraine headaches, relieves arthritis, improves skin health, heals burns and wounds without scarring, helps balance blood sugar, treats gum disease,
supports detoxification, lowers high blood pressure, alleviates pain, and is helpful in the
treatment of dozens of other conditions, including
cancer. Its manufacturer
makes no medical
claims beyond reporting that Willard Water may have anti-inflammatory and analgesic
properties, and that free-radical scavenger tests show it to be a powerful
antioxidant.
What helps set Willard
Water apart from other “wonder” products is
that it was examined
Return to Karen’s Korner
GMO Against The Grain
Shelia Pell, environmental issues journalist
Most dogs now dine on some type of genetically modified (GM) food,
often in the form of corn and soy in their kibble. As these ingredients
increasingly enter the food supply, we have one or more reason to wonder
if our shopping choices might be harming our pets.
More animal feeding studies are needed, experts say, and a recent long-term, peer-reviewed report points out
why.
It found that a diet of GM corn and soy led to higher rates of severe stomach inflammation in pigs, which are
physiologically similar to dogs.
Robert Silver, DVM, a Boulder, Color., holistic vet, tackled the issue earlier this year when he presented his paper,
"Genetically Modified Food and Its Impact on Pet Health" at the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association
conference in Kansas City, MO. Why did he choose this controversial topic, one that few vets even
acknowledge?
Silver--a pioneer in the field of holistic veterinary medical practice--says he was inspired by a seminar he attended
in Boulder on GM foods and human health. The speakers included Don Huber, a Purdue University professor,
and
activist Jeffrey Smith, who discussed problems, including reproductive difficulties, that have occurred in livestock
fed GM crops.
"I found this seminar mind-opening" says Silver, the lone vet in attendance. "I had always believed the PR about
GM foods--that they are going to feed the world and are a good outcome of our genetic technology."
The Food and Drug Administration, which regulates the safety of GM crops consumed by humans and animals,
considers most GM plants "substantially equivalent" to traditional plants and "generally recognized as
safe." Their
regulation involves a voluntary consultation process with the developer before products are brought to market.
Smith, founder of the Institute for Responsible Technology, disagrees. On its website
(responsibletechnology.org),
he warns that "nearly all GM crops are described as "pesticide plants". They either tolerate doses of weed killer,
such as Roundup, or produce an insecticide called Bt-toxin. In both cases, the added toxin--weed killer or bug
killer-is found inside the corn or soybeans we consume."
Silver says that while "allergies, GI problems, increased risk of cancer, neurodegenerative conditions" and other
ills
could all be, in part, related to GM foods, "there is no objective evidence of this yet" in dogs. "However, all vets
will
agree that there has been an uptick in these diseases int he past 10 to 20 years." The advent of GM foods in the
1990s
"fits into this timing of disease increases," he says.
His presentation referred to studies that raise doubt about the safety of bio-tech crops, such as one reported in
1996 in the New England Journal of Medicine, which found that genes inserted into crops can carry with them
allergenic
properties.
Silver says that genetic modification introduces foreign proteins that may encourage allergies, and the widely
planted Bt corn, which makes its own insecticide, "could possibly cause leaky gut, the gateway to chronic disease."
Corn is a major component of most commercial pet foods. "The big problem with commercial foods is that they
are manufactured at high temperatures and pressures," which alters them and makes them "potentially more
allergenic." And commercial foods contain industrial ingredients that are "more likely to contain GM and herbicide
contaminants."
A study published last year found that GM crops engineered to withstand the toxic herbicide Roundup must now
be doused with even more herbicide, since weeds have also developed resistance to it. Residues of these
chemicals
on crops can find their way into pet food.
A 2013 study published in the science journal, Entropy, reports that the heavy use of Roundup could be linked
to Parkinson's, autism, infertility and cancers. It goes on to report that residues of Roundup in food can interact
with, and enhance, the damaging effects of other environmental toxins. "Negative impact on the body is insidious
and manifests slowly over time as inflammation damages cellular systems throughout the body," the study's
researchers say.
According to Silver, heightened sensitivity to dietary ingredients "is probably what we are seeing with GM foods.
It is of concern that this may be driving the increase in GI problems in pets." Although gluten probably does
account for some problems with grain consumption, "I think that grain-free diets, if they are also so free and
contain protein from animals not fed GM crops, can help many dogs, due to being GM free--and not due to some
allergy or gluten issue,"
To a holistic doctor, food is medicine, and Silver strongly recommends home meal preparation from individually
sourced ingredients to avoid feeding GM ingredients, especially to pets who have other health problems.
"I am truly a holistic practitioner in that I believe an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."
Return to Karen’s Korner
The Benefits of Fish Oil to Your Dog's Health
This is one supplement that can benefit all dogs and help with a variety of conditions.
Fish oil is probably the most important supplement you can add to your dog’s diet, regardless of what type of diet you
feed. EPA and DHA, the omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil, provide widespread benefits, but they are fragile and unlikely to
survive storage in bags of kibble, or may be rancid even before being added to pet foods. Krill oil and whole fish also provide EPA and DHA that may be better absorbed, providing similar benefits in smaller doses.
BENEFITS: Proven benefits from EPA and DHA include:
-Improving the coat and skin.
-Reducing inflammation due to conditions such as arthritis, allergies, and inflammatory bowel disease.
-Regulating the immune system, boosting those that are suppressed and calming overactive immune systems for dogs with
allergies or autoimmune diseases.
-Aiding in mental development of fetuses and puppies, and improving cognitive function in older dogs.
-Lowering blood pressure and triglycerides.
-Providing support for dogs with kidney disease, heart disease, and cancer.
-Promoting weight loss in overweight dogs.
CAUTIONS: Fish oil should be protected from light, heat, and air. Store liquid fish oil in dark bottles in the refrigerator. Purchase amounts that can be used within one or two months to avoid rancidity. If you notice an “off” odor, discard the oil.
concerned about contaminants, look for molecularly distilled products (note the term “pharmaceutical
grade” has no legal definition). More concentrated forms, with higher amounts of EPA and DHA per
gram, result in lower levels of contaminants.
Independent agencies have tested many human and pet supplements. None have found mercury, but a few products had
unsafe levels of PCBs, provided less EPA or DHA than was shown on the label, or were spoiled. For those
Liquid fish oil products made for humans often contain flavorings that dogs generally do not like.
DOSAGE: Use products made for either humans or dogs. The amount of EPA and DHA in various fish oil preparations varies. Look for concentrated forms when giving high doses so you use smaller amounts of oil.
Healthy dogs can be given 100 to 150 mg EPA and DHA per 10 pounds of body weight daily; dogs who have health problems can be given up to 300 mg per 10 pounds of body weight. One ounce of canned fish with bones (sardines, jack mackerel, pink salmon) averages about 300 mg EPA and DHA combined.
The recommended dosage of liquid fish oil products is often too high, adding unnecessary fat and calories to your dog’s
diet. High doses of fish oil can interfere with platelets and lead to increased bleeding, and too much can contribute to rather than reduce inflammation.
Cod liver oil is similar to fish oil, but most products also contain high levels of vitamins A and D (molecular distillation removes these vitamins). For those who feed a homemade diet that does not include much fish, give an amount that provides about 100 IUs of vitamin D per 25 pounds of body weight daily. Do not use high doses of cod liver oil. If additional
omega-3 fatty acids are desired, add plain fish oil.
RECOMMENDED SOURCES: There are many different brands of fish oil supplements. Here are a few examples:
-Enzymatic Therapy’s Eskimo-3 (800-783-2286 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 800-7832286 FREE end_of_the_skype_highlighting; enzy.com).
-Mercola Krill Oil (877-985-2695 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 877-985-2695 FREE end_of_the_skype_highlighting;
krilloil.mercola.com).
-Neptune Krill Oil (NKO) (888-664-9166 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 888-6649166 FREE end_of_the_skype_highlighting; neptunekrilloil.com) available in many brands, including Source Naturals
(NOW brand failed two ConsumerLab tests).
-Nordic Naturals (800-662-2544 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 800-662-2544 FREE end_of_the_skype_highlighting; nordicnaturals.com), a variety of liquid and softgel products for humans and dogs.
-Sogeval’s Derma-3 Twist Caps (800-877-0177 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 800-8770177 FREE end_of_the_skype_highlighting; sogevalus.com), highly concentrated softgels.
Mary Straus is the owner of DogAware.
Return to Karen’s Korner
Make cleaning pet safe
Everybody (well, most everybody), deep cleans their home at least once a year.
Dr. Patrick Mahaney writes about life in WeHo with our companion animals
and how to keep them healthy.
As they undertake this potentially Herculean task it’s vitally important to recognize the potential toxic effects household cleaning products may have on our
pets.
After all, cats, dogs and other companion animals live in a shared environment
with us and are exposed to the same toxic substances in our homes and yards.
Besides that, pets groom themselves using their mouths, therefore, residues
from cleaning products and other environmental toxins end up in their skin,
coat, eyes, nose, and throat.
Single or repeat exposures may have short and long term negative health implications for our feline and canine friends. Ingestion of or contact with cleaning
products can cause a variety of clinical signs in pets, including:
Sneezing
Coughing
Nasal and ocular (eye) discharge
Ptyalism (salivation)
Emesis (vomiting)
Diarrhea
Anorexia (decreased appetite)
Lethargy
Seizures
Death
Clinical signs may not be evident until your pet is extremely
sick with metabolic disease (kidney, liver, or other organ
system failure), cancer, or other severe illness; therefore,
prevention is the best treatment.
More studies are confirming that our pets are at a higher health risk than even people are
from the negative effects of chemicals and fragrances in our home.
With the availability of non-toxic and fragrance free cleaners on the market today, pet parents have safer alternatives to traditional products.
Return to Karen’s Korner
Reducing pain in dogs with cancer
By Katherine Unger Baillie
Canine cancer affects one out of every three dogs.
When an X-ray reveals the worst possible news—that a pet dog’s limp turns out to be
caused by a cancerous tumor—owners have limited options. Amputation and repeated
rounds of chemotherapy can extend a pet’s life, but at substantial costs, financial and otherwise. Alternatively, dogs can be given painkilling drugs, but it may only be a few weeks
that these medicines keep the canines comfortable.
A recent study by researchers at theSchool of Veterinary Medicine has shown that another
option may be available to pet owners hoping to relieve their dogs’ suffering.
Penn Vet’s Dorothy Cimino Brown and Kimberly Agnello recruited owners of 70 dogs with
bone cancer to participate in the study. All of the owners had opted not to pursue amputation and chemotherapy, and were instead interested in simply improving their dogs’ quality
of life for the remainder of their lives.
“There are a lot of owners who will say, ‘I know my dog is terminal, so I’m just going to try
to keep him as comfortable as I can for as long as I can,’” Brown says.
Half the dogs received the standard course of painkillers, but the other half received a spinal injection of a compound known as substance-p saporin, or SAP. Though never before
tested in pet dogs, earlier research indicated that an injection of this neurotoxin could relieve pain by selectively destroying pain-sensing nerves.
By the study’s design, owners did not know which treatment their dogs received, but were
asked to record their pets’ apparent pain levels and activity. When the owners felt that the
treatment was no longer effectively relieving their pets’ pain, they were told whether they
had been given SAP or the control treatment. At that point, dogs in the “control” group were
then offered the spinal injection of SAP.
Brown and Agnello found that SAP was significantly more effective at reducing pain than the traditional painkillers. Owners of nearly three-quarters of dogs receiving the standard drugs asked to be
“unblinded” within six weeks, compared to just a quarter of dogs receiving the neurotoxin injection.
“This opens up a whole new realm of treatment possibility,” says Brown. “Usually we would run the
medical gamut of pharmaceutical options and then euthanize, but now if we have a neurotoxin that we
can offer, we’ve actually increased by another step our potential to improve these animals’ quality of
life.”
The results have the potential not only to improve the lives of sick dogs, but humans as well, as dogs
have served as a good model for how painkillers might work in people.
“The idea is that hopefully what happens in these dogs is more predictive of what happens in people
than what happens in mice,” says Brown. “This is the direct predecessor to a human clinical trial.”
Originally published on October 31, 2013
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Foundation Launches Study of Cancer in
Golden Retrievers
Vet ConnectionDr. Elizabeth Bradt
Every day, Cindy Fleischner lines up her crew of cuddly canines for breakfast. As the four other dogs eat, Cindy pulls Katy, her 12year-old shepherd mix, aside for a peanut butter treat.
Katy is battling lymphoma, and this treat hides her daily dose of chemotherapy drugs. “The other dogs are jealous,” says
Fleischner. “But they don’t know the battle she is fighting.”
Katy is not alone in this war. Canine cancer is one of the leading causes of dog deaths. Of the more than 100 million dogs in North
America, about two in four will develop cancer, and one in four will die from some form of this dreaded disease. In some purebred dogs, such as golden retrievers, the percentages are even higher.
Adopted from the Denver Dumb Friends League, Katy was no stranger to hospitals. As a licensed therapy dog, she spent many
hours at a local hospital, bringing comfort and joy to patients.
However, Fleischner began to notice that Katy — a normally sweet dog — became distracted. “I knew something was not right,”
she says.
A physical examination found a growing mass on Katy’s throat. Further testing and surgery would determine that the lump was
thyroid cancer.
“Obviously, I was sad,” says Fleischner. “And the whole process of determining the best course of action was so confusing, just
making a bad situation even worse.”
After surgery, Katy underwent radiation therapy for the thyroid tumor at Colorado State University. She was able to win this
battle, but her war against cancer wasn’t over yet.
Katy was again diagnosed, this time with a lymphoma, requiring more treatments and time with a cancer specialist. Eventually,
these treatments saved her life.
Fleischner knows she’s lucky. In her metropolitan area, she had the choice of visiting a veterinary teaching hospital or a specialty
center with a veterinary oncologist.
Unfortunately, not all owners are as lucky. Sadly, cancer will claim almost 50 percent of dogs over 10 years old, leaving their
owners bewildered and unsure of what to do.
Of the almost 9,000 veterinary specialists, less than 200 specialize in veterinary oncology. In Boston, we are lucky to have veterinary oncologists at New England Veterinary Oncology Group, Angell Memorial Animal Hospital and Tufts Cummings School of
Veterinary Medicine. A new collaboration, however, may help provide some answers — and options.
throughout the nation in an effort to eradicate canine cancer.
The Morris Animal Foundation (MAF; www.morrisanimalfoundation.org) has launched the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study in an
attempt to stop cancer in our pets with a goal to cure this deadly disease within the next 10 to 20 years. This study brings together research scientists, industry leaders and 3,000 dog-owning households
Each golden retriever enrolled in the study will have all its physical exam results, medical history and lab work sent to the foundation on an annual basis throughout its lifetime by your veterinarian. If surgeries are performed, your veterinarian will enter all
results and biopsies into a database. The study can accommodate 3,000 golden retrievers. A candidate for the study must be under the age of 2 and purebred to enroll. If you are willing to commit to annual exams and lab work for the lifetime of your dog,
you can log on to the website www.morrisanimalfoundation.org to enroll your golden retriever in the study.
Another immediate priority of the foundation is collaborating with cancer specialists, ensuring that pet owners have access to
treatment options and advice. The Morris Animal Foundation will contribute $500 to the medical care of any enrolled golden
retriever if cancer does develop.
Already, multiple scientific endeavors are working toward a cure for dog cancer. A canine cancer tissue bank has been created
due to a generous $1.1 million donation from Pfizer Animal Health. The Golden Retriever Foundation has promised $500,000
toward research for early detection. This will be money well spent since approximately 60 percent of golden retrievers die from
cancer.
This is great news for Fleischner and her dogs. She considers herself fortunate to have great veterinarians, as well as access to
cancer specialists. But, “Everyone needs to have options.” She says. “I was lucky — I know sometimes pet owners feel helpless
and think that euthanasia is the only option available.”
She happily reports that Katy is doing well with her lymphoma treatments, and her sweet, good-natured personality has returned.
Beyond helping our dogs with new innovative therapies, the Canine Cancer Campaign offers benefits for us, as well. Many breakthroughs happening in this research will help fuel further prevention, treatment and even cures for human cancers.
Remember, there is hope for dogs and their owners — despite a cancer diagnosis. Like Katy, many dogs will tolerate cancer treatments well. The long-term goal of The Golden Retriever Lifetime Study is to help dogs of every type battle cancer. Your veterinarian will work with you, local specialists and national resources to ensure your pet receives the best outcome possible.
Dr. Elizabeth Bradt is a 1986 graduate of Tufts University’s Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine and the owner of All Creatures Veterinary Hospital in Salem. Email your pet questions to [email protected]. Please title your email “Vet Connection.”
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BREAST CANCER IN PETS
Breast Cancer in Dogs
About one in three dogs die of cancer, around the same rate as people. Mammary tumors are most commonly found in un-spayed, female dogs between the ages of five and ten years. While half of the mammary tumors found in dogs are benign, the other 50 percent are malignant (the confirmation of a dog cancer diagnosis). Un-spayed female dogs are more susceptible to mammary tumors than females spayed before their first
heat.
Because both benign and malignant tumors in dogs have receptors, estrogen or progesterone, vets and experts think the presence of female hormones can promote the growth of tumors. By eliminating hormonal factors as soon as possible (by spaying), your pet has a lesser chance of suffering from breast cancer.
Breast Cancer in Cats
While mammary glad tumors aren't common in male dogs, if they are diagnosed the cancer is very aggressive and the prognosis poor. There are also some canine breeds that have a higher incidence of mammary
cancer than others. The highest risk dog breeds include boxers, golden retrievers, rottweilers, Bernese mountain dogs, Boston terriers, English bulldogs, Scottish terriers and cocker spaniels.
Like with dogs, cancer of the mammary glands can be lethal in cats. As a matter of fact, it's the third most
common cancer among cats. The good news? It's also one of the most preventable. Mammary tumors are
most commonly found in un-spayed cats between 10 and 12 years old.
Precautionary Measures for Your Pooch
To prevent the disease, take the precautionary measure of spaying your dog at an early age, which decreases the risk of both benign and malignant tumors. Spaying after this age reduces the risk of benign tumors but
not necessarily malignant tumors. Also conduct regular examinations of both female and male dogs. Check
around the nipple area and feel for a solid mass. If you do detect a bump, call your vet immediately.
Precautionary Measures for Your Kitten
For cats, spaying at a young age can also decrease the risk of tumors. Kittens spayed before they're six
months old have a 91 percent reduction in their risk of developing the disease. Those spayed before the one
year mark have an 86 percent risk reduction. Be sure not to delay having your cat spayed, since those spayed
before the age of two have only an 11 percent reduction, with no reduction of risk at all after age two.
Course of Treatment
Similar to some of the steps when treating human breast cancer, you can expect your pet to receive a biopsy,
followed by removal and analysis of mass.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Promising Canine Cancer Vaccine Tests Begin in Tri-state;
Dr. Gerald Post Calls for Volunteer Dogs to Take Part in
Study
About Morphogenesis-Inc and Veterinary Oncology Services
Owners of dogs with lymphoma should check with their family veterinarian to determine if their dog’s disease meets the requirements for the clinical trial of the vaccine.
Florida-based Veterinary Oncology Services, in conjunction with leading biotechnology firm, Morphogenesis Inc., developed the cancer vaccine.
Morphogenesis is a privately-held biotechnology company structured to serve the rapidly growing cell therapy, biologics and tissue engineering markets. Morphogenesis has developed a multi-indication cancer therapy which educates
the immune system to attack tumor cells throughout the body without damaging other cells or systems. Its subsidiary,
Veterinary Oncology Services, Inc., assists veterinary physicians in providing this non-toxic, personalized treatment
for many types of cancers in cats, dogs and horses. For more information, please visithttp://
www.veterinaryoncologyservices.com or 813-877-7896 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 813-8777896 FREE end_of_the_skype_highlighting http://www.morphogenesis-inc.com or call 813-875-6600
begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 813-875-6600 FREE end_of_the_skype_highlighting.
Norwalk, CT (PRWEB)
Nationally recognized veterinary oncologist Dr. Gerald Post, owner of The Veterinary Cancer Center, is calling for owners of dogs with lymphoma in the region to find out if their dogs qualify to take part in clinical trials for a promising
new vaccine that has been shown to diminish the effects of multiple types of cancer in dogs, cats and horses.
"Because it offers such promise for helping dogs with lymphoma, we are thrilled to be a part of this groundbreaking
study," said Dr. Post. "This is an exciting and hopeful opportunity for tri-state pet owners and their dogs. The clinical
trial is designed to establish exactly how well this new vaccine can provide hope for a happier and longer life for our
beloved dogs."
Owners of dogs with lymphoma should check with their family veterinarian to determine if their dog’s disease meets
the requirements for the clinical trial of the vaccine.
Florida-based Veterinary Oncology Services, in conjunction with leading biotechnology firm, Morphogenesis Inc., developed the cancer vaccine.
Along with Dr. Post’s clinic, the vaccine is now in clinical trials with other select leading veterinarians in Florida and
Georgia, with other sites pending.
The vaccine treatment teaches the immune system to identify and attack the tumor cells without harmful side effects to
the patient.
About The Veterinary Cancer Center
The Veterinary Cancer Center (The VCC) is a specialized veterinary practice located in Norwalk, CT, dedicated to the
diagnosis and treatment of cancer in animals. The VCC is a state-of-the-art hospital, and is the largest stand-alone veterinary comparative oncology center in the United States. The staff includes nationally recognized oncologists, led by
Dr. Gerald Post, DACVIM. The VCC's mission is to give hope to pet owners by pursuing better ways to diagnose, treat,
and prevent cancer in all animals. For more information, please visithttp://www.vcchope.com or 203-838-6626
begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 203-838-6626 FREE end_of_the_skype_highlighting.
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Alternative Treatment & Supplement Recommendations
Updates on the use of and sources for some less-recognized but often effective alternative
treatments and supplements.
Whole Dog Journal readers often try techniques and products described in the magazine, but sometimes years go
by before we need something we read about, or it disappears from the market, or we have trouble finding it, or
we simply forget all about it. Last month we revisited green tripe, Seacure, and Willard Water. Here are two more
go-to products featured in previous issues that might now be perfect for you and your dog.
As we reported seven years ago (in “Accelerated Wound Healing,” WDJ August 2006), many products are marketed
as a first-aid kit in a tube, jar, or bottle, but EMT Gel truly lives up to that description.
EMT Gel’s key ingredient, bovine collagen (also described as “a natural medical hydrolysate Type I collagen”), acts
as a tissue adhesive, providing a matrix for new cell growth while sealing and protecting wounds and significantly
reducing pain, bleeding, scarring, wound weeping, and the risk of infection.
Once applied, EMT Gel can be left undisturbed, which simplifies dressing changes. The collagen forms a plug that
stops bleeding by encouraging clotting, and its occlusion of nerve endings reduces pain. Veterinarians in research
universities and clinical practice recommend EMT Gel for abrasions, lacerations, skin ulcers, gunshot wounds,
bites, first- and second-degree burns, electrical injuries, frostbite, post-surgical incisions, suture and IV sites, skin
graft sites, bleeding ear injuries, skinned elbows, and other wounds.
als. Some users routinely apply it to their own injuries.
According to its manufacturer, EMT Gel reduces bleeding, promotes rapid healing, reduces pain and itching, deodorizes wounds, protects wounds and newly formed tissue, provides an optimal environment for wound healing,
is easy to use and cost-effective, conforms to wounds of all shapes and sizes, is naturally absorbent, has excellent
adhesion qualities, is safe, non-toxic, and non-sensitizing, and can be used on all animals...
EMT Gel is sold in 1-ounce tubes and has a two-year shelf life.
A spray-on version (EMT Gel Spray) is available for the treatment of scrapes, first- and second-degree burns,
scratches, lick granulomas, hot spots, and other skin injuries. In addition to wound-healing collagen, the nontoxic
spray contains a bitter taste (Bitrex®, or denatonium benzoate) which deters many dogs from licking it off.
Websites featuring EMT Gel and Spray publish testimonials from users who credit the products with saving their
dogs’ lives or at least making them more comfortable...
To use EMT Gel, clean the wound by rinsing it with plain water or a saline solution; then apply the gel to the
wound and the surrounding area. Allow superficial wounds to air-dry and, for deeper wounds, cover with a nonstick dressing. If using the spray, keep it away from the dog’s eyes and nose because of its bitter-tasting ingredient.
EMT Gel and Spray should be stored at room temperature and protected from freezing. Extreme heat may affect
the gel’s viscosity but not its performance.
EMT Gel can be messy and may not stop heavy bleeding unless pressure is applied to the wound, and the spray
can be slow to dry. In some cases, possibly because the product was old and because plain gauze rather than a
non-stick dressing was used, the gel stuck like glue to paw pads or other injuries as well as to the gauze. Not all
dogs are deterred by the spray’s bitter taste, in which case lick granulomas and similar wounds can be protected
with bandaging or the use of an Elizabethan collar until the wound heals. Most users report good results for both
the gel and spray on superficial wounds and wounds that are easily accessed.
Most WDJ readers are familiar with digestive enzymes, protein-like compounds that, in small amounts, speed biological reactions in the digestive process.
But enzymes do much more than react with food in the digestive tract. Many enzymes are cultivated for use in
industrial processes, medical testing, food production, and as ingredients in household products such as pet stain
removers, laundry detergents, toothpaste, and facial cleansers. Enzymes cause seeds to sprout, flowers to blossom, plants to grow, autumn leaves to change color, and fruits to ripen. Living animals manufacture thousands of
enzymes for various functions throughout their bodies.
When we explored systemic oral enzyme therapy in January 2001 (“Enzyme Therapy for Quicker Canine
Injury Recovery”) and October 2005 (“A Digestive Enzyme Supplement Helps Dogs Recover from Illness and Injury”),
the leading brand for human and pet use was Wobenzym N, then manufactured by Naturally Vitamins, Inc.
Some enzymes – called systemic oral enzymes – are swallowed and then absorbed into the bloodstream, where
they affect the entire body, removing inflammation at its source and improving a variety of conditions. These include pancreatin, a pancreatic enzyme; papain, derived from papayas; and bromelain, derived from pineapples.
Taken between meals, they move past the stomach to the small intestine, from which they travel throughout the
body.
Wobenzym N (which is usually referred to simply as Wobenzym) was developed in the 1950s in the United States
by Drs. Max Wolf and Helen Benitez of Columbia University, who named the product “wo” for Wolf, “ben” for
Benitez, and “zym” for enzymes. Their research showed that proteolytic (protein-digesting) enzymes have four
significant properties when circulating through the body: they reduce inflammation, break down harmful fibrous
tissue, reduce blood viscosity to prevent harmful clotting without the adverse side effects of aspirin and other
blood-thinning medications, and support immune function.
Despite its benefits, Wobenzym did not become a successful over-the-counter remedy until it moved to Germany,
where only aspirin outsells it. Wobenzym is also the most thoroughly researched enzyme supplement available
worldwide, having been tested in over 100 medical studies and clinical trials, most of them conducted in Europe.
Wobenzym is recommended for bruises, sprains, and all types of sports injuries as well as arthritis and any illness
that involves inflammation. The bioflavonoid rutin, one of Wobenzym’s ingredients, prevents the discoloration
and pain associated with bruises. German surgeons routinely prescribe Wobenzym to prevent bruising, swelling,
edema, and pain. It significantly reduces post-surgical recovery time, and German hospitals give large amounts to
those with serious injuries to prevent brain swelling and speed recovery.
FORMS AND TYPES
For many years Wobenzym was available as beige tablets with a clear coating (a sugar-free product developed for
the American market) and as red tablets containing a small amount of sugar in their coating (the European version). The red tablets were also sold under the brand name Fido-Wobenzym for use with dogs.
After our articles appeared, Naturally Vitamins replaced Wobenzym with Medizyme, which contains the same
formula. Fido Wobenzym disappeared and was replaced by Medizyme Fido. Wobenzym N is now sold by the supplement maker Garden of Life and by Douglas Laboratories, which calls it Mucos Pharma Wobenzym N.
In addition to Wobenzym N, both Garden of Life and Douglas Laboratories sell the original German formula, Wobenzym PS, which stands for Professional Strength.
Wobenzym N, Medizym, and Medizym Fido contain the same six enzyme ingredients in identical proportions
while Wobenzym PS contains only three enzymes. All are protected by enteric coatings that survive stomach acid
and break down in the small intestine. (To compare products, scroll down and click on the "Comparing Ingredients" link.)
FlavenZym by VitaCost contains the same six enzymes as Wobenzym N and Medizym, though in slightly different
proportions. Of the products described here, FlavenZym is the least expensive. Search online for proteolytic enzymes, systemic oral enzyme therapy, or enteric-coated enzymes and you’ll find additional products as well.
WHAT THEY DO
Systemic oral enzymes taken between meals on an empty stomach once or twice per day:
- Support the body’s natural inflammation response, resulting in reduced pain and swelling.
- Increase flexibility, mobility, strength, and range of motion.
- Support joint and tendon health.
- Temporarily relieve aches, pains, and muscle soreness resulting from everyday activities.
- Reduce recovery time after sports injuries, accidents, or surgery.
- Normalize blood flow at injury sites, resulting in rapid healing and the reduction of pain.
- Improve oxygenation and the reduction of edema (fluid retention and swelling).
- Reduce scarring.
- Improve respiratory problems, seasonal allergies, and sinus infections.
In addition, some human and veterinary studies have found that systemic oral enzyme therapy helps slow or prevent the spread of cancer.
DOSING YOUR DOG
For maximum effectiveness, systemic oral enzymes should be taken on an empty stomach at least 45 minutes to
one hour before meals or at least one to two hours after.
Wobenzyme is the best-known systemic oral enzyme supplement on the market, but several
effective products have similar formulas. Check the list on page 23 to compare labels and find
one that best suits your dog.
When adapting over-the-counter human enzyme products for canine use, consider your dog’s weight. Label directions are appropriate for a 100-pound human. Considering the well-documented safety of enzyme products (note
the cautions below before using), proportions can be approximate. For dogs over 80 pounds, the human dose is
likely to be effective and well tolerated. For dogs weighing 50 pounds, cut the dosage in half; for those weighing
25 pounds, use one-fourth of the recommended amount. See all of the recommendations and cautions presented
here before deciding on a specific product and dose.
Labels on single-ingredient products like bromelain and pancreatin sold as digestive enzymes give dosages for use
with food. In addition to using these enzymes with food, the same dosage twice or three times per day between
meals is appropriate for systemic therapy.
Experts disagree as to whether enteric-coated tablets taken between meals work better than capsules, as uncoated pancreatin and bromelain capsules have been shown to be effective by themselves. Some dog owners use both
strategies – enzyme powders with food and enzymes in uncoated or enteric-coated capsules between meals – to
be sure their dogs receive the support they need, especially while recovering from an illness or injury. For convenience, digestive enzyme powders can be placed into empty two-part capsules, which are sold in natural food markets.
CAUTIONS & SIDE EFFECTS
Oral enzyme products can be problematic for any dog who is allergic to beef (Bos taurus), pork (Sus scrofa), papaya (Carica papaya), pineapple (Ananas comosus), or any other food-source ingredient. If your dog has specific allergies, check product labels or contact manufacturers to verify ingredients and their sources. Many dogs with
seasonal allergies and food sensitivities have improved as a result of taking enzymes both with food and between
meals, but it’s a good idea to try a small first dose and check for adverse reactions before increasing to therapeutic levels.
Dogs with bleeding disorders should not take systemic oral enzymes because they reduce clotting and thin the
blood. For the same reason, large doses are not recommended immediately before surgery. Those whose dogs
have a serious illness, such as liver disease, or are pregnant or nursing should consult a veterinarian before giving
enzymes between meals. Digestive enzymes given with food at recommended maintenance doses are usually safe
for dogs with clotting disorders and other illnesses because they interact with the body the same way that enzymes in raw food do. Follow label directions and, if in doubt, consult a holistic veterinarian.
In some cases, human patients taking very high doses of systemic oral enzymes have developed a buildup of uric
acid, a waste product from protein breakdown, in the urine or blood. Allergic reactions, bleeding disorders, and
uric acid buildup are rare side effects. More common are temporary reactions that disappear when the therapy is
discontinued or the dosage is reduced, including minor changes in the patient’s stool and/or gastrointestinal disturbances such as flatulence, nausea, diarrhea, or a feeling of fullness.
Enteric-coated capsules should be swallowed whole, not chewed. Powders, such as digestive enzymes or bromelain, can be mixed with a small amount of water and given between meals, but it’s usually easier to dose a dog
with tablets or capsules. If your dog is hard to pill, give tablets or capsules with the smallest amount of food your
dog will swallow. For best results, try to get your dog to drink a few ounces of water with each dose. Refrain from
giving snacks or training treats within an hour of using systemic oral enzymes.
Enzymes are easily damaged by heat. For example, bromelain powder retains its enzyme activity for 10 years or
more if refrigerated but is inactivated in just a few hours if stored near a hot oven or sunny window. Always store
enzyme products in a cool, dry location.
TREATING SPECIFIC CONDITIONS
Systemic oral enzyme therapy has a general or tonic effect that improves conditions throughout the body, so instead of treating a single problem or illness, it addresses several. A dog with heart disease, arthritis, infected
gums, and an ear hematoma is likely to improve in all of these areas, not just one. In fact, our hypothetical patient
will probably experience improved digestion, faster wound healing, brighter eyes, and a calmer, more focused
personality, especially if the therapy is continued for several months.
To treat acute injuries, sprains, bruises, contusions, hematomas, pulled muscles, abrasions, broken bones, and
burns, give twice the maintenance dose for several days, or consider the protocol described in the next section,
checking to be sure your dog is not developing any of the bleeding symptoms mentioned earlier. In general, frequent, small doses are more effective than single large ones, so consider dividing the dose throughout the day.
Healing will occur as the injury is cleared of damaged tissue, congestion, and debris. When there is noticeable improvement, reduce the dosage to maintenance levels.
For chronic joint conditions such as arthritis, tendonitis, and hip or elbow dysplasia, give the maintenance dose
twice per day. Conditions that develop slowly over time take longer to clear than sudden injuries. When the animal shows significant improvement, gradually switch to the recommended maintenance dose and continue indefinitely. If the maintenance dose is used, give it twice as often as recommended, or increase the dosage as well as
frequency until symptoms improve. For acute infections, such as bronchitis, use larger doses; for chronic allergies,
continue the maintenance dose for several months.
Dogs recover quickly from spaying, neutering, oral surgery, elective surgery, and emergency surgery with the help
of enzyme supplements. Taken for a month or more before the operation, maintenance doses help prepare the
body for healing.
Because enzymes thin the blood and help prevent clotting, some experts warn against using these supplements
for 7 to 10 days before and after surgery. Others suggest using the maintenance dose until a day or two before
surgery, then resuming it a day or two after. And some vets (see below) prescribe enzymes before and after surgery without interruption. Discontinuing oral enzymes reduces the risk of hemorrhage, but it increases the likelihood of swelling, pain, and other conditions. For best results, consult a holistic veterinarian and consider the pa-
tient’s physical condition, medical history, and type of surgery. (As noted above, dogs with clotting disorders
should not take enzymes between meals.)