Lymes Disease and Vaccines

Posted on January 8, 2013 by hpiadmin

I have a 4 year old Golden Retriever who went in to get his shots. A Lyme’s disease test came back positive. She said that he probably contracted it last fall. She wanted him to be on antibiotics and get a vaccination. I have done neither yet. She said that it would never cure him. I am wondering what I should do and if a natural approach might be more effective. Have dogs ever completely recovered from this disease? I see on this website a couple of products to use. Pet Alive Immunity and Liver Support, and Pet Alive TF Defense. Should I use these instead of the vet’s approach, or do you know of something more effective? My dog has never shown any signs that I can tell of being sick, which is why I was so shocked. We do live on a farm and so he is outside all of the time. Please give me some advise on how I can treat him and help him recover. Thanks.

Response:

Hello,
Thank you for your inquiry to Holistic Pet Info. In some areas where Lyme’s Disease is prevalent, many veterinarians will treat a positive animal even if the dog does not show clinical signs. Generally though, most vets do not treat a positive dog with antibiotics if it is not showing clinical signs. This is because the antibiotic does not completely clear the animal of the spirochette but only reduces the numbers enough to abolish or reduce clinical signs. A positive test shows that the dog has been exposed and has already mounted an immune response therefore vaccinating is apt to be excessive and unnecessary.

If your dog stays healthy and has a strong immune system, he may likely never show clinical signs. Using the supplements you referred to from our web site should significantly help with this and keep the spirochette dormant. Also, I highly recommend continuing a flea and tick topical year round if your area does not have a long freeze season. If your vet feels strongly about treatment because there are many other positive dogs in your area then I strongly advise to follow her protocol. Your dog can live a normal and high quality life with a strong and healthy immune system. Best of luck.
Sincerely,
Colleen Smith DVM, CVA

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EFAs vs. Flaxseed Oil for Cats and Dogs

Posted on January 7, 2013 by hpiadmin

Dear Dr. Smith,

I want to give my 18-year-old cat EFA oils to ward off kidney failure, but he’s allergic to fish. I’m already giving him Immugen and a multi-vitamin and have him on a low-carbohydrate food. Is flaxseed oil a good alternative to fish oils?
Thanks,

Response:

Hello,
Thank you for your inquiry to Holistic Pet Info. Omega 3 fatty acids (fish oil) actually don’t contain the proteins that cause allergic responses. Therefore even with fish allergies, EFA’s should not cause a problem. I do recommend EFA’s over flaxseed oil, primarily because EPA’s and DHA’s which are anti-inflammatory and immune supportive are found in the highest concentration in Omega 3’s. EPA’s and DHA’s must be produced by the body with flaxseed but is already contained in high concentrations in fish oil, consequently much easier for the body to process. Super EPA is an excellent source of Omega 3 fatty acids.

Immugen, the multi-vitamin and his diet are excellent place to start to support you cat with kidney disease. Best of luck.

Sincerely,
Colleen Smith DVM, CVA

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Boxer with Mushy Stools

Posted on December 19, 2012 by hpiadmin

I have a Boxer, 2 years old, adopted 4 months ago. He has formed stools but they fall apart to mush when I try to pick it up with poop bag. I’ve tried two weeks on Gastriplex with no change. I’ve also tried adding carrots to his dog food with no change. (He eats dried dog food only -lamb and rice variety — Kirkland brand). Should I just accept it as normal for him? He is healthy and well otherwise, gets a run in the morning and a walk in the evening.

Response:

Hello,
Thank you for your inquiry to Holistic Pet Info. Your boxer’s stool should be solid and firm and it’s not normal to be “mushy.” To start with, I would highly recommend considering changing his dog food. He may very well have a food allergy, which is more common than most realize. Chicken, beef, rice, corn and wheat are often very allergenic to dogs and cats.

There are many well-balanced high quality dog foods that have alternative proteins and carbohydrates including salmon or rabbit and barley or potato. These ingredients often will help the GI equilibrium due to the higher nutritional bioavailability.

I would continue the Gastriplex or start Digestive Support by Pet Alive while changing the food to decrease the possiblility of GI upset. You may also add some fiber to the diet such as pumpkin. Best of luck.

Sincerely,
Colleen Smith DVM, CVA

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Diet and Supplements for Older Dogs

Posted on December 18, 2012 by hpiadmin

Hello Dr. Smith,

I have a female beagle who is probably between 13-15 years old. I am not certain because she was a stray. I’ve had her about 11 1/2 years. She has been having liver and thyroid issues for a couple of years and has been taking Zentonil and Thyrozine. A couple of months ago I took her off of the Zentonil, which I now regret, because she was doing very well and my vet said she probably didn’t need it regularly.

As of a couple of days ago, her red blood cell count is low, her liver enzymes are off the charts and her kidneys aren’t doing their job. She is in the vet’s office right now being “flushed” out with fluids and receiving liquid nutrition and antibiotics.

I know she is old, but she has been seeming to be doing so very well. She is active, playful and seemed healthy. I also have a 6 1/2 year old shepherd and the three of us walk between 1 and 1 1/2 hours everyday. She has been on “good” dog foods most of her life. The past couple of years it’s been either the frozen raw diet, which she’s not crazy about, or Chicken Soup for the Dog Lover’s Soul.
I’ve ordered the Renal Essentials, Liver Aid and Canine Geriatric Basic for older dogs to start giving her when she comes home. I am wondering also about what kind of diet I could give her, maybe something I prepare, that would assist her in getting back as much of her health as possible.

Thank you for your time,

Response:

Hello,
Thank you for inquiry to Holistic Pet Info. It seems that you are on the right tract to begin the supplements once your beagle returns home. You can start a home cooked diet for both dogs and actually specialize it for individual needs.

There is a book on the market called “Home Prepared Dog and Cat Diets, The healthful Alternative,” by Donald Strombeck DVM, PhD. This is an excellent resource for home cooked diets with information about calorie and nutritional content of the foods and calorie needs of each animal. There are also several other well-balanced dog foods you may try, Halo, Solid Gold, Innova or Wellness, if you have problems formulating a home cooked diet. Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Colleen Smith DVM, CVA

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Lipomas in Dogs, III

Posted on December 17, 2012 by hpiadmin

Hi,
What is a good product for fatty tumors for a 11 year old sheltie.
Thanks,

Response:

Hello,
Thanks for your inquiry to Holistic Pet Info. Fatty tumors or Lipomas are thought to be caused by a high or poor carbohydrate diet. The majority of dog food primary ingredients are corn and white rice. Lipomas can only be removed surgically, but changing the diet to a well balanced whole protein, whole grain (unless grain allergies) and healthy fat (olive oil), should help decrease new lipomas from forming.

Skin health can be supported with fatty acids, Ultimate Skin and Coat by NaturVet or Super EPA-VET by Thorne are both excellent supplements for the skin.* Canine Geriatric Basics by Thorne may also be helpful for your older dog, to fill in the gaps left by a suboptimal diet.

Best of luck.
Sincerely,
Colleen Smith DVM, CVA

*Click here to see all the Skin Support Supplements for Dogs.

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Poodle with Early Stage Cataracts

Posted on December 14, 2012 by hpiadmin

Aloha, I have a standard poodle who will be 8 years old this Nov. I recently took her to my vet for her annual well visit. He told me she is in a very early stage of developing cataracts, otherwise “Anika” is in excellant health. What can I do to at least slow down the progression of this problem? I can’t bare the thought of her just going blind and will try anything to help her.

Response:

Hello,

Thank you for your Inquiry to Holistic Pet Info. For vision and ocular health you may try Ocu-ClearVET by Thorne Research. It has several nutrients for the health of the eye and vision receptors. I would also recommend having your poodle checked for diabetes. Cataracts can also be caused by the chronic elevation of glucose in the blood stream.

If your dog is healthy and the cataracts are advancing quickly, there is a surgical procedure that disintegrates and removes the cataracts. This is a procedure done specifically by an ophthalmology specialist and has excellent results. Best of luck.

Mahalo,
Colleen Smith DVM, CVA

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Kennel Cough or Cardiac Problem?

Posted on December 13, 2012 by hpiadmin

My German Shepherd had been diognosed with Kennel Cough a few years back and now is coughing again (mostly at night). My current vet wants to do x-rays, thinking she might have a heart problem. Is there a difference between the two coughing symptoms? Estimated costs for the x-rays are looking at $1,000.00. I have read your info on Kennel Cough but can’t find anything on Cardio coughing. Blessings,

Response:

Hello Verna,
Thank you for your inquiry to Holistic Pet Info. Kennel cough usually occurs throughout the day, and most dogs recover on their own in a few weeks. Cardiac signs/cough often occur during exercise or while recumbent for a long period of time such as sleeping.

If your vet suspects a cardiac problem, x-rays and possibly an ECG would be advisable. You may seek a second opinion and have the x-rays done at another clinic, as this estimate does seem a bit excessive. If you receive a diagnosis of cardiac disease, please write again to discuss further heart supplement options. Best of luck.
Sincerely,
Colleen Smith DVM, CVA

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Dog Ears – Fungal / Yeast Infections

Posted on December 12, 2012 by hpiadmin

I have a cat that is about 10 years old who has had itchy ears for several months. It did not heal on it’s own so I took her to a local vet. The vet told me that it was a fungal/yeast infection in the ears. She gave me an antifungul ear wash to use everyday for 2 weeks and antibiotics in tablet form. My cat will not eat the antibiotics in food, I am wondering if that is a good thing. Maybe my cat knows that the antibotics would not be a good thing for her. The earwash seems to help the itchyness. But she still appears to be on the lethargic side. I shop at a natural pet store for food and supplements. I recently got a probiotic/enzyme powder and an herbal formula for boosting the immune system and one for adrenal strength. I’ve been putting them in her food for about 3 days now. I am trying to ween both my cats off of the natural canned and dry foods to more raw meat because I think the raw meat would be the healthiest.

My question is should I continue to try to get her to take the antibiotic? And if so, what about the interaction of the herbs with it? Maybe I should not give the antibiotic even though the vet advised it. Maybe in time her immune system will get stronger and the infection will go away. The vet thinks it may be due to allergies. I think if her immmune system was strong enough, she would not have allergies.

Your advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much.

Response:

Hello,
Thank you for your inquiry to Holistic Pet Info. If your cat has been diagnosed with a yeast infection and refuses the antibiotics it will not compromise your cat to discontinue the medication. Ear yeast infections are external and respond most effectively with topical medications. The antibiotics should not have any side effects with the herbs if you still choose to use them.

The yeast infection may clear up on it’s own when you change the diet as chronic ear infections are often associated with food allergies. Please be mindful with a raw diet, as salmonella poisoning is not uncommon with improper preparation. The diet should be balanced with whole grains and the proper amount/quality of fats. Remember supporting the immune system will help your cat maintain a balanced health, but does not create absolute resistance. Best of luck.
Sincerely,
Colleen Smith DVM, CVA

Follow up question:

Thank you very much for responding with your helpful advice.
Do you have a suggestion for what kind of food would be best for a cat that may have food allergies?
Thank you,
Lisa

Response:

Hello Lisa,
Glad to be of help. When I evaluate a cat for food allergies the primary ingredients to consider are the protein and carbohydrate sources. The main protein allergies are beef and chicken and carbs are corn, wheat, and soy. Since cats are true carnivores look for at least 2 sources of protein in the first 3 ingredients on the label and avoid any “by products” or “meals.”

What you can offer are “novel” protein and carb sources. Meaning foods your cat has never eaten before. Some foods I recommend are Halo, Wellness, Solid Gold and Evo by Innova. They contain grain free and single protein source well-balanced diets. It is also essential to avoid preservatives such as BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin as well as any food dyes. I hope this gives you a good base to begin.
Sincerely,
Colleen Smith DVM, CVA

Natural Ear Washes and Ear Cleaning Products for Pets

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NSAIDs and Liver Problems in Dogs

Posted on December 10, 2012 by hpiadmin

My 14 year old black lab Brandy just started on Rimadyl after becoming immune to Deramax. She is also on Arthrisoothe Gold.

Is it ok if I also put her on a holistic product in conjunction with Rimadyl to keep her from developing problems with her liver or will that be more risky for her?

Thanking you in advance for your advice. She has been such a huge part of our family and we love her so much. We just want her to be comfortable for as long as she is going to be with us!

Response:

Hello,
Thank you for your inquiry to Holistic Pet Info. You may certainly offer a supplement for the liver along with the Rimadyl. Milk Thistle is the primary anti-oxidant in maintaining a healthy liver. Hepagen-C is excellent liver support supplement. (Holistic Pet Info now carries several supplements with Milk thistle - Click Here to see all our Liver Supplements for Pets.

I also recommend offering Super EPA, this is an excellent supplement for aging animals for overall anti-inflammatory benefits.

Another treatment that works especially well for dogs with arthritis is acupuncture. There are no liver side effects such as with NSAIDS and many animals maintain a comfortable quality of life with routine treatments. Best of luck.
Sincerely,
Colleen Smith DVM, CVA

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Liver Support for Geriatric Cats

Posted on December 7, 2012 by hpiadmin

I need supplements for two cats. Both cats are 15+ years old.

Cat 1 (Chrissy) – Recovered from a liver abscess and tumor in May. Tests indicated benign. Common sense suggests that she may have cancer which didn’t show on the tests. She’s hyperthyroid, but not off the chart. Good appetite, remains skinny, has soft, smelly stools. Takes 2.5 mg Methimazole daily.

Cat 2 (Puffie) – Anemic, thick blood. Vet advised fluids, especially since I give them to our younger kitty anyway (for PKD); but I don’t want to stick poor old Puffie if I can help her feel better some other way.

Please advise me regarding supplements for these two cats. Thank you so much!

Response:

Hello,
Thank you for your inquiry to Holistic Pet Info. For Chrissy I would recommend Immunity and Liver Support by Pet Alive for both her liver and immune system for the possibility of cancer. This can also be given to Puffie for her anemia because the supplement also contains Ashwagandha that helps increase hemoglobin levels. They both would also benefit from Super EPA by Thorne; it is anti-inflammatory which helps with cancers and kidney disease.�
Sincerely,
Colleen Smith DVM, CVA

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