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Holistic Pet Information provides natural pet care products and information for using nutritional supplements, vitamins and other natural medicines to help cats and dogs live healthy lives.


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Thorne Research, Vetri-Science and NaturVet are members of the National Animal Supplements Council

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Holistic Pet Information recommends that your pet's healthcare be directed under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian and that you consult with him/her before administering any nutritional supplements to your pet.

 

digestive disorders

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a condition that exists in dogs and cats when white blood cells line the digestive tract and inhibit nutrient absorption causing severe weight loss and other symptoms common to GI disorders. These symptoms include:

  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Listlessness
  • Distended abdomen
  • Blood or mucous in the feces
  • Difficulty with bowel movements

IBD may be caused by poor diet, food allergies, parasitic infections or adverse drug reactions. In recent years, more pets are being diagnosed with IBD and some veterinarians feel the increase is a result of pets being over-vaccinated and and/or excessive use of antiobiotics and steroids.

Many holistic veterinarians recommend the natural healing nutrients and herbs found in Gastriplex by Thorne Research. Gastriplex contains probiotics to help restore healthy gut flora, herbs to sooth inflammation and other nutrients to heal the intestinal tract.

gastriplex

 

Suggested Products:
Gastriplex


Related Topics:
Constipation
Diarrhea
Food Allergies


Return to General Digestive Disorders



Diagnosis

Gastrointestinal disorders often present very similar symptoms (diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite) and if the symptoms persist, a trip to the vet should be scheduled to rule out more serious conditions of the liver or kidneys. A fecal exam will show the presences of parasites, giardia or a bacterial infection. A biopsy of the intestinal lining will indicate whether or not your pet has IBD.

Natural Treatments

As with most GI disorders, a change in diet is the first step. A rice-based fresh food diet with added protein such as tofu is suggested or a high-quality canned food diet. Avoid dairy, wheat, corn or animal based products until the symptoms subside.

Supplements containing digestive enzymes and probiotics will help replenish the intestinal tract with healthy bacteria.

Gastriplex contains the following vitamins, herbs or other nutrients that provide beneficial support to the digestive system:

  • L-Glutamine - An amino acid which fuels intestinal cells and helps maintain mucosal cell integrity. L-Glutamine has been shown to be useful in treating dogs and cats with inflammatory bowel disease as it helps stimulate the development of the new mucosal cells and optimizes existing mucosal cell function.
  • Lactobacillus sporogenes - A probiotic that has been shown to help heal the inflamed intestinal wall and inhibit the attachment of harmful bacteria.
  • Saccharomyces boulardi - Saccharomyces is a beneficial yeast that acts as a probiotic. Probiotics help restore healthy gut flora.
  • Slippery Elm - An emollient that provides soothing protection for the mucus membranes of the intestinal tract.
  • N-acetyglucosamine - Helps heal the inflamed bowel lining by supporting glycoprotein synthesis. N-Acetyl D-Glucosamine strengthens the intestinal cells and is a major component of mucosal lining cells, and is particularly important in treating Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Leaky Gut Syndrome.
  • DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) - supports the healing process in the intestinal lining by increasing blood flow and reducing muscle spasms. Licorice is an excellent herb to reduce inflammation and heal ulcers of the stomach and small intestines.
  • Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5)
    Pantothenic acid is converted to Coenzyme A in the colon. Coenzyme A is required for normal carbohydrate and fat metabolism. It is considered especially beneficial for pets with food intolerance.
  • Folic Acid
    Folic acid is required for DNA synthesis for new cells. Folic acid is commonly deficient in many animals with chronic intestinal disorders.
  • Quercetin Chalcone...50 mg.
    Quercetin is a flavonoid that can reduce chronic inflammation. It will improve cell turnover and reduce oxidative damage to the intestinal lining.

Suggested Products

To aid in the healing of the digestive tract for pets with IBD, we suggest the following product containing beneficial nutrients:

gastriplexGastriplex provides comprehensive support to heal the gastrointestinal tract and reduce the occurences of diarrhea, vomiting, colitis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and other disorders. It contains a safe and effective probiotic to help restore beneficial bacteria. It also contains Slippery Elm and other nutrients which provide soothing protection for the mucus membranes of the intestinal tract.

To purchase or learn more about Gastriplex...


Digestive Support

Digestive Support
Digestive Support was formulated to soothe gastric mucus membranes and inflammation and relieve the symptoms of gastritis, esophagitis, IBS, colitis, enteritis, bloating and other chronic digestive disorders.

To purchase or read more about Digestive Support...


Fasting, detoxification and diet are some of the first steps to take for many digestive disorders. For more information about treating specific conditions, see these webpages: Constipation, Diarrhea and Food Allergies.


If your pet has a digestive disorder you'd like to learn more about, send us an email and will try to include it in future updates to this website. See our Contact Us page.


fishoil vegetables exercise

Essential Fatty Acids
How can fish oils improve the health of your pet. Read more.

Antioxidants, free radicals

Antioxidants
What are "free radicals" and how do antioxidants work to neutralize these oxidizing chemicals. Read more.

vitamins, nutritional support, exercise and diet

Maintaining Good Health
Exercise, diet and nutritional support will help to keep your pet healthy from birth through old age. Read more.

Holistic Pet Info - antioxidants, vitamins, nutritional supplements, arthritis support and immune support products for dogs and cats.
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Disclaimer:  The information provided on this site is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian before using any nutraceuticals.