Pat McKay has been kind enough to provide her wonderful books on natural pet healthcare as free downloads. Follow this link to get your free copy of “Natural Immunity” http://animalhomeopathy.net/id23.html
Hidden Dangers in your Cat’s food and supplements: Benzoic Acid January 12, 2010
A study published in 1972 in the Veterinary Record, entitled, Experimental Benzoic Acid Toxicity in the Cat, clearly showed that even small quantities of benzoic acid are toxic to cats. Symptoms of toxicity included: abnormal behavior, oral ulceration and salivation, internal organ damage and death.
Benzoic acid continues to be added to food and supplements marketed for cats. Play it safe, read the ingredient list on any product purchased for feline consumption and avoid those that contain benzoic acid or PABA (parabenzoic acid).
Feline Renal Disease: Are Vaccines to Blame? December 30, 2009
This is an interesting study showing a clear link between certain commonly used Feline vaccines and Interstitial Nephritis. Studys have shown that there is no need to vaccinate indoor cats after the age of one year… so why do we continue to do so? You have the right to refuse annual vaccination for all of your pets.
S
HORT COMMUNICATION
Interstitial nephritis in cats inoculated with Crandell
Rees feline kidney cell lysates
Michael R Lappin
DVM, PhD
1
*, Randall J Basaraba DVM, PhD
2
Wayne A Jensen
,DVM, PhD
3
1
College of Veterinary Medicine &
Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State
University, Fort Collins, CO
80523-1678, USA
Department of Clinical Sciences,
2
Immunology and Pathology,
Colorado State University, Fort
Collins, CO, USA
Department of Microbiology,
3
Mountain Avenue, Loveland, CO
80538, USA
Heska Corporation, 3760 Rocky
Parenteral administration of Crandell Rees feline kidney (CRFK) cell lysates or
feline herpesvirus 1, calicivirus, and panleukopenia virus-containing vaccines
(FVRCP) grown on CRFK cells induces antibodies against CRFK cells. These
antibodies also react with feline renal cell extracts. The purpose of this study was
to determine whether interstitial nephritis would be detected in cats that were
immunologically sensitized with CRFK lysates, boosted with CRFK lysates, and
then biopsied 2 weeks after the booster. Cats (2 per group) were
immunologically sensitized against CRFK lysates by administering 10
or 50
were inoculated three times, 4 weeks apart with an FVRCP vaccine for intranasal
administration as kittens, boosted 50 and 102 weeks later, and then renal biopsies
taken 2 weeks after the last booster. Neither of the cats vaccinated with the
FVRCP for intranasal administration had detectable renal inflammation.
One cat in each of the three CRFK lysate sensitization groups had
lymphocytic
mg, 50 mg,mg plus alum 13 times (12 times in the first 50 weeks) over 2 years. Two catseplasmacytic interstitial nephritis.
Date accepted: 5 March 2006
2006 ESFM and AAFP. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
L
is a common histological lesion
in cats with renal failure (
1992, Minkus et al 1994
and plasma cells in renal tissues is not specific
for any one disease; there are a number of
known causes including diet and some infectious
diseases (
Kordick et al 1999
inoculated parenterally with feline herpesvirus
1, calicivirus, and panleukopenia virus-containing
vaccines (FVRCP) multiple times in their
lives. Because the vaccine viruses in most of the
commercially available FVRCP vaccines are
grown on the Crandell Rees feline kidney
(CRFK) cell line (
1970, Lee et al 1969
a study to determine whether vaccinated cats
or cats immunologically sensitized with CRFK
cell lysates developed antibody responses to
the lysates and whether the antibodies reacted
with feline renal tissue lysates.We also evaluated
whether the cats would develop clinical, biochemical,
or urinalysis evidence of renal disease,
and whether the cats would develop histological
evidence of renal disease (
Cats (
(12 times over 50 weeks) with varying concentrations
of CRFK lysate or administered a FVRCP
vaccine three times, 4 weeks apart as kittens
and then boosted at 50 weeks. Prior to CRFK
sensitization or vaccination and at week 56 of
the study, renal biopsies were obtained for histopathological
evaluation (
against CRFK lysates were detected in all
cats that were sensitized with CRFK lysates, in
five of six cats administered a commercially
available FVRCP vaccine parenterally, but in
neither of the cats administered a commercially
available FVRCP vaccine intranasally (Feline
UltraNasal; FVRCP Vaccine, Heska Corporation,
Fort Collins, CO). Antibodies against renal cell
lysates were detected in all cats that were
ymphocyticeplasmacytic interstitial nephritisLulich et al). Detection of lymphocytesDiBartola et al 1993, Minkus et al 1994,). Many client-owned cats areCrandell et al 1973, Scott et al), we previously performedLappin et al 2005).n ¼ 14) were inoculated SQ multiple timesLappin et al 2005). Antibodies
*Corresponding author. Tel:
1275. E-mail:
þ1-970-297-1274; Fax: þ1-970-297-mlappin@colostate.edu
Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery
doi:10.1016/j.jfms.2006.03.003
(2006) 8, 353e356
1098-612X/06/050353+04 $32.00/0
2006 ESFM and AAFP. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Is Irradiated Food Safe – I don’t Think So! June 12, 2009
From Pet Food Industry magazine:
Australia suspends irradiation of cat food
Release Date: Tuesday, June 09, 2009
An outbreak in neurological disorders in cats has lead Australia to cease sterilization of cat food by irradiation. Scientific studies have suggested food irradiation as the source of the illnesses afflicting cats, but exactly how irradiation is causing food to be toxic to cats is unknown.
Ninety cats in Australia were afflicted with neurological disorders after they ate Orijen imported dry cat food, manufactured by Champion Petfoods, according to Dr. Georgina Child, a neurologist familiar with the cases.
Only Australia, which requires irradiation of pet food, has reported issues with Orijen cat food; all other countries who imported non-irradiated Orijen cat food reported no problems.
Pets in Need Clinic (PINC) April 8, 2009
LOCAL VETERINARIAN TO HOLD SECOND “PINC” DAY; CHALLENGE TO VETS GATHERS STEAM NATIONALLY
Continued Area Hardship Prompts Second Pets in Need Clinic and a
Mobile PINC “Meals on Wheels”
Henrietta, NY – For three hours one Saturday afternoon in February –inspired by President Obama’s recent call to service – Henrietta Animal Hospital owner Dr. Michelle Brownstein held her very first Pets in Need Clinic (PINC) to provide basic veterinary medical support to dogs and cats whose owners have fallen on hard times. “The outpouring of support from the community was overwhelming,” said Dr. Brownstein. “With 25 people volunteering their time, we were able to see more than 20 pet owners with 30 dogs and cats in real need of fundamental veterinary services.”
Two months later, if anything, that need has increased, and Dr. Brownstein is offering a second PINC on Saturday, April 25 from 12-3 pm at the Henrietta Animal Hospital (3156 East Henrietta Road). Local veterinarian Dr. Edward Gschrey from South Towne Veterinary Hospital in Henrietta was moved by Dr. Brownstein’s efforts, and will be joining her for the April PINC to increase the number of pets that can be served. Some of the recipients of services from the first PINC will be “paying it forward” by helping to volunteer their time on April 25.
In addition to doing her part in the Rochester area, Dr. Brownstein has gone global with PINC. “From the beginning, my hope was to challenge other vets across the country to set up their own Pets in Need Clinics – as well as others in their individual areas of expertise,” she said. Through her national veterinary networks, she posted information about PINC, offering to share her expertise and her Henrietta Animal Hospital model to build the PINC concept.
The media attention and word-of-mouth from her successful PINC has resulted in interest from national media as well as veterinarians in California, Tennessee, Florida, and Missouri ready to take up her challenge. “I’m happy to share our model to help them replicate PINC in their areas,” she said, noting that her efforts started with “a lot of personal calls and letters to local organizations such as the American Red Cross, United Way, Catholic Family Center, Jewish Family Service, Open Door Mission, Salvation Army, Veterans Outreach Center, and Visiting Nurse Service, followed by calls for volunteers, and food and medical suppliers, distributors, and manufacturers.”
In addition, Dr. Brownstein is working with a colleague from the Visiting Nurse Service of Rochester and Monroe County to join him for a “mobile” PINC on Saturday, April 18, as he delivers food to shut-ins through Meals on Wheels. Henrietta Animal Hospital also has joined the Nevada-based “Feeding Pets of the Homeless,” and will be a collection site for dog and cat food drop-off. Details will be available through the Henrietta Animal Hospital website and the PINC facebook site.
As it did with the first PINC, the upcoming April 25 Pets in Need Clinic targets recently laid-off workers, people who have lost their homes or suffered disasters, veterans who have fallen on hard times, or those for whom the economic downturn has affected their ability to provide basic veterinary care for their pets. Two mandatory documents will be required in advance: a signed referral letter from a social worker, case worker, or member of the clergy, and a registration form. The registration form is downloadable from www.henriettahosp.com. Both documents need to be received by April 19. The referral letter and the registration document can be faxed to Henrietta Animal Hospital at 585-321-9975, emailed to drbrownstein@henriettahosp.com , or mailed to Henrietta Animal Hospital, 3156 East Henrietta Road, Henrietta, NY 14467.
The Clinic will provide distemper and rabies vaccines, preventive de-worming for dogs and cats, heartworm testing for dogs, feline leukemia testing for outdoor cats, and a complimentary dose of heartworm pills. Limited amounts of food also will be available. Drs. Brownstein and Gschrey will be donating their time, and all goods and services will be free of charge, although a minimal payment is suggested, as Dr. Brownstein believes in pet owners having a vested interest in their pets’ health care.
PINC also is looking for volunteers to help out during the clinic times with greeting, registration, data entry, and other non-medical duties. Volunteers are encouraged to sign up early and can do so by calling 585-334-3800, or visit www.henriettahosp.com and click on PINC Volunteer.
For more information about PINC, please call the Henrietta Animal Hospital at 585-334-3800, or visit the PINC Facebook site.
Dr Marcia has accepted Dr. Brownstein’s challenge! I will be holding a PINC clinic in Boca Raton in late June or early July. If you want to help or donate to this great cause contact dr. brownstein at the above address or drmarcia at drmarcia39@gmail.com.
DrMarcia is already a member of Feeding Pets of the Homeless. www.petsofhomeless.org. This a great organization helping to provide food to pets whose owners otherwise may not be able to afford it. Food donations can be left at Calusa Veterinary Clinic, 6900 Congress Avenue Boca Raton florida (www.cvcboca.com). Broward county Meals on Wheels will pick up and distribute the food to seniors in need.
By working with PINC and Feeding Pets of the Homeless, we are hoping that distressed families will be able to keep their beloved pets happy and healthy even in these difficult times. It really is the very least we can do to sure that fewer animals end up in shelters.
Irradiated food is it Safe? April 2, 2009
Investigations were carried out on 8 specific pathogen-free cats (5 male and 3 female) from a colony experiencing “outbreaks” of progressive hind limb ataxia in 190 of 540 at-risk animals ranging from 3 months to 3 years old. These studies identified moderate to severe bilateral axonal degeneration within white matter regions of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spinal cord and in the white matter of the cerebral internal capsule and peduncle, in the roof of the fourth ventricle and inferior cerebellar peduncle, and in the external arcuate and pyramidal fibres of the medulla. There were varying degrees of accompanying microgliosis, astrocytosis, and capillary hyperplasia. Such a clinicopathologic syndrome, termed feline leukoencephalomyelopathy, has previously been described in cat colonies in Britain and New Zealand, although its etiology has not been determined. The degenerative nature of the lesions and their bilateral distribution suggest possible nutritional, metabolic, or toxic causes. Although these findings provide circumstantial evidence that the exclusive feeding of a gamma-irradiated diet of reduced vitamin A content is associated with the development of the neuronal lesions, further tissue micronutrient and antioxidant analysis will be required to support this hypothesis.
This study should have us thinking that perhaps the trend toward irradiating food for human consumption might be a bad idea. I personally wouldn’t eat food that I know had been irradiated. Will you?
Some of the dangers according to www.mercola.com
Food is irradiated using radioactivegamma sources, usually cobalt 60 or cesium 137, or high energy electron beams. The gamma rays break up the molecular structure of the food, forming positively and negatively charged particles called free radicals. The free radicals react with the food to create new chemical substances called “radiolytic products.” Those unique to the irradiation process are known as “unique radiolytic products” (URPs).
Some radiolytic products, such as formaldehyde, benzene, formic acid, and quinones are harmful to human health. Benzene, for example, is a known carcinogen. In one experiment, seven times more benzene was found in cooked, irradiated beef than in cooked, non-irradiated beef. Some URPs are completely new chemicals that have not even been identified, let alone tested for toxicity.
In addition, irradiation destroys essential vitamins, including vitamin A, thiamin, B2, B3, B6, B12, folic acid, C, E, and K; amino acid and essential polyunsaturated fatty acid content may also be affected. A 20 to 80 percent loss of any of these is not uncommon.
In 2007 the FDA proposed some interesting changes to the labeling of irradiated food. They recommended the use of words like Pasteurized (much more palatable than irradiated) and that foods only needed to labeled if the radiation produced a detectable change in the color, taste or texture of the food. It is pretty obvious that we can’t depend on the FDA to protect us from radiation damaged food. So, we must protect ourselves.
Are Drugs Safe? March 26, 2009
“Properly prescribed and administered” drugs caused death in 106,000 hospital patients making adverse drug reactions the 4th leading cause of death. Journal American Medical Assoc, 4-15-1998.
This is an older study, but I doubt things have improved much. The American public has been totally deceived by the drug companies and their multi-million dollar ad campaigns. DRUGS DON’T MAKE PEOPLE OR ANIMALS HEALTHY, THEY MAY ALLAY SYMPTOMS BUT THEY RARELY LEAD TO A LONG TERM INCREASE IN HEALTH AND WELL BEING.
When I went to vet school (a long time ago) the word CURE was still being mentioned. Rarely do you hear that term used anymore. The new term is manage. We MANAGE disease, especially the chronic ones, we rarely if ever are able to cure using conventional drug based therapies. This is what sends most of us in the alternative world looking for answers outside the pharmaceutical industry. We want to cure our patients. Cure: the alleviation of symptoms and a return to health without the need for ongoing treatment.
Homeopathy is the only method of treatment that I have found that can CURE chronic disease. Once again visit www.beyondflatearth.com and spend some time reading this fascinating book, change the way you think about health and healing. You won’t be disappointed.
Probiotics and Irritable Bowel Syndrome March 20, 2009
A new study shows that probiotics are beneficial in the treatment of irritable bowel disease. Diarrhea and vomiting are common problems in both domestic dogs and cats. IBD is also a very common diagnosis in small animal medicine. Often times, drug therapy is considered the only answer. Probiotics are a must in my book, especially in animals with a history of chronic antibiotic use. Probiotics replace the normal gastrointestinal bacteria. Once established these friendly bacteria will populate the gut and “squeeze” out the pathogenic bacteria. They will also help to make sure incoming food is properly digested, helping to prevent leaky gut syndrome.
This article came from Rueters this am:
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) – Probiotic products, which contain living microbes that aid digestion, may help relieve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, according to Dr. Nourieh Hoveyda and colleagues from University of Oxford, UK.
Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a common disorder affecting up to 30 percent of the population by some estimates. Symptoms may include chronic abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation.
The causes of IBS are unclear and there has been debate whether it is mostly due to psychological factors or biological triggers, or perhaps a combination.
The evidence supporting the effectiveness of most treatments for IBS is weak, the authors of the current study explain in the journal BMC Gastroenterology. Hoveyda’s team conducted an analysis of published studies to assess whether probiotics alleviate symptoms in patients with IBS.
Treatment duration ranged from 4 weeks in six studies to 6 weeks in two studies, 8 weeks in three studies, and 6 months in two studies, plus one study of 20 weeks.
Combined data from the studies suggested a modest improvement in overall symptoms after a few weeks of treatment, the authors report.
As many as half of the trials reported significant improvements in abdominal pain, flatulence, bloating, and quality of life.
Only a few trials reported side effects connected to treatment, but there were few differences between probiotics and placebo groups in this area.
“In patients with IBS, probiotics showed a modest improvement in overall symptoms,” the researchers conclude. Interestingly, however, the two studies that contributed the most data to the analysis failed to show a beneficial effect with probiotics, they point out. This may relate to the type of microorganisms found in the probiotic products.
“Longer term trials are recommended as IBS is a condition that is chronic and usually intermittent,” the investigators add. “However, further research should focus on the type, optimal dose of probiotics, and the subgroups of patients who are likely to benefit the most.”
SOURCE: BMC Gastroenterology, February 16, 2009.
Don’t Believe Everything you Read! March 12, 2009
This is an extremely one sided article that recently appeared in the South Florida Sun Sentinel. Only one veterinarian was quoted and that veterinarian is an associate at a conventional veterinary clinic. So, the holistic view point is not represented. I agree many foods are over priced for the ingredients that are contained within. Look at the label, if meat is not the first ingredient, put it back. Diets made to feed dogs and cats should have meat as the first ingredient. If they have a grain product as the first ingredient they are using cheaper ingredients to “balance” the diet; therefor the product should cost less than other brands. You want to avoid products that contain large amounts of by-product and digests. If you see things like bha, bht and ethoxyquin on the label, don’t buy that product as these are preservatives that have been linked to cancer.
Mon 02 Mar 2009 03:21
By Diane C. Lade
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Multiple Page View
A 5.5-ounce can of “holistic pheasant” cat food sells for $1.73 at a Fort Lauderdale specialty pet food store. Three blocks away, you can get the same sized can of a supermarket chain brand cat food for 39 cents.
Let’s examine this statement. Without the entire label we can’t really evaluate the quality of the two cans of food. If the “holistic pheasant” canned food contains 95% pheasant meat and the “supermarket” canned food contains 10% meat bi-product and 90% grains and digests. Then of course the Holistic brand would be worth the extra money. Just because the cans are the same size, means very little. LOOK AT THE ENTIRE LABEL AND READ IT CLOSELY.
Is the more expensive one better for your cat than the supermarket food?
YES, QUITE POSSIBLY THE MORE EXPENSIVE CAN IS THE BETTER FOOD, BUT YOU MUST READ THE ENTIRE INGREDIENT LABEL TO BE ABLE TO DETERMINE THAT FACT.
Not necessarily, at least according to eight dog and cat nutrition experts at seven well-known veterinary medical schools who were interviewed by Consumer Reports. The bottom line of the article in the magazine’s March issue: “There are quality foods at every price point,” This is a true statement, you can find quality foods at almost all price points, if you know how to read a label, said Jamie Kopf Hirsh, the associate health editor who wrote the piece.
Dr. Joseph Wakshlag, an assistant professor of clinical nutrition at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, was more direct: There is no scientific evidence that “any food is better than the next,” This would depend on the definition of “scientific evidence”. Most evidence based researchers look for double blind studies to qualify as scientific research, I doubt any pet food company has engaged in this type of research, regardless of price, he told Hirsh. Two years ago, a spate of pet food recalls — most connected to tainted wheat gluten imported from China — started consumers looking more closely at what they were feeding their pets. More than 100 brands ultimately were recalled and hundreds of animals are believed to have been sickened or died from eating these products. Once again a true statement, companies that chose to buy cheap product from China found that their products were causing renal failure in pets who were consuming the product. Food produced by companies who refuse to purchase inexpensive ingredients from countries with lower product standards than the US will have a product that costs more per can. This only makes sense, if you use more expensive ingredients your product will have to sell for more. If you cut corners by purchasing ingredients of questionable quality and safety you can set your price lower.
Food and Drug Administration Spokeswoman Siobhan DeLancey said the agency, which regulates pet food along with the states, is working on updating pet food labeling requirements. But many pet owners remain confused by vague ingredient lists and terms that are more about marketing than nutrition.
Phrases like “holistic,” “gourmet” and “premium” now are commonly found on pet food packages. But any product could make these claims because they aren’t regulated and FDA does not define them.
There also are no FDA standards for “prescription” diets, usually sold by vets, and non-prescription diets. And “senior” foods do not need to be specially formulated, although manufacturers now must show proof of scientific claims, such as foods designed to reduce urinary tract infections.
Dr. Gary Edelson, an associate veterinarian with Hometown Animal Hospital and Dental Clinic in Weston, said there is no reason to believe higher-priced pet food is safer or more nutritious than less costly varieties. Once again this is true, the price doesn’t guarantee quality, the ingredient list does.
“[You] would like to think that the more expensive the diet, the more expensive the ingredients” — which may sometimes be true. “But expensive also could mean you are paying for a marketing campaign.”
He said the best way to tell that a pet is being fed the right product is if the animal is healthy and active, with a glossy coat. How long would you have to feed an inferior diet and how sick would the animal have to be before external signs begin to show? I am not willing to base my pet’s health on a glossy coat.
Edelson always picks products with labels stating the food was developed through “animal feeding tests” under guidelines by the Association of American Feed Control Officers, a regulatory group that sets ingredient standards..
He also said he prefers companies with a nutritionist on staff, “so if there is a problem, I can talk to someone who can do some research on it.”
Diane Lade can be reached at dlade@sunsentinel.com or 954-356-4295 or 561-243-6618.
So, you have my two cents worth, I would like to hear yours, please leave comments on this very important topic. If you have questions about your pets food, take a look at “the whole dog Journal” the print reports on the best pet foods each year. The Whole Dog Journal provides a wealth of information for dog owners.
