Deramaxx

Deramaxx for dogs use, dosage, safety, side-effects and additional information such as Natural Alternatives to Deramaxx can be found below. In this drug monograph for Deramaxx we try to provide you with information that can help you make an educated decision in the use of this drug for your pet. What is Deramaxx? Deracoxib (trade name Deramaxx, Novartis) was introduced in 2002 and manufactured in Canada for Novartis Animal Health US, Inc. Deramaxx is a non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) of the coxib class (cox-2 selective inhibitors), used in veterinary medicine for pain relief in dogs. It is sold in tablets, which have added beef flavor to increase palatability. Deramaxx received FDA approval in August 2002 for "the control of post operative pain and inflammation associated with orthopedic surgery in dogs." It is not approved or recommended for pain control in cats. How Does Deramaxx Work? NSAIDs like Deramaxx work to eliminate inflammation and pain by suppressing the action of a chemical called prostaglandins. When the prostaglandin particles in your pet's body are not allowed to bond with receptor cells inflammation and pain are reduced. Coxib type NSAIDs have been developed to inhibit only the cox-2-mediated pathways, achieving the desired therapeutic goal of reducing inflammation and pain by blocking PGE2 formation in joints and elsewhere. Unlike conventional NSAIDs, coxibs like Deramaxx are supposed to spare cox-1-mediated gastric PGE2 production thereby preserving gastroprotective actions and preventing ulcerations. However, they have not been as successful as promoted and a percentage of dogs will still suffer gastric ulceration. What are the Cautions and Side Effects of Deramaxx? Use of Deramaxx should be avoided or administered with extreme caution in dogs who are hypersensitive to other NSAIDs and dogs with gastro-intestinal ulcers, renal disease, liver disorders, hypoproteinemia, dehydration, or cardiac disease. Dogs with renal disease may need dose adjustment (if the benefits of the medication outweigh the risks), while those on concurrent diuretic therapy are at increased risk for NSAID toxicity and should not be given this medication. Concurrent use with steroids or other NSAIDs should be avoided. Safety has not been established in pregnant or nursing dogs, so Deramaxx should not be administered to such dogs. Safety also has not been established in dogs younger than 4 months of age, but young dogs may be given this medication so long as they are monitored closely for adverse side effects. Dogs weighing less than 15 lbs should not be given this medication for osteoarthritis pain and inflammation, and those weighing less than 7 lbs should not be given this medication for post-operative pain relief. Documented adverse side effects include serious and sometimes fatal organ system damage or failure. As with all NSAIDs, this medication may cause gastric ulcerations, evidenced by diarrhea, vomiting, and other GI problems, particularly during long-term use or in sensitive individuals. The medication should be discontinued immediately if such side effects occur and owners should contact their veterinarian. Such side effects are more likely to occur if this drug is used in combination with other NSAIDs or with steroids; therefore is not recommended to give it with other NSAIDs or steroids. Additionally, there is strong evidence from randomized clinical trials that the highly selective cox-2 inhibitors (coxibs), compared with placebo, cause an excess of serious cardiovascular events. Both Health Canada and the Food and Drug Administration have concluded that the excess cardiovascular events may be a ‘class effect’ of all the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including traditional NSAIDs (tNSAIDs) and coxibs, and now require appropriate black box labeling of all these agents. Other side effects include depression, lethargy, increase in drinking or urination, jaundice, vomiting, bloody or black stools, pale gums, hot spots, increased respiration (fast or heavy breathing), lack of coordination, and behavior changes. Is Deramaxx Contraindicated with Any Food or Drugs? Deramaxx should not be given with any other NSAIDs or steroids, or drugs that have adverse side-effects on the liver or kidneys. There is no information that any food is contraindicated. Important Additional Info detailed in an article from USA Today 4/11/2005: Deramaxx has been used by about 1 million dogs since its 2002 launch, owner Novartis says. The FDA's data include 2,813 adverse-event reports for Deramaxx, including 630 dogs who died or were put down. In September of 2010 the Washington Post reported that Deramaxx had been taken off the market in 2004 due to the number of complaints regarding the side effects and safety. It returned to the market (no info on when) with a recommendation that an insert be given to all clients detailing the known dangers and side effects. Natural Alternatives to Deramaxx There are a number of anti-inflammatory herbs, like white willow bark, that can make effective alternatives to Deramaxx and several of these can be found in our Pain Relief formula. Depending on the situation, joint nutrients like Glucosamine Sulfate and natural joint supplements like Elk Velvet Antler can offer anti-inflammatory benefits while supplying important nutrition to help repair joint cartilage. How We Would Use Deramaxx Deramaxx can be a dangerous drug with many side-effects. Using this drug after surgery for instance can provide relief from discomfort, but will also place an additional strain on an already strained system trying to recover from anesthesia and other drugs used during the surgery. We would probably avoid its use and use our Pain Relief formula instead. As far as osteoarthritis is concerned, you can avoid this condition by providing a high-quality species appropriate diet. For carnivores this includes a high protein, whole food diet. This type of diet will provide the nutrients necessary for cartilage maintenance and repair. Many people do not realize that the low-protein, processed kibble foods are largely responsible for their pet's arthritic condition. In addition, we would supply additional joint nutrition in the form of our favorite joint supplement - elk velvet antler, with glucosamine sulfate being an economical second choice. Waiting to use a joint supplement until you see signs of joint disease is always a big mistake because damage to the joint has already occurred at that point. Start young with a healthier diet and joint supplementation and prevent joint damage before it occurs. To summarize, we would avoid using this drug and the only instance we could envision using Deramaxx would be when all safer, natural choices have proven ineffective and our dog or cat's comfort was the main priority - in other words when all else has failed. References The Uses of Deramaxx for Dogs. Retrieved from https://www.vetinfo.com/the-uses-of-deramaxx-for-dogs.html Common Deramaxx Side Effects. Retrieved from https://www.vetinfo.com/deramaxx-side-effects.html Deramaxx. Retrieved from http://www.drugs.com/pro/deramaxx.html Cairns, J.A. MD. (February 23, 2007). The coxibs and traditional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: A current perspective on cardiovascular risks. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2650648/ Meggitt, J. (May 5, 2015). Deramaxx Vs. Rimadyl. Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/facts_5325730_deramaxx-vs-rimadyl.html

• Medications

Dangers of Clumping Litter

Cats spend a decent amount of time in their litter boxes scraping around to make sure that the offending excrement has been sufficiently covered. Upon leaving the box most cats will give themselves a good wash removing litter box dust and grit from their fur and feet. Because of these behaviors it is important to choose a littler that is as safe as possible. The dangers of breathing silica dust, the main component of clay based litter, is well documented in humans. Silica dust is quite abrasive and when breathed in causes irritation of the nose throat and lung tissue. Chronic exposure does lead to lung disease in humans and is a suspected carcinogen. Since the tissue that makes up the nasal and throat passages and lungs are made up of the same type of cells as the corresponding human tissue it stand to reason that cats could suffer the same health effects with long term exposure. There are additional dangers to using clay based litters. The reason this type of litter gained popularity is because of it’s amazing ability to adsorb liquid. Silica has amazing water absorbing qualities which make it very effective in the litter box but very dangerous to ingest. Since we know that cats consume litter off their paws and fur it is fairly safe to assume that the daily consumption of even small quantities of clay based litter could cause a state of chronic mild dehydration, which can lead to renal failure over time. Blockages of the intestines and prevention of nutrient absorption are still more reasons to avoid this type of litter.

• Cats

Converting Your Bird to a Healthier Diet

Birds are very much attached to their wild, natural instincts. These evolutionary features offer protection from predators and preventable accidents and illness that may preclude a bird from breeding and passing on their genetic material. One of these instincts prominent in birds is their caution and this takes the shape of an unwillingness to ingest strange items they do not recognize as a food source. This is a natural adaptation that prevents a bird from readily eating something that may be poisonous. Of course, this often leads to stress when we want our birds to eat a healthy food or switch to a healthier diet. For this reason introducing new food items or diet conversions must be done gradually and with the least amount of stress on the bird, as birds will naturally adapt slowly to new foods, Budgies, cockatiels and amazons can be very stubborn and it may take months for them to even nibble on a new food and a diet modification plan may take up to six months for some birds so patience is required! Diet is the single largest factor that will determine your bird's health and longevity so these additions or changes are important. When you understand that birds do not know what is best for them you will see that they need your guidance and effort! For a diet conversion we recommend purchasing a scale with a perch attached. It is important to keep track of your bird's weight to make sure he is not loosing too much during this process. It is always good to keep track of your bird's weight anyway since birds hide illness so well, weight loss can be an early sign of disease. Here are some diet modification tips: Adapt to a feeding schedule In the wild, birds typically eat soon after the sun rises and then again in the evening before they roost for the night. Following a schedule and developing a routine will actually reduce your bird's stress. When a bowl full of food is left in the cage, birds will typically pick out their favorite foods and the rest will be left behind or wind up on the cage floor. When birds are free-fed like that they will also get overly accustomed to their favorite foods. I am sure you have heard the term "seed junkie" a term used to label birds that have become "addicted" to seed. In effect, they have just become very accustomed to the seed diet; they like it and are naturally suspicious of any new foods offered. By following a twice-daily feeding schedule you more naturally follow a bird's food gathering in the wild and encourage your bird to try new foods by stimulating their foraging instinct. Try the following routine. Since most people may not be home during the day, feed dry foods in the morning and wet foods in the evening since wet foods should be removed after two or three hours to prevent your bird from eating spoiled food. So, in the morning feed your bird a small amount of his favorite food that can be finished in ten or fifteen minutes along with some of his less favorite foods like pellets (we recommend Totally Organics Pellets because they are cold-processed and do not contain any chemical additives or synthetic vitamins). The morning feeding should be removed by midday or only enough should be fed so the dish is emptied by that time. This allows a bird to become hungry for his evening meal and plays a role in healthy digestion. By feeding small portions of favorite foods in this way you prevent your bird from selecting only his favorite foods and encourage natural foraging behavior that results in trying new things. In the evening, when people are normally home and preparing meals anyway, is the perfect time to mix up an assortment of healthy vegetables, fruits, grains and protein sources. Lead by example Birds watch what others do and will often follow their peers or want what someone else has. This must be nature's way of saying "well, if he is eating that it must be okay". So, to teach your bird to try new foods you can use another bird that is receptive to new foods to act as a mentor bird or do it yourself! Place the mentor bird where your bird can easily see him eating these new foods or pretend to eat (you may really have to eat) some of the pellets or new foods yourself. Really play it up by making yummy sounds and gushing over this wonderful new treat. A bird will normally be interested in what you or the mentor bird are doing, want what you have or feel more secure because you haven't dropped over dead (remember those natural instincts) and will want to give this interesting new food a try! You and your significant other can also feed each other this new food making yummy sounds and getting your bird really interested and wanting to be part of the action! Mix with something tasty Find a soft food your bird really likes. Birdie bread is good as is mashed potatoes or a favorite vegetable medley. Mix the new food you would like your bird to try in this soft food in a very small amount. When your bird is comfortably eating this food with the new addition gradually increase the amount of the new food until it entirely replaces the soft food! Always use the same bowl, in the same place and maybe even at the same time every day so your bird is comfortable in his routine and associates the dish with his delicious soft food so the transition is smooth! Very often your bird will now readily try any new foods placed in that dish or simply go through the transitioning again with a new item, it will probably be quicker the next time. A twist on this method is to place a large amount of what your bird really likes in something else to encourage him to try new things. For example, place seed (what your bird really likes) into some birdie bread (make small muffins because you will have to throw away some as you adjust the seed amount) and crumble it in a bowl or on a paper towel on a table or the bottom of the cage. Your bird will need to pick through the birdie bread to get to the seed! This forces your bird to come into contact with a new food and become familiar with it. When you notice your bird beginning to try some of the birdie bread begin to reduce the amount of seed you place in the bread until there is only bread crumbled in the bowl or on the paper towel. Your bird is now eating a new food! Now try to sprinkle chopped up veggies and other healthy goodies in with the crumbled birdie bread. Your bird should more readily try these new foods! This is very important because soft foods can be used as a means to get vitamins and medications into your bird. One more thing, birds love warm foods, so using warm foods may make this diet modification even more effective! Crazy Corn, Momma's Birdie Bread and Good Stuff Birdie Bread are all healthy choices you can use for this diet modification method. What to shoot for People will differ on what is the correct percentage of different foods. However, a good guideline to follow is 50% cooked whole grains, legumes, vegetables and fruit, 30% lightly processed, natural pellets like Totally Organics and 20% quality seed mix and nuts. These ratios can vary slightly with different species of birds, for instance canaries, finches and cockatiels can do well with higher amounts of seeds.

• Birds

Bird Toy Safety

The safety of your companion bird is your responsibility. Parrots are playful, inquisitive and mischievous and require your constant guardianship to keep them safe. Practicing toy safety is only one of your important roles when it comes to your bird. By performing the following recommendations you will go a long way towards maintaining a safe environment for your bird: Purchase toys that are appropriate for your bird's size and activity level. Too large rings can be places where heads can get stuck, too small components can be easily broken and the pieces swallowed (See: Choosing the Right Toy). *Check toys daily for frayed rope in which your bird could get entangled. Trim back the frays, replace the rope or replace the toy. To be extra safe always supervise your bird while playing with his toys. This is especially important when new toys are introduced; watch your bird until you are sure he is interacting safely with his new toy. The purpose of a toy is to be destroyed; destroyed toys should be replaced entirely or replace damaged components individually as needed. *Check for loose parts on toys continuously. Check for broken, sharp or otherwise dangerous parts continuously. *Make sure your birds perches are tight and affixed. If your bird likes to soak his toys, realize this can promote bacterial growth. Discard toy or thoroughly clean and dry completely. When hanging toys always make sure they are hung close to the surface from which they are hung. This is done to prevent there being enough rope or chain in which your bird can become entangled and even hang itself. Continuously monitor toys as components are chewed to keep an eye on the length of rope or chain which may begin to lengthen. Don't overcrowd your bird's cage with toys; 6-8 different types will suffice depending on cage size. Please remember no toy is 100% safe. Always supervise your bird with a new toy. Please read our article on toy materials and components to make sure you are not unwittingly adding dangerous items to your bird's environment (See: Toy Safe/Unsafe Materials)

Bird Toy Safe and Unsafe Material

It is very unfortunate to know that many birds suffer serious injuries or premature death due to toys or items places in their cages. Especially when you understand that their owners were trying to do their best to provide entertainment and quality of life for their bird. Unfortunately, the bird owners were ignorant to the fact that many pet product manufacturers have more of an interest in profit than in pet safety and many retailers do not spend much time at all educating themselves on the products they carry. Well, luckily you have the Pet Health and Nutrition Center on your side. We spend lots of time and energy researching and testing products before we offer them to you. However, even though you may rely on what is offered by the Pet Health and Nutrition Center, knowledge is still your most powerful weapon to keep your bird safe and happy. Following is a list bird safe and unsafe material. We did our best to compile solid information, but always keep your eyes open for other tidbits you can pick up to keep your bird safe. Please keep in mind that we use the word safe to point out materials generally considered not harmful to birds. Any material or toy is never 100% safe, accidents do happen, but by following our suggestions you will be a whole lot nearer to ensuring the safety of your bird. Please also read our article BIRD TOXIC ITEMS for a more thorough listing of dangerous foods and materials. Safe Bird Toy Material Woods (Not a complete list) Pine, balsa, birch, basswood, poplar, maple, walnut, ash, apple, elm, cactus(cholla), manzanita. Rope 100% natural fiber ropes such as cotton, hemp and sisal. Chain Stainless steel is best, being non-toxic, zinc and lead free and easy to clean. Nickel plated is also acceptable. Links should be welded not open. Acrylic Safe and virtually indestructible. Should be at least 3/16" thick. Wood is preferable for birds who like to chew. See: warning in unsafe section. Leather Great for birds to safely play with and chew; love to untie knots.**Only use vegetable tanned leather. Replace wet or soiled leather as bacteria may flourish. Fasteners Quick links or C-clamps are the safest to attach toys to your bird's play area. They can be tightened with pliers if your bird loosens them. Rings Properly sized so your bird can not get his head in and possibly choke. Bells Birds love to make noise. The cow or liberty bell design is safest. You must make sure the clapper (small component that bangs against the inside of the bell) can not be removed or it may be swallowed and present a choking danger. Should be appropriately sized for your bird. *Various other safe materials include palm leaf and abaca fibers, cuttlebone, coconut shell and coco-husks. UnSafe Bird Toy Material Woods Cedar, red cherry, plywood, oak. *Never use treated wood!(Arsenic). Avoid using natural branches from outside as they may be contaminated in some way you are not aware of. Avoid flavored woods as the flavorings are unhealthy and birds should not be encouraged to eat wood. The sugars used can also promote bacterial growth. Rope Avoid nylon, due to its strength it can result in cuts and other serious injuries. Chain Avoid zinc coated or galvanized chain and components. Birds are very susceptible to zinc toxicity. Avoid chain with open links as these may provide sharp surfaces and narrow openings where tongues or toes can become caught. Make sure links are properly sized for your bird and do not offer a place where body parts can become caught. Acrylic Make sure you do not give acrylic or plastic toys meant for smaller birds such as parakeets to larger birds. They may break the components too easily and if ingested the sharp edges may injure your bird. Leather Avoid dyed leather or leather tanned with chemicals (chromium and formaldehyde). Because of this you should avoid letting your bird chew on old leather items such as shoes, purses wallets, belts etc. Fasteners Avoid split key ring type fasteners, snap type hooks and spring loaded clips. As birds chew or play with these they all present the hazard of getting tongues or toes caught. Rings Avoid improperly sized rings in which your bird may get his head caught. Also, avoid toys that have multiple rings looped together as this presents an entanglement and possible hanging issue. Bells Clapper(small component that bangs against the inside of the bell) should be secure. Clapper should not be lead- will dent with fingernail if it is lead. Avoid jingle type bells because toes can get cut or caught in narrow openings. Bell should be properly sized for your bird. Always make sure that rope, chain and leather toys are hung close to the surface from which the toy is being hung and that the length is always paid attention to as components are destroyed. Doing this will help prevent your bird from becoming entangled and possibly choking or hanging himself. Avoid zinc, harmful chemicals, glues, adhesives(plywood), lacquers, paints, colored magazines and newspapers(harmful inks and chemicals), toothbrushes(nylon fibers can be dangerous), cardboard(harmful glues), toilet paper and paper towel tubes(harmful glues), key rings(tongue getting caught), plastic bags, cellophane, foam and felt(all four will not pass through your bird if ingested) plastic coated wires and vinyl baby toys Following these guidelines will go along way towards keeping your bird safe. Some experts recommend always monitoring your bird while he is playing with toys, especially new ones. Try to always keep your bird secure, especially when your are not present. Read our article on BIRD TOXIC ITEMS for details on foods to avoid and dangerous household items and cleaners.

• Birds

Animal Communication

The Pet Health and Nutrition Center Family has for years incorporated animal communication into our holistic lifestyle as one of the useful tools that joins others such as a species appropriate diet and organic, whole food supplementation in caring for our own companion animals. We thought it was time to bring you more detailed information on how Animal Communication can help you and your companion animals and guide you towards a gifted Animal Communicator in Carol Harrison. The information below has been provided by Carol. What is Telepathic Communication? It is a heart-to-heart exchange of energy. It is sending and receiving thoughts and information through words, feelings, emotions, images, and sometimes simply a knowing. Telepathic Communication has no geographical boundaries, and is not limited to any one species. It is an opening of the heart and a knowing that we are all Divine creatures. Successful communication is a willingness to view another species from their point-of-view. How Can Animal Communication Help Me With My Animal? Telepathic Communication gives the animal a voice and opens up a clear channel for people to understand life from the animal’s point-of view. Most behavior issues are a cry for help, a reaction to a past experience, a possible health issue, or a lack of a mutual understanding of what is and is not acceptable behavior as you share your life together. Most animals also have very strong opinions about how their basic needs are met, for example: are they on the right diet, is their living environment set up to help them thrive, feel safe, provide proper exercise, etc. When poor health is a factor, animal communication can help you understand what is happening inside their body from their experience of it. How many times has someone said “ if only my dog, cat, horse, bird, fish, etc. could tell me what’s wrong.” Animal Communication can be that voice. Unless an animal communicator is also a vet they DO NOT DIAGNOSE, or take the place of a vet when required. However, giving your animal a voice can assist in getting directly to the core issue, providing the least invasive, most beneficial care for your beloved companion. Animal Communication helps the caregiver to better understand the personality, humor, and wisdom of their companions in order to provide the best care and, to enjoy and enhance the bond between them. Animals are wise and prophetic friends who have much to teach us. A Case Story of Animal Communication One example of how telepathic communication and energy healing can bring about positive results is the following story about Betsy: Betsy is a beautiful medium sized golden retriever who was adopted through a rescue organization to a single woman living alone in a mountain cabin. For two years Betsy was the perfect companion, but could be very protective of her human. She always got to the door first when someone was arriving to visit, often times doing a low growl to let everyone know she was “on the job”. However, once through the door she was an absolute love, well-behaved in every way. For no obvious reason Betsy became very aggressive, She began chasing people as they strolled by, barking, jumping up, even biting at their ankles. She went so far as to bite a neighbor and began attacking other animals if they came too close to the cabin. People started complaining about Betsy, neighbors became fearful of what she would do next. Her human mom became concerned that she would have to give Betsy up, or worse. Her mom called Carol to see what could be done. Betsy revealed that she was not feeling well herself, and that she was very worried about her human and believed that a heightened level of protection was the answer. The body scan revealed an imbalance in Betsy’s system that caused her to feel very nervous and out of sorts, much like a human in sugar-shock. Carol suggested dietary changes and supplementation to address the physical. Carol then offered a Reiki healing session to relieve the stress and tension Betsy was feeling. It was then revealed that Betsy’s human was experiencing a serious health issue of her own. Betsy had picked up on the changes she was seeing, feeling, and smelling regarding her mom. Carol explained to Betsy that the aggression she was displaying to others was beyond what was needed, caused undo harm to people and animals, and was causing problems for her mom in the neighborhood. Betsy’s mom, Carol, and Betsy discussed the situation and explained to Betsy what her job in the household was, and how it might be carried out in a more appropriate way...alerting mom that someone was out there, or at the door, but waiting for mom’s signal that it was friend, not foe, and all was well. Since that day Betsy’s mom made the suggested changes in diet and there have been no episodes of aggression toward anyone. Betsy now greets you at the door, tail wagging, glancing at mom for reassurance that she is doing her job appropriately, and there have been no issues outside. About Carol Harrison - Animal Communication, Body Scans and Energy Healing Carol Harrison is the Professional Animal Communicator we have been working with for over ten years. In addition to receiving information through telepathic communication, Carol is also extremely skilled at scanning the body of your animal - feeling what they feel and receiving intuitive information on the physical experiences your animal is having. This gift can be very useful when trying to develop nutritional and supplement recommendations for a particular animal and is often made use of by clients of The Pet Health and Nutrition Center. Carol is also a Reiki Master and Shamanic Practitioner. Following the body scan she will immerse your companion in healing energy to bring about whatever is in the highest good of all. We invite to experience for yourself the many benefits of Telepathic Communication and Energy Healing. The following is Carol’s contact information : Carol Harrison lives in Harwinton, CT with her parrot, cat, and standard and miniature poodles. Carol can be reached at 860-605-9044. www.carolharrisonstarspirit.com

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Anaplasmosis in Dogs

What is Anaplasmosis in Dogs and Cats? Anaplasmosis is a tickborne disease in dogs and cats that was formerly known as Ehrlichiosis and has two different forms. The more common, found throughout a larger area of the country, is caused by a bacterium called Anaplasma phagocytophilum. This form of anaplasmosis is transmitted to animals (and people) by tick bites primarily from the black-legged tick (aka the deer tick) (Ixodes scapularis) and the western black-legged tick (Ixodes pacificus). These are the same ticks that transmit Lyme disease, which increases the risk of coinfection with anaplasmosis. The lessor form of anaplasmosis is caused by the organism Anaplasma platys and is an infection of the blood platelets that can lead to bleeding disorders and is transmitted by the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus). Ticks in the nymph and adult life stages are most frequently associated with transmission of anaplasmosis to dogs and cats, however this tickborne illness is much more common in dogs and so for the purpose of this article we will focus more on our canine companions. Symptoms of Anaplasmosis in Dogs Typical symptoms of Anaplasmosis in dogs, cats and other animals can be difficult to diagnose, because animals can’t describe their symptoms and signs can be unclear. However, pet parents are usually familiar with their animal's normal behavior and can often tell when one is feeling under-the-weather. Distinguishing between a bacterial or viral infection and tickborne disease can’t be diagnosed without specialized laboratory tests, but symptoms to watch for that could be related to Anaplasma phagocytophilum included: Loss of appetite Lethargy Lameness, joint pain, reluctance to move Fever Neck pain or neurological signs in some cases Symptoms of Anaplasma platys are often very difficult for pet owners to identify as an infection. Since this tickborne illness can interfere with proper blood clotting typical symptoms can include any of the following: Bruising on the gums and belly Spontaneous nosebleeds Usually, symptoms of Anaplasmosis will occur within 1-2 weeks of a tick bite. How to Treat Anaplasmosis in Dogs After anaplasmosis is diagnosed, conventional treatment relies on the antibiotic Doxycycline which is a tetracycline antibiotic. Many infected dogs are treated for 30 days and in the majority of cases, symptoms improve rapidly. One of our concerns with the use of an antibiotic like Doxycycline is that this class of tetracycline antibiotics are known as broad spectrum, which means they are effective against a wide range of bacteria, including the beneficial bacteria that inhabit your dog and cat’s intestinal tract. Destruction of the normal ecology of the intestinal tract with the use of a powerful antibiotics for such a long period of time can lead to chronic illnesses like IBD, urinary tract infections, candida overgrowth etc. The reason we mention this is because many animals are able to fight off tickborne illness on their own. The blood test that shows anaplasmosis antibodies indicates that a dog or cat's immune system is responding to the infection. Many holistic veterinarians often recommend to keep an eye on your animal and see if any symptoms present themselves. Even if lameness shows, we have had vets recommend to wait for a day or two to see if it resolves itself and it often does. Doxycycline is often used out of fear and this is not healthy for your animal. Antibiotics should only be used if absolutely necessary. Natural Treatment for Anaplasmosis in Dogs We have used natural treatments quite successfully for tickborne illnesses. Many dogs we have worked with have responded wonderfully to our Antimicrobial formula. This formula contains the immune boosting herbs echinacea and cat’s claw along with antimicrobial herbs such as thyme, goldenseal and oregano. This blend of herbs helps to support the immune system by providing antimicrobial properties and boosting white blood cell production. The side-effects described in the Conventional Treatment above are why we recommend a natural course of treatment initially for anaplasmosis if your dog's situation is not immediately life-threatening. In our experience antibiotics like Doxycycline can always be used later if the natural course of treatment does not produce the desired results, and you may be able to avoid some potentially life-changing side-effects for your canine. See the next paragraph... Does My Pet Require Treatment for Anaplasmosis? The screening test used by most veterinarians is the Idexx Snap 4Dx and a positive test indicates exposure and not necessarily clinical disease. Your veterinarian will need to evaluate your dog’s symptoms in conjunction with additional diagnostic tests to determine if your dog needs treatment. Many of our clients inform us that their dog is being treated for a tickborne illness after the fact. They tell us there were no symptoms, but a positive test came back during a yearly veterinarian examination and a course of Doxycycline has been recommended. This does not make us happy; see side effects of Doxycycline above. According to Dr. Dawn Burke, anaplasmosis is largely a self-limiting infection, which means, according to medical definition, it is a condition that ultimately resolves itself without treatment. Many animals will come into contact with a tickborne illness, like anaplasmosis, during their lifetime, but they will never display clinical symptoms because their immune system is functioning properly. If there are no symptoms a complete blood count to check for abnormalities can be performed, if there are none then treatment should not be recommended with the animal monitored for anaplasmosis symptoms as always in the future. Where is Anaplasmosis Most Common? Both forms of canine anaplasmosis are found throughout the United States and Canada, wherever there are deer, western black-legged and brown dog ticks. Areas where Anaplasma phagocytophilum are more common include the northeastern, mid-Atlantic and north-central states, as well as California. Anaplasma platys is more common in Gulf Coast and southwestern states because the brown dog tick is more common in warmer climates.   How Long Does Anaplasmosis Last in Dogs? In our experience, if an animal displays symptoms that can be associated with anaplasmosis, such as lameness or lethargy, these will often resolve themselves within 24 - 48 hours though they can last up to 7 days. We have had clients confirm this and we have experienced this with our own dogs, though we have sometimes provided our Antimicrobial formula. Please keep in mind that an animal may test positive for anaplasmosis for their lifetime. This does not mean the animal has an active infection, just that antibodies are still present in the blood from exposure to the bacterial organism. During this time, if the dog is clinically healthy, a second round of antibiotic therapy to try to obtain a negative blood test is generally not recommended. Be aware that some of these animals may have a chronic, low-level infection and could be adversely affected by medications that compromise the immune system, such as steroids, so use these drugs with caution. Focus on supporting the immune system of these canines by using astragalus, mushrooms or colostrum. How Common is Anaplasmosis in Dogs? One study demonstrated that approximately 40% or more of dogs from areas where anaplasmosis is common may be seropositive (a positive result on a blood test). However, it appears that many dogs that have antibodies to A. phagocytophilum display no evidence of clinical disease. These otherwise healthy animals may have a low-level, persistent infection with the anaplasmosis organism and be labeled "chronically infected carriers" but never become ill. They should be monitored and have their immune systems kept healthy using diet, supplements, and limiting exposure to unnecesary vaccinations, flea and tick pesticide products (ironically, but this is important - use natural methods instead) and other chemicals. How Serious is Anaplasmosis in Dogs? Animals infected with the most common form of anaplasmosis, A. phagocytophilum, will usally have symptoms for 1 to 7 days; however, some will have no or only minor symptoms. If symptoms do last longer and require treatment with Doxycycline symptoms improve rapidly. Dogs are often markedly better 24 to 48 hours after therapy is begun, and the prognosis for clinical recovery is excellent. In the case of infection with the less common A. platys that can interfere with the blood clotting process, clinical disease is often mild, but some dogs may develop bruising or bleeding (including nosebleeds), especially during the early stages of infection when platelet counts may be at their lowest. How to prevent Anaplasmosis in Dogs? This can be looked at two ways. The first is avoiding exposure to ticks. This can be accomplished by avoiding areas that have high tick populations and if this can't be done then a safer, chemical-free, repellent should be used. Since natural sprays dissipate more quickly the spray should be reapplied every 1 - 2 hours. Then, after potential exposure you should thoroughly go over your dog and remove any ticks you find. A tick must be attached and feed for at least 12-24 hours to transmit anaplasmosis to your animal so if your remove it before then your animal should be okay and not all ticks carry this bacteria. The other important thing to do is maintain your animal's immune system by providing a healthy diet, immune boosting supplements and lowering their exposure to stress. Individuals are generally programmed to focus on "killing" organisms but we focus more (at least at first) on "building immunity" against invaders. If you maintain a strong immune system, this will usually be enough to protect your dog or cat from tickborne illness. Please keep in mind that this "protection" is indicated by the presence of antibodies on a blood test - this means your animal's immune system is doing its job! How to Test for Anaplasmosis in Dogs? There are several types of tests for anaplasmosis that include: enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA), and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In addition, the bacterial organism can sometimes be seen through a microscope during peak phases of infection. The screening test used by most veterinarians is the Idexx Snap 4Dx, and please keep in mind that a positive test indicates exposure and not necessarily clinical disease. Does Anaplasmosis Just Go Away in Dogs? Infection with the more common form of anaplasmosis, A. phagocytophilum, often causes lameness, joint pain, fever, lethargy, and lack of appetite. Some infected dogs will have symptoms for 1 to 7 days; however, some will have no, or only minor, symptoms. In most cases a dog's immune system responds by creating antibodies to defend against the bacteria, but as indicated earlier this does not mean they have clinical disease if there are no symptoms present. Without the pet owner doing anything, the afflicted canine will often regain health in a few days as the immune system responds. During this time it would be beneficial to provide herbs such as echinacea or cat's claw that support immune function as found in our Antimicrobial formula. If symptoms increase in severity or continue for more than a few days treatment with Doxycycline may be necessary. References Anaplasmosis. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/anaplasmosis/ Lawrence, W. (April 2012). Beyond antibiotics. Retrieved from http://www.drlwilson.com/articles/antibiotics.htm Anaplasmosis. Retrieved from http://www.dogsandticks.com/diseases_and_symptoms/anaplasmosis.php 2012 Dawn, B. Anaplasmosis. Retrieved from http://ygrr.org/doginfo/health-ANAPLASMOSIS.htm Ward, E. DVM. Anaplasmosis in dogs. Retrieved from https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/anaplasmosis-in-dogs

• Dogs
• Health

Acana Dog Food Review

Please Note: Mars Petcare acquired Champion Petfoods, the parent company of Acana pet food, on February 28, 2023. Champion Petfoods is a Canadian-based company that operates as an independent business unit within Mars Pet Nutrition. Since this acquisition some of the information below may become outdated. We will not be updating this information. For our current dog food recommendations and advice for home-preparing diets please consult our article How to Feed Your Dog. Acana Dog Food is a kibble diet made by Champion Petfoods out of Alberta, Canada. This review aims to give consumers some information about this pet food in order for them to be able to make an educated purchasing decision. This dog food review is as unbiased as possible and is aided by our years of experience and feedback from our customers. The Good Made exclusively in Champion Pet Food's own factory Made with "fit for human consumption" ingredients A biologically appropriate diet for canines Obtains the majority of its nutrition from natural, unprocessed ingredients as opposed to relying on synthetic/isolated vitamins and minerals High fresh animal ingredient content (60%) Low in carbohydrates (26-28%) Utilizes over 95% fresh, regional ingredients Formulated with botanicals that are a part of the natural canine diet and act as tonics to help strengthen organs and tissue Provides a high-quality “Biologically Appropriate” diet at a very good price point The Not-As-Good Protein levels are a little lower (32-33% compared to 38-42% in Orijen) but are still adequate and far superior to other kibble pet food diets Since this food is so popular there can be occasional shortages frustrating both retailers and consumers The Bottom Line Taking into account the manufacturing process and the ingredients used, Acana Dog Food is a premium kibble diet that may be considered a close second only to its sister food Orijen. However, it is formulated for a market slightly different to that of Orijen. Acana has a lower protein and total fresh meat content than Orijen with slightly higher carbohydrate levels, which allows this dog food to provide unbeatable value and a price point that makes Biologically Appropriate pet foods accessible to a wide range of pet lovers. For those dogs with a weak or damaged digestive system, Acana may make a good alternative to Orijen because it is a little less dense in meat protein, with a different variety of fruits, vegetables and botanicals, and may be a little easier for certain animals to digest. Of course, any digestive issues are often solved with a high-quality digestive enzyme supplement. Review Acana Dog Food is a moderate-protein, low-carbohydrate and grain-free, biologically appropriate diet with a ratio of 60 percent premium animal ingredients; 40 percent fruit and vegetables; and zero grains. Acana features human-grade ingredients, we don’t recommend anything less, so you aren’t going to find any of the questionably sourced rendered meats or waste and by-products of the human food industry that are so common in commercial dog foods today. The meats used are never frozen and contain no preservatives. Unlike most commercial pet foods, the fresh regional meats used in Acana Dog Food are processed the same day they are received, and are a key factor in the superior palatability and feeding performance of Acana. Fresh regional ingredients like chicken and fresh whole eggs produced on local prairie farms; a variety of wild-caught fish from the Pacific Ocean; as well as cranberries and apples from local orchards are used. These regional ingredients found in Acana Dog Food can’t be over-emphasized because they are full of nutrients that are usually depleted by long-term storage and shipping and can’t in any way be compared to the highly refined commodity ingredients found in many other pet foods. Every Acana diet is made with a minimum of three fresh meats, which means Acana Dog Food is going to provide your canine companion with the biologically available and easily digested and assimilated protein sources a dog needs for good muscle tone, adequate energy levels, injury healing and a healthy immune system. The fresh regional fish, such as salmon, flounder and herring, provide the fatty acids that dogs have a hard time producing themselves (including DHA and EPA) that are so important to nutritionally support the development of cell membranes, immune system function and a vibrant skin and coat. In many commercial pet foods, the fresh fish is replaced with fish oil imported all the way from China - preservatives and all! When comparing kibble dog foods, Acana is matched only by its sister food, Orijen, and Natures Logic Dog Food in the way it derives the bulk of its nutrition from whole food ingredients. Instead of relying on large quantities of synthetic vitamins to meet AAFCO requirements, Acana focuses on fresh fruits and vegetables and native botanicals that include marshmallow, burdock, chicory root, stinging nettle and milk thistle. All of these replicate the natural canine diet and help to soothe, nourish and tone the digestive tract, strengthen the liver and control insulin levels. In addition, all delicate ingredients, such as the botanicals and beneficial microorganisms are added after the cooking process to preserve their natural nutritional qualities. We are sure that you and your canine will also appreciate the absence of any artificial flavors, colors and preservatives! Champion Pet Foods, the manufacturer of Acana Dog Food, is just as special as the quality of the ingredients. Based in Canada, this family owned business formulates Acana Dog Food in their own facility and has been manufacturing high caliber pet food for over 35 years. This keeps quality control in-house and is a huge selling point with us, especially after the large pet food recalls! Further proof of their passion to provide the highest-quality dog food is their proprietary, low-temperature (90C) processing method, which includes steam-cooking their fresh ingredients in small batches to preserve the natural goodness and delicious taste. Acana Dog Food provides a superior kibble diet for your canine companion, rich in real meat protein, at an affordable price. The only real competition comes from its sister food, Orijen, and you can’t go wrong with either one!

• Pet Food Reviews

Acana Cat Food Review

Please Note: Mars Petcare acquired Champion Petfoods, the parent company of Acana pet food, on February 28, 2023. Champion Petfoods is a Canadian-based company that operates as an independent business unit within Mars Pet Nutrition. Since this acquisition some of the information below may become outdated. We will not be updating this information. For our current cat food recommendations and advice for home-preparing diets please consult our article How to Feed Your Cat. Acana Cat Food is a kibble diet made by Champion Petfoods out of Alberta, Canada. This review aims to give consumers some information about this pet food in order for them to be able to make an educated purchasing decision. This cat food review is as unbiased as possible and is aided by our years of experience and feedback from our customers. The Good Made exclusively in Champion Pet Food's own factory Made with "fit for human consumption" ingredients A biologically appropriate diet for felines Obtains the majority of its nutrition from natural, unprocessed ingredients as opposed to relying on synthetic/isolated vitamins and minerals High fresh animal ingredient content (65%) Low in carbohydrates (25%) Utilizes over 95% fresh, regional ingredients Formulated with botanicals that are a part of the natural feline diet and act as tonics to help strengthen organs and tissue Formula promotes a mildly acidic urine important for feline urinary health Provides a high-quality “Biologically Appropriate” diet at a very good price point The Not-As-Good Protein levels are a little lower (35% compared to 42% in Orijen) but are still adequate and far superior to other kibble pet food diets Since this food is so popular there can be occasional shortages frustrating both retailers and consumers The Bottom Line Taking into account the manufacturing process and the ingredients used, Acana Cat Food is a premium kibble diet that may be considered a close second only to its sister food Orijen. However, it is formulated for a market slightly different to that of Orijen. Acana has a lower protein and total fresh meat content than Orijen with slightly higher carbohydrate levels, which allows this cat food to provide unbeatable value and a price point that makes Biologically Appropriate pet foods accessible to a wide range of pet lovers. Review Acana Cat Food is a moderate-protein, low-carbohydrate and grain-free, biologically appropriate diet with a ratio of 65 percent animal ingredients; 35 percent fruit and vegetables; and zero grains. Acana features human-grade ingredients, we don’t recommend anything less, so you aren’t going to find any of the questionably sourced rendered meats or waste and by-products of the human food industry that are so common in commercial cat foods today. The meats used are never frozen and contain no preservatives. Unlike most commercial pet foods, the fresh regional meats used in Acana Cat Food are processed the same day they are received, and are a key factor in the superior palatability and feeding performance of Acana. Fresh regional ingredients like chicken and fresh whole eggs produced on local prairie farms; a variety of wild-caught fish from the Pacific Ocean; as well as cranberries and apples from local orchards are used. These regional ingredients found in Acana Cat Food can’t be over-emphasized because they are full of nutrients that are usually depleted by long-term storage and shipping and can’t in any way be compared to the highly refined commodity ingredients found in many other pet foods. Every Acana diet is made with a minimum of three fresh meats, which means Acana Cat Food is going to provide your feline companion with the biologically available and easily digested and assimilated protein sources a cat needs for good muscle tone, adequate energy levels, injury healing and a healthy immune system. The fresh regional fish, such as salmon, flounder and herring, provide the fatty acids that cats have a hard time producing themselves (including DHA and EPA) that are so important to nutritionally support the development of cell membranes, immune system function and a vibrant skin and coat. In many commercial pet foods, the fresh fish is replaced with fish oil imported all the way from China - preservatives and all! When comparing kibble cat foods, Acana is matched only by its sister food, Orijen, and Natures Logic Dog Food in the way it derives the bulk of its nutrition from whole food ingredients. Instead of relying on large quantities of synthetic vitamins to meet AAFCO requirements, Acana focuses on fresh fruits and vegetables and native botanicals that include marshmallow, burdock, chicory root, stinging nettle and milk thistle. All of these replicate the natural feline diet and help to soothe, nourish and tone the digestive tract, strengthen the liver and control insulin levels. In addition, all delicate ingredients, such as the botanicals and beneficial microorganisms are added after the cooking process to preserve their natural nutritional qualities. We are sure that you and your feline will also appreciate the absence of any artificial flavors, colors and preservatives! Champion Pet Foods, the manufacturer of Acana Cat Food, is just as special as the quality of the ingredients. Based in Canada, this family owned business formulates Acana Cat Food in their own facility and has been manufacturing high caliber pet food for over 35 years. This keeps quality control in-house and is a huge selling point with us, especially after the large pet food recalls! Further proof of their passion to provide the highest-quality cat food is their proprietary, low-temperature (90C) processing method, which includes steam-cooking their fresh ingredients in small batches to preserve the natural goodness and delicious taste. Acana Cat Food provides a superior kibble diet for your feline companion, rich in real meat protein, at an affordable price. The only real competition comes from its sister food, Orijen, and you can’t go wrong with either one!

• Pet Food Reviews

Autoimmune Disease Causes in Dogs and Cats

Autoimmune conditions in animals occur when a dog or cat’s immune system produce antibodies (called autoantibodies when they cause autoimmune disease) that attack the body’s own tissue. Autoreactive (act against their own tissue) white blood cells can cause chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and in other cases severe tissue damage that can result in a life-threatening condition as occurs when the body attacks its own red blood cells in immune mediated hemolytic anemia. Common Causes Chemicals, toxins and less commonly bacterial or viral infection are the primary causes of autoimmune conditions. This makes sense when you understand that these intrusions in the body cause an immune response to protect the body from these invaders. In most cases the immune system responds in a controlled manner and then returns to normal as the chemicals or toxins are eliminated with the additional help of the liver, kidneys and entire lymphatic system. Vaccinations An animal acquiring an autoimmune condition after a vaccination is very common. This occurs due to the immune stimulating (proteins/antigens) and other chemical components (preservatives etc) that are contained in vaccines that cause a response by immune system cells. Just because your pet has not had an obvious reaction to a vaccine in the past doesn’t mean they will not have one in the future. Also keep in mind that side effects that can be associated with a vaccination may not become obvious for day or weeks afterwards. For more information on vaccinations view our article Vaccinating Your Dog or Cat. Topical Flea and Tick Products We believe this may top vaccinations as a reason a dog or cat acquires an autoimmune condition. Flea and tick chemicals are poisons, pure and simple. At least 1,600 pet deaths related to spot on treatments were reported to the EPA over a five year period (2008 - 2013). In 2000, the Natural Resources Defense Council released a report called Poisons on Pets: Health Hazards from Flea and Tick Products. The report demonstrated a link between chemicals commonly used in flea and tick products and serious health problems in both people and pets. We never recommend their use under any circumstances. Other Toxins A client that found us too late had a very sick dog that was sprayed in the face by a skunk. That dog over the course of her life was very sensitive to chemicals. She went into autoimmune hemolytic anemia and passed away after extensive treatment. This case was largely unavoidable, it was an accident, but we share this story to show that any and all toxins can be dangerous to your dog or cat and should be avoided as much as possible. This includes household and lawn chemicals, vaccinations, flea and tick products, grooming products and additives in food and water. By keeping chemicals away from your dog or cat as much as possible you may be able to avoid a preventable traumatic loss of your animal. Genetics You may ask: Don’t genetics play a role? Of course they do, but they are not the catalyst for an autoimmune condition in your dog or cat. If your animal has a genetic disposition towards getting an autoimmune condition it doesn’t mean they have to. The catalyst is generally going to be exposure to a chemical or toxin or repeated exposure that makes your dog or cat more susceptible to future reactions. Infections Research has not indicated for certain that infections can lead to autoimmune conditions. However, since bacteria and viruses trigger an immune response, some researchers have suggested that antibodies produced in response to certain infections may also attack normal cells. When making choices that involve the health of your dog or cat keep in mind the adage “the straw that broke the camels back”. In autoimmune conditions there is always a catalyst. We have some great products that can help your dog or cat that can be found by shopping under Autoimmune Condition. References Immune response to vaccine antigens. Retrieved from https://www.nap.edu/read/5881/chapter/12 Flea and tick product ingredients: what you should know. Retrieved from http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/flea_tick_OTC_pet_products.html <mccoy, k.="" (december="" 2,="" 2009).="" <em="">Can infections lead to autoimmune disorders? Retrieved from http://www.everydayhealth.com/autoimmune-disorders/understanding/are-autoimmune-diseases-caused-by-infections.aspx

• Cats
• Dogs
• Health