Myelin Sheath for dogs and cats helps to rebuild and/or protect the myelin sheath in animals suffering with degenerative nerve conditions such as degenerative myelopathy (similar to multiple sclerosis in humans). Myelin sheath glandular can help increase myelin because it contains myelin basic protein which is an important protein component that comprises myelin. Research has shown it is possible to regrow myelin sheath and many believe, like us, that maintaining existing, and regenerating damaged, myelin can protect the underlying axons from major damage and preserve the health of the nerve (1). We believe that myelin sheath glandular can play an important role in increasing myelin and also offer protection against degeneration of healthy myelin in the case of autoimmune attack.

Degenerative conditions in which an animal's own antibodies begin to attack nerve tissue can damage this important protein, a process called demyelination. When this damage occurs nerve signals do not travel from the brain down the spinal cord as they should. This leads to neurological deterioration and cognitive and motor skill dysfunction causing symptoms such as rear-end weakness, visual disturbances and urinary or fecal incontinence in the unfortunate canine or feline.

Consumers should be aware that suspected causes of demyelination include toxicity from heavy metals or pesticides linked to vaccinations, food or environmental contamination. Animals that have been vaccinated have higher levels of autoantibodies associated with autoimmune disease, so consumers should be very careful about over-vaccinating their pets.

Each bottle of Myelin Sheath contains 120 capsules which is a 2 - 4 month supply for smaller animals and a 1 - 2 month supply for larger animals when used at suggested minimum dosage.

What is Myelin Sheath in a Dog or Cat?

The myelin sheath is a whitish, fatty substance (depicted in above image in yellow) that surrounds nerve fibers forming an insulating and protective layer. It is essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system and without it nerve impulses are not efficiently transmitted between nerve cells. The loss of myelin leads to significant nerve dysfunction and slowed or blocked nerve conduction between the brain and the rest of the body. The production of the myelin sheath is called myelination and the loss of myelin as occurs with degenerative conditions is called demyelination.

How to Repair Myelin Sheath Naturally in Dogs and Cats?

Myelin sheath can sometimes be damaged by a demyelinating disease. This is defined as any condition that results in damage to the protective covering (myelin sheath) that surrounds nerve fibers in a dog or cat's brain, optic nerves and spinal cord. When the myelin sheath is damaged, nerve impulses slow or even stop, causing neurological problems. Although it is well-known that myelin can be repaired by oligodendrocytes (2,3) if it is damaged, scientists do not understand the exact repair mechanisms used by these cells. In certain conditions, myelin unfortunately does not appear to be easily repaired, also for unknown reasons.

In addition, nerve tissue growth can be a slow process, so this can make repair of damaged nerve tissue an issue in dogs and cats that have shorter lifespans than their human companions. This makes beginning nutritional support for degenerative nerve conditions as early as possible that more important in our canine and feline companions.

However, we know from experience that there are ways to support the body's ability to increase myelin sheath naturally using certain supportive whole foods and supplements:

• Phospholipids - we know that myelin sheath is comprised largely of phospholipids, cholesterol and protein so providing these nutrients in a highly bioavailable, natural form will help to repair myelin sheath naturally.
• Myelin Sheath Glandular - this supplement supplies bioidentical nutrients that a dog or cat's myelin sheath can use as "food" to repair itself.
• Herbs - there are compounds in St. John's Wort herb that have been shown to repair nerve damage. Providing herbs that improve the flow of nutrients to myelin sheath, like ginkgo and cayenne, can help repair this nerve tissue as can herbs like ginger root that reduce inflammation that can further damage tissue. Herbs like hydrangea root and licorice root can help to reduce the autoimmune process that is damaging the myelin sheath in a safe and natural way.
• Food - whole foods are good sources of nutrients important to myelin sheath repair. For instance, eggs and raw or lightly cooked meats are good sources of phospholipids. Organic herbs, vegetables and fruits are good sources of antioxidants that help to feed and protect tissue while reducing inflammation. It is hard to get these nutrients, that are easily digested and metabolized by the body, from processed foods like kibble.
• Digestive Enzymes and Probiotics - these nutritional supplements can help to break down food quickly and thoroughly so it is easily utilized by the animal's body as well as keep the digestive tract healthy. This helps to ensure that aging animals or those suffering with degenerative conditions can get all the nutrients from their food necessary for the repair and maintenance of myelin sheath.

References

Peluso Ph.D, M. (December 20, 2018). Myelin sheath and cholesterol. Retrieved from https://healthyeating.sfgate.com/myelin-sheath-cholesterol-6632.html

(October 22, 2014). The role of phospholipids on your body. Retrieved from: https://neptunecorp.com/the-role-of-phospholipids-in-your-body/

Cook, M. (April 26, 2018). Difference between triglycerides & phospholipids. Retrieved from: https://sciencing.com/difference-between-triglycerides-phospholipids-5044081.html