Hello,

Thank you for your inquiry to Holistic Pet Info. It’s good your cat was tested negative for FIV and Felv and by the tests it shows he is not making new red blood cells. I still would address the blood parasite issue, Haemoplasma infection is very easy to treat with the antibiotic Doxycycline. An increase in the red blood cells would be diagnostic for the parasite if treated with the antibiotic.

Since it was in May the bloodwork was done has his red blood cell count been retested to evaluate if the treatments have helped. If he is eating well and his overall health appears healthy a new blood test may confirm he is getting better, it can change in several days. You may want to consider canned pumpkin for hairballs, as Laxatone is petroleum based and not as healthy as the natural fiber in pumpkin. Best of luck.

Sincerely,

Colleen Smith DVM, CVA

What vitamins are recommended dogs that have retinal atrophy?

Response:

According to the Manual of Natural Veterinary Medicine, the following nutrients are helpful for retinal diseases, including Retinal Atrophy:

Zinc, Taurine, Vitamin E, Vitamin A and Fish Oil (DHA).  Holistic Pet Info carries a supplement called Ocu-Clear that contains zinc, taurine and vitamins A and E as well as Billberry. Here is a link to the product information page:

http://www.holisticpetinfo.com/proddetail.asp?prod=Ocu-Clear

We also carry several fish oil supplement and they can be found here:http://www.holisticpetinfo.com/products.asp?cat=Fish+Oil+for+Dogs+and+Cats

Hope that helps.

Hello,

Unfortunately, I cannot make a diagnosis on the parasites on your cat without an exam. I sounds like it could be what’s called a “walking dandruff” mite or Cheyletiellosis. If that is what it is, the mite can infect other animals and humans in the household. It can be treated with topical flea preventatives, but you need to take the cat to your veterinarian to have him properly diagnosed and treated.

Regards,

Colleen Smith DVM, CVA

Hello,

Thank you for your inquiry to Holistic Pet Info. Yorkies and most small dogs have much softer enamel so they will form tartar on their teeth faster and more severely. The majority of tarter comes from dry food actually, as the kibble is sprayed with oils to improve palatability. Dry food is not hard enough to keep tarter off teeth and the oil increases the plaque and tartar formation.

I would recommend continuing the home cooked food as long as it is balanced and offer natural treats to help with teeth health. Z-Ridge Dental Bones by Zuke’s or Dog Dental Bones by Dr. Becker are both great for teeth. The home cooked diet is much better for epilepsy as natural food does not contain preservatives, dyes or meat by-products.

You may need to do routine cleanings even with a home cooked diet primarily because the bacteria in the mouth have the affinity for heart valves. Veterinarians see more small dogs with heart disease and severe tartar together than without tartar.

An excellent resource for dog with seizures is www.canine-epilepsy.com, it covers
supplements, diets, vaccines, research and available treatments for dogs. Best
of luck.

Regards,

Colleen Smith DVM, CVA, CVCP

We will start supplementing with lysine. Do you have any other suggestions
for feline herpes virus, specifically as it relates to the eye?

Response:

Thank you for your inquiry to Holistic Pet Info.  Supporting your cat’s immune system is key to controlling flare ups from the virus. Veterinarians often suggest a good immune support supplement such as Immugen by Thorne Research.  Here are two links related to Feline Herpes Keratitis:

http://www.holisticpetinfo.com/conditions/eyes_feline_herpes.htm

http://viim.org/feline-herpes-keratitis.php

I hope that helps.

He has been eating Before Grain dry chicken cat food for a year now. He is sensitive to corn and this is corn free. He will not eat wet food.  I think he likes to go pooh outside now, but I am not sure – I have 3 cats total and 4 litter boxes total.

Vet wants to put him on antibiotics again. I want to try cranberry extract. Vet assistant insists that cranbrry could cause crystals – says don’t mess with his ph levels which are good.  I am looking for homeopathic or holistic remedy instead of antibiotics. Thanks.

Hello,

Thank you for your inquiry to Holistic Pet Info. Yes, you may try cranberry extract; it will help support bladder health by preventing bacteria from adhering to the wall. Cranberry does not cause crystals; they form by either the change in ph or dietary imbalance.

You may also consider Uti-Free by PetAlive, it’s a great homeopathic that helps decrease cystitis, reduces inflammation and improves the immune system. Finding a way to increase his water intake will also help tremendously. Male cats especially can have issues with blockage from crystals, so keeping urine in the bladder as dilute as possible will help tremendously.

The primary issue is why is he chronically getting urinary tract infections? Lack of  grooming, urination habits and diet do make a difference with recurrent urinary issues. You may want to consider changing the litter and most importantly his food. Taking your cat in to see a holistic veterinarian may also give you insight on preventative measures to keep him healthy throughout his life. Best of luck.

Regards,

Colleen Smith DVM, CVA, CVCP

Follow-up:

Hi Dr. Smith and thank you so much for your considerate reply!  The funny thing with Spike is that his PH tests normal (he just had a senior wellness panel of tests and verything was normal but the bacteria in urine), he has no blockage, and he is HIV negative, and he seems just fine – no signs of discomfort. In fact, he seems more energetic, more affectionate and more happy than ever. We just have not been able to get rid of this one strain of bacteria in his bladder. I don’t want to do more antibiotics, I am hesitant to change his food since he is doing well, and I give him plenty of extra liquids every day via a dropper into his mouth.

So this narrows it down to grooming habits and litter. So what I can do is change to clumping litter, put him on UTI Free and find a holistic vet. Too bad you are not in Sacramento area!

Hello again,

If the bacteria is continually being seen from a “free catch” sample, meaning collected from the bottom of the litter box, there will always be bacteria seen. But if it is collected with a needle and syringe through the belly wall that should probably be sent to a
lab for a culture. If your cat continues to be non-symptomatic it should be okay to not continue antibiotics.

You may be able to find a Holistic vet in your area at www.tcvm.com or www.ivas.org.  If not, I know of a fantastic holistic vet in Reno, NV that I can personally say is one of the best, Dr. Dianna Drumm.

Dr. Smith

Thank you again for your wonderful help.

I have been reading all I can on this disease the past week, and read  somewhere that vaccinations could be the cause – Abby had a vaccination the end of May, and looking back she did seem to slow down some this summer.

Recently I came home from work in the afternoon I found her laying by her water dish, breathing heavy and she couldn’t get up. I rushed her to the vet where they took xrays and did blood work. The xrays came back first and my vet was encouraged as there was no signs of tumors, her heart and lungs were very good. Then the bloodwork came back and confirmed the AIHA.

My main concerns are:

*Is prednisone the only thing that will hold this disease at bay or are
there holistic treatments available? I am very concerned with long term prednisone use,
although it sounds like it is the only thing keeping her alive right now.

*Are there other supplements or stronger supplements I should be giving
her to strengthen her immune system?

*Is it safe to return to the raw diet?

*Vaccinations and heartworm medication – I read that a dog with AIHA should
never have either of these, but I’d like confirmation in case my vet still wants to do so. I’m determined not to allow any further vaccinations for Abby, but I also have another dog (no health problems) and I am concerned now about her. And as for the heartworm treatments, do you have a natural herbal parasite treatment you’d recommend to replace the chemical ones the vets provide.

*Grooming – being a cocker spaniel, she is getting very shaggy and needs
a trim. But I read somewhere that you shouldn’t groom a dog while
recovering from AIHA because it puts too much stress on the dog.When
would be a safe time to resume grooming?

Thank you in advance for all of your help. It is truly appreciated.

Hello,

Thank you for your inquiry to Holistic Pet Info.  The bloodwork definitely shows a  light anemia but a very high white cell count. Has your dog also had an autoagglutination test? Since your dog has previously shown an immune hypersensitivity (itchiness and ear infections) her immune system is already unbalanced. I would not recommend vaccinating again, at 12 years old your dog will not get distemper or parvo with a lifelong vaccination
history. If you are concerned about vaccinations you can always have serum titers done. Leptospirosis vaccine is considered high-risk for adverse events and if your dog does not hunt or regularly hike in the woods it should not be generally considered.

I would recommend rechecking the hematocrit regularly and if it returns to the normal range you may consider decreasing the prednisone dose. IMHA has a broad prognosis and in some animals can resolve. The diet you are offering is ideal, but in the early stage of treatment I would recommend a cooked diet for several months.

Since she is on predisone and it’s an immune suppressant, the Immugen may not be the best supplement. It contains echinacea, which works as an immune stimulant, therefore not an ideal combination. You may want to offer Cell advance 440 by VetriScience (antioxidant) and Hepagen C with milk thistle. Milk Thistle is the best herb for liver support while on steroids and the antioxidant will maintain the immune system without stimulating it.

The question of curing IMHA is subjective, but the vaccination is most likely the inciting cause in this case. If the immune system can stay stable then the dog does have a chance of getting better. Though, I would avoid anything that aggravates the immune system. If you are in an area where most dog owners routinely give heart worm and flea preventative,
I’d advise discontinuing those preventatives. You may offer Parasite Dr. by PetAlive to supplement for parasites, if your other dog is treated that should help protect your cocker.

As far as grooming, you may want to consider a mobile groomer if your dog is more comfortable at home. Or, possibly learn to do minor grooming yourself.

If you would like to visit a holistic vet you should find several in your area on www.ivas.org or www.tcvm.com. Best of luck.

Regards,

Colleen Smith DVM, CVA, CVCP

Follow-up:

Dr. Smith, thank you so much for all of the information for Abby. I will be placing an order through Holistic Pet Info for the 2 supplements you recommended, and I am feeling a bit easier about the whole diagnosis after reading your comments.

I havean additional question about the vaccinations and heartworm meds.
I have read that once a dog receives the series of vaccines as a
puppy that no further vaccinations are necessary the rest of their life?

And I already use Parasite Dr. rather than the chemical heartworm pills – just wanted to clarify -should I discontinue any treatment for Abby and just treat my other dog?
And how often would you recommend the Parasite Dr be used – I currently
do it every 6 months.

Thanks again for all of your help. It is truly appreciated.

Reply:
There are many holistic vets that subscribe to the vaccine protocol of giving puppy series, one booster and titers thereafter. I agree if the titers prove above or within range the adult animal does not need additional boosters. With vaccines more is not better. Unfortunately, the pharmaceutical companies only label these vaccines as yearly (of course more profitable that way). So, allopathic veterinarians don’t question these labels (legal implications) nor look at the secondary effects on the animals over time. You may also titer your other dog and if they are above the range should be protected as well. You may direct your vet to research done by Dr. Ronald Shultz he is professor and chair of Pathobiology at the University of Wisconsin School of Vet Med. He has been studying the effectiveness of canine vaccines for over 30 years. He is a conventional veterinarian that at least
recommends vaccinations every 3 years.

I would recommend discontinuing all vaccinations, heartworm and flea preventatives for Abby. The parasite Dr. is primarily an immune support during a parasite infection so you may use it as a more preventative once a month rather than every 6 months. She should still be tested for internal parasites and heartworms. Best of luck.

Regards, Dr. Smith

He’s currently comfortable and relatively active and I love to find a way to help him stay strong and either be able to maintain his weight or perferably gain weight.  In addition, any suggestions to help his immune system to fight this cancer would be greatly  appreciated. Thank you.

Hello,

Thank you for your inquiry to Holistic Pet Info. I know it’s tough to have these two diseases to deal with. I understand why he is on cisipride and lactulose but not why he is on the CD diet. You have not mentioned he has a crystal or stone issue; therefore the
first thing I would recommend is to change his diet. For felines I usually advise a better quality protein diet, as CD is heavy on the carbohydrates, which are very pro-inflammatory and the primary energy source for cancer cells. The first 5 ingredients of CD don’t contain a true protein. (Brewers Rice, Corn Gluten Meal, Chicken By-Product Meal, Pork
Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid), Chicken Liver Flavor.)
You may also offer canned pumpkin, which is a more natural fiber than the petroleum based lactulose.

Natural Moves would be a good option to help with the constipation; you may be able
to decrease the Cisapride. It should not interfere with the other medications.
Probiotics such as Gastriplex by Thorne may also help with inflammation in the GI tract therefore increasing the motility. I have also had some success with acupuncture for mega colon to improve motility; it has no side effects and can be used with any medications.

For the adenocarcinoma, you may offer Immugen and Super EPA-Vet fish oil by Thorne. The Immugen contains vitamins, minerals that strengthen the immune system, detoxifies the liver and has herbs that are found to suppress tumor growth. The fish oil is very anti-inflammatory and can often improve the appetite in cats.

Best of luck.

Regards,

Colleen Smith DVM, CVA, CVCP

Also, the vet has him on Tylen Powder (chicken feed antibiotic). I want
something natural to help this dog from the stomach to the bowel.  Will
this product naturally help the dog to calm down his digestive system? What about Gastriplex?

Hello,

Thank you for your inquiry to Holistic Pet Info.  Vetri-Probiotics BD is an excellent digestive support supplement that contains probiotics as well as digestive enzymes.
The list of ingredients are posted on the “details” page of the product.  Click on the link below and then click on the tab heading labeled “Ingredients.”
http://holisticpetinfo.com/proddetail.asp?prod=Vetri-Probiotics_BD

Vetri-Probiotic BD and Gastriplex are both very good supplements to help with digestive issues. The biggest difference is that the Vetri-Probiotic BD contains
digestive enzymes.

I see that you purchased Gastriplex, which contains the Slippery Elm to help
soothe the stomach lining.   Gastriplex has been effective in treating IBD/IBS — however these are conditions that may take a few weeks to begin to see a difference.

Let us know how your dog responds.

Also, I am worried about long-term use of lopid because of its effects on the liver.
Cousteau has been on liv 52, natural liver protector, for a few months and it helps.  Is there any other treatment route you’d recommend for his hyperlipidemia?

Hello,

Thank you for your inquiry to Holistic Pet Info. You are on track with the diet and medication; it’s too bad the fish oil wasn’t effective as it’s preferable over drug treatment. You may also consider offering more fiber such as canned pumpkin, flax seed meal, apples or lentils.

There are a few supplements you can try to help with reducing cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations: Red yeast rice at 30mg/ lb once daily and Niacin at 15mg/ lb in divided doses. Schnauzers are also prone to pancreatitis so digestive enzymes may also be helpful, as and they can take some of the work off the pancreas. Vetri-Probiotic BD by VetriScience would be an excellent digestive
enzyme and probiotic combination.

As far as the cough, unless your dog was in a boarding facility or recently groomed
it doesn’t appear that it would be bordetella. Even if it was bordetella, most dogs can recover on their own within 2 weeks. I would recommend further work up for heartworm disease and x-rays to check the heart and lungs.

Ideally, once you get the cholesterol and triglycerides under control you may be able to discontinue the Lopid.

Best of luck.

Regards,

Colleen Smith DVM, CVA, CVCP