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New Cure for Dog Dementia… May Help Humans

Fri, 17 May 2013 13:37:17 -0700

Does your dog get lost in your house? Does your dog stare at the wall? Did your dog greet you at the door today? Does your canine make mistakes indoors? Have you ever watched your dog aimlessly wander around your home and wonder if your senior aged canine might be suffering from dog dementia? Dog Dementia also referred to as Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS), affects approximately 12 percent of dogs age ten and older. What’s remarkable is that this disease in dogs mimics Human Alzheimer’s Disease. Progressive memory loss, disorientation, agitation and confusion are the hallmark signs we usually associate with senility in pets and people. Unfortunately dog dementia often leads to euthanasia as canines suffering from senility also often end up having “accidents” inside the home, an issue most pet owners find unacceptable. Scientists in Australia at the University of Sydney’s Brain and Mind Research Institute are working on a new cure for canine dementia which they hope will lead to a similar cure for humans. After 5 years, of trial and error, researchers have finally achieved success with memory restoration in demented rats. Their next step is dogs. Australian scientists already have a group of dogs suffering from dementia who have been volunteered by their owners. Canine clinical trials are set to begin next month. Dr. Valenzuela, who leads the team says, “They expect to see major memory improvements in this group of demented canines within the first three months! Because Canine Cognitive Syndrome mimics Human Alzheimer’s Disease quite closely with respect to signs and brain pathology, scientists hope to begin clinical trials for people affected with Alzheimer’s disease within the next 3-5 years. Although this therapy has yet to be proven as a cure for dog dementia, scientists feel extremely confident about its future potential for pets and people suffering from dementia. FACT: Your dog’s brain ages 7 times faster than your dog’s body! Dog dementia therapy currently approved for pet owners today is minimal. Many of this veterinarians canine patients suffering from dementia, for example, dogs that just sit and stare at the wall most of the day, have experienced significant memory improvement and increased mental alertness by simply adding a natural daily antioxidant-vitamin-mineral supplement to their regime. For other canines it’s restoring brain health is more complex. TIP: Melatonin is a natural nutrient present in your dogs brain that naturally declines with age. It acts to maintain and protect your dogs brain and mental health. Consider supplementing your senior dogs dinner with Melatonin.

How to Detect & Manage Cat Fleas - Dr. Carol's Naturally Healthy Pet Blog

Thu, 16 May 2013 15:18:10 -0700

Cat Fleas are the most common cause of itching and skin irritation in cats. Over 90 percent of all feline skin allergies are due to cat fleas. The allergy is actually a reaction to a protein component of the fleas’ saliva. “Allergic cats” bitten by a flea routinely itch themselves until their skin is raw. Most cats allergic to fleas also end up with areas of hair loss and secondary bacterial skin infections. In addition to itching and hair loss cat fleas suck blood, cause anemia, and transmit tapeworms. FACT: Fleas can jump 3-feet high SIGNS of CAT FLEAS Itching on your cat’s head, neck and ears Flea dirt which is actually dried blood and look like pepper Hair loss on your cat’s head and neck area WHAT YOU CAN DO Signs of cat fleas include itching, especially on the head and neck. If you see tiny black specks that look like dirt, try to confirm that this “dirt” is flea dirt. Simply place it on a cotton ball moistened with water and if it is flea “dirt” it will turn red because of the blood it contains. Once your feline has been diagnosed with a cat flea problem, you need to treat all of the pets in your home and the home itself. In your house, vacuum the carpets and throw away used vacuum bags so that flea eggs do not hatch in the bag. TIP: Do NOT put old flea collars in your vacuum as the fumes emitted are toxic. For your carpeting, try an insect-growth regulator like Pyriproxifen or Methoprine. These are hormone analogies that prevent the flea larvae from developing into adult fleas. These last up to 18 months. As a natural flea alternative, you can sprinkle sodium polyborate powder, which is “BORAX”, onto your carpet, pound it into the carpet well, and then vacuum. This will protect your home against fleas for up to one year. Be sure to wash your cat’s bedding with hot soapy water. Finally, bathe all the animals living in your home. Use a cat flea shampoo with pyrethrins or d-limolene as the active ingredient. In your yard, natural products that contain nematodes like Diatomaceous Earth provide the best protection. Nematodes are live microscopic worms that eat the larval and pupal forms of fleas as well as 250 other outdoor pests. Methoprene (used in Acclaim 2000) and Pyriproxifen (used in Indorex) are also available as yard sprays. One application can last from six to twelve months. CAT FACT: Constant feline itching may be a sign that your cat is allergic to fleas. CAT FLEA WARNING Fleas can live up to one year in your home and yard. If your cat is allergic to fleas, one flea bite sets up a reaction that can cause itching for up to 14 days. Fleas also bite people, primarily their ankles and other pets in your home. The cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) is often the primary problem for cats, dogs and people. Cats are very susceptible to toxic reactions from flea control products containing traditional insecticides such as Organophosphates and Carbamates. Be sure to read labels and only use flea products specifically approved for your cat. WHAT YOUR VET CAN DO - See more at: http://www.drcarol.com/blog/cat-health-articles/how-to-detect-manage-cat-fleas/#sthash.VFiwjaes.dpuf

New Dog Bone Cancer Therapy Offers Hope for Humans

Wed, 15 May 2013 15:37:32 -0700

Researchers at Auburn University are testing a new dog bone cancer therapy that holds hope for humans with the same condition. This new dog bone cancer therapy consists of injecting a virus normally used in the Canine Hepatitis Vaccine. This canine hepatitis vaccine virus is modified in the lab so that it only duplicates itself when it is actually inside the cancer cell. Once the virus is injected and enters the cancer cell, it causes the cancer cell to rupture and die; at the same time it releases thousands of copies of itself, which then attack and kill the remaining cancer cells. According to the Bruce Smith, director of the Research Team, they found a way to turn the cancer cell into a factory producing more and more viral particles so that in essence the cancer cell becomes an “agent of its own death.” Once they are able to confirm that this new viral therapy works as expected for dog bone cancer, they hope to create a single therapy that is able to treat multiple types of canine cancer. Canine bone cancer affects approximately five percent of dogs. In over 90 percent of the cases, even with amputation of the affected limb, the cancer spreads to the lungs and dogs typically survive less than nine to twelve months, even with chemotherapy. Canine bone cancer survival rates are very poor. Thanks to a two year grant from the American Kennel Club, Canine Health Foundation, this new study plans to accept 20 dogs with bone cancer. All dogs must be referred by their veterinarian and all must have all four legs intact, so cancer cell can be collected for the study. These dogs will be treated and monitored for two years.

Pet Food Recalls Expand: Natura and BARF World Dog & Cat Foods

Wed, 08 May 2013 11:03:29 -0700

Natura Pet Products once again has expanded its dry pet food recall to include all sizes and lots of dry cat food, dog food and pet treats with expiration dates up to and including March 29, 2013. Salmonella bacterial contamination has been cited as the cause of the expanded pet food recall. Recalled pet foods affected include California Natural, Evo, Innova, Healthwise and Karma. The Michigan and Georgia Departments of Agriculture conducted testing on Natura’s pet foods and detected the presence of Salmonella bacteria. The Natura pet foods are sold worldwide through veterinary clinics, online and at retail in America and Canada as well as in Japan and Australia. Pet owners who purchased the recalled pet foods should carefully discard them. Consumers may contact Natura directly for additional information. Consumers who purchased any of Natura’s recalled pet food products should discard them and contact Natura for a refund at 1-800-224-6123. In addition to Natura’s pet food recall. BARF World, a manufacturer of raw pet food has also issued a recall due to a salmonella bacterial outbreak in their manufacturing facility. The BARF World raw pet food recall directly affects the Lamb and Combo patties, with a “best buy” date of July 27, 2013. Note that neither company claims to have received any reports of sickened pets at this time. Pet owners should discard the tainted raw pet food and may contact BARF World toll free at 866-282-2273 for refunds and details.

Dogs' Born Blind Regain Vision

Fri, 03 May 2013 10:13:17 -0700

Dogs born blind from birth are now able to regain full vision, regardless of age. According to a recent publication in the Journal of Molecular Therapy, researchers at Michigan State University combined two therapies which reversed an inherited form of total color blindness in dogs, called Achromatopsia. Although the study focused on dogs this novel therapy may prove effective in helping people regain vision who also suffer with this form of hereditary color blindness. According to veterinary ophthalmologist Andras Komáromy, DVM, gene therapy only works if the cells in the eye that process daylight and color are not totally degenerated. Therefore they used a protein called CNTF to selectively destroy the eye’s light sensitive cells, which vets call photoreceptor cells. At the proper dose, its similar to pruning flowers, the protein partially destroys the cells but at the same time it allows for new growth. Canine Gene therapy follows the protein injection and replaces the mutant gene associated with the blindness. The results have been overwhelmingly successful. All seven dogs in the study regained full vision. Dr. Komáromy, an associate professor in Michigan States Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, was amazed at their success.

VETSULIN ALERT: Dog Diabetes Drug Killed Thousands Yet Back on Pet Market

Thu, 02 May 2013 13:28:56 -0700

Vetsulin was originally marketed by Merck Animal Health, in 2004, as the first federally approved insulin for diabetic dogs and cats. After Vetsulin killed thousands of helpless dogs, it was finally discontinued in 2011 and just recently has been re-approved by the FDA. Vetsulin is now available to US veterinarians and diabetic pet owners. Vetsulin is an insulin zinc suspension, of porcine origin which means it is derived from pigs. According to Merck, the amino acid structure in Vetsulin is identical to canine insulin which Merck representatives said minimizes the risk of potential adverse immune mediated disorders resulting from its use in dogs. Diabetes in cats, on the other hand is not thought to be an immune mediated disorder therefore the risk of developing auto-antibodies is negligent. In 2009, the FDA issued alerts regarding a lack of stability in Vetsulin. Pet owners were advised to keep a close eye on their diabetic pets in case of an adverse reaction. Following this initial FDA Alert, thousands of diabetic dogs were rushed into emergency rooms all across the country, suffering from the consequences of this unstable Vetsulin. Results included kidney failure, anemia, and blindness due to cataracts, neurological disorders and death. There was also a multi million dollar Vetsulin Class Action Law Suit filed and settled out of court in which some of the financial burdens experienced by grieving pet owners were addressed. Since Vetsulin was officially taken off the market in 2011, diabetic dogs and cats have been doing quite well on human DNA derived insulin, available for example, at Wal-Mart for a fraction of the cost when compared to Vetsulin.

Pet Food Recalls Expand: Natura and BARF World

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 10:17:27 -0700

Has your dog or cat eaten any of the pricey contaminated pet food recently and gotten violently ill? Natura Pet Products once again has expanded its dry pet food recall to include all sizes and lots of dry cat food, dog food and pet treats with expiration dates up to and including March 29, 2013. Salmonella bacterial contamination has been cited as the cause of Natura’s expanded pet food recall. Pet foods affected include California Natural, Evo, Innova, Healthwise and Karma. The Michigan and Georgia Departments of Agriculture conducted testing on Natura’s pet foods and detected the presence of Salmonella bacteria. The Natura pet foods are sold worldwide through veterinary clinics, online and at retail in America and Canada as well as in Japan and Australia. Pet owners who purchased the tainted pet foods should carefully discard them into a sealed, pet proof container. Consumers may contact Natura directly for additional information and refunds toll free at 800-224-6123. In addition to Natura’s pet food recall, BARF World, a manufacturer of raw pet food has also issued a recall due to a salmonella bacterial outbreak in their manufacturing facility. The BARF World raw pet food recall directly affects the Lamb and Combo Patties, with a “best buy” date of July 27, 2013. Note that neither company claims to have received any reports of sickened pets at this time.

Crippled Dog with Cancer Gets 2nd Chance at Life

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 13:54:36 -0700

ello Fellow Pet Lovers: I wanted to share this note I received from a grateful dog owner whose 15 year old pooch has several health issues ranging from dog arthritis to canine thyroid cancer, yet is doing remarkably well on natural pet supplements. Hi Dr. Carol: Iâve been wanting to write you for many years to tell you about our black lab, Sonny. About 11 years ago, when Sonny was about 4 years old, one morning he couldnât walk on his back legs. He walked on his two front legs with his rear legs suspended in mid-air. We took him to the vet and he took many x-rays and sent them to specialists. The diagnosis was bad hip dysplasia plus many other orthopedic and spine problems. The operations would cost us about $7000 with no guarantees. A few days later, my husband saw the PAAWS ad on TV and asked me to call. I ordered and started giving the PAAWS Vitamins to Sonny. In two-three weeks he was walking on all fours and running around like a puppy. Sonny had enjoyed good health all these years, but over 2 years ago, he was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Again, surgery/radiation/chemo charges were estimated at $7000. The decision was easyâŠSonny was 13 and we believed the treatment would kill him. So, we continued with his PAAWS. Over a year ago, my husband was using a railroad tie to prop up a new door installation. The over 100 lb tie fell and landed on Sonnyâs back. Sonny lost control of his back legs and he was taken to the vet. After x-rays, amazingly he had nothing brokenâŠno bones or internal damage. But, he couldnât walk. The vet thought heâd never walk againâŠafter all, he was a 14 year old cancer victim. My husband brought him home and we tenderly took care of him, giving him his PAAWS and my husband massaging and performing acupressure on him. Two months later, Sonny proudly ran into the vetâs office and greeted everyone there as old friends. The vet announced that âoeHe is a miracle.â The thyroid cancer is progressing and is slowly choking off his windpipe. We know our time with him is short, but he has been our miracle. He shows more heart and love of life than anyone we know, and heâs a hard act to follow for us. Thank you for your products. We know that PAAWS has been a major contribution to Sonny healthâŠSonny is 15 Âœ years old now and we praise God for every day weâve been blessed with his presence.

Dogs' Born Blind Regain Vision

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 11:18:59 -0700

Dogs born blind from birth are now able to regain full vision, regardless of age. According to a recent publication in the Journal of Molecular Therapy, researchers at Michigan State University combined two therapies which reversed an inherited form of total color blindness in dogs, called Canine Achromatopsia. Although the study focused on dogs this novel therapy may prove effective in helping people regain vision who also suffer with this form of hereditary color blindness. According to veterinary ophthalmologist, Andras Komáromy, DVM, Gene therapy only works if the cells in the eye that process daylight and color are not totally degenerated. Therefore they used a protein called CNTF to selectively destroy the eye’s light sensitive cells, which vets call photoreceptor cells. At the proper dose, its similar to pruning flowers, the protein partially destroys the cells but at the same time it allows for new growth. Gene therapy follows the protein injection and replaces the mutant gene associated with the dog’s blindness. The results have been overwhelmingly successful. All seven dogs in the study regained full vision.

Natura Pet Foods Poisoning Pets: Recall Expands

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 15:24:31 -0700

Procter & Gamble (P&G) recently announced a voluntary recall of pet food products for dogs and cats after the Michigan Department of Agriculture detected Salmonella bacterial contamination in a bag of randomly tested pet food. In fact, Salmonella was detected in a single package of EVO Turkey & Chicken Cat Food on March 15, 2013. Late last Friday, P&G expanded its recall of Natura Pet Food Products for dogs and cats to include all products made at a Fremont, Nebraska production facility between January and March, 2013. In addition, they announced that the Georgia Department of Agriculture confirmed the presence of Salmonella bacterial contamination in various other lots of their pet foods. Pet food lines affected include California Natural, Innova, Evo, HealthWise and now Karma. A recent news release submitted by the FDA, confirmed, Salmonella was also discovered in other packages of EVO Turkey and Chicken Cat Food as well as in Innova Cat Treats. It’s been a rough month for Procter & Gamble’s pet care division as initially a mold problem hurt the launch of their new Iams Shakeables pet product, then the Salmonella contamination issues followed. These recent quality-control problems at Proctor and Gamble have arisen after years of declining sales for P&G’s pet care products. The fact is P&G still has not recovered financially from the Menu Pet Food Recall in 2007 in which Melamine contamination caused kidney failure and the subsequent death of thousands of innocent dogs and cats. Despite the fact that no pet or human illnesses have been confirmed, taking precautionary measures is necessary to protect your pets and your family from Salmonella. Salmonella is a Zoonotic Disease which means it is easily transmissible to people and other pets. Be sure to practice good hygiene by washing your hands well and sanitizing any and all surfaces the tainted pet food and it packaging may have contacted. Signs of Salmonella in dogs and cats include vomiting and diarrhea with or without blood, lethargy, appetite loss and fevers. In humans, additional symptoms may include arthritis, Endocarditis, eye issues and urinary tract infections. Pet owners who suspect their dog and/or cat may have been exposed should contact their veterinarian. Individuals who may have become sickened should contact their primary health care provider. Pet owners who have purchased the tainted pet food should carefully discard the tainted food. Natura representatives are available by phone Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5:30PM CST. Pet owners interested in replacing the tainted pet foods may contact Natura directly by calling 1-800-224-6123.