Mistletoe Therapy for Pet Cancer

Viscum album (Mistletoe) has been used in complementary cancer care for more than 100 years. The use of Viscum album in dogs, cats, and horses has been expanding rapidly in Europe over the past 25 years and is gaining popularity in North America and other countries.

Effective and safe, Viscum album, also called Mistletoe, is a semi-parasitic plant that was originally introduced for the treatment of cancer in humans in the 1920’s by Rudolf Steiner, the founder of Anthroposophic medicine. It was already used by the Celtics in the past as the“all healer” and it started with this tradition in human therapy. Clinically, mistletoe has been found to work equally well for the animals. It has significant beneficial effects on quality of life, tolerance to conventional treatments, the immune function, and overall survival. It can be used at any stage of the cancer journey, from post-surgical to palliative care.

The primary goal of Viscum album therapy for tumour diseases is to improve and maintain the quality of life of the affected animals. Many pets, especially dogs, can show a rapid improvement in their general condition during the therapy, with deeper relaxed sleep and an improved appetite. Older animals are often more active on their daily walks. Tumour-related pain and the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatment can be reduced. At the same time the immune system can be strengthened. In some animals, a retardation of tumour growth has been observed up to growth stagnation. If a cure for cancer is no longer possible, Viscum therapy can be used as palliative care to alleviate disease symptoms.

We are so excited to offer this therapy at Napa Valley Holistic Veterinary Services! We will be working closely with Dr. Gisela Novaes, a holistic veterinarian and worldwide expert in injectable Mistletoe therapy, to develop individualized protocols for our cancer patients.

Dr. Gisela Novaes is a holistic veterinarian, with a master’s degree in homeopathic medicine. She was educated in Brazil and graduated in anthroposophic medicine. She has always been passionate about natural medicine and animals. Looking for more supportive care for cancer patients she started studying Viscum album or Mistletoe therapy. She used Viscum album in private practice as well as in a clinical research setting for more than 20 years before relocating to Canada 7 years ago with her family including a Golden Retriever and a senior cat that lived until she turned 21 years old. She is one of the world's experts on the topic of the Viscum album in holistic veterinary medicine. In partnership with Dr. Kimberly Schmidt she will share her vast experience offering guidance on Viscum album therapy for the patients of Napa Valley Holistic Vet.

Please call 707-535-9979 or email info@napaholisticvet.com for more information. This is a service that we can only offer to our local clients in the Napa Valley. We are a house-call only practice and this is a specialized treatment that requires in-person follow-up from one of our veterinarians.

Dr. Kim Schmidt, DVM, CVA, GDipVWHM, CVCH, CVFT

Acupuncture for Pet Arthritis

By: Dr. Kimberly Schmidt, DVM, CVA, CVCH, CVFT, GDip VWHM

Owner and Head Veterinarian of Napa Valley Holistic Veterinary Services

What is acupuncture for pets?

Ask around your group of friends and family. Chances are you will find someone who has done acupuncture for their pet, or they know someone who has. The majority of these people will tell you it was a great experience and it really helped their animal feel better!

Acupuncture is an ancient pain relieving technique that originated in China over 2,000 years ago. It has become a popular treatment modality with companion animals and is now widely recognized as a safe and effective way to relieve pain. It is often included as part of a multimodal pain management program for pet arthritis (Monteiro et al. 2022).

Acupuncture involves the insertion of very small needles at specific locations around the body known as “acupoints”. Acupoints are located along “meridians” which are like highway systems around the body that transmit energy and electrical impulses to the brain. These points often have low electrical resistance and are able to achieve high electrical conduction. Scientific studies have shown that they often overly free nerve endings, nerve branches and myofascial planes. Acupuncture causes the release of neurotransmitters and pain relieving hormones in the brain including norepinephrine, serotonin, dynorphin and enkephalin (Miscioscia and Repac, 2022).

Watch videos of a dog’s arthritis pain improving with acupuncture!

Ukiah was a 12 year old Labrador Retriever that came into our clinic for severe arthritis pain in her elbows and knees. She was in so much pain she couldn’t walk normally anymore, she could only “hop” around her house. Her owners had tried conventional pain medications without any response. They were actually considering euthanasia. Their general veterinarian referred them for acupuncture, hoping that it might be helpful for her. Watch the videos below to see her amazing response!! Ukiah actually lived to be 16 years old with acupuncture!!

Ukiah before acupuncture:

Ukiah after 7 acupuncture treatments:

Ukiah 1 year later:

What do acupuncture treatments look like?

Numerous clinical trials have shown that acupuncture can be very effective for improving quality of life in both dog and cat patients with arthritis (Miscioscia and Repac, 2022). Generally an effect is seen after 4 to 6 weekly sessions. Each session lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. Acupuncture on pets should be performed by a licensed veterinarian with a special certification in acupuncture. It can be done in a clinic, but we have seen the wonderful benefits of in-home acupuncture and this is what we exclusively offer at our practice. Dogs and cats are much calmer and more comfortable at home, letting them relax more deeply during the treatment and afterwards.

Various types of acupuncture include:

1. Dry-needle therapy: Plain acupuncture needles are inserted into various acupupoints and left in place 20-30 minutes. The practitioner will rotate the needles several times during the session.

2. Electroacupuncture: Acupuncture needles are hooked up to special wires that transmit electricity of varying frequency and intensity into the acupoints.

3. Laser acupuncture: During this needle-free therapy a laser light is used at different frequencies to stimulate each acupoint

4. Moxabustion: A compressed stick of mugwort, a type of herb, is burned just over the acupuncture needles, warming the needles to further stimulate acupoints

People often ask how veterinarians can perform acupuncture on animals, because they think that pets won’t sit still or will try to get away. It’s quite the opposite! Animals usually enjoy acupuncture very much. The release of hormones causes a profound relaxing effect, which causes pets to calm down and often fall asleep.

Acupuncture helps with arthritis pain!

Multiple clinical trials have evaluated acupuncture for pain relief in pets with arthritis (Miscioscia and Repac, 2022). Improvements in comfort, mobility and quality of life were seen (Lane and Hill, 2016). Pain and lameness scores were also improved (Teixeira et al., 2016). Owners reported improved play behavior and improved walking, trotting and jumping, as well as improved ability to descend stairs, improvement in getting up from a lying position, and reduced stiffness at rest and after exercise (Lane and Hill, 2016).

In our professional experience, about 80-90% of dogs with arthritis have decreased pain and an improved quality of life with acupuncture. As with any treatment modality, not every single patient will improve, but those that do greatly outnumber those that do not.

Does acupuncture have any side effects?

There are very few side effects to acupuncture. Some pets are a little sore for a day or two, due to the nervous system stimulation from acupuncture, then the body “resets” and the pet is more comfortable than they were before the session. Occasionally the needle insertion might be a little tender, but the practitioner can use smaller needles or laser therapy (needle-less acupuncture) instead. Pets are usually tired for a day or two after treatment, but many people comment that they seem more relaxed and comfortable. Acupuncture can be used along with other pain medications and other modalities such as cold laser and PEMF therapy.

If your pet has arthritis pain try acupuncture!

With acupuncture being such a safe and effective modality we truly believe that any pet with arthritis should try acupuncture. It doesn’t hurt and can truly help, so why not give it a try for your beloved furry friend? Aren’t we all just trying to help our pets be as comfortable as possible for as long as possible? This is exactly what acupuncture does!

Give us a call today at 707-535-9979 or email info@napaholisticvet.com to schedule a consultation.

References:

1. Miscioscia E. and Repac J. (2022). Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Canine Orthopedic Medicine. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice. 52. 925-938.

2. Meuten, A. et al. (2020). Evaluation of acupuncture for the treatment of pain associated with naturally-occurring osteoarthritis in dogs: a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, blinded clinical trial. BMC Veterinary Research. 16. 357.

3. Teixeira, L. et al. (2016). Owner assessment of chronic pain intensity and results of gait analysis of dogs with hip dysplasia treated with acupuncture. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. 249(9):1031-1039.

4. Lane, D. and Hill, S. (2016). Effectiveness of combined acupuncture and manual therapy relative to no treatment for canine musculoskeletal pain. Canadian Veterinary Journal. 57(4): 407–414.

5. Monteiro, B. P. et al. (2022). 2022 WSAVA guidelines for the recognition, assessment and treatment of pain. Journal of Small Animal Practice.[Online]. Wiley Online Library. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1111/jsap.13566
   
   

Bone Broth for Pets

Get to know your broth:

A big deal has been made about broth in the past couple of years. I contend that unlike most natural health crazes, the praise heaped upon broths of all kinds is warranted—the stuff is truly magical. Regular broth consumption is life-changing. Broth is full of solubilized nutrients, easily absorbed from the gut and ready to be lapped up by your cells.

Benefits of broth:

Improved hydration and electrolyte balance

Decreased hunger and cravings

Increased energy, GI tract healing

Stronger nails and hair (good for the bones, too!)

Enhanced immunity

Enhanced elimination and detox

Accelerated healing times from surgery

Less fragile and better hydrated skin

Beef marrow bones have a stronger flavor and are considered immune- enhancing. Chicken bones have a familiar, savory flavor and contain lots of collagen to support your connective tissues. Oxtail and pastured pork bones are neutral and nourishing to the depleted kidneys, according to Chinese medicine. If you make lamb bone broth, prepare yourself for a strong aroma and flavor! If you’re using bone broth for gut healing, it is best to have it before meals or between meals.

Broth Recipe:

Ingredients:
4 pounds beef bones, preferably a mix of marrow bones and bones with a little meat on them, such as oxtail, short ribs, or knuckle bones (cut in half by a butcher)

2 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar

1 tsp. Freshly ground pepper (helps enhance nutrient absorption)

Optional: 

1 cup dried or 2-3 cups of fresh mushrooms (shitake, maitake, reishi)

Himalayan pink salt or high quality sea salt

Leafy:
1 small bunch spinach
1 small bunch Swiss chard or kale
4 stalks celery with tops
Toss in 1 handful nettles, if you have them growing near you! Harvest wearing thick gloves

Rooty:

1⁄2 celery root (aka, celeriac)

1-2 medium-sized carrots

Herby:

1⁄2 inch knob of ginger, peeled & roughly chopped
1/2 inch knob of turmeric, peeled & roughly chopped

1-2 pieces of Kombu or other seaweed

Directions:

Preheat oven to 450°F. Place beef bones and carrots/celery root (if using) on a roasting pan or rimmed baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes. Toss the contents of the pan and continue to roast until deeply browned, about 20 minutes more.  Roasting the bones enhances the flavor of the broth.

Use a large (at least 6-quart) stockpot or crockpot. Scrape the roasted bones and root vegetables into the pot along with any juices. Add apple cider vinegar and freshly ground pepper.  Add filtered water to cover bones and vegetables (about 12 cups or more if needed). The water should come to within about 1-2 inches of the top.

Cover the pot and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to a very low simmer and cook with lid slightly ajar, skimming foam and excess fat occasionally, for at least 8 but up to 24 hours on the stovetop. (Do not leave on stovetop unattended, simply cool and continue simmering the next day.) The longer you simmer it, the better your broth will be. Add more water if necessary to ensure bones and vegetables are fully submerged. Alternately, you can cook the broth in a slow cooker on low for the same amount of time.

Leafy greens, celery and mushrooms (if using) should be put in during the last 2-3 hours of cooking.

Remove the pot from the heat and let cool slightly. Strain broth using a fine-mesh sieve and discard bones and vegetables. Continue to cool until broth is room temperature and then put it into the fridge to cool completely.

Once your broth comes out of the fridge, it will have a hard layer of fat on top. You should chip this off and compost it.  If you leave the fat it will be too fatty for your dog’s pancreas and could make them sick.

Underneath the fat, your bone broth should now look like jelly … the jelly means you’ve got lots of gelatin in there, and that’s what helps with your dog’s joints and the leaky gut that can cause allergies and digestive upset. That gelatin plugs the holes in leaky gut that can cause allergy symptoms, so the more jelly-like, the better!

If your broth doesn’t look like jelly, don’t worry … it just means you didn’t add enough vinegar. Next time just add a little more vinegar and your next batch will be just fine.

But first use the broth you have because it will still be packed with healthy goodness!

Then freeze the jellied broth in smaller containers or ice cube trays.

Broth can be stored for up to 5 days in the refrigerator and up to 6 months in the freezer.

For small dogs and cats start with a few tablespoons in their food.  For a larger dog you can go up to 1/2 or even 1 cup daily. 1 ice cube is the equivalent to 2 Tbsp.

Happy Cooking!

Kim Schmidt, DVM, CVA, CVWHM, CVCH, CVFT

Napa Valley Holistic Veterinary Services

www.napaholisticvet.com

Using Western Herbal Medicine For Your Pet

By: Kimberly Schmidt, DVM, CVA, CVCH, CVFT (Veterinarian, animal acupuncturist, herbalist and food therapist)

Throughout history herbal medicine has been practiced in many regions of the world, in almost every culture.  Western Herbal Medicine is a title recently used to differentiate herbalism based on Anglo-American traditional herbal medicine from other systems of herbal medicine such as Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine and Ayurvedic Medicine (originating from India).  Western Herbal Medicine is practiced in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, The United Kingdom, The United States and Western Europe.

Western Herbal Medicine focuses on restoring the body to a state of wellness by using a combination of herbs (herbal “prescription”), generally given by mixing in your pet’s food.  Herbs can be used for virtually any ailment.  Unlike pharmaceutical drugs which often mask the symptoms of disease, herbal medicine aims to bring the body into a state of health and vitality.  Herbal medicine looks at the whole patient, taking into account their mental state, environment and family unit rather than just focusing on a particular disease process.  This concept is known as “holism”.  It also acknowledges that there is a vital force, or energy, present in a living being, and when the body is sick this force is not at its strongest.  The body can often heal a great many ailments when given the opportunity with proper food, herbal medicine and emotional care.

Although herbs have been used for centuries, modern day research now allows us to understand how many of them work on a molecular level.  Echinacea purpurea, for example, is an herb traditionally used to treat colds and flu.  Through scientific studies we now know that it activates different components of the innate immune system, such as neutrophils, macrophages, polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) and natural killer (NK) cells.2

In veterinary medicine herbs can be used alone or in combination with medications.  Sometimes using herbs and drugs together can give a better outcome than if either are used alone (such as in cancer treatment).  Herbs can also protect from the side effects of pharmaceutical drugs when they are used together!  Milk thistle, for example, when used in combination with Metronidazole to treat the intestinal parasite Giardia in dogs,  helps dogs to have a better appetite and lose less weight during treatment vs. when Metronidazole is used alone.1

Although using herbs in animals is very safe, there are potential interactions between herbs and certain medications.  Saint John’s Wort, for example, is known to interact with certain medications used for behavioral modification in dogs such as Prozac (fluoxetine).  Using the herb and drug together can increase serotonin to dangerous levels in the brain causing serious side effects.3  This is why it's always very important to work with a trained veterinary herbalist when using herbs for your pet.  Herbalists know which herbs and drugs shouldn’t be used together and they also know the appropriate doses of herbs to use or what combinations of herbs to use together to make sure the the chances for any side effects in your pet is very low.

I hope this has helped you to understand the concept of Western Herbal Medicine and how it can be safely and effectively used to treat your pet!

References:

1. Chon SK1, Kim NS. Evaluation of silymarin in the treatment on asymptomatic Giardia infections in dogs. Parasitol Res. 2005 Dec;97(6):445-51. Epub 2005 Sep 9.

2. Azadeh Manayi,1 Mahdi Vazirian,2 and Soodabeh Saeidnia1,3 Echinacea purpurea: Pharmacology, phytochemistry and analysis methods. Pharmacogn Rev. 2015 Jan-Jun; 9(17): 63–72.

3. Francesca Borrelli  and Angelo A. Izzo. Herb–Drug Interactions with St John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum): an Update on Clinical Observations. AAPS J. 2009 Dec; 11(4): 710.

Travel With Your Pets: Tips to Make Your Trip Fun and Safe!

With an estimated 30 million people each year traveling with their pets, that number showcases the fact the people travel with their pets more than ever before. Do you have plans to travel with Fluffy or Flick this summer? Well, then you can use these traveling tips for how to be prepared and keep your furry partner safe during air and car travel.

Preparing for The Trip

Whether you are planning a hike in the mountains or a visit to a beach, be sure and read up on ways to ensure your pet is prepared to travel to your destination.

• Check with your vet.  The vet should give your pet a clean bill of health before you travel. Also, you can ask for a health certificate showing that he or she is up-to-date on all their vaccinations or titers.

• Make a list of vet and animal hospitals within your destination location before you go. 

• Pack enough medication for your stay, plus a few days' extra and a prescription if possible in case you need a refill if your pet is currently on medication.

• Become aware of all animal regulations at your destination, for example at state parks or places that allow pets.

Car Travel

Car travel is a great option for transporting your pet. However, if your pet isn't used to this mode of travel or doesn't enjoy being in the car, you will want to take time to work on associating car rides with positive things. Take your dog on a number of short trips to a fun place, like the dog park, a pet store, or a drive-through window where he or she gets a treat. Additionally:

• Always keep your pet in the back seat in a carrier or a harness attached to the seatbelt - be safe. We recommend a harness system such as this option from Kurgo. Also the Sleepypod bed is a great option for cats - it is crash tested, and safe for cats and dogs. 

• Make sure to take frequent rest stops - usually every two to four hours, so pets can take care of their business and have some food and water. Eating or drinking in a moving car is never a good idea for your pet.

• Talk to your vet about carsickness, which some animals experience. One way to prevent or minimize carsickness is to feed your pet only a light meal four to six hours before travel.

• Consult with your veterinarian about medications that are specifically used to ease a pet’s anxiety such as gabapentin for cats and trazodone for dogs.  

• Read up on the use of  lavender essential oil for traveling in cars According to a study reported in PETMED, lavender essential oils  when used for dogs with travel anxiety shows that “ Dogs spent significantly more time resting and sitting and less time moving and vocalizing during the experimental condition.” ( PETMED )

• Pheromones can also help calm your pet while they adjust to new enviroments with car travel. Pheromones come in a variety of forms including sprays, plug-in diffusers, wipes, and collars.

For dogs, Adaptil can create a sense of security, safety, and reassurance. Adaptil is a synthetic form of the pheromone that female dogs emit after they give birth that makes their puppies feel safe and sound. This pheromone is recognizable throughout life by dogs of all ages.

And for cats suffering with anxiety, Feliway is a synthetic form of a cat’s F3 facial pheromones which they rub on surfaces they deem to be safe. Studies have found that Feliway helps reduces 90% of spraying on vertical surfaces (i.e. walls, doors, etc.). It can also help with stress-induced scratching.

Air Travel

Flying can be very stressful for pets. If you can keep the pet in the cabin with you, that’s always the best option. Air travel can also be risky for pets, so it’s good to weigh your options before you decide to fly with your pet. If you’re going to fly with your pet, find out whether they can travel in the cabin with you. Most airlines allow cats or small dogs in carriers in the cabin for an additional fee. Calling the airlines well in advance to book your pet’s spot and to make sure there is room for him is always a good idea. 

Here are some tips for flying with your pet in the cabin:

• Pets must be transported in a carrier and kept inside it at all times. The carrier must stay under the seat in front of you for the flight duration. Keep in mind that a pet carrier counts as your piece of carry-on luggage, so you might have to pay extra to check your bag.

• Research each airline’s pet policy. Many have pet fees that range from $100 to $150 per one-way flight.

• Make sure to give your pet plenty of exercise before the flight, most definitely if it is a long one.

• Arrive earlier than you normally would for extra prep time when traveling with your pet.

• Don't feed the animal six to eight hours before the flight, but give them water right up until the flight begins.

• Bring a copy of vaccine records and a health certificate from the vet.

• Tag your pet and it’s carrier with your information as well as the pet's information.

Lodging

This is the fun part of traveling with your pet! There are increasingly more lodging options that cater to pet owners and their beloved pet companions, providing daycare, dog beds, homemade treats, and other great pet amenities. Check out this list of pet-friendly lodging to find the perfect place for you and your pet!

Last but not least, have fun! See new sights, sniff new things and enjoy all this great big world has to offer with your best friend at your side.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16978115

https://hotels.petswelcome.com/

https://www.southwest.com/html/generated/help/faqs/pets_faq.html

Remembering your pet on World Pet Memorial Day.

Pets bring laughter and love to our lives. They become members of our family and we can always depend on them to be there when we need comfort. They share our beds, wait for us to come home at the end of the day, and are always ready with a lick on the cheek to swipe away the remnants of a tough day. But as with every living thing, there comes a time, when despite the help veterinary medicine can provide, it’s time to say goodbye. It can be overwhelming when a pet dies and leaves a family. It is in that spirit that World Pet Memorial Day was created.

World Pet Memorial Day was created by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).  Every second Tuesday in June is dedicated to this special holiday and it allows us to commemorate and treasure the memories of a late pet. This year World Pet Memorial Day is June 11th. It is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the lives of our pets that will forever have a special place in our hearts and memories.

We thought we would list a few ideas on how to honor your pet’s memory.  

Below is a list of activities to try out!

1. Write a letter

• It can be a very soothing process to let out your emotions on paper and write down exactly how you are feeling.

• You can even write the letter as if your pet is going to be the one reading it!

 2.  Create a scrapbook or collage with pictures

• Take your favorite pictures of your pet and put them in a book and decorate the pages. This way you’ll have a special token with all of your memories in one place to look back on.

3.   Create a living memorial by planting something

• Plant a tree or one of your favorite flowers to honor your pet while creating new life.

 4. Make a donation

• Help out a local animal shelter like the Napa County Animal Shelter, or animal advocacy organizations like Napa Humane and Jameson Animal Rescue Ranch with items they need such as blankets, food, etc. You can visit their websites directly for was to donate.

• Monetary donations are also very helpful to the animals in ensuring that they get exactly what they need when being served by these organizations!

5.  Volunteer at the Napa County Animal Shelter to help other animals

• Sometimes the best therapy is just being around animals! Help another animal that does not have a forever home yet to feel special and loved, and in turn help yourself!

More Ways to Memorialize Your Pet

- - - - - -

Have a Memorial Service.  Invite loved ones and friends to honor your love for your pet.  Share stories. Laugh, cry, embrace the give and take between you and your pet.

Get a tattoo with your pet’s name or paw print or saying that represents you and you pet.

Create an altar or shrine to your pet on a bookshelf or table or in part of a room.

Create a digital video with pictures of your pet and music that represents your life together.

Create a DIY paw print and/or nose print.

Create stepping stones or tile with your pet’s picture or name on it.

Make a pillow to hug with your pet’s ashes in it or your pet’s picture on it.

Create jewelry using a paw print or nose print or tooth or ashes.

Create a planter by placing a plant or flowers in your pet’s bowl to enjoy.

Turn your pet’s leash or collar into a bracelet that you can wear every day.

Create a photo blanket as a reminder of your lasting friendship.

Create a pet headstone that can be either inside or outside.

Make a collar candle by cutting the collar to fit the circumference of a candle and buckling it.  Light it often as a way to remember your friend.

Join the conversation.

There are many ways to pay tribute to pets we have lost. And we discuss them in detail at our Monthly Pet Loss Support Group.

In partnership with Jameson Animal Rescue Ranch, we offer a monthly pet loss support group to the Napa Valley on the second Tuesday of every month. This intimate group is co-hosted by Dr. Kimberly Schmidt, owner and head veterinarian of NVHVS, and Rev. Dr. Amanda Tull, a hospice chaplain and retired marriage and family therapist. Our next meeting is this Tuesday, June 11th at 6:30PM.  The group meets at First United Methodist Church located at 625 Randolph St, Napa, CA 94559. All are welcome to attend. For more information contact Dr. Kim at kschmidt@napaholisticvet.com . We hope you can join us. Whether you are struggling with the loss of a pet or are currently caring for your terminally ill pet, this group will offer a safe, warm and comforting space to discuss your feelings

Take the time to honor the memories you have with your pet, because your pet will always have a special place in your heart.

"My Vet said it's a good idea, but should I amputate?"

By: Kimberly Schmidt, DVM, CVA, CVCH, CVFT

(Veterinarian, animal acupuncturist, herbalist and food therapist)

When your dog or cat becomes seriously ill, your veterinarian will always discuss the best treatment options available for them.  Arguably one of the most difficult conversations is regarding limb amputation.

National Specially-abled Pets Day approaches on May 3rd, 2019. This day is set aside to educate the public about caring for disabled pets.  It is also a day to honor the amazing dogs and cats who have braved challenges such as amputation. Although it is a difficult topic, learning about the realities of limb amputation can provide a roadmap for navigating this situation when it presents itself.  I hope this blog helps you to make the best decision for your pet and your family

The “why”?

There are several reasons your veterinarian may recommend amputation for your pet.  For example, Dr. Kim’s own dog was hit by a car when he was 6 months old. His elbow was badly broken and surgical repair was impossible.  To eliminate his pain and provide him the best quality of life, amputation was recommended. Following the surgery he was adopted by Dr. Kim and has done extremely well!  He is now 8 years old and still runs around her yard and plays. She often forgets he has 3 legs.

Limb amputation may also be recommended as a treatment for cancer. Cancer is often an aggressive disease and can be quite painful, even with the best pain medications on board.  

Why would limb amputation be recommended for your pet’s cancer?

1. To completely remove a tumor, in hopes of a cure.

2. To completely relieve pain and discomfort caused by the tumor.

The tough part.

There is no doubt that amputation can remove the source of pain, and can often prolong your pet’s ability to survive.  However in many cases the decision is not a simple one. Many pet parents worry about loss of mobility, a changed appearance and also the cost of surgery. We often think about how we would react if we were to lose an arm or a leg. However we must remember that dogs and cats are not people.  After the initial recovery from surgery, companion animals generally do extremely well with amputation! They can adapt very quickly and learn to navigate their surroundings with ease. Many animals have a dramatic improvement in mood and appetite because they are no longer in pain. We must remember that above all else the goal for our animal friends should be the best quality of life with the least discomfort.  Even still, amputation is a very personal decision. Your decision should always be respected by your family, your friends and your veterinarian.

Survive and thrive.

The ability of dogs and cats to compensate following amputation is amazing. In a survey of American pet owners following the amputation of their pet’s leg, nearly three-quarters saw no change in their pet’s recreational activities and indicated the dog's recovery and adaptation were better than expected.1 Dogs and cats are a lot more resourceful and rebound a lot faster than most people realize.

One look at these videos of Max happily playing with his owner, and Dr. Kim’s dog Beau playing with his flashlight tells the story best.

When we widen our view to what quality of life looks like for our pets, we can see a path forward. To see additional videos and learn more about amputation from the viewpoint of pet families, visit the Tripawds website.

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1.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26383755

I want to home-cook for my dog! A holistic veterinarian’s guide on how to do it and keep your vet happy!

By: Kimberly Schmidt, DVM, CVA, CVCH, CVFT

(Veterinarian, animal acupuncturist, herbalist and food therapist)

This is a blog post that is near and dear to my heart.  I truly believe in providing whole food nutrition for my canine patients.  I must say that there are MANY opinions out there on home-cooking and, like most people, I have my own opinion.  Through this blog I hope to provide you with a clear idea of how I think you can home-cook for your pet in a safe and healthy way.  You may also be able to keep your veterinarian happy in the process!

It’s true that many vets are wary of home-cookers.  They fear the diet is not safe or balanced for long-term feeding. Luckily, because cooking for our pets has become so popular, there are now some simple ways to make sure your diet is complete!  Some also worry about the bacterial risk with home-cooked diets, so I do always recommend gently cooking the food (more below).

I am a veterinarian trained in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine.  I am a certified acupuncturist and herbalist for animals.  I also have a certification in veterinary food therapy, so I have some additional training on how to home cook for your pet.  That being said, I am NOT a veterinary nutritionist and I don’t claim to be.  This blog is aimed at cooking for a healthy dog.  If your dog has a serious medical condition and you wish to cook, I would refer you to a board certified veterinary nutritionist who can develop a specific diet plan tailored to your pet’s needs.  I do this for my own patients as well.

Why is home-cooking good?  

Many commercially available “kibble” diets have a high glycemic index, which may trigger inflammation in the body and fuel neoplastic conditions, some of the most common conditions in our canine companions.  Any fish oil added to the diet is usually rancid due to the cooking process and exposure to oxygen, making it pro-inflammatory.  Also, the micronutrients and antioxidants are destroyed in the cooking and drying process.  There is some preliminary research to suggest that kibble diets have more heterocyclic amines, a known carcinogen. There are also the potential risk of GMOs, 3D and 4D meats (dead, diseased, downed and dying animals). Home-cooking can eliminate these risks and may even help your pet live longer.  Research on this is currently underway.  

So how do you do it?

I recommend a gently cooked diet made of organic muscle meat, organ meat, whole grains and seasonal local veggies.  I suggest rotating ingredients and supplementing with balanced vitamin/mineral supplement designed by a veterinary nutritionist and a calcium supplement.  The most common clinical nutrient deficiencies seen in dogs eating home-made diets without balancing are taurine and calcium deficiency.  I also recommend a source of linoleic acid and fish oil.  Without these skin problems can develop.

I do NOT recommend raw feeding, and again, it is just my opinion and I may now have a few of you running from this blog.  Chinese medicine believes that raw or “cold” food damages the digestive tract over time and can lead to chronic health problems. Also, research does show that raw feeding can cause a dog to shed harmful bacteria, which can potentially be passed to people in the home.1  My goal is to keep your dog safe, but you and your family safe as well. 

I believe that dogs have genetically evolved to become scavengers, and as such their digestive systems can handle cooked veggies and whole grains.  Even African Wild Dogs will eat the intestines of their prey first, which contain partially digested plant matter.  I also think organ meats are also essential to the diet of dogs and we are depriving them if not feeding them.

Give me Specifics!

There are really 2 different options for safe and balanced home-cooking.  

www.balanceit.com - #1

This website was designed by a veterinary nutritionist to help owners and veterinarians create and balance home-cooked diets for their pets and patients.  When you go to the website hover over the Homemade Food icon on the left, then click on FREE Autobalancer EZ (not the one for vet patients). You don’t have to have an account to create recipes.  You choose your meats, grains and veggies and it spits out recipe options in perfect daily proportions for your dog’s weight.  You can multiply everything by 7 to get a week’s worth of food.  I like the high protein or mid protein recipes provided. There is little room for adjustment as proportions have to be exact, no substitutions are allowed and organ meats are not options.  You have to buy the recommended supplement (listed in the recipe) or it won’t be balanced.  You can create several recipes, though, for rotational ability.  There is also a meat only option. I do think this is an easy way to do it and it is very exact in terms of nutrients and calorie balance.  This way is preferred by a lot of veterinarians and is used by many veterinary nutritionists.  I have used it with many of my own patients.

One of the recommended supplements from Balance IT

A crock pot recipe - #2

This provides a large quantity of food that can be portioned out and used for meals throughout the week.  You have more flexibility with ingredients and proportions, but it’s not as exact. Cooked food is good for a week in the fridge or can be frozen in meal portions and de-frosted if you have a larger quantity. You want about 1/3 meat, 1/3 grains and 1/3 veggies by volume once the food is cooked.  You can also go up to 1/2 protein, 1/4 grains and 1/4 veggies. 1/10th of the meat by weight can be organ meat (the rest should be muscle meat), which provides extra taurine, vitamins and micronutrients.  It will take some practice to get the proportions right because depending on the grain you use it may increase in volume quite a bit when cooking and a lot of veggies will decrease in volume.  If you are using grains and veggies tend to get mushy you can always cook them separately and add them to the pot at the end.

I add fish oil (Just Food For Dogs has a great one) and supplements to the food just before feeding. The 2 supplements I use are designed by a veterinary nutritionist, and you need both for the diet to be balanced.  Iviblend is the vitamin/mineral supplement and TerraCal is the calcium supplement.  Just dose according to label instructions.  They are designed to supplement rotational home-made diets so that they are as complete and balanced as they can be. I also add flaxseed oil which is a source of linoleic acid (dose at 1 teaspoon per 20 pounds of body weight daily) and Vitamin E (200 IU for dogs <20#, 400 IU for dogs 40-60# and 500IU for dogs >60#) daily.

Just some of the ingredients used to make Iviblend supplement

Terracal Calcium supplement I recommend

Feeding the appropriate amount of calories is very important as research has shown that dogs who are an ideal body condition (see here where your dog is!) live at least 2 years longer than overweight dogs!  The calculator below provides average calorie needs for your dog.  Some dogs require more or less.  You can see how many calories you are currently feeding in your kibble by looking at the bag for kcal/cup.  If your dog is maintaining an ideal body weight on this amount of calories then go with this number.

Body Condition Scoring chart for dogs - you can also click the link above

You can calculate your dog’s average calorie needs by using this online calculator.  Make sure to choose your pet’s ideal body weight and the appropriate description under activity.  If your pet needs to lose weight you can use the calorie requirement for weight loss.  If your pet is already it’s ideal body weight then use the recommended calorie requirement.

You can easily figure out how many calories are in your whole crock pot by google searching the calories of all the ingredients based on the amounts you used and add it all together.  Make sure to be specific in what types of ingredients you used. Then you can see how many cups of food you made and figure out how many calories are in each cup but dividing the total amount of calories in the crock pot by how many cups it made.  Then you’ll know how many cups to feed your pet a day based on their daily calorie needs and you can split that into 2 feedings for the day.

Is there anything you shouldn’t feed?

It’s controversial, but just for safety’s sake, and because you may be doing long-term feeding, don’t use garlic or onions.  They can be toxic to dogs when given on a consistent basis or in large quantities.

Grapes and raisins are also potentially very toxic to a dog’s kidneys, so just don’t use them.  I usually only feed fruits as treats anyway, because they have a lot of sugar when using as a main ingredient in a diet.  Berries make great treats!

There is also some new information out there that diets which include peas, potatoes or legumes may be causing a certain type of heart disease in dogs called Dilated Cardiomyopathy.  Please see more information on this at my blog here.  For now, until we figure out what is going on, I’m recommending to NOT include these ingredients in your home-made diets.  There are PLENTY of other ingredients to choose from.

One last thing…

Please remember that if you are going to switch to a home-cooked diet you need to do it GRADUALLY.  Recent research is showing that a dog’s gut microbiome is different if they eat kibble vs. home-cooked vs. raw.  So when you are changing foods you need to go slow with your dog and give their gut time to adjust.  This will help prevent issues like diarrhea.  I like to do 1/4 of the new diet and 3/4 old diet for 3-4 days, then 1/2 and 1/2 for 3-4 days, then 3/4 new and 1/4 old for 3-4 days and finally all new!  If your dog has a sensitive stomach take longer to transition.  Also, adding in a probiotic prior to the change can be helpful.  I like www.visbiomevet.com or any human probiotic with >8 strains and >50 million cfus which is made by a reputable company. 

I really hope this blog has been helpful and that it will get you started on a safe and healthy path to home-cooking for your best friend!  As always this is just a guide.  For more specific information or a specific diet plan tailored to your pet’s needs you can discuss this further with your holistic veterinarian or schedule an individualized consultation by contacting my office.

Happy Cooking!!!!!

Kimberly Schmidt, DVM, CVA, CVCH, CVFT

(Veterinarian, animal acupuncturist, herbalist and food therapist) 

Napa Valley Holistic Veterinary Services

www.napaholisticvet.com

kschmidt@napaholisticvet.com

707-535-9979

References:

1. Lefebvre SL, Reid-Smith R, Boerlin P, Weese Evaluation of the risks of shedding Salmonellae and other potential pathogens by therapy dogs fed raw diets in Ontario and Alberta.  JS. Zoonoses Public Health. 2008 Oct;55(8-10):470-80 

Are grain free diets causing heart disease in dogs?

Like me you’ve probably seen it in the news or heard it from your veterinarian.  Grain free diets might be causing heart disease in dogs.  You may have heard that if you are feeding your dog a grain free diet you need to change their food so they won’t get sick.  Well, that’s why I wanted to put together this article to give you the details and let you know your options.  I hope you find it helpful!

What are the facts?

In July of 2018 the The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) put out an alert to pet owners and veterinary professionals about reports of canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs eating certain pet foods containing peas, lentils, other legume seeds, or potatoes as main ingredients.  The alert can be found here: https://www.fda.gov/animalveterinary/newsevents/cvmupdates/ucm613305.htm. 

Another very useful Q&A update from the FDA is available here: https://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/ResourcesforYou/AnimalHealthLiteracy/ucm616279.htm.

To be clear this is NOT just grain free diets. ANY food with legumes like peas or lentils, other legume seeds, starch and fiber derivatives from these ingredients (pea protein, pea starch or pea fiber) or potatoes as main ingredients are suspect. The FDA says a “main ingredient” is listed in a food’s ingredient list before the first vitamin or mineral ingredient. This is very prevalent in “grain-free” diets, so they are very suspect. However, other diets meeting these criteria may end up being implicated as well. I’ve even seen diets marketed as “whole grain” that have these ingredients! So please everyone do READ YOUR LABELS!

DCM is a type of heart disease in which the heart muscle becomes thin and unable to pump appropriately.  If it’s bad enough the heart can actually begin to fail and fluid can back up into the lungs. If not treated dogs can die from this condition.  Early in the disease dogs can have no symptoms at all.  A heart murmur may develop.  Later in the disease exercise intolerance, weakness, collapse and coughing are possible symptoms to watch for.  It can have a genetic link but in this case, a dietary connection is suspected.

The FDA put out this alert because veterinary cardiologists around the country have been seeing an increased number of cases of DCM in atypical breeds.  Breeds that are typically more frequently affected by DCM include large and giant breed dogs, such as Great Danes, Boxers, Newfoundlands, Irish Wolfhounds, Saint Bernards and Doberman Pinschers. It is less common in small and medium breed dogs, except American and English Cocker Spaniels. However, the cases that have been reported to the FDA have included Golden and Labrador Retrievers, Whippets, a Shih Tzu, a Bulldog and Miniature Schnauzers, as well as mixed breeds.  All of these dogs were eating diets with the main ingredients listed above1.

What about taurine?

Some dogs diagnosed with DCM have had low taurine levels.  Taurine is an amino sulphonic acid important in heart function. DCM can develop in dogs if blood taurine levels are low.  The interesting thing is that another group of dogs had DCM and had normal taurine levels.  Nobody can explain this yet.  Some people think that maybe taurine isn’t being utilized appropriately or it could be something else happening with the diet affecting the heart muscle.  In many cases these dogs were eating these diets for quite some time before symptoms developed.  Most dogs responded to a change in diet and taurine supplementation so an association with diet and/or taurine is suspected as the cause1.

Has this happened in the past?

DCM from diet related causes is not a new thing.  In the past there have been numerous associations with DCM, diet and taurine.  These reports are listed below and can be copied and pasted into https://scholar.google.com/ for more information.

Backus RC, Cohen G, Pion PD, Good KL, Rogers QR, Fascetti AJ. Taurine deficiency in Newfoundlands fed commercially available complete and balanced diets. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2003 Oct 15;223(8):1130-6.

Fascetti AJ, Reed JR, Rogers QR, Backus RC. Taurine deficiency in dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy: 12 cases (1997-2001). J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2003 Oct 15;223(8):1137-41.

Tôrres CL, Backus RC, Fascetti AJ, Rogers QR. Taurine status in normal dogs fed a commercial diet associated with taurine deficiency and dilated cardiomyopathy. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl). 2003 Oct;87(9-10):359-72.

Bélanger MC, Ouellet M, Queney G, Moreau M. Taurine-deficient dilated cardiomyopathy in a family of golden retrievers. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 2005 Sep-Oct;41(5):284-91.

Freeman LM, Michel KE, Brown DJ, Kaplan PM, Stamoulis ME, Rosenthal SL, Keene BW, Rush JE. Idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy in Dalmatians: nine cases (1990-1995). J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1996 Nov 1;209(9):1592-6.

So what should you do?

It is important to note that the association between these diets and heart disease has not been definitively proven.  There have only been a few hundred reports. Thousands of dogs eat diets with legumes, peas and potatoes every day.  No recalls of food have been issued.  However, it is highly suspicious and something that I am also very concerned about.  Research will be happening to see what’s going on and more information will be coming out in the near future.

For now, if your dog is eating a diet with legumes like peas or lentils, other legume seeds, starch and fiber derivatives from these ingredients (pea protein, pea starch or pea fiber) or potatoes as “main ingredients” - see above- I would recommend making an appointment with your regular veterinarian to have a physical exam and blood drawn for both whole blood and plasma taurine levels.  Especially if your dog is any of the reported breeds! The sample can then be sent to UC Davis.  The sample submission form, pricing, sample preparation information and contact phone numbers for the lab are available at the UC Davis Amino Acid Laboratory.  It does require specialized tubes and shipping so you will need to do your research prior to submitting samples if your veterinarian hasn’t done it before.  Please give them the link for more information.  If your veterinarian hears a heart murmur or notices other signs of cardiac disease (like a murmur, collapse, weakness or exercise intolerance) then they should also perform a chest x-ray and refer you to a cardiologist for an echocardiogram (heart ultrasound)2.

If cardiac exam and blood taurine levels are normal you could also choose to have an echocardiogram done to be safe, or you could have your veterinarian closely monitor your dog.  You may also want to consider changing your dog’s diet (see below).

If cardiac exam is abnormal and/or blood taurine levels are low then I would recommend seeing a veterinary cardiologist for an echocardiogram to check your dog’s heart function.  This will let you know if further intervention with cardiac medication is needed.  If heart function is normal, at the very least you will need to supplement with taurine and change your dog’s diet (see below).

All of this sounds very expensive, and it is.  What if you can’t afford it?  Until this gets figured out I would recommend changing diets (see below).

What kind of diet should your dog eat?

This is kind of a loaded question. All dogs are different and what might be right for one dog might not be right for another. Always consult with your regular veterinarian when choosing a food for your dog. He/she may have special requirements based on his/her health.

If your dog is healthy, one option is that you can choose a commercial dry or canned food diet WITHOUT legumes like peas or lentils, other legume seeds, starch and fiber derivatives from these ingredients (pea protein, pea starch or pea fiber) or potatoes. When looking for a diet it is ideal to choose a company with a board certified veterinary nutritionist on staff.  Also, you want a company that puts their food through AAFCO feeding trials.  The company should also do nutrient analysis regularly on their food.  You should be able to call or email the company and have them easily give you all of this information. If you do your research, you will probably find the companies that do this are generally the “big name” companies like Hill’s, Purina and Royal Canin/Mars. The bottom line is you really need to be doing your research when you look for a pet food!  Not all pet foods and pet food companies are created equal3.

Another option, if you want to home cook, is that you can have a home made diet specially formulated for your pet by a board certified veterinary nutritionist. I often use the nutrition service at UC Davis for this and it can be done through your regular veterinarian without traveling there. My fee for this service is $485.00. It is a bit less expensive if you travel to UC Davis. More information is available on the UC Davis Veterinary Nutrition Website.

There is also a company on my radar making commercially available “whole food diets” called Just Food For Dogs that is doing a great job with their diets so far.  They are a company with numerous veterinarians on staff and their recipes were recently reviewed by a board certified veterinary nutritionist who is part of their team. They plan on bringing a full time board certified veterinary nutritionist on staff next year. They test nutrient profiles for their recipes every 6 months.  All of their daily diets have also undergone humane but rigid university feeding trials for a full year! They are even conducting research using their diets. Some of their diets do contain potatoes and are listed as “grain free”, and some of their daily diets don’t have any legumes like peas or lentils, other legume seeds, starch and fiber derivatives from these ingredients (pea protein, pea starch or pea fiber) or potatoes. In communications with them they don’t have concern over any of their diets being implicated because they follow such strict practices and communicate regularly with the nutritionist.  However, there is just no guarantee until we figure out what is going on with this connection, so stay away from any diets with the suspect ingredients4.

If your dog is eating a diet with one of the suspect ingredients, you absolutely don’t want to change diets and you can’t afford any testing then you can talk to your regular veterinarian about prophylactically supplementing with taurine.  Although not ideal because long term taurine supplementation may cause problems, it’s better than doing nothing and lower levels of taurine supplementation long term are generally considered safe.  Remember though, this may or may not help, because some dogs with normal taurine levels are still developing DCM2.

Should you report it?

Yes, absolutely. If your dog is eating a diet with one of the suspect ingredients and has developed DCM or is found to have low taurine levels, please report it to the FDA. This will greatly help with understanding what is happening. You can report it to the Safety Reporting Portal or call your state’s FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator1.

Information on this topic will be constantly changing so make sure to talk with your veterinarian regularly as updates become available.  I know the topic is very complicated and confusing so I hope this clarified things for you a bit!  Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have further questions at kschmidt@napaholisticvet.com and I will do my best to answer.

References:

1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2018, July 12). FDA Investigating Potential Connection Between Diet and Cases of Canine Heart Disease. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/NewsEvents/CVMUpdates/ucm613305.htm

2. Rishniw, Mark. Pion, Paul. Kittleson, Mark. (2018, July 23). Diet-Related Myocardial Failure in Dogs. Retrieved from https://www.vin.com/members/cms/project/defaultadv1.aspx?id=8647977&said=1#three

3. WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee. (2013). WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee: Recommendations on Selecting Pet Foods. Retrieved from https://www.wsava.org/WSAVA/media/Arpita-and-Emma-editorial/Selecting-the-Best-Food-for-your-Pet.pdf

4. Kendra Bettis-Scheibe, DVM. Regional Medical Director- West Coast, Just Food For Dogs. (Personal Communication, September 21, 2018).

It's National Holistic Pet Day!

Join us in celebrating National Holistic Pet Day on August 30, 2018! Holistic veterinary medicine is a growing field which aims to address the “whole” animal - body, mind and spirit.  It focuses on health, rather than disease.  

What can you do at home to keep your pet healthy and happy?

1. Take them in for regular physical examinations with your holistic veterinarian to help catch things before they become big issues

2. Incorporate acupuncture, herbal medicine and a whole food diet into their wellness plan (see below for more info!)

3. Take your dogs for regular walks and make sure to take time to play!  Cats love to play too!

4. Offer plenty of fresh water daily, filtered if you can and Dr. Kim prefers stainless steel bowls over plastic.

5. Stimulate their minds! Use puzzle toys, teach new tricks and play new games.  If you are really motivated you could get involved with agility.  Even meeting new people is mentally stimulating.  This will help keep your pet's mind sharp as they age.

As a holistic veterinarian my goal is to help identify imbalances in the body before they become diseases.  This can be achieved through regular physical examination, acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutritional therapy, chiropractic and essential oil therapy, just to list a few holistic modalities.  I also like to address the pet’s environment by decreasing stress and making sure pets are getting enough exercise and mental stimulation.  This is so important for their overall health and well being!

Acupuncture is becoming much more widely recognized as a safe, effective therapy for many disease in humans and pets alike.  I most commonly use acupuncture to treat pain from arthritis, neck and back issues.  But I also have success in using it to manage gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea and vomiting, skin allergies, asthma/bronchitis, seizures and immune-mediated disease. There are many other conditions that it is useful for as well!

Acupuncture is usually incorporated with herbal medicine to see the best results.  Herbal medicine is plant based medicine that is used either in combination or in place of western medications to treat disease.  It can be especially helpful when animals are experiencing side-effects from drugs, if they have underlying liver or kidney disease and certain medications can’t be administered, or if they aren’t responding like they should to traditional medication options. Another great thing is that herbs are very safe to use in animals, if you use them correctly under the advise of your holistic vet.  For my own health I always try herbs before using medications and I treat my pets the same way!

Diet is extremely important to a pet’s health.  Recent studies show that whole, fresh food fed to pets can decrease inflammatory markers and increase healthy immune function.  I think that food is one of the best medicines that we can give our pets.  After all, you are what you eat!  There is no one diet that fits all patients, and your holistic veterinarian will help you decide the best option for your pet.

This is just a taste of holistic medicine!  It is a newly emerging field and I am so excited to be a part of it.  I really believe the animals I treat with holistic medicine are the happiest healthiest pets!!

As always please let me know if you have any questions!  You can email me at kschmidt@napaholisticvet.com.

Healthy Treats for Happy Pets!

As a holistic veterinarian I am constantly asked “What treats should I feed my pet?”  We used to be taught that human food was bad for dogs and we shouldn’t feed it to them.  Well that couldn’t be further from the truth!  Let me explain.

It is extremely important that your pet eat a complete and balanced base diet, either designed and specifically balanced for long-term feeding or homemade and balanced with the help of your veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist.  Treats, however, can comprise up to 10% of your pet’s total calories for the day and you can have fun with them!

Hippocrates said “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food”.  When you look at the food you most commonly feed your pet, you will usually find meat and carbohydrates as the main ingredients.  What the food is missing is fresh fruit and vegetables!  This is what I encourage people to feed as treats!

Fresh fruit and vegetables are full of antioxidants and micronutrients that help protect against cancer and autoimmune disease, two of the most common and serious medical conditions that ail our furry friends.  So if your pet will eat fruits and veggies then this is what you should feed as treats!  Veggies should always be lightly cooked, because they will be better digested by our dogs and cats who are used to eating plant material partially digested in their prey.

There are a few fruits/veggies you should NEVER feed to your pet including grapes, raisins and onions.  Garlic is ok in dogs in small amounts but you should discuss first with your veterinarian.  And I never feed garlic to cats.

Something else to consider is the energetic property of the food you feed.  In Traditional Chinese Medicine foods can be “hot”, “cold” or “neutral”.  You wouldn’t want to feed a “hot” food in the heat of the summer or a “cold” food in the middle of winter.  So you should refer to this handy food energetic chart when you are choosing what treats to feed.  

Great cooling treats for summer include watermelon, cucumber, spinach, kiwi, orange, mushroom, apples, blueberries and bananas.

Watermelon is a great cooling treat for your dog to help beat the summer heat!

Great warming treats for winter include cherries, blackberries, pumpkin, sweet potato and walnuts.

Cooked pumpkin and winter squash is a healthy, wholesome warming treat to feed to your pet in the winter months.  It also helps with digestive ailments!

Another great treat in small amounts is organ meat.  Ancestors of our furry friends would eat whole prey, which included a good amount of organ meat.  Full in vitamins, minerals and micronutrients, I personally believe that this should be included in the daily diet of all dogs and cats in small quantities for optimal health.  And now it is so easy!  Tons of companies are making dehydrated and freeze dried organ meat treats like Bocce’s Bakery and Just Food For Dogs (just two brands I use in my patients for treats during acupuncture appointments and they can be found at your local pet store).

Organ meat based treats are a wonderful addition to our pet's diets!

I hope you found this helpful and that you will start to think of fresh fruits, veggies and organ meats when you think about what treats to give to your dog or cat!  

Happy feeding!  If you have any questions please don't hesitate to call or email! kschmidt@napaholisticvet.com 707-535-9979

Dr. Kim

How to Have Safe Pets and a Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July!  This exciting day of celebration can also be a stressful time for the pet owners of anxious pets.  Did you know that July 5th is one of the busiest days at most, if not all animal shelters around the country?  Dogs who escape their backyards or indoor-outdoor cats that run away and get injured on the 4th often end up in shelters the next day.  Please follow these tips to make sure that your whole family (furry and human) have a wonderful 4th of July!

1. Please keep all pets indoors.  If you have an indoor-outdoor cat please make sure to bring them inside in the early afternoon before the fireworks start.  All dogs should be kept indoors and not left in the backyard, where they often end up getting out due to stress and anxiety from the noise of the fireworks.
2. Use calming music in the home.  Classical music, particularly harp music, can be very relaxing for cats and dogs alike.  Play this music in the late afternoon and into the evening.
3. Use a Thundershirt. http://www.thundershirt.com/ This is a great option for anxious dogs to help calm them on the 4th of July.  It can be purchased online or at your local pet store.
4. Use relaxing pheromones.  Mother dogs and cats secrete pheromones to help their puppies and kittens relax.  Companies have discovered how to re-create and bottle these pheromones and they are now commercially available.  Adaptil® for dogs and Feliway® for cats make sprays, collars and plug-ins you can use in your home before and during the fireworks. They can be a great help to calm anxious pets.  They can be purchased online or at your local pet store.
5. Use a noise machine.  These are frequently used to help babies sleep because they drown out background noise.  They can also be very helpful to keep the noise of the fireworks at bay for an anxious dog.
6. Don’t be afraid to use sedatives.  If you’ve tried the above solutions or you know your pet is extremely high anxiety then talk to your veterinarian about options for sedatives.  Sileo® is a new medication available and FDA approved for noise aversion in dogs, associated with fear and anxiety.  Trazodone is also commonly used to help both dogs and cats relax.  Gabapentin is another great medication for anxious cats.  There are many safe options available now to help our pets and you shouldn’t be afraid to talk to your veterinarian about them!

From all of us here at Napa Valley Holistic Veterinary Services we hope these tips will help you have a safe and happy 4th of July!  Please don't hesitate to call us at 707-535-9979 or email us at kschmidt@napaholisticvet.com if you have any questions.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day - April 28, 2018!

People are just starting to understand the impact that discarded pharmaceuticals and personal care products have on the environment.  In a recent survey from Oregon State University, 191 pet owners were surveyed and almost 50 percent placed unused veterinary care products and medicine in the garbage.

PPCPs (pharmaceutical and personal care products) are used by almost everyone and most wastewater treatment plants are not able to completely deactivate many of the compounds they include.  Chemicals from PPCPs for people and pets are being found at low levels in groundwater and surface water; anti-inflammatories, antidepressants, antibiotics, estrogens, insect repellant, antimicrobials, and sunscreen compounds are among what’s being detected.

We need to do our part to dispose of these items properly!  Whenever possible PLEASE take your unused or expired prescription drugs into a facility that can do this.  In Napa, CA the Coroner’s office at 1535 Airport Blvd collects prescriptions drugs YEAR ROUND AND FREE OF CHARGE M-F 8AM-4:30PM at the front counter.  No need to call ahead of time, you can just bring them in during those hours.

If you are not located in Napa County then you can check this website for collection sites on April 28, 2018 (National Prescription Drug Take Back Day) and click on Locate a Collection Site Near You.  Many cities create prescription drug take-back events on this day and post them here .

If you are unable to bring your prescription drugs to a site that will dispose of them properly then please read this informational guide put together by the Environmental Protection Agency about how to dispose of these products at home.  There are very specific instructions here.  This is of course not recommended unless you are absolutely unable to bring them to an appropriate facility.

Thank you so much for reading and please do your part to help our environment!

If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to contact us at 707-535-9979 or email Dr. Kim at kschmidt@napaholisticvet.com 

Prevent Pet Poisoning! How to keep your best friend safe.

At Napa Valley Holistic Vet we want to help keep your pets safe and healthy!  Preventative medicine is a cornerstone of holistic pet care.  We want to help you prevent your best friend from getting sick if at all possible!  In honor of Pet Poison Prevention Week we have put together a guide to help keep your pet safe from common poisons around your house.

First we must say that the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center does an amazing job.  If you suspect that your pet has eaten something toxic you can call 1-888-426-4435.  24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.  They have veterinarians on staff who can help you decide what you need to do and if you need to take your pet to the veterinarian.  They do charge a $65 consultation fee but it is well worth it and often cheaper than a veterinary visit if it can be avoided!

The Animal Poison Control Center also offers a free mobile app with a wealth of information about different potential pet toxins.  You can access more information on it here .

Another great tool they have is a list of toxic and non-toxic plants for pets!  If you think your furry friend has eaten a plant, just look it up online to see if it could be poisonous.  This is free and easy accessible here. 

The Poison Control Center received 199,000 calls in 2017 alone regarding potential pet poisonings.  This number was up from last year which goes to show that we need to be better educated about keeping our pets safe from these potentially deadly toxins.

If you suspect your pet has ingested a poison you can call the APCC at 1-888-426-4435 to see how serious it is.  However if you know they got something poisonous then you should take them directly to your veterinarian.  The sooner the better because if the ingestion was within 3 hours vomiting can often be induced which will save you lots of money and potentially save your pet’s life.  Your pet may also be given activated charcoal to bind any toxin that remains in the stomach after vomiting so they won’t absorb it.

The top 10 poisonings of 2017 were…..

10. Garden Products - Pets often find fertilizers and compost irresistible.  Fertilizers often cause GI upset and if the compost or fertilizer is moist and growing mold your dog may develop serious tremors from ingesting them.  So it’s best to keep these products where dogs can’t find them and keep your dog inside or confined in a separate area of the yard when you are working in the garden.

9. Plants - Many plants can be very toxic to our furry friends.  Lilies are deadly to cats and Dr. Kim recommends never keeping them in your house if you have a cat.  The same goes for Sago Palms and Oleanders if you have a dog or cat.  If you aren’t sure a plant is safe for your pet you should use the Animal Poison Control Center’s online site to look it up - remember it’s free and can be accessed here. 

8. Rodenticides - These rodent poisons are potentially deadly to dogs and cats.  They should be kept out of reach of pets at all times.  If you suspect your pet has ingested this they should be taken to the veterinarian right away.  

7. Insecticides - Insecticides and herbicides are also potentially toxic.  So it’s best to keep these products where dogs can’t find them and keep your dog inside or confined in a separate area of the yard when you are working in the garden.

6. Household Items - The APCC lists paint, glue, cleaning products and laundry detergent as potential dangers.  Gorilla glue is very toxic to pets because, if ingested, it expands exponentially in the stomach and hardens.  Vomiting cannot be induced and surgery is required to remove the large “ball” that forms.  Very scary!  Also laundry pods are posing a new, potentially fatal danger to pets.  You can read more about this here.

5. Chocolate - This is a very common toxicity with our furry friends, especially dogs.  Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are more toxic than milk chocolate.  In sufficient amounts they can cause GI upset, seizures, cardiac arrhythmias and even death.  If your dog has ingested chocolate you can use the chocolate toxicity calculator here  to see how dangerous the type/amount was.  

4. Veterinary Products - This includes the flavored and chewable medications that we give to our pets for pain relief as well as parasite prevention.  Dogs have been known to eat entire boxes/bottles and can get VERY sick.  Make sure to keep these medications out of reach of your furry friends. 

3. Food - Common toxic food items include chocolate (see above), grapes/raisins/currants, garlic, onions, macadamia nuts, alcohol, unbaked bread dough, alcohol and products containing xylitol.  Any amount of grapes or raisins could be deadly to your dog causing kidney failure if he/she is sensitive.  A small amount of garlic or onion isn’t a big deal in a large pet but if they are cooked down in a dish or concentrated powders are used then we get concerned about blood disorders.  Also if your pet is very small then a small amount could be a big deal.  Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that is very common in gum, toothpaste, candies and sugar free baked goods.  If ingested it can cause low blood sugar and irreversible liver failure so make sure to keep all of these products FAR away from your dogs (check your labels)!

Even a small amount of grapes can cause kidney failure in dogs and we don't know what makes some dogs more sensitive than others!  Better to be safe than sorry!

2. Over-The-Counter Medications - Including but not limited to pain medications (ibuprofen, acetaminophen and naproxen), vitamins, certain herbal supplements, cold and flu medications. Please keep all of these out of your pet’s reach. Most exposures are accidental but some well-meaning owners think many of these are safe to give their pet.  You should always check with your veterinarian prior to giving any OTC medication in your pet.  They can tell you which are safe and if your pet is ok to take them and at what dose.

Ibuprofen and other human pain medications can be safe for us but deadly for our pets!

1. Human Prescriptions - Pain medications, anti-depressants and heart medications are the most common poisonings.  Again most are accidental but some well-meaning owners think these are safe to give their pets.  Please keep all of your prescriptions well out of your pet’s reach and ALWAYS ask your veterinarian before giving any medication to your pet.

Please remember to keep your pets safe this week and every week this year!  And please share this with your friends if you haven't already!  If you have any questions we can always be reached at 707-535-9979 or email Dr. Kim at kschmidt@napaholisticvet.com. 

My Cat Hates the Vet! You can help to make it better.

Do you dread taking your cat to the veterinarian because it is such a stressful experience for you and your feline friend?  We completely understand!  Even Dr. Kim has a kitty who gets upset at the veterinary clinic.  So she is going to tell you some tips and tricks for making your kitty’s experience at the vet a positive one.

Veterinary visits are so important for cats.  Yearly visits are especially important in felines because they are excellent at hiding any problem from you.  They are biologically designed to hide their problems.  So things like tooth infections, intestinal issues, heart disease, arthritis, kidney disease, urinary problems, thyroid disease and lung disease can easily go un-noticed by the most loving and devoted pet parents.  A thorough veterinary exam alone can pick up on so many of these issues in the early stages so we can treat them before they progress to more serious concerns.

The bottom line is that you should be taking your kitty to the vet EVERY YEAR to get an exam, period.  If your vet finds a problem and your kitty needs other tests like bloodwork, urine or imaging (x-rays, ultrasound) it’s even more important to make sure they are happy at the vet!  We want to make sure the visit is calm and serene so keep reading to see what you can do to make it happen!

First, you need to understand that when your cat gets upset at the veterinary hospital it’s only because they are scared.  When they start to hiss, growl, bite or scratch it’s because they are fearful of being hurt and this is the only way they have to protect themselves. All the ideas we will share with you are designed to take their anxiety away as much as possible.  If your kitty arrives happier and the visit is handled in the appropriate way then they won’t need to get upset.

It all starts at home.  We all know this scenario….your cat has a vet appointment so you bring out THE CARRIER.  Then…your cat disappears.  This is the first place that you can help.  Cats are very smart.  They know that the carrier means the vet and the vet is scary.  So how can you help?  Make the carrier part of everyday life.  Dr. Kim keeps her cat’s carrier in her bedroom closet and puts a soft kitty bed inside.  She takes the door off so her cats can go in and out and use it as a hiding and resting place.  That way when it’s time to take them to the clinic, she can put the door back on and they are actually happy to be in the carrier!  This can be done with any carrier but another great product is the Sleepypod® Mobile Pet Bed.  It is a pet bed that easily transforms into a carrier and is even crash tested! Watch the video here! If you are using a carrier you should always put something soft in it like a towel or preferably, your kitty’s favorite bed.

Make this carrier your kitty's regular bed at home!  Vet visits will be a breeze!

The next thing you can do is use kitty pheromones. A mother cat secretes this to help her kittens relax and now you can use it to help your kitty relax!  Feliway® is our favorite pheromone brand.  It can be purchased in a spray or a wipe.  The wipes come in individual packages which may be more convenient for a single visit.  It is very important that you do not use the wipe directly on your kitty!  You should wipe the inside surfaces of the carrier and the pet bed or towel that is placed in the carrier.  They can be purchased here .

Use these pheromone wipes on the inside of the carrier and pet bed inside it!

After you have wiped the carrier with pheromones, put in your cat’s favorite kitty bed (or just change your Sleepypod® into a carrier) then you can actually cover the carrier with a small towel or thin baby blanket.  Using a towel cuts down on visual stimuli that may add to your cat’s stress level.  If the weather is very warm you should skip this step because you don’t want your kitty to overheat in the carrier.

You can even play special music in the car on the way to the vet!  Harp music has been shown to soothe animals and decrease stress.  The music will also help calm you down so you aren’t as stressed!  Dr. Kim thinks Susan Raimond has done lovely work with this and her CDs can be purchased online here .  Many other types of music can be found online for this purpose with a quick google search.

You can call ahead to the veterinarian to make sure that the doctor is running on time.  If the doctor is running a little behind then you can arrive a little later so that you don’t have to wait in the lobby as long.  Upon arrival, ask to be placed into an exam room as soon as possible.  That way your kitty won’t hear the noises in the lobby or smell the other animals that might be there (dogs!).  If you have to wait in the lobby pick a quiet corner away from other people and pets.

Once you get into the exam room Dr. Kim recommends leaving your kitty in the carrier until the nurse or doctor comes in.  Unless of course your kitty is the social type and would prefer exploring!  For most kitties it is much less scary to be in the quiet carrier. 

Ask the nurse and doctor to do as much of the exam and tests IN THE EXAM ROOM and IN THE CARRIER as possible.  With the Sleepypod® and many other carriers you can just take off the top so they don’t have to pull or “dump” your cat out - very stressful!  Also, you should ask to be present if possible.  Staying with your pet can be soothing for them.  However, you should let the nurse and doctor hold your kitty for the exams and tests.  You don’t want to risk a bite or scratch if they do happen to get grouchy.  This is so important for safety.  Many veterinarians are becoming Fear Free® certified.  Dr. Kim is in the process now!  Those veterinarians will already be employing these low stress handling techniques.  They will often use towels to wrap your kitty if bloodwork is needed instead of scruffing your pet.

Look for this logo at the veterinary office you choose!

The last thing we need to comment on is a medication called gabapentin.  If your kitty gets really stressed at the veterinarian despite the above techniques then you should ask your kitty’s doctor to send this home with you and come back a different time.  Gabapentin has been proven as a very safe and effective way to decrease stress in cats at the veterinary clinic when given orally (either in a treat or pilled) at home prior to the visit.  A great clinical trial was just released and can be found here.  Trazodone is another medication that has been used very effectively for this purpose.

Ask your vet for this!

We hope that these tips and tricks have been helpful for you!  As a holistic veterinarian decreasing stress and anxiety is of the utmost importance for Dr. Kim!  This will not only help to improve your kitty’s anxiety but also their health and well-being by allowing a calm and serene yearly veterinary visit!

Dr. Kim regularly does house calls for acupuncture.   These home visits eliminate the stress of the vet clinic but can still make your kitty nervous.  Alot of these techniques can be employed at home visits too such as Feliway®, acupuncture in the pet bed and gabapentin if needed!  To schedule an appointment please call 707-535-9979 today!

Wildfire and Pets: What You Should Know

With the recent wildfires in our hometown of Napa, California we wanted to put together an informational guide about your pet’s health risk during and after a wildfire and what the important things are to know.  

DURING A WILDFIRE

The most important thing that we can stress is to please TAKE ALL OF YOUR PETS WITH YOU DURING AN EVACUATION.  If you need to leave your home then so does your pet!

Wildfires are extremely stressful and frightening, not only for us but for our pets.  Sometimes we have time to prepare for evacuation and sometimes we are forced to leave in a moment’s notice.  If you are prepared ahead of time it can help immensely so it is always a good idea to have an emergency bag prepared for your animals.  Here is an example of what you can include:

Emergency Animal Kit: 

1. A week’s worth of food for each pet
2. Any important medications
3. Leashes for your dogs
4. A portable water bowl with small bottle of water for travel.
5. Portable food bowls 
6. Some form of pet ID (collar with tags, implanted microchip) 
7. Favorite blanket/bed 
8. Carriers for your cats and a towel to cover each carrier (also put a blanket/bed inside)
9. If you have cats you may also want to consider having a disposable litter box such as this PetSafe Disposable Litter Box

Dr. Kim’s other tip for your emergency kit is to include some holistic options to help with your pet’s anxiety.  Leaving their home environment and relocating somewhere new can be extremely stressful.  We recommend Stress Away Soft Chews by Vet Classics, Rescue Remedy for Pets, Lavender Essential Oil (our favorite brands are Young Living and DoTerra), and Adaptil pheromone spray for dogs or Feliway pheromone spray for cats.

If your pet gets extremely anxious with travel you may want to ask your veterinarian for a sedative to have on hand so that you and your pet can both get some needed rest.  Also, if you have a dog-aggressive dog you may want to consider having a basket muzzle in case you come into contact with unfamiliar dogs.

AFTER A WILDFIRE

Please make sure all evacuation orders have lifted from your home before you consider returning.  You may want to make sure that your home has power and clean water before re-populating.  At the very least please follow any boil water notices for your area so that you are providing your pets with safe drinking water. 

Just as important as the status of your home is the status of the air quality.  Please refer to the Air Quality Index which can be accessed for your zip code at this website. The chart below provides a detailed explanation of what the AQI means.  If the AQI is above 151 (unhealthy, very unhealthy or hazardous) then we would recommend keeping your pets out of the area if possible.  If people need to be outside during these conditions we can wear a protective N95 mask, but the human masks that exist cannot be manipulated to fit over the snout of a dog properly.  So if our pets are outside using the bathroom or taking a walk during these conditions we are putting their health at risk.

If you absolutely need to bring your pet back to your home when air quality is poor then hopefully we can offer some helpful tips to keep them as safe as possible.  

If you are returning to an area that has been badly burned consider leaving your pets with a friend, neighbor or boarding facility during cleanup as there are numerous hazards that they could be exposed to including sharp objects and toxic chemicals. 

Wildfire smoke is a mixture of gases and fine particles from burning trees and other plant material. The gases and fine particles can be dangerous if inhaled. The particulate matter (also called “PM”) in wildfire smoke poses the biggest risk to the public’s health. The potential health effects vary based on the type of plants burning, atmospheric conditions and, most importantly, the size of the particles. Particles larger than 10 micrometers usually irritate only the eyes, nose and throat. Fine particles 2.5 micrometers or smaller (PM2.5) can be inhaled into the deepest part of the lungs, and may cause greatest health concern.

If you have a very young pet, elderly pet, or a pet with a heart or lung condition (congestive heart failure, chronic bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia) then your pet will be particularly at risk to the effects of smoke exposure.  Birds are also extremely sensitive to the effects of wildfire smoke and should be kept indoors at all times.  What you need to know is that what affects you affects your pet and the measures you take to protect yourself are the same measures you should take to protect your pet.  Dogs and cats lungs are very similar to our own. 

Here are the main things you can do for your pets to reduce the risk of exposure to wildfire smoke once you return home if the air quality is poor:

1. Keep your pets indoors as much as possible (limit dog walks to potty breaks only and if you have outdoor cats keep them inside).
2. Keep windows and doors closed.
3. Use a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to reduce indoor air pollution.
4. Replace the filters on your central air conditioning unit and run your air conditioner to reduce indoor air pollution
5. Provide plenty of fresh water (boil water if instructed to do so).
6. Avoid smoking tobacco, using wood-burning stoves or fireplaces, burning candles, incenses or vacuuming which can all further contribute to indoor air pollution after a wildfire event.
7. After being outdoors, wipe down your pet’s coat and paws with a fresh water cloth in order to remove particulate matter and prevent them from ingesting it while grooming. 
8. Run a humidifier to help moisten the air and loosen respiratory secretions. 
9. Make sure to wear your N95 mask when taking your pets out to use the restroom!

Dogs and cats are most at risk for developing eye and lung problems after exposure to wildfire smoke.  Mild eye irritation, mild clear nasal discharge and mild sneezing are common with wildfire exposure.  You can help lessen these signs by following the recommendations above.  Also, to help with eye irritation you can purchase over the counter eye lubricants such as Genteal Lubricant Eye Gel or Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops and use them on your pet frequently throughout the day (every 2-4 hours).

If you notice any of the following signs please contact your family veterinarian as it could indicate a more serious eye or respiratory issue that may require additional treatment.

• Unusual coughing, sneezing or gagging
• Difficulty breathing, including open mouth breathing
• Eye irritation (redness, squinting, pawing at the face) and excessive watering
• Yellow or green nasal discharge
• Asthma-like symptoms
• Increased breathing rate
• Weakness and lethargy
• Lack of appetite

HOLISTIC OPTIONS

Keeping the indoor air clean and limiting outdoor exposure during poor air quality conditions is of utmost importance for your animal’s health.  In addition there are other holistic options to help with wildfire smoke exposure including herbs, supplements, antioxidant and immune support.  Marshmallow and licorice are two common herbs that can help to soothe the respiratory tract. Some other products we recommend for our patients from the Standard Process line include Emphaplex and Pneumotrophin PMG.  Thorne Mycoimmune and Stamets7 Daily Immune Support are two mushroom blends that Dr. Kim uses with her patients for general immune support.  For antioxidant support we recommend Cell Advance 880 or Vet Classics Canine Antioxidant Support.  All herbs and supplements for respiratory support should only be used under the direct supervision of your holistic veterinarian.  

For more information or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kim for a specific respiratory support plan for your pet please contact us at kschmidt@napaholisticvet.com or call 707-535-9979. 

Full Circle Pain Management for Arthritis in Dogs & Cats

Arthritis is a very common condition in pets, but the pain arthritis can cause is often overlooked by families or misinterpreted as their pet “just slowing down” as they age. The underlying disease process is slightly different in dogs (Osteoarthritis) and cats (Degenerative Joint Disease), but both species very commonly show clinical signs related to the pain of arthritis as they age. These signs are often subtle since pets very rarely cry or groan in pain. Many families expect that they will easily recognize pain, but animals are instinctively very good at masking their discomfort. Often pain could manifest as simple behavior changes such as refusing to go up the stairs, declining to jump on a couch or countertop, unwillingness to groom themselves, or staying seated instead of following family members around the house.

Luckily there are many therapies we can use to control the pain associated with arthritis. Sometimes, though, the multitude of treatment options and wealth of information available on the internet can be overwhelming for families. With that in mind, we have created this worksheet to help guide pet families as they approach their pet’s arthritis pain management plan. Utilizing the difference approaches allows families to utilize multi-modal pain management strategies to keep their pet as pain-free as possible for as long as possible.

Weight Management: One of the most beneficial things pet families can do to guard against the pain of arthritis is to keep their pets lean throughout their life. Studies have shown that 80% of labrador retrievers develop osteoarthritis when fed generous calorie meals. However, when their study counterparts were fed a reduced-calorie diet, only 50% of those labrador retrievers developed osteoarthritis. This highlights the difference monitoring weight and calorie intake can have on a pet’s longterm health and comfort. The labs in these studies who were fed the restricted calorie diets also lived 1 to 1.5 years longer than the free fed labs. Ask your veterinarian to discuss your pet’s ideal weight and make sure to monitor their body condition score throughout their lives.  An ideal body condition based on the chart below would be 4-5/9 or 2.5-3/5 depending on the point system being used.

EPA Rich Diet: Diets high in Omega-3 fatty acids supply the body with building blocks that help regulate the amount of inflammatory mediators in the body. The most helpful building block is Eicosapentaenoic acid ( or EPA), which is a type of Omega-3 fatty acid.  EPA can be incorporated into the diet by adding a high quality fish oil (our preference) or by switching to a diet that has higher levels of EPA.  We recommend both Grizzly and Kronch salmon oil at Napa Holistic Vet.  The dose of EPA will be appropriate for your pet's arthritis if you follow the dose on the label.

If changing to an EPA rich diet be somewhat wary of general “fish oil” or “fatty acid” claims as you want the diet to contain >2% Omega-3 Fatty Acids and specifically mention EPA to be most beneficial. Omega-6 fatty acids do not provide the same type of joint inflammation protection. These increased EPA levels can be found in prescription diets as well as some over the counter diets. Examples of EPA rich diets include: Hills J/D, Purina Pro Plan JM, Iams Joint Plus, Royal Canin Mobility Support, Orijen Senior, Dogswell Happy Hips. Victor Performance/Joint, Now Fresh, Merrick Grain Free Healthy Weight, Fromm Gold Weigh Management, Earthborn Weight Control, Earthborn Coastal Catch, Annamaet Grain Free Lean, and Nature’s Variety Instinct Healthy Weight.  Make sure to evaluate your pet’s food for the AAFCO label and review the Guaranteed Analysis section to ensure it contains these ingredients.

Chondroprotectants: Chondroprotectants include Glucosamine, Chondroitin, and Avocado Soybean Unsoponafiables (ASUs). Some of the products we recommend include Dasuquin, which provides all three chondroprotectants listed above, Adequan, ArthriEase Gold and Standard Process’ Flex Support. Dasuquin is one of the only products including ASUs, which makes it one of the most beneficial chondroprotectants available to pets. Dasuquin Advanced is a newer product which also includes boswellia (frankincense) and curcumin extracts in addition to ASUs. Many other glucosamine/chondroitin products are available, but please keep in mind these products are not regulated by the FDA and in many cases you do get what you pay for. Studies evaluating glucosamine products have shown that when products cost under $1 per day, that less than 10%actually contained the amount of glucosamine that their label claimed. Using products that your veterinarian trusts will ensure you are not using products with no benefit to your pet. The good news is that often after being on chondroprotectants for 4-6 weeks, you may be able to decrease your pet’s medication dose by 25% – saving you money on their medication costs instead of their chondroprotectant cost.

nSAIDs: Non steroidal anti inflammatories are the mainstay of medical treatment for arthritis pain in dogs.  These medications treat the inflammation that is at the root of arthritis pain. Commonly prescribed nSAIDs include carprofen (Rimadyl, Truprofen, etc), deracoxib (Deramaxx), meloxicam (Metacam), and firocoxib (Previcox), among others. These medications are often invaluable in breaking the pain cycle for pets with arthritis and while we attempt to use the minimum effective dose, many pet families are reluctant to give these medications for fear of liver or kidney damage or GI upset. While these concerns are valid, simple monitoring with routine blood work and treatment with anti-oxidants to support the liver can alleviate many of these concerns, while allowing us to keep a pet comfortable.  There is also a new NSAID on the market for dogs called Galliprant that is safer for the kidneys and liver if your pet has a pre-existing condition with these organs.  Cats are much more sensitive to NSAIDs.  Meloxicam is often used off-label in cats at low doses and like any NSAID, should always be done so under the supervision of your veterinarian.

Nutraceuticals/Supplements: Other dietary supplements are available that support joint and general muscle-skeletal strength. We often use Standard Process’ Musculoskeletal Support with good results. Standard Process’ Whole Body Support is another that we will commonly use in our geriatric patients as a foundation for good overall health. Many people have reported improvement by using Golden Paste a tumeric formulation that can have anti-inflammatory benefits.  Another product we recommend is CurcuVET-SA50, which uses the active component of turmeric called curcumin.  This often is more simple for pet owners who do not wish to make their own golden paste.  Essential oils can also be extremely helpful for pain and discomfort!  We recommend both individual oils and blends from Young Living® And DoTerra® that include but are not limited to copaiba, frankincense, helichrysm, wintergreen and peppermint.  Please always consult with your holistic veterinarian prior to starting an essential oil regimen for your pet!

Adjunctive Therapies: There are several other therapies that can be utilized for pets with arthritis and degenerative joint disease. Cold laser therapy can be very beneficial in reducing inflammation. At Napa Holistic Vet we offer both in-home cold laser treatments as well as cold laser rental for clients who wish to treat their pets themselves in the comfort of their own home.  Stem/Regenerative Cell Therapy is a process which involves harvesting a small amount of adipose (fat) tissue from a dog, using a laboratory to process and localize the stem cells present in that tissue, and then injecting the processed solution back into the dog (usually via an IV or directly into the affected joints).  We do not currently offer this therapy, however make sure to check with your regular veterinarian because more and more clinics are starting to offer this service. Environmental modification such as using ramps, using yoga mats or “puzzle pieces” for traction control, and using Toe Grips and PawFriction can also help older pets have more control of their footing and minimize sliding or falling on slick floors. Acupuncture is a very beneficial treatment for pets with arthritis pain and can make a significant difference in the comfort and mobility of geriatric pets. Learn even more about acupuncture for pets on our website!

Adjunctive Medications: Many times as the pain from arthritis progresses, the nSAID being utilized is not enough to control the pet’s pain. Utilizing multiple medications that each have different ways of interrupting the body’s inflammatory and pain responses can make a big difference in your pet’s overall comfort. Commonly used adjunctive medications for arthritis pain control can include Chinese Herbal medications, Gabapentin, Amantadine, and Tramadol. Occasionally Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) can be used for painful conditions in dogs but is not recommend with pre-existing liver disease.  It is important to note that Tylenol® is high toxic (deadly) to cats so careful discussion with your veterinarian prior to administering this medication is required!

Physical Therapy: Physical Therapy is often considered for people with joint and mobility concerns, but is not as often prescribed for pets, although it can be just as beneficial. There are several very simple exercises that families can do with their pets to encourage muscle use and flexibility. Massage is also beneficial to pets and can be a nice bonding experience for the pet and their caretakers. Speak with your veterinarian about which exercises they recommend for your pets.

If your pet is showing clinical signs related to arthritis changes, please contact Napa Valley Holistic Veterinary Services at 707-535-9979 to schedule an evaluation to discuss which recommendations might be best for your pet.

Cognitive Dysfunction in Pets

Cognitive dysfunction is a syndrome of brain changes which affect dogs and cats “of a certain age”. It can be a very challenging disease to treat because often cognitive dysfunction does not shorten a pet’s life expectancy, but it can significantly interrupt the pets’ relationship with their family and disrupt everyone’s quality of life.

Studies have shown that dogs being asked to complete memory tasks can show signs of brain changes as early as 6 years old. The same amyloid proteins found in people with Alzheimer’s can be found in dogs by the time they are 8-9 years old. Recent studies have shown that 28% of dogs tested between 11-12 years old had lesions in their brain and 68% of dogs 15-16 years old showed lesions. Despite this high indigence rate, the average diagnosis rate for older dogs is only 1.9%! This is likely because most families dismiss these symptoms as normal behavior of aging animals. Although cognitive dysfunction signs are very common, they are not to be mistaken for normal!

Cats are also affected by cognitive dysfunction. Studies of cats older than 11 years have shown similar prevalence of the disease. 28% of cats aged 11-15 years and 50% of cats over 15 years old were diagnosed with cognitive dysfunction in one study. It is suspected the incidence is actually much higher since these were cats that were formally diagnosed with the disease and diagnosis rate is probably very low (as it was in the dog study discussed above).

These amyloid proteins and plaques develop in the brain and can lead to brain atrophy (tissue wasting, similar to muscle atrophy seen on the outside of the body), neuron loss, blood vessel changes, micro-hemorrhages (mini-strokes), and oxidative damage to the brain tissue. Dogs show very similar plaques and perivascular infiltrates to people, making dogs a model for studies of Alzheimer’s disease. The brain changes noted in cats more closely resemble age-related changes seen in the human brain.

Common Symptoms of Cognitive Dysfunction

Senilife® is a supplement containing a unique blend of antioxidants, which work together to help reduce brain-aging behaviors.

• Disorientation
• Altered interactions with people or other pets
• Altered sleep-wake cycles (waking up or pacing at night most commonly)
• Housesoiling
• Going to the wrong side of the door
• Vocalizing at night
• Pacing/Restlessness
• Not responding to previously learned commands
• Decreased interest in playing
• Changes in appetite
• Compulsive behaviors (increased, repeated licking, etc)
• Altered activity levels, depression, apathy (“moping”)
• Increased anxiety or agitation
• Decreased awareness or response to stimuli (“forgetting” why they walked into a room, staring into space)

The primary goal of treatment for cognitive dysfunction is to reduce risk factors that contribute to brain aging and lead to cognitive changes. Secondarily, we can treat specific clinical signs impacting the pets’ quality of life. There are several nutraceutical recommendations, as well as Eastern and Western medications, and diet changes that can be used to help minimize symptoms in cognitive dysfunction.

Common Recommendations for Cognitive Dysfunction

Quality fish oil with high levels of DHA can help protect cognitive function.

• EPA & DHA: Fish oil supplements show to have high levels of EPA (anti-inflammatory) and DHA (neurologic benefit) can be a good addition to a senior pets diet for many reasons. You can easily add fish oil to any diet, however, you should make sure you are choosing an oil that provides high levels of EPA and DHA to ensure your pet is getting the true benefits needed. Napa Valley Holistic Veterinary Services usually recommends Grizzly Salmon Oil or Kronch Salmon Oil.
• Senilife®: Senilife® is a nutraceutical product containing phosphatidylserine, a membrane phospholipid, as well as Gingko biloba, vitamins E and B6 and resveratrol. There are other products on the market with similar goals as well, including Novifit.®  Our practice has had the most experience and success with Senilife!®
• Neutricks.®: Apoaequorin is a calcium-buffering protein found in jellyfish. In laboratory trials it showed to improve learning and attention in dogs (even more so than Anipryl, a commonly used cognitive dysfunction medication).
• Melatonin: Melatonin can be used to help regulate sleep-wake cycles to try to get a better night sleep. Speak with your veterinarian about the recommended dose for your pet.
• Chinese Herbs: There are several Chinese herbal medications that can be used to help support a pet with cognitive dysfunction, depending on their examination. These herbal medications are tailored to each patients, but can be useful for anxiety, incontinence, and night-waking.
• Diet Recommendations: Certain foods have been shown to benefit brain health according to Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine. These include walnuts and lychee, along with many other foods thought to help boost the immune system and support aging. A home-cooked diet can be tailored to your pet and can be used to support the brain as it ages.
• Pain medications: While pain medications are not specifically indicated in cognitive dysfunction- often our senior patients are experiencing some discomfort from arthritis or other conditions. Making sure that their pain is managed can go a long way to putting their minds at ease.
• Anti-anxiety medications: Anxiety does tend to worsen with cognitive dysfunction and specific anti-anxiety medications can be used  to help alleviate any distress.
• Anipryl (Selegiline): Anipryl (Selegiline) is a medication that has been used to treat Parkinsons Disease and has been the only option in veterinary medicine for cognitive dysfunction for some time. While some pets who are diagnosed very early can benefit from this medication, we typically recommend the other treatment options on this list with more success.

Early detection is key to improving a pet’s quality of life with this disease and the goal of treatment is to slow the progression and minimize the effects the symptoms have on their (and your!) daily life. This means discussing your senior pets’ behavior frequently with your veterinarian to intervene early in the process. We can take steps to improve these symptoms (or ideally prevent them from developing), but your veterinarian can only recommend them if they know your pet might be at risk.

Healing Soup for Pets

Soups have long been used for their nourishing properties.  Just think back to your childhood when you were sick, was there anything better than a hot bowl of soup to make you feel better?  This tradition has extended down through cultures and time because it actually has a medicinal purpose.  

We don’t often think of giving soup to our pets, but this can be a wonderful way to help our animals recover from illness and keep them eating when they are sick.  One of the best soup recipes for this purpose is called “Marrow Soup”.  This soup can be used for cancer patients, geriatric animals, debilitated pets and animals who are not eating or have gastrointestinal issues.

Rather than a bone broth, which is cooked for 2-3 days and can sometimes be too rich for the patients described above, marrow soup is milder and much faster to prepare.  Like bone broth, it still has many healing properties without being too rich for your pet or time consuming for you!

This soup can be offered by itself or added to your pet’s diet.  If your pet is not eating you can try to offer some warm marrow soup, and you may find they will choose to lap it up when they are not eating anything else!  This can put them on the road to recovery.  You can also mix the broth into your pet’s current food or whatever therapeutic homemade or commercial diet they may be on.

The marrow soup supplies minimal calories but many amino acids, minerals, micronutrients and natural glucosamine.  The broth can also have special “medicinal” properties, depending on what you season it with.  For example ginger can be very helpful for nausea and apple cider vinegar is detoxifying and can stimulate digestion.  Turmeric can help with inflammation and pain.  

Onions should never be used in making soups as they are toxic to dogs and cats.  Always make sure a broth does not contain onions in any form if you are purchasing your broth instead of making it yourself.  

What about garlic?  You’ve probably heard of the medicinal benefits but isn’t it toxic too? Small amounts of garlic in a soup tend to be ok because it is strained out in the end and the dose ends up being extremely small. In high amounts it can cause anemia in dogs and cats (and cats tend to be more sensitive).  Powders have more likelihood to do this than fresh garlic.  So what do you do?  In a cat, I’d avoid using garlic at all to be safe. In a dog you’ll probably be fine with a small amount but if your dog is anemic (low red blood cell count) I wouldn’t include it.  Also if you are feeding the broth occasionally a small amount of garlic is probably ok, but if you are feeding it daily for an extended period of time I’d leave out the garlic because the effects on red blood cells are cumulative.  Just one more thing, the Japanese breeds of dogs (Akitas, Shiba Inus) are very sensitive to garlic so never use in these breeds.

It is always recommended to make your own marrow soup, rather than purchasing a similar broth from the store.  A homemade broth will have fresher ingredients and less additives, and thus it’s healing properties will likely be better. However if you really don’t have the time there are commercially available dehydrated bone broths for pets that can be reconstituted.  Just make sure to check your ingredient list for artificial ingredients, garlic and onions!

Marrow Soup Recipe

• 1 organic chicken, cooked with meat removed
• Crack long bones, cover with water, add 1/4 cup organic apple cider vinegar (the acid helps draw calcium and minerals from bones)
• Add veggies if desired (beets, carrots, celery, turnips, parsley)
• Add a slice or 2 of fresh ginger
• 1 clove garlic crushed (optional for dogs-see above, omit for cats)
• Salt/pepper (optional for seasoning)
• Simmer slowly 4 hours, up to 12 hours.  A crock pot on low overnight also works great!
• Strain to remove bones and veggies and discard everything but the broth.
• Can freeze in ice cube trays for daily use or use small ziploc bags for larger portions
• Will stay good in the fridge for 3-5 days or in the freezer for months

For small dogs and cats start with a few tablespoons in their food.  For a larger dog you can go up to 1/2 or even 1 cup daily.

If you would like to learn more about home-cooked diet and nutrition specifically designed for your pet, please contact Napa Valley Holistic Veterinary Services at 707-535-9979 to schedule a consultation!

I'm Yunity: Medicinal Mushroom for Cancer

An exciting new supplement is now available for treating cancer in dogs!  An extract of the turkey tail mushroom (Coriolus versicolor) has been proven to extend the survival time of dogs with hemangiosarcoma (a highly aggressive, metastatic cancer often involving the liver and spleen and spreading throughout the body).  The most exciting thing is that patients treated with this extract lived longer than currently available chemotherapy protocols!  

In 2012 the University of Pennsylvania performed a study with dogs that had hemangiosarcoma.  This cancer often causes a tumor in the spleen to rupture and bleed, requiring a surgical procedure called a splenectomy.  Following surgery, with typical chemotherapy protocols, dogs have an average survival time of 141-179 days.  In the study with the mushroom extract, WITHOUT any chemotherapy, dogs lived for 199 days!  These results are astounding and extremely exciting for our canine companions!

This mushroom has been used in Chinese medicine for more than 2,000 years.  The compound within this mushroom is called a polysaccharopeptide (PSP). The specific supplement being tested is called I’m Yunity, which has a guaranteed analysis of 38% PSP in each capsule.  

Another great thing about I’m Yunity is that it was extremely safe and well tolerated among all patients in the study.  A very important thing to note is that the dose of I’m Yunity which was most effective was 100mg/kg/day. 

Due to the success of the early study, researchers are currently conducting a study evaluating dogs with hemangiosarcoma treated with I’m-Yunity alone, dogs treated with I’m-Yunity + chemotherapy, or dogs treated with chemotherapy alone. If you know a dog who has recently been diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma and would like more information about joining this study, please contact PennVet’s Clinical Investigation Center directly at (215) 573-0302 or via e-mail at vcic@vet.upenn.edu.

It is also exciting to imagine how effective I’m Yunity may be for other cancers.  More research needs to be done and we are eagerly awaiting results!  For more information and to order I’m Yunity go to www.imyunity.com or www.imyunityfordogs.com.