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5 facts your vet might not know

11/27/2012

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Via Animal Wellness Magazine

Even though I’m a holistic doctor, I was trained as a conventional veterinarian. Not only do I have access to both conventional and natural treatments for my patients, but I understand the philosophies behind both approaches.

I am not against conventional medical care per se, but I do think in most cases there are better ways to maintain health than simply over-medicating. I’ve learned many things since adopting a more natural holistic lifestyle and approach to my veterinary practice. In this article, I’m going to share fi ve things most conventional veterinarians won’t share with you, either because they don’t know
the information or don’t believe in it.

1 Your dog doesn’t need vaccines every year. Many people now know this, but many still don’t and continue to take their animals to the vet’s offi ce for annual shots. However, even conventional medical organizations such as the American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Animal Hospital Association, now recommend that most dogs not receive every possible vaccine every year.

Studies have shown that most vaccines on the market today produce many years of immunity. This means that with the exception of limited puppy immunizations and possibly a limited series of boosters given at approximately 1½ years of age, most dogs do not need and should not receive vaccines every year. In my book The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats I discuss a number of potential short-term and long- term problems that can occur as a result of unnecessary vaccinations, including fever, pain at the injection site,
nausea, thyroid disease, immune problems of the blood cells and cancer. Even if there was not an increased risk of health problems associated with repeated vaccines, getting your dog
immunized every year is a waste of money.

Vaccination, like all medical procedures, should be personally tailored to the needs of each animal. Indoor dogs that rarely go outside and never see another dog have different requirements than those that are outside a lot, or traveling around the country competing in canine events.

In place of repeated unnecessary immunizations, a simple blood antibody titer test can determine if and when your dog needs re-vaccination. Most often, the titer test is done to determine antibodies to distemper and parvovirus, the two most common viral diseases in dogs. If titers are low, vaccination can be considered if
the dog is healthy and does not have any other specific medical issues.

2 Your dog doesn’t need chemical flea control products. Most of my new patients were formerly receiving monthly flea and
tick control chemicals. When I ask their people why they were using
these products, the answer is always the same: “My vet told me my dog needed them.” When I then ask them if they have ever seen any fleas or ticks on their dogs, they usually always answer “no”.  This answer is not because the products are killing the pests, but because the dog is not exposed to fleas and ticks, making the chemicals unnecessary. While I don’t have a problem using monthly heartworm preventive medication in most parts of the country, to simply put chemicals in or on your dog to prevent fleas and ticks when he has no exposure to these pests doesn’t make sense to me.

If fleas and ticks are a real issue, I don’t have a problem using these chemical products on a limited basis if the inside and outside environments are also treated, preferably with natural therapies. Integrating flea and tick chemicals with natural therapies can reduce the quantity of chemical preventives needed. But like vaccinations, simply using them without discrimination makes no sense and I believe contributes to the declining health I see in many animals.

3 “People food” won’t hurt your animal. Most conventional doctors will tell you never to feed your dog “people food”. Yet “people food” is exactly what goes into dog food, although in the case of low end commercial diets, the quality of the  ingredients is not necessarily healthy or safe.  To maximize my patients’ health, I offer people a choice: they can feed a natural or organic processed dog food (thankfully there are many more manufacturers making these great foods now than when I started as a holistic veterinarian many years ago); or they can feed a homemade diet, either raw or cooked, with a recipe I give them. Since diet is one thing you can control, and
a healthy natural diet is the foundation of any holistic health plan, it’s important to feed your dog the best food you can afford.

4 Natural therapies may be more effective and less expensive than
conventional medications. Conventional medicine is generally best for acute problems, but a natural approach is usually the best way
to go when dealing with chronic issues. In most cases, natural therapies such as herbal remedies, homeopathics, nutritional supplements and physical treatments including chiropractic, cold laser therapy and acupuncture work as well as, if not better than, traditional drugs. Also, these natural therapies are usually less expensive than traditional medical therapies.  Even in cases where a natural approach may at first appear to be more expensive, long-term costs as well as the benefit to your dog’s health usually make them more cost effective. For example, allergic dogs often respond
very well to a combination of fatty acids, antioxidants, herbs, homeopathics and frequent bathing with organic shampoo. The conventional approach would involve regular use of oral or injectable corticosteroids, antibiotics or both. While these conventional treatments may initially cost less than the natural ones, the long-term costs can be higher due to increased veterinary visits to monitor
liver, thyroid, adrenal and kidney function to make sure there are no problems arising from chronic steroid and antibiotic usage.
Additionally, animals taking these drugs on a regular basis often develop secondary infections, adding to the cost of the dog’s care. Finally, animals treated with steroids usually don’t live as long as those using natural therapies.

5 A natural approach to healthcare can prevent as well as treat disease. Keep in mind that a natural approach can prevent or minimize diseases as well as treat them. Often, people only turn to natural medicine when an animal is sick. However, a natural approach can work really well to keep your dog healthy, minimizing trips to the veterinarian’s office for illness. Conventional veterinarians generally do a good job of treating disease, especially in cases of acute illness or injury, but natural therapies are preferable most of the time. When you consider all the benefits natural care can offer for preventing as well as treating health problems without the side effects, I think you’ll agree it’s the way to go.

http://www.animalwellnessmagazine.com/?articles=5-facts-your-vet-might-not-know


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Can your cat’s purr heal?

11/27/2012

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Via Animal Wellness Magazine.

Do you ever get the feeling your cat knows when you’re unwell, and even where it hurts? If you have a headache, he seems to know to settle down by your head. If it’s a stomachache, he’ll come and sit on your abdomen. And all the time he’s there, he purrs and purrs and purrs!

We all know a cat’s purr is relaxing and stress-reducing, but science has shown it can also be physically beneficial. It’s not just the sound of purring that’s important, but the vibration it produces.

Scientists have known for many years that vibrations at specific levels or frequencies cause healing changes in the body. These vibrations can induce bone growth and regeneration, so that bone fractures heal faster and weakened bones begin to strengthen and rebuild. Higher frequency ranges increase production of the body’s natural anti-inflammatory compounds, thereby reducing joint pain and swelling. Evidence suggests that these frequency ranges can repair muscles, tendons and ligaments, which has led to their use in sports medicine and gyms around the world, especially in the former Soviet Union where so much of this research has been conducted.

Various veterinary studies, meanwhile, indicate that cats rarely suffer bone or joint-related diseases, including hip dysplasia, arthritis and ligament problems. Even bone cancers, such as myeloma or osteosarcoma, are almost unheard of in cats. There’s even a popular saying amongst veterinarians: “If you put a cat and a bunch of broken bones in the same room, the bones will heal.”

It took researcher Elizabeth von Muggenthaler, a specialist in the field of bioacoustics at the Fauna Communications Research Institute in North Carolina (FCRI), to put two and two together. Bioacoustics is the study of the frequency, pitch, loudness, and duration of animal sounds as they relate to the animal’s behavior. Based on her research, Muggenthaler has proposed that purring is nature’s way of endowing felines with an evolutionary healing advantage.

Purring takes energy, and cats purr not only when all is well, but also when they are giving birth, hurt or scared. There has to be a very good reason for expending the energy needed to purr, especially when the cat is physically stressed or ill. In other words, the act of purring has to be somehow contributing to its survival. Nature doesn’t usually select traits without this evolutionary survival advantage, which means that contentment purring just doesn’t make the grade. There has to be another reason for it and Muggenthaler set out to find it.

She recorded and measured the purrs of 44 felids (members of the cat family), including cheetahs, ocelots, pumas, domestic cats, and servals. She found that all these cats generally purr in the range of 20 to 140 Hertz (Hz). Some are as high as 150 Hz but the average housecat comes in at about 25 to 50 Hz.

Interestingly, research has shown that exposure to frequencies at that same 20 to 50 Hz induces increased bone density, relieves pain and heals tendons and muscles.

Bone and joint problems may not be the only illnesses helped by a cat’s purring ability. For example, respiratory problems associated with heart disease are almost non-existent in cats. In fact, respiratory problems resolve quickly once purring is activated. In 1973, Dr. T. F. Cook published an article called “The Relief of Dyspnea in Cats by Purring” in the New Zealand Veterinary Journal. (Dyspnea is the condition of difficult breathing). It seems a dying cat had such trouble breathing that the vets were considering euthanasia. But when the cat began to purr, it started breathing normally. The very act of purring appeared to open up his air passages.

Other healing mechanisms associated with purring include large skin-tissue grafts that take quickly in cats without necrotizing. Domestic cats also tend to be less prone to postoperative complications following surgery. The list goes on and on.

In effect then, by changing the frequency of their purring, cats may be fine-tuning their healing abilities, a distinct evolutionary advantage. It is this unique advantage that has probably given rise to the notion of cats having nine lives, since they seem able to survive conditions that normally kill other animals, such as falls from heights. When researchers looked at the records of 132 cat falls from an average height of 5½ storeys, the found that 90% had survived. The record height for a cat falling and surviving is 45 storeys!

As Muggenthaler concludes, “An internal healing mechanism would be advantageous, increasing recovery time and keeping muscles and bone strong when sedentary.”

The extrapolation of this research may prove vital for human health too, and studies that expose tissue to frequencies of 20 to 50 Hz are ongoing. In 1999, for example, Dr. Clinton Rubin discovered that this exposure creates the robust striations associated with increased bone density, suggesting applications for osteoporosis, particularly in post-menopausal women and the elderly.

Ukrainian and Russian researchers discovered the benefits of vibratory stimulation many decades ago and have employed these techniques in sports training and medicine. Since the fall of the Iron Curtain, many of the treatment devices used by the Soviets have made their way into Western gyms and physical therapy treatment centers.

Even the space program has benefited from the research. This breakthrough could help astronauts, who generally lose bone density in zero gravity, to maintain healthy bones and resist the problems of atrophy in outer space.

But it’s the cat’s “healing by association” that people find most interesting – that ability to sympathetically help cure illness in people simply by being around them. For instance, many individuals swear they can ease or completely eliminate their migraine headaches simply by lying down with a purring cat next to their head. And studies have shown that people with cats, especially senior citizens, have lower blood pressure and can live longer than people without cats.

http://www.animalwellnessmagazine.com/?articles=a-cats-healing-purr

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How to help your arthritic dog

11/27/2012

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by Debra Primovic, DVM
Arthritis is one of the most common diseases affecting senior dogs. These simple lifestyle and household changes will make your companion’s life a lot easier if he isn’t as mobile and flexible as he used to be.

Slip-free flooring
Hardwood and tile floors are slippery and can be very difficult for dogs with arthritis to move around on. Carpet and area rugs (with non-slip backings) will help secure your canine’s footing, and prevent him from injuring himself.

Soft bedding
A good soft bed can help support your dog’s bones and joints and make him more comfortable. This is especially important for slender dogs with bony prominences that are likely to rub on hard surfaces. Some beds are made especially for dogs with arthritis, and include waterbeds, hammock beds, and beds with plenty of cushions.

Ramps or cubes
Stairs and furniture can become difficult obstacles for your aging companion. Ramps or specially designed cubes can help dogs safely climb stairs, or get in or out of bed or your vehicle. Ramps can be made of plastic or wood. One product features soft modular cubes which fit together in various combinations that permit dogs to climb up and down from beds or sofas. The cubes are made of soft rubber, have rounded corners and washable covers.

Moderate exercise
Modest daily exercise can help. Special care is needed, though, so it’s important to first see your veterinarian and let him/her recommend an appropriate exercise program. Moderate exercise, however, can strengthen your dog’s muscles and ligaments, reducing his injury potential and risk.

Weight control
Because older dogs aren’t as active as their younger counterparts, they’re more prone to becoming overweight. Obesity greatly increases the pressure on his bones and joints, and can make the arthritis worse. Be sure to keep your dog at a healthy weight as he ages.

Massage
By massaging your dog, you can increase his flexibility, circulation, calmness and general sense of wellness. A professional animal massage therapist can give your dog a more thorough treatment.

Peace and quiet
As your dog ages, he may not be as tolerant or patient as he used to be. Sore joints make it difficult for him to enjoy rambunctious playful children, for example. Supervise playtime and consider keeping your dog away from very young children. Even parties and holiday time can be distressing for an arthritic dog. On the other hand, he may want to join in the festivities regardless of his discomfort. To reduce joint pain and inflammation, you may want to limit his time as the center of attention.

Give him time
Don’t rush a dog with arthritis. It may often take him extra time to walk, climb stairs, or get in and out of the car. Be patient, let him take as long as he needs, and support and help him if needed.

Grooming aids
Arthritic dogs have a difficult time keeping themselves clean, especially in those hard-to-reach places. Help him by trimming the hair around his rear end. Regular brushing will help remove mats and tangles, which can injure delicate older skin.

http://www.animalwellnessmagazine.com/?articles=how-to-help-your-arthritic-dog

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An integrative approach to healing

11/27/2012

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It goes without saying to always consult your vet, as these articles are for informational purposes only and do not take the place of common sense or a vet's care.
by Shawn Messonnier, DVM
If your dog or cat is diagnosed with allergies, diabetes or cancer, you may think you only have two choices – to either get conventional treatment, or go an entirely holistic route. The thing is, you want to treat the problem naturally and gently, but at the same time you also want to relieve his most acute symptoms as quickly as possible.

An integrative approach allows veterinarians to use natural therapies along with conventional treatments. In some cases, the natural therapies allow us to minimize or even totally eliminate conventional medicines. That can mean reduced medical expenses for you as well as decreased risk of side effects from drugs. This article will look at integrative approaches to five of the most common health conditions diagnosed in dogs and cats.

1. Allergies
Allergies are commonly diagnosed in dogs and occasionally in cats. Conventional medications are commonly prescribed for itchy animals. These usually include corticosteroids like prednisone and various antihistamines such as Benadryl. Since secondary infections often occur in allergic animals, additional medications such as antibiotics or anti-fungal drugs are often prescribed. While these medications can be helpful, corticosteroids and antihistamines may be necessary for the life of the animal in order to decrease itching — and the longer corticosteroids (and antibiotics and anti-fungal medications) are used, the greater the risk of side effects, including decreased lifespan.
In my practice, I have found that natural therapies allow my clients to dramatically reduce the medication needed to treat their allergic animals. In most cases, secondary skin infections can be treated by frequently bathing the animal with organic shampoo and using herbs and homeopathics including Echinacea, astragalus and olive leaf extract.
Itching can be controlled with antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, frequent bathing, and herbs and homeopathics such as sulfur. When absolutely necessary to keep the animal “comfortably itchy”, very low doses of prednisone (about one quarter of the conventionally prescribed dose) are given on a very limited basis. This integrative approach works very well to help heal my allergic patients and get them through their fall and spring outbreaks.

2. Arthritis
Arthritis is typically diagnosed in older dogs and cats, and is probably the most common cause of pain in these animals. Conventional therapies rely on potent corticosteroids like prednisone, or nonsteroidal drugs (NSAIDS) such as Rimadyl, Metacam, Previcox, and Deramaxx. Corticosteroids can damage joint cartilage when used in chronic cases and should rarely if ever be used in animals with arthritis due to their side effects. NSAIDS can also have a number of side effects including gastrointestinal ulceration, bleeding, kidney disease and liver disease. These drugs are best used at a very intermittent low dose basis on days when the animal is particularly painful.

Natural therapies for arthritis are very helpful and, wherever possible, should be used in all animals in place of conventional therapies. If the animal is overweight, a sensible weight loss program should be implemented; this is most important part of any treatment for the arthritic animal.

The most commonly used natural therapies include acupuncture, herbs, homeopathics and nutritional supplements. Dogs and cats with arthritis usually remain pain free and have increased mobility when treated with joint supplements that include glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, DMG and hyaluronic acid.

3. Cancer
Conventional therapies for cancer include chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery. Some combination of these therapies is usually used to quickly remove as much cancer as possible, and in some cases they actually cure the animal. As an integrative doctor, I routinely recommend that my clients utilize these therapies to rapidly kill as much cancer as possible. Natural therapies work better to support the animal’s immunity when there is less cancer remaining for the immune system to kill.

Numerous natural therapies can help the dog or cat with cancer. (For a detailed discussion of these therapies, see my book The Natural Vet’s Guide for Preventing and Treating Cancer in Dogs.) In general, some combination of natural diet, nutritional supplements such as fish oil and antioxidants, herbs and homeopathics are used to detoxify the animal, support organs of elimination such as the liver and kidneys, and kill and prevent the spread of cancer.

The longest periods of remission are typically seen when natural therapies are combined with conventional therapies. In cancers where no conventional therapies can help (such as advanced liver cancer), natural therapies must be used to offer the animal some chance to live comfortably and pain-free for as long as possible. Holistic doctors have seen numerous cases of dogs and cats with cancer live happy and comfortable lives for extended periods following treatment with natural therapies, even after they’d been considered hopeless or incurable by conventional doctors.

4. Diabetes
Diabetes occurs in two forms. Type 1 usually results as permanent and irreversible damage to the pancreatic cells that make insulin. Dogs and cats with Type 1 diabetes will usually require insulin for life. Type 2 diabetes occurs in animals with reduced sensitivity to insulin. These animals usually do not require insulin therapy and can be treated with a combination of diet, exercise and nutritional supplements (mainly herbs and homeopathics) to regulate their blood sugar levels.

The typical conventional medication used to treat Type 1 diabetes is of course insulin, given by injection one to two times per day, usually for the life of the dog or cat. Oral hypoglycemic agents can also be used if for some reason you do not wish to administer insulin injections. Side effects are rare. The main one is a dangerous lowering of blood glucose levels, in which case the animal may develop insulin shock, a life-threatening emergency.

As mentioned, herbs and homeopathics can be very helpful for animals with either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. They typically work better as the main therapy for dogs and cats with Type 2 diabetes. Herbs such as gymnema, when combined with proper diet and regular exercise, can maintain blood glucose levels in a safe range.

5. Urinary tract disorders
The main urinary tract disorders seen in dogs and cats include bladder infection (common in dogs, very rare in cats), bladder stones, bladder cancer (common in dogs, especially Scottish Terriers, but rare in cats), and FLUTD (feline lower urinary tract disorder, a very common urinary problem of unknown cause).
Conventional treatment varies with the condition.

•    For bladder infections (diagnosed by urine culture), antibiotics usually cure the problem.
•    Bladder stones can be removed surgically, by hydropropulsion if the stones are tiny, or by dissolution with a prescription-type diet.
•    Bladder cancer may be removed surgically or treated with several chemotherapy drugs.
•    There is no proven conventional therapy for FLUTD, although most cats are incorrectly treated with antibiotics. Occasionally, anti-anxiety drugs such as amitriptyline may be prescribed. Male cats with chronic obstructive FLUTD can benefit from surgery. However, it does not prevent recurrence but only decreases the chance of further urinary tract obstruction.

Natural therapies are very helpful for animals with bladder disorders and can also be effective if used by themselves, without conventional medication.
•    Antibacterial herbs (Oregon grape, astragalus, Echinacea) and homeopathics can help with bladder infections.
•    Similar herbs and homeopathics may dissolve bladder stones or can be used along with surgery to help the animal heal following stone removal.
•    Integrating natural treatments with chemotherapy can improve quality of life and may extend remission time for animals with bladder cancer.
•    There are no proven treatments for cats with FLUTD, so natural therapies especially helpful. Homeopathics such as cantharis and herbs such as uva ursi and marshmallow can have curative effects in cats with FLUTD.

By integrating conventional and natural therapies, most dogs and cats can achieve many years of health. They can also live longer than those treated solely with conventional medications.

http://www.animalwellnessmagazine.com/?articles=an-integrative-approach-to-healing

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What you need to know about antibiotics

11/3/2012

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http://www.animalwellnessmagazine.com/?articles=what-you-need-to-know-about-antiobiotics


What you need to know about antibiotics


Shawn Messonnier, DVM in Animal Wellness Magazine.

What you need to know about antibiotics
Chances are, your dog or cat has been on antibiotics at least once in his life, perhaps for a skin problem, or an ear or urinary infection. These common medications are frequently used to treat many diseases in companion animals. While they can be life-saving, they are often used indiscriminately. In many cases, animals are given antibiotics for months to years without having even received a proper diagnosis or follow-up visit!

What are antibiotics?

Antibiotics are made from other living products such as molds. Penicillin is actually produced by the penicillium mold, as a way to prevent bacteria from killing it. In the laboratory, these raw antibiotics are chemically altered to reduce toxicity and the chances of bacteria becoming resistant to them.

Commonly used antibiotics include:
Amoxicillin
Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid
Ampicillin
Tetracycline
Doxycycline
Enrofloxacin
Trimethroprim-sulfa

How vets choose an antibiotic

Due to many patient and bacterial factors we can’t control, there is no “perfect” antibiotic for each animal or type of infection. Your doctor must make an educated guess as to which one is most likely to cure the disease. A number of factors allow him/her to choose the most appropriate one.

1.    Knowing the disease is actually caused by bacteria, or is likely to be complicated by a secondary bacterial infection.
2.    Knowing the chosen antibiotic is likely to work. This requires a current and thorough knowledge of pharmacology and pharmacokinetics. No antibiotic will kill every bacteria.
3.    The antibiotic should ideally be as safe as possible for the patient.
4.    Whenever possible, the least expensive antibiotic should be prescribed.

Side effects do occur

While usually safe when used on a short term basis, antibiotic therapy is not totally benign. The most commonly seen side effects include vomiting or diarrhea. This can result from a particular sensitivity to the prescribed antibiotic, or from the stomach being irritated by the medication. Giving antibiotics with food usually prevents GI irritation. However, if the antibiotic is meant to be given on an empty stomach, make sure to do so and let your veterinarian know if GI side effects occur.

While not as common as in humans, allergic reactions (such as the penicillin allergy that occurs in many people) can occasionally show up in animals taking antibiotics. Animals that have an allergic reaction to an antibiotic should not be treated with it again (or possibly with any other antibiotics in the same class of drug).

Why isn’t my animal better?

In practice, the most common side effects include a failure to improve and be “cured”, as well as an increased incidence of secondary yeast infections, common with long term antibiotic use (especially tetracycline-type medications and in pediatric patients).

There are several reasons why animals may not get better while taking antibiotics.

1. Incorrect diagnosis
Only bacterial infections respond to antibiotics, so it is important to be sure that the disease process is actually caused by bacteria. Diseases caused by viruses, fungi, and cancer will not respond to antibiotics. Additionally, most gastrointestinal problems, ear infections, vaginal infections, anal sac infections, and bladder problems in cats do not require antibiotic therapy (other than topical or local). Giving antibiotics to animals with these issues will usually not cure them as the problem is not caused by bacteria, or the systemically-administered antibiotic will not enter the infected tissue and kill the infection. Using antibiotics for these problems not only increases the cost of treatment but also the likelihood of antibiotic resistance, a serious problem in health care.

2. Underlying problems
Animals with allergies, chronic ear disease, and thyroid disease often have chronic bacterial skin infections. Some animals with chronic bladder problems have bladder stones or tumors, and some with chronic GI disease have inflammatory bowel disease. Until the underlying problem is diagnosed and treated, the tissue will continue to get infected and the animal will continue to require ever longer courses of antibiotics.

3. Wrong antibiotic
No antibiotic works all the time. If the prescribed antibiotic does not work, the diagnosis needs to be reassessed. If antibiotics are still required, a different one might be needed. Culture and sensitivity testing will help the clinician choose the correct antibiotic.

4. Wrong dose
Even the right antibiotic won’t work if it is under-dosed. While cultures can help doctors choose the most appropriate antibiotic, what happens in the animal does not correlate 100% with what happens on a culture plate in the lab!

5. Wrong treatment time
Antibiotic therapy shouldn’t be stopped just because the animal looks or feels better. Doing so will often cause a relapse due to bacteria that have not been killed but have just remained dormant. Many doctors minimize treatment time in an attempt to minimize cost. This is usually the case when treating larger dogs with skin infections, for example. Skin infections require a minimum treatment time of three to four weeks (severe and chronic infections may require six to 12 weeks). Antibiotics for skin infections are expensive; the dose for a large dog could easily cost $100 or more for three to four weeks of treatment. To help people out, some doctors only prescribe a two-week course. The animal then relapses after temporarily improving and requires more treatment, which ultimately costs more than if the animal had been treated properly in the first place.

It’s not only doctors who try to shorten treatment time when they shouldn’t. Many people commonly stop antibiotic therapy when their animals begin to “look and feel” better. Doing so will not cure the animal and may lead to a relapse that will take longer (and cost considerably more) to treat than the original infection. It’s therefore important not to stop proper therapy unless directed to do so by your veterinarian.

How complementary therapies can help

A variety of complementary therapies can be used in animals that require antibiotics. They may help reduce side effects, decrease the length of time the medication is needed, or may even be used in place of an antibiotic.

It’s important to work with a veterinarian who is well versed in both conventional and alternative therapies.

Homeopathy

This modality uses dilute substances to treat the animal. Homeopathic “antibiotics” (called nosodes) are dilute remedies containing the bacteria for which they are indicated.  For example, if the animal has a staphylococcal infection, the homeopathic doctor might prescribe the staphylococcal nosode. In effect, this is a homeopathic “vaccine” against the staphylococcal bacteria. The goal is to use the nosode to stimulate the animal’s body to attack the bacteria.

Other homeopathic remedies may be indicated depending on which part of the body is infected. For instance, animals with skin infections might be treated with the staphylococcal nosode (since staphylococcal bacteria are the primary cause of skin infections) and homeopathic sulfur, a good remedy for many skin cases. Your doctor will choose the most appropriate homeopathic remedy for your animal’s infection.

Herbs

Many herbal therapies are considered “anti-bacterial” and can be tried in place of antibiotics (under a doctor’s supervision, of course). The following herbs may be helpful as your vet attempts to wean your animal off antibiotic therapy.

Alfalfa
Aloe vera
Astragalus
Blessed thistle
Coriander
Cranberry
Echinacea
Garlic
Goldenrod
Goldenseal
Sarsaparilla
Tea tree

Nutritional supplements

Olive leaf extract
This substance contains large amounts of oleuropein, which exhibits antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial effects. It is very useful for treating animals with a variety of infections. In my practice, I use it mainly for infections of the ears, skin, and urinary systems. Feeding large amounts of olive oil will not achieve the same effect, since oleuropein is extracted from the leaves before the oil is removed for use.

Probiotics
Diarrhea is the most comment side effect in dogs and cats taking antibiotics. It happens because the antibiotic kills healthy bacteria and yeasts in the GI tract. These microorganisms are very important in maintaining normal bowel health. Supplementing with probiotics (usually given one to two hours after the antibiotic is given) usually prevents diarrhea.

When used appropriately, antibiotics can be life-saving. Unfortunately, they are often overused and misused, failing to cure the animal’s problem and contributing to antibiotic resistance. If your dog or cat suffers from recurring infections that don’t seem to respond well to medication, it might be time to consider a more integrative approach that encompasses alternative as well as conventional therapies.

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