Computers Selecting Medications: InteMedica Part Two

We’re exploring medical tests. We all know that medical tests can be wrong. In fact, statistically, if 14 tests are run—often done when a pet has a complete blood count including red blood cells, white blood cells, electrolytes, liver, kidney, and thyroid function—at least one of them will be wrong. That’s why if a test is abnormal, the test should be repeated rather than accepted as accurate.

In yesterday’s blog, we explored another area of medical tests—interpretation. Just as the test data can be wrong, the interpretation can be wrong. Even with years of medical education, professionals can misinterpret tests. The example used was an elevation in blood urea nitrogen (BUN), which the veterinarian interpreted as a sign of kidney failure. Although this makes sense because a sick kidney is one reason BUN becomes elevated, in Bella’s case, as we discussed yesterday, this was a mistaken interpretation. Bella’s high BUN was due to dehydration. It would have been a waste of money, an enormous stress on the dog, and a strain on the family to have acted on the misinterpretation.

Unfortunately, misinterpreting test results is not rare. Here’s another example of a blood test that was misinterpreted—this time, a cat’s blood test. And, again, this example is from a pet that has been treated within the last month.

Baron’s saga began when pathologists diagnosed a connective tissue cancer on his toe. Connective tissue cancers, which are called sarcomas, can be very aggressive; Baron’s veterinarian recommended amputating the leg to control the cancer. A holistic veterinarian would also have recommend changing to a healthy, whole food diet, adding herbs, and using pheromones to decrease stress.

Last week, Baron’s leg was amputated, and after two days in the hospital Baron was discharged home with pain medication and lots of good advice for his rehabilitation. Before Baron left the hospital, blood was drawn to confirm no bacterial infection had set in during the lengthy surgical procedure. There was no sign of infection—the white blood cells were normal—but Baron’s blood sugar was shooting toward the moon—about 350 mg/dl, which is more than two times normal for cats (70-150 mg/dl). The veterinarian called Baron’s family and said it appeared he had developed diabetes, which is rather common in chubby cats like Baron, and that he should return to the hospital to begin insulin therapy.

When the family discussed the elevated blood sugar test, I suggested that it was due to stress rather than to diabetes. Instead of returning to the hospital for insulin, I recommended they ask for a blood test that clarifies whether there had been a history of elevated blood sugar or whether it was a sudden, short-term elevation. The test that tells us this is called a glycosylated hemoglobin (G Hb). When a pet has longstanding diabetes, the hemoglobin is changed by the sugar in the blood. The change is so marked that in a cat it’s possible to estimate the blood sugar levels of the past 4-6 weeks. (In a dog, the G Hb estimates blood sugar levels for even longer—about 8-12 weeks.) Fortunately, when Baron returned for a blood test, his sugar levels were normal. Absolutely wonderful news for the cat, and the family. No diabetes.

If misinterpreting tests is easy for medical professionals, and if it happens rather frequently, is it more comforting or less comforting to think a computer will interpret the test? Is it more comforting or less comforting to have the computer designed by the company that sells the supplements the computer recommends?

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Computers Selecting Medications: InteMedica Part One

An InteMedica seminar for medical doctors, acupuncturists, and holistic practitioners in Miami this past weekend (February 24th, 2007), promoted products that push the edge of the medical envelope. If we’re exploring in space, it’s a good thing to push the envelope, but whether it’s a good thing with health care we will see.

The sales rep for InteMedica, Dena, is an honest, helpful person who believes in the company’s products. InteMedica markets Chinese herbs, nutritional supplements, and homeopathic medications. The products can be used singly or in combination. To assist the practitioner in choosing the right products, a computer-generated list of recommendations is prepared by a software program that interprets data from the patient’s palm. The patient rests either hand on a metal pad and the pad transmits information to a computer. The data generated by hand contact with the metal plate allows the software to recommend a list of products. This is not a laboratory test and no fluids are removed from the patient. These are data generated by the palm and analyzed by a computer in order to recommend InteMedica’s herbs, homeopathics and supplements. Because veterinarians were invited, I’m hypothesizing there will be a day when a sensor is available to accept data from a dog or cat.

Using a testing device to arrive at a recommended treatment is well established in human and veterinary medicine. For example, blood tests suggest who is anemic and needs blood. Blood tests tell us who needs a bone marrow transplant. X-rays tell us who has bladder stones and needs surgery. MRIs suggest who has spinal compression and needs surgery. Although the use of testing devices is well established, interpreting test results is not a straightforward matter. In fact, interpretation is fraught with difficulties—so many that it takes years of medical training to interpret tests correctly. If it did not take years of training, a lab technician could write a script as soon as blood was taken and run through the analyzer.

Even with medical training, test misinterpretation is common. Here’s an example that occurred with a colleague’s hospitalized Chihuahua this month. Bella, who weighs about three pounds, developed anorexia, dehydration and diarrhea that required hospitalization. One of the abnormalities in Bella's blood tests was an elevated level of urea in the blood (BUN or blood urea nitrogen). Urea is primarily a waste product, so the blood level is carefully regulated by the kidneys. Healthy kidneys selectively pull urea from the blood and toss it out in the urine. When Bella’s veterinarian saw the elevated BUN test results, he interpreted it as a kidney problem—a misinterpretation. What Bella had was an elevated BUN due to dehydration.

Although the clinic veterinarian suggested further diagnostic tests and a change to a special diet, I advised Bella’s family to wait. What happened within 24 hours? Bella began to eat and drink; fluids rehydrated her cells and returned the proper amount of liquid to her blood. Blood pressure returned to normal. Blood of a normal viscosity pumped through her kidneys at a normal rate. Bella’s kidneys tossed out the urea and brought BUN levels back to normal.

What would have happened if test misinterpretation had lead to a series of diagnostic tests and a feeding regimen for pets with suspected kidney failure?
1. A major stress for Bella and her family.
2. A waste of money.
3. A diversion from the real problem, which is either food allergy or dietary indiscretion.

Tomorrow, we’ll have another example of test misinterpretation—this one of a cat the veterinarian wanted to put on insulin. Then, we’ll return to the idea of InteMedica’s diagnostic computer.

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Pet Health: Treating Pet Arthritis

No pet should suffer arthritis pain and stiffness, but what is the best medication to use to control arthritis symptoms? If your answer came from the “Systematic review of clinical trials of treatments for osteoarthritis in dogs” which evaluated nearly 400 studies to conclude that research supports the use of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) Meloxicam (Metacam), Carprofen (Rimadyl), and Etodolac (EtoGesic), you would use one of these NSAIDs for your pet. On the other hand, if you examined the side effects of these medications, which include kidney failure, liver problems, dry eye, and stomach ulcers, you would use NSAIDs sparingly. And that is the safest approach for most pets.
The best treatment strategy for pets with arthritis is to use:
· injectable chondroprotective, Adequan(Rx), twice a year,
· chondroprotectives daily, and
· NSAIDsfor markedly painful days.

How else can we help pets with arthritis?
We can do far more to help arthritic pets than simply giving medications, and here are 7 suggestions for additional ways to decrease pain and suffering of arthritic pets:
1. Don’t let pets get fat. Heavy pets suffer much more joint pain than thin pets suffer, and heavy pets require more medication to become comfortable.
2. Exercise pets frequently but for short periods and without encouraging stressful activity. For example, swim pets rather than take them hill climbing.
3. Massage pets and focus on acupuncture points that relieve pain. (We'll cover these points some time in the near future.)
4. Use homeopathic medications to treat pain, such as Traumeel and Zeel, Arnica, and Bryonia.
5. Increase Omega 3 fatty acids to control inflammation.
6. Feed as much real food as possible. That is, if you can tell what is in the food when you look at it (Chicken liver looks like what it is, but prepared kibble looks like what?), the food contains more of the antioxidants and healing nutrients pets need.
7. Provide a warm, supportive bed.

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Pet Health: Arthritis Medications Perna, Glyco-Flex, and Cosequin

A review of nearly 400 studies of arthritis medications rated three nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs):
· Meloxicam (Metacam),
· Carprofen (Rimadyl) and
· Etodolac (EtoGesic)
as most effective against arthritis.

In previous blogs, we’ve examined what the authors of the “Systematic review of clinical trials of treatments for osteoarthritis in dogs” said and did not say about these three NSAIDs.

Chondroprotectives were also included in the review. Chondroprotective medications rebuild joint cartilage and maintain thick, healthy synovial fluid. Let’s examine three of the chondroprotective medicatins discussed in the “Systemic review”:
· Green-lipped Mussels (Perna),
· Polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (Glyco-Flex), and
· Chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride, and manganese ascorbate (Cosequin).

Perna
Green-lipped Mussels (Perna) according to the Systemic Review
Although two clinical trials of 62 dogs with arthritis conformed to rigid scientific standards determined by authors of the “Systematic review, ” the authors did not find the studies adequately addressed all issues of scientific quality. Based on the studies, the authors felt moderately comfortable with the use of Perna for the treatment of arthritis.

What the Systemic Review did not say about Green-lipped Mussels (Perna)
Perna, like all chondroprotective medications, takes several weeks to become effective. Perna does not act within hours to relieve pain and allow increased mobility and flexibility within hours as the NSAIDs (Metacam, EtoGesic, Rimadyl) do. Perna improves joints slowly, cell by cell. Over time, there is less pain because joint cartilage and fluid have become more normal. Because Perna is a whole food rather than a purified portion of food, it contains a multitude of molecules that nourish to cells. For example, Perna provides 9 glycosaminoglycans to nourish joints rather than just the two most commonly provided by joint medications—glucosamine and chondroitin. Unlike NSAIDs, Perna does not cause serious side effects: however, it is a shellfish and should not be used in pets with shellfish allergies.

Glyco-Flex
Polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (Glyco-Flex) according to the Systemic Review
Although one clinical trial of 63 dogs with arthritis conformed to rigid scientific standards as determined by authors of the “Systematic review,” they felt the trial did not adequately address all issues of scientific quality. Based on the study, the authors felt moderately comfortable with the use of polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (Glyco-Flex) for arthritis.

What the Systemic Review did not say about Polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (Glyco-Flex)
Glyco-Flex is a chondroprotective medication that takes several weeks to become effective. It contains perna, glucosamine, N-N-Dimethylglycine, and manganese. Glyco-Flex does not cause serious side effects that are more common with NSAIDs. However, Glyco-Flex contains shellfish (Perna) and brewers yeast, both which can both cause allergies. Due to the success of the original Glyco-Flex, additional Glyco-Flex products have been developed. Some of these contain MSM, which works rather like an herbal aspirin to control pain in the short term while the other ingredients work over the long term. For many pets, chondroprotective medications with MSM have the pain relieving benefit of NSAIDs without the side effects.

Cosequin
Chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride, and manganese ascorbate (Cosequin) according to the Systemic Review
Although one clinical trial of 19 dogs with arthritis conformed to rigid scientific standards as determined by authors of the “Systematic review,” they rated the study as not proving the benefit of Cosequin.

What the Systemic Review did not say about Chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride, and manganese ascorbate (Cosequin)
Cosequin is one of the most well-researched joint products in small animal medicine and it is considered so effective that many other joint products are modeled after it. Cosequin was one of the first joint products to focus on using very small molecules so that pets could absorb the ingredients. Intestinal cells cannot absorb large molecules, which pass through the intestines and out into the feces. By ensuring the molecules are small, more of the active ingredients in Cosequin are absorbed and can benefit pets. Because of the success of the original Cosequin, other chondroprotective products (Dasuquin) have been developed.

As a pet owner, it helps to have an overview on NSAIDs and chondroprotectives. Do not be swayed by advertising or by statements taken from scientific studies published in national veterinary journals to choose the wrong medication for your pet.

In future blogs, we’ll explore how to use NSAIDs and chondroprotectives together for the safest, most effective arthritis treatment.

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Pet Health: Arthritis Medications Rimadyl and EtoGesic

We’re examining medications recommended for arthritis in dogs. The “Systematic review of clinical trials of treatments for osteoarthritis in dogs” published in the Feb 15th, 2007, Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA) recommended three nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as most effective: Metacam, Rimadyl, and EtoGesic. We previously looked at what the Review said and did not say about Metacam. Now, let’s see what this study said about Rimadyl and EtoGesic

Rimadyl (Carprofen) according to the Systemic Review
Three studies conforming to rigid scientific standards as determined by authors of the “Systematic review of clinical trials of treatments for osteoarthritis in dogs” found Rimadyl to be effective in controlling arthritis symptoms. Thus, Rimadyl appears to be a good medication to prescribe for pet arthritis.

What the Systemic Review did not say about Rimadyl
No information was given on side effects caused by Rimadyl (Carprofen). Rimadyl is an NSAID with potential problems that include stomach ulcers, kidney failure, and liver failure. Unfortunately, problems caused by Rimadyl are so common that the federal government created a website: http://www.fda.gov/cvm/CVM_Updates/NSAIDpage.htm
to discuss precautions when using the medication. The FDA recommends that veterinarians discuss the potential for ulcers, kidney and liver failure, and death with their clients. General recommendations on NSAIDs are posted by the FDA at: http://www.fda.gov/cvm/nsaids.htm.
Let’s look at the third NSAID promoted as effective against arthritis, EtoGesic.

EtoGesic (Etodolac) according to the Systemic Review
One study, which conformed to rigid scientific standards determined by authors of the “Systematic review of clinical trials of treatments for osteoarthritis in dogs” found EtoGesic to be at least somewhat effective in controlling pain.

What the Systemic Review did not say about EtoGesic
Unfortunately, no information was given on side effects of EtoGesic. As with Rimadyl and Metacam, EtoGesic is an NSAID with potential problems that include stomach ulcers, kidney failure, and liver failure. Reports of these problems are not uncommon. In addition, EtoGesic causes dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca or KCS). Dry eye occurs when there are insufficient tears to flush the eye. Dry eye occurs in some pets with a genetic predisposition to it and in some pets as a result of drug use.In addition to EtoGesic, drugs in the following categories can cause dry eye:

Decongestants
Diuretics
Antibiotics (sulfa)
Antihistamines
Beta blockers
Antidepressants

With dry eye, the tears thicken and a mucoid discharge collects in the inner corner of the eye. The sensitive clear layer over the eye, the cornea, is more easily irritated by dust and debris because it is not constantly bathed with a thin layer of tears. When pets develop dry eye or other side effects due to a medication, these medical problems may improve if the medication is stopped. And, they may not. For some pets with dry eye following EtoGesic use, the condition is permanent and requires treatment for life. To make matters worse, the medication used to treat dry eye is expensive. Thus, it would appear that EtoGesic is not a wise first choice of medication for treating arthritis symptoms in many dogs, especially those with a tendency to develop dry eye: Cocker Spaniels, Bulldogs, Westies, Lhaso Apsos, and Shih Tzus.

If NSAIDS cause serious side effects, what medications should be used for arthritis?
No dog should live with arthritis pain, and no dog should develop liver failure, kidney failure, dry eye, or other health problems because they received medication to control pain. So, what should we do for pets with arthritis? In subsequent blogs, we’ll look at chondroprotective medications, including three covered in the Systemic Review and published in JAVMA:
· Cosequin,
· Perna, and
· Glyco-Flex.

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Pet Health: Arthritis and Metacam

Millions of dogs have arthritis. Which are the best arthritis medications for them? According to “Systematic review of clinical trials of treatments for osteoarthritis in dogs” published in the Feb 15th, 2007, Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA), 16 studies suggest the following were effective, with the more effective listed at the top:
· Metacam (Meloxicam)
· Rimadyl (Carprofen)
· EtoGesic (Etodolac)
· Cosequin (chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride, and manganese ascorbate)
· Perna (green-lipped mussels), Perna (Green-lipped muscles)
· Glyco-Flex (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan)

Over the next few blogs, we’ll consider what the Systemic Review said and did not say for each of 6 medications. As you’ll see, what wasn’t said is as important to your pet as what was said. Let’s start with the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Metacam (Meloxicam) according to the Systemic Review
Four studies found Metacam to be effective in controlling arthritis symptoms. The studies conformed to rigid scientific standards, and the scientists that evaluated them agreed the studies showed Metacam improved arthritis symptoms. Does this mean Metacam should be the first choice of pain medication when treating pets with arthritis. Decidedly no.

What the Systemic Review did not say about Metacam
What the Review did not discuss were side effects associated with Metacam use. Metacam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that has potential for causing:
· stomach ulcers,
· liver damage, and
· kidney damage.

Kidney damage and kidney failure are most likely in cats receiving injectable Metacam. Metacam is widely used to provide analgesia during dental treatments and during spay and neuter surgeries. In some cases, cats that developed kidney damage were given higher doses of Metacam than they should have been given, but in other cases, cats received acceptable levels of Metacam.

Usually we focus on physical effects of drugs, but when assessing possible side effects of Metacam, it’s important to include behavioral effects. Dog owners have reported odd, unwelcome behaviors in dogs given Metacam. For example, dogs may become fearful when they weren’t fearful or anxious prior to receiving Metacam. Thus, the vacuum or broom may frighten a pet that had not previously been afraid of them.

Tomorrow the blog will consider another NSAID discussed in the Systemic Review, Rimadyl, the most widely used of all arthritis medications.

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Arthritis in dogs Which medications work?

Hundreds of medications area available to stop arthritis pain in dogs. Which arthritis medications work?

The Feb 15th, 2007, Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA) published a review of almost 400 research studies done on products to control arthritis symptoms: “Systematic review of clinical trials of treatments for osteoarthritis in dogs.” Although the authors reviewed almost 400 studies, they found only 16 that met their criteria for inclusion in the review. They were looking for studies with as many of these criteria as possible:

• a sufficient number of dogs,


• a control group that was not treated


• randomized dogs rather than placed dogs arbitrarily in groups


• had results that could be objectively—rather than subjectively—measured.

Medications used in the 16 studies included nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDx) or chondroprotectives. Results suggest that the following were effective, with the more effective listed at the top:

• Metacam (Meloxicam)


• Rimadyl (Carprofen)


• EtoGesic (Etodolac)


• Cosequin (chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride, and manganese ascorbate)


• Perna (green-lipped mussels), Perna (Green-lipped muscles)


• Glyco-Flex (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan)

Does this mean you should choose Metacam, Rimadyl or EtoGesic before using Cosequin, Perna or Glyco-Flex for your dog with arthritis? The blog will explore each of these products over the next several days so that you can evaluate how to use information in the “Systematic review” wisely.

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Pet Health: dog behavior and crying baby sounds

It's about to become easier to help dogs acclimatet to the sounds of crying babies. An animal behaviorist, Lynne Findley, is developing a CD that will help desensitize dogs to the sounds babies make.

Bringing a new baby home is one of the most joyous occasions experienced in life. With the help of Lynne’s upcoming behavior modification CD, pets can be as happy about the event as we are. Why do pets need to be taught to be happy about babies? To pets, babies are strange and they make horrible sounds. Without training, baby sounds stimulate unusual, and sometimes unwanted, behavior in some pets for several reasons. Baby sounds are:
· high-pitched and can be similar to the sounds of escaping prey, such as rabbits and mice.
· at a greater volume than pets are accustomed to.
· packed with raw emotion—fear, anger, pain, frustration—that can be disturbing.

A behavior modification CD would allow pets to become acclimated to baby sounds so they’re comfortable with them before the baby comes home. If your baby is already in the home, the CD will help desensitize your pet because it can be played at low volumes while the pet is being given treats. With repetition, pets associate baby sounds with treats and are no longer disturbed by them.

If you’d like to discuss your experience bringing a baby home to a household with pets, post your comments on the blog where we can all enjoy them. Your experiences will help Lynne cover all the crying-baby bases. With your input and Lynne’s expertise, we’ll soon have a behavior training tool that is truly a blessing for parents, babies, and pets.

To increase the rate at which your pet learns new behaviors in response to baby crying, provide Omega 3 fatty acids . Omega 3 fatty acids nourish the brain and nerves, and high Omega 3 fatty acids have been proven to correlate with improved learning and behavior. The best sources of Omega 3 fatty acids are fish oils, such as Nordic Naturals, and flax, such as Missing Link.

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Westminster Kennel Club Picks Best of Show

The Westminster Kennel Club judges have spoken and the 2007 Best of Show  is the Sporting Group winner, an English Springer Spaniel, Felicity’s Diamond Jim. Diamond Jim is a handsome fellow, but all the dogs at Westminster Kennel Club Show were extraordinary.

Diamond Jim competed against the winner of the Hound Group, a female Petits Bassets Griffons Vendeen named Celestial CJ’s Folly Fairchild, the winner of the Herding Group, a male Bouvier des Flandres named Ace’s Indelible Mark HT, and the winners of other groups listed in the blog yesterday.

While Diamond Jim’s family is undoubtedly proud of him, all of us pet owners should be equally proud of the special beauty that radiates from our own pets. In fact, it’s ok for each of us to think our pets are the best in the world. I know mine are.

Congratulations to each and every dog at the Westminster Show for working so hard and achieving so much.

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Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show 2007

Here it is, the top dog show in the country, Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show 2007, and Harry has been appointed king of Terriers. Many think Harry, formally known as Hobergays Fineus Fogg, will become the best of all breeds when best of breeds judging is done tonight. Harry’ll be competing against a female Standard Poodle named Brighton Minimoto from the Non-sporting group, a female Toy Poodle named Smash Jp Win A Victory from the Toy group, and female Akita named Redwitch Reason to Believe from the Working group. Winners of Hound, Sporting and Herding groups, who have yet to be determined, will also compete. Will dignified little Harry, who is co-owned by Bill Cosby, become the next champion? We’re eager to see.

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Pet Weight Loss: Dog Foods That Help

The war against obesity is being investigated at the University of Calgary by Dr. R. Reimer. Dr. Reimer believes oligofructose, a fiber found in foods, will help prevent obesity and improve blood cholesterol in human. It was the encouraging results from animals studies done by Belgian researchers that made Dr. Reimer optimistic about the role of oligosaccharides in weight control. Pet owners optimistic about helping their pets stay a normal weight should also be excited about opportunities provided by oligofructose.

Oligofructose is not a chemical or a drug. It’s a natural ingredient in food that increases the feeling of fullness and satisfaction after eating. With a normal feeling of fullness, pets will be content eating the correct amount of food and won’t beg for more. Oligofructose stimulates fullness by increasing the satiety hormone called glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1). Oligofructose molecules increase GLP-1 by turning on the DNA in intestinal cells so that they produce more GLP-1. Oligofructose also helps the good bacteria in the intestines flourish. It is not digested into sugar and makes no caloric contribution.

Because animal studies of the benefits of oligofructose were effective with a very difficult group—genetically obese rats—dogs with normal genes should be easy to help through oligosaccharide supplementation. True, oligofructose is not a magic wand that will instantly cause dogs to become the ideal weight, it is a positive factor that has no potentially negative side effects.

Where can dogs get oligofructose? It's a natural ingredient in may foods: grains such as barley, and vegetables such as Jerusalem artichoke, burdock, chicory, leeks, onions, and asparagus. Of these, the safest sources of oligofructose for pets are barley and artichoke. Where can you get barley for your pet? That's really easy. The second ingredient in Azmira Lifestyle Lamb—after lamb—is barley. The second ingredient in Azmira Classic Beef—after beef—is barley. Thus, for many dogs, Azmira foods are ideal to help with weight control.

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Fish oils for dogs and cats: How to tell if a product is worth the money

Some fish oil products for pets are excellent, and others are limp imitations. How do you know which is which? If you want to evaluate fish oil products, ask four questions:

1. What is in the product?
2. What’s the concentration?
3. Where’s the research that shows this particular product at this concentration is useful in the species it’s being marketed for.
4. Who’s using it? Are they veterinarians I respect?

Nordic Naturals Omega 3 Pet contains 1000 mg per capsule. This is 320 mg of Omega 3 fatty acid with 110 mg of DHA and 165 mg of EPA. Nordic Naturals Omega 3 Pet has been analyzed by an independent laboratory who found the oil contained a lower concentration of contaminants than a competitor. The analysis was done because the competitor swore their product was the most pure pet fish oil available. While both fish oil products were below the maximum allowable limits for heavy metals and PCBs (known carcinogens), the Omega 3 Pet from Nordic Naturals was verifiably more pure.

Heavy metals and PCBs are cumulative in the body so that even small amounts are significant. By the time your pet is a senior, its cells will be awash with contaminants if it consumes even legally acceptable amounts regularly. To protect your pets, choose the purist fish oils available.

In addition to independent laboratory testing, Nordic Naturals has research showing their products are pure and effective. In addition to veterinary research, there are many human studies of the effects of fish oils are done with Nordic Naturals products—another proof of medical professions belief in the purity and efficacy of these products.

Physicians and veterinarians interested in holistic medicine are choosing Nordic Naturals over other fish oils. These veterinarians are not swayed by the advertising of a new fish oil that is being marketed as having zero heavy metals and zero contaminants. Zero heavy metals and zero contaminants is an impossibility. All fish that eat other fish accumulate heavy metals and contaminants. It’s just the amount they accumulate that varies. If the fish are from Nordic waters, they have lived in less contaminated oceans and have lower concentrations of contaminants in their bodies.

While educated veterinarians understand fish oil contamination issues, the average pet owner may not. That’s why it helps to use the 4 questions above to assess the quality of a product. These questions help you realize advertising hoopla when you see it. Spend your money on cat or dog supplements wisely. Buy them at the best price, but buy them from a veterinarian you trust.

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Behavior modification in pets: How to tell if a product is worth the money.

Some pet products are excellent, and others are limp imitations. How do you know which is which? If you want to know whether a pet product is good, ask a pet expert—your veterinarian. For example, how would veterinarians evaluate pheromone products marketed to modify behavior?

Veterinarians would ask four questions:

1. What is in the product?
2. How much or what is the concentration of active ingredients?
3. Where’s the research that shows this particular product at this concentration is useful in the species it’s being marketed for.
4. Who’s using it? Are they veterinarians I respect?

Comfort Zone DAP is marketed as a calming product. It contains a pheromone released when dogs nurse their puppies. The pheromone is present in a 2% concentration. Comfort Zone DAP has been on he market many years and is backed by clinical research that shows it relieves stress in shelter situations and in private homes. Many veterinarians use Comfort Zone DAP it in their clinics to relax hospitalized dogs. They also use a similar product, Comfort Zone Feliway, which contains a feline pheromone, to calm hospitalized cats. Both products are recommended by veterinarians specializing in behavior medicine.

Let’s evaluate another pheromone product, Pet Ease Plus. This product is similar to DAP in that it comes in an atomizer that is plugged into the wall to disperse through the room. It contains 3% of the pheromone nursing mothers release. It also contains lavender, St. John’s Wort, and valerian combined to be 2% of the product. Because lavender, St. John’s Wort, and valerian have been shown to be calming, the first impression might be that this product is even better than DAP, but is it?

Where’s the research to show these herbs are calming when atomized? Where’s the research to show these herbs work when used together and when used with a pheromone? There is research in dogs and cats to show lavender calms pets when atomized, where’s the research to show St. John’s Wort and valeriana work when atomized or have then only been shown to work when taken internally?

With this particular product, the biggest question is: Where’s the research to show that all these ingredients work together and have synergy? Synergy is what makes Coke and ice cream better than just Coke or just ice cream. It’s what makes coffee good with milk. What happens though, if we combine coffee, milk and Coke? While each is good on its own, or in some combinations, they are not good together. Has the research been done to show that lavender, St. John’s Wort, valerian, and pheromone are good together?

Is this product recommended by veterinary behaviorists?

Don’t assume that similar products are equally useful, and don’t assume that products been proven by veterinarians to be good for dogs and cats because “Vet” is part of the product’s name. Instead, ask your holistic veterinarian to evaluate it for you so that you can spend your money wisely.

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Cheap, safe pet drugs

Every pet owner should care about the price of pet medications. No one has an unending supply of money to spend on pets, and every dollar that goes into medication cannot go into food, toys, grooming, or pet vacations. Families with pets want to be able to enjoy life with their pets, and not be financially drained just buying medications, but they don't want to buy cheap medications from a source they cannot trust. Wise families shop where they trust the veterinarian to carry only healthy products and to stand behind them.

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Dog behavior: miscommunication

Dogs signal other dogs with their eyes, faces, and tails, but these signals may be misinterpreted. Here are some examples. When the a dog’s eyes are wide and bulging, it indicates fear. However, for flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds such as Pugs, Boston Terriers, and Boxers, bulging eyes are the natural state. Thus, these dogs communicate the wrong message to other dogs who may become anxious in their presence.

Where dogs carry their weight sends as strong a signal as what their eyes, ears and tail say. For example, when a dog is afraid, it pulls its energy back and puts more weight on the back legs than on the front legs. On the other hand, when a dog is going to attack, it thrusts forward on its front legs and its chest and head appear aggressively large. The aggressive message is reinforced if the jaw is large. Thus, some breeds send an aggressive message when they don’t intend. Thus, the natural stance of the English Bull Dog, Pitt Bull, and Staffordshire Terrier appears aggressive when they stand normally. In addition to carrying their weight forward, these dogs have massive chests, large heads, and large jaws. That’s why English Bull Dogs, Pitt Bulls, and Staffordshire Terriers may appear about to attack when they are merely standing at attention. Other dogs may react to the potential attack by striking the first blow rather than waiting for the attack. Regardless of what was intended initially, the reputation of the involved dogs is ruined by their fighting and presumed aggression.

The sweet ole’ Basset Hound couldn’t possibly signal aggression, could it? Yes, it could. Aggressive dogs carry their tails high, almost straight up. Happy dogs that want to play, on the other hand, carry their tails wagging and about level with their backs. The Basset may want to play, but it carries its tail straight up because the tail is so heavy that if it were carried level, it would strain the muscles and would soon be dragging in the dirt. Thus, the Basset may appear aggressive to many dogs.

Misunderstanding what’s being communicated by tails, jaws, and eyes leads to dog fights. To prevent these fights, introduce your pets to other breeds when they’re young. When meeting unknown dogs, keep your pets on leash until they understand the other dogs are friendly. In addition, control the messages you unconsciously transmit to your pets so you’re not thinking another dog is aggressive and will be trouble until you know this to be the case.

If you’re in a situation where it’s necessary to retrain dogs so they don’t misinterpret signals and fight over nothing, use an atomizer that releases the calming Comfort Zone DAP pheromone to provide a sense of peace. Provide Omega 3 fatty acids to nourish the brain and improve the ability to learn and to behave appropriately. If your dog is sensitive, the flower essence Be Serene from www.spiritessence.com, can also help establish serenity during the period of retraining.

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Diabetic Dogs and Diabetic Cats: Chromium Picolinate

Diabetic Dogs and Diabetic Cats: Chromium Picolinate

Over a dozen clinical studies of people with diabetes proved that supplementing with chromium picolinate was beneficial. Benefits occurred whether the people had type 1 or type 2 diabetes, diabetes that developed during pregnancy (gestational diabetes), or steroid-induced diabetes. It’s likely that diabetic cats and diabetic dogs will receive the same benefit from chromium picolinate as diabetic humans receive.

Cats have both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, but dogs usually have type 2 diabetes. The difference between the two types of diabetes is that with type 1, insulin injections are necessary, usually for life. With type 2 diabetes, weight loss and a change in diet to high protein and low carbohydrate foods often provides enough improvement that insulin is no longer necessary.

To help diabetic pets, consider supplementing with chromium picolinate. While there is more than one form of chromium, chromium picolinate was the form found most beneficial. Minerals, such as chromium, are usually difficult to absorb and a very small percentage of the minerals in our pets’ food is actually absorbed. Instead, most of the mineral passes right through the body and out with the feces. Chromium picolinate, however, is absorbed more readily than chromium nicotinate or chromium chloride and that may be why it’s most effective.

Considering that many diabetic pets are overweight, it helps to decrease calories.

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