V4I3 (Summer 2014) by Redstone Media Group

IVC SUMMER ISSUE 2014

Integrative VETERINARY CARE

VACCINATION : REASSESSING PROTOCOLS WHY FINDING SAFER WAYS TO VACCINATE MAY MEAN CHANGING CURRENT VACCINE PRACTICES. Page 20

OZONE AND BIOPHOTONIC THERAPY

BIOREGULATORY MEDICINE AND HOMOTOXICOLOGY

6 KEYS TO A SUCCESSFUL INTEGRATIVE PRACTICE

CHINESE FOOD THERAPY

WHAT’ S NEW

A new study indicates this treatment may be efficacious for skin problems and other issues.

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SUMMER ISSUE 2014

INTEGRATIVE VETERINARY CARE JOURNAL

WHOLE BODY CRYOTHERAPY FOR DOGS

Why it helps to regulate the body’s biological processes during illness.

How to use a TCVM perspective to develop optimal diets for your patients.

Combined, they’re successfully treating a range of illnesses, from infections and allergies to organ disease and even cancer.

A day in the life of a busy practitioner presents opportunities to employ multiple therapies, both allopathic and alternative.

•FIV and Lyme disease on the increase •Study links lameness with saddle slip •New strategies for animal hospice •New residency program in reproductive medicine

IVC Summer 2014

contents FEATURES

WHOLE BODY CRYOTHERAPY IN DOGS– SAFETY AND FEASIBILITY

Research has determined that WBC is safe for dogs and may be efficacious for conditions such as skin irritations and itching.

VACCINATION AND CHANGING PROTOCOLS–PART I

Many pet owners are questioning the number of vaccines their animals receive. Here are the key issues veterinarians need to understand to make educated decisions about vaccination.

BIOREGULATORY MEDICINE AND HOMOTOXICOLOGY

Bioregulatory medicine utilizes various therapies to regulate the body’s biological processes in times of illness. One of these therapies is homotoxicology, which uses combinations of homeopathic medicines.

DOG BRAIN SCANS AND HUMAN/CANINE COMMUNICATION

A recent study reveals that both dogs and people respond very similarly to various human and canine sounds.

Nutrition Nook INTEGRATING BASIC CHINESE FOOD THERAPY INTO DAILY PRACTICE Using a TCVM perspective, a pet’s diet should usually include Bland or Neutral properties, with other foods added for balance depending on his individual patterns or deficiencies.

EXCESSIVE PAW LICKING IN DOGS–IT MAY NOT BE ALLERGIES

Consider the possibility that your patient’s discomfort may be arising from anatomical or neurological causes.

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VACCINE STRATEGIES FOR EQUINES: MINIMIZE RISK AND MAXIMIZE OWNER INVOLVEMENT We talk to integrative veterinarians in different regions and types of practice about the vaccination protocols they use.

OZONE AND BIOPHOTONIC THERAPY

Are two therapies stronger than one? Combined, they are being used to successfully treat a wide range of illnesses in large and small animals, from infections and allergic reactions to organ and metabolic diseases, and even cancer.

Integrative Practice 6 KEYS TO A SUCCESSFUL INTEGRATIVE VETERINARY PRACTICE A day in the life of a busy practitioner presents multiple opportunities to employ a range of therapies and treatments, both allopathic and alternative.

advisory board Dr. Richard Palmquist, DVM, graduated from Colorado State University in 1983. He is chief of integrative health services at Centinela Animal Hospital in Inglewood, California, president and research chair of the AHVMA, and an international speaker in integrative veterinary medicine. Dr. Palmquist is a consultant for the Veterinary Information Network (VIN) and co-director of the AHVMA Foundation. He has published two books, one for conventional veterinarians and a second for clients discussing how integrative thinking works.

COLUMNS & DEPARTMENTS

Michelle J. Rivera, MT, VDT, is an instructor at the University of Wisconsin and The Healing Oasis Wellness Center, a post-graduate educational institution offering state-approved programs. She is co-owner of The Healing Oasis Veterinary Hospital, offering massage, rehabilitation, chiropractic and Chinese and Western Herbology. Michelle completed the Chinese Herbal Medicine program from the China Beijing International Acupuncture Training Center, and is certified in Chinese Medicine by the Wisconsin Institute of Chinese Herbology.

5 Advisory board 8 Editorial 12 What’ s new

Dr. Joyce Harman, DVM, MRCVS, graduated in 1984 from Virginia Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. She is certified in veterinary acupuncture and chiropractic and has completed advanced training in homeopathy and herbal medicine. Her practice in Virginia uses holistic medicine to treat horses. Her publications include The Horse’s Pain-Free Back and Saddle-Fit Book – the most complete source of information about English saddles.

31 From the AHVMA 42 Veterinary resource guide 46 From the AVH 47 Industry innovations

Dr. Steve Marsden, DVM, ND, lectures for the IVAS, the AHVMA and the AVMA, and is co-founder of the College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies. He is a director of the National College of Natural Medicine, and authored the Manual of Natural Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Marsden is extensively trai ned in alternative medicine, including Chinese herbology, acupuncture and naturopathic medicine. He has a veterinary and naturopathic practice in Edmonton, Alberta. In 2010, Dr. Marsden was named Teacher of the Year by the AHVMA.

49 From the AAVA 58 Social media 64 Marketplace 65 Events 66 From the VBMA

Dr. Jean Dodds, DVM, received her veterinary degree in 1964 from the Ontario Veterinary College. In 1986, she moved to Southern California to establish Hemopet, the first non-profit national blood bank program for animals. Dr. Dodds has been a member of many national and international committees on hematology, animal models of human disease, veterinary medicine, and laboratory animal science. She received the Holistic Veterinarian of the Year Award from the AHVMA in 1994.

Dr. Barbara Fougere, DVM, CVAA graduated in 1986, and was named the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association Educator for 2011. Dr. Fougere is the principal and one of the founders of the College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies. She has continued studying over the last 26 years, and has three Bachelor degrees, two Masters degrees, three post Graduate Diplomas, several Certifications and numerous other courses under her belt.

Dr. Christina Chambreau, DVM, CVH, graduated from the University of Georgia Veterinary College in 1980. She is a founder of the Academy Of Veterinary Homeopathy, was on the faculty of the National Center for Homeopathy Summer School and has been the holistic modality adjunct faculty liaison for the Maryland Veterinary Technician Program. Dr. Chambreau teaches classes in homeopathy for animals, and lectures on many topics. She is the author of the Healthy Animal’s Journal and the co-author of the Homeopathic Repertory: A Tutorial.

IVC Winter 2014

Integrative VETERINARY CARE

SUMMER 2014

EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT Editor-in-Chief: Dana Cox Managing Editor: Ann Brightman Associate Editor: Christina Chambreau, DVM, CVH Senior Graphic Designer: Dawn Cumby-Dallin Senior Graphic Designer: Kathleen Atkinson Social Media Manager: Natasha Roulston Social Media Editor: Jasmine Cabanaw Webmaster: Brad Vader Cover Photography: Hemera Technologies

COLUMNISTS & CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Joseph Alexander, MS Kathy Backus DVM, CVA, CVC William V. Bernard, DVM, DACVIM Joseph Demers, DVM Constance DiNatale, DVM Peter Dobias, DVM Demian Dressler, DVM Daryl Edwards Naomi Kirby, DVM, MS Jonathan Lowe, BA Joseph Lyman, DVM, MS Terri McCalla, MS, DACVO Lucy Postins Ahmad A. Salaimeh, MS Liza Schneider, DVM Allen M. Schoen, DVM, MS, PhD (hon.) Ronald D. Schultz BS, MS, PhD, DACVM Wesley Sutter, DVM, MS, DACVS Andrew G. Yersin, PhD

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IVC Summer 2014

editorial

Vaccinesâ&#x20AC;Ś THE PROS AND THE CONS

ummer, for me, is a mix of positives and negatives. I do not like the heat, yet it nourishes the plants I grow to eat and enjoy. Pets can get out to play more, yet the heat can overstress them. I love all life, yet mosquitoes and ticks challenge this position.

This issue, which focuses on immunity and vaccines, has the same mixed message for me. I know that in certain circumstances, vaccines have eliminated life-threatening illnesses. Yet the longer I take cases in my practice, the more I see that vaccines and vaccine protocols can directly cause serious illness and contribute to a shortening of life. Most disturbingly, I hear about three-year vaccines still being administered annually despite packaging instructions, as well as immune-compromised animals receiving vaccines. Fortunately, I also see how holistic approaches can often reverse the damaging sequela. As a new graduate, I would try to give vaccines when animals were under anesthesia so the needle would not hurt. I did not think about the immune system being under stress from the anesthesia, and the need to focus on healing and not building immunity. Once I started looking at the whole animal and realized that all symptoms were caused by the vibrational field/ Qi, I began to evaluate every treatment and prevention decision for its impact on the whole animal.

When Isis, a gorgeous Egyptian Mau, presented to me at age six, he had been unsuccessfully treated for a minor cough he had been experiencing since kittenhood. At age five, he was given his annual vaccines and his first FIP vaccine (he was a single indoor cat with a 75-year-old guardian). Two hours later, he was on oxygen, fighting for his life with severe asthma. A year later, having been on up to three drugs at a time, Isis would still have severe coughing spells and cyanosis if the medicines were decreased or there was any stress. He was lethargic on the drugs and his owner was distraught. After one

IVC Summer 2014

month of careful homeopathic prescribing and slowly decreasing the dosages of his drugs, he was successfully off his medications. He went on to live to 18 with no recurrence of asthmatic attacks, and no more vaccinations. Jane called me because her Doberman would be lethargic for several months a year. After I asked her to see how vaccines figured into the timeframe, the following story emerged. Her dog would be vaccinated, then develop a vaginal infection treated with antibiotics, then her lethargy would last for three to six months. She would return to normal until the next set of vaccines. In this issue, you will learn with me about how vaccines impact the immune system from expert immunologist, Dr. Ron Schultz, and hear from equine veterinarians how they manage vaccine requirements while improving horse health. As always, each issue of IVC Journal is full of practical approaches to improving our patientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; health, and helping our practices run more smoothly and successfully. When I speak and attend conferences, many of you express appreciation for IVC Journal. You can contribute and get even more veterinarians recognizing the benefits of holistic modalities. Send me brief case reports and they will be posted on our website. Check out some of the cases there now!

Christina Chambreau, DVM, CVH Associate Editor drtina@ivcjournal.com

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contributors

11 Meet the IVC gurus! LIKE us on Facebook to learn more about integrative leaders in the veterinary community.

1. KATHY BACKUS,

DVM, CVA, CVC Dr. Kathy Backus graduated from Ohio State University in 1996. She has been a solo practice owner for ten years, and treats multiple species. Although she sold her practice in 2012, moving to Kaysville with her new husband, their farm allows for veterinary services and they are renovating part of their home to create a sacred healing space for a holistic approach. Dr. Backus is certified in chiropractic through AVCA; acupuncture through IVAS; and ozone therapy though aaot.us. She uses prolozone and is working on her certification for animal communication through the Gurney Institute.

2. WILLIAM V. BERNARD, DVM, Diplomate ACVIM Dr. William Bernard graduated from the University of California at Davis and served his internship and residency at the University of Pennsylvania New Bolton Center. He spent 20 years as an internist and partner in a large equine hospital and is currently a consultant in equine medicine. He is a founding partner of Lexington Equine Surgery and Sports Medicine. His primary interests are equine infectious diseases, gastroenterology, neurology and the respiratory system. He has received numerous awards, including the Upjohn Award for Excellence in Large Animal Clinic Medicine and Surgery.

3. JOSEPH DEMERS,

DVM Dr. Joseph Demers graduated from Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and started a general practice in Melbourne, Florida in 1974. In the late 1980s, he began specializing in holistic veterinary medicine and is certified in veterinary acupuncture and veterinary homeopathy. He has also studied Chinese herbal medicine and human homeopathy. Dr. Demers is Past President of both the AHVMA and the Florida Homeopathic Medical Society. He is a member of the AHVMA and AVMA, the Florida Veterinary Medical Association, the IVAS, and the Florida Homeopathic Medical Society.

4. CONSTANCE DINATALE,

DVM Dr. Constance DiNatale graduated from the University of Florida in 1992. She is certified in acupuncture from Chi Institute and from IVAS. She utilizes Western and Eastern herbal therapies, chiropractics, diet therapy, and other holistic modalities at her small animal practice in Winter Park, Florida. She teaches at Chi Institute, and lectures for

10 10 IVC IVC Summer Fall 2013 2014

various veterinary groups on acupuncture, herbal medicine, integrative holistic medicine and food therapy.

5. PETER DOBIAS,

DVM Dr. Peter Dobias is a holistic veterinarian with 25 years of experience in conventional and alternative medicine. Over the years, he has gradually shifted from private practice and teaching at veterinary conferences to creating an innovative and effective easy-to-follow healing system aligned with natural principles. Dr. Dobias’ current focus is on writing, online teaching, and creating original, natural and often certified organic supplement formulas for dogs (drpeterdobias.com). He lives with his partner, and dog Skai, in Vancouver, Canada.

6. JOSEPH LYMAN,

DVM, MS Dr. Joseph Lyman completed his DVM and MS at the University of Illinois. His graduate work focused on equine reproductive management and mammalian embryo culture and manipulation. After graduating in 2003, Dr. Lyman moved to Lexington to become resident veterinarian for a large Standardbred breeding farm. There, he developed interests in embryo transfer, stallion management and herd health. Dr. Lyman developed a program to use hormone-induced lactation nurse mares to raise sale yearlings. He speaks nationally on topics ranging from problem mares to his nurse mare program, and has instructed at Midway College.

7. LIZA SCHNEIDER,

DVM Dr. Lisa Schneider is the Creator & Director of Holistic Vets and Founding Trustee & Chairperson of ARRC Wildlife Trust. Born in South Africa, she moved to New Zealand and began her practice 13 years ago after qualifying as a veterinarian in 2000. She is President of the New Zealand Veterinary Associations’ Complementary Veterinary Medicine Branch. Dr. Schneider regularly presents seminars and international webinars on holistic animal healthcare, and is writing e-books on animal health and her adventures as a veterinarian.

8. ALLEN M. SCHOEN,

DVM, MS, PhD (hon.) Dr. Allen Schoen received his DVM from Cornell University in 1978. He also holds a Master’s Degree in neurophysiology and animal behavior from the University of Illinois. Dr. Schoen has held faculty positions at Colorado State University College of Veterinary

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Medicine, Tufts University College of Veterinary Medicine and the Chi Institute. He is certified in veterinary acupuncture and veterinary chiropractic and is a past president of the IVAS. In 2010, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to veterinary acupuncture from the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture.

9. RONALD SCHULTZ, PhD Dr. Ronald Schultz is a Professor and past Chair of the Pathobiological Sciences Department at University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine. He is also Principal Investigator, along with Dr. Jean Dodds, for the Rabies Challenge Fund. Dr. Schultz is an internationally recognized expert in the field of canine and feline vaccines and regularly participates in international meetings and forums in this field. He is a member of the Vaccination Guidelines Group of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association, the AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines Group and is on the initial AAFP Feline Vaccine Task Force.

10. WESLEY SUTTER,

DVM, MS, DACVS Dr. Wesley Sutter is a graduate of Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine. He completed internships in equine medicine and surgery at Rood and Riddle Equine hospital, an equine surgery residency at Ohio State University, earned a Masters Degree and published early work describing PRP in horses. Dr. Sutter entered private practice five years ago as a surgeon at Ocala Equine Hospital, focusing on orthopedic surgery and sports medicine. He co-founded Lexington Equine Surgery and Sports Medicine. His primary interests include equine orthopedics, upper respiratory surgery and lameness.

11. JONATHAN LOWE, BA Jonathan Lowe has been a certified State of Michigan AHERA inspector for 13 years and continues with ongoing training in this area. He is Vice President of International Sales for Ultraviolet Pure, and owner of their subsidiary, O3vets (O3vets.com). During his time in the field of biophotonic medicine, he has taught and worked in device design. He has helped train Japanese veterinary practitioners in the use of ozone and photonic medicine and gives seminars around the world on how to integrate these therapies into animal medicine.

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what’s new FIV AND LYME DISEASE ON THE INCREASE Banfield Pet Hospital’s recently-released State of Pet Health 2014 Report highlights an increase in the prevalence of infectious diseases in pets across the country. Based on medical data from more than 2.3 million dogs and 470,000 cats cared for at Banfield hospitals, the report includes state-by-state rankings of infection prevalence, as well as information regarding emerging and zoonotic disease trends. Key findings include: • 48% increase in the prevalence of FIV in cats since 2009. In 2013, approximately one of every 300 cats seen in Banfield hospitals were found to be infected with FIV. • 21% increase in the prevalence of infection with the bacterium that causes Lyme disease in dogs since 2009. The northeastern states are a hotspot for Lyme disease. In 2013, approximately one in every 130 dogs was infected with the bacterium that causes Lyme disease. Banfield is also tracking diseases such as canine influenza, leptospirosis, canine distemper and toxoplasmosis, for which the prevalence of infection on a national scale has not been quantified. Such diseases are either rare or emerging, they cause signs of illness that are not specific to any one disease, and/or testing is not routinely performed to detect them.. Leptospirosis is an example of a disease that dogs are not routinely tested for. “This year’s report features an exclusive look at the infectious and emerging diseases affecting the overall health of our pet population,” says Sandi Lefebvre, DVM, PhD, an epidemiologist and senior research manager at Banfield Pet Hospital. For the full report, visit stateofpethealth.com.

ANIMAL HOSPICE NEWS into their practices, and promote animal hospice to pet owners. Animal hospice and palliative care provides comfort to companion animals as they approach the end of life. Services can include hospice treatment, pain/anxiety management, holistic healing, and in-home euthanasia. The concept has gained significant traction within the pet industry, the veterinary medical field, and with pet owners. iaahpc.org

The design for Into the Sunset takes its inspiration from human hospice.

The International Association of Animal Hospice and Palliative Care (IAAHPC) has established a three-year plan, the details of which were strategized this past winter. The primary goals of the 2014 to 2016 plan are to grow the existing IAAHPC membership base; provide industry best practice guidelines; create continuing education opportunities; and collaborate with other animal health organizations, including the AAHA. The IAAHPC will provide a universal definition of animal hospice, write guidelines to help veterinarians integrate animal hospice

IVC Summer 2014

In related news, San Diego has become home to the first brickand-mortar specialized pet hospice facility in the US. Into the Sunset opened its doors in March thanks to Certified Pet Loss Provider, Vivianne Villanueva, and Board Certified Veterinary Surgeon, Sarit Dhupa. It closely mirrors human hospice by offering services dedicated to making a pet comfortable as they enter the final stages of life, as well as counseling to help owners cope with the imminent loss of their pets. The facility offers a mix of Western and Eastern medicine, such as acupuncture, homeopathy, and food therapy, along with cutting-edge pain management technology traditionally used for human care, and more. Funeral services, grief counseling and celebration of life ceremonies are also offered. intothesunsetpet.com

CAT HEALTHY PROGRAM LAUNCHES IN CANADA According to statistics compiled by Bayer Animal Health, Brakke Consulting, and the National Commission on Veterinary Economic Issues, there are 25% more cats than dogs in Canada – yet less than 40% of vet visits are for cats. In many cases, people avoid or postpone taking their cats to the vet because it’s such a stressful experience for felines. The Cat Healthy Preventive Protocols, created by Dr. Liz O’Brien, DVM, along with three other Canadian feline specialists, aims to change all this. The goal of the recently-launched program is to improve the quality and desirability of cat

care by giving veterinary clinics tools to provide a comfortable, low-stress clinic experience for cats and their owners. Along with tips to make your clinic more “cat-friendly”, the protocols also include preventive healthcare guidelines and practices, and information to share with your clients to help raise their awareness of the importance of feline healthcare. The protocols are available to all veterinary professionals and clinics across the country. Visit cathealthy.ca to learn more.

STUDY LINKS LAMENESS WITH SADDLE SLIP Saddle slip is usually blamed on poor saddle fit, a crooked rider, or asymmetry in the shape of the horse’s back. But the first phase of a long-term research project first published in 2012 showed that hind limb lameness is frequently the culprit. The second phase of the study, conducted by Dr Sue Dyson, Head of Clinical Orthopedics at the Centre for Equine Studies at the Animal Health Trust (AHT) in the UK, and student Line Greve, PhD, has gone on to look at the frequency of saddle slip and the reasons for it, in a large cross-section of the sports horse population. Of the 506 normal working sports horses assessed, 46% were classified as lame or having a stiff, stilted canter. Saddle slip occurred in 12% of cases, predominantly in those with hind limb, as opposed to fore limb, lameness. There was minimal asymmetry of back shape in the horses studied, but 37% of the

riders sat crookedly, possibly as an effect of saddle slip rather than as a cause. “Given these figures, horses with hind limb lameness and gait abnormalities are more than 50 times more likely to have saddle slip than other horses,” says Greve. “Furthermore, with nearly half of those studied being lame, many horses with lameness are clearly going unrecognized. This study has reinforced our previous work and suggests that further education of riders and trainers is needed, to help them identify saddle slip as an indicator of lameness.” aht.org.uk

MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR GIFT FOR MU Gary Savill and Barbara Stampfli-Savill (pictured below), residents of St. Louis, have made an estate commitment of $2.5 million to the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine.

The gift will create an endowment to support scholarships for veterinary students and will encourage volunteer work among its recipients. The Stampfli-Savill endowment will provide one or more scholarships to cover 50% of all tuition and fees each year to students who demonstrate financial need. Preference will be shown to students from under-represented ethnic groups. Students awarded scholarships from the endowment will be required to perform at least 120 hours of animal-related community and volunteer service each year. “Providing a top-tier education for our students at an affordable cost is a priority for this university,” says MU Chancellor R. Bowen Loftin. “The Stampfli-Savills’ generous gift will help us further that cause.” munews.missouri.edu

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what’s new NEW RESIDENCY PROGRAM IN REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE The University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine recently announced the addition of a new residency program in reproductive medicine for companion animals. The program was made possible thanks to a generous gift from the American Kennel Club and the Theriogenology Foundation. Penn Vet is one of only three veterinary schools in the US to receive funding for this novel program. The other recipients are Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine and the University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. The $100,000 gift will support one resident for two years under the guidance of Dr. Margret Casal, Associate Professor of Medical Genetics. The program will provide specialty training in all aspects of reproductive medicine and surgery, as well as all features of clinical practice related to male and female reproduction, obstetrics, and neonatology in companion animals. “Purebred animals serve as important links to understanding how diseases develop and how they can be treated,” says Dr. Joan C. Hendricks, VMD, PhD, the Gilbert S. Kahn Dean of

Dr. Margret Casal (left) will provide guidance to the student who receives the residency.

Veterinary Medicine at the university. “Much of Penn Vet’s heritage is based in a deep understanding of genetics and germ cells. It is critically important for us to train the next generation of veterinarians in both the clinical aspects of reproduction and the fundamentals of basic science so that we can translate improvements into advances for the real world.”

ARENA FOOTING AND ORTHOPEDIC HEALTH The world’s most extensive study into the effect of arena surfaces on the orthopedic health of sport horses has been published by the Fédération Equestre Internationale. The Equine Surfaces White Paper is the result of a four-year collaboration between eight equine experts from six universities, three equine and racing-specific research and testing centers, and horse charities in Sweden, the UK and US. It brings together the latest data and published scientific papers on arena and turf surfaces, and the effects these have on horses in training and in competition. Key properties of footing, and the effects of footing on a horse’s physiological and biomechanical responses, are described in the paper, along with the optimal composition, construction and maintenance of arenas for maximizing equine performance while minimizing injury risk. “The Equine Surfaces White Paper is the biggest international collaboration of its kind, and is vital to understanding how surfaces work in order to reduce injury risks to horses,” says John McEwen, FEI 1st Vice President and Chair of the FEI Veterinary Committee. fei.org/fei/about-fei/publications/fei-books.

IVC Summer 2014

WHOLE BODY

Cryotherapy

IN DOGS - SAFETY AND FEASIBILITY

By Joseph Lyman, DVM, MS; Joseph Alexander, MS; Ahmad A. Salaimeh, MS; W. Wesley Sutter, DVM, MS, DACVS; Daryl Edwards; William Bernard, DVM, DACVIM

Whole body cryotherapy (WBC) involves rapid exposure to extreme cold for a brief period. It originated in Japan during the late 1970s and has seen increasing use in human athletes and for treatment of many human health conditions. More recent research is also suggesting medical uses for musculoskeletal and skin conditions1.

into four groups; each group received two treatments per week with one week of no treatment, randomly assigned over a fourweek period. Blinded owner assessments were used to evaluate response to the therapy. All 12 dogs completed the study with no adverse effects and no owner compliance issues. The study concludes that WBC can be safely applied to canine patients.

This study investigates the possibility of applying the same therapeutic technique to canine patients by using a novel canine cryotherapy chamber. The purpose of the study was to determine the safety and feasibility of WBC for dogs while simultaneously providing initial information on efficacy. A total of 12 dogs of various breeds and sizes were exposed to temperatures between -90°C and -110°C for three minutes. The dogs were divided

MATERIALS AND METHODS

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A cryotherapy chamber using circulating nitrogen vapor was constructed for the study. Temperature probes were placed above the dog’s back, above the floor of the unit, and in the return duct. The chamber was constructed so that the dog’s head was outside it and at ambient temperature, while the entire body was exposed to the vapor. (Dogs must be completely dry

POTENTIAL VETERINARY APPLICATIONS These include skin disease such as allergic dermatitis or hot spots, musculoskeletal pain/osteoarthritis, exercise recovery, post-fracture repair or weight loss. WBC may provide an additional tool for palliative therapy or treatment of a variety of common canine problems, since skin disease and musculoskeletal pain are among the top reasons for canine veterinary visits. when entering a cryotherapy chamber; accidental injury has been reported in some human cases in which wet apparel was worn into the unit.) Dogs were placed in the chamber when it was pre-cooled to a treatment temperature of -100°C. Additional nitrogen vapor was introduced when any of the temperature probes showed a reading of -90°C. Temperatures were maintained between a maximum of -90°C and -110°C during treatment. The dogs were exposed for three minutes to the treatment temperatures before removal from the chamber. The 12 dogs in the study were randomly assigned into four treatment groups. Each group received three weeks of twiceweekly treatment and one week of no treatments – the latter could have occurred in the first, second, third or fourth week of the trial. The dogs ranged in weight from 14.8 lbs to 105.4 lbs. Blood chemistry and hematology tests were performed prior to the first treatment, and then weekly. The dogs were weighed immediately prior to entering the cold chamber. Photographs were taken of each dog’s tail dock, pinna, and inguinal area prior to each treatment. They were assessed by owners for pain, pruritus, skin irritation, activity level, quality of life, appetite and anxiety, starting on the day of first treatment and continuing for one week after the final treatment. Additionally, the owners of these animals filled out a questionnaire concerning the dogs’ behavior during the periods between WBC treatments.

STUDY FINDINGS For a list of the presenting complaints in the study dogs, see sidebar on next page. No dogs suffered any adverse effects during treatment, nor were any abnormalities reported by owners. During treatment, technicians noted shivering in the third minute IVC Summer 2014

of treatment, but no dogs attempted to exit the chamber or showed other signs of discomfort. Technicians reported that dogs exiting the chamber were active and excited. Dogs returning after initial or multiple therapies did not show increased resistance to being placed in the chamber or apprehension about the therapy. Cold therapy was absolutely safe and well tolerated. • No hematology or blood chemistry parameters were outside normal limits during the study, with the exception of one dog with elevated GGT prior to the initial treatment. • Improvement of at least one point on a subjective scale of 0-5 in itching/skin irritation was seen in 5/6 dogs. • Hair loss improved dramatically in the one dog with this presenting complaint, with a softer, smoother coat reported by the owner. • Improvement in pain scores were seen in only 2/6 dogs with that complaint. One dog with no change in pain scores did have increased activity levels as reported by the owner on each treatment day and the day after. • The four dogs presenting with obesity lost 0.5 lb (1.3%), 0.2 lb (0.6%), 1.0 lb (1.3%) and 1.0 lb (2.5%) by the final treatment. The dog showing the least improvement gained one pound during the untreated second week and lost 1.2 lbs (3.6%) during the subsequent two weeks for a total loss of only 0.2 lbs (0.6%). • The one dog presenting with reduced activity levels responded with increased activity during all three treatment weeks, and returned to original levels during the untreated week.

DISCUSSION The physiologic mechanism supporting the use of WBC is the dramatic drop in skin temperature, resulting in massive vasoconstriction followed by whole body vasodilation. The effect of cold therapy is directly proportional to the magnitude and speed of the temperature drop experienced by thermoreceptors in the skin.2 This stimulates cold “shock” neuroendocrine pathways, release of anti-inflammatory mediators (IL-10, IL4) and decreased pro-inflammatory mediators (IL-2, IL-8). The feeling of “well being” described by many WBC participants

is likely a result of endorphin release. The vasodilatory phase results in increased perfusion of injured tissue and skin. Current scientific research concerning WBC therapy has shown that this procedure is safe and well tolerated in humans. It has been employed mainly as an aid to exercise recovery and as therapy for musculoskeletal pain. Additionally, WBC has shown efficacy as therapy for arthritis, dermatologic conditions and bone remodeling. Many of the athletes who use this therapy report anecdotally that recovery from vigorous physical activity is much quicker, with less fatigue and inflammation than without WBC. WBC has been shown to induce an improvement in the maximal aerobic power of athletes.3 A study using professional rugby players showed a significant decrease in indicators of muscle inflammation, CPK and LDH. 1. WBC is used to treat the pain and inflammation of arthritis. It was found to reduce histamine levels in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.4 A researcher determined that using a WBC regimen allowed patients with adhesive capsulitis to regain a significant range of motion and improved movement.5 2. Additionally, research suggests that WBC may be useful in dermal6 and psychological7 applications. 3. It has been shown to positively influence the bone remodeling osteoimmunologic biomarkers RANK, RANKL and OPG.8 Due to these osteogenic and anti-inflammatory properties, WBC may have a role in the clinical setting for recovery of post-fracture patients. 4. Obesity was improved during the study, but did not meet the established ideal of 3% to 5% weight loss per month. It is worth noting, however, that these dogs lost weight without any change to their exercise or diet during the study period. It has been suggested that a human may use up 800 calories during and in recovery from a WBC session. WBC may therefore be a beneficial adjunct therapy to a weight loss regimen. With increased treatment frequency, WBC may be useful as a primary treatment for obesity.

PRESENTING COMPLAINTS IN STUDY DOGS Presenting complaint Number of Dogs

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Anxiety

Itching/Skin Irritation

Hair Loss

Pain

Obesity

Reduced Activity

None

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5. Pain was the most unreliably treated complaint in this study. An owner’s assessment of pain, however, is frequently based on gait abnormality. In dogs with chronic arthritis or musculoskeletal conditions, it is possible to alleviate chronic pain without gait improvement. Further assessment of WBC is needed to accurately assess whether this modality is beneficial for chronic pain. The dog with increased activity levels following treatment may be an indication that although the owner did not note any pain improvement, the dog may have experienced a reduction in pain as reflected by those increased activity levels. A better system is needed for objective pain measurement in these animals. 6. The current treatment regimen does not seem useful for anxiety. 7. The dogs with skin irritation/itching responded reliably, with reduced severity or resolution of their complaints during the treatment period. Further study is required for establishing ideal treatment intensity and frequency for pruritic conditions in dogs, but WBC does show promise as a safe, effective therapy. Overall, WBC is quick, inexpensive and well-tolerated by canine patients. REFRENCES Bleakley C, Bleuzen D, Davison G, Costello J, “Whole-body cryotherapy; empirical evidence and theoretical perspectives.”. Open Access journal of Sports Medicine, 5: p. 25-36

Yamauchi TNS, Miura K. “Various applications of extreme cryotherapy and strenuous exercise program – focusing on chronic rheumatoid arthritis”. Physiotherapy Rehab, 1981. 5: p. 35-39.

Klimek A, et al. “The influence of single whole body cryostimulation treatment on the dynamics and the level of maximal anaerobic power”. International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, 2011. 24(2): p. 184-191.

Wojtecka-Lukasik E, et al. “Cryotherapy decreases histamine levels in the blood of patients with rheumatoid arthritis”. Inflammation Research. 59(0): p. 253-255.

Ma SY, et al. “Effects of Whole-Body Cryotherapy in the Management of Adhesive Capsulitis of the Shoulder”. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. (0).

Klimenko T, A.S.K.S. “Whole-body cryotherapy in atopic dermatitis”. Archives of Dermatology, 2008. 144(6): p. 806-808.

Rymaszewska J, Ramsey D, Chładzińska-Kiejna, S. “Whole-body cryotherapy as adjunct treatment of depressive and anxiety disorders”. Archivum Immunologiae et Therapiae Experimentalis, 2008. 56(1): p. 63-68.

Galliera E, et al. “Bone remodelling biomarkers after whole body cryotherapy (WBC) in elite rugby players. Injury.” (0).

VetzLife All-Natural News Open wound care “My dog has a large wound and my veterinarian recommended leaving it open to heal rather than repairing it with sutures. Why?” This question appeared on the VCA Animal Hospitals portal, and it’s something your own clients might be puzzled about too. Wounds vary according to: q Cause – puncture wounds, abrasions, lacerations, etc. w Location – paws, abdomen, eyes, etc. e Level of contamination – clean (surgical) wounds, contaminated (infected), etc. All these factors need to be considered when deciding how to treat a wound. Sometimes, the location or amount of skin loss prevents surgical closure or bandaging (wounds on the face or high up on the leg). Puncture wounds or other trauma may force bacteria deep into the tissues. A contaminated wound more than a few hours old should never be closed without surgical debridement. In some cases, closing a contaminated wound may result in more damage than treating it medically and leaving it open to heal. If your decision is to keep the wound open, infection is a concern and antibiotics and a topical treatment like Vetricyn may be indicated. If at all possible, you want the wound to stay unbandaged and exposed to the air – a good product for this is VetzLife Wound Care. This all-natural labtested product is safe and effective, as well as antibacterial and anti-fungal. It contains regenerative skin cell oils and is rich in Omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids, antioxidants, and alpha and gamma tocopherols.

BEFORE

AFTER

Article provided by VetzLife (vetzlife.com).

IVC Winter 2014

Vaccination AND CHANGING PROTOCOLS PART 1

By Ronald D. Schultz BS, MS, PhD, DACVM

ntegrative veterinarians have long suspected that chronic disease can result from vaccines. It’s not surprising, then, that pet owners are now questioning the number of vaccines their animals are receiving, especially after a recent 20/20 episode on ABC. The show, which aired on November 24, 2013, chastised veterinarians for recommending annual revaccination for dogs. Pet owners across North America raised concerns and veterinarians responded on the internet.

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“It’s true,” said Dr. Patricia Kuhly. “Our track record on vaccination policies is embarrassing. According to some vaccine manufacturers, including Dr. Mark Kimsey, senior brand manager for canine biologicals (vaccines) with Boehringer Ingelheim, a full 60% of us (veterinarians) are still vaccinating our patients annually in spite of long standing, evidence-based recommendations to the contrary…”1

I and my colleagues, Dr. Skip Carmichael and Dr. Max Appel (both canine vaccine experts), and Dr. Fred Scott (feline vaccine expert), have been researching vaccine issues for over 40 years.2 As early as 1978, we published that many canine and feline vaccines need not be given annually.3 I have been speaking and “preaching” since then on these issues, and have participated in all the Vaccine Task Forces both in the US and worldwide. This article covers the key issues a practicing veterinarian needs to understand to make educated decisions about vaccination. Holistic methods of prevention are beyond the scope of this article and are, in my opinion, not acceptable – this opinion comes from studies I performed many years ago with nosodes for CDV and CPV-2. Neither provided any protection from challenge.

UNDERSTANDING THE IMMUNE SYSTEM The innate, natural or nonspecific immune system is present from birth. It is generalist, protecting against any substance, and is not enhanced by prior exposure. Stomach acid, cough reflex, fevers, gut microflora, and even age are all examples of the innate immune system. The acquired, adaptive or specific immune system is highly specific or tailored to a certain organism, and is enhanced by prior exposure. It is subdivided into the humoral (antibody mediated system we measure with titers) and cellular (cell mediated) immune systems. In the humoral system, bone marrow-derived B cells contact specific antigens in the spleen, lymph nodes and elsewhere, which induce the B cells to produce antibodies. The cells of the thymus become differentiated into a variety of T cells with a range of helper and effector functions. The T cells play a key role in humoral and cellular immunity. Immunologic memory allows the immune system to remember the antigens or organisms to which it has previously been exposed. A dog’s memory effector B cells (long-lived plasma cells) and memory T-cells specific to canine distemper virus, canine parvovirus, and canine adenovirus, guarantee long-term immunity against these diseases. Although vaccines are designed to stimulate long-lived responses of the acquired immune system, vaccines (especially bacterial) can enhance non-specific immunity as well, giving some immediate short-term, non-specific protection.

TYPES OF VACCINE Infectious/MLV (modified live virus) vaccines are the oldest and most common. They are made by altering or attenuating a IVC Summer 2014

disease-causing virus into a non-disease-causing virus that is still capable of immunizing. Because natural infection or recovery from disease is the best kind of immunity, although not the safest, these vaccines most resemble natural immunization. Vector vaccines (VV) are similar to MLV, but are produced by genetic engineering that usually incorporates DNA from more than one species of organism – recombinant DNA technology. In the case of canarypox virus as a vector, two genes from the canine distemper virus (CDV) are genetically engineered into the viral vector. The canarypox vector then expresses the hemagglutinin and fusion proteins of distemper virus particles,

CORE VACCINES

Core vaccines are those that effectively protect against life-threatening disease, and are essential for every pet. For the dog they are canine distemper virus (CDV), adenovirus (CAV-2), parvovirus (CPV-2), and rabies virus. For the cat, they are feline parvovirus (panleukopenia – FPV), calicivirus (FCV), herpesvirus (FHV-1) and rabies. These are all viral diseases for which vaccines are proven to be very effective, often giving up to lifetime protection.

NON-CORE VACCINES

While some animals in some areas of the country may need some non-core vaccines, they should never be automatically given to all animals because they are usually not necessary for every one. The decision to give these vaccines should be based on the lifestyle of the pet, where he lives, what risks he may encounter, his medical history, etc. 1 Lyme disease is not prevalent in many areas of the US, and dogs living in these areas do not need to be vaccinated for it. Outside certain Northeastern and Midwestern states that have very high levels of Lyme disease, there may be select areas in a few other states – “hot spots” where infection is very high and vaccination would be indicated. For example, in Wisconsin, infection occurs at a low level (approximately 4%) in the eastern half of the state. Conversely, in the western and especially northwestern parts of Wisconsin, we see infection in 80% to 90% of dogs. In those high infection areas, vaccination is beneficial in reducing clinical disease. However, some vaccinated dogs can still develop disease since efficacy of the product is about 80%. 2 Leptospirosis has diffuse symptoms and can cause liver and kidney failure and death. It is difficult to treat conventionally or holistically unless caught early. The fourway vaccine (which covers the L. icterohaemorrhagiae, L.

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to protect against CDV without the entire live distemper virus present in the vaccine. This makes for a safer vaccine. Genetically engineered vaccines have advantages and they will be more common in the future. They are one of the ways many new vaccines will be developed, because we can better control what we do to the particular virus or bacteria, and we can make a very safe and effective vaccine. Non-infectious (inactivated or heat killed) vaccines are made by treating a disease-causing virus or bacteria with a chemical or radiation to kill it. The organism must retain its important antigens, and its ability to induce an immune response. Continued on page 24.

canicola, L. grippotyphosa and L. pomona serovars – the four that cause disease in dogs) should be first given at 14 to 18 weeks of age (but not before 12 weeks), and repeated three to six weeks later. If the second dose is given more than six weeks after the first one, the twodose series should be repeated. Subsequent doses are administered at one year, then annually or semiannually thereafter, as the duration of immunity is relatively short-lived, at probably less than one year. If a dog fails to receive an annual booster for two or more years, re-vaccinate with two doses two to six weeks apart, and then re-vaccinate annually. Although positive MAT (Microscopic Agglutination Test) serovar titers commonly develop to the L.autumnalis and L. Bratislava servoars, these do not produce clinical disease. The current leptospirosis vaccines provide immunity to the four serovars that cause disease in the US. Leptospira and Lyme vaccines cause more adverse reactions than the viral vaccines. I don’t recommend leptospirosis vaccines be combined with viral vaccines, and they should not be administered before 12 weeks of age, because of the more immediate need for viral immunity. I prefer keeping the core viral vaccines separate from the bacterial vaccines. When the viral and bacterial vaccines are given at the same time, I prefer they are given at separate sites on the body. 3 Bordetella bronchiseptica, canine parainfluenza and canine adenovirus type 2 are only a few of the agents associated with kennel cough, but are the most important. We have found the intranasal and oral bordetella vaccines are the most effective. 4 Rattlesnake vaccine has been found to be helpful, but the vaccine buys time, not immunity, so immediate treatment still needs to be sought. 5 Canine coronavirus vaccine is not needed by any dog. 6 Feline coronavirus vaccine (FIP) is not needed by any cat.

IVC Summer 2014

Continued from page 22. Adjuvants to improve the immune response are sometimes needed with these vaccines. Subunit vaccines are produced by growing the infective organism, inactivating it with a chemical, and then concentrating or separating out the portion of the virus/bacteria that is most immunogenic. Recombinant subunit vaccine is made by genetically engineering an organism to produce a protein that can provide protection. For example, the OspA (outer surface protein A) gene of Borellia burgdorferii is placed into E. coli to make the OspA subunit Lyme vaccine. This has the advantage of providing protective immunity without having other Borellia antigens present which can potentially cause immune mediated (hypersensitivity) reactions.

ADVERSE EFFECTS Many veterinarians assert there are minimal adverse effects from vaccines. They therefore feel it is best to vaccinate annually so clients will come in for “wellness visits” and pets

who visit infrequently will get as many vaccines as possible. Vaccines do cause adverse effects, however, so they need to be given as minimally as possible to provide protection with the least risk of causing illness. Immediate hypersensitivity reactions are those most frequently reported by veterinarians and owners. Canine Type I Hypersensitivity reactions typically occur within minutes to 72 hours after vaccination and include anaphylaxis, hives, swelling, irritation at the injection site and local swelling. Hypersensitivity (adverse) reactions are genetically driven, and thus certain animals are predisposed to experience them. If a sire or dam has adverse reactions to specific vaccines, allergens, etc., then there is a high probability that the offspring will also have reactions. Vaccines do not cause autoimmune disease except in genetically predisposed animals. Vaccines, like many other factors, may trigger thyroid disorder, joint disease, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, neurological diseases, asthma, epilepsy, and cancers or tumors at the injection site in genetically predisposed animals. Continued on page 26.

ALTERNATIVES

to current vaccine practices If you are questioning your current vaccine practices, here are a few recommendations to consider. •

e certain that every cat (kitten) and dog (puppy) B receives the core vaccines.

•

Avoid unnecessary vaccines or boosters.

•

Use caution with vaccinating sick or febrile animals.

•

ailor specific minimal vaccine protocols for dog/cat T breeds or families at risk for adverse reactions.

•

tart the vaccination series no earlier than six to eight S weeks for dogs and cats.

•

e certain that the last puppy/kitten vaccines are given B at 14 to 16 weeks of age or older.

•

easure serum antibody titers to be certain the animal M has developed an immune response to core vaccines.

•

lert caregiver to watch puppy/kitten behavior and A health after vaccines.

• Avoid

re-vaccination of those with prior adverse events rather than using immune suppressants like prednisone or antihistamines. The latter are generally not effective!

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Continued from page 24. One reason to not give unneeded vaccines is that the fetal bovine serum components and other extraneous proteins in all vaccines, and adjuvants in some vaccines, can cause hypersensitivity reactions, especially in animals that are genetically predisposed to adverse reactions. The genetic component is readily demonstrated in animals because of multiple births. For example, we recently saw three pups in a litter of five develop allergic neuritis after vaccination. However, in the general population of dogs, only one out of 5,000 to 10,000 dogs develops vaccine induced allergic neuritis.

1.25 million dogs vaccinated at 360 hospitals, they found 38 adverse events per 10,000 dogs vaccinated. A genetic predisposition to adverse events was documented. They also found that reactions: • Were inversely related to weight (small breed dogs vs. large breed dogs) • Increased for dogs up to two years of age, then declined. • Were greater for neutered versus sexually intact dogs. • Increased as number of vaccines given together increased. • Increased after the third or fourth vaccination.

Clients must be diligent and report any possible adverse effects following vaccination to their veterinarian, the USDA, or the vaccine manufacturer. Real data is needed to make improvements. No vaccine manufacturer wants to have a vaccine that causes significant numbers of adverse reactions.

The same group did a retrospective cohort study of adverse effects from feline vaccines. They studied .05 million cats at 320 hospitals and found 51.6 adverse events per 10,000 cats vaccinated. Lethargy with or without fever was the most common sign. The adverse effects were: • Inversely related to weight. • Increased for cats about one year of age • Greater for neutered versus sexually intact cats. • Increased with number of vaccines given together.

A very large retrospective cohort study of the adverse effects of canine vaccines was done by Moore in 2005.4 Looking at

In Part II of this article (Fall issue) we will go into more detail about titer testing, dosage and duration of immunity, and the latest research projects on vaccination. Acknowledgement: I wish to thank my colleague Dr. Laurie Larson for her help with the many studies we have done during the past 23 years, and for her assistance with this article.

1. K uhly, Patricia. veterinarypracticenews.com/vet-practice-newscolumns/reality-check/12-things-wrongwith-abcs-report-onhonesty-in-veterinary-medicine.aspx. 2. Kirk, Robert F., Editor. Current Veterinary Therapy VI – Small Animal Practice, WB Saunders Co., 1977. 3. Veterinary Clinics of North America, 8(4) 755-768, 1978. 4. Moore, et al, JAVMA, 227:1102-1108, 2005.

IVC Summer 2014

Product Profile

MANAGING CHRONICALLY INFECTED EARS

By Naomi Kirby, DVM, MS

One of the most common problems a veterinarian sees is chronic ear infections. Treatment usually includes the use of antibiotics or anti-fungal drugs, or a combination of both – oral or topical. There are numerous reasons a dog or cat may suffer from recurring infections. They range from anatomical abnormalities and genetic breed predisposition, to environment, lifestyle, antibiotic resistance, allergies, etc. Clinicians seeking alternatives to harsh antibiotics and anti-fungals can use enzymatic-based formulations. ZYMOX® Otic Solutions utilize the patented LP3 Enzyme System, which is a combination of lactoperoxidase, lysozyme, and lactoferrin. These enzymes have proven antibacterial, antifungal and anti-yeast properties¹. Unlike antibiotics and antifungals, this system interacts with the exudate, which produces a by-product and serves as a catalyst; it is therefore critical not to pre-clean the ear prior to application. If cleaning is necessary to evaluate the health of the eardrum, it is recommended to wait at least 24 to 48 hours before applying any ZYMOX Otic Solutions. It is also important not to use these products in conjunction with any other topical ear solutions. There are no contraindications with oral therapeutics. There are many benefits to using enzymes. They effectively eradicate some of the toughest microbes, without disrupting intestinal flora, and they’re easy to use, with no pre-cleaning and a once-daily application. In addition, bacteria or fungi are

unable to develop resistance to the antibacterial activity of the lactoperoxidase system. The LP3 Enzyme System mode of action includes: • Disrupting cell wall formation • Depriving the microbe of iron • Oxidizing protein sulfhydryl groups and inhibiting bacterial metabolic pathways There are four ZYMOX products for ears: 1. Z YMOX Otic with 1% Hydrocortisone: For use when inflammation, redness, swelling or itching is present. 2. Advanced Formula ZYMOX Otic Plus with 1% Hydrocortisone: Features additional enzymes to break down the hard-to-penetrate biofilm many resistant microbes produce, such as pseudomonas. Biofilm is the protective slime layer microbes produce to protect their DNA.² 3. Z YMOX Otic Hydrocortisone Free: Ideal for maintaining the ear once the infection has receded. It is also the formulation to turn to for pregnant or lactating females, rabbits, small mammals, or reptiles. 4. Z YMOX Ear Cleanser: Contains mild plant surfactants in addition to a very mild formulation of LP3 Enzymes. Use for cleaning smelly, dirty ears when infection isn’t suspected.

Dr. Naomi Kirby is the Technical Services Manager at PKB Animal Health (pkbanimalhealth.com). She can be reached at nkirby@petkingbrands.com.

EFFECTIVE FOR THE FOLLOWING ORGANISMS Staphylococcus aureus¹

E. coli¹

Malassezia pachydermatitis¹

Proteus mirabilis¹

Streptococcus pyogenes¹

Methicillin-resistant S taphylococcus aureus (MRSA)³

Candida albicans¹ Pseudomonas aeruginosa¹

¹ “In vitro Antimicrobial Activity Assessment of Zymox Otic Solution Against a Broad Range of Microbial Organisms”. Intern J Appl Res Vet Med, 2003. ² “Antibiofilm Efficacy of Advanced Formula Zymox Otic Plus with 1% Hydrocortisone.”Intern J Appl Res Vet Med, 2012. ³ “In vitro Antimicrobial Activity Assessment of Zymox Against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)”. Intern J Appl Res Vet Med, 2010.

IVC Summer 2014

Bioregulatory medicine and

HOMOTOXICOLOGY By Joseph Demers, DVM, CVA, CVH

What is bioregulatory medicine? By definition, bioregulation is the regulation of biological processes in the body (Smit, 2009). Bioregulatory medicine involves the use of therapeutics to regulate these biological processes in times of illness. Many therapeutics used by integrative veterinarians help the body regulate the natural processes of healing. They include vitamins, minerals, homeopathy, homotoxicology, acupuncture and herbal medicine. Conventional pharmaceutical medicines mainly reduce symptoms rather than helping the body heal itself. Natural substances are the best way to help the body regulate its healing processes and re-establish normal feedback systems.

Immune system is key biological process The most important biological process is the defense system or immune system. Very few pharmaceutical medicines improve the immune system. When stressed, injured or affected by toxins, the immune system responds with inflammation. Most symptoms arise from the immune system trying to correct the pathology. Drugs, such as “anti-inflammatory medicines”, attempt to minimize these symptoms. By reducing or suppressing the inflammation process, these medicines reduce the immune system’s response to the insult on the body. A good example is how the immune system responds to an upper respiratory viral infection. The symptoms are fever (anti-viral response), increased nasal discharges (attempt to expel the virus and increase immune cells in the area of invasion), sneezing and coughing (to expel the virus and

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prevent its deeper invasion). All these symptoms are good immune responses. Now, let’s look at what happens when pharmaceutical medicine is applied to this case. The conventional practitioner will prescribe antipyretic medicines (to reduce fever, which is the immune system’s natural anti-viral response), antihistamine medicines (to reduce nasal discharges and sneezing – which allows the virus to penetrate deeper) and anti-tussive medicines (to reduce coughing – which also allows the virus to penetrate deeper). Drugs are effective at symptom reduction and the patient feels better during the illness. However, the drugs may actually push the disease deeper, causing the patient to need more drugs for possible viral or bacterial bronchitis or pneumonia. Because the immune system may be weakened, the URI can recur and even deeper illnesses can occur. Many practitioners of integrative veterinary medicine would treat this patient with bioregulatory medicine. This promotes a stronger immune response to shorten the disease process and to support, rather than reduce, the immune response to the illness. When we can maximize the potential for disarming invaders (immune system) and regulating physiologic feedback systems, we vastly improve the chances that our patients can live a long life of full health, with quick recovery from acute incidents.

A look at homotoxicology Homotoxicology is one of the primary therapies used in bioregulatory medicine. It uses combinations of

homeopathic medicines1 in formulas to address symptoms, promote detoxification/drainage, and support organ/cellular function. Dr. Hans Heinrich Reckeweg spent his life in the pursuit of uniting the art of homeopathy with the science of allopathy, to address the increasing number of multidimensional diseases and deep-seated chronic illnesses we are now seeing. In doing so, he engaged the known principles of both disciplines to trace and heal the ebb and flow of biological systems. Homotoxicology therapy addresses the whole pathology of an ill patient. It promotes self-healing, reduces and eliminates toxins, promotes organ and cellular function and supports a strong immune system. Homotoxicology is truly a holistic medicine to treat the whole patient, not just the symptoms. One of the advantages of this modality is that the formulas have such broad and deep activity. Even a superficial knowledge of the combinations will produce startlingly good results. Homotoxicology is based on familiar symptom pictures, and is therefore a “take home” kind of therapy.

The six phases of pathology 1. Excretion Phase – elimination of toxins: vomiting, diarrhea, sneezing, etc. a) Nux vomica-Homaccord (Heel) is useful for vomiting b) Veratrum Combination (PCH) is useful for diarrhea

CASE STUDY History: Hwai is a four-year-old M/N DSN feline, weighing 18 pounds. Presented with recurring episodes of urge to urinate, frequent urinating, hematuria. A quiet animal, but will fight with other felines in the home. TCVM exam: Tongue: purple and dry; pulse: wiry and thready TCVM diagnosis: Chronic painful urination due to Liver Fire Conventional diagnosis: Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) Treatment: 1. TCVM – Move stagnation, tonify Kidney and Bladder 2. Combination homotoxicology injection: Cantharis Compositum (symptom formula for UTI)/Traumeel (antiinflammation)/Solidago Compositum (organ formula for Kidney & Bladder) at BL18, BL23, SP9, CV3 3. Oral homotoxicology: a) Symptom: Bladder – Cantharis Comp., BHI Bladder, Traumeel b) Detox: Simple detox: Nux V-Homa, Berberis-Homa, Lyumphomyosot c) Organ: Solidago Comp., Coenzyme Comp. Given in three dropper bottles + filtered water – ¼ to ½ dropper t.i.d. of each

2. Inflammation Phase – if the excretion phase is circumvented. All the “-itis” illnesses: arthritis, pleuritis, pancreatitis, etc. a) Traumeel (Heel) is the primary formula for inflammation Belladonna Combination (PCH) is useful for local b) inflammation, fever, erythema

4. Herbal: Long Dan Xie Gan Wan, 1 pill t.i.d.

3. Deposition Phase – defines the early matrix diseases. The “gel between the cells” starts being affected by toxins. In this largely “silent phase”, the body attempts to detoxify by storing metabolic “junk” in the connective tissues, vasculature, and adipose tissues. This phase is the Biological Divide. The first three phases are much easier in which to promote regression of the disease process. But once the disease progresses beyond the Biological Divide, true chronic disease becomes present, with damage to tissues, cells and organs. a) Lymphomyosot (Heel) is useful to promote drainage of toxins Continued on page 30.

2. Oral: Continue all three droppers of homotoxicology medicines; reduce frequency of organ bottle to three times weekly.

One week later: Urinating normally, feeling better Treatment: 1. Injection: Cantharis Comp., Traumeel, Mucosa Comp. (organ formula for mucosa tissue) at BL18, BL23, BL28, SP9, CV3, CV12

3. H erbal: Continue with Long Dan Xie Gan Wan, t.i.d. or b.i.d. Four weeks later: Hwai is feeling well, no urinary problems Treatment: Reduce dropper bottle doses to two to three times weekly

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THERE HAS BEEN A REDUCTION IN THE AVAILABILITY OF MANY HOMOTOXICOLOGY AND HOMEOPATHIC MEDICINES IN THE US AND EUROPE. NEW HOMOTOXICOLOGY PRODUCTS ARE APPEARING ON THE MARKET, AND OTHER COMBINATION HOMEOPATHIC MEDICINES CAN BE USED TODAY. Continued from page 29. b) Whole Body Detox Liquescence (PCH) is useful to promote drainage 4. Impregnation Phase – the early stages of cellular disease. The toxins build up in the matrix and connective tissues, causing structural changes in tissues, cells and organs. This phase is associated with early chronic disease. a) Lymphomyosot (Heel) is the primary drainer b) Psorinum Combination (PCH) is useful for stimulating the defense system for skin and general chronic illness 5. Degeneration Phase – damage to cellular defense, enzymatic functions, and energy production. This is a severe state of advanced degenerative chronic disease, with destruction of tissues, large groups of cells and organs. a) Cell Energy Performance (PCH) is useful to regulate the Kreb’s Cycle for cells b) Degex Liquescence (PCH) aids in the support of stimulating mesenchymal regeneration and activation 6. Dedifferentiation Phase – the neoplastic state, in which biological genetic control mechanisms have been damaged and continue unchecked, until death. a) Immune System Stimulator (PCH) supports the stimulation of the immune system Carcinosin Miasm Formula (PCH) stabilizes miasmatic b) terrain disturbances of neoplasm phase

Benefits and use of oral products

Different forms of homotoxicology medicines

Benefits and use of topical products

Homotoxicology medicines currently used by practitioners include injections, oral tablets, oral liquids and sprays, topical ointments and creams.2

• Topical products can aid in the healing of dermatological cases and localized trauma, injury, and eye cases. • Many companies make excellent topical products that can be an adjunct therapy to homotoxicology injection and oral treatments.

Benefits and use of injection products • Are more potent, up to ten times stronger than oral products. • Can be injected into acupuncture points that are selected following TCVM guidelines for each patient. Powerful results occur when injecting energetic medicine (homeopathics) at acupoints for local problems, organ disease, pain and immune support. This is the “wow” of homotoxicology. • Autos-Sanguis therapy (auto-hemo therapy) is another method of injection therapy, using the blood of the patient mixed with homotoxicology medicines. The mixture is then succussed (shaken well). By potentizing the individual’s own blood with the medicine, it becomes an auto-homeopathic medicine that promotes an immune response to that individual’s disease. It

also promotes the desensitization/hyposensitization of both auto-antibodies (autoimmune disease) and antigen-antibody (allergy) reactions; down regulates the inflammatory process; promotes immuno-modulation and regeneration. This is the second “wow” of homotoxicology. • Imagine using homotoxicology injection therapy and adding nutritional therapy that supports and regenerates a specific organ or gland. Then inject acupoints that support and regenerate by increasing Qi and blood flow and add Chinese Herbal Therapy to nourish and support that organ or gland. • Side effects using these injections are rare (while human hospitals using conventional drugs report 2% to 7% ADEs). From 1995 to 1999, adverse reactions reported for injectable remedies totalled 22, for a whopping .000036% side effect incidence, primarily with intra-articular injections. These were comprised of as many as 800 different formulations; nearly 650 million doses administered via sub-cutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous, intra-cutaneous, or intraarticular, and via the acupuncture points.

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• Oral products are the most often used of all homotoxicology medicines. They are gentle and have no chemical side effects. • They can be added to the patient’s water source or placed on food. I like to add these products to water to lower the alcohol taste and improve caregiver compliance. • A large number of products and companies make oral products.

I hope you can understand the efficacy of bioregulatory medicine involving the use of homotoxicology (injection and oral therapies) with nutritional therapy, acupuncture and herbal medicine. This is a powerful holistic integrative medicine that is easy to learn and to apply in veterinary medicine.

Homeopathic remedies have been discussed in prior issues. They are made from plants, minerals, body tissues and other substances. They are diluted with alcohol and water, and succussed (shaken vigorously) so there is no toxicity. 2 Some companies I have been using in practice, mostly for oral products, are Apex Energtics, Bioactive Nutritional, Heel, Inc., Homeopet, Hylands, NEAT Remedies, Professional Complementary Health Formulas, Viatrexx Bio, Inc., and Washington Homeopathic Products, Inc. There are only a few companies making injection homotoxicology medicines. The two I use in practice are Heel, Inc. and Viatrexx Bio, Inc. 1

From the AHVMA

New

Executive Director The AHVMA would like to welcome our new Executive Director, Catherine Randazzo. She has been in non-profit leadership positions for over 20 years, most recently serving as President and CEO of the Sulphur Institute in Washington, DC. Catherine’s experience includes strategic planning, international trade missions, conferences and trade shows, government affairs and worker training/certification. She also holds an M.B.A in Finance. She is married and has two children. Catherine’s experience, energy and enthusiasm will be a great asset to the continued success of the AHVMA.

Annual Conference This year’s AHVMA Conference will be held September 12 to 16 in conjunction with the Annual AVH Conference. Both will be housed at the Red Lion Hotel on the River, in the lovely and progressive city of Portland, Oregon.

Hospice Care, Homeopathy in Current Cancer Therapies, Introduction to the Organic Standards for Animal Health Care, Integrative Approaches to Oncology, Ayurvedic, Chinese & Western Herbology. These multiple concurrent tracks provide nourishment for those new to holistic approaches – and to those who have been using it for half a century. Practical laboratories in Making Herbal Salves and Preparations, and Beyond Chiropractic: Joint Mobilizations of the Spine and Limbs, allow for some deep training. The wealth of practical information, networking and community support, annual herb walk, daily breakfast meetings, fun-filled banquet, charity auction and jam sessions make this conference a well-rounded, motivational, body and soul-filling event that’s not to be missed.

AHVMA Retreat

We are expecting a record turnout this year. With the charismatic and inspirational Dr. Steve Marsden as our keynote speaker, and a complement of practical labs, breakfast meetings and intriguing lectures presented by the leaders in integrative medicine, this event promises to be one of the most engaging and informative conferences to date. The excellent speakers include leading veterinarians Sagiv BenYakir, Shelley Epstein, Barbara Fougere, Deborah Mitchell, Richard Palmquist, Donna Raditic, Nancy Scanlan, Rob Silver and many more.

“Healer, Heal Thyself” will be held before the conference, from September 7 to 11, at Breitenbush Retreat and Conference Center on 154 acres of wildlife sanctuary in the Willamette National Forest of the Oregon Cascades. Breitenbush is a pristine retreat location, laced with natural hot springs along a mountain river. Meals are all vegetarian, local, organic, and incredibly delicious. The retreat focuses on you, the healer, and includes your family and friends. Optional healing activities include our annual sweat lodge ceremony, herb walks, Tai Chi and Practice of Silence.

Lecture topics include Aquapuncture and Acupuncture for Pain Management, Leech Therapy, Bee Venom Therapy,

Check out the AHVMA.org website for more information on benefits, events and to register. IVC Summer 2014

The connection between

IMMUNITY AND NUTRITION By Andrew G. Yersin, PhD

he interactions between immunity, the immune system, nutrition and nutrients are complex and extremely important for companion animal health. Let’s review some simple concepts that might generate further discussion. In general, immunity simply means having adequate resources to prevent, avoid, limit or overcome an infection, disease or other uninvited attack. The immune system includes the structures, organs, and processes that allow an animal to protect himself, and is typically comprised of two unique divisions – the innate and the adaptive. Both divisions have additional capabilities for providing overall protection and allowing the body to communicate internally at a physiological level. Briefly, the innate system is considered nonspecific and utilizes surface barriers, inflammation, complement cascade, cellular barriers and natural killer cells. The adaptive system is a learned system, and utilizes lymphocytes, killer and helper T cells, antibodies and passive and active memory.

interact with the physical and chemical actions in the • gastrointestinal tract. Specifically, Omega fatty acids, vitamins (A, D, E, C, K), various amino acids, organic minerals (zinc, selenium, iron), and enzyme co-factors all contribute to assisting and supporting the immune system. Additionally, engagement of the immune system also impacts the nutritional status of the animal. Inflammatory reactions and cytokine interactions can influence protein, fat and carbohydrate metabolism, infection and disease conditions, appetite, the physiological wellness of the animal, and can depress growth responses. Nutritional physiology can impact the immune system and its functioning just as the activity of the immune system can influence metabolism.

1 Reviewing the nutritional status, vaccination program, diet Nutrients are the components of food, supplements, and nutraceuticals that the animal may utilize to develop, grow, support and balance overall wellness. Nutrients provide the key inputs to drive metabolic systems and the various and critical co-factors for metabolic functions. Nutrients in general influence the entire physiology of the animal, and ultimately, homeostasis. Nutrients include proteins (amino acids), fats (glycerol and fatty acids), carbohydrates (simple and complex sugars), vitamins, minerals, water and oxygen.

NUTRITION AND NUTRIENTS: • play a role in the development of the immune system • provide substrates to support the immune system during a challenge • influence pathogen proliferation • provide building blocks for effector and signaling molecules • influence regulatory action • influence the level of pathology

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and environment of the animal allows for best practice care. 2 Reviewing the literature on active and inactive ingredients, checking labels for nutrient composition, and understanding nutrient and supplement interactions are all important factors to consider. 3 Lastly, education and discussion with the pet parent in order to identify the animal’s responses to health and well-being related to what he is consuming, is critical. The connection between immunity and nutrition needs to be understood and recognized. The good news is that taking this connection into consideration can have very positive results on the overall well-being of the animal.

Andrew G. Yersin, PhD, is president of the companion animal health division of Kemin Industries.

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Dog brain scans & human/canine

COMMUNICATION A recent study reveals that both dogs and people respond very similarly to various human and canine sounds.

By Allen M. Schoen, MS, DVM, PhD (hon.) We’ve undergone a quantum leap in documenting interspecies communication between dogs and humans. Comparative neuroimaging with fMRIs has facilitated an exciting new awareness of how dogs and people communicate with each other.

human brain does,”1 writes Morelle. “A. Andics said, ‘We think dogs and humans have a very similar mechanism to process emotional information’.”1

“Dog’s brain scans reveal vocal responses,” writes Rebecca Morelle, a science reporter for the BBC World Service, in a recent article. The article is based on recently-published research entitled “Voice-Sensitive Regions in the Dog and Human Brain are Revealed by Comparative fMRI.”1

The research appears to document what dog lovers, veterinarians and their staff take for granted. Dogs recognize various human and other dog sounds, and respond to them. Dogs are very sensitive to human emotions. This study provides a neuroscience-based explanation, and further documentation of that awareness.

STUDY HIGHLIGHTS 1. This is the first comparative neuro-imaging study of a nonprimate species and humans. 2. A total of 11 dogs, and a comparison group of 22 men and women, listened to nearly 200 recordings of dog and human sounds. 3. Positive training was used so the dogs would be awake and quiet in the fMRI machines. 4. Human voice-processing areas responded most to human voices. In dogs, corresponding brain regions responded to the sounds of dogs, people and also non-vocal sounds. 5. “Brain sensitivity to vocal cues of emotional valence was found in both species.”2 “By placing dogs in an MRI scanner, researchers…found that the canine brain reacts to voices in the same way that the

As veterinarians, we see this daily in our practices. When clients come in and are verbally expressing fears or concerns about their dogs’ health, perhaps with crying and anxiety, the dogs seem to respond with behaviors associated with fear and anxiety. When dogs hear other dogs crying or screaming, they may also respond with fear and concern. This study may also add validation to the importance of creating quiet, peaceful animal hospital environments. It is a joy to see new animal hospital designs that address those concerns, by creating quieter areas for dogs to recover from anesthesia, as well as separating boarding dogs from trauma patients. In addition, it supports the theories of veterinary neurologist Susan Wagner and Joshua Leeds in their Through a Dog’s Ear book and CDs, which offer practical sound-based solutions for canine health.3 One may also extrapolate from this study how important it is for us to be sensitive to our animals’ awareness of our emotional states and responses. For instance, when working with clients whose dogs have cancer, I suggest they try not

This study may also add VALIDATION to the IMPORTANCE of creating quiet, peaceful animal hospital environments. It is a joy to see new animal hospital designs that address those CONCERNS, by creating quieter areas for dogs to recover from anesthesia, as well as separating boarding dogs from TRAUMA patients.

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Positive training was used so the dogs would lie still in the MRI machines.

Photo courtesy of Eniko Kubinyi

The study’s authors, A. Andic and others2, from the Comparative Ethology Research Group at the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, chose to study the responses of dogs to human vocalizations and other auditory stimuli, because of the shared history of human and dog interactions through thousands of years of canine domestication.

DOGS ARE VERY SENSITIVE TO EMOTION

to show grief, sadness or worry around their dogs. I suggest they try to be as positive and loving to their dogs as possible, and deal with their worry and grief when their dogs are not around. In humans, ample research documents the impact of emotions on our health and immunity, and I feel this is true for dogs as well. This study gives that theory more credibility.

START OF A PARADIGM SHIFT? As a veterinarian, animal behaviorist and author with a special interest in the human/animal bond, I am elated to see research that does not harm animals, and offers us invaluable insights into how similarly dogs and humans respond to certain sounds, both behaviorally and emotionally. I often state that dogs are some of the best students of human behavior. They watch our very move. Andic’s research leads the way to learning even more about the similarities between how humans and animals respond to stimuli, and communicate with each other. It could lead to healthier, happier, more compassionate communities with respect for all. Canine fMRIs and comparative neuro-imaging and comparative ethology may even lead to a paradigm shift. This research adds another level of documentation to Temple Grandin’s work on the way we slaughter animals4. Extrapolating some of these findings to the other species we have interacted with for thousands of years, such as cats, birds, horses, cows and goats, may take the onus of responsibility from proving why animals are similar to us, to honoring how similar we are and challenging skeptics to prove why we are different. This paradigm shift could transform how we treat animals by making us more aware and responsible for our own thoughts and emotions – towards domesticated and foodproducing animals, as well as wildlife. As I explore in my book5, perhaps the more we appreciate the similarities between how we communicate and interact with other species, the healthier environments we can create for all. Morelle, R. “Dog’s brain scans reveal vocal responses.”BBC News, Science & Environment, Feb. 20, 2014. Andics, A., et al.“Voice-Sensitive Regions in the Dog and Human Brain are Revealed by Comparative fMRI.” Current Biology,Vol 24, Issue 5, 574-578, March 2014. 3 Wagner, S & Leeds, J.“Through A Dog’s Ear, Using Sound to Improve the Health & Behavior of Your Canine Companion.”throughadogsear.com, 2008. 4 Grandin, T. Humane Livestock Handling: Understanding livestock behavior and building facilities for healthier animals. Storey Publ., MA, 2008. 5 Schoen, Allen. Kindred Spirits, How the Remarkable Bond between Humans and Animals Can Change the Way We Live. Broadway/Random House, 2001. 1

The study dogs revealed that canine brains react to voices the way ours do.

Photo courtesy of Borbala Ferenczy

IVC Summer 2014

nutrition nook

INTEGRATING BASIC

INTO DAILY PRACTICE By Constance DiNatale

For thousands of years, Chinese practitioners have used food as medicinal therapy and for preventative care. The main focus of the diet is to support digestion, and secondly to affect other issues that need addressing. A diet should usually include Bland or Neutral properties, and then have other foods added to give balance. Clinical signs, tongue and pulse evaluation, and environmental effects help determine the TCVM pattern(s) that need support.

RAW OR COOKED? Many holistic veterinarians prefer a raw meat diet, while others feel that animals do better with fresh cooked food. A good rule of thumb is that the more compromised the gastrointestinal tract, the easier cooked food will be to digest. Food can become progressively rarer as the gut heals. Also, in TCVM, raw food is considered Damp and Cool. This does not refer to the temperature or hydration of the food, but rather the effect it has on the body. Chicken is considered Warm, but if it is fed raw, it is not as Warming and may exacerbate any Damp conditions in the body. An animal with erythematous skin, that pants a lot and feels damp to the touch, may have aggravated Damp signs with raw chicken,

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whereas cooked chicken may exacerbate Heat signs. Ideally, a Neutral to slightly Cool food could be chosen, such as rabbit or turkey. It could be fed cooked if there are a lot of Damp signs, or rare to raw if Heat signs are more prevalent than Damp signs. The following are three examples of how TCVM would address specific patterns by pairing with food combinations.

FOR A COLD ANIMAL A Cold animal may have cold ears, cold front feet (Qi deficiency), or cold front and rear feet (Yang deficiency). They may be too painful to stand or may walk with a stiff gait. The tongue may be pale lavender or darker purple. The pulses may be deep and weak, or may sometimes feel forceful from the stagnation. We can see this pattern at the change of the seasons, when the first cold snap comes, or in old or weak

animals with failing Qi. Their diet needs to provide Qi and Warmth. Here’s one recipe to cook:

WARMING RECIPE Ingredients 4 chicken thighs – chicken is Warming in nature. Thighs have more fat than breasts, so will generate more internal Heat. Thighs also have more iron than breasts, and are a better Blood tonic. Free range will have more Omega-3, good for arthritis and immune issues. 2 cups cubed sweet potatoes – pick the heaviest ones as they have more Qi. They are Warming and help support Blood. When boiled, they support fluids and the kidneys. 1 cup mustard greens – Warm and pungent, so they move blood and help with pain. You can also use green beans or asparagus for kidney support, or artichoke or kale for liver support. Pinch cinnamon – makes recipe much more Warming. Use a food chart to pick other herbs and spices that fit the pet’s needs. 1 can sardines in olive oil or ¼ cup salmon or 1 can anchovies – their Omega-3 is anti-inflammatory, a Blood tonic, and balances the high Omega-6 in the chicken.

Instructions Simmer the chicken, sweet potatoes, and mustard greens in about a quart of water until the meat is cooked through and the potatoes are tender. Add the cinnamon towards the end, and add the oily fish after turning off the heat. Serve at room temperature.

FOR A WARM OR HOT ANIMAL A Warm or Hot animal shows two or more of the following symptoms: • Appetite – poor or ravenous • Skin rashes, hives, and redness • Red or watery eyes • Increased thirst • Red or purple tongue and fast pulses When the Heat is caused by Yin deficiency, the symptoms also may include: • Worse symptoms at night • Dry coat or skin • Anxiety and restlessness, especially at evening/night • Increased thirst, worse in afternoon to evening • Left pulses are weaker than the right and are fast Continued on page 38. IVC Summer 2014

Continued from page 37. The animals need an easily assimilated diet. Anyone coming from the gym after a long workout knows how hard digesting a heavy meal can be when one is overheated.

high protein diet. Roots to substitute are turnip (Cooling and drain excess Damp) and yucca or cassava (cooling and Yin). 1 cup green beans or asparagus or salad greens chopped fine – Yin tonic, benefits kidneys Egg, sardines, olive oil, seaweed, mixed green powders – add nutrition and taste to a bland diet. All are Neutral to Cooling.

COOLING RECIPE

Instructions

Ingredients 1 pound white fish (whiting, flounder, etc) – Neutral to Cooling, strengthens digestion, and generates body fluids. You may substitute pork for a thin, Dry, Yin-deficient animal, or rabbit for any animal with Heat signs.

Rinse rice or millet (soak barley overnight). Bring 2½ cups water for rice, 3 for millet or barley (including soak water) to a boil. Add the grain, bring back to a boil, then simmer for 50 minutes or until very mushy. Substitute roots for a grain-free diet. (Some dogs and cats do not digest barley, even when very well cooked).

1 cup raw brown rice, millet or barley – rice is a Qi and Blood tonic and can help rid the body of excess fluids, though will not dry the body out. Barley and millet are Yin tonics and barley is also a Qi tonic. Millet and barley are Cooling. Brown rice is Neutral to Cooling. All three aid digestion. Grains and seeds can provide a way to nourish an animal without the Heat of a

Melt butter or olive oil in a pan, add the fish and sauté until just cooked. Remove the fish and add some water to cook the vegetables until very tender. Salad greens can be fed raw if chopped very fine. Mix all together. Even for a Hot animal, feed at room temperature. The gut enzymes function at very specific temperatures and cold is not one of them. Continued on page 40.

GENERAL DIET TIPS 1 Observe the animal to see what diet is needed. a If the coat is too monochromatic and needs more tones and pigments, you need to feed colorful ingredients. b Progress is being made if after a few months the foot pads have become supple, soft, spring back to the touch, and are rich in color, like beautiful leather driving gloves! The diets as included in this article are not balanced nutritionally to meet 2 AAFCO standards. They can be used for short periods as therapeutic diets, can be added to regular diets, or can be supplemented as needed to meet the nutritional requirements of the animal receiving the food. 3 White GMO potatoes are not nutritious. Buy organic, and use as a rotating vegetable for animals that are Hot, or have Stomach Heat signs such as vomiting yellow, ravenous appetite, “hot” breath, and stomach ulcers. 4 German breeds need brassica/cruciferous plants, but they can be goiterogenic, so use in moderation and cook them. 5 “Northern” fruits are easier on the digestion (raspberries, blueberries, apples, pears) as opposed to tropical fruits (banana, melons, pineapple) which contain a lot of fluids and can weaken an already compromised gut. Feed the latter away from meals to avoid compromising digestion. 6 Crock pots are not good all the time for either people or animals because the long cooking time breaks down taurine and other nutrients. This is what happened in the early days of processed pet food when cat food was overcooked in cans. Crock pots are great for a sometimes meal and for debilitated animals who need the long cooking time to aid digestion. 7 Rats and mice have more taurine per square mm than any other animal.

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Continued from page 38.

WHEN BLOOD NEEDS ENRICHING The animal shows: • Dry coat and hair, poor coloration or bronzing • Papules and low grade rash • Low grade itch all over • Anxiety and behavioral issues • Tendon and ligament weakness • Tongue is pale and dry and pulses are deeper on the left

BLOOD ENRICHING RECIPE Ingredients

In TCVM, raw food is considered Damp and Cool. This does not refer to the temperature or hydration of the food, but rather the effect it has on the body. CATS NEED HIGHER PROTEIN LEVELS

2 lbs beef – Blood tonic, aids Dryness and weakness, strengthens digestion. Industrial cows produce Warmer meat which can be inflammatory at high levels. Grass-fed beef is more Neutral. Good for emaciation.

Cats can be fed the above diets but the protein needs to be higher. Leave out at least half of the non-protein food. Cats who are addicted to dry food may like a biscuit made by baking sweet potato and meat/organs or fish into a cookie. Then cook it less and less as more moist food is accepted. Here is an example:

¼ to ½ lb beef liver – Neutral, Blood tonic, helps the eyes and liver.

FELINE BISCUIT RECIPE

1 to 2 cup barley soaked overnight in a 3:1 ratio with water – keeps the dense beef and liver from being too heavy on the digestion.

Ingredients 2 cups turkey thigh or white fish (Warm or normal cat), or beef cut into chunks, or chicken for the rare Cold cat, all of these raw 2 chicken livers (look for organic or free range)

2 sweet potatoes, cubed (or 1 sweet potato and 1 large beet) – buy the heavy ones. Blood and Qi tonic. Can be left out if the diet will be too Warming and animal shows Heat signs (panting, increased thirst, red lesions). Substitue yucca, winter squash, turnip for Warm animal.

1 to 2 tbsp butter

1 cup red cabbage chopped thin – Neutral to Warming. Helps the digestion and blood.

Put the ingredients in a food processor and pulse until mixed well. Spread in 2” rows along a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet. Bake at 375º for 22 to 25 minutes or until edges are getting dry. Let cool and crumble into pieces.

2 cups spinach or mixed baby salad greens – Yin tonic, Cooling, builds blood. Along with beef, it moistens Dryness and helps thirst, so is good for diabetes.

Instructions Boil 6 to 8 cups water. Add the barley and return to boil, reduce to medium simmer. After 30 minutes, add the sweet potatoes. After another 20 minutes, add the cabbage and cook all until very tender, about another 20 to 30 minutes. Turn off heat, stir in spinach, and cover until wilted. Add pinch of salt and any other spice, herbs, supplements. The beef can be added at the end if you wish to feed raw, or in the last 10 or 20 minutes to cook it rare. The longer the beef cooks, the more the proteins unwind, aiding animals with poor digestion. Use less cooking time with meats as the animal is able to assimilate the protein better. Feed at room temperature.

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2 tbsp sweet potato, cooked ¼ cup salad greens

Instructions

The key to success for any diet suggestion is to make it easy for your clients. Have recipes, food sources, and supplements to offer. Consider some coaching videos, or monthly demonstration classes.

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Dealing with

CHRONIC

STRESS By Terri McCalla, MS, DACVO

CHRONIC STRESS is one of the foundations of disease in dogs. Adverse stress-related behaviors, such as destructiveness and self-injury, arise because their needs are not being met. Veterinarians and pet owners are often challenged in their efforts to help dogs with behavior issues that arise from anxiety, fears and phobias because these conditions have many causes. Treatment and support requires great patience, teamwork, and often multiple therapeutic strategies: Folic Acid (Vitamin B9): Deficiency can induce irritability, behavior disorders, reduced appetite, weight loss, and weakness. Cyanocobalamine (Vitamin B12): Maintains normal brain and CNS functioning. Deficiency can lead to severe and irreversible CNS damage. Magnesium: Essential for basic cellular life. Deficiency can aggravate sleep disturbance, irritability and depression. Selenium: Helps regulate the thyroid gland; deficiency is rare in pets, but can cause muscle weakness, increased susceptibility to infection, cancer, and heart disease. DL-Phenylalanine: Comprised of a combination of the D and L isomers of the amino acid phenylalanine. Acts as a natural pain reliever by blocking the enzymes responsible for endorphin and enkephalin breakdown. Eleuthero powder (Eleutherococcus senticosus): Also known as Siberian ginseng, it’s an adaptogen that helps the body adapt more effectively to stress. Enhances immune function, and reduces cortisol levels, inflammatory response, and the depletion of stress-reducing hormones. Inositol: Plays an important role as a component of several cellular messengers, including some lipids such as phosphatidylinositol phosphate.

L-Tyrosine: Necessary for neurotransmitter synthesis, such as epinephrine, norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine, each of which can regulate mood. Assists in the synthesis of enkephalins (pain-relieving effects). Research suggests tyrosine acts as an adaptogen, helping the body adapt and cope with the effects of stress. It is a building block for norepinephrine and epinephrine, two of the body’s primary stress hormones. St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum): Reduces anxiety and stress, and is used in dogs to help alleviate mild anxiety, fears, and phobias. It acts via a mechanism similar to opiates such as morphine. Passion Flower (Passiflora) Extract: Its flavonoids have relaxing and anti-anxiety effects. Can help with sleep problems and restlessness. May also be effective in reducing neuralgia, including (theoretically) neuralgia in cats infected with FHV. The herb of choice for chronic insomnia. L-5-hydroxytryptophan (Griffonia simplicifolia botanical): Has a documented sleep-inducing effect. It is a direct precursor to serotonin, which has a calming effect and regulates sleep. Griffonia seed has been shown to raise serotonin levels in the brain, relieving anxiety and improving sleep patterns. All 11 of the natural and complementary ingredients above are contained in Serenin Vet™. This product down-regulates the triggers that over-stimulate a dog’s brain, and is formulated to help dogs suffering from separation anxiety, hyperactivity, noise phobias, sleep disturbances, etc. Any of these conditions can seriously affect the quality of your patients’ lives, and that of their owners.

Dr. Terri McCalla is a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist and a member of Animal HealthQuest, LLC.

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Veterinary Resource Guide ASSISTIVE DEVICES HandicappedPet.com Amherst, NH USA Phone: (603) 577-8858 Website: www.handicappedpets.com Best Friend Mobility Myrtle Beach, SC USA Phone: (503) 575-9407 Email: sylvan@sylvancompany.com Website: www.bestfriendmobility.org

ASSOCIATIONS Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy - AVH Leucadia, CA USA Phone: (866) 652-1590 Website: www.theavh.org American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture - AAVA Glastonbury, CT USA Phone: (860) 632-9911 Email: aava@cttel.net Website: www.aava.org

East York Animal Clinic Toronto, ON Canada Phone: (416) 757-3569 Email: eyac@ca.inter.net Website: www.holisticpetvet.com Mark Newkirk, VMD Margate Animal Hospital & Alternative Care Center Egg Harbor Township, NJ USA Toll Free: (609) 645-2120 Phone: (609) 645-2120 Website: www.alternativevet.com Steven Marsden, DVM Edmonton Holistic Veterinary Clinic Edmonton, AB Canada Phone: 780-436-4944

NATURAL PRODUCT

MANUFACTURERS & DISTRIBUTORS GenesisValley Center CA USA Phone: (760) 751-3360 Website: www.genesispets.com

National Animal Supplement Council - NASC Valley Center, CA USA Phone: (760) 751-3360 Website: www.nasc.cc

EQUINE NATUROPATH Cassie Schuster, ND, MH Waller, TX USA Phone: (713) 502-0765 Email: cassie.schuster@yahoo.com Website: www.wellranch.com

INTEGRATIVE THERAPIES Healfast Therapy North Caldwell, NJ USA Phone: (551) 200-5586 Email: support@healfasttherapy.com Website: www.healfasttherapy.com

INTEGRATIVE VETS Dr. Shawn Messonnier Paws and Claws Vet Clinic Plano, TX USA Phone: (972) 712-0893 Email: shawnvet@sbcglobal.net Website: www.pettogethers.net/healthypet

IVC Summer 2014

Tallgrass Animal Acupressure Institute Castle Pines, CO USA Phone: (303) 681-3033 Email: nancy@animalacupressure.com Website: www.animalacupressure.com Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine TCVM Reddick, FL USA Phone: (352) 591-5385 Email: register@tcvm.com Website: www.tcvm.com Veterinary Information Network - VIN Davis, CA USA Phone: (530) 756-4881 Email: vingram@vin.com Website: www.vin.com

American Veterinary Chiropractic Association - AVCA Bluejacket, OK USA Phone: (918) 784-2231 Email: avcainfo@junct.com Website: www.animalchiropractic.org Association of Veterinary Acupunturists of Canada - AVAC Beaconsfield, QC Canada Phone: (514) 697-0295 Email: office@avac.ca Website: www.avac.ca

PetMassage Ltd. Toledo, OH USA Phone: (419) 475-3539 Email: info@petmassage.com Website: www.petmassage.com

SUPPLEMENTS SCHOOLS & WELLNESS EDUCATION Animal Spirit Network Pekin, IL USA Phone: (815) 531-2850 Email: carol@animalspiritnetwork.com Website: www.animalspiritnetwork.com College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies - CIVT Rozelle, NSW Australia Phone: (303) 800-5460 Website: www.civtedu.org

Herbsmith Inc. Hartland, WI USA Phone: (262) 367-1372 Email: mail@herbsmithinc.com Website: www.herbsmithinc.com MVP Laboratories Omaha, NE USA Phone: (402) 331-5106 Email: mvplabs@mvplabs.com Website: www.mvplabs.com SmartPak Plymouth, MA USA Phone: (774) 773-1125 Email: customercare@smartpak.com Website: www.smartpak.com The Honest Kitchen San Diego, CA USA Phone: (858) 483-5995 Email: info@thehonestkitchen.com Website: www.thehonestkitchen.com

THERMAL IMAGING ThermoScanIR Toronto, ON Canada Phone: (416) 258-5888 Email: info@ThermoScanIR.com Website: www.ThermoScanIR.com

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DIETARY APOPTOGENS AND CANCER By Demian Dressler, DVM

ne in three dogs – one in two over the age of ten – will develop cancer, according to the National Cancer Foundation. With these sobering statistics, the demand for more and better treatments is escalating.

An excellent candidate for a new treatment approach targets apoptosis, a type of genetically programmed cell death that occurs naturally every day in cells that are old, deranged, or damaged. Lack of normal apoptosis is one of six hallmarks common to every cancer type, as identified in the landmark paper “Hallmarks of Cancer: the Next Generation” (Weinberg and Hanahan, Cell, January, 2000). The importance of apoptosis and its positive impact on health was further illuminated in 2002, when Brenner, Horvitz and Sulston were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine “for their discoveries concerning genetic regulation of organ development and programmed cell death”. Ever since, pharmaceutical companies have been spending billions developing synthetic pharmaceutical apoptogens, yet Mother Nature has already invented apoptogens in the form of plant-based bioflavonoids such as luteolin, curcumin and apigenin. These tiny molecules, when extracted from foods and carefully formulated, naturally activate the apoptosis genes in old, damaged, or deranged cells. These and several other dietary apoptogens are currently the subject of dozens of trials around the world. The problem with oral delivery of dietary apoptogens, however, is their relative lack of bioavailability at the doses needed to achieve a clinical

effect. This was a major obstacle when I first started working with these apoptogens in my own practice. When my company, Functional Nutriments, wanted to bring my formula Apocaps® to market, we came up with a technology called Biovadex™ that provides a “Trojan Horse” method for delivering apoptogens to the bloodstream at relative concentrations. Biovadex is now used in Apocaps. Veterinarians of all types are embracing these products. Integrative veterinarians recognize their obvious applications in the clinical setting, but so do conventional veterinarians, including some otherwise conservative veterinary oncologists. That’s because the apoptogens in Apocaps, when dosed at the levels we use, are selectively pro-oxidant in nature, targeting proliferating cells lacking normal apoptosis. Apocaps is suitable for use as a standalone palliative, and is also compatible with conventional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation, as seen in over 12,000 dogs receiving Apocaps. In fact, due to the chemo-sensitizing and radio-sensitizing nature of the constituent ingredients, oncologists and oncology-oriented private practitioners use Apocaps for that purpose. Integrative veterinarians are using the capsules along with medicinal mushrooms, other herbal formulas, homeopathy and acupuncture. Susan Ettinger, DVM, ACVIM (Oncology), and I have written a white paper about dietary apoptogens and their use in a clinical setting – visit http://FunctionalNutriments.com/IVJ.

Dr. Demian Dressler is the owner of South Shore Veterinary Care, a fullservice veterinary hospital in Maui, Hawaii. He studied Animal Physiology and received a BSc degree from the University of California at Davis before earning his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University. Dr. Dressler is the cofounder of Functional Nutriments, LLC, and the inventor of Apocaps. He is a member of the AVMA, the Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association, and the NASC. IVC Summer 2014

EXCESSIVE PAW LICKING IN DOGS By Dr. Peter Dobias, DVM

IT MAY NOT BE ALLERGIES

to look closer at the patterns I was seeing, and began examining the neck and spine for discomfort, muscle spasm, inflammation and tightness.

Most dogs are taken through a battery of tests, put on hypoallergenic and elimination diets, and repeated and long term antibiotics. Many end up on corticosteroids. Unfortunately, many of these dogs continue licking.

Surprisingly, most of the patients that licked their front feet had signs of lower cervical inflammation and discomfort. The dogs that licked their forearms had muscle spasms and inflammation in the inter-scapular region. Those that were licking their hind feet often had signs of injury in the lumbar spine – the origin of nerves supplying the hind feet.

or any practicing veterinarian, paw licking and chewing is a very common complaint and often, even with holistic approaches can be difficult to treat. Conventionally, this is considered an allergic response.

For years, I cringed every time I saw a dog that excessively licked his paws. I agree that allergies should be on the differential diagnosis list. However, we all know that many affected dogs improve only marginally when they are treated for allergies. For the longest time, I tried different diets, homeopathy, herbal supplements and detox protocols, but the results were not as good as I hoped for. I asked myself if I was missing something important and started looking at these patients with fresh eyes.

LOOKING FOR NEUROLOGICAL Then it dawned on me. Could it be that “paw lickers” paid attention to their feet because of an abnormal neurologic sensation or referred pain originating from the neck? I started

I also noticed that front paw lickers often pulled on the leash or their guardians used a collar attached to a retractable leash. The dogs with hind foot licking were often sprinters and ball retrievers, and frequently had signs of para-spinal muscle injuries and strain of the lumbar spine. This made sense from an anatomical and neurological point of view. Nerve and energy meridian pathways are affected or “impinged” by tight muscles, collars or leash jerks. Looking at the position of the collar itself, it is logical that it could cause neck and nerve injury in a dog that is prone to pulling. When it comes to dogs on retractable leashes, the spring of the leash develops a continuous pull that generates a degree of stress in the cervical region. In addition, when a dog gets to the end of the retractable leash, the sudden stop and jerk causes additional force. Based on this observation, I started addressing the injuries and tightness I was observing. To my surprise, a large majority of these dogs recovered completely or improved significantly, depending on the severity of the injury and the chronicity of the condition.

Most of the patients that licked their front feet had signs of lower cervical inflammation and discomfort. 44

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ADDRESSING ROOT CAUSES THAT TRIGGER PAW LICKING If you are interested in trying this approach, here is what I suggest. I assume your patient has already been examined, that blood work has been done, and he is being fed a wholesome natural diet and essential vitamins, minerals and Omega oils.

1 2 3

Ask the client to use a front clip harness such as Walk In Sync or similar to reduce stress on the cervical spine. Never attach the leash to a collar, especially when a dog pulls frequently. If your patient licks his hind feet, ask the client to prevent him from sprinting, jumping, leaping in the water, or retrieving balls for at least a month. This will reduce the muscle tightness that usually affects nerve and energy pathways to the hind feet.

4 5

Chiropractic, physiotherapy or osteopathic adjustment or therapy is an essential part of the treatment. Ask your client not to play tug-of-war with the dog, or if they do, to let the rope or leash gently slide through their hands. Instruct them not to lift the dog in the air when tugging.

Encourage the client to feed a species approprite diet and supplement the dogâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s food with whole food-based supplements. I use SoulFood (organic multivitamin), GreenMin

(plant-based

mineral

support),

and

WholeMega salmon oil.

7 8

If you suspect your patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s liver has been stressed and needs to detox, consider Livton by Standard Process. I also suggest Zyflamend, an all-natural turmericbased anti-inflammatory. I have used it for more than four years in dogs, with great results, and have seen no evidence of side effects. Using this treatment protocol, changes should be evident within one to eight weeks, depending on the severity of the case. IVC Summer 2014

From the AVH The Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy is comprised of veterinarians who share a common desire to restore true health to their patients through the use of homeopathic treatment. Members of the Academy are dedicated to understanding and preserving the principles of Classical Homeopathy.

2014 AVH Annual Case Conference We are excited to announce the upcoming AVH Annual Case Conference, “Practical Homeopathic Philosophy”, from September 12 to14. It will overlap with the AHVMA conference (September 13 to 16) to enable participants to attend both. The meetings will be held in the Red Lion Hotel on the River in Jantzen Beach, Portland, Oregon. The focus of this AVH conference is how our knowledge of Dr. Samuel Hahnemann’s The Organon of the Medical Art has helped in the diagnosis, treatment and management of cases. This text is the foundation of the practice of Classical Homeopathy. First published in 1810, it details the observations drawn from Dr. Hahnemann’s medical discoveries of how a medicine able to produce disease signs in a healthy individual could heal these signs in a sick individual. The book serves as a timeless reference to the practice of homeopathy. Our special guest this year is the well known and respected human homeopath, Nicola Henriques, author of Crossroads to Cure and Release the Vital Force. She is truly an expert on the Organon and Dr. Hahnemann’s principals of homeopathy. Her lecture is entitled “Identification and Removal of Obstacles to Permanent Health Restoration”. Other exciting speakers include veterinary homeopaths Sara Fox Chapman, Will Falconer, Lisa Melling, Elise Radebaugh, Adriana Sagrera, Sarah Stieg and the popular and highly respected teacher, mentor, and author of The Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats, Richard Pitcairn.

Topics include practice management and homeopathic care for patients presenting with cancer, blood dyscrasias, spider bites, car sickness, gastroenteritis and trauma, with a special session on the care of rescue animals. AHVMA members are offered a complimentary day pass for the AVH meeting. We look forward to seeing everyone in beautiful Portland, and sharing the experience with our friends from the AHVMA.

AVH speakers present to students On February 20, 2014, Dr. Ann Swartz presented an “Introduction to Veterinary Homeopathy” to the Oregon State University Veterinary School Integrative Veterinary Medicine Club. Know Bones Pet Supply, makers of TC Feline, was the generous sponsor. On April 4, Dr. Doug Yearout presented “Homeopathy in Practice and Wildlife” to the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine Holistic Club. Vetri-Science was the generous sponsor.

Upcoming VMA conference lecture September 26 to 28 marks the Washington State VMA Annual Conference. Dr. Jackie Sehn will be presenting an “Introduction to Veterinary Homeopathy”, including basics, applications and discussions of cases. Check out our newly revamped website at theAVH.org.

”The highest ideal of cure is the rapid, gentle, and permanent restoration of health . . . in the shortest, most reliable and most harmless way . . .” Samuel Hahnemann, M.D. (1755-1843), founder of homeopathy. IVC Summer 2014

industry innovations New director of sales

A fresh look

Virbac Corporation has named Jim Van Proosdy as its new Director of Sales. With more than 30 years’ experience in animal health, Van Proosdy has been involved with the sales and marketing of equine, small animal and ruminant animal health products. Before joining Virbac, he held management positions with Merial Ltd., Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc., and Bayer Healthcare – Animal Health Division. Van Proosdy earned his bachelor’s degree in education from University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Zephyr’s Garden has unveiled a new and improved website. It offers easy access to information and product ordering for effective, herbal-based, all-natural topicals for dogs. These products cover most topical issues, such as skin fungus, scratches, sweet itch, rain rot, seasonal itches, wounds, hot spots, and thrush. Made with pure, top quality natural ingredients, the product line includes salves, sprays, liniments, calmatives, hoof care products and shampoos.

Virbacvet.com

Zephyr’s Garden will now be identiﬁed as a Uckele Company, but product branding and formulas remain unchanged. ZephyrsGarden.com

Better than ever Kemin has launched two newly reformulated products for dogs – Re-Flex™ Ultra and Protegrity™ EZ. 1. Re-Flex Ultra was reformulated to combine speciﬁc ingredients in the already effective Re-Flex 3 and Re-Flex 4. Replacing these products, the new overall balanced formula contains improved tablet durability and increased levels of active ingredients to support joint health and alleviate discomfort associated with daily exercise and activity. 2. Protegrity EZ promotes optimum intestinal health by combining proprietary enzymes, for normal digestive balance, with the same patented and proven Bacillus subtilis PB6 probiotic strain used in Protegrity GI, creating a complete and balanced intestinal formula. Kemin.com

Shampoo solutions Vital-Chlor® 4% Shampoo is ideal for dermatologic conditions where a full-strength antimicrobial shampoo is needed. It combines 4% Chlorhexidine with penetrating agents and emollients for optimal therapeutic effectiveness. Vital-Ketodine™ Shampoo is pleasantly scented with full strength antiseptic activity (1% Ketoconazole and 2% Chlorhexidine) for mild to severe dermatologic conditions. VitalAnimalHealth.com

E-collar alternative Are you looking for a way to help your clients be more compliant after their pets’ surgery? The best way is to take off the old e-collar and put on the new adjustable-ﬁt Cover Me by Tui. With this onepiece post-surgical garment, the pet can rest easier and heal quicker. It’s made of 100% Peruvian cotton, which is breathable, durable and lightweight. Features a builtin potty cover. Your clients will thank you and their pets will love you! TulanesCloset.com IVC Summer 2014

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industry innovations Multi-use body wrap Healers PetCare, a provider of pet wellness products, has launched their new Therapeutic Body Wrap for pets. This multi-use wrap aids with healing in a multitude of ways: • As a post-surgical wrap for the pet’s front, back or full body. • A replacement for the dreaded cone collar. • An anxiety wrap to help pets feel calmer in a variety of situations. • To facilitate healing via the Velcro patch pockets where hot and/or cold packs can be placed, reducing swelling and providing comfort. • To hold heart monitors or other monitoring devices with the included placement pouches. • A bandage wrap for specific wound placement with the use of gauze pads. • An incontinence or “pets in heat” wrap. Comes in a range of sizes, from extra small to extra large. Accessories, including gauze pads and re-usable heat and cold packs that work in conjunction with the product, are sold separately. HealersPetCare.com

Treats for their teeth Looking for a way to help maintain dental wellness in your canine patients? Dog Breath Dental Treats from Herbsmith Inc. coat the teeth all the way to the gingiva with active ingredients – sea algae to break down tartar and biofilm, with spearmint and parsley to freshen breath. They’re great for dogs that are at risk during anesthesia for regular dental cleanings, and for those that are particularly prone to tartar development. They can help regular dental cleanings last longer. HerbsmithInc.com

Raw and homemade base mix Preference® is one of The Honest Kitchen’s best-selling recipes, and is designed to be used with raw meat grinds, or cooked meats / fish to make a complete diet. Preference is made with dehydrated raw fruits, vegetables as well as vitamins and minerals. Try a box today – email Vets@thehonestkitchen.com for a complimentary box, or samples for your practice. TheHonestKitchen.com

New canine parvovirus-coronavirus antigen test kit Modern Veterinary Therapeutics introduces a new rapid in-clinic chromatographic immunoassay that will be the only test in the U.S. market for the qualitative detection of both Coronavirus and Parvovirus antigens in canine feces simultaneously. These tests are highly sensitive and specific, providing a positive or negative result in 5 minutes to help practitioners recognize these viruses in the clinic. The tests are easy to use, can be stored at room temperature, and will have a 2-year shelf life. ModernVeterinaryTherapeutics.com

PEMF therapy made easy HealFast® Therapy is a family of innovative, lightweight, self-contained electronic devices that deliver PEMF (Pulsed ElectroMagnetic Field) directly to injured or diseased soft tissue in horses, cats and dogs. These patches provide drugfree relief for swelling and pain while speeding healing in muscles, joints, tendons and ligaments. The devices are • Sensation-free and easy to use • Non-invasive, free of drugs and side effects • Effective and affordable • Able to penetrate dressings or casts with no skin prep Go online to learn more. HealFastTherapy.com

IVC Summer 2014

From the AAVA The American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture is committed to improving animal health care by the advancement of veterinary acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine and Traditional Asian Veterinary Medicine, through education, research and leadership.

In January 2014, the AVMA HOD (House of Delegates) overwhelmingly voted to approve AAVA’s admission to the AVMA HOD as an AVMA constituent veterinary organization. AAVA now has two votes, with a Delegate and AlternateDelegate representing it in the AVMA HOD. This will help ensure veterinary acupuncturists will never lose the privilege of offering this modality to their patients. AAVA’s voice in AVMA also ensures that our unique perspective in veterinary medical issues is directly heard and addressed.

GUESS THIS ACUPUNCTURE POINT This point is important in “eliminating wind from the face” from whatever cause, and is frequently used in the treatment of facial paralysis, facial pains such as trigeminal neuralgia, drooling, toothache, excess salivation, and ocular disorders such as twitching of the eyelid, itching of the eye, and night blindness. It is associated with Central Nerves V & VII. A much less common usage of the point is for leg disorders, such as swelling, reflecting the principle stated in the Yellow Emporer’s Inner Classic: “When the disease is below, select [point] from above”. Other examples of this principle, at least in humans, are the use of GV 20 for anal disorders, GV 26 and ST 9 for lumbar pain, and GB 8 for vomiting. Descriptions of the point’s location vary only slightly from text to text. It is located at the corner of the mouth, lateral to

the labial commissure. Dr. Thoresen further locates the point as being below the mid-pupil in dogs, horses, and humans. The answer appears at the end of this article.

UPCOMING EVENTS Join us on August 23 in Fort Collins, Colorado for an Equine Wet-Lab with the world renowned Dr. Edward Boldt. The focus will be on examining, diagnosing and treating performance horses using acupuncture integratively with other modalities such as chiropractic, herbal medicine and Western medicine. In Renton, Washington on October 25, consider attending Acupuncture Problem Solving and Pattern Differentiation: Case Presentations and Wet-Lab. Dr. Michelle Schraeder assesses past cases to figure out the patterns and how to best treat the patient. She will show how she integrates acupuncture with food therapy, TuiNa, laser and Western medicine. Live cases and group problem solving are also included in this interactive wet-lab. Please visit our website at aava.org for more information.

Answer to “Guess this acupuncture point”: ST4

NOW AN ALLIED ORGANIZATION OF THE AVMA

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VACCINE STRATEGIES FOR EQUINES: How to minimize risk and maximize owner involvement By Christina Chambreau, DVM, CVH s more evidence emerges about vaccinosis and acute reactions to vaccines, many horse owners are questioning the need for giving vaccines as often as some veterinarians, barns, shows and transportation issues require. These concerns are reflected in the integrative veterinary community as well, with many veterinarians seeing clear relationships between increasing chronic illnesses in animals and the frequency and number of vaccines (read Dr. Lankenauâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s article, IVC Spring, 2014). Dr. Jean Doddsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; articles in previous issues of IVC (Summer and Fall, 2012)

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outline the considerations for vaccinating horses for specific illnesses, and provide a review of the immunology many of us have forgotten. So what happens when owners and veterinarians agree to vaccinate less, but circumstances seem to demand the opposite? What strategies can be used to avoid some vaccines, help caregivers decide which vaccines to give, and mitigate any potential harm that might arise from these decisions? IVC talked to integrative veterinarians in different zones and types of practice about the protocols they use. All the veterinarians agree on several points: • Vaccines are responsible for many of the chronic illnesses affecting their equine patients, so they look for the minimum possible vaccines to administer. • Vaccine timing is important. To avoid stress, the veterinarians spread out the vaccines, avoid giving a vaccine when a horse is ill and administer when most needed. • Owners should be educated to carefully observe their horses for any health changes secondary to vaccines. If health changes are noted, treatment should be started promptly. • It’s incumbent upon the veterinarian to educate clients about their choices.

So which vaccines are integrative veterinarians recommending? Equines experience disease incidence differently depending on lifestyle and where they live. We asked veterinarians around the country to weigh in on what they recommend. Due to the housing situation of their patients, the horse’s owner may or may not be able to follow their recommendations.

Dr. Joyce Harman – Virginia Equine flu is easy to treat with alternative medicine, and symptoms are not lethal, so she does not recommend this vaccine.

protection, or the disease would have been eliminated. Many of her patients live along a major river basin (the Potomac), and cases are seen each year, so vaccination may be wise. This vaccine does not appear to be as hard on the horses as some others. Titers are often seen at a protective level without constant revaccination. Tetanus is a high-risk, difficult to treat and prevalent disease. The vaccine seems quite safe, though does not need to be given annually. Strangles is a highly contagious disease, not usually lifethreatening if the animal is cared for well, and fairly easy to treat with both alternative and Western medicine. The healthier the horse’s immune system, the less likely he is to get sick, and the easier it is for him to make a full recovery. The vaccine seems to cause more problems than any other vaccine, so Dr. Harman does not recommend it.

Dr. Jane Laura Doyle – Berkley Springs, West Virginia She recommends rabies (not legally required) and tetanus only. She will let the owner give the vaccines so they can be given several weeks apart. Most of her clients are at their own barns.

Dr. Madalyn Ward – Fischer, Texas Dr Ward recommends the two combination encephalitis/ tetanus vaccinations at six months of age, and boosting every three years or sooner if there is an outbreak, until 15 years of age.

Dr. Marge Lewter – southwest Virginia She administers the combination encephalitis/tetanus and rabies as core vaccines. Rabies titers can be done but rabies is a real risk to horses in her area. If the horse travels and the owner requests it, she may add West Nile (endemic, and most horses have titers to it), Potomac Horse Fever (if the horse lives on a river and it is a serious illness), and/or strangles. She splits the vaccines into two visits.

Dr. Ann Schwartz – southern Oregon

Rabies is life-threatening, difficult to treat and the vaccine is highly effective, though often causes chronic illness. Only one or a few shots in the lifetime of the horse will be protective for most animals. Most horses in her practice have titers thousands of times higher than the protective level needed in humans.

Dr. Schwartz lives in an area where Potomac Horse Fever and West Nile are endemic. Foals get an initial vaccine and a booster of Potomac Horse Fever and West Nile, then no more. (Exception: there is one stream area that seems to be flowing with Potomac Horse Fever. One owner has had it in her horses twice, so she vaccinates for it about every five years with Dr. Schwartz’s approval.)

Potomac Horse Fever vaccines fall somewhere in the middle. The vaccine has not been shown to have complete

Foals get a series of two vaccines of Eastern and Western encephalitis and tetanus at four to six months, two to four IVC Summer 2014

weeks apart, and boosts to the comfort of the client. Most of her clients choose annual (not many), some bi-annual, some every five years or less. Dr. Schwartz tries to give tetanus before gelding. She does give boosters after any open wounds that could come in contact with dirt or stool. She does not recommend rhino, though some clients give it before going to a training barn. She also does not recommend strangles vaccine, telling owners to avoid infected barns. Rabies is given once only, if clients wish.

Minimizing risks Integrative veterinarians agree there are safer ways to administer vaccines, even in boarding settings, as well as handle possible side effects.

TIPS ON EDUCATING CLIENTS Veterinarian Joyce Harman feels it’s important to include the horse owner in the vaccine decision process. She helps the owner evaluate: 1. The risk and severity of the illness 2. The efficacy, duration and potential

Veterinarian Dr. Lisa Melling of Willis, MI was able to manage barn vaccine requirements (EEE, WEE, Potomac, tetanus and EHV) for her own leased horse by spacing them out every two weeks. Since the horse is allergic to flies, he would not really be considered healthy enough to be vaccinated per the vaccine label, but with homeopathic care seems to tolerate the vaccine.

damage for each vaccine 3. Ease of treatment 4. Availability of titers 5. The horse’s lifestyle Ann Schwartz, DVM, agrees with an inclusive approach. She says her discussion with owners often starts the same way. “I ask them ‘Which would make you feel worse – if your horse got an illness you could have vaccinated for, or if your horse develops a chronic illness such as laminitis, Cushing’s, an autoimmune or behavioral disorder that could be attributed to the vaccine? Can you just rest and nurse your horse through the illness rather than vaccinate?” She approaches each disease and vaccine

Dr. Harman reminds us that vaccinating in May is good for the mosquito-carried diseases that occur primarily when the mosquito population builds to high levels in the late summer and fall. The same is true of Potomac Horse Fever, which also occurs in July through October. Rabies and tetanus are yeararound diseases, so these could be given at any time of the year. Educating clients about the timing of illnesses can help owners and barn managers feel comfortable only giving the vaccine once a year. Dr. Harman follows vaccines with a homeopathic remedy, Ledum. Other homeopathic veterinarians use other remedies or wait until symptoms appear. Reiki is used by many owners and practitioners to decrease reactions – first on the syringe itself, then at the injection site, and finally to the whole horse as long as is needed.

individually and explains concepts such as risk, cross protection, and efficacy to help protect her patient’s short and long-term health.

IVC Summer 2014

Barns and other requirements can be fulfilled with titers. Some university vaccine researchers feel that if any titer is present at all, there will be protection at the cellular level. Even animals with no titer may be well protected. Holistic veterinarians agree

that the healthiest horses are the least likely to acquire infectious illnesses, or at least will usually recover more easily. Michelle Brim, DVM, of Webster City, Iowa, had an ambulatory practice for 15 years doing conventionally frequent vaccines. After observing some health issues and reading about individualizing vaccines, she gave fewer to her own horses, followed by titers only for seven years. Since her horses had protective antibody titers, she began to convince clients to do either titers or change to a three-year vaccination protocol for encephalitis/West Nile. For flu and herpes, she evaluates the horseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activity and housing.

Summary The joy of an integrative practice is that we offer our clients choices based on each individualâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs. We realize that every choice, including those about vaccines, diet, and treatments, impacts the horseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health. As more and more vaccines are developed, owners are often concerned about the health damage to their horses. By educating the owners and tailoring the vaccine schedule to the needs of the horse (rather than the barn), and treating sequela promptly, horses can retain their health.

Vaccinating in May is good for the mosquito-carried diseases that occur primarily when the mosquito population builds to high levels in the late summer and fall. IVC Summer 2014

OZONE BIOPHOTONIC THERAPY

he healing potential of ozone therapy (IVC Journal, Fall 2013) is greatly enhanced by combining it with biophotonic therapy (UVC). This combination, termed “O3UV”, is now being used to successfully treat a wide variety of illnesses in both large and small animals, ranging from infections and allergic reactions to organ and metabolic diseases, as well as cancer (even helping the body tolerate conventional cancer treatments). O3UV boosts the immune system, while decreasing pain and inflammation. The process is simple – a small amount of blood is withdrawn from the patient, mixed with saline, treated with ozone gas and then re-infused past UV light and injected back into the patient.

IVC Summer 2014

Are two therapies stronger than one?

By Kathy Backus, DVM, and Jonathan Lowe

A brief history In 1856, just 16 years after its discovery, ozone was used to sterilize instruments in a health care facility and practitioners soon recognized it could be utlilized for much more. From its earliest years up until today, physicians and veterinarians alike have used ozone to treat a range of illnesses, from non-healing wounds to tuberculosis. The ease, efficacy and cost of bringing increased oxygen to tissues make it a no-brainer in the treatment of diseases. In 1923, Emmitt K. Knott, DSc, of Seattle, Washington expanded on the efforts of previous scientists to harness ultraviolet light. He built an apparatus (the Knott Hemo-Irradiator) that would remove blood from the body through a tube, citrate it to avoid

coagulation, expose it in a small chamber to calibrated UV, and then pump it through a tube back into the body. His goal was to use the bactericidal property of ultraviolet rays in order to treat infectious diseases of the blood. In 1928, he was able to successfully treat a woman near death from sepsis (from an abortion) by exposing her blood to UVC rays. In other experiments, Knott infected dogs with bacteria, then tried to treat their entire blood volume. While it initially cleared the bacteria in the blood, the dogs died shortly thereafter. Upon further investigation, Knott discovered that removing and treating 1.5 cc of blood per pound of body weight was sufficient to clear the blood of bacteria and bring the dogs to a full recovery1. Knott continued his work, and after he successfully treated a patient with advanced hemolytic streptococcus septicemia in 1933, doctors often used biophotonic therapy, or ultraviolet blood irradiation (UBI), in hospitals across the US. In the 1950s, the excitement over antibiotics, vaccines and steroids caused hospitals to shelve their biophotonic devices in favor of these “wonder drugs”, despite the fact that for certain indications (hepatitis, viral pneumonia, shingles, etc.), UBI treatment was demonstrably superior. Currently, veterinary and human medicial communities around the world utilize both ozone and biophotonic therapy, although its popularity is much more widespread in Europe and other countries than in the US. While there are 3,000 practitioners of UBI in Europe, only 250 practitioners exist in the U.S. Ozone therapy is more prevalent; there are over 26,000 ozone therapists around the world and over 40 countries have ozone organizations. Many of these also promote biophotonic therapy.

The best of both worlds While ozone and biophotonic therapy are often used separately, Dr. Backus’ practice began to see that using them in conjunction provided a way to treat the patient more comprehensively. Thus the term O3UV was coined. O3UV combines what has traditionally been known as Major Autohemotherapy (MAHT) and biophotonic therapy (aka ultraviolet blood irradiation) into one “Super Therapy”.

Continued on page 56.

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Continued from page 55. O3UV’s ability to stimulate the body’s own healing mechanism is the basis for its use as an adjunctive to treat almost any known illness. The following is a short list of illnesses that can be treated: • Bacterial • Cancer • Viral • Auto-immune

• Circulatory • Inflammatory • Respiratory • Any ailment may benefit

A closer look at the benefits 1. Modulating the Immune system In essence, clinical evidence has shown that the functions of the immune system are brought into balance, although the mechanism is still theoretical. The ability of this therapy to calm the immune system when it is unnecessarily overreacting has been well documented. In fact, in one study done on dogs that underwent bone marrow transfusions, biophotonic

therapy was administered and successfully reduced the occurrence of graft-versus-host disease. On the flip side, other autoimmune issues such as MS, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus have seen dramatic, positive effects. What we have come to understand, then, is that O3UV can take a compromised immune system that is not able to fight off disease, and stimulate it into action, or in the case of a hyperactive immune system, calm it down. With O3UV we have a history of efficacy and safety that is unparalleled. 2. Fighting off bacteria and viruses O3UV can specifically stimulate the immune system to fight bacteria and viruses, as well as some fungi and yeasts. The effect is similar in concept to that of a vaccine. When viruses

Continued on page 58.

CASE STUDIES polymyositis/arthritis returned, she gained weight and both eyes had proliferative lesions. An increase in oral steroids, subconjunctival injections of steroids, and the addition of lmuran had the same effect of alleviating symptoms until the dosing was reduced. Believing there was nothing left to do, the veterinarian recommended euthanasia.

Bluebelle, an intact female, blue merle Sheltie, presented to a conventional veterinarian in December at 12 months of age, with an acute autoimmune polyarthritis/myositis so severe that she did not move, and was constipated and dehydrated. She’d had a heat cycle at eleven months of age, vaccinations at 8.5, 12.5 and 16.5 weeks of age with no known problems, and had been maintained on a grain-free diet her entire life. Both oral and injectable Rimadyl gave little relief, and Bluebelle developed conjunctivitis and a cloudy corneal lesion in one eye a week later. Two weeks later, still on the medications, she would not stand, had extreme pain and dehydration, and the right cornea had developed a proliferative fleshy growth. Radiographs and blood work did not reveal an etiology. The suspected and working diagnosis was autoimmune polyarthritis and superficial keratitis. Bluebelle was subsequently treated with Dexamethasone IV, Baytril IM, oral Prednisone, Orbax, Dexamethasone eye drops and Pepcid. After beginning this regimen, she had a reduction in symptoms for two days. When the oral Prednisone was reduced in dosage to once daily, the 56

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When Bluebelle came to Dr. Backus, she was the dog’s last hope. She did not recommend euthanasia as there were many therapeutic options she could select to help Bluebelle. Dr. Backus started her with O3UV treatments weekly for four weeks, reduced her oral Prednisone to once every four days, and discontinued the Imuran. Bluebelle began to heal, showing significant improvement from the very first treatment. By the eighth treatment, she was healthy enough to be spayed and receive her rabies vaccination, from which she had temporarily been exempted due to her illness. Dr. Backus continued to probe for the cause of Bluebelle’s autoimmune issues, suspecting an occult infection with concurrent trigger of her first heat cycle. Dr. Backus’ practice continues to do preventative treatments every four to six months. Bluebelle has lost her seven-pound weight gain and her eyes have stabilized with small, superficial corneal opacities that have been diagnosed as genetic corneal dystrophy. Most importantly, she is now 26 months old, off all medication, and appears happy, healthy and pain-free.

Healing Through Hyperthermia

The I-Therm is a revolutionary system that safely heats tissue and promotes healing with depths of penetration not observed with any other treatment modality. The I-Therm activates molecular motion 1000 times smaller than the capability of ultrasound. It is this molecular motion that induces hyperthermia. w and thereby Molecular hyperthermia increases bl promotes a dramatically more e cient delivery of oxygen and nutrients and the more rapid removal of toxins in the targeted area. The I-Therm delivers the exact dose prescribed to animals by means of a non-invasive applicator which includes temperature sensors that safely monitor and control internal and external temperatures.

Hyperthermia • Increased metabolic rate to accelerate wound healing • Vasodilatation • Increased oxygen, plasma and nutrient delivery • Rapid removal of toxins and cell waste • Repolarization of cell membrane • Polarization of water •

ry response

• Alteration in sensory nerve conduction / pain perception • Apoptosis

I-Ther : 360 mm (14.17") x 200 mm (7.87") x 395 mm (15.55"), 23 lbs.

instrumental in the pain management and • Cancer

• Soft Tissue Rehabilitation

• Arthritis

• Orthopedic Rehabilitation

• Internal Medicine

• Neurologic Pain & Rehabilitation

• Auto Immune Disease

• Infectious & Endocrine Disease

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Continued from page 56. or bacteria in the blood are treated with ozone and UV light, then reintroduced into the patient’s blood stream, it kicks off a cascade effect that ultimately helps the body rid itself of the harmful pathogens. 3. Providing pain relief and general health In addition to its immune modulating and antibacterial effects, O3UV provides oxygenation and increased circulation, promotes antioxidant buffering enzymes, and has anti-inflammatory properties. Thousands of studies on both medical ozone and biophotonic therapy are available3.

Procedure and protocol Training sessions are available from companies selling UV/ ozone devices. Here is an overview of treatment: 1. Draw blood. The amount is proportionate to weight. 2. Mix with saline – four parts saline to one part blood. 3. Run the blood/saline through the ultraviolet machine for about 90 minutes. 4. Inject the ozone into the treated blood/saline bag. 5. Then inject about 1.5 ml per pound body weight back into the blood stream using a blood pump or direct drip.

IVC Summer 2014

There are protocols for any given therapy, and the number of therapy sessions required to heal a specific illness will vary depending on the animal and his overall health, whether the condition is chronic or acute, and the efficacy of concurrent therapies. Acute illnesses usually can be remedied within one to three treatments while chronic illnesses may take up to ten or 12. You should see a response from most illnesses within four or five treatments. If no response is seen by that point, the clinician should evaluate whether O3UV will be an effective method of treatment for the given animal illness2.

Summary Dr. Backus feels that the combination of ozone and biophotonic therapy is a much more powerful healing modality than either on its own. It is a cost effective treatment that is acceptable to most clients. Her practice is now predominately holistic, and considers one of these three – ozone, UVC or O3UV – as foundational treatments for any condition, along with other holistic modalities.

Scientiapress.com/biophotonic-therapy

o3vets.com/o3uv-in-vet-medicine

Drsubi.com and Drsozone.com

integrative practice

6 SUCCESSFUL Keys to a

Integrative Veterinary Practice

A day in the life of a busy practitioner. By Liza Schneider, DVM

Be sure you take time to remain healthy, mentally and physically, even in a busy practice.

y cell phone rings at 6.47am, and I jump out of bed to hear one of our clients on the other end of the line. She’s very concerned about her nine-year-old Staffordshire terrier, Zak, who doesn’t seem able to stand on his back legs and has been panting for the last hour. I arrange to meet her at the clinic in 20 minutes, already thinking that this will be a musculoskeletal injury and shouldn’t be too tricky. On arrival at the clinic, I learn that Zak is far worse than I expected. He’s unresponsive, lying on his side, paddling his legs and having a seizure. I get baseline blood work, inject intravenous valium, which settles him slightly, then place an intravenous line giving vitamin C. Covering all bases, I inject him with an anti-inflammatory, antibiotics, Atropine and Vitamin Bs. By this time, my colleague Karen has arrived and she brings out her acupuncture needles to help settle Zak.

KEY 1 – OFFER YOUR PATIENTS MULTIPLE TREATMENT OPTIONS In our clinic, we offer homeopathy, TCVM (traditional Chinese veterinary medicine), nutritional medicine, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, NIS (Neurological Integration System), conventional medicine and surgery. We approach every case from the holistic paradigm – IVC Summer 2014

there is an imbalance contributing to current and past symptoms. The goal is to relieve current symptoms while rebalancing the animals. Each animal is unique and needs different treatments. We encourage clients to continue treatment until the patient is healthier in all ways. Today, there are back-to-back consults through the morning, and surgery to do as well. Our first case is Zen, a Siamese cat in for a laparotomy because Karen has identified an abdominal mass. Zen is one of my oldest patients and we’re all hoping for a simple fix and a good outcome. Because he hadn’t been eating for a few days, we were concerned about him being able to survive the anesthetic, so he had the benefit of a pre-anesthetic session in our hyperbaric oxygen chamber to hyper-oxygenate his body. We find this to be of awesome benefit to geriatric and compromised animals.

KEY 2 – HELP GERIATRIC AND VERY COMPROMISED ANIMALS LIVE LONG, HEALTHY LIVES Animals presenting in the hospice category can often completely resolve their issues, and with continued support can live a long life. Not all individuals can be cured, as each is unique. Having a variety of holistic options available, in addition to conventional care, is essential. In our clinic we have the following available and continue to learn more: • Flower essences • Hyperbaric oxygen treatments • Optimized nutrition • Minimal toxins (vaccines, flea chemicals, etc.) • Homeopathy (very gentle and easy for clients to administer)

and some conventional anti-inflammatories to address the current inflammation. Holistically, a Heel combination remedy with the following components – Traumeel, Nux Vomica, Berberis and Lymphomyosot – is prescribed, both to ease Diesel’s current discomfort and help get his body back in balance to prevent another hotspot from developing. As Diesel’s owner pays at the reception, the dog gives a great big shake of his head and a glob of slobber gracefully flies over the counter into the lap of our receptionist, Emma!

KEY 3 – ENSURE THAT YOU HAVE WELL TRAINED AND GRACIOUS STAFF Emma is great at taking the goo in stride. She embraces the holistic approach and will often suggest this approach to the clients when they make an appointment. • Staff training is done on a regular basis. • Regular classes and handouts on raw meat diets are available. • Staff are encouraged to take courses to add to their skills and knowledge base. • Our culture – “that we’re here to help” – is ingrained in our staff, who are selected because they have a natural ability in this regard. My next patient is Pepe, a little Chihuahua, who is in for a dental examination and nail trim. As long as I don’t poke and prod him, Pepe is an angel, but last week when I attempted to give him a health check and trim his nails I was met with ferocious growls. I had to use sedatives. So today, I was glad to find some tooth decay to justify the help of sedatives to investigate his mouth further and give him a manicure.

• TCVM (acupuncture) • Neurological Integration System • Botanical medicine A little blue penguin is dropped off, having just been found floundering in the waves. Its body condition is poor and it is dehydrated and anemic. With the help of our nursing team, we give him fluids and warmth and hope for the best, but we know our efforts are likely in vain; much of the wildlife work we do is relentlessly unforgiving. We use Emergency Essence, which is the Australian version of Rescue Remedy, with our wildlife cases. We receive an abundance of baby birds that cats have caught or wellmeaning people have found, thinking that they need veterinary care, and our integrative approach can often help. Our first consult for the day is Diesel, a gorgeous 52kg Bull Mastiff with a huge hotspot on his face. He’s always glad to see me, despite the occasional atrocity that I commit, such as squeezing his anal glands. I shave and clean his hotspot, clean out his ears which are full of black debris, and send him home with antibiotics

IVC Summer 2014

It’s only 10am and it’s time to perform the laparotomy on Zen. I quickly do a last check on the little blue penguin – he’s not looking much better – and Zak, who has settled down relatively well and only has a slight head tremor but is still pretty dazed. We induce, shave and prep Zen and I do a midline incision and begin to investigate. It’s not good news: an extensive pancreatic tumor is adhered to his spleen and stomach. I ring his owner and share the news. She’s upset, but glad that we finally know what is wrong with him. She requests that we put Zen to sleep on the table. I share the news with our nurse Louby and tears well up in her eyes. As Silent Night plays on the radio, we put Zen peacefully to sleep. I go check on the penguin and find he has just died as well. At least Zak is doing okay, even though we’re not out the woods with him yet. Pepe is next on the list for this morning’s surgery. He’s nice and chilled out after his pre-med and is easily anesthetized. Once intubated, I find both sides of his jaw have severely infected

molars, most likely the reason for his stroppy behavior last week. I’m delighted to find a logical reason, and best of all it can be remedied. I extract his teeth while he receives vitamin C by IV, Traumeel, various flower essences, and anti-inflammatory, as well as vitamin B injections at strategic acupuncture points to assist his recovery. He wakes up quickly after his procedure, and within an hour is looking bright.

I arrive back to see Karen with Roxi, a gorgeous little Bichon who came to us three weeks ago. She had been to two other veterinarians, who diagnosed a prolapsed disc with paralysis of her hind legs. Roxi underwent several sessions of acupuncture, had some Chinese herbs and sessions in our hyperbaric chamber, and was standing within a few days. It’s so lovely to see her walking around and happy!

It’s nearly lunchtime, and I quickly squeeze in time to reply to some emails and return calls to clients. At lunch, I race off to the gym for a quick workout. I normally go after work, but tonight I have a massage booked that I’ve been looking forward to for weeks.

KEY 5 – PROMOTE YOUR SUCCESSES

KEY 4 – MAKE TIME FOR PERSONAL CARE Be sure you take time to remain healthy, mentally and physically, even in a busy practice. I do my best to eat a wholesome balanced diet and take some incredible nutritional supplements to help keep me in optimal health. Whenever possible, I get to the gym or go for a walk in nature, and make sure I get a good night’s sleep. Running your own business and having regular holidays is particularly challenging, but I know it’s important and is something I’m working towards. In the clinic, we include time for lunch and breaks, and encourage our staff to look after their health and well-being.

We posted Roxi’s picture on our success and thank you bulletin board, as well as on our Facebook page, which our clients love. The afternoon is full of animals booked in for NIS, a therapy derived from applied kinesiology and osteopathy, which I have found to be incredibly helpful for an array of health problems. Kim, a human practitioner, works with me on animals one afternoon a week. Our first case is Petal, a very timid cat who has suffered from severe milliary dermatitis that hasn’t responded to other therapies. Petal’s owner wonders how we’ll treat her as she’s very scared and doesn’t like being handled. Like most cats, after the first few things we do, Petal calms down and to the amazement of her owner lets us do everything needed. We advise that she ideally needs another treatment, but today’s work should start to make a big difference within a couple of weeks. Continued on page 62.

IVC Summer 2014

Continued from page 61. Our next case is Leo, a gorgeous Russian Blue, who is in for his third session of NIS. Leo’s back is still sore and we’re baffled, as most cases respond well to two sessions. I ask Karen for her input and we devise another strategy of adding in some herbs and Pentosan (injectable polysulpahted glucosaminoglycans).

Pepe is discharged but wouldn’t walk to his owner. He insisted on being carried. Moments before, he’d been out for a walk with Louby and happily trotted along wagging his tail. We figured Pepe would be milking his owner’s sympathy for everything he could!

KEY 6 – UTILIZE OTHER HOLISTIC PRACTITIONERS FROM THE COMMUNITY OR WITHIN YOUR PRACTICE.

I love being on call, but tonight I’m overjoyed to give the responsibility to Karen and head off to my long-awaited massage. As I drive onto the massage therapist’s property, I see Abby the Labrador scooting her butt along the ground as a special greeting just for me: “Yay vet, you’re finally here, my butt needs your help!” So I park, get out a rubber glove and some KY jelly, squeeze her full anal glands, wash up, and finally lie down to my wonderful relaxing massage.

This greatly broadens the range of therapies you can offer your patients. For example, it’s wonderful for me to have Karen’s input and help after being a solo veterinarian for six years, and to work with Kim for animals requiring NIS. The afternoon flows on, and we finally have Zak’s lab results. They indicate hugely elevated muscle enzymes, which may indicate trauma, heat stress or poisoning. By now, Zak has also had a treatment in our hyperbaric chamber; his head tremors have stopped and he is more responsive. I speak to his owner and offer her overnight hospitalization or the option of taking him home. We’re pleased that she prefers the latter. Since most of our clients are very responsible, they often elect to monitor their pets overnight and call us if problems arise. I warn that Zak could start fitting again, and dispense magnesium and grape seed extract (proanthocyanidins), as well as valium if needed.

IVC Summer 2014

Back at work next day, our first patient in is Zak. After a sad day with Zen and the penguin yesterday, Louby is reluctant to come out of the staffroom, dreading further issues with Zak. As his owner pulls up in her car, I walk out to meet them, expecting to have to carry Zak into the clinic. But before I get to the car, he has jumped out and is running towards reception, eyes bright and tail wagging. What an awesome start to the day! It’s successes like this that make this job so worthwhile.

Product Profile

ECM

approach to cell regeneration Back in the 1950s, surgeon and Harvard professor Dr. Alan Spievack began working in the field of cell regeneration. Inspired by the salamander’s ability to re-grow its limbs, he discovered that the basement membrane (the thin sheet of fibers underlying the epithelium tissue of every cell in the body) is responsible for the constructive remodeling of tissue. Dr. Spievack found that when this basement membrane was disrupted, salamanders were unable to regrow their limbs or tails. This groundbreaking discovery marked a major advance in science’s understanding of how wounds heal, and how that healing can be enhanced. In fact, Dr. Spievack’s research on extracellular matrix (ECM) constructs comprised of the basement membrane of the mammalian urinary bladder inspired the founding of ACell, Inc., a company focused on the development of regenerative medicine products based on a proprietary urinary bladder matrix (UBM) technology. “Our UBM platform is based on an ECM made from porcine urinary bladder,” says Dr. Thomas Gilbert, PhD, the company’s Vice President of Research and Development. “The application of UBM to a variety of tissues and organs has been described extensively in scientific and veterinary clinical literature. We sell our products under the MatriStem brand name. These products – ECM scaffolds that include a distinctive epithelial basement membrane, and other collagens, carbohydrates and proteins – are resorbed and replaced by the patient’s body following implantation. “MatriStem products undergo relatively quick resorption with minimal inflammation,” Dr. Gilbert continues. “This facilitates the body’s ability to replace the scaffold with its own tissue, similar to the tissue being repaired. The formation of site-appropriate tissue by the body through the process of constructive remodeling avoids the complications associated with encapsulation of a scaffold, namely infection, and the replacement of the scaffold with scar tissue. This represents a key advantage over other treatment modalities and offers

treatment alternatives for complex wound care and surgical soft tissue repair.”

BEFORE

“Regenerative medicine has become more commonplace in today’s veterinary practice,” adds Dr. Jeff Wood, DVM and Veterinary Consultant to ACell. Dr. Wood has been offering ECM technology at Northside Veterinary Hospital, AFTER in Hillsdale, Michigan, since 2002. “I use MatriStem in either powdered or sheet form in most body systems, including corneal ulcers, These photos demonstrate tendon and ligament repair, the effectiveness of ECM as a way to heal complex abdominal surgery, fracture wounds. and skin repair….The matrix is inserted into the affected area, and the vascular response begins within four hours of implantation….The new tissue is incorporated as the original scaffold resorbs and is eliminated from the body. Unlike synthetic grafts, MatriStem degrades, leaving site-specific, healthy host tissue. “Using the ECM approach to regeneration allows for a more predictable outcome, and a more cost-effective, often oneapplication process,” Dr. Wood concludes. “The powdered preparation allows one to suspend the material in saline and inject the suspension into the area of concern, an advantage when treating hard-to-bandage or highly movable areas as well as joints. I found that injecting into end stage, arthritic coxofemoral joints gave an average of five months of increased range of motion and overall pain relief. This treatment allows the practitioner to handle an increased number of cases that were once referred, thereby increasing overall case volume and successful outcomes.” IVC Summer 2014

marketplace

IVC Summer 2014

ASSOCIATE WANTED for Central Florida holistic practice.

Acupuncture training necessary. We use dietary therapy, herbal medicine, homotoxicology, and osteopathic/chiropractic techniques in our practice. Mentoring is available. A friendly person, who is comfortable with complicated medical cases and is interested in post-surgical rehabilitation is desired. Quality client education is a large part of our practice. Having engaging communication skills with clients, as well as patients, is a must. Please send resume, cover letter, and references to drdinatale@msn.com.

events

To post your event, email us at: info@IVCJournal.com

Emerald Coast Veterinary Conference

Newfoundland and Labrador have much to offer as a travel destination.

June 18-22, 2014 – Miramar Beach, FL ECVC knows that veterinarians need quality continuing education, but also knows that the life of a veterinarian, regardless of the setting, can be rather stressful. So, they’ve made a conference that isn’t.

For more information: (613) 236-1162 admin@cvma-acmv.org www.canadianveterinarians.net

A world-class beach resort makes everything better, including a veterinary conference.

July 25-29, 2014 – Denver, CO AVMA’s Annual Convention mission is to advance the knowledge and skills of veterinarians and related professionals by providing: superior and diverse continuing education, a platform for dissemination of research, a forum for associated organizations, and an opportunity for collegial interaction. You will find everything from education to entertainment, events to exhibits and you’ll be informed, inspired and in-touch with the brightest minds in the profession.

For more information: (800) 853-1625 info@emeraldcoastvc.com www.emeraldcoastvc.com

Pacific Veterinary Conference June 19-22, 2014 – San Francisco, CA This four day conference continues to bring great continuing education along with excellent networking with veterinary professionals from across the globe. Best of all, it’s at a worldclass vacation destination where you can still have plenty of time to spend with your friends and family. For more information: (800) 655-2862 info@pacvet.net www.pacvet.net

66th Annual CVMA Convention July 9-12, 2014 – St. John’s, NL The 2014 Convention, presented in partnership with the Canadian Association of Animal Health Technologists and Technicians (CAAHTT), offers you a variety of new discoveries. Choose from sessions that focus on small animal, equine, bovine and ruminant medicine, animal welfare and business management. Specialized workshops, including a Level 2 dental lab and an orthopedic lab, are available. Continue your learning journey by wandering through the lanes of our exhibit hall to discover state-of-the-art products and services. In addition to the learning opportunities,

2013 AVMA Annual Convention

For more information: (800) 248-2862 convention@avma.org www.avmaconvention.org

Pet Loss & Grief Companioning Certification Courses August 21-23, 2014 – New Orleans, LA Pet death care consulting organization Two Hearts Pet Loss Center, in partnership with the Pet Loss Professionals Alliance (PLPA) will be offering Pet Loss & Grief Companioning certification courses. Some of the topics covered during each three-day session include: •Pet loss companioning •Central needs for mourning •Pet loss support groups •Importance of self-care •Memorial services •And much more These courses meet the requirements for 15 hours of continuing education credit in jurisdictions that recognize the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) and the Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE).

For more events, visit: Facebook.com/IVCJournal/events

For more information: (317) 966-0096 coleen@twoheartspetlosscenter.com www.twoheartspetlosscenter.com

CVC Conference for Veterinary Care August 22-25, 2014 – Kansas City, MO For more than 20 years, CVC’s vision has been to provide veterinarians, veterinary technicians, practice managers, and team members the best convention experience possible by offering premium educational programming, expert clinical education, hands-on labs and workshops, practice management programs, and team training sessions from the award-winning editors and doctors behind DVM Newsmagazine®, Veterinary Medicine®, Veterinary Economics®, Firstline® and dvm360.com. With expert speakers and exceptional service +that is affordable and accessible and offered at 3 convenient locations annually: Washington (DC), Kansas City, and San Diego. For more information: (800) 255-6864 cvc@advanstar.com www.thecvc.com

2014 AHVMA Annual Conference

September 13-16, 2014 – Portland, OR This year the AHVMA conference will be taking place in Portland, OR in conjunction with the AVH Annual Conference. AHVMA Conference Registration fee includes one day of AVH lectures! Online registration for the Hotel for the 2014 Annual AHVMA AND AVH Conference is now available. After August 8th - ON SITE registration ONLY. For more information: (410) 569-0795 office@ahvma.org www.ahvma.org

IVC Summer 2014

From theVBMA The Veterinary Botanical Medicine Association is a group of veterinarians and herbalists dedicated to developing responsible herbal practice by encouraging research and education, strengthening industry relations, keeping herbal tradition alive as a valid information source, and increasing professional acceptance of herbal medicine for animals.

Did you guess last issue’s medicinal herb? In the Spring issue of IVC Journal, we tested your herbal knowledge with a beautiful flower – Crataegus oxyacantha or hawthorn tree. Hawthorn’s berries, flowers and leaves are cardio-tonic, cardio-protective, anti-arrhythmic and antioxidant with a collagen stabilizing effect. Hawthorn is used in almost all cardiac conditions, including congestive heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias, tachycardia, palpitations, arteriosclerosis and any cardiac weakness with exhaustion and debility. Traditionally, hawthorn berries were used as food, and to treat diarrhea and stomach disorders; twigs and roots were used for female disorders and gastrointestinal problems and pain. The current cardiac use of hawthorn started in 1896 when Dr. Jennings of Chicago reported the successful use of Crataegus in various forms of heart disease. He stated: “With a case load of 275 cardiac patients, Crataegus oxyacantha is superior to any other of the well known and tried remedies at present in use in the treatment of heart disease, because it seems to CURE while the other remedies are only palliative at best.” The flavonoid rutin is believed to act on the capillaries, reducing wear and tear, increasing the passage of blood and removing congestion associated with heat.

Case study

From left: Vicki Farthing and her husband Gary; Sarah Bush and her husband with Elaine B. in between; Rona S; Keith; Corneila W.; Kielyn S.; Cindy L.; Liz H.

The upcoming Haverkos Herb Walk in Indiana, featuring Matt Wood and Cheryl Schwartz, will be the herbal event of the decade. In the next issue, we will fill you in on what happened at the retreat. Our webinars continue, so check out our website. The next one will be presented by Dr. Rob Silver and will focus on GIT issues (June 3 at 8 PM EST). At the AHVMA conference in September, the VBMA will be featuring speakers Jeffrey Yuen and Kevin Spelman. Be sure to join us on our annual Herb Walk on Friday September 12, meeting at the AHVMA registration desk at 4 PM. Check out our website for teleconference information.

NAME THIS HERB!

Charisma is a 22-year-old Morgan mare who developed atrial fibrillation in 2009. Her regular veterinarian gave a grave prognosis, but her integrative veterinarian put her on hawthorn – 2 tsp of dried and ground berries daily (the only treatment). Her heart rate returned to normal and she is back to performance soundness.

Report on our activities The VBMA went to Hawaii for the eco-tour hosted by Ihor Basko, DVM. It was an incredible experience to learn with Hawaiian healers, study native Hawaiian eco-systems, celebrate a Kava ceremony, and spend time with Steve the Noni guy. Kauai is a very special place and it was truly a joy to be there.

IVC Summer 2014

Hint

These are flower blossoms on a tree! Join the VBMA at vbma.org to find out. The answer will also be published in the next issue of IVC Journal.

IVC Summer 2014