Pets Care

All cells in the body need glucose for energy. There is a typical method by which glucose enters the cells. Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas that signals the opening of a ‘door’ so that glucose can enter the cell. Any disruption in this mechanism means that cells do not get the energizing glucose that they need and excess glucose remains in the blood stream. This results in high blood glucose levels.

Inflammation of the pancreas is a primary cause of diabetes in cats , dogs and humans as well. Type 1 diabetes is the inability of the pancreas to produce sufficient insulin. Type 2 diabetes is a combination of a similar problem as in type 1 diabetes accompanied by a condition known as insulin resistance.

Insulin resistance is characterized by the inability of the cells to accept glucose. This leads to a viscious circle wherein due to the elevated blood sugar level a signal is sent to the pancreas for production of more insulin. Sometimes this excess production overrides the excess blood sugar and the pancreas exhausts itself and gradually stops funtioning.

Just as overweight humans are at a higher risk of developing diabetes, obesity is one of the major causes of diabetes in cats also. Adipose, commonly known as fatty cells produce a substance that increases the resistance of the body cells towards insulin. In addition, cats are not efficient at processing carbohydrates since they are obligate carnivores and therefore derive their energy from proteins and fats and not from carbohydrates.

While diabetes is mostly related to metabolism, stress hyperglycemia (abnormally high blood sugar temporarily) can sometimes complicate a diagnosis. Diabetic conditions caused by stress can sometimes reach hyperglycemic levels and cause glucosuria, a condition where glucose is passed out through urine.

Glucose is necessary for life and the normal reaction of the body is to preserve it at all costs. Though the kidney works as a barrier that restricts the loss of glucose in urine, the extra glucose in the blood must go somewhere. Since the cells are not accepting the glucose, the kidneys are swept over by an excess of sugar that spills over into the urine.

For its expulsion through urine, the glucose has to be in liquid form. To enable this expulsion process, an increasing amount of water is drawn from the body towards the bladder. This gives rise to two of the characteristic symptoms of diabetes in cats - excessive thirst and excessive urine.

Despite a fair amount of research, science has still not been able to determine the real cause of diabetes in cats with reasonable surety. In some cases, diabetes is caused due to an underlying disease. Risk factors like obesity, carbohydrate rich diet, treatment with corticosteroids, stress and shock are considered to be the biggest causes for diabetes in cats. Recent studies suggest that it may be an auto-immune disease but a genetic predisposition cannot be ruled either.

A liver shunt is a blood vessel that carries blood around the liver instead of carrying blood through the liver. A liver shunt problem is mostly congenital. A dog may also acquire multiple small shunts from a severe liver disease, such as cirrhosis. There are basically two kinds of liver shunt conditions that are possible – congenital liver shunt and acquired liver shunt.

Congenital Liver Shunts

The liver function is not needed in the fetus. The mother’s liver performs functions like filtering, production of proteins and storage of sugar for the unborn baby. There is a large shunt in mammalian fetuses that carries blood from the fetal liver to the heart. This shunt (duct) usually closes once the baby’s liver becomes operational before or after birth. In rare cases this shunt does not close leading to what is known as a congenital ‘intra hepatic’ shunt. In certain cases, a blood vessel outside the liver grows abnormally and remains open while the fetal shunt closes. This condition is known as congenital ‘extra-hepatic’ shunt.

Acquired Liver Shunts

Severe and chronic liver disease in dogs can lead to the formation of numerous small shunts. Hepatic cirrhosis is one of the main reasons behind acquired liver shunts in dogs.

In normal dogs, food is broken down, processed and digested in the intestines and absorbed into the portal blood stream, from where it is transmitted to the liver and other organs. The liver then stores some food and processes the remaining food that it receives into proteins and chemicals. In this process the liver gets rid of the toxins and foreign substances that the dog might have ingested. Liver shunt restricts the supply of blood to the liver, thus causing liver disease.

The liver continues to get toxins through the capillaries but is unable to filter them for expulsion from the system. The liver function of recognizing proteins and segregating them from the food is affected the most. This may cause seizures, which is one of the major signs of a liver shunt. Lack of growth is another significant symptom of liver disease in dogs that indicates the presence of a liver shunt condition. Other signs of a liver shunt in dogs like listlessness, vomiting and poor appetite are similar to symptoms associated with liver disorders in pets. This includes feline liver disease as well.

Clinical symptoms of congenital liver shunts usually appear by the age of 12 months but in certain cases may remain subdued till two years. Surgery is often the preferred treatment. Instances of ‘extra hepatic’ liver shunt are easily cured by a simple operation. ‘Intra hepatic’ shunts are treated with a complex surgery involving two operations. The first operation is conducted only to locate a vein that is large enough to serve the purpose. The second operation is performed after the dog has recovered from the first. However, the success ratio of such operations is very low.

Most of the toxins come from the food that dogs eat. Medical management of diet of dogs with liver shunts is extremely necessary. Protein intake is restricted to those sourced from milk and vegetables only. The diet has to be easy to digest and rich in antioxidants and vitamins. It should have low copper and iron content. Severely ill dogs require intravenous transfusion of glucose to maintain blood sugar levels. It is necessary to give an enema so that the toxins are removed before they are absorbed and tranquilizers to prevent seizures.

There is a difference between liver disease and liver failure. Liver disease is a general term applied to any disorder that is affecting liver. The blood tests in this case show higher levels of liver enzymes. Apart from fatty liver disease, which is a more common in cats, other types of feline liver diseases are caused by toxins from food and drugs, trauma, heatstroke and infections.

A liver shunt, where the blood bypasses the liver instead of going through it, is a genetic defect in the portal vein but may be acquired in certain cases.

Liver disease is usually difficult to diagnose. The symptoms of liver disease in dogs and cats normally have to be observed carefully as they often duplicate symptoms of other diseases. Till the definite results from blood tests, imaging procedures or histology are not available, even veterinarians are wary of confirming a diagnosis of liver disease. Before a definite diagnosis, the typical sequence of events occurs as follows.

* Cat owners observe certain symptoms like diarrhea, weight loss, loss of appetite and other symptoms associated with liver health.
* The veterinarian advises blood tests. Liver enzymes like ALT and AST, which normally remain within the liver, show up freely in the blood. Bilirubin and bile acid levels in the blood are elevated.
* Ultrasound tests show an abnormal activity in the liver and an aspirate or a liver tissue is sent for further examination to confirm the exact nature of liver disease.

Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment for liver disease in cats and dogs. If a particular toxin is identified, efforts should be made to remove it from the diet. If it is being caused by a drug, an alternative medicine should be sought.

Any change in type of stool passed by the cat, or inappropriate behavior in urination and defecation routines should be enough for cat owners to raise the alarm and consult a veterinarian. Jaundice observed as pale gums and yellowish mucous membrane, however, is a definite sign of some thing wrong with the liver.

One of the major causes of feline liver disease is the inefficiency of the feline liver to process fats. This leads to accumulation of fats and ultimately to obesity. A cat’s body should be shaped like an hourglass - the chest wider than the abdomen. Cats over 6.4 kilograms are considered to be obese. A veterinarian is the right person to suggest what type of weight loss program should be started.

Liver disease is dangerous and certain types of liver diseases are fatal and can only be managed. Despite the capacity of the organ function even in face of serious assaults, untreated liver disease almost always leads to liver failure and death. Early treatment and preventive measures like diet modification, keen observation and timely action often are able to halt further damage to one of the most important organs in the cat’s body.

Thank you for your recent service to Amber and Hallie Berry! They appreciate your devotion to keeping them well…Also Amber thanks you for making her the celebrity she is. She is being shown in the “Weekly Beagle” date 2/12/08. This is her second debut of “I told him I was suppose to wear a seatbelt!” Another picture is on on it’s way to you.

Thank you again!

From: Moya N.

The trend toward natural health consciousness in humans is gaining popularity in the animal world too. Many veterinarians are beginning to introduce natural therapies in their practice, including osteopathy, homeopathy, acupuncture, flower essences and more recently aromatherapy. It’s just been a few years since aroma therapists and vets have begun to recognize how animals can benefit from this wonderful natural therapy.

For humans and animals alike, essential oils are powerfully antiseptic, detoxifying and revitalizing, thus increasing resistance to disease while strengthening the immune system.

Essential oils can also be used to control pet odors and to purify the air from dust, dander and allergens. For example, mix 50 drops of lemon essential oil in a 2-oz spray bottle filled with water. Shake very well several times and spray the room. You’ll notice immediately that it refreshes and cleanses the air!

But aromatherapy offers more than just fragrance. Their remarkable actions upon animals — most notably dogs, cats and horses — are immediate, profound and long-lasting, positively affecting their overall health and emotional well-being.

Today we will focus on recipes and tips for Fido. As faithful friends, dogs bring affection, pure joy and loyalty into our lives. Most breeds thrive in the outdoors, running and playing in the freedom of nature.

In fact, dogs will naturally purge their system in the wilderness, carefully choosing specific plants their systems need, such as blackberries, raw carrots, etc. Now a domestic animal, most dogs have lost this natural instinct, and are becoming less resistant to illness in general.

Dogs have a predictable set of physical ailments that may occur during their life span. Today I’ll share aromatherapy blends that will soothe and heal skin problems, remove and prevent fleas and ticks, relieve the pain of rheumatism and arthritis, revive energy and control pet odor.

Blend to Relieve Skin Problems

Pour the following essential oils into a 10-ml bottle and fill with Calendula oil. Apply to afflicted area.

* 5 drops Lavender
* 6 drops Geranium

Blend to Relieve Itching

Pour the following essential oils into a 10-ml bottle and fill with Calendula oil. Apply to afflicted area.

* 4 drops Lavender
* 5 drops Geranium
* 3 drops Roman Chamomile

Blend to Combat Fleas

Fleas are nuisances for man and animal alike. This sinister pest hides within your pets’ fur as well as in our carpets, parquet and window coverings.

Prepare the following blend by pouring the following ingredients into a 1-oz spray bottle:

* 7.5 ml Mint essential oil
* 22.5 ml rubbing alcohol

Fleas absolutely dislike mint! Spray the affected areas of your home.don’t forget your dog’s bed. Spray directly onto your dog, holding the bottle about 10 inches from him. Avoid spraying on the head and eyes.

Blend to Combat Ticks

Check your home and pet for ticks - look in his bed, window coverings, walls, etc. Burn the ones you find to prevent them from coming back.

Prepare the following blend by pouring the essential oils into a 10-ml bottle and adding organic vegetable oil to fill.

* 10 drops Tea Tree
* 10 drops Lavender

Apply 1 drop of Lavender and 1 drop of Tea Tree undiluted essential oils before extracting ticks from your pet. This will disinfect the inflamed area. It may sting a little bit (as alcohol would) but it works great!

Blend to Ease Rheumatism

Like humans, many dogs suffer from rheumatism as they age. Your veterinarian may treat him with specific medications or natural therapies. But locally, you can apply and massage the following blend in the morning and night to alleviate pain.

Prepare the following blend by pouring the essential oils into a 10-ml bottle and adding organic vegetable oil to fill.

* 8 drops Birch
* 8 drops Juniper
* 7 drops Rosemary

Blend to Ease Arthritis

As recommended by some veterinarians, soften your dog’s bed to make it very cozy and warm. If your dog is an “outside” pet, allow him to sleep inside. A little moist heat, applied directly over painful joints, can be a great comfort to arthritic pets.

Get him a warm sweater, or apply a moist heating pad. And massage the area twice a day with the following blend to soothe the pain away.

Prepare the following blend by pouring the essential oils into a 10-ml bottle and adding organic vegetable oil to fill.

* 12 drops Birch
* 8 drops Juniper
* 7 drops Rosemary

Blend to Boost His Energy

Prepare the following blend by pouring the essential oils into a 10-ml bottle and adding organic vegetable oil to fill. Massage the spine gently. Use in the mornings only.

* 5 drops Rosemary
* 6 drops Lavender
* 2 drops Peppermint

Blend to Control Pet Odor

Try this natural and aromatic spray. Pour the essential oils into a 1-oz spray bottle filled with water. Shake very vigorously several times before each use. Spray directly onto your dog, holding the bottle about 10 inches from him. Avoid spraying on the head and eyes.

* 10 drops Lavender
* 10 drops Geranium
* 6 drops Lemon

About the author:

Francoise Rapp, 2002. Internationally renowned aromatherapist and alchemist, Francoise Rapp, shares her expertise in using essential oils to heal and revitalize body and mind at http://www.aromalchemy.com. Highlights include aromatherapy classes, pure & organic essential oils, recipes and aromatic treatments for health and wellness, and a free weekly newsletter. Discover the power of aromatherapy today at http://www.aromalchemy.com!

Good Morning,
I just wanted to send you a note to say “Thank you” for everything you have done for me regarding my child Dallas. Dallas passed away on 021908. All the medicine I got from you was only half of what he needed each day. You guys were great and I have been singing your praises everytime I hear of a friend with a sick animal.

Thank you for all your care and concern when there was a problem. I know he’s in a better place but right now I am miserable without him. He was the love of my life.

Well, thank you. I don’t plan on getting another animal for a while and hopefully there won’t be any medical issues…but if there is… I’ll come see you again.

Thank you so very much.
Always,
Patty L.

To understand the causes of liver disease in dogs it is important to have a look at its physiology. The liver is involved in multiple functions and therefore its health can affect numerous organs. Conversely, the health of various other organs can negatively affect the health of the liver too. A summary of liver functions is presented here:

* Metabolism - The liver regulates the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and proteins.
* Detoxification - It is a multi phased process that involves deactivating an offending drug for easy elimination and converting an inactive compound into an active form so that it can circulate through the blood stream and have an affect on the body.
* Bile Metabolism - Bile is produced by liver cells and secreted by them into channels in the liver and stored in the bladder. Inactive compounds are eliminated in the bile, red blood cells are re-circulated through the bile system, and bile helps in absorption of fats from the intestines to the blood stream.
* Coagulation - The liver plans and directs the complex synthesis of proteins that initiate and maintain clotting of blood.

Apart from these primary functions the liver also performs other functions like storing Vitamins and housing cells related to certain functions of the immune system.

Considering the multifaceted ‘personality’ of the biggest organ in the body, it is difficult to pin point causes of liver disease. What adds to an already difficult job is that in many cases liver disease is secondary in nature and the liver is affected due to a problem that originates elsewhere in the body:

* A severe blow in the front of the abdomen may lead to breaking up of a liver lobe, which causes bleeding into the abdomen. This can even lead to the death of a dog. Bruises caused by minor accidents often heal on their own.
* Liver disease may also be caused due to a severe attack of pancreatitis, inflammation of the pancreas.
* The liver needs sufficient quantities of oxygen to function. Hemolytic anemia reduces the supply of oxygen, which can ultimately lead to the death of the animal.
* Liver disease is also caused by bacterial, viral and fungal infections. Different types of viruses and bacteria bring about various conditions, some of which are infectious and fatal.
* Any condition that causes failure of the right of the heart can potentially affect the liver also. Heartworms can restrict the supply of blood to the liver and cause liver failure.
* Different types of drugs used to treat other conditions can create problems for the liver. Cortisone and other drugs commonly used to treat arthritis, heartworms, fungal infections, intestinal parasites and epilepsy can be toxic to the liver.
* Two thirds o f the blood flows into the liver through the portal vein. Sometimes, due to a congenital defect, the vein bypasses the liver giving rise to a liver disease known as a liver shunt.
* Last but not the least; liver cancer is another dreaded liver disease in dogs, which may be primary or secondary.

t is obvious that liver diseases are commensurate with the functions that the liver performs. The problem arises when symptoms of liver disease in dogs or feline liver disease remain hidden for a long time and delay treatment. Diet plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of the liver. The correct approach is to stick to a natural and home cooked diet for the pet, avoiding toxic foods and drugs, from the day you bring it home.

It is a mad jungle out there when it comes to selling dog food. Seeing the number of brands, the different types of sales pitches adopted by marketers and the fancy names with tongue twisting ingredients printed on labels, it appears the focus is on attracting buyers and grabbing a share of the whopping $ 11 billion pie..

In addition, each manufacturer launches numerous types of pet food under one brand. There are moist, semi moist and dry dog foods. Their use of terminology, like ‘premium’, ‘super-premium’, and ‘gourmet’ are mere nomenclatures since they hardly mean any thing. Even though the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) regulates what must be printed on the labels. The warnings are all mentioned in small print and therefore do not serve to warn the consumers adequately.

Apart from checking the nutritional adequacy and information about the manufacturer, you should focus on the ingredient list. Ethoxyquin is one of the most common preservatives used in dog food. This is used to prevent fats from turning rancid. There is verifiable evidence that there is a connection between Ethoxyquin and the accumulation of protoporphyrin IX and the elevation in liver related enzymes that can ultimately cause liver disease in dogs.

Some times dog owners indulge in over-feeding their dogs under the mistaken belief that the dog is hungry. Even a so called ‘light diet’ can lead to obesity in dogs if the calorie intake is more than recommended. Obesity can directly cause liver and heart conditions, diabetes, arthritis, skin disorders and cancer exposing the dog to a higher risk.

Diet plays an important role in liver health. It is one of the major reasons behind many diseases in cats too, including the feline liver disease. Instead of waiting for symptoms of liver disease in dogs or cats to surface, it is highly recommended that you be proactive and feed your dog with a healthy and nutritional diet to maintain health.

A huge majority of commercial foods contain toxins that destroy the immune system and gradually kill your dog as you feed him. Dogs are basically meat eaters. Meat based dog food may appear to be the best to provide the required proportions of proteins and other substances needed by the animal. Manufacturers, however, use synthetic additives and preservatives to increase shelf life, which can be detrimental to the health of your dog.

It is not only the type of food but also the quantity that makes a difference. The age, weight and breed of your pet are key aspects that determine the amount of proteins, carbohydrates and fats that the dog requires every day. The level of activity is another factor for arriving at the calorie intake. Your veterinarian is the best person to suggest where and how to source this information.

As much as possible feed your dog home cooked food, raw meat and a natural diet that is free from toxins. The purpose of a natural diet is to boost the immune system and help the liver to regenerate its cells so that it can function to its fullest capacity. A toxin free diet is the key to longevity and liver health.

Dog biting makes up for almost half the claims made under homeowner’s insurance policies. Nearly two thirds of the cases relate to biting incidents that occur with an acquainted dog. At the same time, healthy and well trained dogs are not aggressive and they normally do not bite.

There is evidence of a genetic disposition of dog aggression in certain breeds. However, that is not the only cause of aggressive dog behavior. There are other factors that influence aggressive behavior in dogs and the best way to guard against such a situation is to start dog training when you purchase or accept a puppy.

Select a puppy that suits your family. Puppies that are too shy need large amounts of coaxing in various situations. Shy puppies will need more time in each activity. Before selecting a shy puppy, make sure that you are ready to spend some time with for him.

On the other hand, if you choose a dominant dog, you may require everyone in the family to be authoritative. You can get to know which puppy is dominant or too shy by inspecting the litter. The most dominant will take control of all activity while a too shy puppy will be seen cringing in the corner.

How you train and handle the puppy in the initial weeks is likely to determine whether he will grow up to be aggressive or not. The period from six weeks to eighteen weeks is crucial for all puppies. It needs indulgence on your part in the shape of gentle but firm handling and hand feeding. Teach him to accept food without snapping or lunging even if it amounts to feeding him in your lap.

Initially most puppies tend to jump on people, walk between legs and go after running children or growl excessively. Physical punishment usually proves to be counterproductive in such cases. Instead deny affection by not interacting for some time or scold verbally with an emphatic ‘NO’.

Early socializing is an important part of training. Puppies start developing sensitivity to other dogs and people almost as soon as they open their eyes at three weeks. The next fifteen weeks are crucial and they need to learn socializing skills. During this period they need to be exposed to other dogs and people in a positive manner so that they develop the required skills to be comfortable with people and dogs.

Puppies brought to a new home after ten to twelve weeks find it difficult to adjust to the new family. They tend to be more fearful and fear can lead to aggressive behavior. As new bonds are not developed, the puppy may try to exert dominance over the family as he grows up. The best time to bring a puppy home is in the middle of the learning period.

The teenage years for a dog begin at sixteen weeks. At this age the hormonal surge makes dogs become more protective and assert territorial dominance. If you bring a puppy home near about that age, his inherent breed specific disposition would have already taken root.

In such instances special care is required while handling. Ensure that you or your family handles him frequently but gently. Resist any temptation to release him if he squirms. That is for showing him that you are the master and he cannot dominate you.

Certain breeds evolved as aggressive dogs due to typical jobs they were required to perform in the early stages of domestication. Before bringing home such puppies, realize that they may require professional training.

The liver performs important functions like detoxification of the blood, production of bile for digestion and the removal of waste from the body. It is structured with six lobes and is one of the most complex organs in the body of the dog.

An early detection of a liver infection in a dog can help in improving the prognosis of pet liver diseases including feline liver disease . The unusually vast capacity of the liver to continue to function even when afflicted is mostly responsible for late detection of liver disease in dogs. Early detection is also tough since the symptoms of liver disease tend to surface only after the disease has progressed. Symptoms of liver disease in dogs may be gradual or sudden and symptomatic of certain conditions like indigestion and anxiety.

There are multiple causes of liver disease and a specific diagnosis is not always possible. Some of the major causes include:

* Drug induced liver disease.
* Trauma.
* Infections caused by bacteria or viruses.
* Ingestion of toxic substances.
* Congenital disorder like a liver shunt.
* Change in blood supply due to heart disease.
* Accumulation of copper.
* Fall out of other disorder.

Excessive copper retention is mostly breed specific as some breeds like Bedlingtons and Highland White Terriers and Dobermans do not expel copper in quantities that other breeds do.

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by a virus or a toxin. Infectious hepatitis is caused by an adenovirus or a herpes virus. Although it can be transmitted by oral contact it is mostly transient in nature. In certain cases it progresses into a severe hepatitis. A dog with chronic liver disease may develop cirrhosis and sometime get an acquired liver shunt, a condition where the blood supply to the liver is altered.

Liver disease can also be secondary in nature. This means that the disease originates elsewhere in the body and is passed on to the liver. Pancreas is located near the liver and the bile ducts. Acute inflammation in the pancreas may result in a mild case of hepatitis. Similarly a chronic inflammation of the bowel, shock, anemia and congestive heart failure may also affect the liver.

Treatment of a liver disease is expressly dependent on the underlying cause, which makes determination of the cause the most important factor before treatment modalities are decided. For example, if trauma is the cause, the dog may need hospitalization for proper diet management and care. If the underlying cause is infection, then it is treated with antibiotics.

Liver disease causes the death of liver cells singly. Despite its capacity to regenerate its cells to a great extent, liver disease must receive immediate attention of a veterinarian. If liver disease is left untreated, more cells will die than the liver can regenerate. This can lead to progression of the disorder and ultimately to death.