Pets Care

Cats just like humans are prone to sicknesses. In fact, cats succumb to two cat viral infections that will be discussed shortly. The good news is that there is a cure.

These two common viral infections are Feline Herpes 1 virus known as rhinotracheitis virus and infection with the organisms called Chlamydia psittaci and mycoplasma.

When a cat is infected, they will experience a fever, have weepy eyes, a crusty nose and sneeze a lot. This can go away with or without treatment but this can come back.

When this happens, the condition is called Feline Keratoconjunctivitis the virus settles in the nerves around their face. Corneal scars can be seen to a little over a centimeter in diameter. This makes it hard for the cat to see and it usually happens due to stresses associated with boarding, weather change, a new pet in the house or as mentioned earlier other diseases.

Things are going to get worse as the outer coating of the cornea will be lost to the invading virus. Secondary bacterial and mycoplasmal infection of these areas may cause deep ulcers around the eye and in some cases damage the surrounding areas as well.

Fortunately, this can be treated using an amino acid called –lysine by reducing the amount of another amino acid called arginine that is present in the cat’s body. The vet will prescribe a dosage between 200 to 500 mg per day and sprinkled into their food. There are different brands available and when you look for one, make sure it is glycol free.

You can also try topical antibiotics that have also proven to be effective but they are only designed to quell secondary bacterial invaders.

Another option is for you to use topical anti-virals that are designed to directly fight the virus. Some examples of these include Herplex (idoxuridine), Viroptic (trifluorothymidine, and Vira-A (vidarabine). These medications are relatively expensive and have to be given 5 times a day. Only when the cornea is indeed infection should this be given.

Something more affordable than the topical anti-virals is an oral solution called Oral Interferon. Although it has never been scientifically proven to treat cat viral infections, cat owners that have used this have claimed that it does shorten the length of the infection. The best part is that there are no known side effects so you don’t lose anything by trying it.

Vaccines seem to be the best way to prevent these diseases from happening. Ideally, this should be given to a cat during their 9th, 12th and 14th week of age. It should be administered using a 25 gauge needle on the anterior side of a rear leg and massaged afterwards to prevent tumors from forming in the injection sites.

There are other eye infections that mimic what was just mentioned. One example is eosinophilic conjunctivitis. So before any medication can be given, the vet will first have to do a test to make sure that the proper medication is given.

This is known as PCR or the Polymerase Chain Reaction test. It is a DNA test that amplifies the presence of viral DNA so that even one single virus can be detected in a sample from a conjunctival swab.

Cat viral infections are common among kittens but they can be prevented and cured. You have to know first which one you are dealing with so the proper medication can be given. For more information about feline illnesses and natural, herbal help for cats battling illness, visit PetAlive Herbal Pet Remedies.

In recent years, the vaccination of cats has become more popular. The three most common vaccines give protection against feline infectious enteritis (FIE), feline influenza (cat flu) and feline leukaemia (FeLV). An initial course of two injections, the first at nine weeks are usually given, and yearly boosters are recommended thereafter.

FIE causes vomiting and diarrhoea, and the cat develops a very high temperature. Before the vaccine was introduced, it killed a great many cats by dehydration due to the bowel symptoms. Cat flu is caused by two viruses: the feline rhinotracheitis (FCV). FVR is the more severe of the two, causing coughing, sneezing, and nasal and eye discharges.

FVC has milder discharges but more gum inflammation and mouth ulcers. Neither FCV nor FVR is usually deadly but the infection can linger on in the form of snuffles, and some cats become symptomless carriers of the disease. When stressed, these cats develop mild symptoms and spread the virus.

FeLV suppresses the activity of the cat’s immune system, allowing a wide range of symptoms to develop. It often results in the death of the cat after several months of illness. The virus is spread mainly in the cat’s saliva.

It is a disease of cats that fight a lot, and of cats in large colonies, who share the same food and water bowls. It should not be a threat in a well-run boarding cattery, where the feeding and grooming utensils are properly cleaned, and the cats do not mix with each other.

A vaccine exists against the chlamydial organism, which can cause not only mild eye and nasal symptoms, but more importantly, infertility and abortion. This vaccine is used mainly in breeding colonies to protect against infertility.

About the author

1st Cat Care is to provide information and guidance to pet cat lovers in taking care of their cats’ health, cat toilet training, tips on using the cat litter box, vaccinations, pregnancy and more …

What is Lyme Disease and what are the symptoms?

Lyme disease is an infectious tick-borne disease that mainly affects dogs, although it is not unknown in cats and other animals. It is caused by a type of bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi.

Studies suggest however that only about 10 percent of animals exposed will actually contract the disease and the severity of the disease appears to vary with the animal’s age and the strength of their immune system.

Arthritis may develop in the short to long term and a few dogs develop severe progressive renal disease, which often leads to death.

The most common initial symptoms of Lyme disease include:

* Fever
* Joint Swelling
* Lameness
* Lethargy

What is the conventional treatment?

The conventional treatment of Lyme disease usually involves antibiotics (usually for a period of between 14 to 30 days, but sometimes extended antibiotic use is recommended). In fact, a notable symptom of Lyme disease is that it does usually respond to appropriate antibiotics.

However antibiotics have a general weakening effect on the immune system which can cause further problems, especially in the long-term.

Topical insecticides that repel ticks and vaccination against Lyme disease are also often recommended. However these can lead to excess toxin build-up and cause further weakening of the immune system in the long term.

How can natural remedies help?

As part of a holistic approach to treating your pet, natural remedies can help to build and strengthen your pet’s immune system (a very important factor in Lyme disease), encourage the elimination of toxins and generally improve the overall health of your animal.

Natural remedies can also help to relieve specific symptoms associated with Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses such as liver problems, infection, inflammation and fever.

Used in conjunction with conventional treatment they can support and strengthen your pet’s immune system and lessen the toxic effects of medication.

What is TF-Defense?

TF-Defense combines herbal and homeopathic ingredients which are known to assist in the effective treatment of Lyme Disease and other tick borne illnesses in pets.

It will also help to strengthen immune system functioning to help your pet fight against the infection.

TF-Defense, and companion remedies, are a natural alternative to the lengthy antibiotic treatment often prescribed for the treatment of Lyme Disease – which often leads to a weakening of the immune system and other related health problems.

However, TF-Defense may also be used along with conventional veterinarian treatment for Lyme Disease and other tick-borne illnesses.

Use PetAlive TF-Defense:

* In the treatment of acute Lyme Disease or other tick borne diseases in pets
* See below for recommendations for the continued natural treatment of chronic Lyme Disease and tick-borne illnesses
* TF-Defense may be used on its own, or along with conventional veterinarian treatment

What are the ingredients of TF-Defense?

PetAlive TF-Defense contains the following 100% herbal and homeopathic ingredients:

Carduus marianus (Milk Thistle) is regarded as one of the most important herbal liver tonics and restoratives. Medical use of Milk Thistle may be traced back more than 2000 years. More recently, Milk Thistle has been subject to many clinical trials which clearly demonstrate its effectiveness. Scientific analysis of Milk Thistle shows that it contains a flavonoid complex called silymarin, which is largely responsible for the medical benefits of this herb. Silymarin is a powerful anti-oxidant and can block the entrance of toxins into the liver and remove toxins at the cellular level, thereby resulting in regeneration of liver cells and improved liver functioning. This would have a direct impact on overall systemic health as the liver is one of the most important organs in the body and is often affected by Lyme Disease which leads to further weakening of the system

Crotalus hor. (C200) is a proven homeopathic remedy which is very effective for the treatment of any illness that includes hemorrhage as well as severe septic infections, especially when there is a breakdown of red blood cells (leading to severe strain on the liver and possible jaundice.)

China (C6) is a homeopathic remedy well known for its beneficial effect on fever and exhaustion, especially following illness or severe fluid loss. It is also a very effective remedy for malaria.

Ferrum Phosphate C6 (Ferrum Phos.) is one of the most important biochemic tissue salts to use when there is any infection or inflammation in the body. It helps to distribute iron and oxygen throughout the body, strengthen cell walls and fight infection.

Aconite (C6) A homeopathic remedy which is often used to treat conditions of shock and anxiety. It is also prescribed for otherwise healthy pets who develop a sudden illness of acute nature, often accompanied by fever, fear, anxiety and panic attacks.

Lactose (inactive ingredient)

(PetAlive TF-Defense contains no gluten, artificial flavors, colors or preservatives)

How has TF-Defense helped others?

“The best thing about treatment with natural remedies is that they work for the problem but also help other areas. Although our dog was very ill, she has responded very quickly to the TF-Defense and seems to be better after recovery than she was before her illness. There is just something about her energy levels and shiny coat that is different! Friends of ours treated their dog with antibiotics alone and he has been ill ever since. ” – Mandy.

“We used TF-Defense along with antibiotic treatment for Lyme Disease although at first our vet thought that we were wasting our time. He has changed his attitude after the full recovery and we have continued with the Immunity and Liver Support with his blessing! There has been such a quick recovery with no lingering illness as is usually the case. ” – Mike M.

“Give me natural treatment anytime. I use it for myself and it is so wonderful to find a company doing the same thing for our animals! Your TF-Defense has been wonderful and helped our dog to recover after she contracted Lyme disease while on vacation. I will always be grateful for the kind and prompt support!” – Lydia.

How do we use TF-Defense?

PetAlive TF-Defense comes in convenient dissolvable granule form. The tiny granules are easy to administer to pets of all sizes and personalities and are simply sprinkled on the back of the tongue and left to dissolve. No fuss and bother!

Cats and very small dogs: Large pinch of granules sprinkled into the mouth.
Small to medium dogs: Half fill inner circle of lid and sprinkle into mouth.
Medium to large dogs: Fill inner circle of lid and sprinkle into mouth

Acute Illness: Administer every hour for up to 10 doses or until symptoms subside. Thereafter administer three times daily for approximately 7 – 10 days.

Chronic Tick-borne illness: Tick-borne illness, especially Lyme Disease often becomes chronic and may persist for months and even years. Continued treatment would be symptomatic and also supportive of immune system functioning.

In the case of chronic illness, we strongly recommend PetAlive Immunity and Liver Support, PetAlive Energy Tonic and PetAlive Muscle and Joint Support, depending on your pet’s specific needs.

NOTE: Please consult your homeopathic or holistic vet for proper diagnosis if you suspect Lyme Disease or other tick-borne infection. Home treatment of these serious illnesses is not recommended.

How long until we see results?

In the case of acute illness, the use of TF-Defense often results in rapid results within a few hours or days.

Treatment should be continued for 7 days after the disappearance of the acute stage of the illness. This can be followed by supportive treatment with Immunity and Liver Support capsules as well as other remedies like Energy Tonic or Muscle and Joint Support capsules, depending on your pet’s needs.

How long does one bottle last?

One bottle of TF-Defense will last for 15 – 30 days, depending on the size and needs of your pet.

What else can I do to help my pet?

* Prevention is better than cure. Check your pets carefully and regularly for ticks especially after they have been walking in potentially tick-infested areas such as long grass.
* Toxins and chemicals can have a general weakening effect on your pet’s immune system so avoid exposure to them as far as possible. These include pesticides, herbicides, commercial flea collars, flea powder, insecticides and second-hand cigarette smoke.
* The liver is often affected by Lyme disease. Ask your veterinarian to explain the side effects all medications that are prescribed for your dog. If there is a chance of liver damage then find out if there is an alternative medication or if not, what you can do to minimize the effects of liver damage.
* Ensure your pet is eating a balanced, high quality diet with plenty of raw and unprocessed food (preferably organic). The liver is involved in getting rid of toxins in the body so the less chemical additives and preservatives in your pet’s diet, the more his liver’s workload decreases.
* Acupressure massage is helpful in improving immune functioning
* Use Immunity and Liver Support capsules to boost your pet’s immune functioning and resistance against disease and infection
* Vaccination is often recommended for the prevention of Lyme disease. However talk to a holistic vet before immunizing your pet as over-vaccination may stress the immune system unnecessarily.

What is Canine Distemper and what are the symptoms?

Canine distemper is a highly contagious, extremely serious viral disease which occurs in dogs and other wild canids (e.g.. foxes, wolves and coyotes), raccoons, skunks and ferrets.

It is an airborne virus, which affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and central nervous system of the animal. Puppies between three and six months and elderly animals are particularly at risk.

Symptoms grow increasingly severe as the disease progresses, they include:

* Conjunctivitis (a watery, pus-like eye discharge) and inflammation of the eye
* Fever
* Nasal discharge
* Pneumonia (Coughing and labored breathing)_
* Lethargy
* Reduced appetite
* Vomiting
* Diarrhea
* Seizures
* Hyperesthesia (increased sensitivity to sensory stimuli, such as pain or touch)
* Muscle twitching
* Progressive deterioration of mental abilities and motor skills
* Complete or partial paralysis

What is the conventional treatment?

There is no doubt that Canine Distemper is a serious illness. According to conventional veterinarian treatment, about 50% of dogs that contract it will die. Those that survive will often be left with debilitating conditions like permanent digestive problems, neurological problems, seizure disorders, deformities of the paw pads, etc.

According to conventional veterinarian science, Distemper ‘cannot be cured’ and treatment is supportive only.

Vaccination programs against Canine Distemper have made this viral illness less common in recent times. However, holistic vets point out that there are serious concerns about the wisdom of routine vaccination and its long term effect on the health of pets.

What are the alternatives?

Homeopathic vets have managed to treat Canine Distemper far more successfully than their allopathic counterparts. Using Distemperinum in homeopathic potency, both immunization of dogs as well as recovery rates in infected animals has proved to be highly successful.

There is a wealth of evidence that this is the case and one can only wonder why allopathic vets are not making use of and being trained in the use of homeopathic medicine for their patients.

Dr Horace B.F. Jervis, a veterinarian who pioneered the use of Distemperinum published a monograph in 1929 called ‘Treatment of Canine Distemper with the Potentized Virus’ Dr Jervis reports his frustration over many failed attempts at treating Canine Distemper during years of conventional treatment in a veterinarian clinic.

This lead him to turn away from conventional veterinarian science and to begin treating his patients using the principles of homeopathic medicine.

After developing a homeopathic treatment for Distemper, Dr Jervis writes:

“I became intensely interested in the subject and bent all my energies to the study of it. My results were, and are, so much beyond my expectations that I am sorry not to be able to interest more veterinarians to take it up and give it a trial. Anyone doing so, I venture to say, will never go back to the old school again…Since commencing the use of this product the death rate in my distemper ward has been very materially decreased, and I have really for the first time in my years of practice felt a sort of load being lifted from my shoulders.”

Similarly, Dr Dorothy Shepherd, in her book, “Homeopathy in Epidemic Diseases” notes:

“Here again homeopathy offers the best solution. Believe me, it has been shown again and again that our medicines given intelligently and according to our law, do not only cure infectious diseases speedily and easily without the development of any complications, but they also prevent these same diseases. ….I therefore have no hesitation in stating that from my own experience and observation, the homeopathic preventives are much safer in use, and absolutely certain in their effects. Even should the infectious, disease develop, it will be in a much milder form”

In the words of Dr Richard Pitcairn, D.V.M., Ph.D, and founder of the Animal Natural Health Center (ANHC): “Based on my clinical experience, I think I can safely say that protection with nosodes is as reliable as with vaccinations and with the added advantage of few unwelcome side effects.”

What is Vi-Pro Plus?

Vi-Pro Plus combines a Distemperinum nosode in homeopathic dose with homeopathic Bryonia and a herbal preparation of Echinacea, providing powerful protection against Distemper as well as many other viral illnesses.

Used preventatively to immunize your dog, or curatively under the treatment of a homeopathic vet, Vi-Pro Plus can mean the difference between life and death.

Use Vi-Pro Plus for Pets:

* As an oral homeopathic vaccine to immunize your dog against Canine Distemper and other viral infections
* To protect against Distemper infection during a known outbreak
* To treat active Canine Distemper under veterinarian supervision

What are the ingredients of Vi-Pro Plus?

PetAlive Vi-Pro Plus contains the following 100% herbal and homeopathic ingredients:

Distemperinum C30 is a homeopathic nosode used both prophylactically (preventatively) and curatively in the treatment of Canine Distemper. Homeopathic nosodes are similar to vaccines in that they help to build protection and resistance against specific diseases. They differ to conventional vaccines in that they are usually manufactured from the products of diseases rather than from a culture of the disease agent or virus itself (as in many conventional vaccines.) Research by Dr Horace B. F. Jervis, a veterinarian that pioneered the use of Distemperinum, has demonstrated the high rate of success in the treatment and prevention of Canine Distemper using this homeopathic ‘vaccine’. This is in contrast to conventional veterinarian science, which states that more than 50% of dogs who contract this virus will die and the remainder will be very severely compromised for the rest of their lives.

Bryonia C6 is a proven homeopathic remedy which is very effective for the treatment of coughs and dry mucus membranes, as well as the clearing of mucus from the chest.

Echinacea purpurea is one of the top selling herbs for the treatment of colds, flu and other viral infections. Clinical trials have proved its effectiveness in a variety of settings. Studies have shown that Echinacea works by preventing the formation of hyaluronidase – an enzyme that is known to break the cell barriers between healthy tissue and pathogenic organisms like viruses. This immune boosting herb has also been successfully used to restore immune functioning in patients who have undergone chemotherapy.

Lactose (inactive ingredient)

(PetAlive Vi-Pro Plus contains no gluten, artificial flavors, colors or preservatives)

How has Vi-Pro helped others?

“I am moved to write in and say that our family dog would probably not be with us today were it not for this remedy. When our usual vet diagnosed a very ill dog with Distemper things looked very serious and he thought so too. Under his supervision we used your remedy because others have worked very well and we have all been amazed at the quick recovery. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.” – Sandy.

“Luckily our vet agrees with us about yearly vaccination unlike the previous one who wanted to vaccinate every year. Our puppy is taking your Vi-Pro for Distemper to protect her against distemper and other viruses and we are confident that it will be as successful as your other products have been, including your EasyTravel for car sickness!” – Graham

“This product is fantastic – from ease of administration to effectiveness it gets 10/10 from me. I have used all your oral vaccination products for my dogs with great confidence and they remain healthy and disease free.” – Brent.

How do we use Vi-Pro Plus?

Vi-Pro Plus in convenient dissolvable granule form. The tiny granules are easy to administer to dogs of all sizes and personalities and are simply sprinkled on the back of the tongue and left to dissolve. No fuss and bother!

Small to medium dogs: Half fill inner circle of lid and sprinkle into mouth.

Medium to large dogs: Fill inner circle of lid and sprinkle into mouth

Preventative: Vi-Pro Plus may be given for up to a week at 3 – 6 month intervals for the prevention of Canine Distemper. Should a known case of Distemper occur in your area, even if your dog has not been exposed to the infected animal, repeat the dose for 7 days.

Acute: Administer every hour until symptoms subside. Thereafter administer three times daily for up to 21 days.

CAUTION: Please remember that Canine Distemper is a serious illness and it is recommended that any dog with an acute outbreak should be taken to a holistic or homeopathic vet to monitor treatment. Home treatment of acute Distemper is not advised and Vi-Pro Plus should be used under the supervision of a holistic or homeopathic vet for cases of active Distemper infections.

How long until we see results?

When Vi-Pro Plus is taken prophylactically (preventatively) your dog should stay free of Distemper infection. For dogs who have contracted Distemper, treatment with Vi-Pro Plus under veterinarian supervision is recommended.

Under these circumstances and with the appropriate supportive homeopathic treatment, recovery rates are good and most dogs will begin to show improvement within a few days.

How long does one bottle last?

One bottle of Vi-Pro Plus will last for 15 – 30 days, depending on the size and needs of your pet.

What else can I do help my pet?

* Avoid contact with raccoons, foxes, skunks and other potentially infected wildlife if possible
* Ensure your pet is eating a balanced, high quality diet with plenty of raw and unprocessed food (preferably organic).
* Use Immunity and Liver Support capsules to boost your pet’s immune functioning and resistance against disease and infection
* Avoid exposure to toxins and chemicals as much as possible including pesticides, herbicides, commercial flea collars, flea powder, insecticides and second-hand cigarette smoke.
* Talk to a holistic vet before immunizing your pet. Over-vaccination may stress the immune system unnecessarily.
* Regular exercise will help to keep your pet healthy and fit.