Here at Governor Animal Clinic we embrace not only the conventional ways of modern medicine,
but also natural supplements (nutraceuticals) as an extention of therapy-treatments.
The following includes a variety of the many supplements available.
Joint Support
Glucosamine, chondroitin; The most commonly used joint, cartilage and tendon support supplements contain glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). GAGs are mucopolysaccharides and form an important component of connective tissues. Several well-known commercial brands are available, most of them include glucosamine sulfate and some also contain chondroitin sulfate to help strengthen cartilage and tendons in dogs and horses (e.g. Glycoflex, Cosequin and Adequan).
MSM, Yucca, Cetyl Myristoleate; Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a naturally occurring nutritional sulfur necessary for collagen synthesis and used as a dieetary supplement. It is a major metabolite of dimethyl sufloxide (DMSO), which is known for its potent anti-inflammatory and pain relief properties. MSM is preferred, however, because DMSO has an extremely unpleasant odor. The beneficial effects of MSM in dogs and horses include its relief of pain and inflammation of hip and knee joints.
Yucca root supplements have long been touted as a possible treatment for arthritic bone and joint pain, but there are no scientific studies to support this claim. Topical yucca is thought to help stop minor bleeding from cuts and scrapes. Because the saponins in yucca may be anti-inflammatory, it may also help to relieve itching and swelling from insect bites, sunburn, and other minor skin injuries.
Cetyl Myristoleate (CMO) is a natural medium-chain fatty acid that acts as an anit-inflammatory, as well as a surfactant and lubricanat for damaged joints and muscles. CMO has been used for patients with osteoarthritis, spondylosis or spondylitis, and back pain. It facilitates cartilage production, and functions as an immune system modulator.
Pain
ASU Avocado Soybean Unsaponifiables are promising nutraceuticals for treating pain and lameness from osteoarthritis in dogs and horses. There are several commercially available ASU-containing veterinary products on the market today (e.g. Avocado SOYA, Dasuquin). While these products may not relieve pain per se, there is evidence of imporoved structure and reduced disease of affected joints, which then could result in less pain.
Chinese and Western Herbs
A varitey of Chinese herbal mixtures are commercially available to assist with pain control and mobility. These can be used in conjunction with DLPA, discussed below.
Commercial mixtures of edible Western herbs are readily available on the veterinary market. One widely used Australian product (Dog Gone Pain, DGP), contains mixtures of herbs such as fever few, celery seed, boswellia, bromelain, corydalis, cayenne, wheatgrass, turmeric, and shark cartilage. These product are stated to relieve pain and improve mobility in dogs.
Feverfew (anacetum parthenium)-a relative of the common daisy widely used to calm hysteria, control inflammation and reduce pain. Reseaarch studies have confirmed it to be a serotonin antagonist, and to reduce synthesis of prostaglandins, suppress leukotriene release by basophils, mast cells, macrophages and lung tissue, and lower production of thromboxanes which results in inhibition of vascular and bronchial smooth muscle contractions and platelet aggregation. Therefore, it should be used with caution in the presence of anticoagulants of NSAIDs.
Celery Seed (Apium graveolens) is used widely in herbal medicine for arthritis, gout, fluid retention, and to calm digestion and stimulate appetite. Research confirms its potentanti-inflammatory effects, that it reduces uric acid in the blood, and aids liver function by protecting liver cells from chemical toxins.
Frankincense (Boswellia serrata) has long been used as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic. Recent research shows benefits in osteo-and rheumatoid arthritis, asthma and ulcerative colitis. It blocks production of pro-inflammatory leukotrienes.
Bromelain (Ananas comosus) is a mixture of protein-digesting enzymes made from the stem of the pineapple, and is useful for digestive disorders and inflammatory conditions caused by infection or injury. It modulates inflammation by preventing the build up of bradykinins and kallidins that cause swelling, and hellps speed wound healing related to surgery or trauma.
DLPA D, L phenylalanine is an essential amino acid and endorphin stimulant, used in people and animals to control chronic bone and muscle pain. It is also a mood enhancer. It takes about a week to build up the desired effect, and they can be used continuously. Dosing is adjusted for body weight of the dog or cat.
Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Infective
Calendula, comfrey, Cucumber These anti-oxidant herbs are astringent, cleansing, anti-inflammatory,moisturizing, soothing, and softening to the skin.
Co-Enzyme Q-10 A natural substance found in every cell of the human body and in plants, co-enzyme Q-10 is also called ubiquinone. It is a vitamin-like anti-oxidant that boosts cellular activity and fortifies the skin against damage from the sun. The enzyme has shown dramatic results in treating periodontal (gum) diseases, and in cancer treatment, mainly to reduce heart damage caused by the anti-cancer medicines.
Cranberries The primary medicinal component of cranberries is D-mannose. Adding cranberries or cranberry juice to the diet will help competitively block bacterial adherence to the bladder lining.
Dietary Omega-3 Fatty Acids Progress has been made during the past years in several areas of fatty acid metabolism and nutrition for dogs. Renal and cardiovascular diseases may be amenable to dietary management with omega-3 fatty acids. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) can be synthesized from ALA contained in dietary vegetable sources, and high dietary amounts of ALA contribute to modification of cellular responses. Provision of pre-formed sources of dietary EPA, however, appears to more efficiently modify inflammatory responses in dogs with osteoarthritis or other conditions related to immune function.
Slippery Elm This herb helps heal internal mucosal tissues, such as the stomach, reproductive tract, and esophagus. It helps soothe ulcers and stomach inflammation, irritated intestines, sore throat, and coughs.
Tea Tree Oil Tea tree oil is an essential oil obtained from distilling the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, a plant native to Australia. It has a long history of traditional use for healing skin cuts, burns, and infections by crushing the leaves and applying them to the affected area. Tea tree oil contins terpenoids, which have been found to have antiseptic and antifungal activity. It works against yeast as well. It is also an ingredient in creams, ointments, lotions, soaps, and shampoos. Undiluted tea tree oil may cause skin irritation, redness, blistering, and itching, so diluting it 1:5 in olive oil is recommended. Caution is needed when using it in cats, as they should not be allowed to lick it off.
Grapefruit seed extract Extracted from grapefruit seeds, this product is used in combination with propylene glycol and glycerin as a preservative, bactericide, and stabilizer.
Anti-Cancer
Green Leafy/Yellow Orange Vegetables Consumption of vegetables (kale, spinach, collard greens, Italian parsley, carrots, yellow squash, sweet potatoes) at least 3 times a week was associated with a 70% overall reduction in risk of developing transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder in genetically predisposed Scottish terriers. The most frequently consumed vegetables were in the yellow-orange group, whith carrots fed most often. For individual vegetable types, the risk of developing TCC was reduced 90% with consumption of any green leafy vegetables and 70% with any yellow-orange vegetables. These findings are believed to relate to the presence of carotenoids and retinol in green and yellow vegetables, which also convey a protective effect against develpoing bladder cancer in humans and in chemically-induced bladder neoplasms in rodents.
Medicinal Mushrooms Potent medicinal properties are contained within certain mushrooms, Maitake (grifola frondosa), Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) and Shitake (Lentinula edodes). These medicinal mushrooms exhibit a variety of anti-tumor, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and immune enhancing properties. They are both anti-proliferative and anti-cancer.
Calming Behavior
Aromatherapy in the form of diffuse lavander odor has recently been shown to offer a practical alternative treatment for travel-induced excitement in dogs. Results showed that dogs spent significantly more time resting and sitting, and less time moving and vocalizing when exposed to the lavender aroma.
Information from the Antech Diagnostics, August & September News 2008
