Here at Governor Animal Clinic we embrace not only the conventional ways of modern medicine,
but also natural supplements (nutraceuticals) as an extension 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;  Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a naturally occurring nutritional sulfur necessary for collagen synthesis and used as a dietary 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 anti-inflammatory, as well as a surfactant and lubricant 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 improved structure and reduced disease of affected joints, which then could result in less pain.

Chinese and Western Herbs
A variety 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.  Research 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 helps 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, with 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 developing 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 lavender 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

Links to Holistic Veterinarians

Dr. Keith Weingardt       Animal Healing Center
www.animalhealingcenter.net

Dr. Claire Sosna            Healing Touch Acupuncture for Animals
www.aarcsd.com  

Katie B. Kangas, DVM, CVA
The Animal Healing Center, San Diego, California

A Matter of Opinion / NAVC Clinician’s Brief / March 2011

Used with permission from the author (www.animalhealingcenter.net), and Clinician's Brief  (www.cliniciansbrief.com)

Mixing It Up:
Holistic & Traditional Veterinary Medicine

As the general public gains awareness of the benefits of preventive health practices and healthier lifestyles, it has become appealing to focus on nutrition, wellness, preventive medicine, and more natural methods of health care and healing. Many people have become interested in providing the same care for their pets, including turning to holistic options or alternatives to traditional veterinary medical care.

WHAT IS HOLISTIC MEDICAL CARE?

Holistic practices emphasize evaluation of the whole patient, including the physical, nutritional, environmental, and emotional aspects of its presentation. Rather than focusing on “disease” as a separate entity, it defines disease as an imbalance in the body within the context of all of these aspects.

Holistic health care seeks to employ methods of disease prevention and treatment that enable the body’s innate healing capabilities to function at their best. Holistic medicine is often times called complementary or alternative because the medical techniques used are distinct from the methods taught to allopathic or conventional practitioners.

A more inclusive perspective is integrative medicine, which combines holistic modalities with conventional or traditional veterinary care. Practitioners who utilize integrative medicine can provide more options to their patients, optimizing healing and wellness.
There are many different holistic health care modalities, such as acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, western herbal medicine, food therapy, chiropractic care, massage therapy/tui-na/reiki,physical therapy and rehabilitation, homeopathy, and homotoxicology (biotherapeutics). A brief description of several commonly used modalities follows.


ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture stimulates specific points on the body, resulting in a therapeutic homeostatic effect.

*Although the use of acupuncture dates back thousands of years, modern research shows
that acupuncture points are located in areas where there is a high density of free nerve endings, mast cells, arterioles, and lymphatic
*Each acupuncture point has a unique location and physiologic effect. Many reports have
indicated that the stimulation of acupuncture serotonin, and other neurotransmitters.2,3
*The use of acupuncture for pain relief is well supported by scientific studies, but it can also be effective for treatment of all types of diseases.

HERBAL MEDICINE
In a holistic context, herbs are used to stimulate, regulate, or adjust natural body functions back into healthy harmony with the rest of the body.

*Most drugs are composed of specific chemical compounds that have been isolated from their source and concentrated to maximum potency. A medicinal plant, however, consists of dozens or even hundreds of interactive or inert chemical components.
*Most herbalists prefer to rely on the whole plant, or a part of the whole plant, to provide the synergistic benefits. In other words, the whole plant is considered to be superior, and usually safer, than the sum of its parts. 

There are some differences between western and Chinese herbal medicine:
*Western herbalism primarily treats specific diseases or clinical signs, typically using the same prescription for all patients with similar signs.
*Traditional Chinese herbal medicine chooses a prescription based on an individualized pattern diagnosis in addition to the disease diagnosis. A patient’s pattern is defined by its emotional temperament and bodily constitution as well as its specific clinical signs. Two patients with the same conventionally labeled disease and similar or identical disease signs may be best treated with different prescriptions, based on other aspects of their individual pattern diagnoses.

FOOD THERAPY & NUTRITIONNutrition is the body’s fuel and provides the building blocks for maintenance of health, tissue repair, and energy. Consequently, most holistic health practitioners focus a great deal on diet and nutritional supplements.
*Because food can be considered the most important medicine we take every day, feeding fresh wholesome vital nutrition is paramount in maintaining the health of the patient.
*In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), foods are often viewed as an extension of herbs.
Thus, TCM practitioners will recommend certain foods for maintaining and balancing health and improving a variety of conditions.

CHIROPRACTIC
Chiropractic care is centered on the role of the spine and the nervous system in maintaining good health.
*Chiropractic manipulation focuses on obtaining optimal range of motion for the axial and appendicular articulations.
*Restrictions in the motion of these joints can lead to a variety of manifestations in the patient, affecting the nervous, musculoskeletal, and various organ systems of the body. These effects can be seen as lameness, pain, or other systemic problems.
*Chiropractic adjustments aim to reestablish optimal range of motion, thereby reducing or
eliminating neuropathy and allowing the body to self-regulate, adapt, and heal.

MASSAGE THERAPY
Massage increases blood and lymph circulation and disperses pain in tense muscles.
*The goal of massage is to restore maximal functional capability and flexibility for the
patient. Massage can also help stimulate the immune system and expedite the removal of
waste and toxins from the body, aid in digestion, and calm anxieties.
*Tui-na is an ancient Chinese method of medical manipulation combined with massage and
acupressure that helps to move energy past blocked areas, stimulate nerve function, and
ease muscle tension. It offers comfort and provides an energy lift to the patient.
*Animal patients can benefit from massage, and many pets enjoy it. Simple techniques can be
performed by pet owners and can also serve to strengthen the bonds and relationships
between owners and their pets.


PHYSICAL THERAPY & REHABILITATION
The indications for physical therapy for pets include postoperative care for any bone or joint surgery, neurologic conditions, hip or elbow dysplasia, osteoarthritis, pain management, geriatrics, and obesity. The benefits of using this modality include faster recovery, improved strength, prevention of muscle atrophy, improved range of motion, pain reduction, mental stimulation, and improved quality of life.

CONCLUSION
The demand for holistic veterinary health care is on the rise. Offering holistic medical services in an integrative approach can provide more options and perhaps greater overall success in the care and treatment of our animal patients. With proper training, holistic modalities can be incorporated into general practice, or alternatively, patients can be referred for specific therapies. There are numerous organizations and educational institutions that provide training in holistic veterinary medicine (see Holistic Medicine Resources, below).

It remains common for integrative modalities to be met with a good deal of skepticism from the conventional veterinary community. Typically, skeptics point toward the lack of controlled scientific studies to back up the efficacy of these modalities. Because many of themodalities used by integrative practitioners are tailored to each individual patient’s presentation, it is difficult to generate a study that takes into consideration all of these variations.
Fortunately, there are now several organizations including the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (AHVMA), American Association of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (AATCVM), and Veterinary Botanical Medical Association (VBMA) that are making significant advances in funding research projects to allow validation of integrative modalities by accepted scientific standards. Moreover, although skeptics may make some valid arguments, many integrative practitioners and related group associations are being proactive in validating their modalities by current research paradigms.

Holistic Medicine Resources 

The associations  advise pet owners to be cautious and ask about the practitioner's qualifications and experience before making an appointment.  You can call our office and ask us for a recommendation as well.

Here is a list of several veterinary holistic organizations
and educational institutions:*

American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association:
ahvma.org
American Veterinary Chiropractic Association:
animalchiropractic.org
Canine Rehabilitation Institute:
caninerehabinstitute.com
Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine:
tcvm.com
American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture
www.aava.org/php/aava_blog
International Veterinary Acupuncture Society:
ivas.org
Lang Institute for Canine Massage:
dogmassage.com
University of Tennessee Canine Physical Therapy Program:
canineequinerehab.com
Veterinary Botanical Medical Association:
vbma.org
Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy
www.theavh.org/referral/index.php

*This is not a comprehensive list.

A precisely designed blend of the finest vitamins, minerals, herbs, adaptogens and of other nutritional cofactors, Rx Vitamins components work synergistically to promote health.

The Rx Vitamins line of dietary supplements is formulated for specific health concerns using the foremost medical and nutritional knowledge available today. Each component is chosen on the basis of published clinical experience or laboratory research. The resulting formulations offer nutritional support to address your patients' unique health needs.

"As a veterinarian who
has been in private practice
for 18 years, I find that these
complex herbal nutraceutical
formulas help my patients
clinically improve more than
any other tool I've used since
I started practicing veterinary medicine."

Dr. Silver

www.naturaldvm.com

The above link will take you to;

   "About Dr. Silver for the extensive list of education, training, teaching, seminars and presentations, business experience, media and publications, research, professional associations and related distinctions, of which Dr. Silver has been involved the past 20 years.
In October, we were very fortunate to have Dr. Silver come to Governor Animal Clinic for an in-house seminar, where the entire staff and doctors were introduced to the wide variety of nutraceutical formulas.

Introducing a  line of safe and natural products for gum and joint health, available at Governor Animal Clinic;

PERIODONTAL RESEARCH BREAKTHROUGH!

Published in the Journal of Periodontology in 2007 and 2009

Many people do not realize that periodontal or gum health is the most common reason for visits to veterinarians. This makes sense when we consider that few dogs get their teeth brushed and/or flossed on a regular basis.

Just as it is with people, there are very few options available to enhance the health of our gums and those of our dogs & cats. The question is: Besides having your pet’s teeth cleaned, is there anything new that can be used to improve gum health?

Introducing EFAC  Esterified Fatty Acid Complex

After several years of research a US patent (7,612,111) was awarded in 2009 in recognition of the unprecedented results obtained using EFAC. The remarkable research supporting the patent provides for an entirely new approach to gum health.

What is EFAC?

EFAC is comprised of natural fatty acids or oils that have a potent lubricating action on our cells. They sound similar, however esterified and essential oils are very different and should not be confused.

Initially scientists focused their research on joint health, but over time discovered that these unique oils also benefited the gums. As an added benefit it is common to see older dogs & cats using EFAC for gum health also become more mobile and playful.

How to apply EFAC to your pet’s gums?

Please refer to the frequently asked questions link for detailed info on usage. Most importantly for periodontal health, EFAC needs to come in direct contact with the gums.  With cats there are a few tricks that can be used such as placing EFAC on their nose or paw and having them lick it off.  After application to the gums, dogs and cats naturally swallow EFAC, which can then also benefit their joints.

What to Expect

Detailed analysis, such as the measuring pockets etc requires a veterinarian or dental professional. However because the gums can be seen directly, most of the time you will be able to simply see gum health improvements, such as a healthier coloration etc. Initial improvements are being seen after just 2 to 8 weeks of regular use.  

Frequently Asked Questions

 What is EFAC?

EFAC stands for esterified fatty acid complex. EFAC is comprised of natural fatty acids or oils that are derived from beef tallow. These patented oils have a potent lubricating action on our cells. EFAC has been researched extensively in the areas of periodontal and joint health. Please do not confuse esterified and essential oils, they sound similar, but in fact are quite different. In controlled clinical trials, esterified oils have been found to be far more potent. In 2009 a US patent, number 7,612,111, was awarded for the unprecedented effects of esterified oils.

 How is EFAC applied to a pet’s gums?

You will first need to cut the end off of the softgel capsule and squeeze the EFAC contents out. The contents will be a thick paste. Then with a finger, a Q-tip or a small brush apply EFAC onto the dog’s/cat's gums. Dogs with large mouths may require more than one capsule. For dogs with very small mouths you can also place the EFAC on a front paw. The chances are that they will lick it off and with a very small mouth some contact will be made with their gums. For dogs with a large mouth there is unlikely to be enough direct contact to be beneficial to the gums.

You can also place EFAC on your cat’s nose or a front paw. The chances are that they will lick it off and direct contact will be made with their gums.

 Is EFAC absorbed topically?

Esterified oils have the very unique property of being well absorbed through the skin. This is highly unusual, as the skin typically acts as a barrier. Topical absorption is a major advantage of these remarkable oils, especially when dealing with joint or periodontal health.

 Can EFAC be used together with teeth cleaning?

Absolutely, in fact we highly encourage it! EFAC does not remove plaque from the teeth and therefore does not replace the need for teeth cleaning. EFAC does however support healthy gums, which of course is a very important part of oral health. If anything, the benefits of teeth cleaning and EFAC are highly complementary.

 How often should EFAC be applied?

We suggest daily application for the first month and then every second day for maintenance.

 How long until we see results?

You may see a benefit in as little as a few days, but generally speaking, initial benefits start to become visible or more obvious between 2 and 8 weeks.

 I would also like to give my pet EFAC for joint health. How much powder or chews should I give, if I am already applying EFAC for gum health?

Your pet’s joint health will benefit from using both products. There is absolutely no danger to your pet’s health using both products. EFAC in the softgel periodontal capsules is comprised of the same patented, proprietary oils, as those found in the dog chews and powder. To determine a dosage for joint health simply follow the directions on the powder or chews.

The Joint Health Dilemma

Joint health concerns are very common in both people and dogs. As a result there are a multitude of products to choose from.

Many people are confused and ultimately do not know which company to trust. In reality the solution to the dilemma is easy: trust the science and ask to see the clinical research supporting a product.  Upgrade to EFAC for the most consistent joint health results ever!

Teach An Old Dog/Cat New Tricks?

Maybe, maybe not. But they can certainly perform those old tricks better with the new EFAC technology! In clinical trials, the majority of participants experience greater joint health and mobility. EFAC is the new, clinically proven solution for a renewed lease on life.

Award Winning EFAC Research

In 2007 at the prestigious Scripps Medical Conference in San Diego CA, researchers were awarded first prize out of the 90 papers presented because of the outstanding results obtained using EFAC for joint health.

Those receiving EFAC experienced greatly improved joint health and mobility after just 2 weeks. In six minutes they were able to walk 233 feet more than they could before using EFAC. Participants continued to improve and after 8 weeks their distance walked increased by a remarkable 537 feet!

Your trusted companions deserve the best science has to offer

www.hopesciencevet.com

If you think all probiotics are the same, chew on this... A new probiotic supplement from Iams Veterinary Formula...

A tasty, chewable treat reduces the use of antibiotic therapy, enhances and protects GI health and is clinically proven to help dogs with stress diarrhea. A unique canine-derived probiotic strain for all dogs, all life stages.

Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that help restore intestinal balance, improve digestive function, and aid in the relief of diarrhea.  Probiotics are beneficial microflora critical to your dog's immune system and have been shown to improve dogs' digestive health.

Prostora Max is a unique, nutritional probiotic supplement that has been shown to nutritionally manage dogs with diarrhea.  Your veterinarian may recommend the use of Prostora Max in combination with an antibiotic or with Iams Veterinary Formula-Intestinal-Low Residue, a therapeutic food for an added layer of protection.

Prostora Max comes in a soft, tasty, chewable, convenient treat form that your dog will love.

Antibiotics can upset the natural microflora balance in the digestive tract.  Prostora Max can help re-establish the digestive balance by providing good bacteria (Bifidobacterium Animalis). 70% of a dog's immune system is located in the intestinal tract. 

Use Prostora™ Max to help re-establish microflora balance in the following:

• Acute enteritis

• Antibiotic therapy

• Food intolerance

• Stress due to kenneling, weaning, and traveling

• Intestinal disturbances due to long-term illness

Common causes of diarrhea are stress, travel, viruses, parasites, change in diet, table scraps, some antibiotics and boarding.

Ask your veterinarian how Prostora Max can nutritionally manage digestive balance.

100% satisfaction guaranteed.  If you are not satisfied with the quality of any Iams Veterinary Formula, we will replace the product or refund the purchase price.  Simply save the unused portion together with the proof of purchase and return it to us.

Animals (not just people) likely have spiritual experiences, according to a prominent neurologist who has analyzed the processes of spiritual sensation for over three decades.

Research suggests that spiritual experiences originate deep within primitive areas of the human brain -- areas shared by other animals with brain structures like our own.

The trick, of course, lies in proving animals' experiences.

To see the article, click on the link below

 http://news.discovery.com/animals/animals-spiritual-brain.html

"Dogs have a way of finding the people who need them, filling an emptiness we don't even know we have"  Thom Jones