Solving Struvite, Bladder Stones, Canine and Feline Urolithiasis

Struvite Crystals, FLUTD, Canine Struvite Urolithiasis, Bladder Stones

Understanding the causes.
Struvite crystals, bladder stones and urinary disease syndromes are examples of nutritionally influenced disease conditions. As is the case with many domestic animal diseases, it is important to note that canines and felines in the wild that consume a natural raw diet do not experience struvite crystals and urolithiasis to any degree. Domestic animals on the other hand, which are fed a diet of highly processed denatured, starch-based, synthetic products, succumb to struvite crystals, bladder stones, and urolithiasis in large numbers.

There are two primary causes for this disparity in disease incidence:
•Domestic animals are fed an exclusive diet of nutrient depleted, highly processed pet foods. This is in stark contrast to the natural, meat-based, raw diet replete with vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and probiotics consumed by wild canines and felines. This, plus overfeeding, creates an unhealthy physiological environment in which disease can take root.

•Conventional pet foods are unnatural in that they are denatured by heat, imbalanced in minerals, and laden with starches and carbohydrates (in far greater quantities than would ever be consumed in the wild). This yields a more alkaline urine, which causes the precipitation and the development of struvite crystals, bladder stones and urolithiasis disease.

The frequency with which companion animals fall victim to urinary disease syndromes is astounding. Prevention and treatment can be achieved while simultaneously creating optimal health for your pet by mimicking the natural/archetypal diet. This fosters an acidic body environment, which will aid in both the treatment and prevention of struvite crystals, bladder stones, FLUTD, and canine urolithiasis.

In spite of common opinion, the magnesium content of natural foods is not an etiological factor in FLUTD (Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease) and canine urolithiasis unless it is added in the form of excess magnesium oxide rather than magnesium chloride. Animals in the wild maintain an acid urine and freedom from struvite crystals, bladder stones, FLUTD, and canine and feline urolithiasis, yet the foods consumed by wild canines/felines contain higher levels of magnesium (0.1%) than suggested by some pet food manufacturers.


Treatment and Prevention of Struvite Crystals, FLUTD, Canine Struvite Urolithiasis, Bladder Stones

Revert the diet to its natural form.
The diet pet carnivores are designed for is meat-based. It is not by coincidence that high protein foods naturally generate a more acidic urine which prevents the development of struvite crystals and bladder stones.

To combat the formation of struvite crystals, FLUTD, bladder stones and Urolithiasis seek out high meat protein, low carbohydrate natural (preferably raw) foods which resemble the natural canine and feline diet.

About the Author: Visit http://www.wysong.net/bladder-stones-struvite to learn more about Wysong treatment and prevention of Struvite Crystals, FLUTD, bladder stones, canine and feline Urolithiasis.
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Fat dogs - One Treat Too Many

By: Rebecca Prescott

When we think of dogs we tend to think of agile creatures that love to exercise and play, have speed and power, and are sleek or cuddly. However, just like humans and other animals, dogs are creatures that can be prone to weight problems, some breeds far more than others.

Most dogs love their food and treats, and although most love to exercise and play there are also those that are quite happy to toast their paws in front of the fire and play the "couch potato" whenever given the chance. And, of course, the combination of lack of exercise and over-feeding can lead to a very fat little dog.

Avoiding obesity in your dog

Some dogs can be far more susceptible than others to weight gain, and for dogs this can result in a range of associated health problems. Weight gain can not only make your dog miserable, but reduce his quality of life, and even reduce his lifespan.

This is why it is important for responsible owners to monitor and maintain a healthy weight for their dogs, and in the event of weight gain to take action in order to try and get their weight back on track.

We all love to give our dogs treats to show them how much we care, but often this is doing more damage than good. Just like with children, the odd treat is fine, but regular treats coupled with large portions of food can quickly lead to excess weight.

Another factor that can affect your dog's weight is of course the level of exercise that he receives. Believe it or not, there are some dogs that actually have to be persuaded to go for their walks. In some cases, other health problems such as undiagnosed thyroid problems can affect your dog's weight and cause your dog to get fat.

If you have a dog that is happy never to step out of the house, you shouldn't just shrug and thank your lucky stars that you don't have the extra duty of having to take him out each day. Instead, you need to make a concerted effort to ensure that he does get regular exercise, no matter how gentle. If your dog is very overweight you should get advice from your vet to find out why he has gained weight, and how you can get the situation under control.

A number of health problems can affect fat dogs, which is why it is important to keep your dog's weight under control. Some of the weight related health problems that can affect your pet include heart, lung, liver, kidney, and joint problems, amongst others. Some of the breeds that are prone to weight gain because of genetics include Dachshunds, Basset Hounds, Labrador Retrievers, and Beagles.

Article by: Don't forget to check out these articles on dog food and diet... Rebecca writes on puppy and dog concerns here. Article source: http://www.ladypens.com

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Worming Dogs

By: Rupert Bowling

Worm ( endoparasite) infections in dogs are frequently seen in the UK. Young animals have a lower resistance to infection and given that unborn pups can be infected whilst still in their mothers' womb via the blood, or immediately after their birth via the colostrum, it is most important to start worming pups from about 2 weeks of age.

What Types Of Worm Infections Are There?
Roundworms:
These worms are spaghetti-like in appearance and non-segmented. Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonina are both seen in the UK. A heavy infestation can cause a pot-bellied appearance, diarrhoea and result in a poor growth rate.
Toxacara canis can also affect humans, causing a variety of symptoms and in rare instances, blindness in children.

Tapeworms:
These worms are segmented and can grow to several feet in length. The small head of the worm fastens to the lining of the small intestine and the main body of the worm trails downstream. The adult worm sheds segments, which are full of eggs and can often be seen around the anus or on the stools. They resemble grains of rice.

Hookworms:
These worms suck blood from the lining of the gut and can cause serious anaemia and internal bleeding. Hookworms can also cause skin disease as infective larvae are able to burrow directly into the exposed skin.

Whipworms:
Like hookworms, these worms are blood-suckers living in the lining of the small intestine. They can cause bloody diarrhoea and weight loss.

What Can We Do To Control Worm Infections?
Given that worm infections are so common in the UK, the prevention of infection is practically impossible. Control is based on a regular quarterly treatment with a drug that will kill worms. These may be given orally as powders, tablets or suspension as well as
by 'spot-ons', and even injections in some instances. It should be noted that not all worm groups are killed by all of the available drugs, so it is important to gain advice as to which products are suitable for your pets needs.

PANACUR GRANULES are tasteless, odourless granules that can be dissolved into the dogs' food making medication easy. The granules contain the drug fenbendazole which is effective against all roundworm and most tapeworm infections.

PANACUR FAVOURITES are the same drug in tablet formulation that are given like a treat to the pet.

PANACUR PASTE is the same drug in paste formulation so that it can be given directly into the patient's mouth.

PANACUR SUSPENSION is the same drug in a liquid suspension and can be added directly to the food.

DRONTAL PLUS and DRONTAL PLUS XL are tablets containing a combination of pyrantel embonate, febantel and praziquantel offering complete round- and tapeworm coverage.

DRONTAL PUPPY SUSPENSION is the same combination of drugs (a combination of pyrantel embonate, febantel and praziquantel) but in a suspension that can be mixed into the food.

'Stronghold' is a 'spot-on' preparation, currently available only through your veterinary surgeon, that treats roundworms, fleas and some types of mange. It DOES NOT treat tapeworm infections.

Rupert Bowling is the owner of Frontline Spot for Ivet. IVET consists of a team of dedicated professionals including a pharmacist, a pharmacologist, and two veterinary surgeons who oversee sales and provide the free, practical advice for your worming dogs in the form of numerous on line information sheets.
Article Source: http://add-articles.com

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Grapes, Nuts, and Your Dogs Health - Foods that Fido should Avoid

“Magoo was a big, playful Labrador retriever who often got himself into sticky situations…”
So begins a story in the latest report from the ASPCA on foods that may be toxic to dogs. It turns out that Magoo got into the pantry and snagged himself about a pound of raisins. He ate the whole thing, of course.

The ASPCA never mentions Magoo’s fate. But they do tell us that as little as a handful of raisins can impair a dogs health and has been fatal for some. Ditto for the grape.

Who Knew?
Growing up, I regarded our family dogs as “the first cycle of the dishwasher”. They were good about waiting their turn for whatever we left on our plates, and we weren’t too concerned about offering them “people food”. It never crossed our minds that our dogs health could be affected by a few measly table scraps. What was safe for us, we figured, was safe for our pets.
What’s more, whenever I ate grapes, I liked to give one or two to our German Shepherd “Tiffany”. The grapes always popped out of her mouth when she tried to bite into them and Tiffany, ever the good sport, refused to give up until she’d squashed each one into submission. It guaranteed at least 60 seconds of harmless fun.

Tiffany was also fond of chewing gum (she chewed it — wrapper and all — but didn’t swallow it!) We had the sugarless kind, which is often sweetened these days with xylitol.
Little did I know that I might have been poisoning our family pet! (More on xylitol below).

Why are grapes harmful?
As far as grapes and raisins go, no one is sure why they’re harmful. It’s been confirmed that even grapes grown without fertilizers or pesticides can be toxic to dogs. But not to every dog, and not every time. It’s also not known whether small amounts eaten over a long time period could have a cumulative effect.

What we do know is that the end result in nearly all reported cases of grape or raisin toxicity is acute kidney failure. (The term “acute” means that the condition is severe and comes on quickly.) The dog ultimately can’t produce urine, which means they can’t filter toxins out of their systems — a process essential to life.

During the twelve-month period in which the effects of grapes were studied, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center handled 140 cases involving one or more dogs. Over a third of the dogs developed symptoms ranging from vomiting to kidney failure, and seven dogs died. The ASPCA based their study on reported cases, so naturally there may be cases where a dogs health is entirely unaffected by eating grapes. But until they know all the facts, the Society advises against feeding pets grapes or raisins in any amount.

An ounce of prevention
So, your dog just scored himself a big box of raisins. What’s a pet owner to do?
The first line of defense, if the grapes or raisins were eaten recently, is to induce vomiting and administer activated charcoal (it absorbs toxins in the GI tract). Vomiting is also the first sign that your dog is in trouble, so skip right to the activated charcoal if vomiting has already occurred. (In a pinch you can make your own activated charcoal by charring a piece of toast until it’s blackened and crumbles easily.) Then call your vet right away.
Can’t reach the vet? Call ASPCA Poison Control: 888-426-4435

The vet will keep your dog on intravenous fluids for at least 48 hours and monitor blood chemistry daily. Normal blood work after 3 days usually means your dog is in the clear.
Keeping a watchful eye out, of course, is the best way to keep your pet out of trouble. Like children, dogs (and other pets) have a knack for getting into mischief when we’re not looking.

It’s Not Just the Grapes…
There are other foods your dog should be kept away from, and some of them may surprise you.

Here are some other foods that can put a dogs health in harms way:

Chocolate
Who can resist chocolate? Like it your not, your dog. Chocolate is made with cocoa beans and cocoa beans contain a chemical called Theobromine, which is toxic to dogs. So on Valentine’s Day, you’re actually being kind to your best buddy if you eat all the chocolates yourself!

Cocoa Mulch
Cocoa bean shells are a by-product of chocolate production (which is how mulch made it into the “foods” category) and are popular as mulch for landscaping. Homeowners like the attractive color and scent, and the fact that the mulch breaks down into an organic fertilizer. However, some dogs like to eat it and it contains Theobromine.

Fatty foods
Fatty foods are hard for a dog to digest and can can overtax the pancreas, leading to pancreatitis. This can threaten your dogs health and is potentially fatal.

Nuts
Macadamia nuts should be avoided. In fact most nuts are not good for a dogs health since their high phosporus content is said to lead to bladder stones.

Mulch
Mulch isn’t food, but there’s one type tempting enough for dogs to eat. Some dogs are attracted to cocoa mulch, and will eat it in varying quantities. The coca bean shells can contain from 0.2% to 3% theobromine (the toxin ) as compaired to 1-4% in unprocessed beans.

Onions
Onions, especially raw onions, have been shown to trigger hemolytic anemia in dogs. (Stephen J Ettinger, D.V.M and Edward C. Fieldman, D.V.M. ’s book: Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine vol. 2 pg 1884.) Stay away from onion powder too.

Potatoes
Potato poisonings among people and dogs are rare but have occurred. The toxin, solanine, is poorly absorbed and is only found in green sprouts (these occur in tubers exposed to sunlight) and green potato skins. This explains why incidents seldom occur. Note that cooked, mashed potatoes are fine for a dogs health, actually quite nutritious and digestible.

Artificial Sweeteners
Xylitol is used as a sweetener in many products, especially sugarless gum and candies. Ingesting large amounts of products sweetened with xylitol may cause a sudden drop in blood sugar in dogs, resulting depression, loss of coordination, and seizures. According to Dr. Eric K. Dunayer, a consulting veterinarian in clinical toxicology for the poison control center, “These signs can develop quite rapidly, at times less than 30 minutes after ingestion of the product” states Dr. Dunayer, “…therefore, it is important that pet owners seek veterinary treatment immediately.”

Turkey
Turkey skin is currently thought to cause acute pancreatis in dogs, partly due to it’s high fat content.

Other foods listed by the ASPCA as harmful:
Alcoholic beverages
Avocado (the only “fatty” member of the vegetable family)
Coffee (all forms of coffee)
Moldy or spoiled foods
Salt
Yeast dough
Garlic

The Bottom Line , Thanks to a more educated public, fewer fatalities from foods like chocolate are being reported these days. But it’s important to keep up with what’s currently known about foods and their effects on dogs health. Grapes and cocoa mulch, for example, were only discovered very recently to have harmful effects. Check frequently with sources like the ASPCA, or sign up for the “Cold Noses News” and we’ll keep you informed. (You’ll also get a bunch of cool dog stuff along with your free registration).
Of course, being alert and getting your pet to the vet promptly will help assure a happy outcome if something unfortunate should happen. Here’s to your dogs health and good nutrition!

Article source: http://www.nextarticle.com

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Dog Cough: Understanding the Causes

By: Catrina Dogurton

As you would expect from humans, dogs tend to cough for many different reasons. In fact, the underlying causes of dog cough are too diverse to describe comprehensively but some of the more common factors known to cause dog cough include internal parasites, heartworm, distemper, fungal infections, allergies, tuberculosis, and even second hand cigarette or cigar smoke. In addition to the causes for cough, there are also several types of dog coughs. A dog’s cough may be phlemgy or dry, may sound like gagging, or may be more like wheezing. Moreover, depending on the cause of the cough you can expect a dog cough to vary in frequency from chronic to intermittent. Typically speaking, a dog’s cough will get progressively worse if left untreated as the cough itself causes dryness in the respiratory tract and therefore more coughing.

Kennel Cough
Inflammation of the trachea and bronchus leads to a high, dry cough in dogs most often known as kennel cough. Dogs suffering from kennel cough will usually have few other symptoms in addition to the cough and the illness will usually pass within a couple of weeks. Fortunately, the major problem with kennel cough is the annoyance it causes to other family members who have to listen to a dry and persistent cough. Usually, veterinarians will take a very conservative approach to treating kennel cough as it is not life threatening. Nonetheless, your veterinarian will probably recommend that you isolate sick pets from healthy ones in order to prevent the spread of the infection. It is also important to maintain a comfortable temperature for a dog with kennel cough and to ensure that your dog is able to get plenty of rest. In very severe cases you may want to try administering children’s cough syrup to alleviate your dog’s cough.

In puppies and certain toy breeds, kennel cough can cause more serious problems and even lead to pneumonia. For this reason, it is always advisable to have your dog tended to by a veterinarian if it is suffering from a cough. There are vaccines for certain strains of kennel cough that should be considered especially if your dog will be in frequent contact with other dogs.

Distemper
While most dogs are vaccinated against distemper when they are puppies this disease can still pose a significant risk for dogs that are not vaccinated or for puppies that are too young to have been vaccinated. Ideally, you should limit your puppy’s contact with strange dogs for at least the first 14-16 weeks of life to ensure that your puppy is properly vaccinated.

For dog’s that have developed distemper there are several key indicators. First of all, for most healthy dogs that are properly cared for the symptoms of distemper can be quite mild. On the contrary, unhealthy or immune-compromised dogs will likely show more severe symptoms. On the extreme, distemper can be fatal and secondary infections are not uncommon. Usually, distemper is associated with a distinct and dry cough at the beginning of the disease. Your dog will also usually suffer from a fever and will probably have a yellow discharge from the nose and tear ducts. If you notice these symptoms it is important for you to take your dog to the veterinarian immediately.

Because distemper can be treated by vaccination it is not a major concern of most dog owners. Only puppy owners really need to be concerned about protecting their dogs from distemper. Also, if your dog has not been vaccinated it is important to do so as soon as possible.

Parasites
Many internal parasites, like heartworms and roundworms, can cause a dog cough. Roundworms, for example, take up residence in your dog’s intestinal tract. From here, eggs develop and hatch and the worms can infiltrate other internal organs like the lungs thereby causing coughing. Puppies of infected mothers can be born with roundworms and is therefore a common concern for puppies with a cough.

In the case of heartworm, a dog cough signifies a much more serious problem. Dogs get infected with heartworms through mosquito bites and eventually these heartworms travel through the blood to infest the lungs. This process usually takes about 6 months and one of the first symptoms of adult heartworms in the lungs is a dog cough. Unfortunately, the coughing symptoms of heartworm can be particularly debilitating for dogs as they become completely incapable of engaging in light exercise without coughing. Medical treatment is always indicated for heartworms.

Conclusions
The diverse array of causes for dog coughs can make it difficult to decide whether the cough is a serious problem or not. Tuberculosis is a particularly deadly infection that causes coughing in dogs and that can be passed between dogs and humans. As such, it is always important to address your dog’s cough by a visit to the veterinarian.

Catrina Dogurton is online leading specialist in in cat and dog health supplies.. Find more information and pet health products to prevent and treat pet diseases such as Dog Cough, Dog Kidney Disease, Dog Pinkeye, and other. Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

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Dog Health and Exercise: Show your Dog the Love with Regular Exercise

By: Nicki Howell

Go ahead…give your dog the gift of regular exercise. Sounds simple…right? Well it is! Your dog will be happier, healthier and better behaved. Many behavior problems stem from excess energy..so burn it off. Read on to learn how you can bond with your dog through a fun exercise routine.

How much exercise is enough?

The answer will depend on your dog’s unique needs. A small dog may need less exercise than a large dog. Also, your canine’s age will be a factor. But the best way to determine if your dog’s getting enough exercise is to ask yourself, does your dog seem satisfied? When I take my German Shepard for a 20 minute walk…she looks at me like, are we finished already? If this is your dog, you’ll need to lengthen the walk.

Good exercise incorporates obedience.

When you’re walking your dog, it’s important to have complete control. This will help with unexpected situations, such as the off lease dog or child on a bike. Work with your dog on commands like sit, heal, and stay. Read the article Five Free Dog Training Tips You Shouldn’t Miss for more information.

Commit to a regular routine.

Can you imagine running a marathon if you haven’t trained? To keep your dog in the best shape, give him daily exercise. So open up your planner, and schedule a time that works best for you. Your dog will thank you with many licks!

Challenge the high-energy dog .

Do you have a dog that seems to never get tired? Me too! A great way to burn off that energy is using interval training. Start at a slow pace to warm up, and then graduate to a faster pace. Do two minutes at a fast pace, and than slow down for a couple minutes.

Bonus tips for healthy exercise.

Your dog can’t always communicate what he needs. So it’s your job to be an observer…here are a few tips to help:

• Check your dog’s footpads for cracking and injury

• Make sure your dog is hydrated

• Don’t exercise right after your dog eats

• When the weather is hot, walk during the cool times. The asphalt can hurt your dog’s paws.

For more helpful tips, visit http://www.dog-health-info.net/Dog-grooming-care.html

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

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