Sunday, December 20, 2015

The Parvo Cure Hoax and The Potential Danger of "Herbal Remedies"

 In 1978 the parvo virus was recognized as a separate virus and spread like wildfire. Parvo most often strikes puppies with a compromised immune system that have not been properly vaccinated before exposure to the virus. The diagnosis of parvo is made by a veterinarian after a thorough exam and testing for the presence of the virus itself in the feces.

There are two forms of parvo. The form of parvo most frequently recognized, presents with lethargy, severe bloody diarrhea, nausea and a lack of appetite. A puppy with the beginning stages of parvo may stand over a bowl of water, but will not drink. The puppy is becoming quickly dehydrated at this stage, and if he does drink, will most likely vomit the contents. As the bloody diarrhea becomes more explosive, if not treated with IV fluids, the puppy will die.

The second form of parvo attacks the heart muscle. The puppy will appear lethargic and dies within a matter of hours. This strain of parvo is considered rare, but very deadly.

Since parvo is a virus, it has no cure. Puppies survive with good quality supportive care. Treatment is immediate hospitalization, continuous IV fluids, medication for nausea, and antibiotics to stop any secondary bacterial infection from taking advantage of the compromised immune system. The puppy can be hospitalized for a few days to a week.
Parvo diarrhea

Nothing, including food, water, and medication can be given until the diarrhea and vomiting has stopped. Force feeding, use of oral hydration formulas, and giving medication by mouth, rarely do anything but make the puppy vomit.

Parvo can be expensive to treat, so it is not surprising that pet parents often look for alternatives to hospitalization. A pet parent may search the internet, looking for anything, that can help the puppy.

In such a time of desperation, it can be easy to grab onto any hope of a "parvo cure." Unfortunately, these "cures" usually result in the death of the puppy.

One such "parvo cure" claim has been made by a nutraceautical company, Amber Technologies.

Nutraceuticals, commonly sold as nutritional products, are derived from food sources and are said to have extra health benefits in addition to basic nutrition. These products can be sold, but must not make any claim suggesting they are a medication or offer a cure. 


Too often, these companies cross the line, as Amber Technologies did when the company claimed in its Puppies and Parvo: A Self Help Guide e-book and again on their parvo puppy website, that its products could cure parvo 85% of the time, and prevent it 95% of the time. Amber Technologies produce and market Paxxin (formally Parvaid) and Vibactra Plus, among others.

 In 2014, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), sent a warning letter to Amber Technologies. The letter stated that:

We have determined that several of your products marketed as “nutraceuticals for pets” are intended for use in the mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease in animals, which makes them drugs under section 201(g)(1)(B) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the FD&C Act) [21 U.S.C. § 321(g)(1)(B)].Further, under the FD&C Act, drugs intended for use in animals require an approved new animal drug application unless they are generally recognized as safe and effective. As discussed below, we have determined that your drugs are not generally recognized as safe and effective and therefore your marketing of them without an approved new animal drug application violates the law.”

Further investigation revealed that the products were created by those with no medical training.


On page 14 of their e-book, the company with no medical training, referred to Vibactra Plus as "Amber Technology's antibiotic."
Actual screen shot from the e-book

  The company continues this claim on page 24 of their e-book: 

Actual screen shot from the e-book

Not only does the company not seem to understand the years of scientific research and development required to create an antibiotic, they make it clear in the book that they have a lack of understanding of the workings of the immune system. On page 14, they explain that veterinarians give antibiotics “due to the lack of white blood cells the body is producing.” While the white blood cell count does drop, antibiotics do not encourage the white blood cells to multiply. Antibiotics fight possible opportunistic bacterial infections. Parvo is a virus. No anti-viral exists at this time that will fight this virus.

The claim is also made that by using their products Vibactra Plus and Parvaid (Paxxin), the puppy will eat within two days compared to four days without their products (page 55).

On page 42 of the e-book, “hydrating enemas” are given as a viable option to IV fluids. The author claims that the large intestine will absorb the fluid and that a series of enemas should be given to prevent dehydration. The author misses the key component of the parvovirus....it destroys the lining of the intestines making it difficult, if not impossible, to absorb any fluids. 
 
The author addresses the research performed on their products with a “Parvo Study Sheet” (page 69). This “research” is referred to as “case studies”. The health of the puppies are described as “preaty good” (their spelling) , “wonderful” “short-tempered”, “fine”, and “great”.  THAT is the preposterous "clinical research" that went into the creation of these products.

Screen shot page 69
 
The two primary “nutraceuticals” mentioned in the book cost between $71-204 depending on the size purchased.

Since the FDA warning, the company now states that their products may help certain conditions, but have not removed the e-book from the web.

Interestingly, even though the company owners admit that they have no medical training, they still offer "parvo consultations."

Fear strikes all animal lovers when a pet contracts the parvo virus. In many ways, however, this medical deception is even more frightening. How many pets have died as a result of using these "herbal remedies" instead of using conventional medicine (including IV fluids, anti-nausea meds, and real antibiotics) that has saved thousands of puppies? 

While I do not discount the validity of some herbal treatments, Amber Technology crossed a line that should infuriate any animal lover. 

Our pets depend on us to care for them. Our first line of defense should be to prevent disease by proper vaccination, deworming,  lack of exposure to illnesses, and a healthy, well-balanced diet. If our pets do become ill, it is up to us to get them proper medical care. There are many things that we can treat at home, but parvo is not one of them. Every pet parent should do their best to be prepared for emergencies, including being financially prepared. Pet parents can create an emergency savings account or apply for Care Credit, a health care credit card for pets or people. 

For more information about pet illness, preparing for pet emergencies, or financing veterinary care, please check out my book Secrets of a Vet Tech II

The best interest of the pet should always be our first priority. Always.  
 
 

Friday, December 18, 2015

Canine and Feline Cognitive Dysfunction and the Promising Effects of Melatonin and Antioxidants


Our pets are living longer because of the advancement in veterinary medicine and dedicated pet parents who are becoming more proactive in their pets' care. Vaccines have significantly reduced the number of deaths related to contagious viruses and spaying and neutering is preventing many diseases. Keeping our pets indoors has also helped in extending the lives of our dogs and cats.

Cats live on average of 10-14 years with more advanced ages becoming more common. In general, the smaller the dog, the longer the life expectancy. Giant breeds are seniors at 6-8 years old, while  small breed dog are only in their mid-life at that age. Mixed breed dogs and cats live longer than purebred dogs and cats. Feral cats live about one half the lifespan of indoor cats because of diseases and illnesses spread by frequent fighting, lack of vaccines, food shortages, and traffic (hit-by-car). Dogs allowed to roam and unaltered dogs also tend to have a shorter lifespan. Click for more info on dog longevity

With this increase in life expectancy, we are more likely to see conditions and diseases associated with advanced age. One of those conditions that is frequently goes undiagnosed is Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS).  Cognitive dysfunction has sometimes been referred to by laymen as dementia, sundowners, kitty alzheimer's and doggie alzheimers.

Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome is often considered a normal part of aging. It is not. CDS is a degenerative brain disease that is characterized, not only by cognitive changes, but actual physical changes in the brain. The brain mass itself may reduce, and the neurons that transmit messages from the brain to the body may reduce in number. Amyloid plaque, a toxic protein peptide, may begin to accumulate between the neurons, leading to death of even more neurons.

The destruction of neurons and the brain's ability to function properly results in changes in behavior. The once potty trained dog may begin to urinate or defecate in the home, and the cat may begin to void outside the litter box. The pet may become lost in familiar surroundings or stare at the wall. Pets with cognitive dysfunction may stand in the corner or press their heads against the wall. The dog may bark more, pace at night, or become more aloof. The cat may vocalize at night or become more needy. The pet's sleep schedule may change, and he may be unwilling to participate in his usual activities. She may become easily startled or may stop responding to her name.

Several studies in humans, dogs, and cats have shown that a diet rich in antioxidants can help prevent and even diminish the signs of cognitive dysfunction.

Antioxidants counter the effects of free radicals, a natural by-product of metabolism. Free radicals produced in greater than normal amounts when pets (or people) are sick, elderly, exposed to toxins, or suffer from poor nutrition. A balance between free radicals and antioxidants is necessary for proper physiological function. If free radicals overwhelm the body's ability to regulate them, a condition known as oxidative stress ensues. Free radicals thus adversely alter lipids, proteins, and cause cellular damage. This damage can weaken the immune system and become a pathway to cancers and age-related diseases, among others. 

Dog foods such as Hill's Prescription b/d are formulated precisely to provide these antioxidants.  The food combines fatty acids, antioxidants (vitamins C and E, b-carotene, selenium, flavonoids, and carotenoids), as well as DL-a-lipoic diet and L-carnitine,which are intended to enhance mitochondrial function.

Its not only the antioxidants, however, that bring about positive results. One laboratory study, demonstrated that an enriched diet combined with an enriched environment provides the best results. In our pets, as in ourselves, maintaining an active mind even as we age appears to keep us all a little bit younger.

The promising effects of Hills Prescription b/d, while encouraging, are out of reach for many pet parents. The diet is sold at an average of $2.85 per lb, or $49.99 for a 17.6 lb bag.

Purina One Smartblend Vibrant Maturity dog and cat food are a more affordable option. The formula includes enhanced botanical oils containing medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) to provide ketone bodies as an alternate source of energy for aging neurons, dual defense antioxidant blend of Vitamins E & A along with minerals zinc and selenium. Vibrant Maturity Dog Food is available for about $1.26 per lb in its 31.1 lb bag, while Vibrant Maturity Cat Food comes only in 7 lb bags at about $2 per lb. (A general rule of thumb: The larger the bag, the less the food will cost per lb). 

Antioxidant supplements are available specifically for pets. Perhaps the most recommended by veterinarians is Cell Advance by Vetri Science. According to the Vetri Science website, the product provides "23 powerful antioxidants at levels designed to complement any protocol [and] includes vitamins A, C, E and B6 to support the immune system and protect against free radical damage. Antioxidants like alpha-lipoic acid offer protection from free radicals both inside and outside of the cell. Alpha lipoic acid might also extend the biochemical life of other important antioxidants like glutathione and A, C, and E. Coenzyme Q10 is a necessary co-factor for ATP production and immune system support. Cell Advance™ 880 also includes bioflavonoids like quercetin, rutin and hesperidin to support vascular and connective tissue health, maintain healthy collagen levels and protect cell structures from free radical damage." The advantage of buying a pet formulated formula is the ability to prevent an overdose of antioxidants which, in itself, can cause serious side effects. 


Cell Advance 440 is formulated for dogs and cats and sells for about $13.80 for 60 capsules or 23 cents per capsule. The directions call for one capsule daily per 10 lbs. If giving more than one capsule per day, the manufacturer recommends giving half of the dose in the morning and the other half in the evening. Cell Advance 880 is available for larger dogs for $28.80 for 120 capsules or 24 cents per capsule. The directions advise to give 1 capsule per 20 lbs of body weight. Again, if more than one capsule is needed, divide the dose between morning and evening. 

Melatonin has been shown to be effective in treating pets with cognitive dysfunction as well. Melatonin is particularly helpful for senior pets showing changes in their sleep cycle. It also appears to be helpful for pets with mild anxiety issues. Dosages for dogs range from 1.5-1mg for dogs under 25 lbs, 1-2 mg for pets 25-50 lbs, and 3 mg for pets over 50 lbs. It can be given up to 3 times daily. Cats can take 0.5-.75 mg twice daily (1/2-3/4 of a 1 mg tablet). 

If using specifically to help regulate a proper sleep schedule, give the melatonin only at night. 

The use of SAMe (S-Adenosyl-L-methionine) has been shown in a placebo-controlled study to improve the activity and awareness of dogs. Dosage is 100 mg for small dogs up to 22 lbs and all size cats, 200 mg for dogs 23-44 lbs, and 400mg for dogs over 45 lbs. It is available in an enteric coated tablet for better digestion under the name Novifit.


SAMe should not be given to a pet taking melatonin or any SSRI such as fluoxidine (trade name:Prozac).

When these over the counter supplements are no longer effective by themselves, there are prescription medications to help.  Selegiline hydrochloride (trade name: Anipryl) is one of the most common prescription treatments for cognitive dysfunction.  The drug was originally developed for treatment of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's in humans and improves the function of the messenger receptors in the brain.

Pet parents should consult with their veterinarians before giving any supplements and the best interest of the pet should always be paramount.

Proactive pet parenting is all about close observation of one's pet. In practicing the discipline, we can catch symptoms early and give our pet's the best quality of life possible. 

In honor of Chloe