THE 5000-YEAR-OLD BENEFITS OF CHICORY

Mon, May 3rd, 2010 12:07:01 am

Many pet treats are meant to be just an extra snack between meals. ZiwiPeak Treats are not only intended to be a highly palatable reward, but also beneficial for good health. Chicory syrup is one of the ingredients in ZiwiPeak Treats which improves the health status of pets. Chicory optimises digestion, supports the immune function, and promotes nutrient absorption.

Chicory

Chicory (with the nice Latin name Cichorium intybus) is a blue-flowered plant with a long white root and a long history. Chicory was already cultivated 5000 years ago by Egyptians.

The root extract of the chicory is used for the ZiwiPeak syrup, and is free of gluten, fat, protein, phytic acid, pesticides, toxins and allergens. All chicory plants are non-GMO.

The chicory root extract contains inulin, a soluble dietary fibre. This inulin is enzymatically hydrolysed (enzymes are of course non-GMO), leading to a syrup with a high concentration of fructose. The syrup is called inulin syrup, fructose syrup or, as on the ZiwiPeak label, chicory syrup. It has a sweet sugary taste, highly preferred by pets. The fructoses in the chicory syrup belong to the group of fructans, one of the most effective prebiotics.

Prebiotics

To be classified as a prebiotic ingredient in food and feed products, that ingredient must have the following three properties:

1. it must be resistant to gastric acidity, digestion (hydrolysis) by mammalian enzymes and gastrointestinal absorption;

2. it must enter the colon intact and be subsequently fermented by intestinal bacteria;

3. it must selectively stimulate the growth and/or activity of intestinal bacteria associated with good health and well-being. (van Loo, 2004; Gibson et al, 2004)

In short, a prebiotic must pass unchanged to the colon where it supports the good bugs.

Fermentation

The prebiotics of ZiwiPeak's chicory syrup are fermented in the last part of the gastrointestinal tract, the colon.

Fermentation is a conversion into biological active components, here into the so-called Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFA) like acetate, propionate, butyrate and lactic acid. These SCFAs provide building blocks and energy for the colonocytes, the cells that make up the lining of the colon. This improves the gut mucosal barrier, which is more resistant to lesions and inflammation. A healthy gut can better resist attacks of bacteria and other nasty micro-organisms, with a reduced risk on gut-related diseases like diarrhoea and colon cancer.

The fermentation process stimulates also the development of good bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bif do-bacteria (bifidogenic effect), and suppresses the development of bad bacteria like Escherichia coli (E. coli).

The Good and The Bad

The development of good bacteria prevents the bad bacteria from multiplying. Bad bacteria can produce different toxins (causing diarrhoea and cell damage). More good bacteria increase the faecal bulk and thus the intestinal motility, with reduced risk of constipation, and reduce the harmful breakdown product ammonia in the colon, as this will be entrapped in the faeces. Flatulence and the malodour of faeces will be reduced.

The good bugs support the immune function of the gut; the gut has a unique immune defence system (‘GALT') as it plays a major role to protect your cat or dog against bad bacteria entering the total body.

Increased amounts of good bacteria like Bif do promote the synthesis of healthy vitamin B and, in general, nutritient absorption.

Summary

Chicory syrup improves the palat-ability of the ZiwiPeak Reward Treats and supports the well-being and good health of cats and dogs. The prebiotic function promotes intestinal health, by strengthening the colon and improving the composition of the bacteria inside. Chicory syrup optimises the nutrition, and enhances the quality of life.

ZiwiPeak Reward Treats are not only a palatable reward, but also a functional
way to promote your pet's health

Dr Joep Lupgens, BSc MVSc DVM,
Veterinary and Nutritional Consultant

Itchy Skin Conditions

Tue, Apr 13th, 2010 5:12:27 pm

An itchy animal will scratch or chew at themselves causing inflammation, leading to a further itch which often progresses to infection and a vicious cycle is set up.    Conventional medicine then makes use of antibiotics to control the infection and cortisone or antihistamines to suppress the itch as a means of breaking this cycle.   The prevention of this scenario is our ultimate goal and to achieve this, we need to address the underlying issues. 

Animals have an itch threshold, basically a line drawn at a certain level which is different for each individual depending on their genetic make-up.    There are five main factors which play a role in causing animals to itch. These are diet, stress, fleas, environmental factors and irritation from waxy ears, sore teeth, full anal glands, etc.   Other contributors can include hormone imbalances, mites, worms and infections.    As a practical first line of defence we focus on managing the main contributing factors so that the itch threshold is not reached. 

Nutrition plays a major part.    Poor quality food, artificial preservatives, allergies to specific proteins and lack of essential fats, vitamins and minerals can all play a role in contributing to the itch.    Generally we recommend a BARF (bones and raw food diet) diet together with the addition of optimal amounts of vitamins, anti-oxidants, minerals and omega 3 fatty acids (natural anti-inflammatories) found in high concentrations in flax oil and cold water fish.    Sometimes it is necessary to design a special diet to address specific issues. 

Stress weakens the immune system and lowers the body's itch threshold.    In cats we commonly see itchy skin problems and establish in the history that there is a new tomcat in the area bullying the cat.    Stress can also be due to other factors such as a much loved owner going away, a new baby in the house or even a fellow companion no longer being present. Rescue Remedy or Emergency Essence are wonderful remedies to help animals cope with stress.                                                                                                               

Fleas (and other parasites such as sarcoptic mange) can contribute greatly to an itch, either a few fleas or even the saliva from just one fleabite ("Freddie the flea" could be hiding somehwere in the house, jump onto your pet for a quick snack and then jump back off leaving many owners sure that fleas don't play a role) might cause an itch to last for a couple of weeks. 

Environmental factors can be difficult to isolate or control for example wandering jew, a plant to which many dogs react with a violent itch.   Also many dogs love playing in the sea but the salty water can cause them to be itchy, it is therefore a good idea to always hose them down with fresh water.    Various shampoos can also create an itch.     It is important to be aware of these factors that may play a role and limit exposure where possible. 

There are many options available to help a chronically itchy animal, but for long-term success, much time, effort and patience are often necessary.    A visit to your vet will help to eliminate other causes of irritation and help you to devise a good management strategy to keep your pet's tail wagging!

 

Complimentary Healing Therapies at Holistic Vets

Fri, Mar 19th, 2010 11:47:30 am

Acupuncture

Acupuncture (AP) has been practiced in China for over 3,500 years and has been known to Western doctors since the Jesuits first went to China in the 17th century. Many people are unaware that acupuncture was practiced extensively in the US, UK and Europe throughout the 1800's. The first edition of The Lancet, in 1823, carried a detailed report by Dr. John Elliotson of St. Thomas' Hospital in London extolling the successful treatment of rheumatism with acupuncture.

It was only in the early 20th century, as the East and West diverged politically, that acupuncture use faded in the West. It was most recently "discovered" again in the 1970's, when a journalist travelling China with US President Richard Nixon became ill and his life was saved by prompt treatment with acupuncture.

Acupuncture is one of the 5 components of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which is a complete system of anatomy, physiology, diagnosis and treatment. In TCM, good health is the natural state of any body and is the result of a dynamic balance between Yin (passive) and Yang(active) energies. Dis-ease is an imbalance of these energies and is treated by finding the area of imbalance and gently correcting it. One way of rebalancing this energy is with acupuncture.

The major AP points are on 14 channels, or meridians, running over and through the body, each representing an internal organ. Qi, or life force, flows through these channels. In dis-ease, the flow is interrupted and the proper placement of AP needles can strengthen, sedate, or redirect Qi flow to an organ or area of the body to return the body to it's natural balanced state. AP points can also be regulated using a small electrical current (EAP), by injecting a small amount of fluid (AqP), by using warming herbs to gently heat the needles (moxibustion), or by gentle massage (AcP).

There has been a tremendous amount of scientific research supporting the efficacy of acupuncture, and it has been endorsed by the US National Institute of Health (US-NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) as a safe and effective medical treatment.

Herbs

Like acupuncture, herbal medicine is one of the five basic modalities of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In TCM, good health is the result of a dynamic balance of the Yin (passive) and Yang (active) forces in the body. Yin is generally characterized as passive, low, dark, interior, cool, subtle. Yin foods/herbs are generally sour, bitter, salty, cool, reclusive. Yang energy is usually high, bright, exterior, warm, bold. Yang herbals are pungent, sweet, hot, and gregarious.

A dis-eased body may be brought back into balance with judicious placement of acupuncture needles, or by balancing Yin/Yang forces with herbs. A simple example of this would be to balance a Yang excess digestive imblance (i.e. heartburn from too much spicy food) by giving Yin elements of baking soda or bitters.

Chinese herbal formulas are primarily plant based, but do often contain insect or animal components, such as ox bile or silk worm casings. The animal components were sometimes detrimental to endangered species, but all reputable Chinese herbal formulas now use effective substitutions for previously objectionable components, e.g. water-buffalo horn replaces rhinocerus horn.

Some medical conditions respond better to either AP or herbs, but in most instances they work well together to rebalance an ailing body.

NAET
(Nambudripad's Allergy Elimination Technique)

Dr. Devi Nambudripad is a US naturopath and acupuncturist who suffered such delicate health that for years she could eat only broccoli and rice. In the 1970's she chanced upon her own cure and this healing modality was born.
NAET is based on her observation that most illnessess are caused by undiagnosed allergies in the body. These undiagnosed allergies create blockages in the Energy pathways (meridians) of the body and can manifest as pain, inflammation, fever, tumors, indigestion, anxiety, cough, etc. When left untreated, these allergies can become serious, life-threatening illness.

A combination of AP, chiropractic, and neuro-integration, NAET is a completely natural method to regain better health and often permanent freedom from allergies and the dis-ease caused by undiagnosed allergens.
NAET has been taught to thousands of doctors, naturopaths and veterinarians over the years. Many of Nambudripad's students have altered/refined her protocol over time, creating an often confusing myriad of NAET-derived protocols. JMT, or the Jaffe-Mellor Technique, is one of the best known of these derivative protocols.

Essential Oils

Essential Oils (EO's) are the subtle, volatile liquids that are distilled from plants, shrubs, flowers, trees, bushes and seeds. Oil distillation is an ancient process that was almost forgotten, but this delicate and precise art is now being rediscovered.

Being concentrated, essential oils contain virtually all of the plants healing nutrients, oxygenating molecules, amino acid precursors, cofactors, trace minerals, enzymes, vitamins and hormones. And because they are concentrated EO's are from 50-70 times more potent than the plants they are derived from.

Because EO's contain such high amounts of oxygenating molecules, they are very effective delivery agents to bring energy and nutrients through the cell wall and into the cell nucleus.

In pets, EO's are sometimes infused into the air (as simply as dabbing onto a ceiling fan blade or a wagging tail!) to best penetrate respiratory tissues. They are often also applied to footpads or other hairless skin areas for quick absorption into the whole body. Care must be exercised with this, as some oils need to be diluted with carrier oils (usually sesame or olive oil) to avoid irritating sensitive tissues. EO's are also given internally, but only with vet supervision!

Homeopathy

Homeopathy has been around for many years and is a modality that has been growing significantly in popularity over recent years. Remedies made from plants, animal products, minerals and (occasionally) conventional drugs and even disease matter are diluted to such an extent that until recently science couldn't measure or understand how they might have an effect.

Homeopathic remedies work gently, but often powerfully, to restore health and assist the patient in regaining vitality. Rather than treating the disease, in most cases homeopathy is directed at treating the individual by stimulating the body's natural healing forces. Many remedies are invaluable in any healing process and are very handy to have as part of a first aid kit eg. Arnica for bruising.

FUN FACT: Did you know that the British Royal Family have used and endorsed homeopathy for three generations? In fact, the Queen allows solely, the use of Homeopathy for her beloved Corgis and horses!

Other well known users of Homeopathy include American presidents (Garfield, Arthur, Harding, Hoover and Clinton), John D. Rockfeller (who lived to 99 years of age), Henry W. Longfellow, Washington Irving, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Mahatma Gandhi, Mark Twain, Samuel Morse, Henry David Thoreau, Johann Wolfgang Goethe, Mother Teresa, Charles Darwin, Sir William Osler ("father of modern medicine") and August Bier, MD ("father of spinal anesthesia"), just to name a few! A number of popes have also used the medicine successfully, including Pius X and John Paul II!

Dr Liza talks on Optimum Nutrition for Great Health

Wed, Feb 17th, 2010 8:04:01 am

We all want our pets to be fit and healthy, to perform to their optimal potential and to have an excellent quality of life.

Good nutrition is fundamentally important to help your animal to stay healthy as it provides the basic building blocks that their body needs to function at its best.

When a diet is poor and then changed to include wholesome, well balanced foods, animals (and humans!) show a remarkable improvement in their condition, their working performance is enhanced and often, chronic ongoing health problems begin to resolve.

Many years ago our modern processed diets began to replace the healthy meals that we used to eat.

Because our pets used to eat our table scraps, their diets became imbalanced and vets used to see frequent cases of nutritional deficiency diseases such as rickets.

Commercial foods were created and balanced these components helping to make up for these severe deficiencies. Subsequently nutritional deficiency diseases are no longer common place.

However, many commercial foods do not have optimal amounts of valuable essential fats, vitamins and anti-oxidants that are tremendously important for a healthy skin and coat, flexible and smooth joints and a fully functional immune system. In addition to this, some of these foods contain poor quality ingredients and often high amounts of chemical preservatives which may be detrimental to the long term health and performance of your pet.

As is the trend in human medicine, presently our pets are faced more frequently with a set of dis-eases called degenerative diseases. These include conditions such as allergies, arthritis, heart disease, cancers and auto-immune dis-ease. What we feed our pets plays a great role in the development and management of these conditions.

Like us, animals benefit greatly from food that is wholesome, natural and unprocessed. These foods are easily digested and used by their bodies and have high amounts of important vitamins, antioxidants as well as essential fatty acids. They are also easy to prepare.

An ideal diet for dogs and cats includes raw meat, ideally from animals which have been well nourished and raised in a wholesome environment. Meat should be free of chemicals and preservatives and contain optimal amounts of nutrients. I recommend Ziwipeak because I'm confident that it's exceptional quality meets these criteria, adding tremendously to the health and vitality of my patients.

Nature knows best and feeding our pets with food that their bodies have evolved to eat over thousands of years will help to ensure that we are rewarded by our loyal friends living long and happy lives.

Next month we'll be discussing how to change your dog and cat's diet to help them to eat more healthy and nutritious food.

Dr Liza Schneider BVSc - Director
Holistic Veterinary Services | www.holisticvets.co.nz

Complimentary Healing Therapies at Holistic Vets

Thu, Mar 18th, 2010 7:08:01 pm

Welcome Dr. Karen Fox DVM

Wed, Feb 10th, 2010 6:52:02 pm

We're delighted to extend a very warm welcome to our new vet, Dr Karen Fox, who has arrived from America and joins Holistic Vets as our second full time vet.

Karen has over 20 years of veterinary experience and brings a wealth of knowledge and skills with her. Using Acupuncture, Traditional Chinese medicine and Homeopathy as her primary alternative therapies, Karen joins me in providing our clients with the BEST OF BOTH WORLDS, integrating conventional veterinary medicine with alternative and natural therapies.

She's already proving to be a wonderful asset to our practice. Having her on board provides a huge range of benefits to our team... she diversifies the range of therapies that we offer which allows us further options to come up with the best possible treatment plan to suit the animals' individual needs. 

Additionally, it has enabled us to get even greater health benefits for our patients that need more support with their healing or health management. For example, there are some fabulous traditional Chinese Medicines for conditions such as Cushings disease that make a marked difference to animals' quality of life. 

On a personal level, having Karen on board is an amazing step forward for our business. Having grown Holistic Vets from a small practice doing home visits out the boot of my car, nearly seven years later, I finally have a colleague at my side that can help to give second opinions and her invaluable input.    Also, in New Zealand, having your own vet practice means that you're responsible for 24 hour care for your patients; this has meant that for the last few years, I've been on call, ready to help in emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and just about all year round. 

Karen is now available to assist with our on call rotation and having her around will also allow me the time and space to work more on other exciting opportunities spreading information around the world to help people understand the many benefits of Holistic Care of their animals.   This will mean even further growth of Holistic Vets and ultimately, having her onboard has consolidated our foundation, allowing for the opportunity for my vision to unfold... The on-going growth of a large clinic in Tauranga, with the infrastructure to support the growth and demand for Holistic Veterinary Services both locally as well as internationally. 

Dr Liza Schneider BVSc - Director
Holistic Veterinary Services | www.holisticvets.co.nz

Dr. Liza Schneider brings a refreshing approach to pet healthcare

Wed, Feb 17th, 2010 8:01:21 am

ZiwiPeak is delighted to introduce a refreshing approach to your pet's healthcare through the formation of a strategic alliance with Dr. Liza Schneider, BVSc, Founder of Holistic Veterinary Services www.holisticvets.co.nz

Dr. Liza Schneider will work closely with ZiwiPeak as the ZiwiPeak Vet assisting us with issues of a technical nature and providing insights on a regular basis directed at improving your pet's health.

Dr. Liza Schneider has an established practice in New Zealand and offers a broad approach to addressing all issues, from basic veterinary care such as vaccinations and natural nutrition to chronic ongoing conditions. She is also well known for her many articles, her online service and is sought after around the world speaking at many key seminars.

Her priority is client communication presenting clients with a Holistic approach to their animal's health care with nutrition at the forefront.

Dr. Liza Schneider quotes:

"Good nutrition is fundamentally important to help your animal to stay healthy as it provides the basic building blocks that their body needs to function at its best".

Our overall mission is to aim at improving through education the nutrition, health and well-being of all cats and dogs.

We frequently get asked a variety of questions on a day to day bases that are on natural pet nutrition or of a technical veterinary nature. We are going to endeavour to answer your questions through our Vets Q&A section. If these FAQ's don't provide the answer you need to go onto our Blog and register with us, and then send us your question. We will endeavour to answer every question promptly but remember to check the FAQ's first as the answer may already be there for you.

Dr Liza Schneider BVSc - Director
Holistic Veterinary Services www.holisticvets.co.nz

 

Dr. Liza talks about introducing new natural food to your dog or cat

Wed, Feb 17th, 2010 7:58:01 am

As with humans, our pets can become addicted to food that is unhealthy for them. In fact, research has indicated that for humans during early childhood the brain resets the needs of the body according to what foods are consumed during the formative years. This may lead to cravings of these foods later on in life which can be detrimental to health if the food is not nutritious.

I believe that this is true to a certain degree with our pets, especially cats who are fed grain based diets as kittens and will only settle for similar foods later on in life which overrides their natural instinct to eat meat. In addition to this some foods have additives or are coated with substances which cause animals to be attracted to the food and eat it even though the nutritional value is poor.

Getting pets, especially fussy cats and certain toy breed dogs, to eat new foods that are healthier for them can be a tedious process but it is generally well worth it in the long run as an animal's health improves in leaps and bounds when their body is given the right balance of nutrients from natural ingredients.

A good way to start, which is also useful for pets who have sensitive stomachs and are easily upset by a change in diet, is to convert them gradually over a 2-week period. Start off with 7/8ths old food and 1/8th new food - mix in well, use this for 2 days. For the next 2 days mix ¾'s of the old food with ¼ of the new food. Then for the next 2 days 5/8ths old food and 3/8ths new food......... etc. they often gradually make the change.

Another trick, if they're only keen on biscuits / crumbles, is to crush them up and sprinkle them on the new food. Cats may find the new food more appealing if you add a few drops of soy sauce.

Some animals respond positively if one places a bit of the new food in their mouth, they taste it and decide "OK, this isn't so bad" and then devour the rest.

Stroking, patting and praising them while they eat and hand feeding them to get used to the change is a very handy tactic as they're much more amenable to eating when receiving affection.

When all else fails, try explaining to them that this new food is good for them and will make them feel better. Believe it or not, this has worked in a number of cases!

Some pets end up having their way and won't make the change. For some ill animals, bad eating habits are better than not eating at all, especially if it is in their final days when quality of life is of utmost importance.

With most pets it is worth persevering, as their long-term health will be greatly enhanced by good nutrition.

Dr Liza Schneider BVSc - Director
Holistic Veterinary Services | www.holisticvets.co.nz

Pet Insurance

Wed, Feb 17th, 2010 7:56:01 am

Throughout a dog's life as part of their health maintenance plan they should ideally have an annual vet check. This can help to pick up on problems such as dental disease, arthritis, ear infections and many more things. Sometimes health problems develop suddenly and often unexpectedly and especially for occasions such as these, pet health insurance can be invaluable.

A good Pet Health Insurance Plan will cover basic health checks as well as major health issues which may crop up.

Ideally choose a pet health insurance plan that covers complementary and natural therapies in addition to all the benefits of conventional veterinary medicine and surgery so that you can easily give your pet all the healthcare options that they may need.

Dr. Liza Schneider BVSc - Director
Holistic Veterinary Services | www.holisticvets.co.nz

Microchipping

Wed, Feb 17th, 2010 7:55:10 am

A microchip is approximately the size of a grain of rice. It is inserted under the skin usually between a dogs' shoulder blades and offers a reliable means of identifying an animal. This can be a fantastic help when an animal has been found and it has no collar or other identifying features and when the microchip is listed on the national database, it is relatively easy to reunite an animal with their owner.

Microchipping can be done at any age but there are several factors to bear in mind. A microchip is a foreign body and can sometimes cause inflammation and irritation in the area that it is inserted.

Most microchips stay in place throughout an animal's life but they can occasionally move and migrate under the skin even down a dogs leg!

Another point to consider is that although the needle used to insert the microchip is extremely sharp, it is big and some little pups, despite the best efforts of the person inserting the microchip find the procedure incredibly painful.

If a dog is going to be desexed this is an ideal time to place the microchip as it's not felt and much easier to place when the dog is under anesthetic.

Dr Liza Schneider BVSc - Director
Holistic Veterinary Services | www.holisticvets.co.nz

Desexing

Wed, Feb 17th, 2010 7:53:01 am

It is wonderful and rewarding to witness a litter of kittens or puppies being born and although some pets are used for breeding and are not desexed (a surgical procedure where males have their testes removed and females have their uterus and ovaries removed), for most dogs and cats there are a number of very good reasons why it is important to consider desexing. Further to this, there are several factors to take into consideration when electing the most suitable age for your pet to be desexed.

First and foremost desexing is used as an invaluable tool to help combat pet overpopulation, which is a huge animal welfare issue worldwide. An underlying theme in our society is that quality is exchanged for quantity and the massive number of animals that are abandoned, aren't adequately cared for or can't be rehomed by animal shelters leads to millions of dogs and cats being euthanized each year.

Except in very tractable and well behaved animals, dogs and cats (especially males) who have not been desexed are very driven by their sexual hormones to roam seeking mates, aggressive behavior when defending their territory, or generally, and inappropriate urination or territory marking.
Frustration often ensues because the animal's need to express sexual behavior is not met which often escalates to destructive behavior. These behaviors are not only largely unacceptable in our society, but they often lead to injury.

Further medical considerations for desexing are mammary cancer, uterine infections, prostatic disease and hormonal imbalances. Although they have multifactorial origins, a desexed animal has a much lesser risk of developing these conditions.

All of these factors make a good case to support the desexing of cats and dogs, especially those living within close confines in an urban environment. But what are the negative points about desexing?

Dogs usually attain puberty at 6 - 12 months and cats at 4 - 9 months of age. At this point there is a greater production of sex hormones which are involved with growth and development, helping to promote the maturation of cartilage and assist with calcium deposition in bones. There is concern about some of the long term health risks of removing the benefits of these hormones.

Research has indicated that a desexed female dog is eight times more likely to suffer from urinary incontinence and it has also been suggested that pre-pubertal desexing of dogs causes an increased incidence of hip dysplasia and bladder infections and cats are more inclined to be shy and obese.

Desexing is a straightforward procedure and our modern anesthetics are very safe but complications such as excessive blood loss, infection and drug reactions do occasionally arise. In pre-pubertal animals, the procedure is generally quicker, easier, and less stressful and there is a faster recovery.

For the pet population as a whole, it is clear that desexing at a young age is an important practice that is adopted by animal shelters globally. When considering desexing your pet and the many factors relating to their specific needs as individuals, it is important to obtain guidance from your vet to help you to make the appropriate decision for their long-term health.

Dr Liza Schneider BVSc - Director
Holistic Veterinary Services | www.holisticvets.co.nz

Vaccination

Wed, Feb 17th, 2010 7:52:01 am

Vaccinating you puppy can be an important way of helping to prevent serious life threatening diseases like parvo-virus.

A vaccination is a means of giving the body a much less severe form of a disease than it could potentially contract. This primes the immune system to be prepared for the disease and enables the body to mount an effective enough defence so that the animal doesn't become severely ill when exposed to the real thing.

Any vaccine is only as good as the host's response to it and this requires an animal to have a healthy immune system. This is a big reason why vaccines sometimes fail to provide immunity.
As with any medication, there are potential negative effects associated with vaccines such as vaccine reactions. There is also evidence that over vaccination contributes to the development of autoimmune conditions and other degenerative diseases.

Homeopathic vaccines are available but don't carry the scientific weight that our conventional vaccines do in terms of efficacy, however negative reactions to these gentle remedies aren't an issue.

From a holistic point of view, the best support that we can give our animals' immune system is to nourish them properly, live cleanly and respect the environment that we live in. Vaccination has its place, but each animal needs to be assessed individually and the benefits of a vaccination protocol versus potential negatives carefully weighed up.

Taking your puppy to the vet for a check up between six and eight weeks of age will give you the opportunity to come to an informed decision that you're comfortable with about what vaccines to use for your pup.

Dr Liza Schneider BVSc - Director
Holistic Veterinary Services | www.holisticvets.co.nz

 

Worm & Flea treatment

Wed, Feb 17th, 2010 7:51:01 am

Fleas and worms can be extremely harmful parasites. Not only do they cause a tremendous amount of irritation to their hosts but they are also responsible for health problems such as flea allergy dermatitis, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea and they are capable of infesting young animals so severely that they can cause them to be anemic and debilitated.

Fleas and worms have evolved with their hosts for thousands and thousands of years and as with all parasites, it is virtually impossible to completely eradicate them. However, in any given population of animals, some individuals will have a greater parasite burden than others indicating that some animals have qualities that make them less hospitable to these parasites. Some of these tendencies are genetic but an excessive flea or worm burden is often an indication that an animal has a weakened immune system.

Fleas may be present in the environment and they can transmit tapeworm while other worms come from cysts in raw meat or are passed from the mother dog to her pups. However, a healthy animal in a healthy and suitable environment (some breeds are not suited to the hot and humid climates in which they live and fleas easily proliferate) is unlikely to have an excessive parasite burden. From a Holistic point of view we question why the fleas or worms are present in high numbers in a specific individual and endeavor to re-establish balance so that natural harmony is restored and there isn't an overpopulation of fleas or worms.

There are a number of ways to reduce parasite numbers. Firstly supporting your pet's immune system with good nutrition will go a long way to making them less tasty to fleas and more able to defend against worm burdens. Vitamin B's and garlic in particular are wonderful aids but be cautious with garlic as it can be toxic in excess to dogs and cats. Various herbs, essential oils and a citrus wash can be used externally as flea repellants and regular flea combing will help to monitor flea numbers and reduce flea numbers further. Herbal and homeopathic wormers are available to help combat worms.

Sometimes these gentle methods are not enough to deter fleas and worms. In these cases the animal may benefit from other supportive therapies or might need the assistance of stronger commercial products available from vets which are exceptionally effective at killing fleas as well as worms and have their place helping to preserve the quality of life of our pets. Some of these products are more toxic than others so use your discretion and seek your vet's advice with which one to use.
Typically the number of fleas on any dog or cat is only the tip of the ice berg reflecting a much greater flea population in the animal's environment of both adult and immature fleas. Therefore addressing the environment is a very important component of flea control.

Cedar, eucalyptus or pennyroyal oils on dogs' bedding may be used to deter fleas but are toxic if ingested. Immature fleas can be destroyed by regularly hanging pet bedding out in the sunshine, thoroughly vacuuming carpets on a regular basis and sprinkling them with borax or diatomaceous earth afterwards.

By using a holistic approach to manage both animals and their environment, and by respecting natural principles, animals can be kept parasite free and healthy.

Dr Liza Schneider BVSc - Director
Holistic Veterinary Services | www.holisticvets.co.nz

ZiwiPeak & Dr. Liza talks - Natural Holistic Puppy Care - Birth to 1 year:

Wed, Feb 17th, 2010 7:49:01 am

Watching young animals grow and develop, learn, play and interact is one of life's greatest pleasures. Ensuring the health of an animal during these formative stages will help to set a solid foundation which will serve them in maintaining long term health and wellbeing as adults.

It all begins with the animal's parents whose genetic material is mixed to produce their offspring. Parents who are healthy (good genetics, are cared for well and receive optimal nutrition) are likely to have a smooth birth process and produce healthy young with no congenital abnormalities and properly functioning immune systems.

Dystocia (difficult birth) can weaken young animals and deprive them of valuable oxygen which can cause damage to the brain and other organs. Certain breeds of dogs, especially the smaller toy breeds and first time mothers who have been mated with large males can be at higher risk for problems. It is important to closely monitor and observe the process helping to provide a calm and quiet environment for birth and be ready to act at the first sign of a problem.

Signs of dystocia may include extended periods of straining unproductively and abnormal discharge (green, black or has large amounts of blood) from the mother's birth canal.

The newly born animal (neonate) is surrounded in a foetal membrane and makes its way through the birth canal with its front legs presented first followed by its head and back end. If it is presented otherwise, it is likely to require assistance as soon as possible.

Once the young animal is delivered, its mother will usually lick it. This is an important part of their bonding process and also helps to clear the neonate's airway and stimulate it to breathe. Breathing must resume within the first minute delivery. If not, clear their airway and briskly rub the pups with a towel. Should this fail, mouth to nostril inflation of the lungs is helpful but take care not to over inflate the lungs.

The umbilical cord is an open passage for bacteria to enter the bloodstream so it is good practice to disinfect the stump with an antiseptic solution.

Pups are born with their eyes closed and crawl around feeling their way to their mothers to suckle. A healthy neonate is active after birth, seeks the teat of their mother and suckles contentedly.
A very important ingredient for the development of a healthy immune system is colostrum, the first milk of the mother, which is worth its weight in gold. Colostrum is packed full of antibodies to protect the neonate from infection and is energy rich giving vitality. It is of utmost importance that the neonate receives a good feed of colostrum between 1 hour and 12 hours after birth.
Besides for infection due to poor immunity from lack of colostrum, the biggest easily preventable killers of young animals are hypothermia (low body heat) and hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar levels). These leave young animals severely debilitated promptly leading to a vicious cycle of dehydration, further weakness and death.

Fortunately this cycle is usually easy to reverse with good nursing care and providing there are no other abnormalities young animals bounce back beautifully which is always a very rewarding and gratifying experience.

At three weeks of age pups are ready to begin eating solid foods, as discussed before, optimal nutrition is a fabulous investment in their long term health.

Dr Liza Schneider BVSc - Director
Holistic Veterinary Services | www.holisticvets.co.nz

Cancer and your Pet

Wed, Feb 17th, 2010 7:45:26 am

Cancer in our pets, as with us humans, is a fairly common occurrence nowadays. There are many factors which contribute to this increasing trend including poor nutrition, genetics, pollution in our environment and infections, to name but a few.

Cancer develops when a cell begins to grow and divide out of control and isn't stopped and contained by the immune system.

The cell can be from any part of the body, and each type behaves in a characteristic way, either growing quickly and spreading rapidly (malignant) or growing slowly and not spreading (benign).
For example, dogs can develop a type of bone cancer which grows rapidly and then spreads to the lungs which is very life threatening, while cats with white noses and ears are prone to developing skin cancer in these areas which occasionally spreads to other organs but if caught early can be well controlled. Older animals often develop skin lumps which are benign and as long as these lumps don't bother them, they can be left alone.

A diagnosis is made by having various samples analyzed including small amounts of fluid drawn from a lump (fine needle aspirate), tissue samples cut out (biopsy) and blood samples.

After a diagnosis is reached, the conventional approach is to remove as much of the cancer from the body as possible. This is done in a variety of ways including surgery, cryotherapy (freezing), radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Depending on how benign the cancer is and the stage that it's at, these techniques can be successful but underlying issues that may have allowed the cancer to develop in the first place need to be addressed.

From a holistic point of view we recognize the multifactorial nature of cancer. The development of this serious condition reflects that the body has been damaged and the immune system has failed to recognize and stop the cancer process from progressing.

In order to allow for the greatest possibility of cure, it is of utmost importance to address the underlying cause. The whole picture needs to be examined and the animal's immune system boosted and supported by making use of various therapies, many of which have a large body of scientific evidence behind them.

The three main areas that are targeted to allow for the resolution of cancer are:

 

• Disabling cancer cells
• Support of cellular and organ function
• Detoxification
• Some of the incredible tools that are we use include, but are not limited to: Nutritional Medicine, NIS (Neurological Integration System), Oxygen therapy, Homotoxicology, Homeopathy and Herbal Medicine.

 

Marrying the conventional approach with complementary therapies frequently brings about excellent results. Tailor making a program for each individual animal to best suit their needs as well as the needs of their owners adds tremendously to the animal's quality of life and gives their owners peace of mind.

Dr Liza Schneider BVSc - Director
Holistic Veterinary Services | www.holisticvets.co.nz

Nutrition and Behavioral problems

Wed, Feb 17th, 2010 7:43:29 am

It never ceases to amaze me what fantastic changes take place when an animal begins to receive a well balanced, wholesome, natural diet with optimal amounts of nutrients. Older animals show a remarkable improvement in their general vitality and well-being while younger animals show improvements in these areas as well as pronounced positive changes in their temperament and overall tractability.

Unfortunately many commercial foods don't manage to achieve this. They are generally heavily processed destroying a significant amount of nutrients and, especially biscuit or crumble formulations, are very deficient in vital omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. In addition to this, they frequently contain additives to improve the taste of the food, which may not only be detrimental to long term health but also contribute greatly to an animals' poor behavior. Sub-optimal nutrition is a huge factor undermining animals' sense of well-being and their ability to cope with stress which is usually the underlying issue of many behavioral problems.

High concentrations of sugar (also listed as corn syrup or sucrose) and some artificial flavorings in certain foods have also been linked to behavioral abnormalities such as nervousness, hyperactivity, anxiety and aggressive behavior in children and pets.

It has been shown that optimal amounts of omega 3 fatty acids are of great assistance to children with ADD and to people who experience mood swings and this is true for animals as well. Omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin B's are especially helpful to support the nervous system and to moderate extreme behaviors. Tryptophan, an amino acid, helps to bring about the feeling of calmness and well-being; it can be a very useful aid in reducing dominance associated aggression.

As part of resolving behavioral disorders, we always address nutrition as an important first step in helping to take the edge off (and often alleviate!) behavioral disorders and anxiety. Other useful tools are Rescue Remedy or Emergency Essence, calming herbs such as skull cap and valerian and therapies like NIS and homeopathy. Additional considerations of importance are guidance from an experienced animal behaviorist and aids such as toys.

Certain conventional medications are used for some behavioral problems. In some instances they are helpful to manage or moderate behavior but they rarely address the underlying problem.

All in all it can be challenging to treat behavioral problems but once the basics are applied, most animals can be well managed and quality of life restored for all involved!

Dr Liza Schneider BVSc - Director
Holistic Veterinary Services | www.holisticvets.co.nz

Enhance your animal's health with Omega 3's

Wed, Feb 17th, 2010 7:33:28 am

As with humans, our animals need optimal amounts of various nutrients to stay healthy and to perform at their best. Omega 3 fatty acids, which are found in high quantities in flax oil and fish oil are of utmost importance for normal function. Omega 3 fatty acids are easily damaged by exposure to excessive heat, air and light, which causes them to lose their therapeutic effect and become rancid. Animals who eat processed food are likely to be deficient in these fats. Further to this, exposure to environmental pollution uses up antioxidants that normally protect and preserve omega-3 fatty acids in the body.

Omegas 3's are used by the body for a variety of functions. Some indications that animals might be deficient include a dry coat, flaky skin, stiff joints, cracked claws, poor reproductive performance, temperamental behaviour, fatigue, slow recovery and lowered immunity.

These beneficial fats help to increase oxygenation, which is the supply of oxygen to cells. This is very important for just about every bodily function and can help to increase performance and to markedly improve recovery from strenuous exercise. The higher levels of oxygen also make it difficult for infections to develop.

Another tremendously valuable attribute of these fats is their anti-inflammatory properties which makes them exceptionally helpful for conditions such as allergies, asthma and other inflammatory conditions like arthritis. In addition to this they also help to cushion the joints, bringing tremendous relief to many animals with sore and stiff joints within days.
Omegas 3's are a very important component of the cell membrane. Nutrients are transported into the body's cells and waste products out of the cells via the surrounding cell membrane. If the cell membrane has poor structure, this can't happen efficiently and cells become damaged.

Animals which consume optimal amounts of omega 3's have good cell membrane structure which gives them shiny coats and an added barrier of protection to their skin. Omegas 3's are extraordinarily effective at helping with eczema, skin allergies and cracked nails.

The normal development and function of the brain and nervous system as well as the production of many hormones, especially those associated with the reproductive cycle are dependent on omega 3 fatty acids. Animals who are cycling poorly or who have temperamental and nervous behaviour are likely to benefit from these fats too. Obese animals will also be aided in burning body fat.

Supplementing an animals diet with good quality flax oil, high in omega 3 fatty acids, has major health benefits for our animals and will usually work wonders to support their health.

Dr Liza Schneider BVSc - Director
Holistic Veterinary Services | www.holisticvets.co.nz

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