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They are our pets, our companions, our running partners, our babies,
our givers of unconditional love – for many people, they are
absolute members of the family. We are sharing our lives, our homes
and sometimes even our beds with our furry buddies. They can benefit from nutritional and therapeutic supplementation just as much as we do. We recently had a medical scare with one of our cats that prompted further investigation on this subject. With the support and knowledge of our local veterinarian we began to investigate alternative solutions to a digestive problem with one of our cats. We began treating her with prescription medication along with glutamine for her IBS and probiotics to restore her intestinal health after antibiotics. We were amazed with our success. The glutamine supplementation in her diet has completely eliminated the need for her to remain on regular medication. After further investigation, we also began a regimen of coenzyme Q-10 for two of our cats that have tested positive for heartworm antibodies. Our veterinarian was kind enough to loan one of his research books to us and we have used the wealth of information in this book to compile this special pet section. (Complementary and Alternative Veterinary Medicine, Principles and Practice) For the most part, supplements work in much the same way in both humans and animals. We have focused primarily prevention and therapeutic treatment for specific conditions along with information for aging pets. We hope this special pet section will prove
helpful to both you and your animal companions. As we obtain additional
information, we add to these sections. Please consult your veterinarian before beginning any supplement regimen for your pet. The Importance Of Therapeutic Nutrition Research and clinical observations reveal that combining modern veterinary medicine with therapeutic nutrition may give better patient response than does either approach alone. Nutrients are a natural part of the cellular environment. Therapeutic nutrition enhances healing by providing the cells with a better environment for regeneration and overcoming the myriad of stresses caused by injury or disease. Historically, vitamins and essential minerals were considered only as agents used to reverse or cure the condition associated with their deficiency in the diet; however, clinical research now suggests that many disease conditions have nutritional or environmental components that, when properly managed, help potentiate the healing response (Shils, Olsen, Moshe, 1994). Properly administered drugs play an important role in veterinary practice. Drugs are effective in the treatment of disease, but they are usually foreign to the body, and the pharmaceutical mode of action differs from that of nutritional therapy. Nutrients support and correct normal cellular metabolic pathways, whereas drugs may block or interfere with biochemical adaptation processes related to the disease. Drugs are usually fast-acting but can exhibit potentially toxic
side effects on the body, especially when used over an extended
time. Drugs generally treat symptoms and modify disease conditions,
but they fail to potentiate healing by dealing with the basic cause. Although nutrients tend to work more slowly than drugs, in the long run they enhance metabolic processes and help restore function and balance to the body. Nutrients can contribute important metabolites to cellular regeneration, improve the flow of energy, potentiate immune function, detoxify or neutralize cellular toxins, and improve enzymatic activity. Nutrients contribute to the optimal functioning of the cell during times of stress and disease and aid the body in the healing and regeneration process through natural means (Shils, 1994). With few exceptions, nutrients are generally free of side effects. Whereas drugs treat symptoms, nutrients can be used to correct the cause of a health problem, reduce symptoms, and help the body rebuild health tissue. Nutritional products can be used with drug therapy. Such a complimentary approach usually brings faster, more effective results because the nutrients contribute to the healing process and the improvement of health over the long term. Nutritional therapy depends less on administering a "correct
dose" than does drug therapy, which must be given at the lowest
effective dose to prevent toxic side effects. Experience has shown
that better results are often obtained when higher or "loading"
dosages are used initially to saturate the tissues and optimize
the animal's uptake and use of the nutritional product. Excess of
the nutritionally supplement is generally metabolized of eliminated
without problems. Once beneficial effects are maximized (usually
from 3 to 6 weeks after the initial administration), the dosage
usually can be reduced to a lower maintenance level. This is especially
true for long-term management of degenerative joint problems. Because nutrients work better in combination with other nutrients, the classic double-blind study on single nutrients is less feasible. In most cases, nutritional products are not protected by patents and therefore the money to carry out such studies for FDA approval is not available. The bottom line to any nutritional protocol must lie with the veterinarian's knowledge and acceptance of available nutritional evidence that such an addition will have beneficial effects on the healing process. Over time, veterinarians should see improved results within their patients as a result of incorporating nutritional products in their practices. The use of nutrients in clinical practice is not meant to replace the use of drugs and surgery, but to work synergistically with the best protocols and tools at the veterinarian's disposal. If properly incorporated into the veterinary practice, the use of therapeutic nutrition can bring about superior results. Knowing the specifics of the timing of and the ways to use nutritional products takes patience, study, and clinical experience. Shils M, Olson J, Moshe S, editors: Modern nutrition
in health and disease, ed 8, Philadelphia, 1994, Lea & Febiger. |
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The product statements found on our web pages have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet or exercise program. Dexter Sport Science is not responsible for product claims made by manufacturers on this web site. Manufacturers continually change product specifications. While we try our best to keep product descriptions up to date, they do not necessarily reflect the latest information available from the manufacturer. We are not responsible for incorrect or outdated product descriptions and/or images. Copyright
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