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› articles by michael goldberg, dvm
Detoxification in our pets Toxicity is an underrated phenomenon with respect to our companions. Some symptoms of a "toxic state" are, skin disease, autoimmune disease, arthritis, intestinal disease, neurological disease and even behavioral disease. Toxic exposures occur everyday. Vehicle exhaust, industry emissions, food contaminants and additives in the form of dyes, aflotoxins, and preservatives are common examples. Pesticides in the environment as well as flea, tick, and heartworm control and common drugs such as anti-inflammatories (NSAIDS), are also culprits. Well meaning health practitioners add to the load in the form of over- vaccination. It is no wonder we see the rate of immune disease and cancer so high in our pet population. Toxic exposure may initially be introduced through the intestinal system. If the intestines are unhealthy (inflamed, lacking the normal bacteria, and so on) this is known as intestinal dysbiosis, which may permit toxins or larger food particles to enter the body and cause an immune reaction. The immune reactions may allow inflammatory change in any area of the body such as the lungs, the joints, and so on. The other common entry to the body may be through the lungs during respiration. The body is a well-designed detoxifier. Toxins are shed from the body by the liver, kidneys, skin, and digestive system and even through breathing. Major illness may result of a breakdown of any one or a number of these systems. Detoxification Methods Detoxification can be accomplished through many means. Chelation therapy, fasting, heat and colonic cleansing, are commonly used in the human field. I tend to rely on homeopathic, nutritional and herbal means. How do we lessen the load? The obvious is to minimize exposure. You are not going to get anywhere in life though by living in a bubble, so I would begin by giving the best nutrition you could possibly give to your pet. Most of the body's detoxification systems are reliant on an ongoing source of nutrition, which may be depleted by toxic exposure. If there is a depletion of essential nutrients such as magnesium for example, the liver detoxification system may not work. The liver has a system of detoxification in which enzymes convert toxins into larger molecules shed out of the body through the bile. The liver is a busy place. If the toxic load is too large and there is a backup of toxins, the problems begin. Other minerals such as zinc, chromium, manganese, and copper, can lead to health problems. Amino acid deficiency can lead to health problems. Cysteine is one amino acid, which is used in the liver detoxification processes. If there is toxic overload, then the cysteine is depleted and the body is unable to produce taurine (in dogs), which may lead to heart and eye disease. The growing trend today is to feed human grade foods that are fresh and organic. Even non-organic foods are better than most bagged pet foods. There are a growing number of companies creating raw, non medicated pet foods which is what I feed my pets. If this is not an option, there are a growing number of manufacturers that are advertising organic foods in a bag. Remember as a general rule, the more expensive the food, the better quality you will get. Supplements to help the liver replenish the needed nutrients are, St John's Wort, Milk Thistle, Black Spanish Radish, and cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower. Homeopathic remedies such as Nux Vomica, Pulsatilla, Sulphur, and Belladonna are extremely useful as an aid to allow the body in general to help detoxify. Each of these common remedies has their own specific indications depending on the patient's symptoms. I try and stay away from as many pesticides and insecticides as is reasonable and use them very sparingly, if at all. I refuse to over vaccinate and recommend titer testing instead of the much-debated "yearly shots". With the right nutrition, environment, and minimal drug therapy, we can all give our pets the benefits of a healthy happy life. Read more Articles by Michael Goldberg, DVM... |
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vancouver animal wellness hospital Michael Goldberg, DVM; Sue Hughson, DVM 105 e. broadway, vancouver, bc v5t 1w1 / phone: 604.738.4664 / fax: 604.738.4694 Hours of Operation: Monday, Thursday & Friday: 9am - 6pm, Tuesday & Wednesday: 9am - 7pm, Saturday: 9am - 5pm © Copyright 2004-2006. vancouver animal wellness hospital. All rights reserved. › Contact Us › Privacy Policy › Sitemap › Home |