Posted By Nancy Houser on March 17, 2010

Most dog owners realize their dogs can get tapeworms if they are on the ground or have been exposed to a cat flea with tapeworms.  But little do they know that pet owners are exposed to parasites on a daily basis, with the dreaded tapeworm one of the most common and the oldest known parasites in today’s world for both pet-owners and their dogs.

Description of the tapeworm

Head of the common tapeworm.

The parasitic flatworms that affect humans are called “cestodes or Woods”.  However, the tapeworms which affect dogs are the “Dipylidium caninum” which lives in the dog’s small intestine.

The tapeworm larvae will grow into adult tapeworms inside the intestines (intestinal tapeworm infection). However, if tapeworm eggs are consumed, they can migrate outside the body’s intestines and form cysts on the body’s organs or tissues (invasive tapeworm infection).

The tapeworm consists of three parts: (1) head or “scolex” consisting of hook-like mouth suckers, (2) neck and (3) body (also called “attached proglottids”—body segments which grow a tail and then break apart once the mouth is attached). What type of tapeworm infections that occur will influence the type of activity of the tapeworm.

For example: if an intestinal tapeworm infection is obtained by ingesting tapeworm larvae, the adult tapeworm will bite the wall of the host’s small intestine when it matures. The sucker head of the adult tapeworm attaches while the proglottid grows and produced eggs. These tapeworms can remain in the body’s intestines for up to 20 years and grow from 6 inches to 26 feet long, depending on the type of tapeworm infection.

The long body or tail of the attached tapeworm consists of many segments which are each an independent body. These segments have independent digestive system and a reproductive tract of their own, which allows each segment to survive on its own once it breaks off.

Meanwhile, the attached head of the tapeworm is absorbing nutrients through the intestinal walls as digested food flows by. The tapeworm grows and produces newer segments by the neckpiece, pushing the older segments toward the end of the tail. Once the segment reaches this end, it no longer has any digestive system but does have the reproductive tract left. In other words, by the time it drops off at the end the segment is nothing more than a sac of tapeworm eggs.

How humans get tapeworms

12 ft beef tapeworm

Removing the dreaded tapeworm inside pet-owners requires knowing about tapeworm eggs and tapeworm larvae.

Once the ingested tapeworm eggs or larvae enter the human body, a tapeworm infection will start. The most common sources are tapeworms from pork, beef, dwarf tapeworms, and fish.

Right now, in the United States the beef tapeworm is considered the most common form of tapeworm. In Asia, the fish and pork tapeworms are common while in Latin America the pork tapeworm is known to affect millions of people. Once the eggs leave their host’s digestive system, they travel through bowel movements and seek a nearby water supply. It is a fact that both animals AND humans ingest “baby tapeworms” on a regular basis.

Once people become infected with the tapeworm, the parasite will become the most dangerous when it is in the embryo stage, which is why treatments at this stage require two different medications. At this point, it will develop into a serious infection known as “cysticerosis”. Cysticerosis is documented as affecting more than 50 million people on a global basis, with many cases unrecognized until after autopsies are completed after death.

Another deadly disease from untreated tapeworms is “neurocysticercosis”, where they will affect the central nervous system to cause neurological damage and severe seizures through pork consumption. If left untreated, it can result in visual impairment, headaches, seizures, meningitis, dementia or hydrocephalus with death occurring with severe infections from the dreaded tapeworm.

As a rule, tapeworms in the stomach or abdomen are not felt by the person until things becomes worse, then becoming extremely noticeable. Additionally, the headless bodies of worms will be found in the feces of bowel movements.

• Extreme discomfort in the abdomen
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Weight loss
• Tapeworm segments found on clothes or in feces

Signs and symptoms of intestinal tapeworm infection

• Weight loss
• Inadequate absorption of food nutrients
• Weakness
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Loose stools and diarrhea

Signs and symptoms of invasive tapeworm infection

• This type of tapeworm infection will eventually cause organ/tissue damage
• Seizures
• Fever
• Neurological symptoms or seizures
• Allergic reactions to the larvae
• Cystic masses or lumps

Treatments for tape worm infection in humans

Tapeworms respond to both naturopathic and western medical treatments for tapeworm removal in the intestines and abdomen.  Colon cleansing programs with various herbs are quite successful, simultaneously reducing episodes of constipation, reducing chances of diverticulosis, increasing energy levels, and instigating weight loss.

The conventional medical methods for removing the tapeworm embryo involve two different drugs through a doctor’s prescription: albendazole and praziquantel. Remember that all prescription drugs contain serious side effects and very few health benefits, but in severe cases they need to be used for immediate results.

Natural preventive methods for controlling parasites

Grapefruit seeds are wonderful to kill, weaken and repel all kinds of parasites. In fact, the chopped seeds of the fresh grapefruit can be added to those of oranges, lemons, limes, and any citrus fruit, mixed with the feed we eat. Grapefruit seed extract can be added to our pet’s food or our own food to control parasites. If purchased in capsules, one capsule per 10 pounds is excellent for pets. Human dosages will be on the bottle. Corsican seaweed also  makes an excellent tea for repelling parasites in the body. It is a good idea to allow the tea to seep for ten to 20 minutes.

References

Mayo Clinic: Tapeworms in people

Tapeworm Infection

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This post is filed in: Dog Health Problems | Tags: adult tapeworm, adult tapeworms, intestinal tapeworm infection, intestinal tapeworm infections, invasive tapeworm infection, invasive tapeworm infections, parasites, removing the dreaded tapeworm, tapeworm, tapeworm eggs, tapeworm infection, tapeworm infections, tapeworm larvae, tapeworms
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Posted By Nancy Houser on March 17, 2010

Demodectic dog mange is caused by a tiny spider-mite called the  Demodex canis which lives deep inside the dog’s hair follicles. They are  small enough to not be seen without a microscope and can get 2-3mm below the skin surface of the follicles. Vet testings may have to obtain skin biopsies for a proper mange diagnosis. Unlike Sarcoptic mange (scabies), Demodectic dog mange is not contagious and does not itch in the beginning stages, occurring more often in dogs under 18-months of age even though adult dogs are known to get it.

Demodex mange mite

Not an uncommon thing, there are very few mother dogs who do not pass these little microscopic-sized mange mites to their puppies during the first couple days after birth. Orphan puppies who are raised by hand do not get Demodectic mange.

When in small numbers, Demodex canis mites are considered “normal skin fauna” until their numbers get out of control. This is usually because the animal’s abnormal immature immune system allows it to happen, lowering the dog’s immunity. Puppies from three to 12 months of age can easily get Demodectic dog mange if they are not in good health.

Symptoms of Demodectic dog mange

There are two different types of Demodectic dog mange: (1) localized demodectic mange and (2) generalized demodectic mange.

• Localized Demodectic Dog Mange–with its primary symptom being thinning of hair around the eyelids, lips and corners of the dog’s mouth, Demodectic mange can occasionally be seen on the dog’s legs and feet. Kinda’ like patches of moth-eaten hair loss approximately one-inch in diameter, the skin will be red, scaly and infected over time. This type of dog mange location can heal quickly in about six to eight weeks, yet reoccur on-and-off for several months. Ten percent of localized Demodectic dog mange cases will spread to the larger generalized form. VET TREATMENTS: OxyDex orPyoben are topical ointments which contain benzoyl peroxide gel, or an ear mite treatment rubbed into the affected area twice a day rubbing in the direction of the hair.
• Generalized Demodectic Dog Mange–involving larger areas  of hair loss on the head, legs and trunk, this is the stage when itching begins to occur. Generalized Demodectic dog mange is when the skin breaks down to form sores, crusts with draining, and with hair follicles becoming plugged with skin scales and the Demodex canis mite.

Puppies at birth normally will have the Demodex canis mites from their mother.

SPECIALIZED TREATMENT FOR GENERALIZED DEMODECTIC DOG MANGE:

1. The very first step in treating Demodectic dog mange is to shampoo with Paxcutol or Etiderm (follicular flushers) to open the roots of the plugged hair follicles.  When done, dry the dog completely until his fur is not wet to touch.
2. The second step is to wash the dog with something like Aludex shampoo…an anti-Demodex shampoo. Make sure it is diluted according to directions on the container before scrubbing thoroughly onto the dog’s entire skin area. (Aludex contains the insecticide Amitraz. The product can have side effects on the dog and you if not used properly. Most dogs will appear sleepy for a few hours after the bath. This is a dangerous shampoo if directions are not followed correctly, but is better than the dog being eaten alive, dying or suffering.)
3. This two step process is to be repeated every seven days, continuing for  weeks to months. The vet will monitor the stage of the mites and the duration of the treatment.
4. Giving the affected dog additional Vitamin E (tablets or capsules) will help  stimulate the immune system. Natural foods that can be fed to the dog that contain Vitamin E are: vegetable oils, dark green leafy vegetables, organ meats like heart and liver, seafood, eggs and avocado. Vitamin E dosages are 100IU per 20 pounds of dog weight.
5. If secondary infections have occurred because of the severity of the mange, antibiotics are usually given.

NOTES:

• Sometimes the disease can occur as a result of treatment of the dog with immuno-suppressant drugs including corticosteroids.

• Research is showing that certain bloodlines are more susceptible to Demodectic dog mange over others. Even though most breeds can become affected,  the Bull Terrier breeds seem to make up a large proportion of the dogs which are seen with clinical Demodex.

• Dogs who have had this condition and have recovered should never be bred due to it being an inherited immune susceptibility, carrying down to the puppies and future generations.

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This post is filed in: Dog Health Problems | Tags: demodectic, demodectic mane, Demodex canis mite, demodicosis, dog health, dog mange, red mange, treating demodectic dog mange
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Posted By Nancy Houser on March 16, 2010

All dogs vomit. And all dog owners know it! Dog vomiting begins in the well-developed “vomit center” of the dog, activated by the brain’s vomiting center. According to the AKC Veterinary Handbook, this causes dogs to heave more readily than any other animal. At the beginning when the dog feels the need to upchuck, he will become nervous and anxious while seeking reassurance from his owner. Cats will evacuate the area quickly or become too interested in the vomiting party. At the same time, the dog will begin to heavily salivate and swallow repeatedly. Again and again—until up it comes.

Nobody likes a dog around who is vomiting, but it may be a sign of something serious.

Descriptions

The physical act of throwing up begins in the digestive system, with simultaneous contractions in the stomach muscles and abdominal wall.  With the abdominal pressure increasing, the lower esophagus will relax in order for the contents of the stomach to travel upwards through the esophagus and out the mouth.

One reason a dog vomits is when it eats or drinks too fast and too much. Other includes indigestible substances such as grass, being upset, or getting too excited. A dog who throws up because of a phobia—such as lightening, gunshots, or fireworks—will begin to drool while pawing and whining as their bodies tremble.

Vomiting with Diseases

A dog that has been diagnoses with an infectious disease or chronic diseases can also vomit. This includes kidney or liver failure, Cushing’s Disease, and diabetes mellitus. The type of vomiting that occurs determines what is going on—is it projectile, have worms in it, filled with foreign objects, blood, or fecal matter?

I don't feel so good!

The different types of vomiting to watch for are persistent, sporadic, vomiting blood, fecal vomiting, projectile, and vomiting foreign objects.  Note whether or not is is repeated, especially focusing on whether it is sporadic or persistent. Does it occur after the dog eats and is it projectile?  Inspect it carefully for blood, fecal matter, worms or foreign matter. Call the vet and report to them what the findings are in addition to the dog’s temperature. Note the time of each occurrence for the vet to help determine how far apart they are.

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This post is filed in: Dog Health Problems | Tags: dog vomiting, dogs that vomit, dogs who vomit, vomiting dogs
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Posted By Nancy Houser on March 16, 2010

Sarcoptic dog mange is the most contagious parasite condition a dog can get throughout his life. Caused by tiny “spider-like mites” who live under the dog’s skin, they are transmitted from one dog to another through direct contact, kennels and contaminated grooming equipment. Considered the most annoying skin disease of all, sarcoptic dog mange causes the dog to scratch and scratch until he is almost half crazy…sometimes leading to death if the condition is left untreated.

With spring right around the corner and winter coats of dogs being groomed right and left, this is the time when these little guys will make themselves known…while rapidly spreading to every dog in the house along with their human owners.

However, because mites of  Sarcoptic dog mange are usually spread by direct contact from host to host, they can live off of a host for days to weeks—depending on their life stage. They are only infective for 36 hours, which means that environmental decontamination is generally not necessary—along with a little over-reacting by the pet owner!

Symptoms of Sarcoptic Mange in Dogs

• Characterized by crusty ear tips, hair loss, oily skin and formation of scabs, the onset will begin with scratching, hair loss and inflamed skin.

• Once an infections starts, it occurs on the dog’s ears, elbows, hocks, and the underside of the chest and face.

• The skin of a seriously infected dog will become thick, crusted, scaly and darkly pigmented.

• Lesions will eventually develop to the skin, caused by parasite excretions and allergic responses of the dog (host).

• The lesions are usually covered by thick fur, especially during the winter months.  Once the mite begins its activity, the dog will begin to lose hair in characteristic patterns.

• The dog’s skin that is affected will become extremely irritated and itchy, with trauma in developing over time.

• Dogs who are severely infected will show poor body conditions and extreme listlessness. Coyotes and other mangy wild canids will become so listless they can easily be approached by people.

• Severely affected animals will eventually die from complications if not treated due to  mange infections, hair loss in winter conditions,  increased digging and scratching down to the bare skin, etc.

The official diagnosis of scabies or Sarcoptic dog mange is made by skin scrapings under the vet’s microscope with treatments under their supervision. People who get scabies from their dog will get an itchy rash, typically at the belt line or on the hands and arms where they have been in contact with the dog. However, the scabies mite cannot live on humans over three weeks in duration. If the itching continues, there is probably another problem to diagnose.

Treatment of Sarcoptic Mange or Scabies

REMEMBER, ALL DOGS IN A HOUSEHOLD WHERE SARCOPTIC MANGE HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED SHOULD BE TREATED!

NOTES: (1) Corticosteroids are known to relieve the itching for the first two to three days of treatment. (2) Interceptor is very popular and works for dogs that cannot use Ivermectin. (3) Once a week dog dips for six consecutive weeks can be done with Mitaban and LymDyp. LymDyp is FDA approved for scabies treatments in dogs but can discolor the fur of white dogs and it stinks to high heaven of rotten eggs!

Traditional treatments from Veterinary Partner:

Ivermectin – (This is the one I have used for over 11 years with no problem for many skin issues) This is one of the most effective treatments against Sarcoptes scabiei yet it is off-label as far as the FDA is concerned. There are several protocols because of the long activity of this drug in the body. Typically an injection is given either weekly or every two weeks in one to four doses.

In most cases this treatment is safe and effective but some individuals have a mutation that makes ivermectin toxic at the doses used to kill mites. These individuals are usually of the Collie family: Collies, Shetland Sheepdogs, and Australian Shepherds are classically affected. There is now a test that can determine if any dog has the mutation that makes ivermectin use dangerous. An additional caution comes from an interaction with the relatively new flea control product Comfortis® (spinosad). Relatively high doses of ivermectin are needed to treat sarcoptic mange and if Comfortis® is used concurrently, ivermectin side effects are more likely to occur. While ivermectin is a prototype compound upon which most other sarcoptic mange treatments are based, it may be worth using a product that has actually been approved for the treatment of sarcoptic mange.

Selamectin (Revolution®) – Selamectin is an ivermectin derivative recently marketed for dogs for the control of fleas, ticks, heartworm, ear mites, and sarcoptic mange mites. Normal monthly use of this product should prevent a sarcoptic mange problem but to reliably clear an actual infection studies show an extra dose is usually needed after 2 weeks. This product is probably the best choice for Collie or Australian shepherd breeds.

See more information from the manufacturer on Revolution.

Moxidectin (Advantage Multi®) – Moxidectin is yet another ivermectin derivative. In Advantage Multi, it is combined with imidacloprid, a flea killing topical, to create a product used against heartworm, hookworm, roundworm, whipworm, and fleas. In the U.S. this product is not FDA labeled for sarcoptic mange but it is in other countries and should still be effective even though technically it is off-label.

See more information from the manufacturer on Advantage Multi.

Milbemycin Oxime (Interceptor® or Sentinel®) – Milbemycin oxime is approved for heartworm prevention as a monthly oral treatment (as either Interceptor® or Sentinel®). Happily, it also has activity against sarcoptic mange and several protocols have been recommended by different dermatologists. This is another medication that one might find recommended.

See more information on Interceptor from the manufacturer, and see their page for Sentinel.

Dipping – Anti-bacterial or anti-itch shampoos precede one of several anti-mite dips. Mitaban dips (Amitraz) or lime-sulfur dips given weekly are usually effective. Disease typically resolves within one month.  Dipping is labor intensive and rarely done any more as the other products are easier and more rapidly effective. We mention dipping since it has been a standard mange treatment for decades prior to the introduction of ivermectin.

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This post is filed in: Dog Health Problems | Tags: dog mange, Dog Scabies, Sarcoptic Mange, Scabies, symptoms of sarcoptic mange, Symptoms of Scabies, treatment of sarcoptic mange, treatment of scabies
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Posted By Nancy Houser on March 15, 2010

It is pretty convenient for dog owners to feed already prepared commercial dog foods to their dogs (canned, dry or moist). Not a problem, but many dog owners have no idea what they are putting into their dog’s stomach or what affect it will have on the dog. Food allergies in dogs develop subtly yet powerfully,  but remains a field where little is known yet. Everybody has an opinion, but nobody knows what it is yet.

In today’s economy, struggling pet owners determine what the dog food price is and what can be afforded that week. Many families are forced to buy a different type of dog food every week, depending on what is on sale—which is extremely hard on their digestive systems causing diarrhea and soft stools.

What we don’t know is that food allergies in dogs actually develop in a manner that is rapid, obvious and dramatic.

Signs of food allergies in dogs

• Itchy skin around the dog’s face, feet, ears, forelegs, and armpits with excessive scratching.

• Red itchy area around the anus and rectal area

• Chronic or recurrent ear infections

• Skin infections that clear up with antibiotics but come back once the med is done.

• Listlessness

• Lack of energy

• Hot spots

• Chronic diarrhea

• Poor skin and coat and loss of hair

• Change in normal behavior

• Lack of appetite

• Increase in bowel activities

All kinds of animals and all ages can develop food allergies.

Facts about food allergies

Food allergies in dogs are the third most common cause of dog allergies, with flea bite allergies and inhalant allergies (atopy) at the top of the list.

If food allergies are suspected, the only treatment is a food trial, say of 12-weeks. It is advised to rest the animal’s digestive system of its previous diet. Instead, prepare a protein for them that has never been eaten much (such as salmon, lamb or venison) which can be eaten raw or lightly cooked.  Vegetables can also be given (carrot, potato, parsnip, etc) either raw or lightly cooked. White rice is an excellent dish for resting the digestive system with some of the protein or vegetables adding to it.

Many allergy professionals will separate the starches from the proteins while serving two meals a day—carbohydrates in the morning and meat at night. Remember this is a diet for short term use only in order to eliminate the dog’s body of all past foods. If there has been a food sensitivity or food allergy going on, they will quickly respond with more energy, a shinier coat, and more affectionate once the allergy food is removed from their diet.  This should go on for about three weeks before small bits of food are brought into the picture to check out the theory. Once a new food is introduced, it can be fed for about seven days.

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This post is filed in: Dog Health Problems, Food information for dogs | Tags: dog allergies, dogs with food allergies, food allergies, food allergies in dogs
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Posted By Nancy Houser on March 14, 2010

How many of us have referred to a dog as “dumb” or “stupid”? After several years, I personally have learned there is no such thing as a dumb or stupid dog, but there sure are a lot of stupid dog owners….including myself. There isn’t a day that doesn’t go by I don’t learn something from them.

I have come to the  conclusion that lack of training is the number one form of dog abuse in the world, the same as if a child never receives an education or gets to go to school. Really….just think about it. How much different are the animal shelters—full of of untrained and abused dogs—than our own overly full jails and prisons, with streets full of homeless people with no training, a life of abuse,  no motivation due to a life of neglect and lack of education, and no future in front of them. Like the dogs, what do they have to lose other than gain a hot meal and shelter?

The best thing our court system has ever done for mankind is to develop special programs to help people stay out of jail by offering them classes, counseling, hope, and a new life. This can also be done for neglected or abused dogs by making sure they have a training program established early in their life or the minute they arrive in their new home—from street life to adopted out of a shelter.

For people who have been penalized due to dog abuse, dog neglect, or misdeamenors….as part of their punishment they should be forced to take their pet to training classes—the more severe the deed the more the classes needed, in addition to working at shelters. Otherwise, their patterns will remain the same. Dogs quit being stupid or dumb when we, as pet owners, begin to smarten up and give them credit for being extremely intelligent.

We can train dogs to do anything we want them to do, with no training the worse training of all.

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This post is filed in: Dog Training | Tags: abused dogs, dog abuse, dumb dogs, stupid dogs, training dogs
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Posted By Nancy Houser on March 13, 2010

Do you know that the ancient Egyptians use to build dog houses with wood and plastics? Also, the mud kennels built for dogs were very useful during wars when they wanted to keep their dog safe and warm. So … maybe dog houses are not a new concept?

Everybody wants a nice shelter for his or her pet. And dogs are fond of their masters. They are such a good friend and it is your duty to look after your dog, who is always ready to give you company and protect you. Yes, it is true that your house is the best shelter for your dog. But if your family members are not comfortable sharing the house with your dog, then you need a separate dog house.

At times the space in your home may not be sufficient. In such cases, you can build a dog house outside in the garden or on the roof. It is a good option for you as well as the pet dog. Having a dog house has several advantages, all needing to be perfect for your dog.

Dog houses used to be hand made earlier in history. With passing time, the dog house industry has grown. Today, ready-made dog houses are still available on the market. This type of dog house will make your job easy. You don’t need to cut wooden pieces and build the dog house yourself from scratch. You can just adjust the ready-made dog house so that your pet fits properly.

Before buying a dog house there are a few things to check. Just go through this list to make sure that your investment is worth it:

• The first thing to check is the size. It is important to ensure that the dog house can be easily placed at the selected area.

• The size of the dog house should be suitable for your pet as well.

• The dog should offer space for the dog to stretch, lie and move around.

• Another point to keep in mind is that the dog house should have good ventilation. Good air flow inside the dog house is necessary to keep your pet healthy.

• Proper ventilation is also needed to avoid things like mold.

Buying the dog house is not the end of your duty. Clean it regularly and make sure that it is sturdy and safe for your little sweet heart.

(Post sponsored by Blythewoodworks , a green company for dog houses. Located in Blythewoods in South Carolina.)

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This post is filed in: As the Kennel Turns, Guest Post | Tags: Blythewoodworks, dog house, dog houses, dog shelter, prebuilt dog houses
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Posted By Nancy Houser on March 12, 2010

There are many similarities between the symptoms of Cushing’s Disease and Addison’s Disease in dogs–both considered fatal in canines. Rumors abound in regard to the miraculous healing of the natural supplement Supraglan, reported to cure both diseases. Are these claims true or not?

About Cushing’s Disease

Cushing’s Disease in dogs may develop from two things: (1) a benign tumor on one of the adrenal glands or the pituitary gland, or  (2) an overdose and dependency on Prednisone, a drug normally given for arthritis, allergies, or the treatment of autoimmune disorders in dogs.

Considered a synthetic, inactive corticosteroid, Prednisone is converted by the dog’s liver into an active steroid by the name of prednisolone. Drug reactions can occur with renal disorders, abnormal thirst levels, and excessive hunger. Longer periods of the drug can show ulcers in the digestive tract, pain and inflammation in the pancreas, diabetes, degeneration of muscles, and unpredictable change in the dog’s behaviors.

Also referred to as hyperadrenocorticism, Cushing’s Disease develops with too many adrenal gland hormones beginning to produce. This  is a drug that should not be used over a week in duration, as it is known to obstruct the normal processes of the adrenal glands and will do so on a permanent basis.  Once the dog’s body is unable to create its own corticosteroids, it will become dependent on the drug as its source. Over time, it will lead to fatal heart problems and diabetes.

Symptoms of  Cushing’s Disease

• The dog with Cushing’s Disease will begin to develop skin issues.

• Infections will begin to develop at a faster rate.

• Dogs with Cushing’s will show an increase in appetite and thirst.

• Decrease in body hair.

• A frequency of urination will develop.

• Increase in blood pressure.

• The dog will begin to pant excessively.

The claims of Supraglan

Supraglan is a natural supplement currently being used as a natural treatment of Cushing’s Disease and Addison’s Disease.  It is defined by its manufacturers as a natural supplement for dog adrenal gland dysfunctions.

Vet-approved, Supraglan manufacturers claim to restore the dog’s skin health, reduces thirst and urination, improves adrenal functioning, stops hair loss, promotes health of the fur, and is supposed to be a natural treatment for Cushing’s Disease in dogs.

Description of Supraglan

Supraglan is made of natural ingredients:

• Borage—Contains natural precursors of adrenal glands hormones; stimulates the endocrine system functions; helps eliminate toxins; restores adrenal cortex.
• Milk Vetch—Tonic; nutritive; stimulates liver function; improves immune system; well accepted in cases of auto-immune diseases.
• Bistort—Astringent, soothing, anti-inflammatory, has a tonic effect on liver and kidneys.
• Eleutherococus Senticosus—Balances hormonal actions (ACTH and cortisone) on adrenal glands; increases resistance to infection, stimulates DNA synthesis and cellular repair enzymes.
• Wild Yam—Anti-inflammatory; contains steroidal saponins (dioscin, dioscorin) used as sources of saponins in the preparation of steroid hormones.
• Licorice—Adrenal stimulant (contains glycyrrhizin, a compound similar to corticosteroids, which stimulates adrenal glands); immunostimulant; anti-inflammatory; potentiates cortisone effects.
• Dandelion—Highly nutritious food; stimulates liver secretion, improves digestion and stimulates appetite; acts as an organic support.
• Glycerin based

Using these natural ingredients to decrease the adrenal system in dogs from a completely hyperactive state, the product slows the overproduction of the corticosteroid hormones which have become overloaded in the dog’s system.  Side effects have not been seen yet in the usage of Supraglan.

Typical dosage of Supraglan

Supraglan should be given twice a day, with one drop for every two pounds to 50 pounds of dog weight. After this, add one drop per additional four pounds. The enclosed eye dropper will be marked at 0.5ML and 1ML with the .05ML equal to ten drops of the supplement.

The natural supplement can inserted directly into the mouth or mixed with canned dog food or fresh meat with the eye dropper. Once purchased, Supraglan needs to be refrigerated while lasting six months.

Supraglan reviews

There are many reviews of Supraglan, with mixed reviews. Some of them are available at PetWellBeing.com for those who are interested in both sides. At the present time, information presented  is for educational purposes only; statements about products and health conditions have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration at this time due to lack of scientific studies. However, many people with dogs who have Cushing’s Disease claim an improvement in their dogs who are on Supraglan or a similar natural supplement for Cushing’s Disease.

NOTE: Do not use canine adrenal gland medication if the dog is pregnant, lactating, or suffering from cardiovascular conditions!

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This post is filed in: Dog Health Problems, dog research | Tags: Cushing's Disease in dogs, natural supplement for Cushing's Disease, supraglan
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