So sorry, it was an "anesthesia reaction"

Either we dog breeders are turning out a bunch of severely defective dogs or our veterinarians are lying to us.

Can't count the number of times over the past few years that I have heard these stories:

Dog died getting teeth cleaned - anesthesia reaction

Dog died during spay/neuter surgery - anesthesia reaction

We are talking YOUNG dogs here, not old dogs with failing organs. Young dogs who were perfectly healthy prior to undergoing their procedures.

And if your vet says, it was an "anesthesia reaction" what are you to say? You weren't there, so you don't know what happened. You don't know if the dog was overdosed, or the tube came out before he was awake, or if it was really an "anesthesia reaction"; if your dog had some profound reaction to the anesthesia itself that killed him.

Would we accept our doctor's statement that our spouse/child/parent died during surgery due to an "anesthesia reaction"? You can bet the answer would be NO. There would be an investigation, and the parties involved would have to testify as to exactly what happened. Medical malpractice is the scenario, and thankfully is relatively uncommon. The threat of litigation keeps your doctor on his best behavior. He utilizes clinincal monitors and exercises his best judgement at all times. Anything less would be professional suicide.

But understandably, there is not the same standard of care for animals including our dogs. When the vet blames an "anesthesia reaction" you can suspect that possibly he didn't want to have to say, "I'm sorry, I didn't monitor him closely enough" or "Gosh darn it, I nicked an artery."

I hope to hear from some veterinarians on this, because I would love to be wrong on this. Are there many dogs who are so susceptible to anesthesia that it kills them outright, even while you have them intubated and on life support?

From Ron Hines, DVM: "We veterinarians are fortunate in that older, less predictable, anethesthetics have been replaced by compounds that are very predictable and safe when properly used."

http://www.2ndchance.info/anesthesia.htm

Fatty Tumors (Lipomas) in Dogs - Benign (Fatty) or Malignant (Mast Cell) – Cause, DIY Holistic Treatments, Remedies

In this Article...

1. What, How, When and Why Fatty Tumors (Lipoma) forms;
2. DIY Holistic Treatments and Remedies for Fatty Tumors

PART 1.0 Fatty Tumors - What, How, When and Why

What is a Fatty Tumor and How Is It Formed…

A fatty tumor is a soft mass under the skin.

Fatty Tumors form when the body is unable to rid itself of toxins via the body’s natural systems for toxin elimination – the intestines, kidney and liver.  When a dog is constantly ingesting toxins the kidney and liver are forced to work overtime to clear out unwanted substances from the body. If the toxic load becomes too much for the kidney and liver to process affectively the toxins end-up remaining where they are not wanted -  in the blood stream, digestive tract, etc. The constant presence of contaminates in the body puts added stress on the endocrine (glands which secret various hormones to regulate metabolism, sleep, mood, etc.) and immune system in addition to the kidney and liver.

The body’s natural reaction – the next line of defence is to engage its largest excretory organ, the skin. The body ‘captures’ the toxins and shifts them out of the way by storing the material in fat deposits just under the surface of the skin.

Characteristics of a Fatty Tumor (Lipoma, Fatty Lump)

A soft mass under the skin that:

• Does not cause *hair loss;
• Does not cause *pain;
• Does not cause *redness or *irritation of the skin on its own 
• Is freely movable under the skin;
• *The only time hair loss, pain or irritation occurs with these masses is, for example:
• When the mass is located on the body of the dog, and;
• The mass has increased in size, and;
• As a result, is rubbing against the dog’s leg;
• The mass may then cause hair loss or irritation as it rubs against the dog’s leg.

Fatty Deposits Are a Warning Sign

Fatty deposits are a warning sign – a red flag that tells you that:

• That the body is under siege from constant ingestion of toxic, unwanted material;
• The body’s system is out of balance and is not able to eliminate the toxic waste properly;
• That the  immune system is weak and requires care to improve it's strength;
• Diet, stress and exercise are huge factors in the health of the immune system;
• A weak immune system leaves the body vulnerable to illness, infection and health problems..

How do These Unwanted Materials (Toxins) Get into the Dog’s System

There are two main ways in which toxins enter the dog’s body…

• Ingredients in commerciallymanufactured highly processed dog food - dry dog food, wet dog food, treats – for example;
• Refined cereal grains;
• Food colouring;
• Chemical-based preservatives i.e. ethoxyquinand TBHQ ;
• Sugar;
• Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) found in corn, soy, canola, safflower, cottonseed oil, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, sugar beets, etc.
• Poor quality protein derived from animals that were:
• Fed GMO feed;
• Injected with genetically engineered (GE) growth hormones and steroids;
• Read about the above items here.
• Toxins from inoculations and chemical-based flea, tick, heartworm preventatives.

Other Contributing Sources of Daily Toxic Loading

• Health care supplies and household items such as:
• Dog Dental chews;
• Dog Toothpaste;
• Dog Shampoo;
• Household cleaners;
• Fluorinated water;
• Pesticides, fertilizers, herbicides, on grass, road salt, etc. that is then absorbed through the skin of the paws, ingested by licking fur and paws;

How many of the toxins listed above is your dog regularly exposed to? Do a quick analysis and then read on…

Part 2.0 - DIY Holistic Treatments, Remedies

Conventional Treatments Are Not a Remedy

Conventional practitioners of medicine (human and veterinary care) are oriented towards treating an acquired condition rather than treating the body as a whole entity.  As a result, when a conventional partitioning veterinarian sees a fatty tumor the typical advice provided is:

• As long as the tumor is a) benign and b) not impeding physical function, just leave the tumor as is;
• If the fatty tumor is in the way of proper function the following options may be offered;
• Surgical removal;
• Liposuction;
• Salve and/or;
• Steroid injections.

The fundamental problem with these conventional interventions is that they do not address the root cause of the condition. If the root cause is not addressed the tumors will:

• Continue to exist and will in many cases grow;
• If removed will re-grow;
• May eventually escalate to a malignant mast cell growth.

Many conventional veterinary practitioners will tell you that there is nothing that you can do to:

• Reduce the size of the existing fatty tumor;
• Eliminate the existing fatty tumor.
• And should you opt for one of those conventional interventions:
• There is nothing you can do to prevent the reformation of the fatty tumors.

This is incorrect! You CAN reduce and even eliminate fatty tumors permanently.

Failure to take proper action can result in a worsening of your dog’s health and quality of life.

To stop the formation and growth of these tumors you must treat the root cause – toxic loading which may have also progressed to glandular malfunction.

DIY Holistic Care Approach

Your Dog's Diet

Part One - Review What You Are Currently Feeding Your Dog, Make Changes

Do a thorough review of what you are feeding your dog and remove all items that contain toxins and species inappropriate food stuffs.

Consider completely removing commercially manufactured dog food and treats from your dog’s diet and replace with:

• Species appropriate food - either:
• Homemadecooked dog food and fresh whole foods, and/or;
• A raw food diet.

If you want to keep your dog on commercially prepared dog food:

• Make sure you know how to select a relativelytoxic-free product;
• Unfortunately when it comes to mass-produced commercially manufactured dog food, good and bad becomes a relative term.
• Read this article to…
• Ensure you can make informed decisions about the food you choose – don’t assume you are currently choosing a good product.

Statistics recorded by veterinary organizations from the 1950's up to present day are very telling...

• The life-span of a companion dog in North America is now half of what it was in the 1950's;
• In the 1950's the average life-span of a golden retriever was 15 to 16 years, today the average is in the range of 8 to12 years;
• In 2005, 50% of older dogs dies from cancer, and the number is on the rise. 

Part Two -  Supplement Your Dog’s Diet

Turmeric– you need to get your dog on this herb ASAP read more about turmeric here; The curcumin which gives turmeric its bright yellow colour contains compounds that have been proven to reduce lipomas in dogs (and humans :>)

Other Recommended De-toxers and Immune System Boosters
Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
Coconut Oil

Garlic(no it is not bad for dogs, read the facts, don’t be fooled by unsubstantiated false rumors);

Lemon(fresh);

Omega 3-Fatty Acids;

Rooibos Tea;

Probiotics;

Whole fresh foods high in first quality antioxidants and nutrients.

Topical Treatment for Fatty Tumors (Lipomas)

Sage
Sage has a natural affinity to attract fat. You can apply sage extract topically to the lipoma on a daily basis.

Turmeric
In addition to supplementing your dog’s daily diet with Turmeric, this herb can also be used topically to treat lipoma.

Preparation and application

• Combine:
• 1 tsp of turmeric, with;
• 1 tsp of olive oil, or grape seed oil or almond oil;
• Mix:
•  Mix until the ingredients form a soft, well blended paste;
• Apply:
• Apply the resulting paste directly to the skin surface of the fatty tumor;
• Please note that the natural colour in turmeric will stain clothing, carpet etc. 
• So after application you should restrict your dog to an area where the stain will not adhere to items that you value, or;
• Put your dog outside for a while.
• This treatment can be used once or more a day. 
• Turmeric is safe for pregnant dogs.

Signs of Malignant Mast Cell Growth

If your dog does have a fatty tumor it is important to monitor that fatty lump for changes…

• Sudden change in appearance, i.e.
• The tumor suddenly hardens;
• Begins to grow lumpy and nodular;
• Has begun to bleed;

Get to your veterinarian and have the tumor tested for malignancy ASAP.

• Training;
• Behaviour Modification;
• Rehabilitation;
• Nutrition;
• Health

Whether you are experiencing dog behavior problems and would like assistance, or just want to bring your dog up to be a well-balanced canine -  I offer both a local and international service for people with one or multiple dogs. 

I work with all breeds - from small (i.e. Yorkie, Pomeranian, Chihuahua, etc.), medium breeds size (including Pit Bulls) and large breed dogs...

 

In-person SessionsDogTraining, Puppy Training, Behaviour Modification, Rehabilitation – Ottawa, Ottawa Area, Outaouais, Ottawa Valley

 

International e-Consultation 

Sessions,Advice via email for National and International Clients - Dog Training, Puppy Training, Behaviour Modification, Nutrition, Health 

Don’t Give Your Dog Supplements That Contain Magnesium Stearate - Its Bad for Your Dog's Health

Magnesium Stearate can be found in about 95% of supplements sold in pharmacies, stores and/or supplied by doctors and veterinarians to their patients.

Magnesium Stearate is a lubricant that acts as a 'slipping agent'. 

It is created by adding a magnesium ion to stearic acid. 

Magnesium Stearate is added to pills and capsules to:

• Keep the pills/capsules from sticking to each other;
• From sticking to the machinery, which in turn...
• Means that they processing plant can run the processing/production machinery at a higher speed...
• Which means that they can increase production while requiring less inspection on the production line to ensure uninterrupted processing.
• Culminating in better profit margins. 

Magnesium Stearate may be good for company profit but it is seriously bad for yours and your dog's health and here is why...

The Problem Is...

1.0 Stearic Acid is Typically Made Using Hydrogentated Cottonseed or Palm Oil.

These oils pose a real health risk:

• Of all commercial oils, cotton seed has the highest content of pesticide residue.  
• Cottonseed oil is used to coat the supplement – which means it is coating the nutrients in the supplement.
• As a coating agent the cottonseed oil slows down/delays the absorption of the nutrients in the intestines.
• The other problem with cottonseed oil is that it often comes from Genetically Engineered seed crops – long-term studies on the health effects of ingesting GE is not known.
• In large amounts magnesium stearte damages the skin and liver…remember that most dogs are smaller than adult humans it would take less magnesium stearate to damage a dog.

2.0 Why is the Delay in the Absorption of Nutrients Bad?

Depending on what your dog is eating with the supplement the food may be pushed through the GI tract at a faster pass than the nutrients in the supplement can be absorbed. Your dog may not get to benefit from some or all of the nutrients meant to be delivered by the supplement. At best your money is thrown away, at worst your dog may be in serious trouble from lack of the required nutrient.

3.0 Magnesium Stearate - as Noted Above Contains Stearic Acid. 

• Stearic acid suppresses T cells. 
• Why does that matter? 
• T-cells (T lymphocytes) are part of the lymphocytes group of white blood cells.
  Lymphocytes play a key function in cell-mediated immunity. 
•  T Cells are killer cells, and are very important to good immune system function. 
• Stearic acid causes the collapse of the cell membrane in these very important T cells. 
• Collapse occurs when the T-cells are exposed over time to damaging doses of the acid. Collapse of the cell membrane leads to the destruction of cell function.

In my opinion the above provides sufficient reason to steer clear of magnesium stearate. 

It seems to me that the pharmaceutical companies are incredibly unethical as is the pet industry…here are a few more examples...

Doggie Prozac http://ottawavalleydogwhisperer.blogspot.ca/2013/02/seperation-anxiety-doggie-prozac-does.html

Heart Worm Preventatives http://ottawavalleydogwhisperer.blogspot.ca/2013/03/does-your-dog-really-need-to-be-on.html

Fish Meal (included in many Dog Kibble formulas) http://ottawavalleydogwhisperer.blogspot.ca/2013/02/fish-fish-meal-and-ethoxyquin-danger-do.html

I Have a Headache

Today I read a veterinary blog post where the author, a Jennifer Coates, criticizes the Golden Retriever study referenced here earlier this month. Her criticism centers on the claim that the study doesn't talk about the "benefits" of spay and neuter. She states that the study gave her a headache! Gosh darn those scientists, they only give the facts without any animal rights spin. How dare they!!

I'm betting if this study had different results the article author would be singing a different tune. There is a definite bias in the veterinary community toward indiscriminate neutering of pets, emphasizing what they perceive to be "benefits" while totally ignoring any risks....and failing to inform their clients about all the facts.

Let's address the stated "benefits" listed in this article, shall we?

"Getting rid of heat cycles"

This is a valid reason to choose spay for some owners. However, spay for convenience is totally unrelated to health. A common risks of spay is incontinence in up to 30% of cases, due to the effect of the estrogen deficit on the genitourinary system. The decision for spay should be left up to the individual owner to decide. There is also a recent study done on Rottweilers that shows that bitches left intact or spayed after middle age lived about 30% longer, on average, than their spayed counterparts.

"Preventing unwanted litters"

We can also use the tools we have at hand, such as fences, doors and leashes. Very effective. Owners should confine their dogs. If they don't, then the dog has bigger problems than an unwanted litter. Like being hit by a car, or killed by a coyote.

"Eliminating the dangers associated with whelping"

There are dangers to everything in life, including the danger of choking to death on kibble. Quite frankly, without whelping, we'd soon run out of dogs. A good vet can greatly reduce the risks associated with whelping...if you can find one. A red herring argument if I've ever heard one.

"Preventing potentially fatal uterine infections (pyometra)"

A large percentage of spay surgeries are associated with complications such as potentially fatal infection or bleeding. Again, it boils down to a matter of risk vs. benefit. Pyometra can be effectively treated if and when it occurs. Pyometra is a risk that varies by breed: some breeds are predisposed to pyometra and the owner can certainly weight the risk of pyometra against the other risks involved with spaying prophylactically if they are fully informed. The risk of developing pyometra is greatest in an intact bitch who has never whelped a litter.

"Eliminating the chance of ovarian or testicular cancer"

Testicular cancer is rare in dogs and seldom a cause of death. When it occurs, surgical removal of the affected testicle is generally curative. According to the National Canine Cancer Foundation, ovarian cancer is almost unheard of in canines.

"Significantly reducing the risk of prostatic hyperplasia and infection."

Yes, neutering is an effective treatment for refractory prostatitis and anal gland infections. However, neutering also dramatically increases the risk of prostate cancer and bladder cancer...conditions that can be fatal. Again, the choice for neutering should remain with the owner who should be informed of risks in addition to potential benefits. If a dog develops a refractory genitourinary infection, he can certainly be neutered at that time, there is no rush to go in a neuter with the idea of preventing an infection.

"Lessening aggression and other unwanted behaviors like mounting, roaming and marking"

Studies to date show that neuter may reduce dog-to-dog aggression; however, it will tend to actually INCREASE dog-to-human aggression. Neutering often results in increased fearfulness. Other unwanted behaviors are not reliably reduced by neutering. Effective training is always the preferred method to handle behavior problems. Neutering should be a last resort if the goal is behavior modification.

Also, this author claims that other countries spay and neuter less because they have more restrictive ownership and breeding laws. Where is the evidence for this totally unsubstantiated and untrue assertion? Only here in the US do we require government permits to breed a litter. Only here in the US is neutering SADLY required by law in some places. Some European countries have restrictions for those who choose to breed within the confines of a kennel club, but by no means are people required to belong to a kennel club or follow their rules in order to breed their dog...in any country, except perhaps in certain areas here in the US.

In fact, in some countries, like Norway, it is legally forbidden to neuter your pet without proof of medical necessity.

This whiney blog post on PetMD is just more of the same propaganda from the animal rightist section of the veterinary community.

A headache that I have been dealing with for many years now.