New Dog Bone Cancer Therapy Offers Hope for Humans

Ask Dr. Carol, Cancer, Dogs, Pet News No Comments »

Researchers at Auburn University are testing a new dog bone cancer therapy that holds hope for humans with the same condition.  This new dog bone cancer therapy consists of injecting a virus normally used in the Canine Hepatitis Vaccine.

Dog Bone Cancer

This canine hepatitis vaccine virus is modified in the lab so that it only duplicates itself when it is actually inside the cancer cell.

Once the virus is injected and enters the cancer cell, it causes the cancer cell to rupture and die; at the same time it releases thousands of copies of itself, which then attack and kill the remaining cancer cells.

According to the Bruce Smith, director of the Research Team, they found a way to turn the cancer cell into a factory producing more and more viral particles so that in essence the cancer cell becomes an “agent of its own death.”

Canine Hepatitis Vaccine Virus

Once they are able to confirm that this new viral therapy works as expected for dog bone cancer, they hope to create a single therapy that is able to treat multiple types of canine cancer.

Canine bone cancer affects approximately five percent of dogs.

In over 90 percent of the cases, even with amputation of the affected limb, the cancer spreads to the lungs and dogs typically survive less than nine to twelve months, even with chemotherapy.

Canine bone cancer survival rates are very poor.

Thanks to a two year grant from the American Kennel Club, Canine Health Foundation, this new study plans to accept 20 dogs with bone cancer. All dogs must be referred by their veterinarian and all must have all four legs intact, so cancer cell can be collected for the study. These dogs will be treated and monitored for two years.

Auburn Univ. Dog Cancer Researchers

Ultimately, the team plans to take the knowledge gained from treating bone cancer in dogs to create new human cancer treatments.

They are planning to partner with various medical colleges to run clinical trials in human cancer cases based on the initial results in dogs.

The Auburn University Research Initiative in Cancer, operates according to a concept called “One Medicine.”

One Medicine views pet and human health as one field whereby discoveries in one species such as a dog, acts to offer health advancements in humans as well.

One Medicine

According to Smith, “Dogs are physically very similar to people.”

In addition, the types of cancer and genetic mutations affecting dogs are quite similar to those affecting people.

Consequently what researchers discover in dogs is in most cases very applicable to people.

About Dr. Carol

Dr. Carol is a pet health researcher, a Board Certified Anti-Aging Pet Health Diplomat, a published author and a practicing, holistic veterinarian in Chagrin Falls, Ohio.

She welcomes new canine and feline patients.

Dr. Carol also offers pet health consultations and answers pet health questions and makes homemade pet diets by phone and e-mail for her online pet loving community.

Pet owners may contact Dr. Carol directly at her veterinary office toll free at 1-866-372-2765 to make an appointment for their dog(s) and/or cat(s) today.

Bookmark www.carolonpets.com for the latest pet health news, anti-aging tips and updates for your dogs and cats

 

Pet Food Recalls Expand: Natura and BARF World Dog & Cat Foods

Ask Dr. Carol, Cats, Dogs, Pet News, Zoonotic Diseases No Comments »

Golden Retriever

Natura Pet Products once again has expanded its dry pet food recall to include all sizes and lots of dry cat food, dog food and pet treats with expiration dates up to and including March 29, 2013. Salmonella bacterial contamination has been cited as the cause of the expanded pet food recall.

Recalled pet foods affected include California Natural, Evo, Innova, Healthwise and Karma.

The Michigan and Georgia Departments of Agriculture conducted testing on Natura’s pet foods and detected the presence of Salmonella bacteria.

The Natura pet foods are sold worldwide through veterinary clinics, online and at retail in America and Canada as well as in Japan and Australia.

Pet owners who purchased the recalled pet foods should carefully discard them. Consumers may contact Natura directly for additional information.

Consumers who purchased any of Natura’s recalled pet food products should discard them and contact Natura for a refund at 1-800-224-6123.

Natura Pet Food Recall Expands

In addition to Natura’s pet food recall. BARF World, a manufacturer of raw pet food has also issued a recall due to a salmonella bacterial outbreak in their manufacturing facility.

The BARF World raw pet food recall directly affects the Lamb and Combo patties, with a “best buy” date of July 27, 2013.

Note that neither company claims to have received any reports of sickened pets at this time.

Pet owners should discard the tainted raw pet food and may contact BARF World toll free at 866-282-2273 for refunds and details.

 

Salmonella bacteria diseases are Zoonotic which means they are easily transmitted between pets, pet food and people. Suggestions to avoid contamination include practicing good hygiene.

BARF World Pet Food Recall

Wash your hands well, carefully discard tainted pet foods and sanitize pet food bowls and any surfaces that may have come into contact with the tainted pet food or its packaging.

Signs of Salmonella in dogs and cats include vomiting and diarrhea with or without blood, lethargy, appetite loss and fevers.

In humans additions symptoms may include Endocarditis, urinary tract infections, arthritis and eye problems.

About Dr. Carol

Dr. Carol is a pet health researcher, a Board Certified Anti-Aging Pet Health Diplomat, a published author and a practicing, holistic veterinarian in Chagrin Falls, Ohio.

She welcomes new canine and feline patients.

Dr. Carol also offers pet health consultations and answers pet health questions and makes homemade pet diets by phone and e-mail for her online pet loving community.

Pet owners may contact Dr. Carol directly at her veterinary office toll free at 1-866-372-2765 to make an appointment for their dog(s) and/or cat(s) today.

Bookmark www.carolonpets.com for the latest pet health news, anti-aging tips and updates for your dogs and cats

 

 

 

 

Dogs’ Born Blind Regain Vision

Ask Dr. Carol, Dogs, Pet News, The Eyes No Comments »

Dogs born blind from birth are now able to regain full vision, regardless of age.

Golden Retriever Pups

According to a recent publication in the Journal of Molecular Therapy, researchers at Michigan State University combined two therapies which reversed an inherited form of total color blindness in dogs, called Achromatopsia.

Although the study focused on dogs this novel therapy may prove effective in helping people regain vision who also suffer with this form of hereditary color blindness.

According to veterinary ophthalmologist Andras Komáromy, DVM, gene therapy only works if the cells in the eye that process daylight and color are not totally degenerated.

Therefore they used a protein called CNTF to selectively destroy the eye’s light sensitive cells, which vets call photoreceptor cells. At the proper dose, its similar to pruning flowers, the protein partially destroys the cells but at the same time it allows for new growth.

BeagleCanine Gene therapy follows the protein injection and replaces the mutant gene associated with the blindness. The results have been overwhelmingly successful. All seven dogs in the study regained full vision.

Dr. Komáromy, an associate professor in Michigan States Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, was amazed at their success.

Although Achromatopsia is a rare condition, it’s a good model disease for other ocular disorders affecting the photoreceptors cells of the eye, which detect color.

These photoreceptor eye disorders, on the other hand do constitute a major cause of incurable blindness in dogs and humans.

Because of the tremendous success of this therapy, new treatment concepts are currently being investigated for Retinal Therapy Disorders causing blindness in pets and people.

About Dr. Carol

Dr. Carol is a pet health researcher, a Board Certified Anti-Aging Pet Health Diplomat, a published author and a practicing, holistic veterinarian in Chagrin Falls, Ohio.

She welcomes new canine and feline patients.

Dr. Carol also offers pet health consultations and answers pet health questions and makes homemade pet diets by phone and e-mail for her online pet loving community.

Pet owners may contact Dr. Carol directly at her veterinary office toll free at 1-866-372-2765 to make an appointment for their dog(s) and/or cat(s) today.

Bookmark www.carolonpets.com for the latest pet health news, anti-aging tips and updates for your dogs and cats

VETSULIN ALERT: Dog Diabetes Drug Killed Thousands Yet Back on Pet Market

Ask Dr. Carol, Cats, Diabetes, Diabetes, Dogs, Pet News No Comments »

Vetsulin was originally marketed by Merck Animal Health, in 2004, as the first federally approved insulin for diabetic dogs and cats. After Vetsulin killed thousands of helpless dogs, it was finally discontinued in 2011 and just recently has been re-approved by the FDA. Vetsulin is now available to US veterinarians and diabetic pet owners.

Golden Retriever

Vetsulin is an insulin zinc suspension, of porcine origin which means it is derived from pigs.

According to Merck, the amino acid structure in Vetsulin is identical to canine insulin which Merck representatives said minimizes the risk of potential adverse immune mediated disorders resulting from its use in dogs. Diabetes in cats, on the other hand is not thought to be an immune mediated disorder therefore the risk of developing auto-antibodies is negligent.

In 2009, the FDA issued alerts regarding a lack of stability in Vetsulin. Pet owners were advised to keep a close eye on their diabetic pets in case of an adverse reaction. Following this initial FDA Alert, thousands of diabetic dogs were rushed into emergency rooms all across the country, suffering from the consequences of this unstable Vetsulin.

Results included kidney failure, anemia, and blindness due to cataracts, neurological disorders and death.

There was also a multi million dollar Vetsulin Class Action Law Suit filed and settled out of court in which some of the financial burdens experienced by grieving pet owners were addressed.

Vetsulin

Since Vetsulin was officially taken off the market in 2011, diabetic dogs and cats have been doing quite well on human DNA derived insulin, available for example, at Wal-Mart for a fraction of the cost when compared to Vetsulin.

Adverse reactions experienced by diabetic dogs taking human insulin have yet to be documented or even reported, according to this veterinarian and author’s knowledge.

According to Merck, the number of diabetic pets is currently exploding and in dogs has tripled over the last 30 years.

Merck says the stability and sterility issues in Vetsulin issues have been fully addressed, and FDA approval has been obtained to reintroduce Vetsulin to the US pet market.

Vetsulin, referred to as Caninsulin in Canada and other countries outside of the United States, has been used to treat diabetic dogs and cats overseas for more than 20 years.

About Dr. Carol

Dr. Carol is a pet health researcher, a Board Certified Anti-Aging Pet Health Diplomat, a published author and a practicing, holistic veterinarian in Chagrin Falls, Ohio.

She welcomes new canine and feline patients.

Dr. Carol also offers pet health consultations and answers pet health questions and makes homemade pet diets by phone and e-mail for her online pet loving community.

Pet owners may contact Dr. Carol directly at her veterinary office toll free at 1-866-372-2765 to make an appointment for their dog(s) and/or cat(s) today.

Bookmark www.carolonpets.com for the latest pet health news, anti-aging tips and updates for your dogs and cats

 

Crippled Dog with Cancer Gets 2nd Chance at Life

Arthritis, Cancer, Dogs, PAAWS Success Stories, Pet News No Comments »

Hello Fellow Pet Lovers: I wanted to share this note I received from a grateful dog owner whose 15 year old pooch has several health issues ranging from dog arthritis to canine thyroid cancer, yet is doing remarkably well on natural pet supplements.

Hi Dr. Carol:Sonny

I’ve been wanting to write you for many years to tell you about our black lab, Sonny.  About 11 years ago, when Sonny was about 4 years old, one morning he couldn’t walk on his back legs.

He walked on his two front legs with his rear legs suspended in mid-air.  We took him to the vet and he took many x-rays and sent them to specialists.

The diagnosis was bad hip dysplasia plus many other orthopedic and spine problems.   The operations would cost us about $7000 with no guarantees.

A few days later, my husband saw the PAAWS ad on TV and asked me to call.  I ordered and started giving the PAAWS Vitamins to Sonny.  In two-three weeks he was walking on all fours and running around like a puppy.

Sonny had enjoyed good health all these years, but over 2 years ago, he was diagnosed with thyroid cancer.  Again, surgery/radiation/chemo charges were estimated at $7000.  The decision was easy…Sonny was 13 and we believed the treatment would kill him.  So, we continued with his PAAWS.

Over a year ago, my husband was using a railroad tie to prop up a new door installation.  The over 100 lb tie fell and landed on Sonny’s back.  Sonny lost control of his back legs and he was taken to the vet.  After x-rays, amazingly he had nothing broken…no bones or internal damage.

But, he couldn’t walk.  The vet thought he’d never walk again…after all, he was a 14 year old cancer victim.  My husband brought him home and we tenderly took care of him, giving him his PAAWS and my husband massaging and performing acupressure on him.

Two months later, Sonny proudly ran into the vet’s office and greeted everyone there as old friends.  The vet announced that “He is a miracle.”

The thyroid cancer is progressing and is slowly choking off his windpipe.  We know our time with him is short, but he has been our miracle.  He shows more heart and love of life than anyone we know, and he’s a hard act to follow for us.

Thank you for your products.  We know that PAAWS has been a major contribution to Sonny health…Sonny is 15 ½ years old now and we praise God for every day we’ve been blessed with his presence.

Thank you for your excellent advice and for making such a great product!

Jeremy & Victoria Mapes

Kearney, NE

About Dr. Carol

Dr. Carol is a pet health researcher, a Board Certified Anti-Aging Pet Health Diplomat, a published author and a practicing, holistic veterinarian in Chagrin Falls, Ohio.

She welcomes new canine and feline patients.

Dr. Carol also offers pet health consultations and answers pet health questions and makes homemade pet diets by phone and e-mail for her online pet loving community.

Pet owners may contact Dr. Carol directly at her veterinary office toll free at 1-866-372-2765 to make an appointment for their dog(s) and/or cat(s) today.

Bookmark www.carolonpets.com for the latest pet health news, anti-aging tips and updates for your dogs and cats

 

Dogs’ Born Blind Regain Vision

Ask Dr. Carol, Dogs, Pet News, The Eyes No Comments »

Dogs born blind from birth are now able to regain full vision, regardless of age.

Golden Retriever Pups

According to a recent publication in the Journal of Molecular Therapy, researchers at Michigan State University combined two therapies which reversed an inherited form of total color blindness in dogs, called Canine Achromatopsia.

Although the study focused on dogs this novel therapy may prove effective in helping people regain vision who also suffer with this form of hereditary color blindness.

According to veterinary ophthalmologist, Andras Komáromy, DVM, Gene therapy only works if the cells in the eye that process daylight and color are not totally degenerated.

Therefore they used a protein called CNTF to selectively destroy the eye’s light sensitive cells, which vets call photoreceptor cells.

At the proper dose, its similar to pruning flowers, the protein partially destroys the cells but at the same time it allows for new growth.

Gene therapy follows the protein injection and replaces the mutant gene associated with the dog’s blindness.

The results have been overwhelmingly successful. All seven dogs in the study regained full vision.

Golden Pup

Dr. Komáromy, an associate professor in Michigan States Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, was amazed at their success.

Although Achromatopsia is a somewhat rare condition, it’s a good model disease for other ocular disorders affecting the photoreceptor cells of the eye, which detect color.

These photoreceptor eye disorders, on the other hand do constitute a major cause of incurable blindness in dogs and humans.

Because of the tremendous success of this new blindness therapy, new treatment concepts are currently being investigated for Retinal Disorders causing blindness in pets and people.

About Dr. Carol

Dr. Carol is a pet health researcher, a Board Certified Anti-Aging Pet Health Diplomat, a published author and a practicing, holistic veterinarian in Chagrin Falls, Ohio.

She welcomes new canine and feline patients.

Dr. Carol also offers pet health consultations and answers pet health questions and makes homemade pet diets by phone and e-mail for her online pet loving community.

Pet owners may contact Dr. Carol directly at her veterinary office toll free at 1-866-372-2765 to make an appointment for their dog(s) and/or cat(s) today.

Bookmark www.carolonpets.com for the latest pet health news, anti-aging tips and updates for your dogs and cats

Natura Pet Foods Poisoning Pets: Recall Expands

Ask Dr. Carol, Cats, Dogs, Pet News, Pet Nutrition, Zoonotic Diseases No Comments »

Karma Pet Food Recall

Procter & Gamble (P&G) recently announced a voluntary recall of pet food products for dogs and cats after the Michigan Department of Agriculture detected Salmonella bacterial contamination in a bag of randomly tested pet food.

In fact, Salmonella was detected in a single package of EVO Turkey & Chicken Cat Food on March 15, 2013.

Late last Friday, P&G expanded its recall of Natura Pet Food Products for dogs and cats to include all products made at a Fremont, Nebraska production facility between January and March, 2013.

In addition, they announced that the Georgia Department of Agriculture confirmed the presence of Salmonella bacterial contamination in various other lots of their pet foods.

Pet food lines affected include California Natural, Innova, Evo, HealthWise and now Karma.

Natura Pet Food Recall Expands

A recent news release submitted by the FDA, confirmed, Salmonella was also discovered in other packages of EVO Turkey and Chicken Cat Food as well as in Innova Cat Treats.

It’s been a rough month for Procter & Gamble’s pet care division as initially a mold problem hurt the launch of their new Iams Shakeables pet product, then the Salmonella contamination issues followed.

These recent quality-control problems at Proctor and Gamble have arisen after years of declining sales for P&G’s pet care products. The fact is P&G still has not recovered financially from the Menu Pet Food Recall in 2007 in which Melamine contamination caused kidney failure and the subsequent death of thousands of innocent dogs and cats.

Despite the fact that no pet or human illnesses have been confirmed, taking precautionary measures is necessary to protect your pets and your family from Salmonella. Salmonella is a Zoonotic Disease which means it is easily transmissible to people and other pets.

Be sure to practice good hygiene by washing your hands well and sanitizing any and all surfaces the tainted pet food and it packaging may have contacted.

California Natural Recalled

Signs of Salmonella in dogs and cats include vomiting and diarrhea with or without blood, lethargy, appetite loss and fevers.

In humans, additional symptoms may include arthritis, Endocarditis, eye issues and urinary tract infections.

Pet owners who suspect their dog and/or cat may have been exposed should contact their veterinarian. Individuals who may have become sickened should contact their primary health care provider.

Pet owners who have purchased the tainted pet food should carefully discard the tainted food.

Natura representatives are available by phone Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5:30PM CST. Pet owners interested in replacing the tainted pet foods may contact Natura directly by calling 1-800-224-6123.

It is noteworthy to mention the fact that despite P&G’s struggle to recover from the Menu Pet Food Recall in 2007, this is the third pet product-quality issue Procter and Gamble’s pet care division has experienced in the last two weeks since March 18, 2013.

This veterinarian questions the true aggressiveness of P&G’s quality control when it comes to their pet care division products. P&G offers pet food products for dogs and cats which are sold not only worldwide but also at major USA retailers and in veterinary offices.

Pet owners who wish to file a pet food complaint may do so online at FDA.gov/petfoodcomplaints.

Because the list of recalled pet foods and pet treats is so extensive, exact product codes and lot numbers of P&G’s recalled pet food products are available online at Natura dot com or at the Food and Drug Administrations pet food recalls section.

About Dr. Carol

Dr. Carol is a pet health researcher, a Board Certified Anti-Aging Pet Health Diplomat, a published author and a practicing, holistic veterinarian in Chagrin Falls, Ohio.

She welcomes new canine and feline patients.

Dr. Carol also offers pet health consultations and answers pet health questions and makes homemade pet diets by phone and e-mail for her online pet loving community.

Pet owners may contact Dr. Carol directly at her veterinary office toll free at 1-866-372-2765 to make an appointment for their dog(s) and/or cat(s) today.

Bookmark www.carolonpets.com for the latest pet health news, anti-aging tips and updates for your dogs and cats

How to Home Groom Your Dog Like a Pro!

Ask Dr. Carol, Dogs, Skin & Hair No Comments »

Poodle Groomed like a Pro

Sprucing up your canines skin and hair-coat makes your dog feel good and helps to keep your dog’s skin and hair coat healthy.

In addition dog grooming helps to eliminates mats and tangles so your dog’s hair coat will insulate and protect him or her from the cold weather and gives pet owners a chance to check for canine lumps and bumps.

Canine coat shedding is a natural process that usually occurs each spring and fall.  Indoor lighting and heating, as well as seasonal temperature variations all affect your dog’s shedding.

Although most healthy dogs shed twice a year, some breeds, like Pekingese, Collies and Great Pyrenees, shed all year-round.

Dog Grooming

Canine skin disorders, dietary imbalances, and hormonal fluctuations all affect dog hair growth and shedding cycles.

DOG HAIR COAT TYPES 

How often your dog needs to be bathed and groomed will vary depending on your dogs breed, his or her hair coat length and your dog’s lifestyle.

Canine breeds that shed year round, like the Pekingese and Collie, need to be brushed regularly and groomed every 4 to 8 weeks to properly maintain their hair coats.

Dog breeds with fancy haircuts, like Poodles and Cocker Spaniels, require hair coat care at four to six week intervals.  Poodles shed but their hair does not come out until it is brushed.

Maltese and Yorkshire Terriers need hair coat attention every couple of weeks just to keep their long, silky canine coats tangle-free.

Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds and other dog breeds with relatively short coats need a good bath and brush out at least 4-6 times a year.

Regardless of the breed, the dog bath is the single most important factor in dog grooming.

FACT: The more hair your dog has, the more coat care is needed.

FACT: A leash prevents excess wandering and makes dog grooming safer and easier for you and your dog. Dog leashes allowing 12 to 18 inches of slack lets dogs move around a little but not too much.

Dr. Carol’s TIP: For long-coated dog breeds make a “canine poop shoot” by trimming excess hair from beneath the anal area under your dogs tail. This promotes cleanliness and helps prevent several canine health problems, especially with those involving parasites and flies for dogs living in warm, humid climates.

Dog Bath

Flies lay eggs in soiled dog fur which hatch into larvae called maggots.  Maggots live on flesh, including your dogs’ and can cause life threatening, systemic canine infections.  English Sheepdogs, Collies and Shelties are at high risk.

TIP: Using a table, rather the floor makes dog grooming easier. A rubber mat placed on your grooming table provides your dog with secure footing so he or she doesn’t worry about slipping and/or falling.

Dr.Carol’s Dog Eye Stain Remover Home Remedy: 

Mix 2 tablespoons of Boric Acid into 1 cup of luke warm water. Dip a cotton ball into the mixture to moisten it. Use the damp cotton ball to gently wipe your dog’s eye stains.

Dog Owners Home Hair Care Grooming Guide:

Use pet shampoo and conditioners that are specifically designed for dogs.  Your veterinarian will recommend pet products that are best suited for your dog’s skin and hair coat.

Proper pet grooming equipment also makes your job easier.  A slicker brush, along with a metal comb, a pin brush, and a bristle brush work well for most dog breeds initially.

Before bathing, brush out your dog’s hair coat and remove as many mats and tangles as possible.  Mats are twice as hard to get out once they get wet.

Lubricate your dog’s eyes with artificial tears, or put a couple drops of Vitamin E oil, or Eye Restore in each eye. Cotton balls work well to keep water and shampoo out of your dog’s ears.

Shampoo twice and rinse well.  Leaving the second set of suds on your dog for five to ten minutes lets you get the most residual action from medicated shampoos.

Use canine coat conditioners sparingly then be sure to give your dog’s hair coat a final rinse.

Your dog may or may not tolerate being blow dried.  In either case, keep dogs indoors until they are dry.  Then brush out your dog’s hair coat.

Brushing your dog’s fur backwards helps to remove excess undercoat.  Check for mats between your dog’s toes and footpads, be sure the toenails aren’t too long, and wipe out your dog’s ears.

MYTH: Bathing dogs more than ever few months dries out their skin and hair coat.

TIP: Proper grooming tools are essential to maintain your dog’s coat.

About Dr. Carol

Dr. Carol is a pet health researcher, a Board Certified Anti-Aging Pet Health Diplomat, a published author and a practicing, holistic veterinarian in Chagrin Falls, Ohio.

She welcomes new canine and feline patients.

Dr. Carol also offers pet health consultations and answers pet health questions and makes homemade pet diets by phone and e-mail for her online pet loving community.

Pet owners may contact Dr. Carol directly at her veterinary office toll free at 1-866-372-2765 to make an appointment for their dog(s) and/or cat(s) today.

Bookmark www.carolonpets.com for the latest pet health news, anti-aging tips and updates for your dogs and cats

Patented Pet Product Restores Old Dog’s Health

Dogs, General Health, PAAWS Success Stories No Comments »

Dear Fellow Pet Lovers, I wanted to share a nice note I received from a client who’s dog named Brutus is doing quite well.

Hello Dr. Carol,

I am pleased to report the 11.5 year old male miniature dachshund I ordered the Paaws Vitamins for, Brutus, is doing quite well.  I can definitely see an increase in his energy, in fact now he even runs when we take him for routine walks.

Brutus

I will continue to monitor his eyes, as they slightly less green in color, but clearer than before I started administrating your paaws vitamins.

He is still rather stocky at 12 pounds, but now that he up and moving, I think he will slim down again.

Otherwise he looks almost as good as he did when he was a puppy!

Thank you for making such a great product!!

Paul Greenberg, Boston MA.

About Dr. Carol

Dr. Carol is a pet health researcher, a Board Certified Anti-Aging Pet Health Diplomat, a published author and a practicing, holistic veterinarian in Chagrin Falls, Ohio.

She welcomes new canine and feline patients.

Dr. Carol also offers pet health consultations and answers pet health questions and makes homemade pet diets by phone and e-mail for her online pet loving community.

Pet owners may contact Dr. Carol directly at her veterinary office toll free at 1-866-372-2765 to make an appointment for their dog(s) and/or cat(s) today.

Bookmark www.carolonpets.com for the latest pet health news, anti-aging tips and updates for your dogs and cats

How to Detect and Manage Cat Lice

Ask Dr. Carol, Avoiding Disease, Cats, Skin & Hair No Comments »

Cats & Lice

Cat Lice are tiny, six-legged parasites that feed on blood and can cause anemia. Weak, run-down kittens are the most susceptible to feline lice.

Tiny white spots, called nits are visible to your eye and are located in your cats fur. These are the cat lice egg casings, visible in the photo below.   Lice egg casings in cat fur

Feline lice spend their entire life on your cat and are not transferable to other pets or people.

They do not infest your home and are a problem primarily in the cooler winter months. Feline lice can cause blood loss which in young kittens can result in anemia.

In the United States, lice on kittens and puppies are rare although head lice on school children are quite common.

SIGNS OF CAT LICE

Itching
White nits in hair
Anemia (pale-whitish gum color in a weak kitten)

Cat Bath helps to remove  Lice

WHAT YOU and YOUR VET CAN DO for CAT LICE

  • Once cat lice have been confirmed, the treatment for feline lice is relatively straightforward and is similar to that for fleas. Most products that kill fleas also kill lice.

Bathe your cat with d-limolene or a pyrethrin-based shampoo. This kills adult lice but not eggs, so repeat the baths weekly until all the eggs are gone. Leave the suds on for 5-10 minutes, then rinse well.

Pyrethrin dips are also effective for lice.

Chrysanthemums contain pyrethrins which are effective for lice and fleas. These are available commercially as dips which are sponged on after bathing and allowed to air dry.

Improve the general health of your kitten. Enhance the diet by adding a natural pet comprehensive vitamin-mineral supplement rich in B-Vitamins which will help to combat anemia by promoting red blood cell production.

Cat Louse Magnified

COMPLEMENTARY CAT LICE THERAPY

Itching from mites and cat lice which are magnified and may be seen in photo on the left can be controlled with

Vitamin C supplementation – 250 milligrams of powder 3 times daily added to meals.

Vitamin E – 400 IU (international units) per week added to meals.

HERBAL CAT FLEA REMEDIES

Citrus fruits like lemons contain d-limolene which act as a repellent for lice and fleas and mites.

About Dr. Carol

Dr. Carol is a pet health researcher, a Board Certified Anti-Aging Pet Health Diplomat, a published author and a practicing, holistic veterinarian in Chagrin Falls, Ohio.

She welcomes new canine and feline patients.

Dr. Carol also offers pet health consultations and answers pet health questions and makes homemade pet diets by phone and e-mail for her online pet loving community.

Pet owners may contact Dr. Carol directly at her veterinary office toll free at 1-866-372-2765 to make an appointment for their dog(s) and/or cat(s) today.

Bookmark www.carolonpets.com for the latest pet health news, anti-aging tips and updates for your dogs and cats

 
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