The first step in maintaining skin health is to have a practitioner rule out infections or hormonal imbalances. This includes simple skin scrapings, possible fungal cultures, and blood tests. The next crucial step is to ensure good flea control. There are many effective natural flea repellents available. Diatomaceous earth powders work by drying up the eggs and larva, and essential oils repel the fleas. These products are safe and can be used several times per week depending on the potency. All animals have an itchy local reaction when bitten by a flea. However, a flea-allergic animal will have a generalized allergic reaction to just one fleabite, which can be quite severe.

Food allergies are common and can cause itchy skin, frequent ear and skin infections, hair loss, and gastrointestinal irregularities. These signs are non-seasonal and often due to just one ingredient. Many foods contain unnecessary ingredients that are fillers and may also lack beneficial nutrition. For example; grains will cause inflammation, processed foods will be deficient in enzymes and antioxidants resulting in poor immune function, and low-quality protein sources cannot be fully digested and assimilated. The first step in ruling out food allergies is to switch to a novel protein source that the dog has not been introduced to before, e.g., buffalo or duck, which are new protein sources for many animals. Ensure that the diet is organic, highly digestible, contains no grains or preservatives, and includes necessary enzymes and other supplements. A raw food diet is an ideal trial food when suspecting food allergies.

One of the most common allergic disorders is called atopic dermatitis, which is summarized as an allergy to the environment. Typical environmental allergens for animals may include mold, flea saliva, house dust mites, and pollens from grasses, weeds, and trees. When a dog comes into contact with these allergens, the response of the bodys immune system is to create specific antibodies called IgE and IgG. IgE antibodies are involved in the most common type of allergic reactions for animals. The antibodies attach to cells called mast cells. When there is continued exposure to an allergen, the mast cells release histamine. This causes the allergic inflammation that we are all so familiar with, resulting in itching and scratching.

The first step in treating atopy is to switch foods as mentioned above to reduce any additional inflammatory triggers in the body. General treatments used are antihistamine products like Benadryl and Atarax. These types of medications may slightly alter the behavior of animals, making them sleepy. Used infrequently and in moderation, antihistamines can be effective. Steroid use is discouraged due to the adverse side effects when used long term, including organ damage and immune suppression, which could worsen any concurrent infection or parasitic infestation. However, occasionally steroids can be beneficial in small doses when used short term to break a severe itchy cycle. In severe cases, patients can consult a dermatologist for hypersensitivity testing to diagnose exactly what their pets are allergic to.

Natural treatments abound for allergic pets, including both oral and topical remedies. There are herbs, vitamins, homeopathic remedies, shampoos, enzymes, and essential oils that have anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties. The following list includes many of the ingredients that are used frequently for allergic pets. Please consult a veterinarian who has the experience using these natural supplements, as good results are dose dependent.

Fish oils rich in omega-3s: These essential fatty acids are more easily assimilated in the body than oils coming from plant-derived forms.
Antioxidants: Vitamins E, C, and A, selenium, and grape seed extractare all important for maintaining healthy skin cells.
Herbs: Astragalus, hawthorn, nettle extract, Rehmannia, and burdock can improve circulation, reduce dampness from skin, and reduce inflammation.
Plant derivatives: Vinegar is a natural antifungal. Quercetin and MSM are anti-inflammatory. Aloe vera (topically) is anti-inflammatory and has strong soothing properties. Oatmeal (topically) is soothing.
Essential Oils: Lavender oil is anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antibacterial, and has a soothing effect on skin. Tea tree oil is a strong antifungal and antibacterial making it an excellent cleanser. Oils are extremely effective when used properly; however, use cautiously as they are very potent.

With the correct combination of diet change, supplements, and topical treatments, your beloved itchy canine can lead a much more comfortable life.

Dr. Annette Richmond is a doctor of veterinary medicine, earning her degree from UC Davis in 1997. Dr. Richmond uses many natural remedies on a daily basis in her practice, including: Chinese and western herbs, acupuncture, laser, dietary changes, nutraceutical supplements, essential oils, and flower essences. Natural Veterinary Therapy carries many supplements for treating skin disorders as well as natural flea remedies, shampoos, and essential oils. Natural Veterinary Therapy is located at 510 Lighthouse Avenue in downtown Pacific Grove and can be reached at 831-655-0501 or www.naturalveterinarytherapy.com.

Keeping our aging pets strong and healthy into their golden years takes a little extra thought and effort as we support their bodies to fight the physical aging process and their susceptibility to certain disorders. This is similar to the extra effort we must make for our own human bodies; taking into consideration nutrition, weight management, exercise, physical therapy, and specific lifestyle changes. The best perspective is to visualize our pets as youthful and healthy and not make them prematurely old by treating them as such.
The most important category to extend youth is nutrition. Ideally, animals are being fed excellent-quality food throughout their entire lives. Older dogs require a high-protein diet just as they did in their youth. It is a myth that older dogs require less protein, or that it can damage their kidneys. Protein for dogs should come from meat and not vegetables, because high-quality animal proteins provide superior amino acid balances compared to that found in grain proteins. Too many grains can cause an inflammatory process, which aggravates disorders like skin allergies, ear infections, intestinal disorders, and arthritis. Many packaged animal foods found on the shelves of general supermarkets contain unnecessary and sometimes damaging grain proteins. The following grains are common: corn, wheat, barley, and rye. As many households still feed these types of diets, it is fortunate that they also feed their dogs some meat from the table. In many instances these table scraps are the more nutritious portion of their diet. The ideal diet contains large amounts of highly digestible protein and no grains; this can come in a bag, be cooked at home, or bought as a raw diet. It is important to consult an expert in nutrition to receive advice about changing diets.

Supplements can be added to the diet to help prevent or combat certain disorders. Milk thistle has been used in human and veterinary medicine to help regenerate liver cells and protect the liver from further toxic events. There are many supplements to support the heart, including; COQ10, taurine, and carnitine. If an animal has had surgery on a joint or has arthritic changes, then glucosamine and chondroitin can give the body the building blocks to promote healthier joints. Cancer-fighting supplements include certain mushrooms, burdock root, and antioxidants. Anti-inflammatories such as fish oils, bromelain, and MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) can reduce pain and allow animals to exercise more. Natural supplements as these can greatly improve the quality of life and comfort of our beloved pets without the risk of adverse reactions.
Maintaining a healthy weight for our beloved pets is based on two important factors; nutrition and exercise. A diet with grains means more carbohydrates, which leads to more fat storage. A high-protein diets is better because it helps prevent weight gain as it does in humans. Keeping older dogs at an ideal weight is critical as this decreases the impact on all the joints. This is especially important if there is joint disease like arthritis, elbow or hip dysplasia, or other degenerative processes. It can be more difficult for older pets to lose weight as their metabolism slows down and if they are less active. Keeping our pets active will maintain strong and flexible muscles, strong bones, and supple tendons. The ideal exercise is regular in frequency with low-impact activities, resulting in good range of motion of joints and improving caradiovascular condition. Instead of sprinting through an agility course, an older dog would benefit from a long, slow walk along the soft sand, stretching legs over low obstacles, and swimming in the ocean or a pond. Thinking they need less exercise and turning them into old couch potatoes will only hasten the aging process.

Along with exercise, caretakers can assist their beloved pets by scheduling appointments for physical rehabilitation-type therapies. Water therapy, either swimming or walking in an underwater treadmill, can alleviate pain from sore joints via the buoyancy effect of the water. This allows arthritic animals to exercise comfortably and improve their range of motion and gain muscle mass, as well as keep their heart and lungs strong. Acupuncture and chiropractic adjustments can help decrease inflammation or pain in joints and muscles, and can assist animals suffering from neurologic problems. Massage can release sore and tight muscles, allowing sore and stiff animals to walk more easily. All of these modalities together can greatly improve the strength and mobility of an older animal.

Changes in the home can also help older pets. For example, ramps to assist dogs up stairs and into the car, small steps to help them jump onto furniture, and raised food bowls to help animals with painful backs or necks. Orthopedic beds with a temperature control can alleviate sore joints and muscles, and non-slip floors can greatly assist dogs who are weak or in pain.
The longer we treat our animals as youthful, the longer we will have them healthy, far into their golden years.

Dr. Annette Richmond is a doctor of veterinary medicine, earning her degree from UC Davis in 1997. Dr. Richmond uses many natural remedies on a daily basis in her practice, including: Chinese and western herbs, acupuncture, laser, dietary changes, nutraceutical supplements, essential oils, and flower essences. Natural Veterinary Therapy is located at 510 Lighthouse Avenue in downtown Pacific Grove and can be reached at 831-655-0501 or www.naturalveterinarytherapy.com.

Acupuncture has been used to help people and animals for more than 3000 years. It is effective for many different physical and emotional disorders. For example, musculoskeletal problems (like arthritis), neurologic deficits (paralysis), metabolic and hormonal imbalances, allergies and allergic reactions, intestinal problems, and even generalized anxiety and separation issues are a few of the disorders for which acupuncture is used. Acupuncture is a safe method of treatment and complements most Western medical treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, pain medication, and antibiotic use. And because of its safety profile, it is an excellent adjunct treatment for most ailments. However, it is important that the acupuncture is done by a certified veterinary acupuncturist who can diagnose and treat the animal properly.

Probably the most widely recognized benefit of acupuncture is its pain relieving qualities and its anti-inflammatory effects. These effects are very strong and documented in literature. In humans, acupuncture has been used as a substitute for anesthesia during dental surgery, and for pain relief during child birth. During an acupuncture treatment, the bodys natural pain killers, beta endorphins and beta encephalin, and its natural steroids, cortisol, are released. This combination has a profound effect on animals who suffer with arthritis of the neck, back, hips, and legs; hip and elbow dysplasia, strained muscles (like those of agility dogs), disc disease, neurologic deficits (including paralysis and weakness), and many other musculoskeletal disorders. Acupuncture also can reduce the discomfort and inflammation before and after orthopedic surgeries that involve ruptured ligaments or fractured bones. Acupuncture treatments can strengthen the animal before surgery, and acupuncture can increase the speed and the quality of recovery after surgery.

Neurologic deficits or neuropathies respond extremely well to acupuncture. Animals with paralysis or nerve deficits from an injury, animals with intervertebral disc disease, and animals that have undergone spinal surgery have been treated with acupuncture and have had amazing results. Animals with these disorders that could not walk are then able to go for daily walks again, leap up into their owners laps, and climb back up onto their favorite place on the couch without pain and discomfort. It is one of the few treatment modalities that actually helps nerves regenerate.

Acupuncture works to strengthen the immune system in several different ways. It enhances the level of white blood cellsspecifically, natural killer cells that rid the body of invading infections. Acupuncture also regulates the level of antibodies and increases blood circulation, both of which have a role in supporting the immune system. Acupuncture is therefore an excellent addition to any immune strengthening regimen for animals with acute or chronic infections.

Acupuncture also works on the body on an energetic level. The Eastern concept of Qi (pronounced chee) is called the life energy. Acupuncture strengthens and balances Qi. This balancing of life energy helps animals feel grounded and can reduce their anxiety. Animals who have experienced trauma in their pastfor example, animals that have experienced abuse and neglect can often overcome their anxiety. Stimulating an animals Qi improves its emotional health, which in turn affects its physical well being. Supporting the Qi in an older animal can increase vitality, resulting in a better appetite, increased physical activity, and increased sociability with other animals and people.

Other treatment modalities used along with acupuncture are electrostimulation and laser therapy. Electrostimulation is a gentle electric current that is attached to the needles to give a specific area of muscle a mild massage. The effect of the stimulation reduces muscle spasm, decreases pain in strained muscles, and helps nerves regenerate. Laser therapy is a light wave that penetrates the soft tissue to reduce inflammation and improve circulation. This is beneficial for wounds that are not healing well, and can speed the recovery of musculoskeletal disorders in athletic or competitive animals. Both these modalities complement acupuncture to give a more complete and effective treatment.

Dr. Annette Richmond is a doctor of veterinary medicine. She earned her degree from UC Davis in 1997. She is also a certified veterinary acupuncturist, trained through the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society, and is currently becoming a certified canine rehabilitation therapist through the Canine Rehabilitation Institute. After 10 years of practicing in a traditional veterinary hospital where she integrated acupuncture and other natural treatments, she opened Natural Veterinary Therapy in Pacific Grove in 2007. She treats most common ailments by integrating traditional and natural medicine. She uses acupuncture, naturopathic medicines, natural supplements, wholesome foods, and physical therapy. Natural Veterinary Therapy has the only underwater treadmill for small animals on the Monterey Peninsula. Natural Veterinary Therapy is located at 510 Lighthouse Avenue in Pacific Grove. Dr. Richmond can be contacted at (831) 655-0501. www.naturalveterinarytherapy.com.

Keeping our animals in good physical condition, and at their ideal body weight, is a lifelong challenge. Many dogs are overweight and poorly conditioned owing either to illness or lack of awareness by their caretakers. Overweight animals are predisposed to musculoskeletal disorders that include joint and disk problems, heart problems, and respiratory difficulties. Proper nutrition and plenty of physical exercise are the two key components to good health and appropriate body weight. Maintaining our pets at their ideal body weight will allow them to live longer, healthier, and happier lives.

If a pet is overweight, the first thing to do is rule out a metabolic disorder that may be caused by an illness. A visit to a veterinarian for a full physical examination and complete blood analysis is recommended. If there are no abnormalities with this analysis, the veterinarian can recommend the appropriate type and quantity of food and create a tailored exercise program.

Good nutrition is the most important factor in keeping an animal healthy and maintaining proper body weight. However, good nutrition is often overlooked by the food preparer. Our society is persuaded by the marketing of pet foods, which ensures they are good quality and appropriate for our pets when in fact, many pet foods contain poor nutrition. Many dog foods are too low in protein and too high in simple carbohydrates. Excessive carbohydrates come from grains in the food, which are unnecessary, and promote weight gain and other disorders just as they do in people. Many pet foods even contain dangerous preservatives. Unfortunately, many veterinarians promote these foods without understanding the adverse effects the foods may have, so it is crucial to choose a veterinarian who promotes high-quality diets.

High-quality diets do not always come in a bag though. Homemade diets can be either raw or cooked, but should be formulated carefully with the help of an expert. There are many prepackaged and frozen foods that are also excellent choices. Small, privately owned pet food stores that sell these types of high-quality foods and also carry frozen diets are a knowledgeable resource for guardians choosing to improve their pets nutrition.

The quantity of food is just as important as the quality, and so it is imperative that animals are not overfed each day. The daily caloric intake of pets can be carefully calculated using an official formula taking into account breed, activity level, and metabolic rate. A veterinarian can help caretakers calculate this amount. Occasionally, it can be as simple as decreasing the amount currently fed. Also, dog treats should be real foodnot junk foodwhich is counted as part of the days total calories. High-quality treats can be purchased or created at home with meats, vegetables, or fruits. It is also imperative for all people in the household to abide by the feeding rules, which ensure that regulated amounts of food and treats are being given.

Exercise is the next step for keeping weight off our animals. If a pet is severely overweight, or hasnt exercised regularly, then an exercise program should be custom tailored by a veterinarian to ensure they are healthy enough to decrease the likelihood of injury. In general, dogs need to walk, run, jump, and swim much more than they presently do. Just think of the free, roaming, farm dog, and youll have a good vision of what appropriate daily exercise should be.

How can we tell if our animals are overweight? There are some simple guidelines for pet guardians to follow. First of all, a guardian should be able to feel the ribs when applying moderate pressure across the rib cage. This indicates that the layer of fat between the ribs and the skin is not too thick. Pinching the entire thickness of skin that lies across the rib cage is a clear indication of how much subcutaneous fat is present. Dogs should have a waistline that is visible when looking directly down at their backs from above. The waist is an indentation, directly behind the rib cage, revealing a wider rib cage and a slimmer torso.

Read the label on the food bag. Feel your dogs ribs. Take them for a long walk. And you will be a more-informed caretaker, on your way to keeping your dog more healthy and fit.

Dr. Annette Richmond is a doctor of veterinary medicine, earning her degree from UC Davis in 1997. She is also a certified veterinary acupuncturist, and is currently being certified as a canine rehabilitation practitioner. She opened Natural Veterinary Therapy in 2007. Natural Veterinary Therapy is located at 510 Lighthouse Avenue in Pacific Grove. Let us help your animal heal from within. Call 655-0501 or visit www.naturalveterinarytherapy.com.

Spring 2009

Wellness

Benefits of Hydrotherapy

by Dr. Annette Richmond, DVM, CVA

Owing to the success documented in human physical therapy, hydrotherapy has been integrated into veterinary medicine for more than 100 years. The earliest patients were horses, as these were highly valued animals and needed to maintain peak physical condition and have an expeditious recovery after injury.
Next, the veterinary profession integrated hydrotherapy into practice to include canine patients (and occasionally cats). Today, hydrotherapy has become one of the most important modalities within the quickly expanding and highly specialized field of canine rehabilitation. Veterinarians, registered veterinary technicians, and human physical therapists can complete a certification program to become a certified canine rehabilitation practitioner. These practitioners then go into the field to help animals with many neurologic or musculoskeletal disorders.

Dr. Richmond in underwater treadmill with "Pumper".

Hydrotherapy uses an underwater treadmill, a swimming pool, or a whirlpool. In either case, the animal is supervised in the water at all times. Frequently, animals (especially cats and small dogs) will wear a life vest specifically designed for this activity, especially if they are neurologically or physically challenged. Normally, a ramp or a lift is available to help pets in and out of the water, which helps reduce any anxiety they may have entering the water. An underwater treadmill has a set of jets that increase resistance against the animal, different speeds at which the treadmill belt can rotate, and the treadmill belt can be set on an incline to increase the difficulty of the exercise. Frequently a patient will benefit from using all three types of water modalities; the underwater treadmill, the whirlpool, and the swimming pool. Although each type of hydrotherapy has its own specific therapeutic effects, there are many benefits that all hydrotherapy treatments give a patient.

Hydrotherapy exercise improves muscular strength and endurance, cardiorespiratory endurance, and range of motion. Hydrotherapy also re-educates muscles, stimulates new nerve pathways, and improves psychological well-being. Postoperative patients can quickly return to exercise after surgery using hydrotherapy in their postoperative period. Animals treated with hydrotherapy gain these benefits without having to endure the pain they normally would feel were they not supported by the warm water.
The benefits of hydrotherapy are due to many different effects that water has on the body. First, the warm temperature of the water relaxes muscles, decreases pain, reduces muscle spasm, increases circulation, and increases the range of motion of the limbs. Hydrotherapy units and therapeutic swimming pools are generally kept between 85 and 93 degrees Fahrenheit. Animals that are not very mobile with severe conditions are treated in warmer water, and animals that are stronger and exerting themselves more, must be in slightly cooler water to avoid overheating.

Second, the buoyancy of the water greatly reduces the impact on the joints and provides assistance to animals with poor balance and coordination due to neurologic or musculoskeletal disorders. Animals with partial paralysis are more willing to walk in the water than on land owing to this buoyancy. In an underwater treadmill, if the water is at the height of the hip joint, the weight bearing of an animal is only 38% of their total body weight. In a swimming pool, there is even less impact on their joints (which is ideal for animals experiencing severe joint pain). These modalities allow animals to continue to exercise and strengthen their muscles despite painful or fragile postoperative joints.

Becky Lewis, CCRP in pool.

Third, the hydrostatic pressure of the water reduces swelling by creating pressure in all directions to the body and limbs under water. This prevents body fluids from pooling in the lower extremities. The hydrostatic pressure also helps reduce the patients pain perception, allowing them to exercise more comfortably.

Fourth, the resistance of water is 60 times that of air. During exercise, this resistance provides an excellent environment for muscle strengthening and improved cardiovascular conditioning. Whether exercising slowly or quickly, the resistance will have a beneficial effect on the body. In the underwater treadmill, the jets can be turned on to add turbulence, which increases the resistance even more.

Disorders that benefit greatly from hydrotherapy include arthritis, postoperative fracture repair, postoperative joint repair, neurologic disorders (eg, paralysis or weakness from an impinged nerve), weakness due to muscle atrophy, soft tissue injuries, and overweight animals. Using hydrotherapy, pets can also gain strength and prevent muscle atrophy before neurologic or orthopedic surgery. Even healthy competitive animals can benefit from hydrotherapy by strengthening muscles and conditioning the cardiovascular system.
Hydrotherapy has many full-body benefits for many disorders and is beneficial for both acute and chronic conditions. After a full examination, a treatment protocol should be designed by a physical rehabilitator in conjunction with the supervising veterinarian to maximize the benefits of the hydrotherapy treatments.

Click Here for a list of resources for hydrotherapy.

Dr. Annette Richmond is a doctor of veterinary medicine. She earned her degree from UC Davis in 1997. She is also a certified veterinary acupuncturist, trained through the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society, and is currently becoming a certified canine rehabilitation therapist through the Canine Rehabilitation Institute. After 10 years of practicing in a traditional veterinary hospital where she integrated acupuncture and other natural treatments, she opened Natural Veterinary Therapy in Pacific Grove in 2007. She treats most common ailments by integrating traditional and natural medicine. She uses acupuncture, naturopathic medicines, natural supplements, wholesome foods, and physical therapy. Natural Veterinary Therapy has the only underwater treadmill for small animals on the Monterey Peninsula. Natural Veterinary Therapy is located at 510 Lighthouse Avenue in Pacific Grove. Dr. Richmond can be contacted at (831) 655-0501.