powerpaws.com Community for nutrtion & information on animal companions    FAQ   Search   Usergroups   Register   Profile   Log in to check your private messages   Log in  The time now is Fri Jul 30, 2010 7:47 am powerpaws.com Forum Index View unanswered posts  Forum   Topics   Posts   Last Post  Power Paws Discussions   Animal Nutrition     18 19 Mon Feb 08, 2010 1:38 pm Admin Animal Communication Workshops Participants talking with each other     6 10 Tue Jul 14, 2009 11:46 am Admin Lost Animals   Working with Lost animals     9 10 Thu Jan 14, 2010 1:55 pm Admin Animal Health Issues   Vaccines and health     2 2 Fri Feb 19, 2010 3:03 pm Admin Recommendations for treating ulcers from Dr. Mary Traverse KAM Animal Services is an equine nutritional company started by a vet and a naturopath. They have developed a high-quality line of alternatives for conventional (medication-based) treatments for common horse ailments, including insulin resistance, lameness (laminitis etc), allergies, ulcers, colic, arthritis, hormone problems, etc. The products are pricey but generally less than the medications that would be prescribed. (Ulcer treatment runs close to a thousand dollars for Ulcer Guard, I think, and about $500 for KAM. My vet said she has never had a failure to heal ulcers using KAM---it's as close to guaranteed as you can get.) And of course you have no medication side-effects with the KAM products. They are nutritionals, herbals, and probiotics. The two formulas that are great for ulcers are K.L.P.P. , which restores proper stomach pH and digestive efficiency (also reported to be great for colic, as a first aid treatment), and UF Formula, which is "Bioactive immunoglobulins and prebiotic factors for the support of horses who are ulcer prone, have ulcers, or suffer from poor digestion". It is recommended that you give these anytime your horse is under stress---moving, pasture change, going to a show, etc.     0 0 No Posts Dangerous Nightshades in Pastures Last week I worked with a mare that had undergone a dramatic personality change from cooperative and docile to anxious and aggressive. When I did a body scan I felt her heart racing and palpitating wildly. She "showed" me a plant she was eating and she mentioned the word "nicotine" and I realized she had been getting into a nightshade plant. Ordinarily horses will avoid eating this poisonous plant but this mare's pasture had been over-grazed and the nightshade was the only thing growing. Her person visited the pasture after the consultation and called me later to confirm that the place was covered in nightshade. The owner also said that a 7 year old horse had recently died of a heart attack in the pasture! If you aren't familiar with nightshades, pictures can be found on the internet. They're blooming right now and produce pale while flowers that resemble morning glory blossoms.     0 0 No Posts Animals can be infected by us! Cats and Dogs that live with us can pick up our sicknesses. I've noticed this in my practice and my vet has confirmed that she sees this phenomena also. Here is an article from the New York times on the subject. Well - Tara Parker-Pope on Health November 5, 2009, 2:37 pm The Cat Who Got Swine Flu By TARA PARKER-POPE Derek Speirs for The New York Times House cats like these appear to be vulnerable to catching flu from humans. A few days after two members of an Ames, Iowa, family came down with the flu, they noticed their 13-year-old cat wasn’t feeling too well either. The cat has since become the first documented case of a feline with the new H1N1 virus, commonly called swine flu. The unusual case has riveted pet owners and health officials. Companion animals have been known to contract flu from other species — canine influenza (H3N8) originated in horses, and cats contract avian influenza (H5N1) from eating birds. But this appears to be the first time a cat has contracted influenza from a human. Two pet ferrets, one in Oregon and one in Nebraska, have also tested positive for H1N1, and the virus has also been transmitted between humans and pigs. The cat was treated at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University by veterinarians Dr. Brett A. Sponseller and Dr. Albert Jergens. Although the family has asked not to be identified, Drs. Sponseller and Jergens have disclosed additional details about the case. The cat, a 16-pound orange tabby, began acting lethargic and lost his appetite on Oct. 27. He is the only pet in the house and never goes outside. The cat, described as “large framed but not chubby,” stopped eating and drinking and stopped cleaning himself. He also rested by hunching on all four feet, rather than sprawling out on his side as usual, a sign of respiratory discomfort. A few days earlier, two out of three family members in the home had developed flu-like symptoms, with fever and body aches. The worried pet owner called Dr. Sponseller, a specialist in large animal internal medicine and molecular virology, who happened to be a family friend. At the time, neither Dr. Sponseller nor the pet owner suspected the flu — because the cat had vomited, they wondered whether he might have a gastrointestinal problem. The next day, the cat arrived at the veterinary school, where he was seen by Dr. Jergens, a small animal specialist and immunologist. Upon examination, it appeared the cat had a respiratory condition, so Dr. Jergens performed a bronchial lavage, injecting fluid in and out of the lungs to collect cells to determine what was making the animal sick. “It didn’t reveal anything that was consistent with what we typically see with pneumonia in a cat,” Dr. Sponseller said. Although cats can contract flu from birds, this cat never left the house and was never exposed to any other pet. At that point, it occurred to the veterinarians that since the family members had been recently ill, they might be seeing a case of flu transmitted from human to cat. The school is the site of a major diagnostic lab, so the veterinarians were able to test the cat and quickly confirm he had H1N1, a finding that was later confirmed by additional testing by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Additional testing is being conducted to confirm that the family members had H1N1 and to try to verify that the flu was transmitted from human to cat. However, the circumstantial evidence is strong that the cat was infected by its owners and not the other way around. “This cat does not go outside,” Dr. Sponseller said. “Whatever came in, came to the cat.” Dr. Sponseller says the cat is about 85 percent recovered. He was given fluids for dehydration and put on antibiotics to prevent a secondary bacterial infection. “He’s eating well, moving around well, and he’s back in his window watching the squirrels outside,” he said. While the Iowa tabby is the first documented case of H1N1 in a cat, it’s possible that other cats who haven’t been tested also have contracted the virus from pet owners. “Since this news story broke, I’ve had owners from around the country sending me e-mails about their experiences,” Dr. Sponseller said. “It’s suggestive that it has happened before, but there’s no confirmation.” Dr. Sponseller said there is no evidence that a cat could give a person the flu, and transmission is unlikely because cats with flu typically don’t cough or sneeze. It’s not clear how the cat contracted the virus, but given how easily flu is transmitted between family members, it’s not particularly surprising that a friendly cat would come into contact with the virus as well. “He’s a very social cat,” Dr. Sponseller said. “He would visit with them in their laps when they were watching television or reading. He was known to climb up on the bed. He’s a very charming cat with a lot of personality.” To hear more about protecting your pets from flu, read “Can Pets Get Swine Flu?” and “10 Things to Know about the H3N8 Dog Flu,” on the Consults blog. * Copyright 2010 The New York Times Company * Privacy Policy * NYTimes.com 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018     0 0 No Posts Cancer and The Environment: Dangers to human and animals The New York Times Printer Friendly Format Sponsored By May 6, 2010 Op-Ed Columnist New Alarm Bells About Chemicals and Cancer By NICHOLAS D. KRISTOF The President’s Cancer Panel is the Mount Everest of the medical mainstream, so it is astonishing to learn that it is poised to join ranks with the organic food movement and declare: chemicals threaten our bodies. The cancer panel is releasing a landmark 200-page report on Thursday, warning that our lackadaisical approach to regulation may have far-reaching consequences for our health. I’ve read an advance copy of the report, and it’s an extraordinary document. It calls on America to rethink the way we confront cancer, including much more rigorous regulation of chemicals. Traditionally, we reduce cancer risks through regular doctor visits, self-examinations and screenings such as mammograms. The President’s Cancer Panel suggests other eye-opening steps as well, such as giving preference to organic food, checking radon levels in the home and microwaving food in glass containers rather than plastic. In particular, the report warns about exposures to chemicals during pregnancy, when risk of damage seems to be greatest. Noting that 300 contaminants have been detected in umbilical cord blood of newborn babies, the study warns that: “to a disturbing extent, babies are born ‘pre-polluted.’ ” It’s striking that this report emerges not from the fringe but from the mission control of mainstream scientific and medical thinking, the President’s Cancer Panel. Established in 1971, this is a group of three distinguished experts who review America’s cancer program and report directly to the president. One of the seats is now vacant, but the panel members who joined in this report are Dr. LaSalle Leffall Jr., an oncologist and professor of surgery at Howard University, and Dr. Margaret Kripke, an immunologist at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. Both were originally appointed to the panel by former President George W. Bush. “We wanted to let people know that we’re concerned, and that they should be concerned,” Professor Leffall told me. The report blames weak laws, lax enforcement and fragmented authority, as well as the existing regulatory presumption that chemicals are safe unless strong evidence emerges to the contrary. “Only a few hundred of the more than 80,000 chemicals in use in the United States have been tested for safety,” the report says. It adds: “Many known or suspected carcinogens are completely unregulated.” Industry may howl. The food industry has already been fighting legislation in the Senate backed by Dianne Feinstein of California that would ban bisphenol-A, commonly found in plastics and better known as BPA, from food and beverage containers. Studies of BPA have raised alarm bells for decades, and the evidence is still complex and open to debate. That’s life: In the real world, regulatory decisions usually must be made with ambiguous and conflicting data. The panel’s point is that we should be prudent in such situations, rather than recklessly approving chemicals of uncertain effect. The President’s Cancer Panel report will give a boost to Senator Feinstein’s efforts. It may also help the prospects of the Safe Chemicals Act, backed by Senator Frank Lautenberg and several colleagues, to improve the safety of chemicals on the market. Some 41 percent of Americans will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives, and they include Democrats and Republicans alike. Protecting ourselves and our children from toxins should be an effort that both parties can get behind — if enough members of Congress are willing to put the public interest ahead of corporate interests. One reason for concern is that some cancers are becoming more common, particularly in children. We don’t know why that is, but the proliferation of chemicals in water, foods, air and household products is widely suspected as a factor. I’m hoping the President’s Cancer Panel report will shine a stronger spotlight on environmental causes of health problems — not only cancer, but perhaps also diabetes, obesity and autism. This is not to say that chemicals are evil, and in many cases the evidence against a particular substance is balanced by other studies that are exonerating. To help people manage the uncertainty prudently, the report has a section of recommendations for individuals: ¶Particularly when pregnant and when children are small, choose foods, toys and garden products with fewer endocrine disruptors or other toxins. (Information about products is at www.cosmeticsdatabase.com or www.healthystuff.org.) ¶For those whose jobs may expose them to chemicals, remove shoes when entering the house and wash work clothes separately from the rest of the laundry. ¶Filter drinking water. ¶Store water in glass or stainless steel containers, or in plastics that don’t contain BPA or phthalates (chemicals used to soften plastics). Microwave food in ceramic or glass containers. ¶Give preference to food grown without pesticides, chemical fertilizers and growth hormones. Avoid meats that are cooked well-done. ¶Check radon levels in your home. Radon is a natural source of radiation linked to cancer. • I invite you to visit my blog, On the Ground. Please also join me on Facebook, watch my YouTube videos and follow me on Twitter. Home * World * U.S. * N.Y. / Region * Business * Technology * Science * Health * Sports * Opinion * Arts * Style * Travel * Jobs * Real Estate * Automobiles * Back to Top Copyright 2010 The New York Times Company * Privacy Policy * Terms of Service * Search * Corrections * RSS * First Look * Help * Contact Us * Work for Us * Site Map     0 0 No Posts Endorsements For Diane   Finding Andy I decided to keep my appointment with Diane even though my cat, Andy, showed up the night before my scheduled appointment. I wanted to know what Andy was thinking and anything I could find out about the week he was missing. Diane was able to give me details of how he jumped off our deck and why. She also gave me details of the environment he had been in, which was exactly like the area at the end of our road. She asked me about a boat ramp and said it looked like he was hiding under a boat that was turned upside down. It was only after I told this to my husband that I found out there was a small boat ramp toward the end of our road, and the man kept his boat turned upside down! She told me Andy finally heard me calling him and that's how he managed to find his way back home. I told her about not being able to let our shy cats roam the house because Andy would go after her. But after she communicated with Andy, he indicated that it would be alright to do this. Diane told me what I needed to do to introduce them first. Thankfully she told me that the organic food I was feeding them which contained grain. I found out that grain is not good for cats and that may be contributing to Andy's aggressiveness at times. She also shared more information with me which I greatly appreciated. I HIGHLY recommend Diane. She talked to me on the phone as she was receiving the information. I told her that I wanted to send an endorsement to her so others could read my story. I received a LOT of helpful information during my 30 minute appointment. I really can't speak highly enough about her. Ann W. Wedowee, AL     0 0 No Posts When Our Friend Passes On My beautiful friend left this earthly realm yesterday afternoon and is now free to pursue whatever new adventures the universe has in store for him. Our conversation the other day was so helpful, so precious to me -- words could never express the depth of my gratitude. So I will just say thank you and leave it at that. Peace and blessings to you and those you love. =PL     0 0 No Posts Animal Communication Workshops I just wanted to thank you again for the awesome workshop! I feel like a different person, and I cannot wait to be able to "start my new life" tomorrow. I, like everyone else, felt skeptical about my ablility to do this, but I was truly awed. My eyes hve been opened to so many new things only after two days, that it's unbelievable! I'm sure, with lots of practice and trying to get everything into perspective, that I will only discover more and more....and it's so exciting to think about. My biggest hurdle will be getting my thoughts focused, but I know that with the techniques you taught us, I will be successful in getting "the big picture". You have truly met your calling, and I am so impressed with you...not only for what you are able to do, but as a very warm hearted, truly inspiring individual. I am so glad that our paths crossed years ago...you have helped me so much....to the degree that I cannot even begin to thank you properly. (I know Abbey thanks you as well). So, just know that whenever you cross my thoughts, very warm, endearing feelings are felt for you. I will complete my workshop evaluation and get it into the mail to you this week. You and Barbara together make a wonderful team! She is very special as well! I feel like I have known her for years, and before this weekend, had only met her once briefly. Take care, and thank you from the bottom of my heart! Tammy and Angel Abbey Kizer     0 0 No Posts All times are GMT Who is Online Our users have posted a total of 41 articles We have 24382 registered users The newest registered user is Alexander_LE In total there are 2 users online :: 0 Registered, 0 Hidden and 2 Guests   [ Administrator ]   [ Moderator ] Most users ever online was 34 on Tue Feb 10, 2009 6:12 am Registered Users: None This data is based on users active over the past five minutes Log in Username:    Password:      Log me on automatically each visit     New posts    No new posts    Forum is locked Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2005 phpBB Group