Echinacea is a common nutraceutical used to enhance immune function. Also known as the purple coneflower, this plant is native to eastern North America. E. purpurea is the most widely cultivated of the nine different species of echinacea. Even though the plant contains three types of photochemicals, it is the alkamides that are thought to …
Monthly Archives: November 2012
Causes of Increased Thirst and Urination in Animals
Increased thirst which is call polydypsia (PD) and increased urination which is called polyuria (PU) can be caused by many, many things. Sometimes PU/PD is the sign of something serious. Here is a list of the most common causes of increased thirst and urination I see in my practice. I have ranked them from most common to least common. If …
Continue reading “Causes of Increased Thirst and Urination in Animals”
Celebrate the Human-Animal Bond
On December 2, 2012 please join me for an afternoon of fun at On A Wing And A Prayer Arabian Ranch. Gather with other animal lovers for wine and light refreshments. Peruse the silent auction filled with animal inspired artwork and photographs donated by notable Tucson artists. Then I will talk about how animals improve our life, …
Garlic for Animals
Garlic or Allium sativum is one of the most popular nutraceuticals in use today. The American Veterinary Medical Association defines nutraceuticals as “. . . micronutrients, macronutrients and other nutritional supplements used as therapeutic agents.” Besides flavoring food, garlic is reported to have the following effects: -cancer prevention-prevents blood clots-lowers lipids-inhibits bacterial growth-increases circulation-improves the function of the immune system-antioxidant-supports …
Metabolic Bone Disease in Iguanas
Metabolic bone disease is a common problem in pet iguanas. In captivity, it is difficult to provide these sun-loving lizards with enough exposure to sunlight. Without sunlight and the vitamin D3 that comes with it, iguanas cannot properly absorb and metabolize calcium from their diets. The body steals calcium from bones to make up for …