Lactoferrin for Animals

Lactoferrin is a glycoprotein found in the milk of cows.  It is thought to have the following effects: – Promotes growth of the beneficial bacteria lactobacilli and bifidiobacteria while also creating an unfavorable environment for growth of others and inhibits adherence in the G.I. tract.-Binds and transports iron in blood.-Modulates immune function.-Diminishes the damage of free …

Microchips

In the veterinary profession, microchips are recommended for animals in case they are lost.  But the chip does little good if the information stored in it is incorrect.  I have scanned  chips on lost pets hoping to reunite them with their families only to find that the phone number is out of service or the family no longer …

Free Food for Needy Animals in New Jersey Is Allocated

After hurricane Sandy devastated the the East Coast, Dr. Brian Green, a veterinarian in Tarrytown, New Jersey teamed up with Mike and Martha Witkowski owners of  ZipJack in Elmsford, New Jersey to collect food for needy pets.  Donations poured in from all over the country.  A small portion of the food was used to feed animals displaced by …

Milk Thistle (Silymarin) for Animals

Silymarin is a nutraceutical derived from the seed of the milk thistle plant, not to be confused with blessed thistle.  It’s antioxidant properties and ability to scavange free radicals have been used to treat a variety of liver diseases in humans, dogs and cats.  Although most of the studies with silymarin were conducted in humans and then extrapolated back to animals, I …

Essential Fatty Acids for Animals

Essential fatty acids (EFA’s) play a vital role in both cell and immune function.  EFA’s are divided into two forms, omega 3 and omega 6.  Omega 3 fatty acids found in fish and other marine life decrease inflammation.  In veterinary medicine, EFA’s are often prescribed for the following animal diseases:1) Canine cognitive dysfunction2) Allergic dermatitis3) Osteoarthritis4) Chronic kidney disease5) Heart …

America’s Last Jaguar, Macho B

I would like to share my opinion about the sordid tale of the death of Macho B.  Thanks to Dennis Wagner of the Arizona Republic the truth about this poor jaguar is finally revealed.  Macho B was horrifically and unnecessarily trapped and collared by Arizona Game and Fish.    In 2009, Arizona Game and Fish reported an ‘accidental trapping’ of …

L-Lysine for Animals

L-lysine is an amino acid that is used in humans and animals for controlling herpes viral infections.  Lysine interferes with the virus uptake of arginine.  This amino acid is required for replication.  With inadequate amounts of arginine, the virus can’t reproduce decreasing the number of organisms in the patient.  Many people use it to decrease the occurrence of …