Does your animal's
immune system need help? Whether you're fighting a
bacterial infection, viral infection, cancer, or want a boost
for an older animal or just want your pet to stay healthy and
avoid disease, the immune system is critical to accomplish this
task.
Three of the more
common conditions are chronic bacterial skin infections, (where
the animal is always on antibiotics), non-resolving mange, and
potentially devastating viral diseases such as feline leukemia,
feline AIDS or parvo virus. There are a number of ways to
treat these conditions, or as with viral disease, support the
system to heal itself.
1. Diet - This is
the basis of a healthy body. Cheap generic foods,
unbalanced or unproven questionable diets provide no support for
your pet's system. Always feed twice daily to keep
nutrients and blood glucose steady in the system.
2.
Immunomodulators - Staph.Protein A., (a bacterial derived
protein), Acemannon (a derivative of the aloe vera plant),
immunoegulin (another bacterial protein preparation) and
interferon (a human recombinant product) are the strongest and
most proven of the immunostimulants. These have been used
with variable success and basically no side effects for years,
keeping infections at bay. They have helped parvo dogs to
recovery and kept leukemia cats alive and well for months to
years.
3. Vitamins and
minerals - Zinc, Selenium, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E,
Vitamin B6 and Linoleic acid are all linked to the immune
system. Proper supplementation can be helpful; improper or
excess levels can be toxic. So check with your
veterinarian or proven animal text book. Do not use human
dosages.
4. Chinese
Medicinals - These have been around for centuries and are still
employed today with success on compromised systems and include
Bing da Ling, Xiang Ling (Shiitake mushroom), Ling Zhi and Yun
Zhia which are registered immunostimulants and anti-cancer drugs
used in China and Japan.
5. Dimethyl
Clycine - This is an amino acid that at the proper dosage
increases the white blood cells in the body to fight infections,
increases oxygen in the body, and supports liver and
neurological functions. this substance has a
scientifically proven track record and no side effects if used
under doctor supervision.
6. Herbal
Medicinals - This vast category has had variaable success.
We will mention a few although Cats Claw, Ginseng, Suma,
Chuchuhuasi, Maca and dozens of others are also touted but
beyoond the scope of this article.
Echinacia -
helps the white blood cells in the body destroy more bacteria
and viruses as well as wound healing and mild
anti-inflammatory. This herb is not for ongoing long
term use.
Pau D' Arco - a
bark extract at the proper dose said to be antibacterial,
anti-fungl and anti-cancer. We have noted some success
with lymphoma in small mammals.
Olive leaf
extract - This helps your white blood cells kill bacteria,
deter fungal disease and interferes with virus
replication. Good for long term use with additional
success on mange and chronic skin infections.
Immunostimulants
can be very beneficial either alone or in combination with
traditional medicine. You must be careful of the source of
the item due to the lack of control on over-the-counter
products. Many actually have very little or even none of
the active ingredients you are after as well as poor
bioavailability to the animal's system. Remember, these
treatments do not replace a proper diagnosis nor can they treat
very severe or life-threatening infections. Many animals
have an underlying disease such as a thyroid problem, cancer,
allergies, or parasites that must be addressed. Otherwise,
all of the above may not help your animal. Your animal is
counting on you to care for it properly. Consult your
veterinarian.
The above is a reprint of an article
written by Jack Landess, D.V.M., as a public service. Reprint
permission was obtained from the Florida
Pet Pages.
