Pet Questions Answered
By Randy Aronson, VMD
Dear Dr. Aronson,
My dog was recently diagnosed with liver disease. In light of this, I’d like to know your feeding recommendations, and if there is any supplementation that would be helpful in addressing this. — Mr. D.
Dear Mr. D.,
Hepatitis is the clinical term that covers liver disease or any liver inflammation. Hepatitis, unfortunately, is seen quite commonly in veterinary medicine, especially among dogs. Because the liver is the major organ for handling toxins and filtering the blood, it is often adversely affected by a number of factors. The liver can be harmed by the ingredients in poor quality pet foods, toxins in chemicals sprayed around the home or garden that pets come in contact with, and even by certain flea and tick products.
In dealing with hepatitis, I first recommend that you feed your dog a good quality dog food that includes a whole food protein. Avoid soy, corn and wheat grains. Additionally, I’ve had great success in treating liver inflammations with natural supplements such as Milk Thistle (Silymarin Extract), N-acetyl-cysteine, Dandelion Root and Lipoic Acid. I often add a SAMe (S-adenosyl-methionine) product to this regimen for greater success.
I’d suggest completing a follow-up blood panel within three weeks of initiating this therapy. Depending on the results, continue the supplementation as needed. There is no harm in continuing this program, and I generally recommend the routine be continued for the animal’s lifetime.
Randy Aronson, VMD
Feline Hyperthyroidism
Dear Dr. Aronson,
I recently presented my 14-year-old cat to my veterinarian for weight loss, extreme hunger and hyperactivity. The doctor informed me that my cat’s heart rate was above 200. She suspected and confirmed the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). What suggestions do you have to help my cat get better, in addition to the medicine that was prescribed for this condition? — Ms. C.
Dear Ms. C,
Let me start by saying cats are obligate carnivores, which means their primary diet and protein sources are dependent on meats (beef, chicken, pork, turkey) and fish. Therefore, it is very important in restoring your pet’s health that you increase the quantity and quality of the protein your cat is getting. One suggestion I often offer is to purchase organ meats, (kidney, liver, heart) from your butcher. Boil them lightly and feed with a small amount of oat, rice or barley.
In addition, I supplement the diet for such cats with CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10), as there is a tremendous amount of heart disease that accompanies hyperthyroidism. I also recommend a solid multivitamin (such as VRP’s Cat Vites), and other heart-strengthening products such as L-Carnitine, Taurine and some of the B vitamins.
Positive signs include a slight decrease in appetite, improved attitude and weight gain. Your veterinarian will want to recheck your cat’s thyroid level in approximately 30 days. You may also want to request a body chemical panel to ensure you are making progress in all areas. Even after the hyperthyroidism is addressed, your cat will benefit greatly from the continuation of this program throughout its lifetime.
Randy Aronson, VMD
Dr. Aronson is Director of VRP’s Veterinary Division. By blending Eastern and Western philosophies, he has helped animals and animal-lovers for more than 20 years in his veterinary practice, as well as through his radio call-in show and published columns.