March 2017, Volume 16, Issue 3

2017 Newsletter Editor:

Donna Otero

4975 Friendly Farms Road

Greensboro, NC 27406

dotero7965@gmail.com

GMKC by-laws state that the newsletter is to be distributed 2 weeks IN AD-VANCE OF THE GENERAL MEETING. Therefore, ALL articles and information for the newsletter need to be submitted by the TUESDAY that is 2 WEEKS FOL-LOWING THE GENERAL MEETING. For the April 2017 newsletter, I will need all your information by March 28, 2017.

Opinions expressed in this newsletter are those of the contributor and do not nec-essarily reflect the views of GMKC either as a group or individually.

Advice or helpful hints should never be taken as substitutes for personal veteri-nary counsel.

Contact and referral persons are in no way guaranteed by the GMKC

2017 Officers and Directors

President—Martha Milligan

Vice President— John Schoeneman

Secretary—Janet Broome

Treasurer— Lorna Coloccia

Board of Directors

Lynn Rowell

Ruth Hoffman

Louie Ginocchio

Www.greatermonroekc.org

Inside this edition:

Page 2 Help Needed for Spring Shows

Page 3 Chili Cook Off Details

Page 4 Karen’s Korner

Greater Monroe Kennel Club

The March Meeting and Chili Cook Off will be held at:

The Pack Pet Resort in Indian Trail.

101 Post Office Drive

Indian Trail, NC 28079

March 14, 2017 at 6:00pm

HELP NEEDED FOR SHOWS

SEE PAGE 2 FOR DETAILS

GMKC Paw Prints January 2017

www.greatermonroekc.org Page 2

March 30—April 2, 2017

ATTENTION ALL MEMBERS!!!

YOUR HELP IS NEEDED

Set up Tues. and Wed. 3/28 & 3/29/2017

Need help on club tables and hospitality Sat. & Sun

Please contact one of the following to let them know when you can help:

John Schoeneman schohaus1@aol.com Text 704-363-7238

Martha Milligan mmilligan@earthlink.net text 704-221-0416

Ruth Hoffman rhoff.main@gmail.com

There Was No February General Meeting or

Board Meeting

GMKC Paw Prints January 2016

www.greatermonroekc.org Page 3

MARCH

MEETING

The March Meeting will be held at

The Pack Pet Resort in Indian Trail.

This is the new dog facility behind the Indian Trail Post Office.

The following signed up to bring the following.

Lorna, Randy and Dionne will bring chili;

Connie will supply salads;

Martha and Pat will supply corn-bread;

Lorna will bring a chocolate cake and Lori will bring a Kentucky Butter Cake.

GMKC Paw Prints January 2016

www.greatermonroekc.org Page 4

This months articles submitted by Karen Phillips

New cancer drug for dogs

5

AKC Offers Test That Gives Dog Owners and Breeders the Power of Early Cancer Detection

5

Warning - Glossy Junk Mail Can be Deadly to Dog or Cat 6

Dangerous (and Surprising) Items That Contain Xylitol 7

Ten Very Helpful Herbs & Supplements Your Dog Can Benefit From

11

Drugged out dogs: NYC vets are treating an increasing num-ber of STONED canines who have eaten marijuana

12

Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (Maldigestion Disorder) in Dogs

13

Canine Cancer Drug Loses Conditional FDA Approval 15

My Pet is Home Alone 16

New cancer drug for dogs

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced Tuesday that it's given conditional approval for the first new animal drug to treat

canine lymphoma.

Also called lymphosarcoma, lymphoma is a type of cancer in dogs. The FDA said the active ingredient in Tanovea-CA1 is rabacfosa-

dine, a substance that kills rapidly growing cancer cells.

Lymphoma can affect virtually any organ in the body, but it most commonly starts in organs that function as part of the immune sys-

tem, such as the lymph nodes, spleen, and bone marrow.

The signs of lymphoma in dogs vary depending on which organs are affected.

Tanovea-CA1 must be prescribed by a licensed veterinarian because professional expertise is needed to correctly diagnose lymphoma

in dogs, determine the best treatment,

and manage potential side effects. Tanovea-CA1, which comes in a concentrated form, is diluted and given into a vein over 30

minutes. The infusion should be given by or under the supervision of a veterinarian experienced in chemotherapy.

The "CA1" in Tanovea-CA1 means the drug is conditionally approved. Only animal drugs intended for minor species, such as ferrets or

fish, or for minor uses in a major species,

such as to treat certain types of cancer in dogs, are eligible for conditional approval. Tanovea-CA1's conditional approval means that

when used according to the label, the drug

is safe and has a "reasonable expectation of effectiveness" for treating lymphoma in dogs.

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AKC Offers Test That Gives Dog Owners and Breeders the Power of

Early Cancer Detection

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), the leading advocate for canine health, is making available a groundbreaking new health test for

canine bladder cancer detection,

the CADETSM BRAFMutation Detection Assay, in The AKC® Shop. $299.00 each test - reduced rates for multiple dogs.

Created by Sentinel Biomedical, the CADETSM BRAF Mutation Detection Assay is an early detection system for canine bladder cancer

(also known as transitional cell carcinoma/urothelial carcinoma, or TCC/UC).

This simple free-catch urine analysis system can detect canine bladder cancer (TCC/UC) months before symptoms present, allowing

for the earliest therapeutic intervention.

“There are an estimated 80,000 canine TCC/UC cases diagnosed each year – most are diagnosed in later stages, when the cancer is

more advanced and treatment options are limited,” said Matthew Breen

PhD CBiol FRSB, founder of Sentinel Biomedical and the Oscar J. Fletcher distinguished professor of comparative oncology genetics

at North Carolina State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.

“We have created a reliable and proactive screening tool for dog owners and breeders that will allow more time to create an optimal

treatment plan, thereby potentially extending the life of their dogs.”

The CADETSM BRAF Mutation Detection Assay gives responsible dog owners and breeders an opportunity to take an active role in

canine health.

“Many breeders are all too familiar with the typical course of TCC/UC. While rounds of antibiotics are prescribed to treat non-specific

and recurring symptoms, a tumor is potentially forming, growing and spreading,”

said Dr. Marcia Dawson, DVM and an AKC Breeder of Merit. “The benefit of Sentinel Biomedical’s CADETSM BRAF test is that it can

detect the cancer from remarkably few tumor cells that are shed into the urine,

months before there are any symptoms, giving us additional time to act.”

As added value to the testing process, dog owners have the opportunity to join a nationwide study to help researchers better under-

stand the environmental factors associated with cancer in dogs and in humans,

making canines true watchdogs in the area of human health.

“The AKC is excited to work with Sentinel Biomedical to make this test available to our breeders and dog owners. We know it has tre-

mendous implications for improving the health and welfare of our dogs,

and also for furthering our understanding of cancer both in dogs and humans,” said Mark Dunn, Senior Vice President of AKC Regis-

tration & Development.

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Warning - Glossy Junk Mail Can be Deadly to Dog or Cat

Pepper came to us today with an unusual problem, he couldn't open his mouth. He had chewed a glossy flyer that had arrived in the post.

The paper had reacted with the saliva in Pepper's mouth and formed a glue, sticking his mouth shut. Our vet sedated Pepper to remove the

gluey substance.

These flyers seem to be common in junk mail so if your dog is prone to stealing and chewing your post we would recommend buying a solid

letter box to catch the mail.

Please share this post to make people aware and help keep our dogs safe

6 Dangerous (and Surprising) Items That Contain Xylitol

by John Gilpatrick

Dog owners know the dangers that foods like chocolate, garlic, onions, and grapespose to their canine compan-

ions’ health; foods that are harmless to most people.

Another common substance that’s harmless to most humans but potentially life-threatening if consumed by

dogs is xylitol—a sugar alcohol that is used as a sugar substitute in many human foods.

But for dogs, xylitol poisoning is a major problem, according to Ahna Brutlag, DVM, associate director of veteri-

nary services at Pet Poison Helpline. Brutlag says ingesting xylitol causes a rapid and massive insulin release in

dogs, which will manifest itself outwardly to a pet owner as acute weakness, staggering, and vomiting. “Within

15 to 20 minutes, they might even be comatose,” she adds, and depending on the amount consumed, a dog

can also experience liver failure from ingesting xylitol.

According to the Poison Pet Helpline, cases involving xylitol ingestion are increasing rapidly. In 2009, they were

consulted on approximately 300 cases, while in 2015, that number increased to 2,800. Read on for more about

what foods xylitol is found in to learn why these cases are multiplying and what you can do to respond appropri-

ately if it happens to your dog.

Xylitol in Gum

If a gum is labeled as sugar-free, that should be a warning sign for xylitol, though various gums can have vastly

different amounts of xylitol. “One or two pieces of certain gums can cause serious problems, while ingesting ten

pieces of another gum can be fine for your dog,” Brutlag says. “It all depends on the xylitol dosage.”

Some gums—like Spry—plainly advertise themselves as containing xylitol because it’s good for your teeth and

for diabetics. Meghan Harmon, DVM, is a clinical instructor for emergency and critical care at the University of

Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine. She co-authored a 2015 study in the Journal of Veterinary and Emer-

gency Care that retroactively evaluated cases of xylitol ingestion in nearly 200 canines. She lists Stride, Trident,

and Orbitz as other gums containing differing amounts of xylitol and echoes Brutlag, saying it’s critically im-

portant to know what kind of gum was ingested, how much your pet has ingested, and how long it’s been since

he or she ingested it in order to appropriately treat the problem.

“Most dogs we looked at were hospitalized, usually for about 18 hours,” she says. Dextrose is typically adminis-

tered as quickly as possible in order to bring the canine’s blood sugar up. Harmon says that as long as liver

health appears normal, once they regain the ability to regulate their blood sugar levels by themselves, dogs are

weaned off the dextrose and eventually released.

Xylitol in Mouthwash and Toothpaste

While not usually containing the same levels of xylitol as gum, dental health products tend to use this sugar sub-

stitute because of its appealing, sweet taste and its teeth-strengthening, plaque-fighting properties.

The Pet Poison Helpline cites gum as the source of nearly 80% of cases involving xylitol. While gum manufac-

turers have the options of using other sugar substitutes, like erythritol and Stevia, xylitol is the only one experts

know of that causes such adverse reactions in canines, according to both Brutlag and Harmon. Manufacturers

of dental health products aren’t facing the same scrutiny as the food industry, meaning their share of xylitol cas-

es may increase in the coming years.

XYLITOL IN BAKED GOODS AND GROCERIES

Because packaged xylitol can be bought in bulk at many food stores, baked foods are becoming a more com-

mon source of canine health emergencies. “It’s a good option for diabetics who like to bake,” she says. Similar-

ly, you might find some already-made baked goods containing xylitol at bakeries and specialty stores. And be-

cause cupcakes and cookies have a lot more sweetener in them than mouthwash, a pet that consumes a baked

good packed with xylitol is in danger of facing a life-threatening situation.

“You need to call your vet or the Pet Poison Helpline immediately,” Brutlag says. “Give them as much infor-

mation as you can. Depending on the severity, they may suggest feeding [the dog] syrup or honey—something

sweet to help keep their blood sugar up temporarily while you drive to seek emergency help.”

Xylitol in Sugar-free Groceries

Xylitol is found in trace amounts in many fruits and vegetables, but because it’s occurring naturally and in such

small amounts in these cases, it’s hardly ever a problem for pets, Brutlag says.

On the other hand, many grocery stores have started carrying sugar-free foods like ketchup, peanut butter, pro-

tein bars, pudding, and more that contain xylitol as one of their primary ingredients. Harmon even says there is

a brand called Zapp! that manufactures condiments, sauces, and other groceries that are marketed primarily on

their being made with xylitol. “In this case, it’s very clearly labeled,” she says, “but in most other instances, you’ll

need to check the ingredients list on the label to know if something sugar-free is made with xylitol or some other

substitute.” And in some cases, products that are not labeled as sugar-free still contain xylitol. It is important to

always carefully read the entire ingredient list of any food before giving it to your dog.

Xylitol in Medications

Brutlag says most medications that contain xylitol are of the “meltaway” variety. These accounted for 12 percent

of xylitol cases referred to a veterinary emergency facility, according to the Pet Poison Helpline—the second

most behind gum.

You also might see xylitol in some medications containing melatonin, liquid prescription products, and gummy

vitamins.

Xylitol in Lotions, Gels, and Deodorants

You’re probably thinking, “Wait, why does my deodorant contain an artificial sweetener?” Fair question.

“Xylitol has humectant properties,” Brutlag explains. “This means it can help a product retain moisture, which

makes it perfect for products like this.”

Brutlag says this is a relatively new development, meaning even many veterinarians aren’t aware of the dangers

of dogs digesting deodorants—at least when it comes to xylitol. As with everything on this list, it’s best to keep

such products in a cabinet or on a high shelf—completely out of reach of your four-legged friends.

This article was verified and edited for accuracy by Dr. Jennifer Coates, DVM

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Ten Very Helpful Herbs & Supplements Your Dog Can Benefit

From

The Family Dog Newsletter

In a perfect world, a high quality, balanced diet consisting of healthy proteins, the right vegetables and little grain (if any) would be all

your dog needs. But, that's in a perfect world and just like us, our dogs too need supplements in order to maintain good health and fight

disease:

1. Antioxidants: Antioxidants encompass an array of different herbs, vitamins and nutrients that work to counteract free radicals

through out the body and fight infection and serious diseases such as cancer and heart disease, to name a few. Dogs of all ag-

es CAN benefit from the supplementation of antioxidants. Antioxidants can be found in CoQ10, Selenium, Flavonoids, Carotenoids,

Vitamins A, C and E.

2. Cranberries: Cranberries too are loaded with carotenoids. They are a good source of vitamin C, fiber, manganese, vitamin E, vita-

min K, copper and pantothenic acid. Helpful for UTI prevention and healing as well. Also helpful for bladder stones and struvite crys-

tals. Based on your dog's size, add a little ALL NATURAL, UNSWEETENED JUICE (do not add sweetened juice) to your dog's food.

Dosage would be based on your dog's size at roughly 1 oz or 30 ml daily. You can also use fresh cranberries as well. If your dog

doesn't like the taste of cranberry juice or fresh berries, you can use supplements. DO NOT USE DRIED CRANBERRIES UNLESS

THEY CONTAIN NO SWEETENERS OF ANY KIND AND MOST DON'T!

3. Dandelion: One of my all time favorite herbs for immune health. Excellent for detoxing the liver and gallbladder, supports the blood

and good for allergies as well. It's also considered a diuretic and helpful for waste elimination through the output of urine.

4. Astragalus: Known for its ability to greatly improve immunity. Boosts kidney and liver function. Especially helpful for early stages of

kidney disease. Highly recommended for cancer patients.

5. Burdock Root: Like dandelion, burdock root is another of my all time favorite herbs. You don't have to wait until your dog has liver

problems or other health related issues; using this herb for general maintenance is a very good idea. It helps to keep the liver healthy

by eliminating toxic substances.

6. Essential Fatty Acids: Essential Fatty Acids include Omega 3, 6 and 9. However, for dogs and especially those fed a commercial

diet, you really only need to focus on Omega 3. A GUARANTEED toxin free salmon oil is a good choice to supplement the diet. But,

be careful, there ARE a lot of junk fish oils out there. Omega 3 fatty acids have both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that re-

duce inflammation when the cells are damaged, inhibit the spread of cancerous cells and protect the kidneys, heart, eyes, nerve tissue,

skin and coat. Believed to play a role in allergy control. But, don't count on just fish oil for controlling your dog's allergies.

7. Glandulars: Glandular supplements can be vital to dogs fighting any type of disease that involves an organ such as the thyroid, liver,

adrenal glands, heart, kidneys and pancreas. Nutricology offers good glandulars for the kidneys. They offer others including one for the

pancreas which can be helpful for diabetic dogs. Why? It's believed that wild animals seek out the organ of their prey that is causing

them distress, because it helps with healing of their own body.

8. Celtic Sea Salt: For years we've been told how bad salt is for us. Did you know that every living creature on the planet needs iodine?

Is it coincidental that so many people and pets have thyroid disease and suffer from debilitating arthritis? Deer, cattle and other ani-

mals enjoy mineral licks (salt licks) especially during harsh winters to replenish their body with vital minerals. Dogs are no different and

this simple ingredient can make a huge difference for your old friend's arthritis. DO NOT USE TABLE SALT WHICH IS NOTHING

MORE THAN A CHEMICALLY ALTERED MAN MADE SALT. Rock salt isn't recommended either. Stick with Selena Celtic Sea Salt.

It's pure and contains trace amounts of iodine (regardless of what the package says).

9. Probiotics: Helpful for restoring the healthy microorganisms in the gut which helps with normal stool and digestion. ALWAYS use

probiotics anytime your dog is on antibiotics.

10. Selenium: Another missing mineral linked to thyroid disease. Selenium occurs naturally in the earth and is taken in by the many

plants and animals that are both grown and raised on the grounds. Unfortunately today, selenium is depleted in many regions of the

world. This means that food no longer contains the necessary levels of this vital mineral which means it may need to be added back to

your dog's diet. Selenium is an antioxidant helpful for healthy thyroid levels, protecting against cancer, heart disease, rheumatoid arthri-

tis and protecting against cancer. IT SHOULD BE TAKEN WITH VITAMIN E! Consult with a holistic vet about dosage. It can be

toxic if given too much.

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Drugged out dogs: NYC vets are treating an increasing number of

STONED canines who have eaten marijuana

Vets have warned of the rising number of dogs being brought to their practices stoned after eating marijuana.

Several clinicians in New York City told how the animals are being brought to them in a lethargic state after accidentally ingesting the

drug.

On some occasions, the dogs' owners are also high and giggle as they ask them to look after their pets.

'We probably see close to one a day at one of our four hospitals and we’ve definitely seen an increase in the past couple of years,' Da-

vid Wohlstadter of Blue Pearl told The New York Times.

If it was recently eaten, vets induce the dog to vomit to get the marijuana out its system.

Otherwise owners are told to take them home and keep them in a quiet, dark space until the effects fade.

Former New York City advocate Betsy Gotbaum had to take her pet poodle for treatment when she noticed his head 'bobbling back and

forth’.

Harry, the poodle, fell over every time he stood up and would not eat or drink, she told the newspaper.

Ms Gotbaum believes he may have eaten a small chunk of the drug while he was being walked.

There has been a growing number of incidents involving dogs and marijuana since it was legalized in several states.

Colorado, which made the use of marijuana for medicinal and recreational purposes legal in 2012, has seen a spike.

One study claimed the figure had quadrupled.

While none of the ingredients in marijuana are lethal, the effects the drug can have on animals have been blamed for deaths.

Two dogs died in Colorado before it became legalized by choking on their own vomit after losing control of their body while high on the

drug.

They become 'unsteady' on their feet and lose key motor skills, vets said.

'There are huge spikes in the frequency of marijuana ingestion in places where it’s become legal,' Dr. Debbie Van Pelt of VRCC,

told CBS news in 2012.

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Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (Maldigestion Disorder) in Dogs Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc. Race Foster, DVM

We are asked many, many questions about the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic diseases in the dog, specifical-ly, those dealing with the digestion and absorption of nutrients. Such diseases are termed pancreatic insufficiency, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, and maldigestion syndrome. The pancreas has many glandular functions, some obvious and well known and others that are obscure and not un-derstood at all. We classically think of the pancreas as the producer of insulin, and an insufficient production of that hormone leading to diabetes mellitus. For many dog owners, diabetes is easy to understand since they can think of it in terms of the disease seen in our fellow humans. Many people, however, have difficulty understanding diseas-es that affect the ability of the organ to produce the various enzymes that allow humans, dogs, and cats to digest their food. Function of the pancreas

Certain cells of the pancreas called 'acinar' cells produce the important digestive enzymes utilized by the dog's body.

The function of the enzymes is to break down food in the intestine into smaller molecules. The major digestive en-

zymes are protein molecules that are produced and stored in the pancreas. They include trypsin, chymotryp-

sin, amylase, and lipase. The trypsin and chymotrypsin break down protein molecules, the amylase breaks down

starches, and lipase does the same to fats and triglycerides.

Breaking down the molecules of food into smaller sizes is an important part of the overall digestive process and al-

lows nutrients to be absorbed by the cells that line the intestine. The nutrients are then passed from those cells into

the bloodstream. There they can be transported throughout the body for use by the various tissues. When a dog

eats a meal it stimulates the release of these enzymes. They flow from the pancreas into the anterior small intestine

through a small tube called the pancreatic duct. Only after they reach the lumen or center of the intestine does their

functional existence begin.

What is pancreatic insufficiency?

The disease characterized by a decrease or absence of these enzymes in the dog is referred to as 'exocrine pancre-

atic insufficiency' or 'maldigestion syndrome.' When dogs have this disorder, the proteins, starches, and fats found in

their diet cannot be broken down into small enough pieces that allow them to be absorbed through the intestinal wall.

The value and substance of the food, therefore, stays in the gastrointestinal tract and is passed out in the feces

undigested. The affected dog, without treatment, literally starves to death even though it may be constantly eating. It

is estimated that 90% of the pancreas must be destroyed before we see symptoms of insufficiency.

What causes pancreatic insufficiency?

There are several potential causes of pancreatic insufficiency. Chronic pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) is

a common cause of pancreatic insufficiency. In some young animals (usually less than two years of age), the cells of

the pancreas just start decreasing in number and functioning. The cause for this is unknown, but it may be

an inherited condition. Many different dog breeds can be affected, however, it is more common in large breeds, es-

pecially German Shepherds.

Signs of pancreatic insufficiency

Regardless of its cause, the signs associated with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency are usually obvious and fit a dis-

tinct pattern. The disorder may come on gradually over a long period of time or it may develop rapidly over a period

of a week or two. The animals with the condition show rapid weight loss caused by loss of body fat, and muscle atro-

phy. The hair coat has poor quality. There is usually diarrhea with the stools being light yellow or clay-colored, with

the consistency of mashed potatoes. In some cases, it may even be watery, without any form at all. Depending on

the diet, there may be large quantities of undigested fat present in the stool. The animal will seem constantly hungry

and eat as much food as it can ingest at one time. It will often eat abnormal things such as plants, dirt, or its own fe-

ces (though pancreatic insufficiency is a rare cause of stool eating in dogs). The animal, in its appearance and be-

havior, typifies one that is starving to death, and in reality, he is.

Diagnosis of pancreatic insufficiency

In most cases, a presumptive diagnosis can be made from clinical signs alone and it is then proven by one of several

available tests used to accurately diagnose pancreatic insufficiency. These include:

Determining the levels of certain digestive enzymes in the blood (serum trypsin-like immunoreactivity), which is the most reliable

Measureing the level of chymotrypsin activity determining the levels of digestive enzymes in the stool (fecal proteolytic activity)

examining the stool under the microscope (least reliable)

Treatment of pancreatic insufficiency

Fortunately, treatment can easily be accomplished. Unfortunately, it is an expensive and lifelong proposition. Treatment involves replac-

ing the dog's pancreatic enzymes with enzymes from other sources. Our only source of medications for these cases is products made

through an expensive process, using freeze-dried and ground-up extracts of hog and cattle pancreases. These glands are harvested in

meat packing plants and then processed solely for this purpose. They are formulated either into tablets or powder and go under such

trade names as Viokase or Pancrezyme. They contain large quantities of the same naturally occurring digestive enzymes that are defi-

cient in the affected pet. The enzymes begin working when they come into contact with food. The tablets are given prior to a meal or

may be crushed and mixed with food. The powder is usually mixed with food and allowed to set for about 30 minutes before feeding.

Response to therapy is immediate and the animal will usually return to near normal health. Unfortunately, cost becomes the major hur-

dle in treating pancreatic insufficiency. An affected dog, for instance, will need $60-100 worth of medication every month. Research is

underway to develop synthetic digestive enzymes, and hopefully, will lower the price of treating these patients.

In some instances, raw pig pancreas can be used. The pancreas needs to come from animals certified as healthy by an approved meat

inspector. Accurate dosing is more difficult with the raw pancreas, but in general, a 45-pound dog would need to receive 3 to 4 ounces

of the chopped pancreas. The raw pancreas can be frozen at -4ºF for up to 3 months and still retain its enzyme activity.

If the dog does not respond well to the addition of the digestive enzymes in Viokase or Pancrezyme, the diet may sometimes need to

be altered. A highly digestible diet is fed, medium chain triglycerides may be added as fat sources since they do not require breakdown

by pancreatic enzymes, and multiple vitamin supplements are given (especially Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) and the fat-soluble vitamins A,

D, E, and K.

Since the deficiency is one of enzymes and is cured by the addition of the same enzymes back into the diet, many dog owners regret-

fully try other cures. There are many products, nutritional and otherwise, that advertise they contain natural enzymes which aid in diges-

tion. Examples of these are K-ZYME, ProBalance, Prozyme, and so on. These really do contain real and natural enzymes and in nor-

mal dogs can be very useful nutritional supplements. However, they are not the enzymes associated with Pancreatic Insufficiency. This

is a very specific disorder with specific enzymes needed to correct it. The general nutritional supplement will do no harm, but regretfully,

they will do no good either.

We occasionally see patients in which the pancreatic insufficiency is only temporary and somehow resolves itself in 6 to 8 months, but

these are rare exceptions. In these cases, it is thought that the cells responsible for the production of the enzymes have been irritated in

some way but not permanently damaged. When they recover from the incident, whatever it was, their ability to produce these enzymes

returns.

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Canine Cancer Drug Loses Conditional FDA Approval

2/13/17

The drug Paccal Vet-CA1 to treat mammary and squamous cell carcinomas was withdrawn at the manufacturer’s request.

ourpetcard.com

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