A - HIP DYSPLASIA

• Introduction
• Causes
• Prevention
• Treatment
• Nutrience

• Introduction
• Signs
• Causes
• Prevention
• Dietary Considerations In Preventing "Struvite Crystals"
• Nutrience

• Dry Skin And Dandruff
• Sensitivities
• Diet
• Fleas
• Allergies
• Nutrience

A - HIP DYSPLASIA

INTRODUCTION

"Hip dysplasia" is by definition, an alteration in size, shape, or organization of the hip joint. To further understand the implications, you must know that the hip joint is essentially a typical ball and socket arrangement similar to "ball joints" on a car. When a hip joint is dysplastic, there are alterations in the perfect ball and socket symmetry, i.e. – 1) the fit is improper – 2) there is flattening of the ball portion – 3) there is shallowing of the socket portion. The resultant "imperfection" can lead to joint malfunction which may lead to arthritic changes. Essentially, the body attempts to stabilize the joint by building "bony" bridges creating "osteo arthritis".

It is very important to understand that it is the end result of the joint instability that is harmful to the animal, not the malformation per se. In young animals, bouts of hindend lameness can occur, especially following exercise, due to muscle strain from misusing unstable joints. However, this does not necessarily mean there is degenerative change occurring in the hip joint, and should not cause panic. Also, many young dogs have a "sloppy" hind gait, that should not be pre-determined as hip dysplasia.

While the main focus of hip dysplasia is centered around large breeds, even cats develop the condition. This would suggest that causes are multifactorial. The best explanation would seem to involve a series of complex genetic factors both direct and indirect. Certain breeds are definitely predisposed: St-Bernards, Newfoundlands, Old English Sheepdogs, German Shepherds and German Short Haired Pointers, to name a few.

Additionally, rapidly growing, heavier individuals, seem more likely to develop the condition. Once the genetic probabilities are appreciated, other factors, such as excess dietary calcium, over supplementation, excessive concussive exercise and maintaining inordinate weight levels could potentially influence the eventual severity.

1. Prevention starts with a background check into familial inheritance. Most good breeders are now aware of this fact, and direct inquiries are generally invited.
2. Maintain optimal Calcium intake. Specific breed diets are formulated to ensure optimal nutritional intake. One of the key growth parameters involves calcium. Nutrience Large Breed Puppy is an exceptional diet for large breed individuals with good appetites.
3. Maintain proper weight. Much has been said about overnutrition and its relation to hip dysplasia. Keep in mind that the genetically rapidly developing puppy has increased nutritive requirements. It is not wrong to feed a quality puppy food, in fact it is preferable, as long as the puppy is not heavy.
4. Controlled moderate exercise. Puppies will be puppies, there is no need to confine growing animals. Simply avoid overexertion, stairs, and quick stops and turns wherever possible. Proper muscle development is very important to promote joint stability, hence controlled exercise is suggested. Swimming seems to be an excellent form of exercise.

In early stages, simple rest and pain killers prescribed by a veterinarian, are probably all that is required. As degenerative joint disease develops, a number of surgical treatments may be warranted. These can be discussed with your veterinarian. It is important to realize that "hip dysplasia" itself does not mandate a grave outcome. It is the possible sequela to the condition that can be of significance.

NUTRIENCE provides a complete line of specifically formulated puppy diets, tailored to meet the nutritional requirements of any breed or individual. Our Small Breed formula is ideal for picky eaters, our Large Breed formulated to support the growth and eating patterns of most larger individuals, and our Medium Breed to suit all those in between.

B - FELINE LOWER URINARY TRACT DISEASE

INTRODUCTION

It is very important to understand that what most cat owners think of as "bladder" or "kidney" stones play only a part role in the disease processes involved in the feline urinary tract. There are many agents that will cause the tell tale symptoms most of us have experienced with cats. These signs are basically a result of inflammation or irritation and as such, are multifactorial.

1. Straining in the litter box
2. Frequent visitation to the litter box
3. Excessive licking of privates
4. Obvious discomfort & associated symptoms, i.e: crying, off food, depression
5. Blood in the urine
6. Lack of ability to pass urine

1. Urinary crystals
2. Viruses
3. Bacteria
4. Mycotic agents (rare)
5. Parasites (rare)
6. Physically obstructive agents such as: polyps, or tumors, congenital, deformities, strictures, etc...

A proper diagnosis is very important and available only by a veterinarian.

A lot of publicity is given to proper feline nutrition. While important, diet can only aid in the prevention of urinary crystals and even then, only to a certain point.

There are several types of urinary crystals. The type of crystal most likely to benefit from optimal dietary features, is known as a “struvite crystal”. The key dietary factors involved in prevention are optimal magnesium levels, specific urinary pH control (slightly acidic) and enhanced water intake.

1. ASH: Ash is a total, non combustible material of the diet, or the total mineral content of the diet. As such, ash per se has no relevance to the formation of struvite crystals, except for perhaps high concentrations of magnesium.
2. OPTIMAL LEVELS OF MAGNESIUM: Earlier studies to recreate urinary crystal formation identified primarily magnesium excess as a possible cause. While this subject is under review, maintaining levels of 0.1% of magnesium is a prudent approach.
3. URINARY ACIDIFICATION: It would appear that if there is a singular dietary parameter that might control the formation of struvite crystals, it is proper urinary acidification. Promoting a pH of between 6.2 and 6.4 would seem optimal.
4. ADEQUATE WATER INTAKE: Possibly the most important dietary preventative consideration next to optimal urinary pH control. Increased drinking provides essential physiologic health benefits in addition to crystal prevention and can be enhanced by proper salt levels, or perhaps considerate of life stage differences, more safely by added herbals. Increased water intake serves to dilute out causative agents and to cleanse the urinary system.
5. SMALL FREQUENT MEALS: There is evidence that large meals may promote transient alkalizing action of the urine and consequently might negatively influence crystal formation.

Nutrience formulas for adult cats are designed to naturally acidify pH in order to nutritionally help reduce the risk of FLUTD. This is because they contain urinary acidifiers. These acidifiers help promote a urinary pH of between 6.3 & 6.4, identified by Vets as the ideal for a healthy adult cat. Remember that any treatment for FLUTD should always be in conjunction with your Veterinarian.

Irritation causes skin itch and can come in many forms.

Consider shampoos: could they be too harsh? Could the dog be sensitive? Are you bathing your pet too frequently? A good moisturizing cream rinse or humectant should be used whenever excessive bathing is required. Dry winters also promote dry, itchy skin.

Dogs and cats can have reactions to flea sprays, flea collars, spray deodorants, fly repellants, shampoos, conditioners, fabric cleaners, rug shampoos and powders, etc. Common sense in associating the possible causes to the time of occurrence can save a lot of frustration.

The key to identifying a diet that will optimize your pet’s skin health lies in the raw materials that provide the highest levels of essential fatty acids. Chicken fat, lecithin and quality vegetable oils are the best sources of these nutrients, loosely identified as Omega 6 fatty acids. Once a skin irritation exists, adding Omega 3 fatty acids to the diet, in an optimal ratio with Omega 6 fatty acids, can help to reduce the severity. Flaxseed is perhaps the most reliable source of Omega 3 fatty acids found in pet foods.

Everyone hates fleas. To defeat these critters you must understand their life cycle. Adult fleas LIVE ON ANIMALS. In fact, once a flea has bitten a dog or cat, it is obligated to repeat blood meals. If off the animal for more than 24 hours, it will likely die. Eggs are laid on the animal, fall off and hatch into larvae. These larvae pupate and emerge as adults. The whole cycle is dependent on environment, but heat and moisture speed things up. The newly hatched adult is stimulated to move by heat, carbon dioxide and pressure, all three conditions created by the presence of a dog or cat. Newly hatched adults are almost impossible to kill. Once they have had a blood meal, they become vulnerable. Insect growth regulators used ACCORDING TO DIRECTION in the home, will prevent development of the egg through adult stages. Adulticides such as flea powders, sprays, shampoos, etc. when used properly on infested pets are effective, just not on newly hatched individuals. Remember, a flea bite will still itch several days after the fleas are gone and medications will cause even more irritation if the skin is already compromised, so be watchful. Talk to your veterinarian or pet store staff to get more information on the various products.

This complex issue can be discussed with your veterinarian. There are different forms of allergic responses. For the itchy dog, a type 1: hypersensitivity reaction is what is involved. What is important is that the body identifies a foreign substance (mainly a form of protein) and decides to form an antibody to it... JUST IN CASE. Now when this agent doesn't cause any real harm, there is a system in our bodies that is supposed to turn off the non required specific antibody production. An allergy occurs when the body fails to turn off the antibody production to something that would otherwise be harmless. In other words, allergies are a mistake! The mistake can be attributed to flea saliva, grass, pollen, dietary ingredients, bug bites, etc. These antibodies are specific to the shape of the offending agent for which it has been created. It attaches itself to certain cells in the skin, which contain destructive agents like histamine and lays in wait. When the appropriate agent comes along, the antibody grabs it and this completes a circuit that causes the cell to release these substances, destroying the offending agent. If enough cells are involved at one time, the result can be an irritation to the animal itself, i.e.: an allergic reaction. That is why anti-histamines and anti-inflammatories are used to attempt to control allergies. They negate the effects of the reaction. The alternate approach is to eliminate the offending agent. With dietary allergies, hypoallergenic diets are used. If you remove the allergic agent from the diet, the reaction may stop. Since most allergies are protein mediated, exotic proteins are used to assess the possibility. ie.: If a dog has never been exposed to, for example lamb, then he or she cannot have built up an antibody to lamb. If there are no specific antibodies, then an allergic mistake simply cannot occur. Consequently, for that particular individual, lamb will be hypoallergenic.

Nutrience offers sensitive canines only the best ingredients along with reduced allergen formulas. The formulas contain meat protein only (from chicken or lamb) providing all the essential amino acids for improved skin and coat. The ratio of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids nutritionally supports the skin's natural healing process. A zinc deficiency can be one factor in dry, flaky skin so the chelated zinc in Nutrience nutritionally increases zinc absorption.