Drug resistance is an increasing problem in both the human and veterinary medical field. There are two natural approaches that can help if you are presented with this problem: help the animal's immune system, and use natural substances to which the microbes have not yet developed a resistance. For example, in the case of resistant cystitis, cranberry helps prevent bacteria from attaching to the bladder wall, and the Chinese herbal formula Ba Zheng San can attack bacteria which have become resistant to antibiotics. To help the immune system, immune modulators are helpful.

 

 

The following nutraceuticals or natural/herbal formulas can also provide effective treatment for your canines and felines dealing with drug resistance.

 

 

There are some general things that a dog or cat owner can do to help reduce the chances that their pet will become antibiotic- resistant.

 

» One of the best things to do is to keep your canine or feline healthy by feeding nutritionally valuable food and keeping up with their yearly exams. These simple actions will keep your beloved pet healthy with a strong immune system.

 

» Make sure that your sick dog or cat takes all the recommended doses of an antibiotic when it is prescribed; even if the original symptoms subside. Not only will this help heal the current infection, but it will also help to keep the bacteria from discovering a new way of being resistant to the antibiotic.

 

» Use natural supplements to help boost your dog or cat’s immune system before disease strikes. A strong immune system will go far in working effectively with antibiotics to kill the bacterial infection and stave off drug resistance. Proper diet and supplementation cannot be emphasized enough; it takes your pet an average of one year to fully recover from the effects of antibiotics and even longer with a sub-standard diet. See below for more information on creating and supporting a strong immune system in your dog or cat.

 

» With skin infections, special baths may also be prescribed. Be sure to use the prescription shampoo as directed and to shampoo as often as your veterinarian has recommended.

 

» A lime-sulfur dip can help with the infection and give your pet relief from constant itching.

 

» Hypochlorous preparations such as Vetericyn can also be very useful.

 

For more information on natural remedies for specific diseases, refer to that specific disease in the Veterinarian’s Desk Reference (VDR) at www.viim.org/therapeutics/VDR_with_TOC.htm.

 

Integrative Medicine

 

» Omega 3 Fatty Acids: Supports a healthy immune system and body and also protects against some cancers.

 

» Astragalus Root: Helps restore immune function and also reduces the autoimmune response and may offer some relief from immune disorders.

 

» Echinacea Extract: Has been used by Native Americans for generations to fight infections and purify the blood; stimulates the immune system to fight viral and bacterial infections; provides resistance to mold-like bacteria, yeast, fungi, parasites and viruses.

 

» Reishi Mushrooms: Enhances immune modulators which are critical in fighting viral and bacterial infections.

 

» N-Acetylo-L-Cysteine (NAC): Provides powerful immune support and plays a protective role against many toxins.

 

» Thymus Extract: A major immune system gland that largely determines the overall health of the immune system and protects animals from bacteria, fungi, parasites, viruses, cancer, allergies, dermatitis and immune disorders.

 

» Vitamin A: Vital in the growth and repair of body tissues, especially the skin, and reduces susceptibility to infection.

 

» Vitamin C: An antioxidant that resists viral and bacterial infections.

 

Drug Resistance: Immune System Support (Reference: Veterinarians’ Desk Reference)

(Live Link)

 

 

Species affected: Cats, Dogs

Background: Environmental pollution, especially pesticides, exposure to heavy metals and radiation contribute to a weakened immune system. Chronic immune suppression can be genetically predisposed, as many people breed animals that are already immune suppressed. Chronic administration of drugs also can weaken a susceptible immune system. Some animals may require greater than "normal" amounts of some nutrients, especially antioxidants.

Symptoms: Occurrence of frequent infections, abscesses, bladder infections, colds, pneumonia, small wounds that will not heal, yeast infections. Other body systems may be involved such as the digestive tract, nervous system, skin, respiratory system, reproductive tract, and the joints of the body.

Diagnostics: Depend on the system(s) involved and the availability of immune function tests; in some cases, the primary diagnostics are a complete history and physical.

Special Notes: Nutritional imbalances and deficiencies are common in commercial diets. Detoxification often helps.

Principles for Supplementation: Supply nutrients that aid the immune system without overloading it.

 

 

FORMULAS	DOSAGE	MECHANISM/PURPOSE
Boost27	1 capsule per 20 lb bid or 1 scoop per 20 lb bid	Maintains optimal health and supports recovery.
Canine Sports Basics12 or Canine Geriatric Basics12	Dogs: 1 capsule/25 lb sid	Provides supportive nutrients.
Cellular Forte with IP-628	Cats: ¼ capsule bid Dogs: ¼-1 capsule bid	Stimulates the immune system.
Immugen12	Cats: ½ capsule sid Dogs: 1 capsule/25 lb sid	Nutrients enhance immune function.
Immune System Support22	Cats: 1-2 tablets bid	Specific nutrients to support the feline immune system against common viral infections.
ImmunoVET-Fc12	Cat: 1 capsule bid Small dog: 1 capsule/10 lb bid	Improves gut barrier function; immune modulator.
ImmunoVET-C12	Dogs: 1 scoop/25 lb bid	Improves gut barrier function; immune modulator.
ModucareVET12	Cats: ½-1 capsule sid Dogs: 2 capsules/25 lb sid (give between meals)	Plant sterols and sterolins enhance immune function and decrease autoimmune antibody production.
Myco-ImmuneVET12	Cats and dogs: 1 drop/1 lb sid-bid (1 dropperful = 30 drops)	Increases macrophage activity, NK-cell activity, resistance to infection, IgG and IgM response, interleukins, interferon, humoral and cellular immune functions.
PhytisoneVET12	Cats: ¼ capsule bid Dogs: 1 capsule/ 25 lb bid	Herbs, vitamins, and zinc for immune support.
Yu Ping Fan San25	Cats: 2 pills bid or tid Dogs: 2-4 pills bid or tid	Tonifies Qi and stabilizes the exterior.

 

To help you quickly find the right Integrative Medicine formulas and manufacturers to help treat your dogs, cats and horses, please refer to the Veterinarians’ Desk Reference (Click Here)