Veterinarian’s Desk Reference of Natural Medicines

This guide is intended for use by licensed veterinarians only. While pet owners may find this information useful, they should not attempt to self-diagnose their animal companians. The Veterinary Institute of Integrative Medicine always recommends that your animal’s healthcare be directed under the guidance of a veterinarian.

SECTION I - CANINE AND FELINE

AGING, DISEASES OF

Species affected: Cats, Dogs

Background: Any system may be affected.
Symptoms: Any system may be affected.
Diagnostics: As needed for presenting signs.
Special Notes: Memoractiv is more appropriate in dogs that tend to develop canine cognitive dysfunction.
Principles for Supplementation: Basic nutritional supplementation and antioxidants.

Canine and Feline Products – Diseases of Aging

Formulas:	Dosage:	Mechanism/Purpose:
American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius)^12	Cats: 50 mg, sid	Improves energy, decreases fatigue.
Arthroplex^12	Cats: ½ capsule, bid	Broad spectrum formula. Source of glycosaminoglycans, including glucosamine. Decreases pain, supports production of collagen, decreases inflammation.
	Dogs: 1 capsule/25 lbs, bid
Canine Geriatric Basic Nutrients^12	Dogs: 1 capsule/25 lbs, bid	Canine specific, contains beta-carotene.
Canine Plus^14	Dogs: as directed by weight	Formula with vitamins, amino acids, digestive enzymes.
Cell Advance 440^14	Dogs (small & medium sized): 1 per 10 lbs/day	Formula with antioxidants, amino acids, minerals.
Cell Advance 880^14	Dogs (large sized): 1 per 20 lbs/day	Formula with antioxidants, amino acids, minerals.
Chinese Herbal Arthragen^12	Cats: 1 - 2 pills, bid	For arthritis that is worse in cold damp weather.
	Dogs: 1 pill/10 lbs, bid
E400 Selenium^7	Cats: ¼ tablet, sid	Antioxidant. Anti-inflammatory. Vitamin E and Selenium are synergistic. Selenium in high doses is toxic. Vitamin E in high doses can raise blood pressure and can increase coagulation time. Do not exceed recommended dose. Use less in case of heart failure or if animal is on digoxin.
	Dogs: ¼ tablet/25 lbs, sid
Feline Geriatric Basic Nutrients^12	Cats: 1 - 2 capsules/day	Formula with taurine, vitamin A-palmitate for cats.
Memoractiv^12	Cats: ½ capsule, sid	Enhances cognitive function.
	Dogs: 1 capsule/25lbs, sid
Nu-Cat^14	Cats: 4 tablets/day; bid	Formula with vitamins, minerals, digestive enzymes, Perna Canaliculus, taurine.
Small Animal Antioxidant^12	Cats: ½ capsule/day	Balanced antioxidant formula.
	Dogs: 1 capsule/25 lbs/day
Theanine^12	Cats: ¼ capsule, sid	Stimulates production of alpha waves by brain, modifies neurotransmitters involved in attention and memory.
	Dogs: ¼ capsule/25 lbs, sid
Ultimate-E^12	Cats: ¼ capsule, sid	Balanced forms of Vitamin E. No added soy oil (a pro-oxidant). Antioxidant.
	Dogs: ¼ capsule/25 lbs, sid

ARTHRITIS/DEGENERATIVE JOINT DISEASE

Species affected: Cats, Dogs

Background: Decrease in viscosity and loss of lubricative effect of the joint fluid, calcium deposits on the articular ends of bones as well as in the soft tissue of the joint capsule and ligaments.
Symptoms: Pain, stiffness, decreased range of motion, generally worse upon arising or in cool weather and improves with movement, in some cases worse with exercise; bony growths visible.
Diagnostics: Physical examination, radiographs, ultrasound.
Special Notes: It may be necessary to address the origin of the problem as well as supporting the healing process. Causes may include: breed or familial predisposition, poor conformation, weakening of the ligaments and tendons, injury to the joint, poor-quality food, autoimmune conditions, allergies and "leaky bowel syndrome." In some animals on long-term supplementation, it may be advisable to change types of products periodically (yearly) to enhance the health of the joints in a variety or ways, especially if the response to one product is only moderate.

Principles for Supplementation: Anti-inflammatory, nourish the joint.

CANINE AND FELINE PRODUCTS – arthritis/degenerative joint disease

Formulas:	Dosage:	Mechanism/Purpose:
Arthroplex^12	Cats: 1 capsule, sid	Anti-inflammatory. Source of glycosaminoglycans, including glucosamine. Decreases pain, supports production of collagen.
	Dogs: 1 capsule/25 lbs, bid
Buffered C Powder^12	Cats: 125 mg, bid	Stimulates phagocytic effect of leukocytes, nitrate scavenger, aids in synthesis of collagen and carnitine.
	Dogs: 10 mg/lb