expensive and can have rare side ef- fects. If the drug proves to be effective, Anipryl must be used for the rest of the life of the dog. Natural, drug-free thera- pies are less costly.
Natural Therapies Many different natural therapies can help alleviate cognitive disorder, as recommended by a holistic vet. Changes in diet may include antioxi- dants, omega-3 fatty acids, herbs such as ginkgo biloba, targeted homeopath- ics and phosphatidylserine and acetyl- L-carnitine supplements. While I may incorporate a combi- nation of these in the treatment of a pet with cognitive disorder, one mainstay is supplementation with choline/phospha- tidylcholine. Many pets in my practice have had beneficial results with the pat- ented product Cholodin, made by MVP Laboratories. It contains choline, phos- phatidylcholine, methionine and inositol. Several years ago, I conducted a
study funded by the manufacturer and found that Cholodin was effective as a sole therapy. Half of the dogs and cats
older pets, as well, because minimizing inflammation may also help prevent or decrease the incidence of other serious disorders. Because common commer- cial pet foods can have ingredients that can induce oxidative cell damage and inflammation, I recommend feeding pets natural foods devoid of byproducts and chemicals (feeding only wet food to cats).
treated with this supplement showed a moderate or significant response within 30 days; another 25 percent of dogs and 20 percent of cats in the study showed at least minimal im- provement within a 30-day period. I now prescribe Cholodin for all of my dog and cat patients that are at least 5 years of age, as a preventive measure. In addition to choline and other
natural therapies, I believe that it’s important to minimize inflammation in
Other ideas to reduce inflamma- tion include minimizing vaccinations through the use of antibody titer test- ing, and minimizing or eliminating the use of chemical flea and tick prod- ucts. In my experience, using natural therapies, beginning when a pet turns 5 years of age, can actually prevent, and at least minimize, the incidence of cognitive disorder.
Shawn Messonier, a doctor of veterinary medicine practicing in Plano, TX, is the award-winning author of The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats; his latest book is Unexpected Miracles: Hope and Holistic Healing for Pets. Visit
PetCareNaturally.com.
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natural awakenings
May 2011
37
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