Conference misery::feline

    
    
    
    The following has been paraphrased and is not intended to be followed
    as writted.  Please, if you are interested in this, pick up a copy of
    the book for the complete info.
    
    From Dr. Pitcairn's complete guide to Natural Health for Dogs & Cats
    Richard H. Pitcairn D.V.M., Ph.D., & Susan Hubble Pitcairn
    (watch for the new updated edition)
    
    Bladder problems..describes what is usually suggested and then states
    for treatment...
    First and foremost change the diet.  If commercial foods continue to be
    used as a major part of the nutrition, the condition almost always will
    recur.  During acute phase, put the animal on a liquid fast, offering a
    broth several times a day.  Provide pure water at all times.  After
    improvement or recovery utilize natural diet with these modifications.
    For one month, feed no organ meats or yeast, in order to reduce the
    purines (which create excessive uric acid) in the system.
    Use a B complex tab daily with the major B vitamins at the 10 milligram
    level.
    Give vitamin C 250 - 500 milligrams 2xday in order to control bacterial
    infection and maintain an acid urine which makes mineral salts more
    soluble and counters the formation of crystals.
    Increase the amount of Vit E to minimize or prevent scarring of healing
    tissues.  For a cat this would amt to 60 to 100 IU daily.
    
    Homeopathic/herbal remedies. (available at many health food stores, much
    easier to give than pills)
    
    Acute cases  A cat that is blocked and cannot pass urine.
    Tincture of Shepherd's Purse  2 drops on the tongue every 30 minutes
    until urination is achieved.  Don't try for more than 2 hrs but can be
    used en route to the vets. Goes on to give schedule of treatment
    
    Sub acute cases  not obstruction but inflammation.  Frequent urge to
    urinate, flow is scanty or blood tinged.  This misery can go on for
    days, with perhaps temporary improvement (especially with antibiotics).
    However, the problem recurs every few weeks.
    Utica urens 6x , Apis mellifica 3x Rhus Tox 6x are the three
    homeopathics given for this.  Consult the book for more detail on
    matching remedy to specific situation.
    Chronic cases  where conditions are never sever but there is a weakness
    and a tendency toward inflammation in the urinary tract.
    Infusion of shave grass (Equisetum arvense) given throughout the day.

    
    The following exerpts are from a wonder booklet by Donald I Ogden, DVM
    written in 1959
    
    Because a cat will not eat every time food is offered to it does not
    mean that it does not like it.  The food should be left for 15 minutes
    and then removed to be offered fresh at the same time the next day, or
    six hours later.  Cats often do not have hunger every day and prefer to
    eat less often which is their natural way of nutrition.  Do not force
    them or pamper them by offering them several tid-bits until they nibble
    at one to please you.  Rather, realize that they will eat anything
    wholesome when they are hungry.  
    Cats on the convential canned food diet are more apt to have urinary
    stones that dogs on the same diet because the urethral opening is very
    small.
    
    It goes on to describe blocked cats and says....for this reason alone,
    if for none other, the cat diet should be raw and low in acid ash.
    
    This booklet highly reccomends fasting and also give suggested natural
    menus....here's a sample.
    
    1. Raw grated carrots mixed with scrambled eggs.
    7. Raw beef with grated lettuce and carrots.
    17. Lettuce, tomato, cucumber, pepper, celery and brown rice.
    39. Raw peanut butter, okra, string beans, baby lima beans.
    There are also some special cat menus
    1. Warmed whole milk, raw
    14. Melted cheese over carrots, grated.
    
    I can hear you all now.. my cats probably wouldn't eat it either, and
    I'm not sure I could listen to them complain.  But it sure is something
    for me to consider next time around.

    
    The following from Keep Your Pet Health The Natural Way by Pat Lazarus
    
    This book describe the symptoms of FUS and cyctitis and describes the
    frustration of most veterinarians treating only with drugs, and the
    frustration of an owner who didn't want her cat on medication for the
    rest of its life.
    On FUS   An all natural diet is extremely helpful in treating FUS
    problems and preventing recurrence.
    
    This book also matches Dr. Pitcairn's suggestions of Vit C, vit. B and
    the same homeopathic remedies though this book uses them in their
    herbal form.
    Although this book strongly advises natural diet, it makes allowances
    for those who choose not to and suggests some of the more "natural"
    commercial foods such as Cornucopia, Solid Gold, and Lick Your Chops.
    
    Since this book was written in 1983 there have been many other foods
    introduces to the market.  Nature's Recipe, Natural Life, Pet Guard
    to name a few.
    
    An interesting thing about this book, while it was written by Pat
    Lazarus, it is a compilation of information from some of our local,
    practicing holistic vets.
    
    I have a list of local vets that I will try to bring in and post
    tomorrow. 

    
    The Very Health Cat Book by Wendell O. Belfield, DVM and Martin Zucker
    
    Again this book highly suggests Vit C and goes into quite a bit of
    detail.
    Breeders who add Vit C to their supplementation program begin seeing
    phenomenal changes: they control the killer diseases, urinary tract
    blockage in males is nonexistent, and kittens are healthier.
    
    It says that ....In my opinion the ash in the dry food definitely has
    an effect.  however, I have seen no end of cats on high ash diets, on
    dry cat food all their lives, who did not develop FUS.  
    
    While this book doesn't make much mention of natural diet, it's basis
    for a cure of just about everything is Vit. C.  (including Leukemia)
    
    While the cure for FUS is not seen overnight, it seems that good
    results have been achieved with vit. therapy.
    
    In serious cases I find it takes about six months to thoroughly resolve
    the problem - the elimination of all stones and subsequent blockage. 
    If an animal is maintained on this program, I never have to treat it
    again for FUS.
    
    In a chapter on abcesses about antibiotics...The antibiotis works for
    for the moment and when it is used up the infection returns.

    
    In Juliette de Bairacli Levy's book, Cats Naturally
    
    Under Bladder ailments...
    herbs beneficial for ailments of the urinary system ar very many.  I
    have selected those with are among the best and also are easily
    obtainable.  Couch-grass, parsley, cleavers (goose-grass), the 'silk'
    which is within corn cobs.
    
    Juliette stresses her natural diet, which includes many herbs. 
    Sojourner Farms carries a cereal mix and the herbal mixes the Juliette
    writes about

    
    Ok my last entry for today, I will continue to enter info as I have
    time.  I will try to answer any questions as best I can, and I hope
    this has been helpful to some of you.  Again...it is just something to
    consider.
    
    Pet Allergies  Remedies for an epidemic by Alfred J. Plechner DVM and
    Martin Zucker
    
    This book really opened my eyes to alot of things.  Lots of case
    histories.  Very interesting reading. 
    
    The book is divided in tow parts.  The first covers the following
    problems, many of them over looked in general veterinary medicine, that
    can severely impact the health of animals:
    
    The food connection, providing startling details about how commercial
    pet food can undermine animal health.
    
    Food allergies, a frequent source of irritation and upset and cause of
    both acute and chronic illness.
    
    My "Allergic HIT list" of major food offenders and the surprising scope
    of health problems they can cause.
    
    Mineral deficiencies, the depleted state of pet food, reflection the
    depleted state of American agricultural soil.
    
    Enzyme deficiencies, a usually undiagnosed cause of ailments.
    
    How fad breeding practices have caused a multiplicity of serious
    genetic health problems.
    
    One such overlooked problem - the devastation adrenal deficiency.
    
    How animals are made super-sensitive to flea, insect and environmental
    allergies.
    
    Part two contains the plan of action - using combination of
    hypoallergenic diets, mineral and enzyme supplementation and formonal
    replacements.

    I am not against alternative methods, I am FOR them. But I know of
    experience that it can be dangerous, too.
    
    DO alternative treating but be careful.
    
    NEVER do it INSTEAD of vet check - do it parallel and consult with the
    vet.
    
    Try to trust on people who studied long for being pet doctors - all the
    stuff they learned and know is to help animals.
    
    If all hope is gone, try everything to help your loved pet - try
    impossible things too as long as the pet does not suffer.
    
    Just my two cents, I really don't wanna start a debate...
    
    Nat

    Very interesting!  I would want to caution the use of raw beef.
    Two facts, toxoplasmosis is in some of the meat which is destined for
    us. Raw meat that is prepared for animals ie. horse, beef can also
    contain toxo.  
    
    Therefor, you can NEVER be sure you won't catch it or give it to your
    cats.  Freezing must be below -40 in order to kill it.  So if it has
    been frozen, you best make sure it is at the right temp!  To prevent
    it, you only have to cook it!
    (yuck...)
    Karen

    
    Karen, 
      I worry about raw meat too, not only beef but chicken because of
    salmonella (sp?).  It was a question brought up at a seminar I attended
    last year and the vet felt that it wasn't a problem for animals.  Their
    systems seem to be able to handle the bacteria.  I'm still hesitant
    but I haven't had any problems yet.  I do soak the meat in a clorox and
    water solution then a clear soak.  (something I've been doing for
    years)   All the books I've read caution only about raw pork and I know
    in Dr. Pitcairn's book it mentions that cats cannot eat meat as tainted
    as that which a dog could eat.  
    
    MaryAnne

    
    The folllowing is a list of holistic vets that was handed out at a
    seminar I attended.
    
    These are excellent homeopathic veterinarians who consult by phone or
    are in the New England area.  (this is what the copy says ;'))
    
    * They have completed Dr. Pitcairn's year long training course or
    equivalent
    
    * before phone #  they will do phone consults
    
    
    * Dee Blanco and Don Hamilton, Sante FE NM   * 505-983-2022
    * Pat Bradley, Arkansas                      * 501-329-2064
      Lynda Clark, Portland OR                   * 503-256-7837
    * Allison Cooper, Ontario                    * 613-269-4779
      Jane Doyle, Berkeley Springs WV            * 304-258-5819
    * Will Falconer, Hawaii                      * 808-878-2488
    * Walter Jaworski,  Athol MA                 * 508-249-2236
      Dorsie Kovacs,  Monson MA                    413-267-5141
    * Douglas Kappstatter,  Framingham  MA         617-893-2800
    * Jeff Levy,  Williamsburg  MA               * 413-268-3000
    * Ed Sheaffer,  Mechanicsburg  PA            * 717-795-9799 (large
    animal  very busy)
      Robert Sidorsky, Shelburne Falls, MA         413-625-9517
    * Madalyn Ward  Austin TX                    * 512-288-0428 (equine)
      Steve Woodard,  Waterbury Center VT          802-244-5785
    * Michele Yasson,  Rosendale and NYC         * 914-658-9720 (equine +)
      Keith Benedict,  Falmouth  Ma                508-540-4323
      Roger DeHaan,  Haverhill,  MA                508-521-1899
    
    I've also added the following though I don't have phone # 
    
    Dr. George Glanzberg  N. Bennington  VT
    Dr. Harwood     Keene NH
    Dr. Nealley  Westminster VT
    
    Anitra Frazier, NY  NY  212-663-0122  For cat and dog nutrition, herbs,
    and general health coaching.
    
    For more info or listings in your area
    
    The American Holistic Vet. Medical Assn.  410-569-0795  this is a list
    of members, not necessarily indication the degree of holistic practice
    
    For Accupuncture..Dr. Snader  Chester Springs   PA  215-827-7245
    
    For Chiropractic  Dr. Willoughby   Port Byron  IL  309-523-3995
    For Network Chiropractic  Dr. Mark Haverkos  Batesville IN  
    812-934-2410
    
    And from EarthStar  Magazine
    New England Veterinary Acupuncture
    Katherine A Kahn, D.V.M.
    Irving St
    PO Box 851
    Watertown  MA  02172
    617-923-1607
    office hrs in Arlington, house calls by appt.
    
    Hope this helps.  It might be worth it to call and see if any of them
    can offer any suggestions.
    
    MaryAnne
    

    Maryanne, do you mean clorox as in bleach?  

    
    Yup,  I have a handout that I got from my first homeopathic vet, Dr.
    Kearns, in Hingham  MA.  It was written by Dr. Parcell.  Supposedly the
    Clorox will leach out/destroy  parasites, toxins, chemicals etc.
    
    1/2 tsp of Clorox (must be regular clorox) to 1 gallon of water.
    Soak for 10 mins to 1 hr (depending on what you're soaking)
    Then soak in a clear water bath for 10 mins.  
    Prepare as you normally would.
    Use only glass or stainless steel for soaking.
    
    I admit I was hesitant at first and wouldn't try any of the food.  I
    just did it for the dogs, but I got brave and do almost all my food
    now.  It does make it hard to enjoy eating out though!  I was amazed at
    all the "junk" that came off the food, especially the fruits and
    veggies.  It will lift the wax off apples and oranges so that once they
    are dry it will flake right off.  It will help keep food fresher
    longer.  And it will help bring wilted food (like greens) back to life.
    It will take out the artificial coloring in meat, so that it looks
    pretty gross, sort of grey but tastes better and you don't notice the
    color once it's cooked.  Veggies will also be a vibrant color when
    steamed!  Check out broccoli!
    
    The bleach solution is pretty mild.  One of my cats was famous for
    eating the dog's beef right out of the bleach water.  My husband has
    accidently grabbed the jug of bleach water for a swig on a hot day and
    even I have done it.  Tasted funny but didn't make us sick.
    
    I've heard some say that this is not a good thing to do.  And there are
    many new "veggie washes" on the market that are probably alot easier to
    use.  I also know some people that use a mixture of grapefruit or lemon
    and water as a soak.
    
    So while it's not for everyone, it works for us.  Just one more thing 
    to think about.
    
    MaryAnne

    RE: .10
    
    Dr Kappenstatter is listed as one of the vets; he is no longer at
    the number listed; I'm told he bought a practice in HArvard/Boxboro
    area. 
    
    Deb

    
    Deb, 
    
    Thanks for the info.  This is a list I got last fall.
    
    MaryAnnne

    Hi,

    I couldn't find a good "food" topic to put this note in...so I guess
    this is as good as any.

    ANyway, I have a problem and need suggestions on alternative food for
    my kitties.

    I have 2 cats that have been eating Prescription CD all of
    their 9 years.  They both had a history of FUS, but neither have had
    a problem for about 2 years now.  Recently our vet had me switch their
    food to the Prescription WD which is 210 calories/cup as opposed to
    500/cup with the CD.  I've been trying to ween them from the CD to the
    WD by mixing a 2 (WD) to 1 (CD) mixture of both types.  The problem is,
    Chip  doesn't seem to like the WD at all.

    I think he's only eating it because he's starving.  In the last few
    days, he's thrown it up a couple times.  He does have a tendency to eat
    gulp his food down and then throw it up.  But I think he's starving, then 
    he pigs out on food (which he hates) then he pukes. 

    So my question (finally) is this. Does IAMS or some other company make
    a food that's safe for FUS kitties? and also dietetic? I'd like to try
    giving them something else.  In the meantime, I'll have to get more CD
    for Chip because I know he likes that flavor and won't throw it up as
    often.

    Thanx for any advice,
    				Kelly

    RE .15
    
    Try a mix that contains more of the CD than the WD, and increase the
    proportion of WD very gradually so they get used to the new taste over
    time. 

    Many cats cannot tolerate or "won't" tolerate different brands of food.
    You cannot force the poor baby to eat what he won't.  My suggestion
    is to compare the labels on the different brands. If you go
    to a premium food (Iams, Max Cat, Natural Life), you will do
    as well as with the Science Diet.  Just compare the values, buy 
    a small bag and test it out for a few days.  It is not uncommon 
    what you are experiencing.  The foods to stay away from are the
    ones you get at the grocery store.
    Regards,
    Karen

    I've been feeding Kostas Purina Special Care. It is much less caloric,
    and he seemd to like the taste. It is about $4.25/bag in the grocery
    store, but it always has a $.40 off coupon in the bag (tripled, that
    brings the cost down to $3.05).
    
    Good luck,
    Deb and The Firm

    Thanx everyone for your suggestions.
    
    I've bought more CD and will give both cats a more heavily
    concentrated CD to WD mix (like 2 cups CD to 1 cup WD)....and keep
    my fingers crossed.
    
    /Kelly