Herbal Does Not Mean Harmless

By. M. Fakhrul Ulum, DVM from: Holly Nash, DVM, MS (http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=0&cat=1446&articleid=1353)
Herbal and other supplements have become increasingly popular with people as remedies for themselves as well as their animals. Many herbal and alternative therapies, such as glucosamine and antioxidants have scientific studies to prove their efficacy. It’s important to know if a therapy is effective, but it is also important to know what potential side effects it may cause. ‘Alternative’ and ‘herbal’ do not mean ‘harmless’. Many supplements can potentially cause severe side effects, or result in cross reactions if used with other supplements or medications. Here are some examples:
1. Ginkgo affects the blood’s ability to clot. If it is given with aspirin or ‘blood thinners’ such as coumadin, severe bleeding could result.
2. Garlic at high doses can cause Anemia in cats. It may also increase bleeding tendencies, so it should not be used in animals who are going to undergo surgery.
3. Kelp may have an adverse effect in animals with autoimmune thyroid disease.
4. Psyllium and fiber which areused to treat simple constipation can cause adverse effects if there is obstruction of the bowel.
5. St. John’s wort may prolong or increase the effects of certain narcotic drugs and anesthetics.
6. Echinacea should not be used in pets with immune system disorders such as lymphoma, autoimmune disease, or suppressed immune systems, including cats infected with FIV or FeLV
7. Melatonin affects the central nervous system and can interfere with other drugs. It should not be given to animals with heart, kidney or liver disease; immunosuppression; or a history of anxiety or seizures.
8. Ma huang, from the /Ephedra/ plant can cause agitation, hallucinations, rapid heart rates and seizures.
9. Ginseng can cause increased blood pressure.

The effects of many natural remedies on pregnant animals and their developing offspring are, in many cases, unknown. If you are thinking about giving a nutraceutical or herbal supplement to your pet, discuss it first with your veterinarian. If your pet is already on one of these therapies, inform your veterinarian. It may influence prescribing of other medications, the results of certain laboratory tests, or timing of surgery. In human medicine, the American Society of Anesthesiologists has recommended that patients stop taking all natural remedies at least two weeks before surgery.
If you are taking natural remedies, keep them out of the reach of children and pets. The National Animal Poison Control Center reports numerous cases of toxicities in pets resulting from them eating their owner’s supplements. Also, be sure to inform your own health care providers of any supplements you are taking.

References
Hoskins, JD. Melatonin for dermatologic and hormonal effects. Veterinary Forum. 2000 (April); 16-17.
Means, C. Ma huang: All natural but not always innocuous. Veterinary Medicine. 1999 (June); 511-512.
Messonnier, S. Herbal Update: Echinacea. Veterinary Practice News. 2000 (July); 32.
Smith, IK. A Dangerous Mix. TIME. 2000 (October 9); 122.
Wynn, SG. Emerging Therapies: Using Herbs and Nutraceutical Supplements for Small Animals. AAHA Press. Lakewood, CO; 1999.

Herbal Medicine as an Alternative Treatment

By. M. Fakhrul Ulum, DVM from: Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc. (Veterinary & Aquatic Services Department)
(http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=0&cat=1446&articleid=1353)

Herbal medicine has been successfully used to treat many illnesses in animals and people throughout the centuries and is basic to folk medicine in every culture. Wild animals are thought to instinctively select the proper herbs when ill. A system of cancer therapy, known as the Hoxsey Program was originated by a man who observed which herbs were eaten by animals under specific disease conditions.
Scientific research on the use of herbs is at about the same stage as vitamins were 10 years ago. Many companies, however, do not want to invest in expensive research because most herbs cannot be patented, nor are they regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, as drugs and other medications are. Articles on some of the more commonly used herbs are listed in Holistic and Alternative Therapy for Dogs and Cats.
Many of the modern pharmaceutical drugs are actually compounds considered to be the active principles in herbs. Herbalists, however, contend that the pharmaceutical derivatives and the whole plant from which they are derived are not the same due to the unique and complex properties of the original natural substance. As in many situations, the whole is more than the sum of (or one of) its parts, due to synergisms that may occur both within the plant and within the body.
It can be difficult to find fresh herbs, and fresh herbs often are not the most pleasant tasting to the animal. Herb combination products have been developed for certain syndromes and are distributed as tablets and capsules. They can be obtained from many of the herbal companies and are generally classified as Western Herbs or Chinese Herbs. Chinese herbal combinations have been around for thousands of years and have a long track record.
Always keep your veterinarian informed regarding what medications, herbs, and supplements your pet may be taking. Some of these therapies can interfere with the absorption or action of another. And, remember, just because herbs are natural, does not mean they cannot cause adverse or toxic effects if used inappropriately.

Splenectomy in cats

By: M. Fakhrul Ulum, DVM this article taken from: Dr. Cathy Reese (http://www.petplace.com/cats/splenectomy-in-cats)

Splenectomy is the medical term for the surgical removal of the spleen. This procedure is most commonly performed for tumors of the spleen, trauma to the spleen or torsion of the spleen (twisting of the blood vessels supplying the spleen).
Splenic torsion is most commonly seen in large and giant breed dogs but can also occur in cats. Older cats can get various types of splenic tumors. Trauma or rupture of the spleen can occur after any severe traumatic event, such as being kicked, falling from a high distance or hit by a car.

Diagnosis
Your veterinarian will ask you many questions to develop a complete history of the progression of the problem. These questions will include:
 How is your pet’s appetite?
 What is your pet’s activity level and demeanor?
 Have there been any episodes of exercise intolerance?
 Has your pet collapsed?
 How long has the problem been noted?

Your veterinarian will also examine your pet completely, including checking for a fever and listening to his heart and lungs. He/she will palpate (feel) your pet’s abdomen to check for an enlarged spleen, fluid in the abdomen or pain in the abdomen and will check your pet’s gums to see if they are pale, which could indicate either anemia or shock.

Tests
Blood and urine tests are submitted to look for anemia since ruptured splenic tumors or traumatically ruptured spleens can result in severe anemia. These tests will also identify abnormalities in kidney or liver function, which is important to know if your pet needs general anesthesia and surgery.
Abdominocentesis is performed by inserting a needle through the abdominal wall and a syringe is used to remove any fluid of blood in the abdominal cavity. This test is often done to see if there is blood in the abdomen, which could indicate a ruptured spleen.
Radiographs (x-rays) are taken of the abdomen to look for an enlarged spleen, a mass on the spleen and fluid in the abdomen, which could be blood from a ruptured spleen. X-rays are also taken of the chest, especially if a splenic tumor is suspected, since these often spread to the lungs.
An abdominal ultrasound is very helpful in identifying abnormalities of the spleen and other organs.

Treatment
If the spleen has ruptured and has caused severe anemia and shock, your pet may require emergency stabilization. This can include intravenous fluids, steroids, oxygen therapy and blood transfusions.
Once the patient is stable for anesthesia, a splenectomy is done to remove the affected organ. Usually, the entire spleen is removed and sections may be submitted for biopsy.
If the spleen has a tumor on it, additional therapy, such as chemotherapy, may be indicated depending on the biopsy results.
Splenic disease can lead to abnormal heart rhythms, so an EKG is monitored for arrhythmias. Medications are given to treat the arrhythmia if needed.

Home Care
Closely follow your veterinarian’s instructions on post-operative care in order to get the best results. You should also restrict your pet from activity for at least one to two weeks after surgery.

Preventative Care
If your pet collapses, shows signs of exercise intolerance, or if your pet’s gums are white, you should see a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Splenectomy is the medical term for the surgical removal of the spleen. This procedure is often combined with exploratory abdominal surgery, in which all of the abdominal organs are inspected and biopsies are collected if needed.
Indications for splenectomy include splenic tumors, splenic torsion, which is twisting of the blood vessels supplying the spleen, and trauma to the spleen.

Splenic Tumors
The most common splenic tumor in dogs is hemangiosarcoma. The breed most commonly affected is the German shepherd dog, but other breeds can be affected too. It is usually seen in older animals.
Other types of tumors affecting the spleen include fibrosarcoma, mast cell tumor, lymphoma, osteosarcoma and leiomyosarcoma. Blood clots, or hematomas, are also seen.

Splenic Torsion
Splenic torsion is most commonly seen in large and giant breed dogs. It is also sometimes seen with gastric dilation and volvulus (GDV).
Symptoms of a splenic torsion include pacing, and frequent changes in body position while sitting or lying down, drooling, gagging, retching, physical weakness, mental dullness, sudden collapse.
Pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas, is often seen with splenic torsion, as the pancreas is located adjacent to the spleen. Pancreatitis causes abdominal pain and vomiting.

Trauma
Trauma to the spleen from a kick or a car accident can result in rupture of the spleen. If the spleen ruptures from trauma or from a tumor bursting, the patient can lose a lot of blood into his abdominal cavity causing shock and collapse.

Diagnosis
History. Your veterinarian will ask you many questions regarding the development and progression of the problem. If your pet was just involved in a traumatic event or has just collapsed, he may require emergency stabilization. This could include intravenous fluids, a blood transfusion and oxygen therapy. You should inform your veterinarian of your dog’s appetite and demeanor, particularly if there has been any recent changes in these.
Physical exam. Your veterinarian will perform a complete physical exam. This includes listening to the heart and lungs, taking the pet’s temperature, and palpating the abdomen for pain, masses and fluid.
Abdominocentesis is performed by inserting a needle through the abdominal wall and a syringe is used to remove any fluid of blood in the abdominal cavity. This test is often done to see if there is blood in the abdomen, which could indicate a ruptured spleen.
Radiographs (x-rays). Masses of the spleen are often seen on x-rays. Fluid or blood in the abdomen can also be seen on x-rays, and it may obscure the view of masses or other things in the abdomen. Chest x-rays are often taken to look for spread of a tumor to the lungs. They are also necessary if the animal was involved in a traumatic event to look for injuries to the ribs, diaphragm and lungs.
Ultrasound. If there is a lot of fluid or blood in the abdomen, the x-rays will be hard to interpret as the fluid obscures the view of other structures in the abdomen. An abdominal ultrasound is very useful in this case to identify masses or other abnormalities of the spleen and other organs.
Computed tomography (CT scan). This is often used in humans to identify problems in the abdomen, but is not often used in veterinary medicine due to financial constraints or to limited availability. Radiographs, ultrasound and exploratory abdominal surgery often provide sufficient information without a CT scan.
Echocardiogram: An ultrasound of the heart is sometimes done, since a tumor on the spleen can also be related to a tumor on the heart.
Blood and urine tests. Blood and urine tests are submitted to look for anemia, evaluate kidney and liver function prior to anesthesia, and evaluate the oxygen and electrolyte levels in the blood. All of these tests are important in determining if the pet is stable for anesthesia and whether blood transfusions are necessary.

Therapy
Emergency stabilization. If your pet was hit by a car or has experienced other major trauma, or has collapsed from severe anemia, your veterinarian may need to provide initial emergency stabilization therapy in the form of intravenous fluids, oxygen or a blood transfusion.
Once the pet is stable and diagnostic tests have indicated the need for a splenectomy, your pet is placed under general anesthesia and the spleen is removed. Splenectomy is performed using stainless steel surgical stapling devices or suture material, or a combination of both. Most often, and especially with cases of splenic tumors, the entire spleen is removed. The spleen is submitted for biopsy to test it for cancer and other diseases.
If the primary cause is not a tumor, a partial splenectomy may be an option. This may be desirable if the dog or cat is a carrier of a parasite in the blood, Babesia or Hemobartonella. The spleen is important in fighting these parasites.
After surgery, your pet will need to be monitored and treated for anemia, pain and heart arrhythmias. Depending on the biopsy results, your veterinarian may recommend further therapies, such as chemotherapy.

Follow-up Care
Optimal treatment for your pet requires a combination of home and professional veterinary care. Follow-up can be critical, especially if your pet does not rapidly improve.
Administer all prescribed medications as directed. Alert your veterinarian if you are experiencing problems treating your pet. You should also follow your veterinarian’s instructions closely for post-operative care, including exercise restriction for 1-2 weeks. This allows the abdominal incision to heal.
Use an Elizabethan collar if your pet tries to lick or remove his stitches or staples in the skin incision.