A study performed by University of British Columbia links the colonization of gut bacteria to asthma, highlighting the importance of a healthy gastrointestinal microbiome.
Compared across 319 children from birth to three years of age, twenty-two were designated high-risk and eight from that group were diagnosed with asthma. The criteria were detection of low levels of the bacterial genera Lachnospira, Veillonella, Faecalibacterium, and Rothia from the collected fecal and urine samples. This study identified this trend in infants as young as three months of age which they defined as a critical period for attaining the appropriate microbiome. This is the time when the immune responses that protect the body from asthma develop. It is thought that gut bacteria communicate with mucosal surfaces throughout the entire body.
Factors that increase risk for asthma development via improper gut microbiome include bottle-feeding, early exposure to antibiotics, Caesarian section as opposed to natural birth, and living in cities rather than rural areas.
This study suggests a correlation between gut microbiota and asthma with compelling evidence but does not have a clear evidence-based connection to prove the link. Supporting evidence shows restoring these bacteria in mice improves inflammation in airways of the offspring, although this is not studied here in humans. Despite that fact, some ideas for treatment are being composed by the research group. Some treatments in the future could include a commercial flavored capsule that would introduce these 4 critical groups of bacteria into a child’s gastrointestinal tract.
 
Read more about the inspiration for this blog post here: https://www.aaas.org/news/missing-gut-bacteria-raises-infants-asthma-risk
Read about the link between the gut and lung (Gut-Lung Axis) here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6337651/

Yunnan Baiyao is an herbal medicine most notably used as a potent hemostatic agent, and is becoming a more popular treatment option in the United States. The most common current indications are to aid in bleeding problems, bruising and trauma, as well as decreasing bleeding and slowing progression of pathologies in conditions such as vascular tumors. It has a long history beginning in the Yunnan province of China. Literally translating to “white medicine”, this herb started as a secret formula that was used primarily to save soldiers in wars. It first gained notoriety in the war between China and Japan, then was found being used in the Vietnam War. Since then, it has been accepted into veterinary medicine for its many uses in addition to emergency situation control. In cases of hemorrhage, it can be used topically where applicable and orally, simultaneously. It has many herbs in the formula, the most critical being Notoginseng.

Notoginseng’s 3 key components are:

1. Dencichine – an amino acid
2. Saponins – a glycoside that inhibits platelet aggregation
   1. This seems contradictory to dencichine, but it is thought to be at such levels that make it a regulatory mechanism
3. Polysaccharides – a starch that is useful for blood clot formation and potentially has antimicrobial properties

Common uses for Yunnan Baiyao include:

• Controlling acute hemorrhage
• Reducing blood loss during surgery
• Lowering number and severity of anemia cases
• Pain and inflammation control

This potent herb is safe for use in many species, with some very intriguing properties as seen in traditional Chinese herbal medicine. Yunnan Baiyao is known as a ‘warming herb’, a property of herbs that is generally correlated with increased circulation. It is used to break up stagnant blood flow and relieve certain sequelae of poor circulation. The popularity of this medicine continues to grow as more uses are discovered.
Each package as shown above contains two crucial medicines. The more abundant ones are the Yunnan Baiyao herbal combination, and the smaller red pill is the more potent version. This should not be thrown away. It is used more for emergency situations that involve sudden and acute hemorrhage. If it isn’t needed, it should be stored safely in case of emergencies.
 
This post was inspired by A Time to Heal’s article on Yunnan Baiyao, which is a great source for more information on the product.
Uses for surgery and disorders: http://www.itmonline.org/articles/yunnan_paiyao/yunnan_paiyao.htm
History and development of Yunnan Baiyao: http://www.itmonline.org/jintu/yunnan.htm
Uses in a first aid kit: https://drjakefratkin.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Three-Essential-Herbal-Products-for-your-First-Aid-Kit.pdf

There has recently been a recall for dog foods containing high levels of vitamin D. These potentially toxic levels can cause a variety of organ, nerve, muscle, and skeletal problems. Vitamin D’s main effect is to increase calcium absorption from the gut and kidneys. It also acts in concert with hormones from the parathyroid gland to start pulling calcium from the bones. Think of those as the two keys to a lock that have to be turned simultaneously in order to work. All of this calcium that gets pulled then goes into the bloodstream and gets distributed to muscles, nerves, and major organs in the body. This can easily lead to muscle and bone diseases. If you think your pet food might be affected by the recall, here’s what you can do:

• Check the FDA link below to see if your brand was affected
• Discontinue feeding that item
• Report the food item(s) to the FDA
• If you suspect your food might be affected, and it is not on the FDA’s list, report any suspected food to your local FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator
• Talk to your vet about preventative or corrective measures for adverse health effects related to that food

Vitamin D toxicity can affect all animals. This recall primarily affects dog foods, but we want to take the time to remind you to check on your cat, farm animal, or reptile’s diets. Food is the best preventative measure for health. In cases like vitamin D, it is important to make sure you are able to supply your pet with the right amount and form. Be sure to take into account environmental factors that affect vitamin D intake.
 
VCA hospitals: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/vitamin-d-poisoning-in-dogs
FDA fast facts, list of brands: https://www.fda.gov/animalveterinary/newsevents/ucm627485.htm
Vitamin D levels for a 500kg working horse: https://aaep.org/sites/default/files/issues/proceedings-11proceedings-z91001113120p.pdf
Reptile supplements: http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Supplemental-Nutrition-for-Your-Reptiles/

Indoor chickens are typically raised in CAFOs (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation) that provide large barns on concrete pads capable of containing tens of thousands of animals with only about 1/2 square foot of space per chicken.  CAFO chickens do not leave the structure and cover of the building, resulting in very different nutrient density than chickens exposed to sunlight (pasture raised).  They also require feed with antibiotics and growth promoting drugs in order to produce meat for market in several weeks.  Several chickens in CAFOs die due to the failure of organ function keeping up with muscle mass development.
​
"I don't have a problem with death, but I do have a problem with suffering." -Dr. Barbara Royal

Pasture raised chickens are allowed to freely move from a simple structure to a designated pasture where they can forage grasses and bugs, in addition to high quality grain feeds for adequate development.  Designated pastures are typically rotated every few days for sustainability.  The structures provided on most pasture raised farms allow 1 square foot of space per chicken, but chickens will also spend most of their day outside of the structure.  A variety of activity with increased UV exposure results in chickens that are more nutrient dense, with a slightly different fatty acid profile, fat/protein ratio, and increased vitamin D from UV-B synthesis of cholesterol in sun-raised chickens.

This is why when purchasing food from our feathered friends, we fully support looking for the "pasture raised" label. By doing so, you help support sustainable and humane farming practices. Good for your pet. Good for the earth. 

This is why when purchasing food from our feathered friends, we fully support looking for the "pasture raised" label. By doing so, you help support sustainable and humane farming practices.

​Good for your pet. Good for the earth. ​ 

One of the major issues currently facing the veterinary community is the debate on the discussion of cannabis between veterinarians and clients. Unlike human doctors, veterinarians were not legally able to discuss the use of cannabis products with clients until very recently.

• Pet owners can purchase and use cannabis-derived products for their pet without proper guidance from a veterinarian.
• California proposed bill AB 2215 earlier this year, which requires the California Veterinary Medical Board to establish guidelines for discussion of the use of cannabis while protecting licensed veterinarians from any disciplinary action. These guidelines must be posted to their website before the first day of January 2020.
• The bill was denied at first, meaning any discussion of cannabis with a client would have led to strict disciplinary action for a licensed veterinarian in California. Examples would be denying, revoking, or suspending veterinary licenses.
• As of September 27, 2018, AB 2215 was signed by Governor Brown. This prohibits the Veterinary Medical Board from any disciplinary action regarding the discussion of cannabis use for medicinal purposes with clients. At the same time, it also prohibits veterinarians in California from dispensing related products to a patient.
  • Other states such as Colorado and Oregon have made significant progress in this area.
  • Colorado is able to legally offer advice and/or treatment and is currently conducting research on the medical effects of marijuana use in their patients.
• Oregon is able to discuss use of any cannabis-related products and services, although client consent is always needed before any unorthodox treatment is offered.
• States that have progressed in cannabis product use with clients are able to conduct more research, improving the likelihood that other states will be able to follow suit.
• If states where cannabis use is illegal see benefits from research, there is a greater likelihood that states like California would legalize this form of integrative medicine.

The original reasoning for this communication barrier was due to marijuana being classified as a Schedule I drug. Schedule I drugs are classified as such because the knowledge at the time pointed to know known medicinal benefits and plenty of potential for abuse. Another solution to this issue is the reclassification of cannabis from a Schedule I drug to a Schedule II drug. This will allow more research to be conducted and give more reason for California to work towards legalizing cannabis as a medicine.
If this is a topic that interests you, here is where you can go for more information!
 
For more on prior legislation: https://www.thecannabispet.com/veterinarians-discuss-cannabis/
The recent bill passing, legalizing discussion with clients: https://cvma.net/government/legislative-issues/ab-2215-kalra-medical-advice-use-of-cannabis/
For more on the science behind cannabis: https://cannacompanionusa.com/faq/cannabis-science/#ECS-2

You may be familiar with the current issue of anti-microbial and pesticide resistance in medicine and agriculture, but what you may not know is that the emergence of resistant “superbugs” is a systemic and worldwide problem that is shaking the status quo and forcing some conventional drugs out of the picture.  While scientific bodies seek large-scale solutions for the growing threat to the health of our world, you as an animal healthcare professional, can help in your own way.  Your alternative therapies can enter the picture and contribute to the fight! 

Here are the facts:

• Superbugs are microorganisms or pests that have adapted resistance to the drugs and pesticides used to fight them
• The problem of resistance has grown to include that of crop pests, fungi, and bacteria.
• Since their creation, the few most effective and easily-produced drugs were mass-produced and extensively used.  Other solutions and combatants to the microbes were largely ignored in favor of these drugs.
• Resistance to these drugs has sent scientists around the world back to the drawing board to find drugs with new modes of action to combat these microorganisms.
• A few recent intriguing articles in our online resource library describe this struggle, specifically in fungi and pesticides as well as the underlying genomics behind their adaptations.
• What can you do?  As healthcare professionals, you can encourage the use of alternative therapies with new modes of action as you treat the problem holistically.
• Team up with us and learn more about this and many other topics from the literature in our resource library, which is completely free for members!
  

​Is sunny weather planned for your spring break this year? Well we’ve got you covered with our Top 7 Spring Break Tips for you and your furry friend!

1.) Research the location and phone numbers for local emergency veterinary hospitals near your vacation spot.

2.) Bring your RAHU Integrative Veterinary Emergency Kit (available on our website) so you can be prepared for the unexpected! Having a travel kit of medications/supplements/bandages for injuries, mild GI upset/loose stool from the stress of travel or an herbal anti-inflammatory can be a lifesaver! Also put any current medications/supplements in the kit. Make sure you put a copy of your current Rabies tag number and any medical information you might need in your Kit.

3.) If you’re traveling south, make sure you bring an herbal flea and tick spray with you. While pests up north go away for the winter, they may be year-round in warmer climates. 

4.) You may need to give heartworm (HW) prevention once you return from your trip. If you travel to a place where there are active mosquitos, medication for HW should be given after exposure. If a mosquito with HW bites your pet, the medication will kill the parasite if given within 60 days. If you prefer to avoid the use of HW prevention, you can test a full HW panel after exposure. Talk to your veterinarian about the best time interval for this blood test.

5.) If you plan to use herbal calming agents for your pet during travel, be sure to test their reactions to them BEFORE leaving for your vacation. Always talk to your veterinarian about safe options for your pet. 

6.) Avoid making any changes to your pets diet or medications/supplements right before (or during) your trip unless absolutely necessary. If there’s an unwanted reaction it may be more difficult to manage if you are away from your primary veterinarian. 

7.) Make sure your pet's identifying tags and microchip registration are up-to-date with a current cell phone that you will have with you when you are away.  Keep the microchip company's phone number and their identifying number for your pet on a card in your wallet. 

With these health tips we hope you and your pets can stay wildly happy and healthy this holiday season!!!

"Cats are the number-one pet in America, and we spend more annually on cat food than we do on baby food. Aloof, cuddly, sensitive, selfish, sweet, tough, complicated, playful, silly, elegant, unpredictable, and incredibly resilient, cats are highly entertaining."

Cats certainly are "unpredictable" and we here at RAHU love them for that. However, it can be a little tricky when it comes to providing them with wild health. Take a look at this list created by, Dr. Barbara Royal for ways to keep your cat cool.

• Owners with multi-cat households should be aware of each singular cat's nature and provide safe havens for troubled or trouble making cats (like cat trees or a room only they can access).
• Procure the right number of litter boxes. The solution for this is to have a box for each cat and then add one more. Four cats, five litter boxes. 
• Choose a few quiet places for the boxes that are easy to access.
• Clean the litter box daily. Cats have a superior olfactory sense. Use a chemical-free litter. 
• Don't use an uncomfortable mat, or sharp plastic grass in front of the box. 
• If you have multiple cats, maintain multiple food and water stations to decrease stress. Are these bowls easy to access? Cats are desert animals, and by the time they feel thirsty, they may already be dehydrated. If they are feeling intimidated, it may add to a health problem. If your cat is fighting kidney or urinary issues or diabetes, plentiful water is a must. 
• Feed your cat a "Catkins" diet--a low-carb diet. Feeding a cat a high--carb diet is a disaster in many ways. Carb-heavy diets increase the incidence of obesity and are associated with diabetes, inflammatory bowel problems, and allergies. Without the carbs, cats with these conditions improve and lose weight. If your cat is underweight, have your vet rule out all possible underlying issues, such as parasites, hyperthyroidism, and kidney disease, and then feed more of a high-quality food. 

  MythConception:  "Pet food labeled 'Grain Free', means it is species appropriate for dogs and cats"

FALSE.

Just because a food is labeled "natural", or "grain free", doesn't mean it's an appropriate food to feed to you dog or cat. 

Follow Dr. Royal's "Quick Guide" for how to properly assess your pets food, so they can achieve wild health!

Ignore pictures & the potentially misleading words and pictures on the front of the package. You can read them later. Go directly to the:

INGREDIENTS
  -Ingredients are listed in order of weight before processing the food. 
  -Are the  meats or fish the first and maybe the second and third ingredient (s)? This is a good sign. 
  -The next ingredients should not combine to be a lot carbohydrates. (Grains, potatoes, chickpeas, flours, corn, etc.)
  -Are there unneeded fillers, toxins, chemicals, dyes, and proteins from non-meats?
  -Is there ingredient splitting to move unwanted (carbs usually) further down the list?
  -Make a general assessment of what the ingredient list looks like to you -- healthy or not?

GUARANTEED ANALYSIS
Protein, Fat & Carbs are the three main components of food. One goes up and the other goes down.

It's time for a little math...

   Guaranteed Analysis:

•   Protein should be greater than 40%.
•   Fat should be greater than 30%. 
•   Carbohydrates should be less than 30% and preferably less than 20%.

How To Calculate Carbohydrate Percentage 
(Because they do not usually put it on the label!)

• Dried Food -- including kibble and freeze dried

       -From the Guaranteed Analysis, add the "Crude Protein" percentage to the "Crude Fat" percentage
       -Subtract this total from 100% giving you a rough estimate of the percentage of carbohydrates. 

• Wet Food --Wet Foods include canned foods, most commercially prepared raw foods, and semi-moist foods. 

       -Subtract the moisture content from 100% to get the total dry matter amount. 
       -Subtract from this number both the percentage fat and the percentage protein. 
       -Divide that number by the total dry matter amount and multiply by 100. This will be a rough estimate of           the percentage of carbohydrate in the diet. 
    Example:
     100 - 78% moisture = 22%
     22 - 2% fat = 22%
     20% - 5.5% = 14.5
     14.5 divided by 22 = 0.659 x 100
          = 69% carbs in this wet food.

In an ever changing pet food market, it's hard to support companies that have ethical practices and are doing their best to provide your pet with a biologically appropriate diet. Through tips like these, we hope to empower you to accomplish the extraordinary and keep the animals in your life, wildly healthy!

Looking for more information regarding animal nutrition? Take a look at our courses and materials to learn more!