Hills Science Diet K/D

Hills Science Diet K/D Canine Renal/Kidney Diet

Please read attached, “Mythology of Protein Restriction for Dogs with Reduced Renal Function” (compendium on continuing education for the practicing veterinarian) (also applies to cats) for additional information.

Ingredients -

Brewers Rice – “the dried extracted residue of rice resulting from the manufacture of wort (liquid portion of malted grain) or beer.”  This ingredient is stripped of its nutrients, and is an inexpensive filler, devoid of nutrients, including protein.

Pork Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid) – Pork fat is generally “lard” rendered from the small intestine.  It contains enough protein to sustain life but not enough to thrive on. Depleting carnivores of protein theoretically would decrease the load on the kidneys (however, attached documentation proves otherwise) but will damage the other organs and contribute to long term dis-ease such as bone, heart, ligament/tendon, and digestive damage, etc.

Dried Egg Product – Egg is the most nutritious ingredient in this food, however egg is a common allergen and AAFCO definitions state that there is no requirement for freshness or quality on egg “product.”

Flaxseed – Whole flaxseed is a source of virtually indigestible fiber and is a common allergen.  Ground flaxseed easily goes rancid without proper preservatives. Dogs and Cats are incapable of assimilating the Essential Fatty Acids from flaxseed if not in a DHEA version, however, even in the best of cases the assimilation is 60% making this a minimally nutritious ingredient.

Corn Gluten Meal – Corn is the most Genetically Modified food in the United States today. High on the glycemic index (sugary), it spikes insulin secretions aggravating diabetic and pancreatic conditions.  Corn is also the number one cause of Aflotoxin poisoning (causes liver failure) and recalls in pet foods.  Aflotoxins are thought to be one of the most toxic chemicals ever found.  Corn is also one of the most common allergy producing ingredients you can feed any dog.

Chicken Liver Flavor - The way this ingredient is listed they are not saying that this flavor is derived from Chicken… rather it is saying it is a chemical compound containing unknown ingredients (often including MSG) that tastes like Chicken… no meat.  The kidney’s, being filtering organs, must process and filter all chemical contaminants that enter the system.

Powdered Cellulose - Cellulose is plant fiber, powdered down is sawdust.  Sawdust is obviously high in fiber and will assist with decreasing protein values but is not nutritious. 

Dried Beet Pulp - Most beet pulp products swell in your pets’ stomach.  This allows them to feel fuller when the ingredients in their food are actually starving their cells.  Beet is also high in fiber.

Iodized Salt  - Sodium increases water consumption.  When people are diagnosed with kidney or bladder stones, bladder or kidney infections, or kidney failure they are “prescribed” to increase their water consumption to break up stones, decrease infection and assist in filtering toxins from the system and decrease the load on the kidneys and bladder.  Salt additions to your pets diet force your pet to drink more water but also cause mineral imbalances that can negatively affect the kidneys, adrenals, bones.

Lactic Acid, Calcium Carbonate (added to synthetically rebalance lost minerals from poor nutrition), L-Lysine, Potassium Chloride (added to synthetically rebalance lost minerals from poor nutrition),, Potassium Citrate, Choline Chloride, Calcium Sulfate(added to synthetically rebalance lost minerals from poor nutrition),, vitamins (L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of vitamin C), Vitamin E Supplement (often source from GMO soy and preserved with Propylene Glycol… a derivative of antifreeze), Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement (second most common cause of recalls)), Vitamin E Supplement(often source from GMO soy and preserved with Propylene Glycol… a derivative of antifreeze), L-Threonine, Taurine, minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), L-Tryptophan, Magnesium Oxide, preserved with Mixed Tocopherols & Citric Acid, Phosphoric Acid, Beta-Carotene, Rosemary Extract. - Many companies use a pre-packed synthetic vitamin mix (that is literally labeled with a skull and crossbones) so they can meet the AAFCO minimum requirements to be labeled “complete and balanced” without ANY testing to verify that the food is nutritious. As people sadly found out during the Melamine recall that resulted in a $25 Billion lawsuit (that Science Diet was involved in), synthetic ingredients can be contaminated, unbalanced and unsafe.  To see how toxic synthetic supplements can be please view http://www.natureslogic.com/pdf/vitaminmineral.pdf

Why would my vet recommend this food if all this is true?

Veterinarians will admit that they are only required to take one nutrition class in college, and it is only 8 hours long.  What they may or may not know is that this class is actually funded by, and the literature is provided by, Science Diet (The Mark Morris Institute).  They aren’t trying to give bad information but they don’t know any better unless they do their own research. Please ask us for additional documentation if you would like.

Symptoms of food allergies include chewing of the feet and legs, diarrhea and digestive disturbances, skin and haircoat loss, anxiety and behavioral problems, yeast, and ear infections, etc.  Ask for more information.

www.truth4dogs.com

www.api4animals.com “What’s Really In Pet Food”

www.herospets.blogspot.comTestimonials

Check back soon to read first hand accounts of how this product makes a healthy difference for pets.

Best brands of Foods!!!!!

Foods

None of our foods have any ingredients from China, or contain any corn, wheat, or soy. We closely monitor recalls and verify that our companies are making the best, safe products for your pet.  If its not on this list there is probably a reason we don't like it. Please feel free to contact us with questions and to ask for more details.

Raw Foods- We recommend all pets eat at least some raw or dehydrated, just as you should eat veggies in your diet.  These foods are safe & healthy.

Answers+- Cleansing & Healing, Made in PA

Raw Advantage- All organic, Made in WA

Nature’s Logic- Great Price, Made in Nebraska.

Northwest Naturals – Convenient, Made in OR

Untamed – Great Variety, Made in Colorado

Patty’s Patties – Homemade, Made in Colorado

Hoo-RAW- Cat friendly, Made in Colorado

PeopleFud – Tastes great, Made in Colorado

Bravo- Great variety &meat blends, Made in CT

Vital Essentials – All Meat Blends, Made in WI

OC Raw – Exotic Meat Blends, Made in CA

Primal – Cat Friendly, Made in CA

Dehydrated Raw Foods-

NRG, Made in Canada

Ziwi Peak, Made in New Zealand

Grandma Lucy’s Pureformance & Artisan, Made in California

Addiction Foods, Made in New Zealand

The Honest Kitchen, Made in California 

Additional Dry Foods-

Orijen and Acana, Nature's Logic, Canine Caviar, Earthborn, Great Life, Nutrisca, Darford, Horizon, Pulsar, Fromm.

Canned Foods- Weruva, Tiki (Petropics), Ziwi Peak, Addiction, Tripett, Evanger’s, Party Animal, Nature’s Logic, Great Life, Canine Caviar.

Exemption from Rabies Vaccination Form

Exemption from Rabies Vaccination Form
Date of Exam: __________________

(This certificate is valid until ________________-NOT to exceed 3 years from date of issuance)

Owner name: __________________ ____________________ Phone #: (____) _______________
Last First
Address: ______________________________________________________________________________
Street City State ZIP Code
Animal name: ___________________________ Species: ________________ Breed: _______________ Age: ______ Weight: _______ Color: ____________ Sex: [ ] Male [ ] Female Neutered: [ ] Yes [ ] No
Microchip Manufacturer: ________________ Microchip#: _____________________________


I have examined the animal above and determined it to be exempt from the local licensure requirements for rabies vaccination because this procedure is contraindicated due to the medical condition of the animal.

Describe nature and duration of health risk: ______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

Veterinarian’s signature: ______________________________ License number: _________________

Printed name: ___________________________ Name of Practice: _____________________________

Address:______________________________________________________________________________
Street City State ZIP Code
By signing above, pursuant to Colorado Administrative Code, 6 CCR 1009-1, Section 8, I acknowledge that a valid veterinary-client-patient relationship, as defined under C.R.S. §12-64-103 (15.5), has been established between the veterinarian, owner and animal to be exempted from rabies inoculation. Duration of exemption is limited to the anticipated duration of the animal’s medical condition that precludes inoculation, not to exceed 3 years from date of issuance.


By signing below, I acknowledge that I am the owner of the animal described above. I have been informed that this animal is exempt from rabies vaccination for a period of up to three years, and also that I have been informed of the following important information:
§ This animal must be re-examined by the expiration date listed above. At that time, the animal must either be vaccinated against rabies or, if exemption still applies, a new certificate be issued.
§ This animal is not adequately protected against rabies, and as a result is at increased risk of becoming infected if exposed to a rabid animal
§ Exemption from rabies vaccination does not exempt the animal from other Colorado regulations and laws related to rabies. If this animal bites (or potentially exposes a person to rabies by other means), it must be confined for 10 days in a facility approved by the local health department where the exposure occurred. If this animal is potentially exposed to rabies (e.g. due to a bite from an unknown animal), the local health department may require it to be quarantined for 6 months, at the expense of the owner.

Owner’s signature: ____________________________________ Date signed: _________________

A copy of this certificate must be provided to the owner of the animal listed above and be kept as proof of exemption within the medical records of the animal. For dogs (and cats in some jurisdictions), this certificate must be presented with an application for a dog (or cat) license. Pursuant to Colorado Revised Statute 25-4-607, Section (3), (c): “A veterinarian supplying a waiver exempting an animal from a rabies vaccination, county and municipal health departments, their assistants and employees, the health department, health officers, and anyone enforcing this part 6 shall not be liable for any subsequent accident, disease, injury, or quarantine that may occur as a result of an animal exempted from a rabies vaccination pursuant to the rules of the health department.”

Verion: 01/19/2009. Available for download from Colorado Department of Public Health Environment, Disease Control and Environmental Epidemiology Division, Communicable Disease Epidemiology Program on rabies webpage: www.adphe.state.co.us/dc/zoonosis/rabies

Rabies Vaccination Exemptions from www.truth4dogs.com

Does Your State Permit Rabies Vaccination Medical Exemptions?

Posted: 05 Mar 2012 11:23 AM PST
You and your veterinarian both agree: your dog is too ill to be vaccinated. Animal Control insists that you vaccinate against rabies.
What should you do? Kris Christine, Founder of the Rabies Challenge Fund, has been instrumental in helping to change state laws to allow rabies vaccination medical exemptions for unhealthy dogs!
See below the language of the various state laws (supplied by Kris). If your state isn’t listed, please change the law! Virtually every exemption was brought about by concerned pet parents and their veterinarians not wanting to vaccinate a health-compromised pet. If you have an unhealthy pet and your state is not listed below, find your laws at http://www.dogs4dogs.com/rabies-laws. Then call your state legislator and change the law! And please support the Rabies Challenge Fund. 2012 is the year that should finally produce antibody blood titer standards for dogs. Can you imagine being able to test your dog’s blood rather than have to unnecessarily revaccinate? Please donate to help continue this amazing vaccine study.
IMPORTANT: Please tell your veterinarians if your state permits exemptions. Many of them don’t know! And insist they apply for an exemption for your unhealthy dog. Sadly, few will volunteer. Kris says: We weren’t involved in any legislation in Illinois; the exemption language was in another section of the law — kind of like Massachusetts. A woman from the Illinois Cocker Rescue sent me the link & information. Obviously very few people were aware of it.
Other articles of interest: Rabies Vaccination Medical Exemptions for Unhealthy DogsVaccinating Unhealthy Pets: Beware Reactions & Vaccine FailureRabies Vaccination: 13 Ways to Vaccinate More SafelyWhat to Do When Your Dog Has a Vaccine Reaction Why Vets Don’t Recognize Vaccine ReactionsSign up for our free newsletter.
15 STATES with MEDICAL EXEMPTIONSAL, CA, CO, CT, FL, IL, ME, MA, NH, NJ, NY, OR, VT, VA, WI (please copy & paste links into browser if they do not work by clicking on them)

ALABAMA Alabama Code Alabama Code Title 3 Section 7A-2 http://alisondb.legislature.state.al.us/acas/ACASLogin.asp effective August 1, 2009 (c)(1) Notwithstanding the other provisions of this chapter, the State Board of Health by rule may establish procedures and qualifications for an exemption from the requirement for a vaccination for an animal if a rabies vaccination would be injurious to the animal’s health.(2) An animal exempted under subdivision (1) shall be considered unvaccinated by the State Board of Health in the event of the animal’s exposure to a confirmed or suspected rabid animal.

CALIFORNIA On October 7, 2011, California became the 14th state with a rabies medical exemption when the Governor signed AB 258, Molly’s Bill, into law: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/11-12/bill/asm/ab_0251-0300/ab_258_bill_20111007_chaptered.html

COLORADO http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/dc/zoonosis/rabies/rules%20and%20regs%206%20ccr%201009_1.pdf A veterinarian licensed in Colorado may issue a written waiver as provided in this section exempting an animal from a rabies vaccination order if the veterinarian, in his or her professional opinion, determines the rabies inoculation is contraindicated due to the animal’s medical condition. The terms “waiver” and “exemption” as used in this section are interchangeable. A veterinarian may issue a waiver if: 1. The animal to be exempted has a medical condition defined as “a disease, illness, or other pathological state” for which, in the opinion of the exempting veterinarian, a rabies inoculation is contraindicated;2. A valid veterinary-client-patient relationship, as definied under C.R.S. Section 12-64-103 (15.5), has been established between the veterinarian, owner and animal to be exempted from rabies inoculation;3. The veterinarian completes and signs the veterinary section of the Exemption from Rabies Vaccination form provided by the department.4. The animal owner signs the informed consent section of the Exemption from Rabies Vaccination form;5. The veterinarian maintains the signed exemption as part of the animal’s medical record and provides a copy to the owner;6. The exemption issued is limited to the anticipated duration of the animal’s medical condition that precludes inoculation; and7. The veterinarian provides a copy of the exemption form to the department, the local health department or animal control agency when requested.C. A waiver may not exceed a period of three years from the date of issuance. If the medical condition persists beyond a three year period and, in the professional opinion of a veterinarian licensed in the State of Colorado the exemption continues to be appropriate, a new waiver may be issued.D. Upon receiving a complaint regarding the validity of a rabies inoculation exemption, the executive direction or his/her designee(s) may review Exemption from Rabies Vaccination forms and examine the veterinary records pertaining to the medical condition to determine if the medical condition legitimately contraindicates rabies inoculation. If appropriate, the executive director or his/her designee(s) may refer the case to the State Board of Veterinary Medicine.

CONNECTICUT http://www.cga.ct.gov/2011/pub/chap435.htm#Sec22-338.htm(b) The State Veterinarian or the Commissioner of Agriculture, or the commissioner’s designee, may grant an exemption from vaccination against rabies for a dog or cat if a licensed veterinarian has examined such animal and determined that a rabies vaccination would endanger the animal’s life due to disease or other medical considerations. Such exemption may be granted for an individual animal only after the veterinarian has consulted with the State Veterinarian, the Commissioner of Agriculture, or the commissioner’s designee, and completed and submitted to the department an application for exemption from rabies vaccination on a form approved by the Department of Agriculture. After approval of such exemption, the department shall issue a rabies vaccination exemption certificate, copies of which shall be provided to the veterinarian, the owner of the dog or cat exempted from rabies vaccination and the animal control officer of the municipality in which the owner of the dog or cat resides. Certification that a dog or cat is exempt from rabies vaccination shall be valid for one year, after which time the animal shall be vaccinated against rabies or the application for exemption shall be renewed.(c) Any veterinarian aggrieved by a denial of a request for an exemption from rabies vaccination by the State Veterinarian, the Commissioner of Agriculture or the commissioner’s designee may appeal such denial as provided in the Uniform Administrative Procedure Act, sections 4-166 to 4-189, inclusive.

FLORIDA http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?StatuteYear=2011&AppMode=Display_Results&Mode=Search%2520Statutes&Submenu=2&Tab=statutes&Search_String=vaccine (2) A dog, cat, or ferret is exempt from vaccination against rabies if a licensed veterinarian has examined the animal and has certified in writing that at the time vaccination would endanger the animal’s health because of its age, infirmity, disability, illness, or other medical considerations. An exempt animal must be vaccinated against rabies as soon as its health permits.

ILLINOIS http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=1704&ChapterID=41 If a licensed veterinarian determines in writing that a rabies inoculation would compromise an animal's health, then the animal shall be exempt from the rabies shot requirement, but the owner must still be responsible for the fees.

MAINE http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/maine-cdc-rules.htmlClick on Chapter 260A. A letter of exemption from vaccination may be submitted for licensure, if a medical reason exists that precludes the vaccination of the dog. Qualifying letters must be in the form of a written statement, signed by a licensed veterinarian, that includes a description of the dog, and the medical reason that precludes vaccination. If the medical reason is temporary, the letter shall indicate a time of expiration of the exemption.B. A dog exempted under the provisions of paragraph 5 A, above, shall be considered unvaccinated, for the purposes of 10-144 C.M.R. Ch.251, Section 7(B)(1), (Rules Governing Rabies Management) in the case of said dog’s exposure to a confirmed or suspect rabid animal.

MASSACHUSETTS http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/mgl/140-145b.htm In order for a dog or cat to be accepted at an animal hospital, veterinarian’s office or boarding facility an owner or keeper of such animal shall show proof of current vaccination against rabies; provided however, that if a dog or cat has not been so vaccinated or such owner or keeper fails to show such proof the animal shall be vaccinated against rabies prior to being discharged if the animal’s medical condition permits. Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 140, Section 137 http://www.malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXX/Chapter140/Section137§ 137. Registration and licensesA person who at the commencement of a license period is, or who during any license period becomes, the owner or keeper of a dog six months old or over which is not duly licensed, and the owner or keeper of a dog when it becomes six months old during a license period, shall cause it to be registered, numbered, described and licensed until the end of such license period, and the owner or keeper of a dog so registered, numbered, described and licensed during any license period, in order to own or keep such dog after the beginning of the succeeding license period, shall, before the beginning thereof, cause it to be registered, numbered, described and licensed for such period. The registering, numbering, describing and licensing of a dog, if kept in Boston shall be in the office of the police commissioner or if kept in any other town in the office of the clerk thereof.
No town clerk or, in Boston, the police commissioner, shall grant such license for any dog unless the owner thereof provides such town clerk or, in Boston, the police commissioner, either a veterinarian’s certification that such dog has been vaccinated in accordance with the provisions of section one hundred and forty-five B, or has been certified exempt from such provision as hereinafter provided, or a notarized letter from a veterinarian that a certification was issued or a metal rabies tag bearing an expiration date indicating that such certification is still in effect.A dog licensing official may grant an exemption from the provisions of section one hundred and forty-five B for any dog which has not yet attained the age of six months, any dog which the local board of health, for a specified period of time, declared exempt upon presentation of a veterinarian’s certificate stating that because of an infirmity, other physical condition or regimen of therapy, that inoculation is thereby deemed inadvisable, or any dog in transit, or dog brought into the commonwealth, temporarily, for the sole purpose of showing in dog shows or exhibition.

NEW HAMPSHIRE http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/xl/436/436-100.htm
II. A rabies immunization exemption may be issued, where illness or a veterinary medical condition warrants, by the local rabies control authority upon the written recommendation of a veterinarian licensed under RSA 332-B. The recommendation shall also be signed by an American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine diplomate and the state veterinarian. The exempted animal shall be maintained in strict rabies isolation, under conditions that are at the discretion of the local rabies control authority, until such time as the medical condition has been resolved and the animal can be immunized against rabies. Exempted animals shall not be allowed outdoors without being on a leash and shall be under the direct physical control of an adult owner at all times. In addition, when the animal is outdoors, it shall be muzzled in a manner approved by the local rabies control authority.Source. 1985, 72:1. 1992, 250:3. 1995, 202:4, eff. June 12, 1995. 2007, 79:1, eff. Jan. 1, 2008.

NEW JERSEY http://www.state.nj.us/health/animalwelfare/law.shtml The State Department of Health shall promulgate regulations providing for the recognized duration of immunity, interval of inoculation, certificate of vaccination, certificate of exemption, and such other matters related to this act. Medical exemption form http://www.state.nj.us/health/cd/ravacpolicy.doc

NEW YORK http://www.health.state.ny.us/diseases/communicable/zoonoses/rabies/docs/pet_owners_fact_sheet.pdf ExemptionsThe vaccination requirements hall not apply to any dog, cat, domesticated ferret if …. a licensed veterinarian has determined that the vaccination will adversely affect the animal’s health…. NY Medical exemption form http://www.agmkt.state.ny.us/AI/vetpage/Rabies%20Exempt%20Form.pdf

OREGON http://arcweb.sos.state.or.us/rules/OARs_300/OAR_333/333_019.html (1) Except where specifically exempt, all dogs at least three months old shall be immunized against rabies by the age of six months.(b) Dogs for which rabies immunization is contraindicated for health reasons, as determined by a licensed veterinarian subsequent to an examination. The reasons for the exemption and a specific description of the dog, including name, age, sex, breed, and color, shall be recorded by the examining veterinarian on a Rabies Vaccination Certificate, which shall bear the owner’s name and address. The veterinarian shall also record whether the exemption is permanent, and if it is not, the date the exemption ends;

VERMONT http://healthvermont.gov/prevent/rabies/documents/RabiesControlManual_vaccination.pdf 2.C.4.D. Rabies vaccination must be administered to domestic pets and wolf/hybrids prior to the age of 4 months unless in the judgment of the veterinarian the animal’s medical condition would prevent the development of adequate immunity to rabies. Animals so exempted must be inoculated against rabies as soon as their medical condition permits.

VIRGINIA http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?101+ful+CHAP0182 § 3.2-6521. (enacted March 29, 2010) D. The Board of Health shall, by regulation, provide an exemption to the requirements of subsection A if an animal suffers from an underlying medical condition that is likely to result in a life-threatening condition in response to vaccination and such exemption would not risk public health and safety. For the purposes of § 3.2-6522, such exemption shall mean that the animal is considered not currently vaccinated for rabies. For the purposes of §§ 3.2-5902, 3.2-6526, and 3.2-6527, such exemption shall be considered in place of a current certificate of vaccination.

WISCONSIN http://www.legis.state.wi.us/statutes/Stat0095.pdf (d) A city, village, or town may exempt the owner of a dog from the requirement to have the dog vaccinated against rabies for ayear based on a letter from a veterinarian stating that vaccinationis inadvisable because of a reaction to a previous vaccination, a physical condition, or a regimen of therapy that the dog is undergoing. The city, village, or town shall require the owner to providea new letter for each year in which the owner seeks an exemption under this paragraph.

Why Vets Don't Recognize Vaccine Reactions www.truthfordogs.com

Why Vets Don’t Recognize Vaccine Reactions Posted:
17 Dec 2011 12:01 AM PST
You take your perfectly healthy dog to the vet for “her shots.” Early the next morning, she has a seizure — her first seizure ever. You rush your dog back to the vet or an emergency clinic and ask if the seizure had something to do with the shot. Odds are, the vet will tell you, No, it’s not the shot! She might a genetic disorder or possibly even a brain tumor. The timing is just a coincidence.
Or … your dog is suddenly having trouble walking after rabies vaccination. Or he suddenly becomes aggressive. You ask your vet if the condition could be tied to the rabies shot. No, it’s not possible, the vet says. He says has never heard of such a thing. But something tells you the condition and vaccine are related.
Of course, not all veterinarians are reluctant or unable to recognize and deal with vaccine reactions. In fact, the practices of vets trained in homeopathy, Chinese medicine, acupuncture, etc. often revolve around treating reactions caused by vaccination. And, happily, many conventional vets are becoming increasingly worried about over-vaccination and vaccine reactions. But these vets are not the norm.
Many people have written me that they have had to fight with their vet to even get a vaccine reaction considered and noted in their dog’s or cat’s file. The vet doesn’t even want to call the vaccine maker to report or inquire about the reaction.
After you do extensive Internet research, your suspicions grow. You see another vet, or maybe post on this blog looking for answers or you e-mail me. You wonder: why are vets so reluctant to admit that a vaccine (or vaccine combo) caused a reaction? Here are some potential reasons why.
Primary vets don’t see every vaccine reactions because pets are often treated at emergency clinics or by specialists and not reported back. An emergency clinic vet told me about a Basset Hound she had diagnosed with immune-mediated thrombocytopenia. She asked the client if the dog had been recently vaccinated. Finding that he had, she called the Basset’s primary vet to inquire about the vaccine. The primary vet, surprised by the call, asked, “Do you see a lot of immune-mediated disease after vaccination?” She told him she did, usually about 3-4 weeks later. Astounded by the news, he admitted he was glad he hadn’t vaccinated his own dogs in 8 years. He continues to vaccinate clients’ dogs annually.
Vets lack sufficient education. Dr. Ronald Schultz, a member of the AAHA Canine Vaccination Task Force (in 2003, 2006 and 2011) and the WSAVA Vaccination Guidelines Group, has said: “Our new [vet school] grads don’t know a heck of a lot more about vaccines than our older grads. And I’ve figured out why this is. They know a lot more about basic immunology, but they don’t know about vaccinology and the two are not the same.… So we haven’t gone very far from where we were ten years ago or twenty years ago with regard to training veterinarians about vaccines.” (Hear Dr. Schultz talking about this in our Safer Pet Vaccination Benefit Seminar DVD. )
Most continuing education is done by drug company representatives calling on veterinary practices — to sell vaccines. Their message is that vaccines are safe and reactions are extremely rare. Vets buy the products and the message. Despite studies showing that each additional vaccine given during one visit dramatically increases the chance of an adverse reaction, reps peddle products with as many as 7 vaccines to be given at once — with no warnings. Hear safety claims enough and the claims become the truth, whether they are true or not.Vets don’t want the blame for harming your pet. No veterinarian wants to harm an animal. It’s more comfortable to blame the problem on coincidence, genetic defects, other medications, etc. Vets don’t tie the reaction to the vaccine unless it happens almost immediately. Here is what the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) tells dog or cat owners to watch for after vaccination.
Note that most reactions listed are only those happening almost immediately:
Discomfort and swelling at the vaccination site
Mild fever
Decreased appetite and activity
Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
Hives
Swelling of the muzzle. face, neck or eyes
Severe coughing or difficulty breathing
Collapse
Respiratory distress occurring 2-5 days after your pet receives an intranasal Bordetella [kennel cough vaccine]
This list fails to include reactions like shock and death – 8.3% and 5.5% respectively of reactions reported to the USDA. It also doesn’t include vaccine reactions happening within three or more days after vaccination – despite a major study published in the AVMA’s own Journal in 2005. And what about reactions occurring weeks, months and even years after vaccination?
Here is the list first handed out in 2007 by Dr. Ron Schultz regarding adverse events known to be induced via vaccines:
Common Reactions:
LethargyHair loss; hair color change at injection site
FeverSoreness
Stiffness
Refusal to Eat
Conjunctivitis
Sneezing
Oral ulcers

Moderate Reactions:
Immunosupression
Behavioral Changes
Vitiligo
Weight Loss (Cachexia)
Reduced Milk Production
LamenessGranulomas/Abscesses
Hives
Facial Edema
Atopy [allergic hypersensitivity]
Respiratory Disease
Allergic uveitis (Blue Eye)

Severe Reactions Triggered by Vaccines:
Vaccine injection site sarcomas
Anaphylaxis [life-threatening shock]
Arthritis, polyarthritis-HOD hypertrophy Osteodystrophy
Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia
Immune Mediated thrombocytopenia (IMTP)
Hemolytic Disease of the newborn (Neonatal Isoerythrolysis)
Thyroiditis
Glomerulonephritis
Disease or Enhanced Disease which with the vaccine was designed to prevent
Myocarditis [inflammation of the heart muscle caused by infections, viruses, or immune diseases]
Post vaccinal Encephalitis or polyneuritis
Seizures
Abortion, congenital anomalies, embryonic/fetal death, failure to conceive fertility

Vaccine manufacturers generally test vaccines for reactions for only one year, with the exception of the 3-year rabies vaccine. Testing is expensive so they do only what is required to get approval. After approval, vets seldom report reactions and the USDA rarely takes action unless an inordinate of animals become seriously ill or die. Even then, vaccines are rarely pulled off the market unless they affect human health. Thus, vaccines are considered safe and reactions don’t really happen!!!Vets may worry that they did something wrong. Did your vet fail to tell you about possible reactions? Did he/she vaccinate an unhealthy dog against vaccine label warnings? Was the vaccine given less than two weeks after another vaccine, increasing the likelihood of a reaction? Or given with multiple other vaccines or medications? Or given without examining the dog or cat first? Or was the wrong vaccine used? Or had the vaccine been improperly refrigerated? Vets aren’t taught how to treat many of the reactions. Conventional vets generally treat vaccine reactions with corticosteroids, antibiotics (just in case they’re needed) and/or Benadryl no matter what the reaction is. Conversely, holistic vets treat reactions with diet, supplements, acupuncture, herbs, homeopathy and a whole bag of tricks. You have to “believe” in reactions to want to learn how to treat them.
Vets worry they failed to get your “informed consent” before vaccination. Informed consent means that the vet should have told you about possible reactions and also explained why the shot was necessary before vaccinating. Unfortunately, the great majority of revaccination of adult dogs is unnecessary and never explained. (See Vaccinating Dogs: 10 Steps to Eliminating Unnecessary Shots.) If your dog had a vaccine that wasn’t needed and then suffered a reaction, your vet might worry about a lawsuit or reprimand from state authorities — or unwanted attention from the media.
Vets don’t want to lose your business. Vets don’t want to bother reporting the reaction to the vaccine maker. Despite repeated requests by veterinary organizations to report all suspected reactions, it is suspected that only 1% are reported. Reporting is time consuming. Vets are told by superiors not to admit responsibility. This can be a particular problem for junior members of a practice operating under the rules of the senior partners or practice owner. Vets have to believe vaccines are safe. Vaccines are a big part of veterinary business, both for the direct income derived from vaccines and the office visit, but also for income from medications and other sales and services stemming from the visit — and also for income derived from treating reactions. If they see reaction after reaction, particularly from unnecessary vaccination, they may feel the need to change their policies or change jobs.
Please read Lifelong Immunity – Why Vets Are Pushing Back for more details on why veterinarians continue to over-vaccinate. No matter why your vet isn’t at least considering a vaccine reaction, when something adverse happens after vaccination, it is important to educate yourself. Allow only those vaccines required given your dog’s age, locale and lifestyle. Ask to read the package insert to learn about what reactions are possible. (Don’t presume the vet has read it.)
Learn to recognize a vaccine reaction when you see one and push your vet to consider a reaction if you suspect one. And read What to Do When Your Dog Has a Vaccine Reaction for help in treating your dog, reporting the problem and contacting the manufacturer to try to recover your expenses. There’s an old medical adage: when you hear hoofbeats, think horses, not zebras. That is, when something bad happens to your dog after vaccination, think vaccine reaction, not brain tumor! Trust your instincts!
Related links:
Vaccinating Unhealthy Pets:
Beware Reactions & Vaccine Failure
Post your dog’s rabies reaction and read other readers’ stories here:
The Rabies Vaccine and Your Dog: Side Effects
Protecting Dogs From Vaccine Reactions
Rabies Vaccination: 13 Ways to Vaccinate More Safely DVD: world-renowned scientists Ronald D. Schultz, PhD and W. Jean Dodds, DVM spoke at our Safer Pet Vaccination Benefit Seminar in March 2010. A 2-hour DVD of the event, along with articles by the speakers, is available here. Or learn more about it at http://www.dogs4dogs.com/saferpet. All proceeds less actual shipping costs benefit the study of the rabies vaccine.

What does a Blood Count with Blood Chemistry Test actually test for?

Complete Blood Count with Blood Chemistry Tests
Test Includes :
Differential count; hematocrit; hemoglobin; mean corpuscular volume (MCV); mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH); mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC); percentage and absolute counts; platelet count; red cell count; white blood cell count and all tests listed below.
Use : Evaluate anemia, leukemia, reaction to inflammation and infections, peripheral blood cellular characteristics, state of hydration and dehydration, polycythemia, hemolytic disease of the newborn, inherited disorders of red cells, white cells, and platelets; manage chemotherapy decisions; determine qualitative and quantitative variations in white cell numbers and morphology, morphology of red cells and platelet evaluation.
A/G Ratio : The A/G ratio is the albumin (A) value divided by the globulin (G) value. A low ratio is found in a variety of disease states related to those of liver or kidney and to infections and inflammations.
Albumin : Albumin is the major protein found in blood making up over 60% of the total protein. Low levels of albumin occur in malnutrition, chronic inflammation and severe acute disease and may also manifest with aging. Dehydration caused by exercise or fluid loss can cause increased serum albumin levels.
Alkaline Phosphatase : The origin of this enzyme in the blood of normal adults is primarily from the liver and bone with a small amount from the intestine. Elevations in the blood are usually indicative of liver or bone disease. Children, because of the activity of bone growth, and pregnant women (third trimester) have significantly higher normal values.
Bilirubin : Bilirubin is a yellow colored substance that is produced in the body from hemoglobin and is released when red blood cells disintegrate due to normal aging or damage. The liver removes the bilirubin from the blood to be excreted in the bile. A small amount of bilirubin is present in the blood of normal individuals. Increases in bilirubin are usually due to liver disease, inflammation (hepatitis), liver failure, obstruction of the bile duct, or excessive destruction of red blood cells.
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) : This waste product from protein metabolism is formed in the liver and excreted by the kidneys. High BUN values could mean that the kidneys are not working as well as they should. Low BUN values are less frequent. They could be due to low protein intake, pregnancy, or severe liver failure. BUN/Creatinine Ratio : This number is obtained by dividing the BUN result by the creatinine result. It has little significance when the BUN is normal but can help to determine the cause of high BUN levels. Calcium : Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body with about 98% found in the skeleton. The calcium level in the blood is normally maintained within a narrow range of about 8.5 to 10.8 mg/dL which is critical for many basic processes such as function of the nervous system and muscles, blood clotting and many others necessary for life.
Excessive secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH) is one cause of high blood calcium levels. Other possible causes for elevated calcium are bone disease and excess dietary intake of calcium rich foods (milk) or medicines (antacids). Low blood levels of calcium may lead to tetany (spasms of muscles) and can be due to malfunction of the parathyroid glands, kidney disease, vitamin D deficiency and malabsorption caused by disease of the intestine. Either too high or too low a blood level of calcium can be serious and your doctor will know best how to manage them. Cholesterol : Cholesterol is a fatty substance necessary for the proper function of every cell in the body. In the blood, cholesterol is carried in tiny packets encased by various proteins of which the major forms are the HDL and the LDL. High levels of total cholesterol are associated with an increased risk of heart disease caused by thickening of the walls of the coronary arteries. High cholesterol levels can be reduced by nutritional supplements, altering the composition of your diet and by certain medications when diet modifications alone are not sufficient.
Cholesterol/HDL Ratio : This ratio is obtained by dividing the cholesterol result by the HDL result. The higher this number, the greater the risk of developing coronary heart disease (CHD). Conversely, the lower the ratio the lower the risk of developing CHD. HDL Cholesterol : This "good" cholesterol is thought to counteract the effects of LDL cholesterol. The higher the HDL cholesterol the better. High levels of HDL cholesterol are associated with lower risk of developing heart disease. Low levels of HDL are associated with higher risks for heart disease. There are measures that can be taken to increase HDL cholesterol, such as regular exercise and losing weight when being overweight. Your doctor will use the total cholesterol, HDL and LDL cholesterol values to determine what, if any, measures need to be taken to minimize your risk of heart disease. Cholesterol/HDL Ratio : This ratio is obtained by dividing the cholesterol result by the HDL result. The higher this number, the greater the risk of developing coronary heart disease (CHD). Conversely, the lower the ratio the lower the risk of developing CHD. LDL
Cholesterol : LDL cholesterol ("bad cholesterol") is the fraction of your cholesterol tht is implicated in the deposits that thickens the walls of blood vessels. LDL cholesterol values less than 130 mg/dL are desirable. Values higher than 160 are associated with a higher risk for heart disease.
Chloride : Chloride is one of the electrolytes present in blood. The normal concentration is maintained in a narrow range. Your doctor interprets the significance of low or elevated values, in relation to the other electrolytes.
Creatinine : Creatinine is a waste product of muscle metabolism. The blood level is determined by your muscle mass and by the efficiency of the kidneys to excrete creatinine. High values, especially together with a high BUN, usually mean kidney disease.
Globulin : This is the name of a group of proteins, which comprise the remainder of the total protein not present as albumin. It is determined by subtracting albumin from total protein. Low globulin values are found in certain kidney problems, in hematological diseases of the intestine and in other special uncommon conditions. High globulin is found in many types of inflammation, certain infections and in chronic liver disease.
Glucose : In healthy people the blood level of glucose fluctuates in response to food intake and fasting within the fairly narrow range of about 65 to 140 mg/dL. It is therefore important to know whether you had eaten before your blood was drawn or whether you were fasting for at least 8-12 hours. The main uses of glucose testing are in the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus and in the monitoring of treatment and compliance for this condition. If blood glucose levels fall below the lower normal limit, the patient may experience symptoms such as weakness, dizziness, fainting and collapse. This condition is called hypoglycemia. It may occur in diabetic patients whose food intake and insulin dosage are not properly balanced and often in otherwise healthy persons.
Iron : Iron is a critical part of the hemoglobin molecule found in red blood cells. When the body iron is low, the person may eventually suffer from decreased hemoglobin. This is called iron deficiency anemia. Excess iron can be stored in the liver and in other body organs. A rare, but clinically important, disease of excess iron storage is called hemochromatosis. Thus, decreased iron in the blood or increased iron in the blood may be a signal to your doctor for further diagnostic studies.
Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) : LDH is an enzyme present in almost all tissues of the body. Any damaged tissue may leak LDH into the blood and increases above normal will be observed. These tissues include heart, liver, muscle, kidney, bone marrow and a variety of tumors. Slight elevations, when other enzymes are normal, are usually of no clinical significance. Strenuous exercise including jogging long distances may result in mild increases in blood LDH.
Phosphorus : Phosphorus, like calcium, is abundant throughout the body with about 85% in the bones. The level in blood varies over a somewhat wide range as food intake can significantly alter blood levels. There are many possible causes for low or high values. The relationship to calcium levels must be considered in determining the significance of an abnormal phosphorus level.
Potassium : The potassium level inside the cells of the body is about 25 times higher than the level in blood. The maintenance of this balance is important for many life functions. Low blood values can occur after prolonged vomiting and diarrhea, in renal disease and in individuals taking diuretics. Elevated blood potassium levels may indicate renal disease. Both low and high values are of clinical significance since potassium is important in the functioning of the neuromuscular system and especially the muscles of the heart.
Sodium : This element, present in body fluids, is the major one of the four "electrolytes" along with potassium, chloride and bicarbonate. Sodium plays a key role in salt and water balance. Low sodium values can be found in a variety of conditions that cause more loss of sodium than water. Some of these conditions are diarrhea, kidney disease and medication with diuretics. High sodium values can occur in conditions resulting in excessive loss of water, e.g. profuse sweating. Your doctor may also evaluate blood sodium levels as they relate to the other electrolytes. Total
Proteins : The plasma proteins serve a number of important functions including maintenance of normal blood volume and water content in the tissues, and maintaining normal acid-base balance in the blood. Values below or above the normal range need further investigation by your doctor to determine which specific proteins are involved.
Transaminase SGOT (AST) : This enzyme has its highest concentrations in heart, liver and muscles. Increased levels in blood are seen shortly after a heart attack, in liver disease and diseases involving muscle damage.
Transaminase SGPT (ALT) : This enzyme is present in higher concentration in liver than in muscle. Consequently an elevation is more specific for liver disease. Both SGOT and SGPT become elevated whenever liver cells are damaged as, for instance, in viral hepatitis.
Triglycerides : Triglycerides are the major form of fat found in nature and are the storage form of fat in the body. Their primary function is to provide energy. The level in blood varies widely depending upon the intake of fat and rate of removal by the tissues of the body. Therefore it is very important to fast for 12-14 hours to obtain a meaningful measure of the triglyceride concentration in the blood. High fasting triglyceride levels are associated with higher risk for coronary heart disease.
Uric Acid : Uric acid is a waste product of the metabolism of the cells in our bodies. Uric acid is a very important antioxidant in mammalians, and, together with BUN and creatinine, is excreted by the kidney. Certain foods such as meat (especially organ meats) may raise uric acid blood levels. Elevated levels of uric acid in blood are much more common than are decreased levels. Increased values are caused by numerous diseases such as gout, kidney failure, diabetes, and the use of diuretics. Low levels of uric acid may indicate a certain nutritional deficiency that should be corrected.
Complete Blood Count (CBC) : In the following a brief explanation is given of the nine different tests that make up a complete blood count. Differential White Blood Cell Count ( "Differential ") : There are five major types of white blood cells: neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils. The "differential count" gives the percentages of these five cell types. Increases or decreases of these individual percentages are characteristic for certain medical conditions. The determination of these percentages helps your doctor to arrive at a specific diagnosis.
Hematocrit (HCT) : Red blood cells make up about 45% of the volume of whole blood. This percentage is called the hematocrit. If the number of red cells is low the hematocrit decreases. Men have somewhat higher hematocrits than do women. Low hematocrit indicates anemia.
Hemoglobin (HGB) : Hemoglobin makes up one third of the mass of each red cell. Hemoglobin carries oxygen from the lung to the tissues of the body. Since men tend to have more red cells than do women, men also have higher hemoglobin levels. Hemoglobin contains iron. A lack of iron due to poor diet or chronic blood loss often causes anemia. In anemia less hemoglobin is available to carry oxygen to the tissues which may result in weakness and tiredness.
Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) : As stated earlier hemoglobin makes up about one third of the mass of a red cell, ranging normally from 31 to 36%. When not enough hemoglobin is produced, as for instance in iron deficiency anemia, MCHC values may fall below 25%.
Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH) : The weight of hemoglobin in a tiny red blood cell can be calculated. This calculation is the mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH). Certain conclusions are drawn from normal, low or high values in the diagnosis of anemia.
Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) : Red blood cells are tiny, round disks of a certain average size. The volume of these disk-like corpuscles can be measured. In some types of anemia the MCV is abnormally small and in others abnormally large. MCV is therefore helpful in characterizing an anemia. Platelets : Blood platelets are even smaller than red cells. The same small droplet of blood that contains 5 million red cells also contains between 140,000 and 450,000 platelets. Their function is to stop bleeding from injured small blood vessels as in cuts or abrasions by sticking together and forming plugs. A variety of disease conditions can cause low numbers of platelets. Such patients may bleed more easily and excessively. Higher than normal platelet counts occur in pregnancy or after strenuous exercise. Increased platelets are noted in more serious conditions such as diseases of the bone marrow. Platelets do contribute to coronary heart disease and blood clot formation.
Red Blood Cell Count (RBC) : Red blood cells are the major component of your blood. They cause the red color of blood. One cubic millimeter, a tiny droplet the size of a pinhead, normally contains about 5 million cells! Men generally have more red cells than do women. Red cells are made in the bone marrow and released into the circulating blood. If the number of red cells drops below the lower normal limit, the condition is called anemia. There are many causes of anemia. Rarely, some persons may have too many red cells in their blood, creating a condition called polycythemia. Both conditions can be treated successfully in most cases.
White Blood Cell Count (WBC) : Blood contains a variety of white blood cells. They normally number between 4,000 and 11,000 per cubic millimeter. Their main function is defense against infections and purging of areas of injuries and inflammation. Pus consists mainly of huge numbers of white blood cells. Elevations of the WBC are seen in many conditions such as infections, injuries, after surgery, and in other conditions. A mild decrease in WBC frequently occurs in viral infections. Your doctor will advise you of the significance of any abnormality of white blood cell counts.

Transitioning a Cat to Dehydrated Raw

From www.TheHonestKitchen.com

January 2012

Learn the importance of moisture in cat food, and how to successfully transition finicky felines!

Why should pet food have moisture?

Kidney diseases and urinary tract issues in cats are rampant in this country. Cats, being desert animals by nature, are designed to get water from their food. A cat's normal prey is at least 70% water. Dry food only contains 5-10% moisture, while canned and dehydrated foods (as well as fresh and frozen raw) have over 70% moisture on an as-fed basis.

The Importance of Moisture in Pet Food
Domestic cats may not be inclined to drink as much water from a bowl as they would from a moving water source, even more so than dogs. This lack of moisture in the diet of our pets can lead to dehydration and kidney issues. Feeding a high moisture food puts that much needed water back into their diet - and ultimately into the digestive tract.

The old adage 'you are what you eat' should be taken one step further to 'you are what you absorb.' This applies to our own diets, but also to that of our paw-ed friends. For adequate absorption and assimilation of ingredients, at least a portion of a pet's meal should consist of two things:

Contain at least 70% moisture (as-fed)
Fresh ingredients (foods that have not been heavily cooked, not exceeding 165 degrees, or extruded
In addition, when feeding a dehydrated pet food (hydrated once fed), this meal contains more fresh ingredients, and the potency and integrity of these ingredients are maintained closer to as nature intended.

Slow change

Cats seem more aversive to change than dogs, so we recommend hydrating very small amounts (pea-size) of Honest Kitchen food initially, and adding this to their current food. Then, gradually increase THK food each day over a period of weeks (if needed). Cats have their preferences, and because they are such tactile creatures, one should play around with the water content - adding more if they enjoy soupy meals or using less water if the preference is a tacky consistency.

Enticements
Including some savory foods like cottage cheese, yogurt, raw or cooked egg can help during the transition.

Trickery

Sometimes a bit of befuddlement is necessary. We've heard much success with this one!
Hydrate the Grace or Prowl food and then dip the cats paw into it. Naturally, since cats want to be clean, will lick their paw - and in the process they become more accustomed to the taste and tastiness of
The Honest Kitchen food!

Free feeding to twice daily

If the cat is used to grazing at will with a bowl of dry food, start by feeding only two times per day, leaving the food out for only an hour each time. Next, add a small amount of rehydrated Honest Kitchen (or canned food initially*).


Testimonials

Less shedding, easier litter box cleanup

My cats are now thriving on Prowl, their hair is softer, less shedding, and what a difference it has made litter box clean up. I would not feed anything else, unless I made it myself..." -Tracey, Furr Kidds


Finicky cat

My cat is finicky...he LOVES the Grace so much that he demands it often...he is also getting extra fluid...and there is no waste of the leftover canned food that he grows tired of before finishing. -Pam and 13 year old Pia


Sensitive tummy
I first looked into The Honest Kitchen's products because Bella had started throwing up after eating her usual dry foods. I took her to the vet and they said that nothing was wrong with her, but she kept getting sick to her stomach. I did some research on my own and found out a lot of unfortunate information on most dry foods. Needless to say, we switched to Prowl and won't be looking back! Bella has not gotten sick at all, after eating Prowl. She loves it & always cleans the entire bowl! -Nichole