|
Infectious
Equine Herpes Virus
Species affected: Horses
Background: The herpes virus in the horse makes up a portion of the respiratory complex of viral agents and is responsible for a large number of respiratory infections.
Symptoms: Usually include a fever, nasal discharge with or without ocular discharge, malaise, cough and swollen lymph nodes. In many cases the signs are mild and self-limiting. The herpes complex is also responsible for a late abortion and a neurologic form with mild to severe ataxia.
Diagnostics: A rising titer in paired samples can confirm an active infection.
Special Notes: Crowding and unsanitary conditions are conducive to the spread of herpes as well as any decrease in normal immune function.
Principles for Supplementation: Natural support helps remove the virus and enhance the health of the immune system.
EQUINE PRODUCTS
| Therapeutics: |
Dosage: |
Mechanism/Purpose: |
| Chinese Herbal Virolyte9 |
20 pills, bid |
Antiviral, clears heat toxin. |
| Equine Immune Support9 |
2 scoops, sid |
Strengthens immune system. |
| Lysine |
20-30 grams, sid |
Supports immune system in presence of the herpes virus. |
Equine Protozoal Myelitis (EPM)
Species affected: Horses
Background:A protozoal disease that appears to infect horses with weakened immune systems. The diagnostic tests are less than satisfactory, with a majority of the horses showing positive blood titers for exposure, yet the incidence of clinical disease is low. It may be beneficial to check a CBC to help evaluate the status of the white blood cell count, as many of these horses have low, or very low normal counts.
Symptoms: Debility, ataxia and incoordination; symptoms vary from very mild and non-specific musculoskeletal soreness to severe ataxia.
Diagnostics: Early diagnosis is of utmost importance.
Special Notes: The causative organism becomes problematic within the body when the immune system is depleted due to stress, inadequate nutrition or excesses or deficiencies in the diet. Relapses are frequent without immune system support. Reduction of stress and a healthy diet are also important.
Principles for Supplementation: Need significant help in supporting the immune system in order to combat this disease.
EQUINE PRODUCTS
| Therapeutics: |
Dosage: |
Mechanism/Purpose: |
| Chinese Herbal Equine Tonic9 |
1/2 - 2/3 scoop, bid |
Strengthens immune system. |
| Equine Immune Support9 |
2 scoops, sid |
Strengthens immune system. |
| Fractionated Pectin Powder9 |
3-8 teaspoons, sid |
Strengthens immune system. |
| Moducare9 |
8-12 capsules, sid |
Strengthens immune system. |
| PRO BI1 |
2-5 ml, bid or tid |
Corrects intestinal pH, supports healing of intestine during antibiotic use. |
FeLV
Species affected: Cats
Background: The virus may take many forms and has myriad expressions in the body. The disease process may appear as an immune suppression causing chronic illnesses and infections, or as leukemia or lymphoma. Some animals may acquire the virus only to have it remain in a latent state and cause no noticeable symptoms.
Symptoms: Initially, immune deficiency with non-specific signs are seen, such as fever, weight loss, diarrhea, and constant respiratory infection. In severe forms, there is extreme immune weakness, suppression of the white blood cells, anemia, and death, or leukemia or lymphoma (often affecting the intestines, though it can arise anywhere).
Diagnostics: Testing for the virus is available, as well as vaccination products, but no one test is fully diagnostic. Vaccine protocols do not guarantee total protection.
Special Notes: The disease is only mildly infectious but may be more readily contracted by an animal with an already weakened immune system. Direct contact with an infected animal is necessary.
Principles for Supplementation: Support for the immune system is critical while using herbal products to reduce the viral load.
FELINE PRODUCTS
| Therapeutics: |
Dosage: |
Mechanism/Purpose:: |
| Cats claw |
Cats 5 mg, bid for 3 days, then sid |
Modulates immune function. |
| Chinese Herbal Virolyte9 |
Cats 1-2 capsules, bid |
Antiviral. |
| Feline Basic Nutrients9 |
Cats 1-2 capsules, sid |
Source of general nutrients. |
| Immugen9 |
Cats 1/2 capsule, sid |
Nutrients enhance immune function during episodes of secondary infection due to immune suppression. |
| Moducare9 |
Cats 1 capsule, sid*
*give between meals (may be put in tuna oil) |
Plant sterols and sterolins modulate immune function. May be helpful in FIP cases before ascites is present. |
FIV
Species affected: Cats
Background: The virus is similar to the HIV virus in humans, and is usually latent for long periods of time before appearing as an immune suppression causing chronic illnesses and infections. The disease in cats is milder than is HIV in humans. It is most common in non-neutered males, as it is transmitted by saliva in bite wounds.
Symptoms: Non-specific signs may be seen, including fever, weight loss, diarrhea and others. There is usually an initial increase in common diseases, especially respiratory disease, with more extreme symptoms and longer recovery time than expected. Affected animals are more easily infected with diseases such as FeLV or FIP. In the most severe form, there is extreme immune weakness, suppression of the white blood cells, anemia, and death.
Diagnostics: Testing for the virus is available, but no one test is fully diagnostic. There is no vaccine available.
Special Notes: Transmission of the disease requires direct contact and transmission of bodily fluids (most often saliva via a bite).
Principles for Supplementation: Support for the immune system is critical while using herbal products to reduce the viral load.
FELINE PRODUCTS
| Therapeutics: |
Dosage: |
Mechanism/Purpose: |
| Cats claw |
Cats 5 mg, bid for 3 days, then sid |
Modulates immune function. |
| Chinese Herbal Virolyte9 |
Cats 1-2 capsules, bid |
Antiviral. |
| Feline Basic Nutrients9 |
Cats 1-2 capsules, sid |
Source of general nutrients. |
| Immugen9 |
Cats 1/2 capsule, sid |
Nutrients enhance immune function during episodes of secondary infection due to immune suppression. |
| Moducare9 |
Cats 1 capsule, sid*
*give between meals (may be put in tuna oil) |
Plant sterols and sterolins modulate immune function. May be helpful in FIP cases before ascites is present. |
Return to Top
Return to the Diagnostics and Therapeutic Menu 
|