NEUROLOGIC

Epilepsy

Species affected: All (rare in cats and horses)
Background: Idiopathic epilepsy is common in dogs, extremely uncommon in cats (in cats, it is usually associated with neurologic complications or infectious diseases - viral diseases such as FeLV or FIP or toxoplasmosis). The seizures are not necessarily harmful, especially if they are not frequent or of long duration, but they may indicate the presence of a more serious illness.
Symptoms: Spastic convulsions and seizures. The episodes are usually of short duration and there may or may not be a detectable pattern.
Diagnostics: Diagnosis should include a full range of tests to determine if other diseases co-exist with the condition.
Special Notes: In dogs, hypoallergenic diets can be very helpful.
Principles for Supplementation: Natural treatments involve supplying nutrients known to aid neurologic health.

CANINE AND FELINE PRODUCTS

Therapeutics:	Dosage:	Mechanism/Purpose:
Magnesium Citramate9	Cats 1/2 capsule, sid	Anticonvulsant activity - empirically helpful on occasion.
	Dog 2 capsules/50 lbs, sid
Small Animal Antioxidant9	Cats 1/2 capsule, sid	Empirically helpful, may have anti-inflammatory activity if there is irritation of meninges.
	Dogs 2 capsules/50 lbs, sid

Senile Dementia

Species affected: All (primarily recongnized in dogs)
Background: The condition is primarily a culmination of exposure to a lifetime of irritants, pollution and a long-term diet of poor-quality food, inadequate minerals, nutrients or vitamins.
Symptoms: Confusion, loss of training, disorientation; may appear depressed. There is often a decreased ability to see or hear as well which adds to the disability.
Diagnostics: History; rule out liver, kidney and other internal diseases that may be the primary problem.
Special Notes: Animals living in an environment without adequate mental stimulation, companionship or exercise are also likely to develop early dementia.
Principles for Supplementation: Ingredients known to support cognitive function combined with antioxidants and general nutritional support.

CANINE AND FELINE PRODUCTS

Therapeutics:	Dosage:	Mechanism/Purpose:
Canine Geriatric Basic Nutrients9Dogs 1-2 capsules/50 lbs, bid	Nutrients to support aging.
Feline Geriatric Basic Nutrients9Cats 1-2 capsules, sid	Nutrients to support aging.
Flavonex3	Cats 1/4 - 1/2 tablet, bid	Combination of Chineses herbs rich in flavonoids and salvia, known to promote capillary growth and function.
	Dogs 1/2 - 2 tablets, bid or tid
Memoractiv9	Cats 1/2 capsule, sid	Enhances cognitive function, memory.
	Dogs 2 capsules/50 lbs, sid
Small Animal Antioxidant9	Cats 1/2 capsule, sid	Antioxidant, needed in aging tissues.
	Dogs 2 capsules/50 lbs, sid

Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)

Species affected: Dogs
Background: Degenerative myelopathy is an autoimmune disease similar to multiple sclerosis, causing inflammation of nerve sheaths in the spinal cord. It is most common in German shepherd dogs.
Symptoms: Progressive weakness and ultimately, paralysis.
Diagnostics: Rule out arthritis, tumors, spondylosis.
Special Notes: Exercise is an important part of slowing the process.
Principles for Supplementation: Natural support involves nutrients that aid neurological health as well as musculoskeletal health; many of the animals have advanced arthritis along with DM.

CANINE PRODUCTS

Therapeutics:	Dosage:	Mechanism/Purpose:
Aminocaproic acid	Dogs 500 mg, tid	Neuroprotective.
Arthroplex9	Dogs 2 capsules/50 lbs, bid	Helps relieve pain associated with 'hind end weakness.'
Double Strength Bromelain9	Dogs 15 mg/lb, divided bid or tid* *on empty stomach	Degenerative myelopathy be an immune-mediated disease; bromelain may suppress immune complex formation/deposition.
Moducare9	Dogs 2 capsules/50 lbs, sid* *give between meals	Plant sterols help modulate immune system.
Small Animal Antioxidant9	Dogs 2 capsules/50 lbs, sid	Antioxidants may slow progression of the disease as anti-inflammatory free radical scavengers.
Super EPA9	Dogs 1 capsule/25 lbs	Anti-inflammatory.

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