"What is the difference between prescription pain medications and natural therapies?"
I get this question A LOT from our Cur-OST customers as well as from clients of ours in our veterinary practice. Prescription medications are available to treat almost every known malady affecting human and animal kind. Seems like there is a drug to treat everything on TV from restless leg syndrome to decreased sex drive. It can be overwhelming and a concern that I have is that these types of approaches breed hypochondriacs, stating that they have that disease that was shown in a commercial. I think that pharmaceuticals have a big place in the practice of veterinary medicine as well as human medicine, but there are limitations.
The first thing to keep in mind is that it has been estimated that up to 75% of all prescription medications are derivatives of plant or herbal substances. Seems that mother nature provides a possible answer, but that mankind feels pressed to improve the results. Natural therapies (plant/herbal) have been used for centuries in various cultures to treat anything from intestinal upset to skin conditions to cancer. Everyone has used a natural therapy in some shape or form in their life, just look at sunburns and the use of Aloe in various forms. Or how about those that consume various teas and note results such as relaxation or a soothing effect?
Prescription pain medications are a huge area of interest and usage in both the veterinary and human medical field. The medications come in different classes ranging from NSAIDs (tylenol)to narcotics (morphine). The overall function and mode of action varies between the groups, but overall, they do reduce pain and inflammation but from a limited standpoint. Sometimes, when humans try to enhance the ability of plants/herbs through the creation of a new drug, we tend to overdo it slightly. This can result in negative side effects such as gastric ulcers, bleeding and even kidney problems. On the other side of the coin, plant or herbal extracts that have anti-inflammatory and pain reducing capabilities tend to be more gentler in their actions and not an "all or nothing" type of effect. In the category of pain, plant extracts tend to reduce inflammatory mediators more down to a "normal or basal" level, versus prescription medications that can tend to reduce the mediators well below normal, which then can lead to side effects.
I am not against prescription pain medications or any prescription drug, but actually use them a lot in our veterinary practice. There is a time and place for these medications, but we have to be careful. We also use a tremendous amount of natural therapies such as plant/herbal extracts in our patients. In cases of painful conditions, I try to actually combine the two categories which allows us to reduce the dosage of the prescription medication. This then allows us to reduce potential side effects as well as lower the overall cost to the owner. I also believe that the plant/herbal extracts actually have a more broader reaching effect in terms of inflammation reduction versus prescription medications, resulting in better long term results.
Just my thoughts,
Tom Schell, D.V.M.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Thursday, October 27, 2011
New Testimonial
We continue to get new testimonials in on weekly basis with improvement in a variety of equine as well as companion animal conditions. In many cases, these patients have been on long term administration of potentially dangerous NSAID medications such as phenylbutazone in horses. These medications are effective in many cases in terms of reducing the pain associated with the conditions, but are only approaching the inflammation from a single viewpoint and that is COX reduction. Given this "all or nothing" approach, the side effects can be endless ranging from gastric ulceration to kidney disease. The testimonial below is from one of our sponsored eventers, Cassidy Sitton. She normally uses our Cur-OST Plus product in her competition horses with great results, however, she decided to use the product on an older and retired competitor recently.
"My old retired man, Ted, who was an Olympic alternate for Ireland and the World Games, has been going through a pretty rough time with laminitis/cushing's disease and other problems. We've all been really worried about him. He's been on 4 grams of bute a day and has been having some good times and bad times. Well, on a whim, I put him on the Cur-OST Plus product and notice IMMENSE improvement. I've been able to decrease his bute to 2 grams per day and will continue to wean him down. The change has been remarkable. Thank you !!"
Thank you, Cassidy !
Tom Schell, D.V.M.
"My old retired man, Ted, who was an Olympic alternate for Ireland and the World Games, has been going through a pretty rough time with laminitis/cushing's disease and other problems. We've all been really worried about him. He's been on 4 grams of bute a day and has been having some good times and bad times. Well, on a whim, I put him on the Cur-OST Plus product and notice IMMENSE improvement. I've been able to decrease his bute to 2 grams per day and will continue to wean him down. The change has been remarkable. Thank you !!"
Thank you, Cassidy !
Tom Schell, D.V.M.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Chronic Inflammation
"Inflammation, inflammation, inflammation!! It has become quite the buzzword in human products advertised on television. The word 'inflammation' is mentioned in asthma medication commercials, pain medications and even in those targeting cardiovascular health. So what is the story and why all the hype?
The truth of the matter is that "inflammation" is a hot topic in research and in overall health. The process of inflammation is a complicated one, yet one that we are all familiar with to varying degrees. Have you ever stubbed a toe, hit your thumb with a hammer, pulled a muscle or experienced back pain? Unless you are a superhero, I am sure you have to some degree or another. Well, inflammation is a defense mechanism put out by our bodie's immune system to help protect us against infection and aid in the repair of injured or damaged tissue. So, let's pretend we hit our thumb with a hammer. First, we feel the pain, then we experience the swelling and maybe bruising. This is the inflammatory process at work, dilating blood vessels, signaling pain to the brain, recruiting white blood cells to clean up infection and to remove dead tissue. After a few days, the process is complete, swelling is reduced and the function of our thumb is fully restored. This in simplest terms is acute or short term inflammation.
The problem comes when the 'acute' inflammatory response becomes a 'chronic' or long term condition. In most cases, the inflammatory response only lasts a few days or until the tissue is healed, but in some cases the fire of inflammation can continue for weeks, months or even years. When the fire ceases to subside, continual tissue damage is done and signaling proteins that ramp up the immune system continue to be released. This chronic inflammatory response is very typical of long term injuries that fail to heal or fully recover such as tendonitis, arthritis and back pain. If the conditions continue to progress, further tissue damage and cellular function can be altered throughout the body resulting in many other diseases aside from typical injuries. It can weaken the body overall, resulting in predisposition to disease, infection and poor overall health.
Human research links 'chronic inflammation' with a host of diseases ranging from allergies, arthritis, asthma, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, skin conditions and even cancer. So, with big name diseases such as these, there is a big push in the pharmaceutical industry to find answers. Take for instance cardiovascular disease and a baby aspirin regimen. Initially, the benefit was thought to occur secondary to the blood thinning effect (anticoagulant)that aspirin provided. This is true, but they have also discovered that the baby aspirin can help reduce overall inflammation within the body, which then can lower the incidence of cardiovascular disease and even cancer. Yes, I said CANCER. Google search aspirin and cancer and you will find that those that take a baby aspirin per day average a 20% reduction in various types of cancers. Hmmmm. Makes you wonder, doesn't it? This inflammation thing could be valid after all.
The problem with various anti-inflammatory prescription pain medications is that in most instances, they only target one arm or one part of the inflammatory pathway. Well, one part is better than nothing right? True...but we can do better. Our diets and food are the key, which is nothing new to the press. Foods hold magical medicinal values, some providing anti-inflammatory properties and other as anti-oxidants. Some foods, such as fried, actually contribute to the inflammatory process. Sort of like throwing fuel on the fire.
Herbs have unbelievable medicinal properties. You have to remember that over 70% of all prescription medications are formulated after herbs. Plants are the root of all that is good. Many herbs have potent anti-inflammatory properties such as curcumin, boswellia, green tea and ashwaghanda. The beauty is that they don't just approach inflammation from one arm, but are multi-modal and affect inflammation from different perspectives. They provide effective, broad spectrum type coverage that is not "overkill". Prescription medications can tend to be 'over-effective', reducing a natural response to nothing instead of just returning it to normal levels. This is why we tend to see ulcers and kidney failure as a result of certain prescription pain medications.
Don't get me wrong, prescription pain medications are wonderful and absolutely necessary in many instances, but can come with a price with long term use. Herbs are ancient technology that have been research supported to exhibit many health benefits not only for ourselves but also for our pets and horses. The results can be phenomenal.
All our best,
Tom Schell, D.V.M.
The truth of the matter is that "inflammation" is a hot topic in research and in overall health. The process of inflammation is a complicated one, yet one that we are all familiar with to varying degrees. Have you ever stubbed a toe, hit your thumb with a hammer, pulled a muscle or experienced back pain? Unless you are a superhero, I am sure you have to some degree or another. Well, inflammation is a defense mechanism put out by our bodie's immune system to help protect us against infection and aid in the repair of injured or damaged tissue. So, let's pretend we hit our thumb with a hammer. First, we feel the pain, then we experience the swelling and maybe bruising. This is the inflammatory process at work, dilating blood vessels, signaling pain to the brain, recruiting white blood cells to clean up infection and to remove dead tissue. After a few days, the process is complete, swelling is reduced and the function of our thumb is fully restored. This in simplest terms is acute or short term inflammation.
The problem comes when the 'acute' inflammatory response becomes a 'chronic' or long term condition. In most cases, the inflammatory response only lasts a few days or until the tissue is healed, but in some cases the fire of inflammation can continue for weeks, months or even years. When the fire ceases to subside, continual tissue damage is done and signaling proteins that ramp up the immune system continue to be released. This chronic inflammatory response is very typical of long term injuries that fail to heal or fully recover such as tendonitis, arthritis and back pain. If the conditions continue to progress, further tissue damage and cellular function can be altered throughout the body resulting in many other diseases aside from typical injuries. It can weaken the body overall, resulting in predisposition to disease, infection and poor overall health.
Human research links 'chronic inflammation' with a host of diseases ranging from allergies, arthritis, asthma, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, skin conditions and even cancer. So, with big name diseases such as these, there is a big push in the pharmaceutical industry to find answers. Take for instance cardiovascular disease and a baby aspirin regimen. Initially, the benefit was thought to occur secondary to the blood thinning effect (anticoagulant)that aspirin provided. This is true, but they have also discovered that the baby aspirin can help reduce overall inflammation within the body, which then can lower the incidence of cardiovascular disease and even cancer. Yes, I said CANCER. Google search aspirin and cancer and you will find that those that take a baby aspirin per day average a 20% reduction in various types of cancers. Hmmmm. Makes you wonder, doesn't it? This inflammation thing could be valid after all.
The problem with various anti-inflammatory prescription pain medications is that in most instances, they only target one arm or one part of the inflammatory pathway. Well, one part is better than nothing right? True...but we can do better. Our diets and food are the key, which is nothing new to the press. Foods hold magical medicinal values, some providing anti-inflammatory properties and other as anti-oxidants. Some foods, such as fried, actually contribute to the inflammatory process. Sort of like throwing fuel on the fire.
Herbs have unbelievable medicinal properties. You have to remember that over 70% of all prescription medications are formulated after herbs. Plants are the root of all that is good. Many herbs have potent anti-inflammatory properties such as curcumin, boswellia, green tea and ashwaghanda. The beauty is that they don't just approach inflammation from one arm, but are multi-modal and affect inflammation from different perspectives. They provide effective, broad spectrum type coverage that is not "overkill". Prescription medications can tend to be 'over-effective', reducing a natural response to nothing instead of just returning it to normal levels. This is why we tend to see ulcers and kidney failure as a result of certain prescription pain medications.
Don't get me wrong, prescription pain medications are wonderful and absolutely necessary in many instances, but can come with a price with long term use. Herbs are ancient technology that have been research supported to exhibit many health benefits not only for ourselves but also for our pets and horses. The results can be phenomenal.
All our best,
Tom Schell, D.V.M.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Equine Insulin Resistance
Insulin resistance in horses has plagued us veterinarians for decades. Those "easy keepers" as we like to call them. The ones that just look at a scoop of grain or a lush pasture and they gain weight or even founder. You know the type. Well, as a veterinarian, I am not immune to this condition and actually have two insulin resistant (IR) horses myself. For years, we have battled with their weight and thankfully have not encountered any incidence of laminitis.
In many cases, just knowing that a horse is overweight with laminitis is usually all one needs to suspect IR, but we have various blood tests that we can perform to verify. One such blood test is called an insulin panel and is generally performed after an overnight fast. This test will tell us what the horse's insulin level is at rest, when there is no food source in the system. In most cases of IR, the insulin value is elevated, sometimes with an elevated glucose or sugar level as well. To explain further, insulin is the chemical that is produced by our pancreas in response to climbing blood sugar levels. Insulin is responsible for pushing the glucose into the cells in order to produce energy...in simple terms. In the case of an IR animal or human for that matter, for some reason, the cells become non-responsive to the insulin and don't allow it to introduce the glucose. This leads in many cases to an elevated insulin level as well as glucose value. The inability of the cells to respond to the insulin then can lead to not only weight gain but also impairs cellular function at various levels, including that within the hoof resulting in laminitis. If the cells can't get their energy source, they don't function very well.
Traditional treatments for IR include turnout of the horse onto a dry lot with minimal grass as well as reduced grain intake or "low carb" feeds. If the horse has laminitis, then appropriate measures are taken there to stabilize that condition. The problem, in my eyes, with this traditional treatment regimen is that it is not addressing the underlying problem, all it is doing is depriving the system of carbohydrates.
In human research on diabetics, the conclusion has been drawn that chronic inflammation is at the root of the problem. This is a long discussion and meant for another time and post. The bottom line is that the inflammation is responsible on a certain level for the cell's inability to respond to insulin. Therefore, in theory, if we are able to control the inflammatory response, we may be able to reverse the problem and improve cellular response.
Our Cur-OST products are targeted at chronic inflammation, period. We have had reports both in our veterinary practice as well as in our customers across the U.S. that their IR horses are improving on our products, specifically the EQ GREEN product. I have used the EQ Green product in my own horses as well as a few others and followed their insulin values. There is definitely a response going on with reduced insulin values after administration of the product. Recently, I have been utilizing a new formula that we are working on that has a combination of berry extracts shown in human literature to decrease insulin values in IR humans. The results with our new formula have been impressive. Just recently we had a mule on the test formula from Texas. His initial insulin value was 222 pmol/L and after 30 days, his level had decreased to 102 pmol/L. Normal insulin values are 32-187 pmol/L. He is doing well per his owner and feels great.
The big question in my mind is if we can control the inflammation and reduce insulin values, can these horses resume a normal life being on pasture with little to no limitations? In the case of my horses, they are both on the test formula, maintaining normal insulin values, on full pasture and even fed a small amount of grain with orchard grass in the evening when stalled. Clinically they are doing great with some weight loss noted but still much to go. We are headed in the right direction.
Want more information or have questions? Email me through our website.
All my best,
Tom Schell, D.V.M.
In many cases, just knowing that a horse is overweight with laminitis is usually all one needs to suspect IR, but we have various blood tests that we can perform to verify. One such blood test is called an insulin panel and is generally performed after an overnight fast. This test will tell us what the horse's insulin level is at rest, when there is no food source in the system. In most cases of IR, the insulin value is elevated, sometimes with an elevated glucose or sugar level as well. To explain further, insulin is the chemical that is produced by our pancreas in response to climbing blood sugar levels. Insulin is responsible for pushing the glucose into the cells in order to produce energy...in simple terms. In the case of an IR animal or human for that matter, for some reason, the cells become non-responsive to the insulin and don't allow it to introduce the glucose. This leads in many cases to an elevated insulin level as well as glucose value. The inability of the cells to respond to the insulin then can lead to not only weight gain but also impairs cellular function at various levels, including that within the hoof resulting in laminitis. If the cells can't get their energy source, they don't function very well.
Traditional treatments for IR include turnout of the horse onto a dry lot with minimal grass as well as reduced grain intake or "low carb" feeds. If the horse has laminitis, then appropriate measures are taken there to stabilize that condition. The problem, in my eyes, with this traditional treatment regimen is that it is not addressing the underlying problem, all it is doing is depriving the system of carbohydrates.
In human research on diabetics, the conclusion has been drawn that chronic inflammation is at the root of the problem. This is a long discussion and meant for another time and post. The bottom line is that the inflammation is responsible on a certain level for the cell's inability to respond to insulin. Therefore, in theory, if we are able to control the inflammatory response, we may be able to reverse the problem and improve cellular response.
Our Cur-OST products are targeted at chronic inflammation, period. We have had reports both in our veterinary practice as well as in our customers across the U.S. that their IR horses are improving on our products, specifically the EQ GREEN product. I have used the EQ Green product in my own horses as well as a few others and followed their insulin values. There is definitely a response going on with reduced insulin values after administration of the product. Recently, I have been utilizing a new formula that we are working on that has a combination of berry extracts shown in human literature to decrease insulin values in IR humans. The results with our new formula have been impressive. Just recently we had a mule on the test formula from Texas. His initial insulin value was 222 pmol/L and after 30 days, his level had decreased to 102 pmol/L. Normal insulin values are 32-187 pmol/L. He is doing well per his owner and feels great.
The big question in my mind is if we can control the inflammation and reduce insulin values, can these horses resume a normal life being on pasture with little to no limitations? In the case of my horses, they are both on the test formula, maintaining normal insulin values, on full pasture and even fed a small amount of grain with orchard grass in the evening when stalled. Clinically they are doing great with some weight loss noted but still much to go. We are headed in the right direction.
Want more information or have questions? Email me through our website.
All my best,
Tom Schell, D.V.M.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Testimonials
We get testimonials emailed to us on a routine basis, but thought I'd share a couple today. It is always great to hear how our Cur-OST products are helping horses as well as dogs in need. Keep them coming !!!
"I am the owner and trainer at Galway Farm in Long Grove, Il. We have approximately 49-52 horses boarded and we attend 'A' shows in the midwest. My 22 year old horse was very stiff and lame. I thought I may have to put him down, but by chance we found Cur-OST EQ and gave him the first 14 days double dose as recommended. I couldn't believe the change in him, it was amazing! He is no longer stiff or lame and we are riding him again. When I saw the change in him, I decided to try it on four of my other horses. A 7 y.o warmblood had been lame for 2 years and we had tried everything. After giving him the Cur-OST EQ, he is now sound and we are getting him ready for show season. The other 3 are also so improved that I am recommending the product to several of my clients who have been having issues with their horses and were not able to join us at the shows. We now have 10 horses on the Cur-OST EQ products, first the stronger EQ Plus Green Tea free (for the horses that show) and then we switched them to the Green product for a maintenance supplement"
Lorrie Canady, Galway Farm
"Thank you for the shipment of Cur-OST EQ product to Galway Farm for my horse, Rose. Rose has made such great improvement in just this month since taking the Cur-OST EQ. She has been so much happier as well. It has been great for me to see the difference in her ability as well as her mood and temperament."
Stephanie Syzmonik
Thank you again to all of our customers and patients for their support!
All our best,
Tom Schell, D.V.M.
"I am the owner and trainer at Galway Farm in Long Grove, Il. We have approximately 49-52 horses boarded and we attend 'A' shows in the midwest. My 22 year old horse was very stiff and lame. I thought I may have to put him down, but by chance we found Cur-OST EQ and gave him the first 14 days double dose as recommended. I couldn't believe the change in him, it was amazing! He is no longer stiff or lame and we are riding him again. When I saw the change in him, I decided to try it on four of my other horses. A 7 y.o warmblood had been lame for 2 years and we had tried everything. After giving him the Cur-OST EQ, he is now sound and we are getting him ready for show season. The other 3 are also so improved that I am recommending the product to several of my clients who have been having issues with their horses and were not able to join us at the shows. We now have 10 horses on the Cur-OST EQ products, first the stronger EQ Plus Green Tea free (for the horses that show) and then we switched them to the Green product for a maintenance supplement"
Lorrie Canady, Galway Farm
"Thank you for the shipment of Cur-OST EQ product to Galway Farm for my horse, Rose. Rose has made such great improvement in just this month since taking the Cur-OST EQ. She has been so much happier as well. It has been great for me to see the difference in her ability as well as her mood and temperament."
Stephanie Syzmonik
Thank you again to all of our customers and patients for their support!
All our best,
Tom Schell, D.V.M.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Frequent Questions
I receive several emails daily regarding the usage of our Cur-OST products in horses. Many horse owners email with questions about particular conditions that their horses are facing, while many also email with general questions about which product might be best for their particular situation. A recent question emailed in to me is paraphrased below:
"Hello, I am emailing in order to determine which of your products might be best for my horse. I have a mid-aged mare that was recently diagnosed with arthritis in her ankle. She is quite painful and lame even when just walking. Right now, we are giving her bute daily, which is requiring a high dose to ease her discomfort. I also have a 4 year old with no current problems, but he will be a hunter prospect. Which of your products would you recommend?"
As a veterinarian, I look at our line of Cur-OST EQ products in a fairly systematic type of approach. First, I ask myself if the condition we are treating is acute (just happened recently) or chronic (has been going on for a while). Second, I try to get a handle on the degree or level of pain that the horse is experiencing. In acute and very painful conditions, I will recommend the EQ PLUS product. The reason is that this particular formula contains a higher level of curcumin as well as provides individual antioxidants to combat oxidative stress that may be present. In more chronic and less painful conditions, I will generally start with the EQ Green product which helps to combat inflammation and pain, but also provides important nutrients to help improve blood flow and aid in tissue repair.
Having said all of this, we have cases of laminitis, arthritis and navicular disease that may fall into the acute or the chronic category. Again, here we have to look at the time frame of the condition. If you have a horse with arthritis, how long has the condition been going on? How bad is the pain? If the condition has been present for several months or maybe even a year, then I will start with the EQ Green product. If the horse has just recently become lame and is quite painful, then I will start with the EQ Plus product.
Keep in mind that many horses that start with the EQ Plus product can be switched to the EQ Green product successfully after the condition is controlled. In the case of prevention and joint maintenance for those horses that are currently not having any problems, I will use the EQ Green product as this formula seems to readily support the joints and reduce inflammation.
I am hopeful that this response helps to clarify how and when I will use one product over another as a veterinarian. My intention is to help, not to confuse. If there are any questions out there, please feel free to email me directly through our website.
All our best,
Tom Schell, D.V.M.
"Hello, I am emailing in order to determine which of your products might be best for my horse. I have a mid-aged mare that was recently diagnosed with arthritis in her ankle. She is quite painful and lame even when just walking. Right now, we are giving her bute daily, which is requiring a high dose to ease her discomfort. I also have a 4 year old with no current problems, but he will be a hunter prospect. Which of your products would you recommend?"
As a veterinarian, I look at our line of Cur-OST EQ products in a fairly systematic type of approach. First, I ask myself if the condition we are treating is acute (just happened recently) or chronic (has been going on for a while). Second, I try to get a handle on the degree or level of pain that the horse is experiencing. In acute and very painful conditions, I will recommend the EQ PLUS product. The reason is that this particular formula contains a higher level of curcumin as well as provides individual antioxidants to combat oxidative stress that may be present. In more chronic and less painful conditions, I will generally start with the EQ Green product which helps to combat inflammation and pain, but also provides important nutrients to help improve blood flow and aid in tissue repair.
Having said all of this, we have cases of laminitis, arthritis and navicular disease that may fall into the acute or the chronic category. Again, here we have to look at the time frame of the condition. If you have a horse with arthritis, how long has the condition been going on? How bad is the pain? If the condition has been present for several months or maybe even a year, then I will start with the EQ Green product. If the horse has just recently become lame and is quite painful, then I will start with the EQ Plus product.
Keep in mind that many horses that start with the EQ Plus product can be switched to the EQ Green product successfully after the condition is controlled. In the case of prevention and joint maintenance for those horses that are currently not having any problems, I will use the EQ Green product as this formula seems to readily support the joints and reduce inflammation.
I am hopeful that this response helps to clarify how and when I will use one product over another as a veterinarian. My intention is to help, not to confuse. If there are any questions out there, please feel free to email me directly through our website.
All our best,
Tom Schell, D.V.M.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Aspirin Usage in Dogs for Pain
As a practicing veterinarian, I am presented the question about aspirin usage in pets for pain control. This topic is certainly one of importance as it seems that a high percentage of pets are afflicted with painful conditions such as arthritis. Over the counter pain medications (OTC) are numerous and include most commonly Aspirin (acetylsalicyclic acid)and Tylenol (acetominophen). We have many clients that attempt to use these types of medications at home to control their pet's pain, but caution must be used for many reasons.
Most of the OTC pain medications fall into a class of drugs called "non-steroidal anti-inflammatories" or simply NSAIDs. These medications inhibit cyclooxygenase enzymes and thus reduce the production of an inflammatory molecule termed prostaglandins. Now, the topic is much more complicated than this and there are a couple of different types of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes as well as multiple forms of prostaglandins, each with their own action and impact on our health.
The point is that these medications may all fall into the same category of being NSAIDs but there may be significant variation in terms of effectiveness as well as toxicity. Also, these medications are labeled for human use and thus results in animals have not been studied extensively. Known side effects of these medications, based on human data, include gastrointestinal ulcerations, bleeding and possible kidney damage.
Aspirin has been used in pets as well as in horses for a long time, however, the results in terms of pain reduction can leave a lot to be desired. Aspirin can commonly have side effects of gastric ulceration, GI bleeding, vomiting and anorexia not to mention a reduced ability to clot their blood. Overdosage of aspirin can have life threatening complications due to an worsening of the above mentioned side effects.
Acetominophen or Tylenol is another commonly administered OTC NSAID in pets by their owners. Acetominophen should NEVER be administered to cats due to a potentially life threatening toxic reaction. Usage in dogs can create the same side effects as seen with aspirin, however with prolonged usage, acetominophen can also have toxic side effects in dogs resulting in death.
In the veterinary field, we have species specific prescription pain medications that fall into this same drug classification (NSAID). They appear to have fewer side effects, but none the less can have life threatening complications. None of these medications are completely safe and free of side effects.
The best practice in my mind and in my practice is to utilize natural remedies such as our Cur-OST formulas that have proven anti-inflammatory properties, similar to the NSAIDs but with minimal side effects. Our Cur-OST line of products were created specifically for our patients to help reduce the need for prescription pain medications, provide relief naturally and provide an improved quality of life.
Always use caution with prescription or OTC pain medications and consult your veterinarian before usage. Side effects are common, especially in those pets that may already have underlying health issues.
All my best.
Tom Schell, D.V.M.
Most of the OTC pain medications fall into a class of drugs called "non-steroidal anti-inflammatories" or simply NSAIDs. These medications inhibit cyclooxygenase enzymes and thus reduce the production of an inflammatory molecule termed prostaglandins. Now, the topic is much more complicated than this and there are a couple of different types of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes as well as multiple forms of prostaglandins, each with their own action and impact on our health.
The point is that these medications may all fall into the same category of being NSAIDs but there may be significant variation in terms of effectiveness as well as toxicity. Also, these medications are labeled for human use and thus results in animals have not been studied extensively. Known side effects of these medications, based on human data, include gastrointestinal ulcerations, bleeding and possible kidney damage.
Aspirin has been used in pets as well as in horses for a long time, however, the results in terms of pain reduction can leave a lot to be desired. Aspirin can commonly have side effects of gastric ulceration, GI bleeding, vomiting and anorexia not to mention a reduced ability to clot their blood. Overdosage of aspirin can have life threatening complications due to an worsening of the above mentioned side effects.
Acetominophen or Tylenol is another commonly administered OTC NSAID in pets by their owners. Acetominophen should NEVER be administered to cats due to a potentially life threatening toxic reaction. Usage in dogs can create the same side effects as seen with aspirin, however with prolonged usage, acetominophen can also have toxic side effects in dogs resulting in death.
In the veterinary field, we have species specific prescription pain medications that fall into this same drug classification (NSAID). They appear to have fewer side effects, but none the less can have life threatening complications. None of these medications are completely safe and free of side effects.
The best practice in my mind and in my practice is to utilize natural remedies such as our Cur-OST formulas that have proven anti-inflammatory properties, similar to the NSAIDs but with minimal side effects. Our Cur-OST line of products were created specifically for our patients to help reduce the need for prescription pain medications, provide relief naturally and provide an improved quality of life.
Always use caution with prescription or OTC pain medications and consult your veterinarian before usage. Side effects are common, especially in those pets that may already have underlying health issues.
All my best.
Tom Schell, D.V.M.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Suspensory Desmitis
A new challenge for Cur-OST presented itself this week. We have an 11 y.o TBX admitted to our hospital for rehab purposes. The story behind this guy is that he sustained damage to the right rear suspensory ligament, lateral branch, about 1 year ago. He has been through many different types of treatment, including shock wave therapy, with minimal results. He is also on several supplements each day with a dose of phenylbutazone usually on an every other day basis to control pain. He is fairly sound at the walk, but the lameness quickly becomes evident at a light trot. He has obvious enlargement and thickening of the ligament just above the fetlock joint. Our goal is to improve this guy's quality of life, decrease the pain and improve motion. Future competition is not a priority, but more so we just want to make his life more comfortable and reduce his need for phenylbutazone due to potential long term health consequences. Our initial therapy included removal of his current shoes, allowing him to go barefoot and re-establish normal balance in his feet. We also started him on Cur-OST Green twice daily for 14 days as a starter. As a side therapy, we are also performing cold laser therapy to the suspensory region on a twice weekly basis.
Today is actually day 8 of therapy. We have performed 3 laser treatments, removed the shoes and continued the Cur-OST Green. He is currently off of bute for the past 4 days as well as his other supplements. He is doing very well, feels comfortable and moving freely when turned out in a small area. To be honest, we were anticipating a very painful horse once the shoes were removed due to his conformation and under-run heels. No problems encountered post shoe removal. So far so good...keeping our chins up but realizing we are still very early in the recovery process. We have used our Cur-OST Green formula with acute tendon issues with good success, but this type of injury will be a first and a new challenge for our product.
Case updates to follow....stay tuned.
Tom Schell, D.V.M.
Today is actually day 8 of therapy. We have performed 3 laser treatments, removed the shoes and continued the Cur-OST Green. He is currently off of bute for the past 4 days as well as his other supplements. He is doing very well, feels comfortable and moving freely when turned out in a small area. To be honest, we were anticipating a very painful horse once the shoes were removed due to his conformation and under-run heels. No problems encountered post shoe removal. So far so good...keeping our chins up but realizing we are still very early in the recovery process. We have used our Cur-OST Green formula with acute tendon issues with good success, but this type of injury will be a first and a new challenge for our product.
Case updates to follow....stay tuned.
Tom Schell, D.V.M.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Canine Cancer Support
Recently we had a case that clearly demonstrated the ability of Cur-OST to support the immune system and reduce inflammation in a canine patient. Madison is a 4 y.o. yellow lab that came to our veterinary facility, Timbercreek Veterinary Hospital, in the fall of 2009 for an evaluation of a large growth on the right side of her chest. The growth was surgically removed and revealed to be a malignant fibrosarcoma, which is potentially a very aggressive cancer. The cause of this type of cancer is unknown but can be commonly associated with various vaccines, which can elicit moderate inflammatory reactions. It was unfortunate in this young of a patient. Madison did well post surgery but the overall prognosis was guarded and the owners had elected only to pursue natural therapies to help control the cancer. I chose to use our Cur-OST SA product in this patient to not only support the immune system, but also to reduce inflammation that can be associated with cancer. The main herbs in our formula, Curcumin and Boswellia, have been shown in clinical trials to have anti-cancer type properties. Madison did very well for the next year and a half with no relapse of the cancer. The owners had decreased the amount of Cur-OST that she was getting on a daily basis for the past several months, possibly due to perceived full remission. She continued to do well, but presented to our hospital about one month ago for evaluation of a small nodule that had re-developed over the right chest region. The lump was firm and resembled the prior fibrosarcoma that was resected. Aspiration of the nodule indicated possible cancerous cells but overall determination could not be performed without a biopsy. The owners elected to monitor and I had recommended to increase the Cur-OST back to the original high dose of 1/2 tsp per 10 lbs. daily. The owners followed our instructions and brought her back in one month. The change was phenomenal! The lump had reduced to about 1/2 the prior size and now was very soft in nature. Apparently, the mass was going into a remission type state and resolving. Overall, Madison was and still is doing great, enjoying her life !! Absolutely amazing!
Friday, August 19, 2011
Patient vs The Disease
For the majority of my professional career as a veterinarian, I have treated the disease that presents to me instead of the patient. Not only is this philosophy drilled into our heads as students of medicine, but it is also presented to us at educational courses that we may pursue. Let me explain a little further. Let's say we have a patient present with chronic ear infections or maybe even recurrent urinary tract infections. The majority of practitioners would elect to treat the problem at hand using topical antibiotic solutions in the ears or oral antibiotics for the case of a urinary tract infection. This is all good and the proper thing to do but we have to also ask ourselves as to why this problem keeps recurring. What is it in the patient that makes them susceptible to these problems? Is is an immune based problem? Is it a malformation or defect of some sort that is predisposing the patient to these problems? The bottom line is that there has to be a variable somewhere that is contributing to the problem. Take for instance a day care full of toddlers. What makes some of them more prone to ear infections and upper respiratory problems while others are rarely affected? Is it the diet, something in the environment, a toxin? What is it? That is the ultimate question and one that in many instances is never answered, but none the less a question that needs to be asked in any instance of a recurring health condition. This question needs to be asked as well of the more serious medical conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, back issues and even cancer. I have to applaud the human medical community lately as there is more information regarding proper diet and the impact on health, but that information is not enough. We, as medical professionals, need to enforce this information and educate our patients. Diabetes is not cured by the administration of insulin...it is controlled. Cancer is not cured by radiation or chemotherapy...it is controlled. The problems do not go away and in many instances continue to burn like small embers in the background, waiting for an opportunity to flare back up. Only by finding the flaw, per se, that allowed the disease to get a foot hold, will we then be able to "cure" the disease. A simple story that will convey this message is as follows. As a veterinary student on a farm call with a local practitioner, we were called to examine a colicky horse. The veterinarian examined the animal and was unable to find a cause of the pain. He then administered a pain medication called Banamine. The horse responded and resumed eating. I inquired as to what the problem was with the horse and the veterinarian responded that he had a Banamine deficiency. I honestly think he believed this to be true. The medication resolved the acute problem at hand, but we didn't dig deeper to find the cause, which might have been able to be corrected to prevent future problems.
Food for thought from Nouvelle Veterinary
Tom Schell, D.V.M.
Food for thought from Nouvelle Veterinary
Tom Schell, D.V.M.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Welcome
We want to welcome everyone to our newly designed corporate website. Many months in the making and it has turned out wonderful. A big thank you to J2 and IDR for their assistance and ingenuity! A brand new look from the website down to our labels and logo design. Cur-OST has made huge strides from our days of being a custom formulated anti-inflammatory supplement for a small group of equine and canine patients to now helping to improve the quality of life for horses and dogs across the United States and abroad. Thank you to all of our loyal customers !
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