Humans and animals encounter very similar disease conditions ranging from arthritis to kidney disease to cancer. Do the conditions themselves vary between the species in terms of manifestation and cause? Possibly on one end, but not the other. After all, a broken bone is a broken bone and a failing kidney is a failing kidney...right?
After 18 years of clinical veterinary practice, it has never ceased to amaze me the conditions that animals tolerate that humans would never endure, at least not without major pharmaceutical intervention. I have been witness to dogs that have been hit by vehicles with pendulous rear limbs due to femoral fractures, but yet they are often times fully ambulatory and wagging their tails. Almost as if they know they have had a mishap in life, but are just looking for a quick fix to get them back into the game. The same often times holds true for other conditions such as arthritis, renal disease, cardiovascular disease and even cancer. In many of these situations, by the time the pet is presented to us, the disease is far advanced and leaves one wondering how in the heck they managed all along based on human standards?
This raises, at least in my eyes, the power of the human mind and how we need to learn from our animal counterparts. I think in many instances, we are often times so consumed in our lives that we become very distraught and lose focus over what is truly important. Our animal companions are focused on the moment, the next treat, the next ball toss and an opportunity to get out and chase the neighbor's cat. They don't worry too much about their next meal, the weather, their jobs or what the neighbor's dog is saying about them, much less about what they are going to wear tomorrow when they go outside. They are focused on the moment and most of the time, that revolves around happiness and what they can do to please us as their caretakers. Now, I know this doesn't hold true for all pets or even horses and some of them do seem to worry about their next meal and whether or not it will be there. Some even get concerned about the weather and express dissatisfaction that they have to go outside when the weather is cold. As veterinarians, we often times see pets that really don't know what the hard surface of the ground is like and prefer to be carried every where they go. Is this normal? Nope, but when you think about it, these behaviors are produced as a result of humans. I don't feel that it is natural for a pet to worry, but it is an inferred trait by their owners. We create these situations, which are manifestations of our own feelings and beliefs.
Now, I am not immune from this as my own horses are accustomed to coming in from pasture at a set time each nite, which I try to keep, but if I am late, they are quick to start pawing at the gate and arguing with one another due to impatience. Did I mean to create this schedule? Did I mean to create a 2000 lb. draft horse monster that is a little peeved that she is 10 minutes late getting to her nightly grain? Nope, but it was created as a manifestation of my own schedule. Guilty as charged!
What I do question is how these animals deal so wonderfully with medical conditions that you, I and many others would never tolerate. How does an aged Golden Retriever deal with severe hip arthritis to the point that radiographically, there is no recognizable hip joint, yet she still goes about her business, wags her tail and never complains? How does a beagle with obvious breast cancer involving a tumor the size of a grapefruit, dragging the ground, still continue to go about her business as if the tumor is only a major hindrance not a systemic disease? And most recently, how does a Coonhound mix go for almost 4 weeks with a broken front leg to the point of nerve impingement, continue to go about life playing with his housemates while dragging his injured limb with no complaints?
I think the answer to all of these questions lies in the mind and how we, as humans, interpret life's events and circumstances. We often times look at our animals companions as being the lesser species, but in fact, we have a lot to learn from them.
Just my thoughts.
Tom Schell, D.V.M.
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Respiratory Disease in the Horse
Anyone that has owned a horse has probably experienced respiratory disease in some shape or fashion. Much the same as humans, horses are prone to developing upper and respiratory infections due to viral and bacterial invasion, but the two most common and troubling conditions affecting horses in today's industry is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (reactive airway disease) and exercise induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH). Being a veterinarian working on horses for over 18 years, I have certainly encountered my fair share of COPD patients as well as EIPH athletes.
The respiratory tract plays a vital role in health, performance as well as day to day activity. In the horse, air is taken in through the nasal passages, down the trachea and into the lungs were carbon dioxide is exchanged for oxygen to fuel cells. Any problems encountered during this course of airflow can impact oxygen flow to the body and overall performance. Now, you have to understand that despite the ongoing research with these two conditions, we still not know the exact causes and how to best manage COPD or EIPH. What I can say is my personal opinion as a veterinarian as to what I feel is the cause or contributing factors, which are substantiated by research. I feel it is vital that we take a different approach to these conditions, using a combination of therapies to best provide relief.
COPD is an allergic type airway condition in which the horse develops difficulty breathing, usually at set times of the years when allergens are high. The condition can result in coughing, flared nostrils indicating labored respirations as well as decreased performance. In mild cases, the condition can come and go in relation to various allergen levels but in chronic cases, the condition can become persistent with little change in respiratory patterns throughout the year. In many cases, once the condition is diagnosed, therapies include inhaled medications to dilate airways, injectable or oral steroid medications to control inflammation as well as antibiotics to tackle secondary infections. In addition, usually there are changes made to the environment to help reduce allergen load. COPD has been shown to have a dramatic inflammatory component which results in the over response of the immune system to allergens, as well as airway constriction and mucous production which plugs up the airways. The bottom line in my eyes is the inflammatory reaction that is taking place and whether or not we can address this more effectively.
EIPH is a condition in which there is bleeding within the lung tissue, generally associated with higher levels of exertion seen in racing Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses, but can affect any horse during competition. The bleeding in the airways produces coughing, affects performance and usually results in evident blood in one or both of the nares. The exact cause of the condition is not known but it is theorized that multiple factors play into the problem including changes in airway pressures, high pulmonary blood pressures, upper airway obstruction and small airway disease. Current therapies are essentially targeted at reducing the amount of bleeding and thus improving performance. The most common medication used is a diuretic called Lasix or Salix. Again, just as in COPD, there is plenty of research out there discussing how inflammation is associated with EIPH, which not only can impact air flow due to airflow constriction, but also impact healing of airways with scar tissue formation. Considering the overall impact of inflammation on the body and cellular function, I question what the impact is on the overall health of the cells composing the pulmonary vessels, which may lead to a weakened state and a vessel that is likely to fail under certain conditions resulting in bleeding. It is just a theory in my mind, but seems plausible but needs to be explored.
In my practice, I have conducted several field trials evaluating inflammation and oxidative stress in a variety of conditions affecting horses. What I have found is that in both COPD and EIPH, there is a definite inflammatory component which is also accompanied by oxidative stress. Now, one has to remember that the basics of oxidative stress is that there is an abundance of free radicals generated which can result in cellular damage. In most cases, the free radicals are neutralized per se by the presence of antioxidants. What I feel is occurring is that either these horses are not consuming enough antioxidants or the right combination of antioxidants or they are experiencing an overwhelming level of free radicals that is quickly depleting the stores. I believe that one of the most important aspects of these conditions to address is the inflammation, which I don't feel is being addressed adequately with today's therapies. Race horses are under a tremendous amount of physical and mental strain, which can contribute to inflammation levels. Those horses afflicted by COPD are generally systemically inflammed in my opinion, in which we are just seeing the evidence manifested in the respiratory disease. Today's therapies are helping to control a small percentage of these patients and given this, we must ask what more can be done especially considering the potential side effects of the medications being used. In the race horse industry, medication debates are constantly being raised. We need to seek out other viable options not only in terms of therapies, but to also potentially use as preventative to improve the health of these animals. What we are seeing clinically is a direct manifestation of what is occurring deep within and a sign of imbalance to one degree or another.
Just my thoughts.
Tom Schell, D.V.M.
The respiratory tract plays a vital role in health, performance as well as day to day activity. In the horse, air is taken in through the nasal passages, down the trachea and into the lungs were carbon dioxide is exchanged for oxygen to fuel cells. Any problems encountered during this course of airflow can impact oxygen flow to the body and overall performance. Now, you have to understand that despite the ongoing research with these two conditions, we still not know the exact causes and how to best manage COPD or EIPH. What I can say is my personal opinion as a veterinarian as to what I feel is the cause or contributing factors, which are substantiated by research. I feel it is vital that we take a different approach to these conditions, using a combination of therapies to best provide relief.
COPD is an allergic type airway condition in which the horse develops difficulty breathing, usually at set times of the years when allergens are high. The condition can result in coughing, flared nostrils indicating labored respirations as well as decreased performance. In mild cases, the condition can come and go in relation to various allergen levels but in chronic cases, the condition can become persistent with little change in respiratory patterns throughout the year. In many cases, once the condition is diagnosed, therapies include inhaled medications to dilate airways, injectable or oral steroid medications to control inflammation as well as antibiotics to tackle secondary infections. In addition, usually there are changes made to the environment to help reduce allergen load. COPD has been shown to have a dramatic inflammatory component which results in the over response of the immune system to allergens, as well as airway constriction and mucous production which plugs up the airways. The bottom line in my eyes is the inflammatory reaction that is taking place and whether or not we can address this more effectively.
EIPH is a condition in which there is bleeding within the lung tissue, generally associated with higher levels of exertion seen in racing Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses, but can affect any horse during competition. The bleeding in the airways produces coughing, affects performance and usually results in evident blood in one or both of the nares. The exact cause of the condition is not known but it is theorized that multiple factors play into the problem including changes in airway pressures, high pulmonary blood pressures, upper airway obstruction and small airway disease. Current therapies are essentially targeted at reducing the amount of bleeding and thus improving performance. The most common medication used is a diuretic called Lasix or Salix. Again, just as in COPD, there is plenty of research out there discussing how inflammation is associated with EIPH, which not only can impact air flow due to airflow constriction, but also impact healing of airways with scar tissue formation. Considering the overall impact of inflammation on the body and cellular function, I question what the impact is on the overall health of the cells composing the pulmonary vessels, which may lead to a weakened state and a vessel that is likely to fail under certain conditions resulting in bleeding. It is just a theory in my mind, but seems plausible but needs to be explored.
In my practice, I have conducted several field trials evaluating inflammation and oxidative stress in a variety of conditions affecting horses. What I have found is that in both COPD and EIPH, there is a definite inflammatory component which is also accompanied by oxidative stress. Now, one has to remember that the basics of oxidative stress is that there is an abundance of free radicals generated which can result in cellular damage. In most cases, the free radicals are neutralized per se by the presence of antioxidants. What I feel is occurring is that either these horses are not consuming enough antioxidants or the right combination of antioxidants or they are experiencing an overwhelming level of free radicals that is quickly depleting the stores. I believe that one of the most important aspects of these conditions to address is the inflammation, which I don't feel is being addressed adequately with today's therapies. Race horses are under a tremendous amount of physical and mental strain, which can contribute to inflammation levels. Those horses afflicted by COPD are generally systemically inflammed in my opinion, in which we are just seeing the evidence manifested in the respiratory disease. Today's therapies are helping to control a small percentage of these patients and given this, we must ask what more can be done especially considering the potential side effects of the medications being used. In the race horse industry, medication debates are constantly being raised. We need to seek out other viable options not only in terms of therapies, but to also potentially use as preventative to improve the health of these animals. What we are seeing clinically is a direct manifestation of what is occurring deep within and a sign of imbalance to one degree or another.
Just my thoughts.
Tom Schell, D.V.M.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Metabolic Syndrome and Berries
There are not many of us out there that don't enjoy some fresh blueberries, especially in the form of a muffin, which is probably not the best route of consumption, but still quite tasty! There are several fruits out there that have been given the term "superfood" for their ability to replenish and support health, and blueberries are one of them. Various fruits such as blueberries, bilberries and Noni Fruit contain potent antioxidants, including polyphenols such as flavonoids, phenolic acids and anthocyanins which give the fruits their vibrant color. All of these chemical constituents helps to protect us against free radical damage in one form or another.
Blueberry extracts have been shown to not only provide protection against free radicals but have also been shown to improve cardiovascular health, reduce inflammation, improve insulin sensitivity, lower blood sugar levels as well as lipid or triglycerides, not to mention anti-cancer properties. In one study, a blue berry rich diet improved outcome in rats with experimental myocardial infarction by 22% with a noted unchanged size in the myocardial infarct as compared to a control. This improvement in cardiovascular health was likely attributed to an improved function of the mitochondria possibly due to antioxidant effects and free radical reduction (Ahmet, 2009). Blueberry anthocyanin intake was also associated with reduced incidence of Type II diabetes (Wedick, 2012).
Metabolic syndrome is quite common in today's society not only in people but in horses as well. This condition, to the best of my knowledge, has not been diagnosed in companion pets, but is likely present. Metabolic syndrome is characterized by obesity, systemic inflammation, insulin resistance and increased fat levels in the blood stream (hyperlipidemia). Blueberry extracts have been sho to reduce triglycerides, fasting insulin and glucose values. A diet high in blueberries have also been shown to reduce abdominal fat mass and improve fat (adipose) tissue metabolism which results in a reduced body weight and overall fat mass.
Another potential 'superfood' is the Noni Fruit, which has been used in various cultures for centuries for its healing properites. Noni has demonstrated marked liver protective abilities as well as the ability to lower blood sugar levels in rats (Nayak, 2011). It has also been shown to reduce cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL levels (Mandukhail, 2010).
When considering the level of free radical damage that we are all incurring on a daily basis as a result of diet, environmental influences, lifestyle factors as well as genetics; protection of the body becomes a necessity. What better way to protect the body than through what nature has provided? The syndromes are all the same, whether if we are talking about you or I, our pets or our equine companions. Research has demonstrated what is occurring at a cellular level, now all we have to do is put the wheels in motion. Become informed and be your own health advocate!
All our best,
Tom Schell, D.V.M.
Blueberry extracts have been shown to not only provide protection against free radicals but have also been shown to improve cardiovascular health, reduce inflammation, improve insulin sensitivity, lower blood sugar levels as well as lipid or triglycerides, not to mention anti-cancer properties. In one study, a blue berry rich diet improved outcome in rats with experimental myocardial infarction by 22% with a noted unchanged size in the myocardial infarct as compared to a control. This improvement in cardiovascular health was likely attributed to an improved function of the mitochondria possibly due to antioxidant effects and free radical reduction (Ahmet, 2009). Blueberry anthocyanin intake was also associated with reduced incidence of Type II diabetes (Wedick, 2012).
Metabolic syndrome is quite common in today's society not only in people but in horses as well. This condition, to the best of my knowledge, has not been diagnosed in companion pets, but is likely present. Metabolic syndrome is characterized by obesity, systemic inflammation, insulin resistance and increased fat levels in the blood stream (hyperlipidemia). Blueberry extracts have been sho to reduce triglycerides, fasting insulin and glucose values. A diet high in blueberries have also been shown to reduce abdominal fat mass and improve fat (adipose) tissue metabolism which results in a reduced body weight and overall fat mass.
Another potential 'superfood' is the Noni Fruit, which has been used in various cultures for centuries for its healing properites. Noni has demonstrated marked liver protective abilities as well as the ability to lower blood sugar levels in rats (Nayak, 2011). It has also been shown to reduce cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL levels (Mandukhail, 2010).
When considering the level of free radical damage that we are all incurring on a daily basis as a result of diet, environmental influences, lifestyle factors as well as genetics; protection of the body becomes a necessity. What better way to protect the body than through what nature has provided? The syndromes are all the same, whether if we are talking about you or I, our pets or our equine companions. Research has demonstrated what is occurring at a cellular level, now all we have to do is put the wheels in motion. Become informed and be your own health advocate!
All our best,
Tom Schell, D.V.M.
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