Im at my witts end!Need help please.

Hi all.One of my girls,Jade who will be three the end of this month has always had allergies.She has always had bumps on her belly,well actually they spread to all over her body at times too.She itches so bad and then gets a secondary bacterial infection with yeast too.This ahs been going on for two years now.I have over 30 products that i use,have tried etc. to help her itchies.Some work for a few hours to relieve her.We have did an elimination diet to see if it was a protien allergie.She eats raw but it has not helped.We have tried the Nzymes treatment,Nupro suplement,she gets a probiotic,coconut oil,fish oil,no treats.She has taken only one treatment of prednisone last august with antibiotics as I just cant get a handle on this.It only helps while she is on them,comes ragging back a week or so later,in november she neede antibiotics again.I refuse the prednisone as it made her a lethargic misserable dog..Her blood panel came out fine except for a low amalase.She still has bacteria and yeast on her skin from the scapeing.Benedryll helps a little.Yesterday I used some solid gold seameal and she barfed six hours later and again this morning even though I gave no seameal.She has always had normal poos and eating habits,no tummy troubles..Is it time to consider stronger meds.?Like Atopia or Ketaconazole (sp)?Anyone with some info on this would be so helpfull,it breaks my heart to see her like this her whole short life!I know the seameal gets great reveiws so Im a little confused as to why she would get sick on this.Im sorry this is so long but im at my witts end trying to find her some releif.

My youngest is on Atopica. It's a strong med, and it's not for everyone, but for us, it's been a lifesaver and has allowed us to cut back on the other meds with stronger side effects. If all other possibilities have been ruled out, I'd definitely look into it. As an aside, since I've had so many issues with Sophie, and even though I have an amazing vet, we go to a dermatologist for her. If you haven't, I'd also recommend that-even great vets may miss something that a specialist may catch, and specialists are often up to date on the latest meds/side effects, etc. I know having a dog on long term meds isn't ideal for anyone, but I also don't want Sophie to be miserable so sometimes meds are the only relief from that. And oftentimes, you don't have to stay on them forever, but they give the body a chance to heal. Sophie's been on Atopica and low dose steroids for almost 5 years, and we do bloodwork every 6 months.

I have a dog with multiple allergies. And it's been a long road with him. So I'm going to copy and paste what I have done with him. He is on a low dose of prednisolone and during the seasonal allergy season, he gets Reactine.

The vomiting on the sea meal could be an allergy. My pom couldn't take glucosamine due to the shellfish in it.

I would also second Saira's recommendation about a dermatologist.

Canine Candida


Many chronic health problems can be traced to a yeast overgrowth.



Thirty years ago, even though the systemic yeast infection called
candidiasis had already become an epidemic, practically no one knew
anything about it. Even now conventional medicine tends to ignore the
problem, but word has spread among health-conscious consumers. If you
haven’t had a candida yeast infection yourself, you know dozens of
people who have and dozens of dogs as well. Candidiasis is an underlying cause of many skin and coat problems, allergies, fungal infections, dog ear infections, digestive problems, food sensitivities, and other symptoms in our canine companions.

Candida albicans, which causes candidiasis, is a
single-celled organism classified as both a yeast and a fungus. It
occurs naturally in the digestive and genital tracts, and in healthy
bodies it is kept in check by beneficial bacteria. In humans whose
beneficial bacteria have been damaged or destroyed, the organism causes
or contributes to thrush (a fungus infection of the throat and mouth),
diaper rash, athlete’s foot, jock itch, vaginal yeast infections,
digestive problems, seasonal allergies, ringworm, nail fungus, and
environmental sensitivities. It also disrupts the immune system’s
response to agents of infection.

In dogs and humans, patients at highest risk are
those who have taken antibiotics, which destroy the beneficial bacteria
that normally keep Candida albicans from taking over. But the body’s
ecology can be disrupted by environmental conditions, diet, stress,
chemotherapy drugs, steroids, and other medications as well.

Keeping candida in check
Like all yeasts, candida
thrives on sugars, including those from grains, starches, and other
carbohydrates. Beneficial bacteria (such as Lactobacillus acidophilus)
metabolize sugars, which keeps candida in check by disrupting its food
supply. A shortage of beneficial bacteria results in a sugar-rich
environment and an abundance of Candida albicans.

A dog with continually inflamed, goopy earsis probably fighting a chronic yeast infection. She needs more than topical treatment.

Once a candida overgrowth occurs, it becomes a vicious cycle. Candida
cells overwhelm whatever beneficial bacteria survive in the digestive
tract or are introduced as supplements, and a diet high in carbohydrates
keeps the candida population strong and in control.

In 1983, William G. Crook, MD, published The Yeast Connection, the
first of many books linking candidiasis, chronic health problems, and a
high-carbohydrate diet. Since then, hundreds of anti-candida diets,
drugs, herbal products, and nutritional supplements have become weapons
in the war against Candida albicans.

Canine nutritional consultant Linda Arndt of Albany, Indiana, has
studied candida for years, and her checklist of conditions linked to the
organism’s overgrowth is lengthy (see “Yeast Symptoms Checklist,”).

Candida is a formidable enemy, she explains, because its cells
manufacture toxic chemicals that kill beneficial bacteria and harm the
body. Candida’s waste products include toxic alcohols, acetone, and the
nerve poison hydrogen sulfide, all of which slow the brain, contribute
to fatigue, and disrupt the immune system.

Candida symptoms are often misdiagnosed as allergies, says Arndt,
manifesting as rashes or skin outbreaks on the feet, face, underarm,
underbelly, or genital areas. Recurring hot spots or infections of the
ears, eyes, bladder, or urinary tract can be caused by candida
overgrowth.

“These conditions can be accompanied by a secondary infection, which
is what gets treated,” she says, “but the underlying cause is rarely
addressed by conventional medicine. In addition to fatigue, lethargy,
immobility, joint pain, and discomfort, all of which can be caused by
yeast toxins, the infected patient may experience severe itching, which
leads to endless biting, chewing, and hair loss. The dog’s skin can turn
black, become dry and flaky, or develop a greasy grit on the surface,
and wherever candida takes over, a bad yeasty smell can develop.”

Treatment with antibiotics, steroids, and other conventional drugs
may bring temporary relief, but the patient soon returns with another
flare-up, and symptoms progress until the veterinarian suggests allergy
testing.

“The results tell you the dog is allergic to everything from dust
mites to tuna and lima beans,” says Arndt. “But that’s not where the
problem lies. Many so-called allergy cases are nothing more than
misdiagnosed systemic yeast infections from candida overgrowth.”

According to holistic physician Bruce Fife, ND, the candida organism
is especially insidious because it changes form. “If left unchallenged,”
he says, “candida converts from a single-celled form into a
multi-celled or mycellial fungal form with hairy, root-like projections
called rhizoids. These rhizoids penetrate the intestinal wall, which
affects the intestines’ ability to absorb vitamins, minerals, amino
acids, and fatty acids, leading to nutritional deficiencies and leaky
gut syndrome.”

Leaky gut syndrome allows bacteria, toxins, and undigested food to
pass through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream, where they cause
chronic low-grade infections, inflammation, and allergic responses. “The
immune system identifies undigested food proteins as foreign invaders,”
says Dr. Fife, “and its attack results in allergy symptoms. Your dog’s
food allergies, seasonal allergies, and environmental allergies can all
be caused by an imbalance in the microbial environment of his digestive
tract. It’s no exaggeration to say that chronic health problems
originate in the intestines.”

Even without an overgrowth of Candida albicans, a disruption of the
body’s supply of beneficial bacteria poses problems. As described in “Probing Probiotics”
(Whole Dog Journal August 2006), beneficial bacteria form a first line
of defense against pathogens; help prevent antibiotic-associated
diarrhea, traveler’s diarrhea, and leaky gut syndrome; improve lactose
tolerance; produce vitamins and enzymes; decrease toxins and mutagenic
reactions; improve carbohydrate and protein usage; strengthen innate
immunity; create a protective barrier effect in the intestinal tract;
and help reduce food sensitivities and skin disorders.

It’s definitely worth helping your dog become a poor host for Candida
albicans and, instead, become a nurturing host for beneficial bacteria.
Natural remedies for candidiasis
In conventional
medicine, antifungal medications clear up chronic yeast infections,
fungal infections, and related symptoms. But many antifungal drugs have
potentially serious side effects and they produce only temporary
results. As soon as the prescription ends, surviving candida cells
multiply, recolonize, and trigger a return of symptoms.

Alternative therapies, such as medicinal herbs and diet, have fewer
side effects and help correct the problem’s underlying causes. It’s
important, says Arndt, to work with a holistic veterinarian and avoid
vaccinations, steroid drugs, and other conventional treatments that can
disrupt the immune system. Because many (if not most) cases of canine
candidiasis coincide with hypothyroidism, the patient’s thyroid levels
should be checked.

“Probiotics are popular treatments for candida infections, but proper
timing is important,” she says. “Feeding large amounts of acidophilus
and other probiotics doesn’t help a dog whose system is overwhelmed by
candida. In fact, this kind of supplementation can make things worse.
The first step in effectively treating candida is reducing its
population. Two weeks after that, beneficial bacteria can be effectively
added to the system.”

For human patients, menu plans such as the Atkins diet, which is high
in protein and fat and very low in carbohydrates, are recommended
because they starve yeast cells without harming beneficial bacteria.

Wild wolves are unlikely to suffer from candida overgrowths because, as Dr David Mech explained in “What Wolves Eat”
(Whole Dog Journal, March 2005) wolves in the wild consume little or no
sugars, grains, starches, fruits, or other carbohydrates and very
little vegetable matter. Their diet consists almost entirely of the
meat, organs, blood, skin, and bones of prey animals.

Switching a candida-infected dog from grain-based kibble to a
grain-free, starch-free, low-carbohydrate diet is an easy way to reduce a
dog’s population of Candida albicans.

Coconut oil
One effective anti-candida ingredient
that can be added to a dog’s food, whether commercial or home-prepared,
is coconut oil (see “Crazy About Coconut Oil,”
October 2005). According to Dr. Fife, author of Coconut Cures and a
leading expert on coconut’s health benefits, the fatty acids in coconut
oil kill candida and other damaging organisms without harming friendly
bacteria. “Coconut oil’s fatty acids are absorbed into the cells, which
use them as fuel to power the metabolism,” he says. “When applied
topically on the skin, coconut oil promotes the healing of damaged
tissue. In the same way, it speeds the healing of perforations in the
intestinal wall. Coconut oil can help any dog reestablish and maintain a
healthy intestinal environment.”

Caprylic acid, a nutritional supplement derived from coconut oil,
kills candida cells. “Caprylic acid is sold specifically for this
condition,” says Dr. Fife, “but it’s less expensive and just as
effective to use the coconut oil it’s derived from. That way you ingest
not only caprylic acid but lauric acid, which has also been shown to
kill candida cells, along with other essential fatty acids that improve
intestinal health.”

The recommended dose is at least 1 teaspoon coconut oil per 10 pounds
of body weight, or 1 tablespoon per 30 pounds. Dogs with candidiasis
may need more, especially in the early stages of treatment. For best
results, feed in divided doses, provide extra fluids and drinking water
to help flush toxins from the body, and start with small amounts and
build up gradually so the body has time to adjust. The side effects of
too much coconut oil too soon can include greasy stools or diarrhea,
fatigue, mental exhaustion, and body aches.

Dealing with die-off
Flu-like symptoms such as
exhaustion, body aches, diarrhea, and nausea are caused by die-off, also
known as the Herxheimer reaction. When large numbers of viruses,
bacteria, parasites, yeasts, or fungi die, their physical remains and
the toxins they produce overwhelm the body, and it takes days, weeks,
and in some cases, months for the organs of elimination to catch up,
during which symptoms such as itching or skin breakouts may increase.

Systemic enzyme supplements such as Wobenzym (discussed in “Accelerated Wound Healing,”
August 2006) are especially helpful during detoxification. Taken
between meals, systemic enzymes circulate in the blood, breaking down
inflammation and digesting dead candida cells. Wobenzym contains
pancreatin, bromelain, and other digestive enzymes in enteric-coated
tablets that survive stomach acid and break apart in the small
intestine.

Other enzyme products like Prozyme, which contains amylase, lipase,
cellulase, and protease, are taken with meals to improve the
assimilation of nutrients and to compensate for the lack of live enzymes
in processed food. Double the recommended dose for dogs age eight or
older or for dogs switching from a high-carb food.

Seacure (“Securing Seacure,”
April 2003) supports anti-candida programs by providing amino acids
that are essential to the liver during the second phase of
detoxification. Double the recommended dose of Seacure pet powder or
chewable pet tabs for the first two weeks of treatment, then follow
label directions.

Herbs and supplements
Several medicinal plants
are used in candida therapy. They are recommended for use by themselves,
in combination, or sequentially (one after another), so that highly
adaptable candida cells don’t have time to mutate. Any anti-candida
supplement designed for humans can be adjusted for canine use according
to the dog’s weight. Divide the human label dose by 2 for dogs weighing
50-70 pounds; divide label dose by 4 for dogs weighing 25-35 pounds.

The following and similar supplements are an essential first step in a candida control program.

Black walnut hulls (Juglans nigra), especially those harvested in
early fall when the hulls are still green, repel parasites, improve skin
conditions, and fight fungal and bacterial infections. Look for “green”
black walnut hull extracts and tinctures.

Garlic (Allium sativum) strengthens immunity by aiding white blood
cells, and it has shown significant antifungal activity against Candida
albicans in animal and test tube studies. But in large amounts, garlic
may cause hemolytic or Heinz factor anemia in dogs. Daily doses of up to
1 small garlic clove per 20 pounds of body weight are considered safe,
as are garlic extracts given according to label directions adjusted for
the dog’s size. For best results, alternate garlic with other antifungal
herbs. Although onions are a highly regarded prebiotic (a food that
feeds beneficial bacteria), onions are not recommended for dogs in any
quantity because of their high hemolytic anemia risk.

Horopito (Pseudowintera colorata), also known as the New Zealand
pepper tree, is a traditional Maori treatment for fungal infections. In
1982, New Zealand researchers tested horopito extracts against Candida
albicans with excellent results. The New Zealand product Kolorex is now
an international best seller. Yeast and mold expert Ingrid Naiman shares
Kolorex with her dog.

Olive leaf (Olea europaea) is a popular supplement for candidiasis.
Its active ingredient, oleuropein, has antiviral, antifungal,
antibacterial, and antioxidant effects in addition to lowering blood
sugar and improving blood circulation.

Pau d’arco (Tabebuia impetiginosa, also known as lapacho or taheebo)
is an Amazon rainforest tree with astringent, anti-inflammatory,
antibacterial, and antifungal properties. Pau d’arco teas and extracts
help treat systemic, chronic, or recurrent candidiasis, leaky gut
syndrome, and related disorders.

Quebracho (Aspidosperma quebracho-blaco) is a tannin-rich South
American tree. Its bark is used in the leading anti-candida product,
Tanalbit. Its manufacturer claims quebracho does not contribute to
Herxheimer (die-off) reactions. Some veterinarians have used Tanalbit
for canine candidiasis for years with excellent results.

As explained in Whole Dog Journal’s aromatherapy series (“Smell This, You’ll Feel Better,” December 2004; “Essential Information,” January 2005; and “Canines in a Mist,” April 2005), therapeutic-quality essential oils and hydrosols can be diluted for safe, effective canine use.

The essential oil of wild oregano (Origanum vulgare) has become a
popular treatment for candidiasis at human doses of 1 drop once or twice
per day, building up to a dose of 1 drop 4 times per day, which is
considered safe for long-term use.

Dogs dislike the taste and smell of oregano oil. For canine
treatment, dilute full-strength oregano oil with olive oil, then place a
drop of the diluted oil in an empty 2-part gelatin capsule, which can
be hidden in food. For dogs weighing 50-70 pounds, dilute ½ teaspoon
oregano essential oil with ½ teaspoon olive oil; for dogs weighing 25-35
pounds, use 1 teaspoon olive oil; and for smaller dogs, use 1½ to 2
teaspoons olive oil. Start with 1 drop of the diluted oil per day and
gradually build up to 1 drop 4 times per day.

Tea tree hydrosol, the water produced during steam distillation of
tea tree essential oil, is a safe, effective topical treatment for ear
infections, hot spots, skin breakouts, and other candida symptoms.

With antifungal, antibacterial, antiyeast, and antiviral properties,
coconut oil is an excellent carrier in which to dilute essential oils.
It can also be applied by itself to ringworm and other fungal breakouts.
Store in a small dropper bottle for convenient application. In cold
weather, melt the coconut oil by placing the bottle in hot water.

Probiotics
After two weeks of improved diet and
treatment with antifungal herbs and supplements, your dog’s system
should be ready to support beneficial bacteria.

A few native bacteria survive even lengthy antibiotic treatment, so
the odds are that your dog has a small population of beneficial bacteria
that could recolonize her system if properly fed with “prebiotics.”

The best prebiotics for the dog’s beneficial bacteria are lactofermented vegetables (see “It’s All in How You Make It,”
March 2001) and supplements such as inulin, whey, and
fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS). Start with small amounts and gradually
increase, adjusting label directions for your dog’s weight. Reduce the
dose if flatulence or digestive discomfort develops. Do not feed whey to
dogs with an intolerance to foods containing lactose.

Acidophilus is a familiar probiotic, but there are dozens to choose
from. Look for live-culture products in health food or pet supply
stores, and give frequent doses to help flood the system with beneficial
bacteria. Help the bacteria reproduce by combining them with
prebiotics, a low-carbohydrate diet, and enzymes.

Anti-candida kits
To help dogs overcome
candiasis, Linda Arndt worked with BioPet, Inc., to design a kit
containing cleansing and detoxifying products. The goal was to provide a
complete kit, with clear instructions that take the mystery out of
candida and detoxification. The Nzymes Yeast Kit is available in a small
size for pets up to 60 pounds in weight and a large size for pets over
60 pounds.

The kit contains antifungal treats or granules, oxidizing drops that
can be taken internally or applied topically, digestive enzymes,
probiotics, and a combination of black walnut and olive leaf extracts
for internal and topical use.

“We designed the kit for convenience, because it’s hard to know what
to do or where to get products that work,” she says. “Candida infections
are difficult to treat. They take time to develop, and it takes time as
long as a year or more to get them to go away. But by improving the
diet, removing candida, detoxifying the body, and flooding the system
with beneficial bacteria, anyone can help candida-infected dogs get and
stay well.”

I couldn't use most of the multiple ingredient supplements like the Nzymes with Tank as he had so many reactions to so many things. He has seasonal, environmental, contact and food allergies. Here's a write up of what has and hasn't worked for us for several years....



This is the basic outline of my battle with Tank’s
yeast/allergy issues starting Feb. 2008 up to the present—2012. He is currently in great shape and vastly
healthier and happier than upon admission to rescue.


I took Tank to a homeopathic vet for a fresh perspective on
his various issues. Tank came to me at
age 8.5 with hypothyroidism, a history of severe allergies, yeast infections
and on massive doses of prednisone (20 mgs a day at one point). He had improved, but we still struggled with
ongoing yeast infections and lately, with staph infections. Before going on to using something really
dramatic like Itraconazole, I wanted to eliminate all of our other options
first.


He is currently on 1 mg of prednisolone (Medrol) every other
to every third day. Given his years of massive prednisone doses, we suspect
that his adrenals are ruined so he'll never be off of pred completely, but it's
significantly reduced and prednisolone is less harmful to his liver. We tried milk thistle with him to reduce
liver damage, but he reacted to it. We
may at some point try SAM-e, but it's overkill for now.


* asterisks are updates on what we’ve tried and how it’s
worked


She feels that all of his issues are likely immune
mediated. Increasingly, vets are
thinking that most if not all thyroid issues are immune mediated. She also felt (and this was news to me) that
his thyroid level of 33--which is smack in the middle of normal--is too high
for a dog his age. She said most vets
would be happy with that, but she feels and specialists she consults confirm
this--that a hypothyroid dog his age should be in the 20s rather than the
30s. I don't have any further
explanation for it, but she said that at some point, we may wish to reduce his
meds for thyroid to get him into the 20s but wanted to wait (since it's not
urgent) until we'd done some other things first.


*his thyroid levels have lowered and we are leaving his
dosage as is for now.


She also wants to try him on lactose free Prozyme (a
digestive enzyme supplement). She feels
that for a lot of yeast dogs a big issue is the gut and says that she has found
doubling or tripling the suggested dose of Prozyme often solves or
significantly reduces yeast in dogs. We
will start very slowly and see how he does since we know he can be plant sensitive. While she'd love to get him off of pred
altogether, she said that the dose he's on is so low (1.25 mgs every third day)
and given his seasonal allergies, that complete removal of pred may not be
possible. As mentioned above, we’ve put
him on prednisolone at 1 mg.


*We tried the Prozyme, but unfortunately, the first
ingredient is rice starch and he reacted to that so we’ve stopped the
Prozyme. .


** He has responded well to Holistic Blend Seagreens
Powder. I add it to his meals every
third day.





She would also like to try him on an immune support
supplement which does not boost immune, but supports it. She didn't have the name off the top of her
head, but will let me know. Again, it
will be a go slow deal with him.


*We are going to try him on a Centaur VA product called
Immuno-support.


**Due to the onset of his seasonal allergies, we waited to
start him on the Immuno-support till his seasonal stuff settled down as I wouldn’t
be able to tell what is seasonal and is reaction to the immune-support. We use the Immuno-Support three times a week,
½ capsule. So far no issues.


She wants him off of all dairy--said that yeast LOVES dairy
and that any benefit a yeast dog gets from the acidophilus is lost by the dairy
aspects. She says that dairy is not part
of a dog’s normal “wild” diet and so they often aren’t able to use it
appropriately so she never recommends anything with Lactose in it. So he's
getting a dairy free acidophilus made by SISU.
Any meds he gets in a capsule, she wants removed from the capsule as he
could be reacting to the capsule. She
has also asked that he eat NO fruits at all and no vegetables that are
glycemic--pumpkin, sweet potato, turnip, etc.
Carrots he can have for although they are technically sugary, they
aren't high glycemic vegs. His treats
from now on in are raw vegetables ONLY--she suggested green beans and
zucchini. NO commercial treats no matter
how high quality. She also suggested
that he not get any dehydrated meats--including any of my home made ones.


* I have reintroduced single source protein treats--both
home made and commercial, but am careful about ingredients. One of my local pet supply places has a wide
selection of single protein treats that have been successful with Tank.


She found it interesting that his ears, nose fold and feet
aren't yeasty. And wondered if some of
his issues are contact based. She wants
him not to be in a harness that covers much of his neck or chest and suggested
that I throw out his puppia as she feels the artificial fabric doesn't breathe
and can't be cleaned sufficiently to be safe for a dog as compromised as he is
(YIKES--of course, I just bought him a new one a week ago.) She suggested that the less fabric touching
him the better so she'd prefer he not have coats, sweaters, or lie on any dog
bed that is made from "chemical" fabrics--she did say that there is a
remote possibility that he might be allergic to cotton--we know he's allergic
to wool.


*I am currently using a Walkeez harness with him that has
worked well and can withstand multiple washings.


I am also to clean and wash ONLY with baking soda--no
vinegar and no borax. She suggested that
I only clean my floors with boiling hot water--and maybe some baking soda--as
she's seen dogs react to vinegar. I'm to
watch how he lies on stuff and see if the fact that his neck, chest and belly
are the most hairless and itchy may be related to where and what he is lying
on. She also told me to get rid any
fleece type things that he might lie on.
We'll start with cotton only fabrics with him and see where we get from
there. It’s also possible that he’s not
reacting to the “fake” fabrics, but that they don’t let his skin get as much
air so encourages yeast growth.


I’ve also taken to drying his face and neck after drinking
water as he dribbles it down his neck and given his folds and dewlaps, the
water just sits there.


*His itching seems to be most intense right after he gets up
from a nap—chest, neck and arm pits especially.
Given the way he sleeps, his arm pits and neck are often “sweaty” when
he gets up so that may be part of the problem.
Dr. Benson thinks it may be contact allergies, but might be that the
fabric is contributing to his itchiness.
We can’t clean the fabrics he lies on sufficiently to kill the yeast and
other bacteria without using harsh chemicals, so we are going to try changing
his bedding frequently and throwing out or boiling what he’s lying on. I’m trying 100% cotton crib sheets and
washing them daily.


*The daily bedding change helped alot and I now only change
the bedding twice a week on the dog beds.
I have been able to reintroduce washing them in the washing machine as
opposed to boiling them on the stove (thank God). I do use borax now to wash his bedding and
some bleach. We’ve had no further staph
infections since starting the bedding change.


She wants all bathing stopped and he's not to go swimming at
Canine Wellness any longer. She says she
doesn't want him wet. Period. She said that if I feel he needs relief from
the itching and must bathe him then to
let him soak in a dilute caffeine free green tea solution.


* I do still bathe him occasionally when the yeast smell is
high. I use Nizoral shampoo and it
helps. But his bathing is
infrequent—4 to 6 times a year. The green tea soaks do work when he’s itchy
and I also apply the wet tea bags directly to specific itchy spots.


She'd like me to switch his fish oil from salmon to herring
as she wonders if he's become sensitive to salmon.


*he IS sensitive to salmon.
We’ve had a decrease in itching since ditching the salmon oil


She thinks that his weight gain is partly due to his
metabolism having slowed down tremendously.
And thinks that a digestive enzyme may help him process food better and
increase his metabolism to some degree.
She feels that given what he's eating, the weight gain indicates poor
usage. So we may reduce his intake
marginally or spread his current intake out over three meals rather than
two. She thinks that might also help
kick his metabolism into gear.


*The three meals a day DID work and now we’ve had to kick up
his portions as he’s gone from putting weight on at the drop of a hat to losing
it pretty quickly. I’ve increased his
portions and reduced him back to 2 meals a day.


I ended up putting him on a whole carcass diet (Carnivora,
formerly Urban Carnivore). He eats that
for 75% of his meals. His other 25% are
the regular raw with botanicals or veggies. I’ve been using Tollden Farms which
has been okay with him. There has been a
reduction in smell and itching with the switch to primarily whole carcass.


What has been most impressive (if I do say so myself) is how
much pink has come back to his skin.
Upon arrival at my house his belly was totally black as was his
neck. The belly is now more pink than
black and the neck, while still mostly black, does have some pink showing
through.


We have had to switch him from raw to a dehydrated raw
called Honest Kitchen Zeal. As he has
aged, we’ve found him less able to handle “real” raw and was getting blow out
diarrhea. He’s handled the Honest
Kitchen Zeal well and I add Honest Kitchen Perfect Form to help with gastric
issues and absorption.


At this point, he’s 13.5 years old. I didn’t think we’d get to this point and I
think much of what we are struggling with now is old age as opposed to his
multiple allergies.


He has never able to eat any poultry or fowl or beef. Does well on fish provided it isn’t
salmon. We have tended to focus on unique proteins--goat, rabbit, elk, venison, alpaca. He is limited now that he is on the HK Zeal, but I do add some canned single protein food to try and put some weight back on him since we are really struggling with geriatric wasting....

Wow thanks so much for taking the time to write all those replys out.Yes I do beleive she has asystemic yeast infection as ive been doing all the right things to clear things even a little and she just stays the same.Ive been reading about this problem and allergies for two years!Ive found the topical vineger to be the most help in her itchies along with a half a benadryl.I feel she really neads a new enzyme,probiotic.I will be returning the seameal and maybe buying more of the Nzymes backPack to try again for a longer period of time?Has anyone used a product called Moducare?She did have some die off on the Nzymes going on for about a month which was really scarry at the time..hard to get through seeing her act sick.Makes you wonder if its working or only making them worse.(I have everything from the kit left except the backpac.I continue to use oregano oil or coconut oil and teatree oil to rub on her body,not all together.She has never had ear issues and the yeasty smell is not as bad some days as others if I keep up on her bathes with the Malleseb shampoo.I will try the all cotton baby sheets for all the bedding and see if that helps.This is the firat time she has had a reaction to a sup.I am diligent about her never getting any treats or other food..as when she does the bumps get worse for a few days.I will also call the vet and ask about a specialist,not sure if there are any in this area,we do have one holistic vet that i can try.Again thank you for the replys and if anyone has tried the moducare let me know.

I like Moducare--but can't use it for Tank because his immune system is so screwed up that we need to support it as opposed to boost it. In animals with profoundly compromised immune systems, you can get a boomerang effect if you boost the immune system too much. It's why I use the Dophilus Plus and the Immuno-Support rather than the Moducare. In a dog with a normal or minimally compromised immune system, it can be very helpful.

There are two antibiotics specifically used for yeast--Ketoconazole and Itraconazole. Itraconazole is said to be the more effective but it is VERY expensive and not without risks.

I had NO luck with the Nyzmes stuff as Tank is very reactive to a number of plants. I've learned to my cost that trying more than single ingredient things on him is often a failure. And anything that has more than one ingredient I introduce VERY slowly and stop as soon as I start to see a reaction.

The other thing you need to know is it took me a good three years of very careful and very steady work and a lot of trial and error to get his issues largely under control. And even now, he will have flare ups. We did manage to eliminate staph infections several years ago--but I do believe that it was the changing the dog beds daily for months that did it.

Search Hi,this is just one of the articles I have read about it.I hope I am able to copy and paste this correctly.In this article it says that moducare balances the imune system.Ive read so many on it that my mind is mush by the end of the day,lol.I dont think Jade had any reation to the Nzymes,but I could be wrong,suposedly just the die off symtoms.Im going to hold off buying anything for a week or two untill I can talk to her vet or make an apt. with a specialist.As you said we spend so much money on tying to find stuff that works..it seems like a loosing battle at times. It is a long process to find the right mix and we just havent gotten there yet.So Tank is allergic to a lot of plant stuff? So are the sup. he is on animal based then?





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Moducare Frequently Asked Questions

Following are answers to some of the questions frequently asked about Moducare, the world's first sterol and sterolin supplement.

What are sterols and sterolins?

Sterol is a plant fat found in all plant-based foods. Sterolin is its glucoside, a molecular structure joined to the sterol. Sterolin is easily destroyed, and without it, the sterol does not have the same immune-enhancing benefits. Moducare uses a proprietary process to preserve the ideal combination of sterols and sterolins.

Is there any research behind this product?

Research on sterols has been underway since the 1920s, and Professor Bouic has been researching the exact combination of sterols and sterolins found in Moducare for over a decade. There has been extensive testing and clinical trials, including placebo-controlled, double-blind studies. The work of Professor Bouic and others has been published in prestigious, peer-reviewed international journals.

What is the connection with the African Potato?

The supplement Moducare was never extracted from this plant. The original research on sterols and sterolins was based on an extract of the Hypoxis plant or "African Potato". Due to the presence of other potentially harmful substances contained within the Hypoxis plant, other plants were investigated as sources for the sterols and sterolins.

Why is the "sterolin" such an important part of the Moducare formulation?

In nature, plants never contain sterols only. The sterols are always associated with their glucoside "sterolin" (a glucose molecule attached to the sterol molecule). Research has shown quite clearly that the blend of sterols/sterolins in a 100:1 ratio exhibits the best immunomodulatory activity.

If I eat a healthy diet, can I not obtain enough sterols and sterolins to balance my immune system?

Our intake of animal fats often exceeds our plant fat intake. Further, many people destroy or remove the plant fats by their cooking methods. Frozen vegetables, once thawed, can release enzymes which destroy the important sterolin component. Even if we do ingest sufficient quantities of sterols/sterolins in our daily diet, less than 5% is absorbed by our body since the plant fats are so tightly bound to the fibre of the plant.

Are there any side effects?

Long-term studies involving 25,000 humans found no significant side effects. In addition, standard toxicology studies, pre-clinical testing and clinical observations have found no adverse effects.

Are there any contraindications?

Recipients of foreign organs and tissues, including bone marrow and corneal transplants, are cautioned not to take any immune regulating nutritional supplements. Therefore, sterols and sterolins are NOT recommended for transplant patients. People with synthetic replacement/reconstruction will not be affected, eg. hip, knee, breast, pacemaker.

Diabetics should monitor their blood sugar closely as many have experienced a reduction in insulin requirements. They should start with one capsule daily to ensure a gradual increase in sterols and sterolins.

People with multiple sclerosis should take plant sterols and sterolins only under the guidance of their health care practitioner.

Can I take Moducare with my medication or other supplements?

There are no known interactions with Moducare and any prescribed medication or natural supplement.

What about allergic reactions?

An allergic reaction is extremely unlikely, as Moducare contains no artificial colouring, preservatives, sweeteners or salicylates. It also contains no soy, sugar, acacia, barley, wheat, corn, millet, dairy, lactose, yeast, gluten or other common allergens.

Are sterols the same as steroids?

Sterols, including cholesterol, are in the same large classification family of steroids but they do not have the negative effects that are often associated with steroids. Every member of the steroid family has a different activity and only a few have negative effects.

Will these plant fats make me gain weight?

No. A capsule contains less than 1 calorie, which comes from the rice flour base. Plant fats, unlike animal fats, are not associated with weight gain.

Is this an immune "booster" like echinacea?

The key difference between echinacea and Moducare is that echinacea only stimulates the immune system, while Moducare balances it. Echinacea is not recommended for prolonged use, or for people with autoimmune conditions. Moducare allows the immune system to regulate itself: "upregulating" or boosting an underactive response and "downregulating" an overactive one.

Do I take Moducare for a few months and once my immune system is balanced, stop taking it?

Moducare is considered a daily supplement and should be taken as long as you want to aid the immune system to be balanced. Sterols and sterolins do not "fix" the immune system but give it the nutrients it needs to be balanced.

How should I take Moducare?

Adults: 3 capsules daily, usually one in the morning, one midday, and one in the evening, taken on an empty stomach for maximum absorption.

Children: 1 capsule per day for children under 5; 2 per day for children between 5 and 12; and children over 12 can take the adult dose. For very young children who are unable to swallow a capsule, the capsule can be opened and the contents mixed with applesauce or other fruit/vegetable.

Loading phase: When first starting to supplement with Moducare, it is often a good idea (except where contraindicated) to double the daily requirement for the first week or so. This allows the body to build up its reserves as quickly as possible.

Do I have to take it on an empty stomach?

Moducare should be taken on an empty stomach - one half hour before or two hours after a meal for maximum absorption. However it can be taken with fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds.

The important thing is to take it AWAY from cholesterol (animal fat), including all meat, dairy, eggs, seafood, etc. Cholesterol has a very similar molecular structure and the two compounds "compete" for absorption. You can also take Moducare with beverages, as long as they contain no cholesterol.

Can I take too much?

No. It is impossible to overdose on Moducare. The body has a limited capacity to absorb these plant fats, and any excess is excreted harmlessly in the intestine.

I have an allergy to pine. Since Moducare is extracted from pine, is there anything in the supplement that would cause a similar allergic reaction?

Moducare contains only the isolated molecules of the sterols and sterolins which have been extracted from pine trees (Pinus Maritima and Pinus Pinaster). There is none of the original plant in the final product. If you looked at these plant fat molecules in a laboratory, you would not be able to tell if they had been extracted from oranges, peas, almonds, etc. If you are still concerned, you can always start slowly with one-half or one capsule per day.

Is Moducare the same as Pine Bark extract?

No. Pine bark is an antioxidant and works differently in the body from the plant fats. Both are phytonutrients, meaning they are derived from plants.

How long before I might expect to see some results?

As with many natural supplements, it can take a period of time before you notice an improvement in your health. Although some people notice a difference before this time, we suggest that you take Moducare for two to three months before evaluating whether it is effective for you.

Are there any veterinary applications for Moducare?

Yes, many veterinarians are using the product in their practice. Clinical trials on the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) have proven that sterols/sterolins stabilise the immune responses of cats infected with FIV. These trials were conducted prior to the HIV studies in humans Suggested amounts for cats and dogs:

one capsule per day for cats and small dogs

one capsule twice per day for dogs over 50 pounds

If your pet is unable to swallow the capsule, you can open it and mix the powder with any fruit or vegetable e.g. applesauce, peanut butter, pumpkin. It is important to not give Moducare with a meal since pet foods usually contain cholesterol. You could give it one half hour before or two hours after the meal.














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Well, I see both a traditional vet and a homeopathic vet and the homeopathic vet was the one who suggested that Moducare was not what I should use for Tank and I trust her completely. Again, Tank is a different story since he had been on massive doses of Prednisone before coming to me so both his immune system was profoundly suppressed and all the pred had likely destroyed his adrenals. So we have to be ultra careful--or had to be when we started on this journey--about what we gave him for his immune system.

If you can find one, a homeopathic vet can be a God Send.

My Izzy is on atopica. It's worked out great for us. She is also on an allergy food, coconut oil and benedryl during certain seasons.

I have studied aromatherapy on humans, and I would suggest that you be really careful with essential oils. Tea tree oil is a stimulant and I'd be leery of using too much - just a couple of drops will do it. I'd also strongly urge you to dilute the oils - 10-15 drops in 1/2 ounce of a carrier oil. Grapeseed oil is good, so is sweet almond oil. This is a really good website for doggie aromatherapy tips: http://www.natural-dog-health-remedies.com/aromatherapy-for-dogs.html Penny gets a thorough massage with lavender oil every night at bedtime. A good way to check her skin for lumps and bumps or other problems, it is very relaxing, and she loves it. I do some healing touch on her too, but that's a whole 'nother story. Good thoughts for you and your girl - allergies and skin problems are a bear to deal with.

Pugsaunt i allways dillute any oil in either coconut oil or avacado Thanks again everyone for the replys.

Often i scared by health of my dog, and care of my dog, by this forum i found many helpful news about dog.

I do not know what raw diets you have tried or eliminations, but my Chyna is allergic to most proteins. I have been feeding her Addiction Summer Brushtail Dehydrated Raw. I order it mostly through www.k9cuisine.com. I also just got a foster dog who is a Brussels Griffon that has food allergies. I know she was eating Blue Buffalo but do not know which protein she was getting. I immediately changed her to Great Life Grain Free Buffalo. Her bumps and skin infection started clearing up immediately.

I am finding such kind of information on dogs......glad here that you shared information with us.