ALISON’S ARTICLES
To access the full version of Alison’s articles, click here to become a member of “The Naturally Healthy Pet”.
Acupressure in Animals (September 19, 2008)
by Alison Grimston
Acupressure is a touch therapy that originates from Traditional Chinese Medicine. This safe, non-invasive and gentle method of natural healing has been used to treat a variety of complications in animals, besides humans, for more than 4000 years. Research conducted all over the world shows that acupressure in animals can enhance mental stability, ensure overall well-being and provide long-term relief from a number of health problems…. READ FULL ARTICLE
Arthritis in Dogs (October 7, 2008)
by Alison Grimston
Arthritis is a common problem in dogs. It is recognised by symptoms such as the pet going stiff-legged after exercise, showing reluctance in going up or down the stairs or playing, and finding it uncomfortable to wake up in the morning. Before the problem gets out of hand and has a crippling effect on the life of the dog and that of the dog owner, it is important to take proper care of the dog and consult the vet for a thorough diagnosis, if required.
Accupressure and Neutering (January 17, 2009)
by Alison Grimston
Acupuncture is the use of fine needles to help unblock energy or chi (Qi) flow. When an animal has been neutered, its hormones are changing rapidly. This can give the animal a feeling of confusion, and communicators are sometimes aware that the animal becomes anxious as it loses part of its sense of identity. Often a stallion that is neutered later in life seems confused, although it may ultimately be happier as its lifestyle is less restricted.
Constipation in Dogs and Cats (August 6, 2008)
by Alison Grimston
Dogs and cats also suffer from constipation which leads to infrequent and difficult evacuation of stools. The faeces are usually dry and hard, causing discomfort to both cats and dogs.
There are many causes for constipation in pets, and it is on identifying the cause that the right treatment can be given to the pet. Usually environmental and dietary factors lead to constipation.
Diarrhea in Dogs and Cats (August 6, 2008)
by Alison Grimston
Dogs and cats are likely to have several bouts of diarrhea in their lifetimes. In fact, diarrhea is not a disease, but a symptom. However, if diarrhea in dogs and cats is very frequent, diagnosis of the cause is very important for proper management and cure.
Let’s first see what diarrhea is. It is a condition characterized by frequent passage of watery stool accompanied by bloating in the abdomen and discharge of flatus. It leads to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, loss of appetite and exhaustion.
Heart Valve Disease in Dogs and Cats (June 4, 2008)
by Alison Grimston
Problems with the heart valves are the most common heart complaint in dogs.
The flow of blood through the pumping heart to the lungs and the rest of the body is a fine-tuned system. It is important that the four valves within the heart are flexible and not narrowed, as inflexibility and narrowing (often with age) will interfere with blood flow.
Allergic Conjuctivitis in Dogs (February 25, 2008)
by Alison Grimston
Allergic conjunctivitis, as well as sneezing and other evidence of allergy, is increasing in incidence in dogs. This may be related to the environment they live in, or to changes in the overall immune system due to, for example, diet and exercise.
What is Allergic Conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva, a thin layer of skin over the white of the eye and the inner surface of the lids.
Allergy occurs when the immune system over-reacts to a stimulus, mistakenly thinking it is an infection or cancer that it needs to fight off.
Cataracts in Dogs (May 13, 2008)
by Alison Grimston
A cataract develops when the transparent proteins in the lens of the eye become opaque. Cataracts develop gradually over time, and tend to be more common in older dogs. The changes that occur are irreversible, but in humans are treated by simple day-case surgery whereby the lens is removed from the outer capsule and replaced by a clear plastic artificial lens.
Colic in Equines – Not Always Life Threatening (Dec 5, 2007)
by Alison Grimston
It is useful for us to be aware of the fact that not all colic is the rapidly progressive, often fatal obstructive colic.
Introduction
Colic is abdominal pain caused by a build-up of gas in the abdomen, and is a veterinary emergency. In all cases, your vet should be called immediately.
What is Colic?
Colic has three main forms.
Craniosacral Therapy (Sept 11, 2007)
by Alison Grimston
Craniosacral therapy, sometimes known as cranial osteopathy, is a form of osteopathy working mainly on the cranium or skull to release imbalances in pressure in the musculoskeletal system.
The cranium is made up of many bones, 25 in the horse, fused by relatively fixed joints called sutures. There is very little give in this type of joint, but enough to help the skull to withstand a head injury.
Equine Influenza (Dec 5, 2007)
by Alison Grimston
Equine influenza (‘flu’) is probably the main respiratory infection affecting horses. It has a worldwide distribution, and can cause a severe illness. Fortunately prevention is possible with current vaccinations. This is a very current topic, with a recent outbreak in Australia in August to October 2007. This continent had previously been unaffected by equine flu, and the outbreak appears to have spread from imported Japanese stallions.
Laminitis in Equines (May 13, 2008)
by Alison Grimston
Laminitis or “founder” is a common illness known about by horse lovers from an early age, as native ponies on pasture that is too lush are common victims. It is caused by inflammation of the laminae in the hoof. Although traditionally associated with ponies, it can affect donkeys, mules and horses as well.
In this article I will outline the pathology, symptoms, signs, distribution & management of this illness.
Management of Indoor Cats (September 11, 2007)
by Alison Grimston
As the UK population becomes more urbanised, so does its domestic cats. Increasing numbers of cats are kept exclusively indoors, as the number of high rise flats is increasing.
While this is an unnatural environment, with a life deprived of natural outdoor stimuli and exercise, many cats grow to enjoy themselves if measures are taken to prevent boredom.
In this article, I will outline some of the problems associated with housebound cats, together with ways of reducing these with training and playing time and equipment. I will also mention therapies that may help keep the cat balanced in mind, body and spirit.
Mud Fever – Help with Herbs and Other CAMs (January 11, 2008)
by Alison Grimston
Mud fever, greasy heel and cracked heels are all problems experienced by equines that are kept outside in wet, muddy conditions.
In this article I will outline the pathology, symptoms and signs, and management of this illness.
Diabetes in Dogs (August 23, 2007)
by Alison Grimston
Introduction to Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus or sugar diabetes is a chronic endocrine (hormone) illness characterised by high levels of glucose in the blood. It is seen in dogs and cats as well as humans, and in each species is commoner in the overweight and obese. There is no cure, but treatment, which may or may not include insulin injections, can maintain a healthy and active life.
Why does Diabetes happen?
Diabetes occurs when the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas, the Islets of Langerhans, stop producing sufficient insulin to cope with the body’s glucose load (Type 1 diabetes), or when the peripheral tissues in the body that react to insulin become resistant to its effect (Type 2 diabetes).
Hyperthyroidism in Cats (August 24, 2007)
by Alison Grimston
While hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid gland) has been recognised in humans for many years, it was first described in cats as recently as 1979. It is now common in older cats, with an average presentation at the age of about 12. In this article I will outline the symptoms of hyperthyroidism, its pathophysiology, complications, and treatment.
Phantom Pregnancy in Dogs (October 7, 2007)
by Alison Grimston
Selective breeding has led to our domestic dogs becoming sexually mature at an earlier age. In addition domestic bitches (except African breeds1) have twice as many seasons as wild wolves.
In this article I will outline a little about the physiology of pregnancy and false pregnancy (pseudocyesis), and ways in which we can help bitches with either true or false pregnancies.
Diabetes in Cats (August 24, 2007)
by Alison Grimston
Introduction to Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus or sugar diabetes is a chronic endocrine (hormone) illness characterised by high levels of glucose in the blood. It is seen in dogs and cats as well as humans, and in each species is commoner in the overweight and obese. There is no cure, but treatment, which may or may not include insulin injections, can maintain a healthy and active life.
Why does Diabetes happen?
Diabetes occurs when the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas, the Islets of Langerhans, stop producing sufficient insulin to cope with the body’s glucose load (Type 1 diabetes), or when the peripheral tissues in the body that react to insulin become resistant to its effect (Type 2 diabetes).
Should I Spay or Neuter my Dog or Cat? (April 30, 2008)
by Alison Grimston
The advantages of neutering dogs and cats are similar. First let’s concentrate on the male.
In animals, male neutering is done widely to reduce wandering, fighting, aggression and odour. Less wandering and fighting leads to fewer accidents (such as road accidents) and fight-induced injuries. Un-neutered male dogs and cats alike tend to be frustrated, as their hormones are telling them to go out in search of a mate. There also tends to be less benign prostatic hypertrophy (prostate swelling) in both cats and dogs after neutering, and fewer testicular tumours (as the testicles have been removed).
Urinary Problems in Cats (August 22, 2007)
by Alison Grimston
Urinary problems are becoming more common in cats. Lower urinary tract (LURT) problems are related to diet, while kidney failure increases with maturity and so is commoner as cats live to a greater age.
Vaccination in Dogs (September 8, 2007)
by Alison Grimston
In this article I will be giving some information about vaccinations and how they work, as well as some points from the ongoing debate regarding vaccinations generally.
Dogs and other mammals defeat infections by forming antibodies on first exposure to it. This then allows a more rapid immune response at the next exposure to the bacterium or virus.
Raw Food Diets in Dogs and Cats (September 29, 2008)
by Alison Grimston
The systems in animals are accustomed to raw food and use it effectively for maintaining good health and well-being. In this way, in the wild animals live long and healthy lives.
However, in our homes, we tend to give our dogs and cats cooked food or processed food bought from supermarkets. They may affect their natural vitality and immune systems and make our pets prone to infections, allergies and other diseases.
Raw food diets for dogs and cats are generally advantageous in terms of the nutritional support they provide to the body, promoting the immune system and making it strong enough to fight off diseases.
African Horse Sickness (August 26, 2007)
by Alison Grimston
African horse sickness is a potentially fatal, untreatable illness of equines, and cases are being found further north with global warming. If a case of this notifiable disease were to be found in the UK, we may find a foot and mouth-type slaughter situation occurring among our equines.
Retinal Detachment in Dogs and Cats (April 8, 2008)
by Alison Grimston
The retina is the layer of light-sensitive cells that lines the back of the eye, functioning much as the film does in a camera. The image lands on the retina, having been focussed by the lens. Impulses are then sent from cones and rods (specialist retinal cells), down the optic nerve to the part of the brain that processes images.
A retinal detachment occurs if the layer of light-sensitive cells is pulled away from the back of the eye. In animals, this problem tends to prevent late in the illness, as a dog or cat cannot let us know that some of their vision is impaired. Retinal detachments tend to be picked up only when there is significant, often bilateral, visual loss.
To access the full version of Alison’s articles, click here to become a member of “The Naturally Healthy Pet”.
Cancer in Cats (June 4, 2008)
by Alison Grimston
Cancer occurs when some of your cat’s cells start reproducing in an uncontrolled way. Our bodies are constantly producing cancer cells, but we rely on our own immune systems, particularly our “natural killer cells”, to detect and kill any such abnormal cells. Cancer only takes over if the cells have managed to change their surface so as not to be detected by our immune systems as “foreign”.
Once this has happened, the cells are free to reproduce, producing many thousands of cancer cells.
To access the full version of Alison’s articles, click here to become a member of “The Naturally Healthy Pet”.
