News Items of Interest
As of August 1, all News Bites will be posted on the blog.
Gingko, Boswellia, and Inherited B Vitamin Deficiency
Ginkgo for Elderly Dogs
In an open clinical trial conducted in 10 veterinary practices in Germany, standardised Ginkgo leaf extract was administered to 42 elderly dogs (average age 11.4 years) manifesting behavioural problems for 8 weeks. Typical age-related behavioural disturbances can occur in elderly dogs which are assumed to result from cognitive dysfunction. These include disorientation, listlessness, anxious or aggressive behaviour and changes in house training, social interaction and physical condition. The Ginkgo extract was given (on average) as 2-3 coated 40 mg tablets mixed in with the food once a day by the pet owners.
After 8 weeks there was a highly significant improvement in the condition and behaviour of the dogs compared to the commencement of treatment. The positive effect was already apparent after 4 weeks. Around one third of the dogs were completely free of clinical signs at the end of the study. Overall efficacy of the Ginkgo was judged by the veterinarians as good to very good in 79% of the dogs. Five of the six individual clinical sign scores (disorientation, sleep patterns, behavioural changes, general behaviour and general physical condition/vitality) also showed a significant decrease over the treatment period. The authors concluded that the Ginkgo leaf extract appears to be effective and safe for the management of age-related behavioural disturbances in dogs.
Boswellia for Arthritis
A prospective, randomised study conducted in India assessed the efficacy and tolerability of Boswellia serrata extract in comparison to valdecoxib, a medication known by the brand name Bextra. Patients received either standardised Boswellia extract (containing 40% boswellic acids, which corresponded to a dose of 400 mg/day of boswellic acids) or valdecoxib 10mg/day. The study was conducted over 7 months. Boswellia extract demonstrated efficacy for knee osteoarthritis. In comparison with valdecoxib, Boswellia had a slower onset of action but the effect persisted after discontinuation of therapy. Boswellia is highly effective for knee osteoarthritis but needs to be taken for at least 2 months to establish the full clinical effect. The slow onset and slow washout of benefit suggests it could be disease modifying. It is best taken with food for best absorption.
The results of this study, reported by eMonitor, support the inclusion of boswellia in joint support products and in the treatment of pets with arthritic pain. It must be remembered that there is a lead time of one to two months before results will be seen.
Inherited Absorption Defect Causes Vitamin B12 Deficiency
A genetic defect found in Australian Shepherds and other breeds causes a serious and potentially life-threatening metabolic disease in puppies and young dogs. The good news is, with proper diagnosis and relatively inexpensive treatment, affected dogs can be kept in remission throughout their lives.
The disease is intestinal cobalamin (Vitamin B12) malabsorbtion. The lining of the lower intestine of dogs with two mutated copies of a gene called Amnionless (Amn) don't absorb vitamin B12. Signs usually start around 6-12 weeks of age, but may not be noted until the dog is an adult.
The disease can cause a wide range of clinical problems, including lack of appetite, lethargy, failure to thrive, wasting, vomiting, seizures, or general ill-health. The most serious complications include abnormalities of the blood and nervous system that are lethal if untreated. Laboratory tests may reveal low counts of red and white blood cells, platelets and neutrophils, excess blood ammonia, and protein in the urine. It is common for B12 deficiency to be mistaken for another disease because of the varied clinical signs. The signs can mimic those of liver shunts, early-onset epilepsy and some immunodeficiency diseases.
Cobalamin deficiency can be diagnosed with a urine test (offered by the University of Pennsylvania) or a blood test (available at Texas A&M.) Treatment consists of subcutaneous vitamin B12 injections every 2-4 weeks for life. Response is rapid and results will be seen in a matter of days. Serious cases may require more intensive B12 therapy and supportive care for up to 10 days.
Fortunately, a DNA test is available through the University of Pennsylvania. The test will identify not only carriers, but affected dogs before they exhibit signs of the disease. At this point frequency of this disease in Aussies is unknown, but cases have been identified over the past decade in various parts of the US as well as abroad.
Click here for Information on submission of urine samples to the University of Pennsylvania.