News and Announcements
New research shows that dogs were domesticated twice, in two vastly different locations. When canine genetic data were compared with archeological evidence, it was determined that domesticated dogs emerged from two separate wolf populations that lived on opposite sides of the Eurasian continent. In other words, dogs were domesticated, independently, in both Europe and Central Asia or China! This is particularly interesting because animal domestication is rare and the odds are against it occurring in two different places. At some point after their domestication, the eastern dogs traveled with migrating humans into Europe where they mixed with and mostly replaced the earliest European dogs. Most dogs today are a mixture of both Eastern and Western dogs. For more information on this research see: “Genomic and archaeological evidence suggests a dual origin of domestic dogs,” Science, DOI: 10.1126/science.aaf3161
Healthy Dog Conference 2016 in Ohio. A healthy dog conference will be held May 21-22 in Delaware Ohio at K9 Ponderosa. This is a great opportunity for Midwesterners to meet and hear world-renowned animal holistic health expert Wendy Volhard speak on dog nutrition, kinesiology (muscle testing), and the use of holistic approaches (Chinese Medicine, acupuncture, homeopathy) to keep your dog healthy. Visit http://www.k9ponderosa.com/Wendy%20Volhard_May_2016.htm or https://www.facebook.com/events/1731019637127971/ for more information.
Early registration closes March 30th for this information-packed conference in Lake Arrowhead California. The conference is designed for trainers and conscientious owners and covers topics in holistic health, nutrition, and behavior. Visit http://www.volharddognutrition.com/conferences/healthy-dog-conference-2016-california.html for more information.
Holistic Treatment of Adrenal Tumor Leads to Complete Recovery Modalities: Reiki, Herbs Rusty after his recovery This case study reports on the successful use of Reiki and herbs to support a 10 ½ year old welsh terrier in his full recovery from an adrenal tumor without the use of conventional methods such as drugs or surgery. The initial diagnosis and ultimate recovery were both documented using a standard medical procedure called ultrasound imaging. Rusty’s story begins in mid 2013 when he became weak and hypertensive and was diagnosed with an adrenal tumor by his conventional veterinarian. His owners, James and Meredith, opted for holistic treatment instead of the recommended surgery. With the support of herbal remedies recommended by a naturopathic doctor and reiki provided by a Reiki Master, Rusty’s tumor dissolved! Rusty has just had his 13th birthday and is healthy, happy and active, without any evidence of an adrenal tumor. Please read the following accounts by Rusty’s owners and Reiki Master to learn more about this case. As you review this material, please keep in mind that holistic treatments are highly personalized. For that reason, we cannot provide you with a specific combination of herbs for the treatment of adrenal tumors. Instead, we encourage you to seek the help of an holistic practitioner who can develop a program directed to the specific needs of your pet. The practitioners who contributed to this case were: Eileen Alexander, RYT, RM Life & Grief Coach, Reiki Master Reiki, Yoga & Meditation Teacher Eileen Alexander Therapeutic Services 450 Hamburg Turnpike, Suite 2C Wayne, NJ 07470 973-600-4030 info@eileenalexander.com www.eileenalexander.com Dr. Sandi Kuglics, ND (Doctor of Naturopathy) Health Awareness Laser Therapy 336 College Ave Beaver, PA 15009 724-774-8515 skuglicsnd@comcast.net Mary Duafala, MS, BCPP Bioenergetic Practitioner and Executive Director, The Abbeyrose Foundation mary@abbeyrosefoundation.org RUSTY’S AMAZING RECOVERY by James and Meredith, owners Rusty is usually very excited to go on his walks, but on the afternoon of June 30, 2013 he was unable to walk down the stairs and refused his dinner. After touching his belly, we noticed that his stomach was distended and he was extremely guarded about his stomach. We knew there was something very wrong. He also gave us “the look”. He was telling us, “This isn’t good, guys!” Photo: Chelsea (L) and Rusty (R) a few days before Rusty’s diagnosis We immediately took him to the vet. Upon initial external evaluation, no diagnosis could be determined. So, we left him for about an hour and a half for further testing, including an x-ray. It was determined that Rusty had gastroenteritis and high blood pressure; neither of which Rusty had ever had before. It was then noted, on one of the x-rays, that Rusty had a darkening around his right adrenal gland, pointing to the possibility of a tumor. The doctor recommended that Rusty stay for about three days to be monitored for the gastroenteritis, receive IV fluids and medications, and to receive an ultrasound on the area of the...
This fall has been a very busy season. We welcomed another family member to our home, a red heeler mix named Annie. She is not being trained for anything at this time, but Kota is trying to teach her bad habits. We have not been able to work in the field this fall, but training has still been going on. There is a family group of coyotes living close to us, so there are plenty of opportunities to practice finding scents and scat. Kota has the other two dogs following him down the trails left by the coyotes in the snow and smelling all the scent posts and scat piles he finds. I know he isn’t purposely training the other two to find coyotes, but they are learning. We also have had the pleasure of having mountain lions close to the house this month. Annie is very afraid of them and will let me know immediately if she catches the scent of one. She might turn out to be better working with mountain lions than Kota, only time will tell.
Work on natural products wins the 2015 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. The 2015 prize went to researchers for work that has revolutionized the treatment of parasitic diseases through the use of natural products. Parasitic diseases are a major global health concern that often affect the world’s poorest populations. One half of the prize went to two researchers for their development of avermectin from a group of bacteria (Streptomyces) that live in the soil. Avermectin was modified to produce ivermectin. Ivermectin is effective not only against parasites in domestic and farm animals, but is also effective in killing parasites in humans, such as those that cause River Blindness and Lymphatic Filariasis. Treatment of these conditions with ivermectin has been so successful, they are on the verge of eradication in some areas. However, River Blindness and Filariasis are far from eradicated in other areas, as they affect indigenous cultures living in very remote locations with difficult access. The ease of administration and relative safety of ivermectin make it feasible to deliver treatment to these remote areas and offer hope that these conditions might be fully eradicated over the next decade. Worldwide, it is estimated that at least 25 million people are infected with the parasite causing River Blindness, of which 300,000 are blind and 800,000 are visually impaired. The other half of the prize went to a researcher who turned to a traditional herbal medicine to find a new cure for malaria. Her discovery, called artemisinin, has unprecedented potency against the malaria parasite and came at a time when the traditionally used treatments, chloroquine and quinine, were losing their effectiveness. Malaria affects nearly 200 million people yearly. When used in combination with other drugs, artemisinin reduces death from malaria by an estimated 20% overall and more than 30% in children. In Africa alone, that translates into more than 100,000 lives saved each year.
I had the chance to adjust a litter of Welsh Terrier puppies that were a little over one month old recently. Surprisingly, there was a lot to work on. This is probably due to birth and puppy romping trauma as well as docking of the tails! I am showcasing the first part of the adjustment where you can see my exam protocol using Applied Kinesiology to check for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) imbalance and tail docking scar treatment. So many good reasons to adjust the young ones! Chiropractic ensures that the nervous system is functioning optimally by establishing correct motion in all the joints of the spine and body. When joints are not moving through their normal range of motion effectively, there is a loss of sensory perception input into the central nervous system and a corresponding loss of optimal nervous signaling to the muscles that allow for proper movement and function to the body. Simply put, chiropractic allows for the elimination of restrictions of motion which restores the healing potential of the nervous system. Trauma, use of the body, chemical and food stress, and emotional stress are some of the causes of loss of motion in the first place. Case study provided by Kevin Landau, DVM Landau Veterinary Services, LLC Belchertown, MA Facebook: CLICK HERE Puppy owned by Anne Pelletier Bremadog Welsh
We moved and have been busy unpacking, but tonight I tried taking Jake in the kayak. He loved it, for about 15 minutes, then he wanted out. I couldn’t keep Kota from following the kayak and trying to steal the paddle or climb in! In this photo they were torn between listening to my instruction to stay on the shore and trying to figure out how to get out to me. The picture doesn’t quite do the situation justice, as they were whining while standing there! We haven’t been out working lately, but both dogs are getting used to the coyotes howling every night at the new place. Jake (left) and Kota (right)
Research in dogs and cats with cancer may also aid in understanding human cancers. The Morris Animal Foundation announced the launch of its Golden Retriever Lifetime Study in which 3000 dogs have been enrolled. They will be followed for at least 15 years in an attempt to identify risk factors for cancer and other diseases. Cancer is estimated to affect 60% of Golden Retrievers, but there is little good information on why and how it occurs. Owners and veterinarians of participating dogs will complete periodic questionnaires about the diet, activity, and health of the dog and provide blood samples. This and other research in cats and dogs will be used in an attempt to better understand cancer in humans. To read more about this research, go to http://caninelifetimehealth.org/ and http://www.fierceanimalhealth.com/story/vets-and-pharma-execs-gather-dc-trade-notes-pets-cancer-research/2015-06-17?utm_medium=nl&utm_source=internal
Meet Jake! Jake, who was my mother’s dog, came to live with us after my mother passed away unexpectedly. Jake’s life has been turned upside down in more ways than one. He is adjusting to a more physically and socially active life and seems to be having fun doing so. Kota is teaching him lots, even how to find scat and alert me! Who said you can’t teach an older dog new tricks (Jake is 5)! Unfortunately Kota is also teaching him bad habits, like counter surfing. We are working on those bad habits while we continue to practice our tracking skills and get ready for field work. Jake (foreground) and Kota Jake & Kota