“Mobile Bones has improved the mobility of my jack russel and given her back her youth.” Ms Odell

Weight & Coat

“Milo is doing really well on the Bionic Biotic. He had lost a bit of weight which he has put back on and his coat is nice and shiny. We were a bit worried about him as he is quite old now and seemed a bit quiet but he is back to his bouncing self!” Georgina Roberts, Bury

Loose Stools

“Bionic Biotic worked wonders for my dobermann’s persistent loose tummy when everything else I had tried had failed to help.” Yvonne Freer

Coat & Weight

“i am just sending this to you to tell you how good i think bionic biotic is i started feeding my bitch this a couple of months ago when she had been on steriods for a while this had effected her coat and weight and energy levels but since starting to feed this i have had no recurrance of the condition and she has constantly been placed in obedience shows so thank I will be highly recommending this to the new owners of my bitches pups when i breed” Mrs T Young

Old Age

“Our 12yr old dog is like a 12mth old. What a difference this product has made!!” Michelle Butschok

Product

“An excellent product!!” Carol Wood.

“I am very impressed with the results.” Elaine Stockdale.

“Excellent” David Gambrell

“Excellent stuff” Barbara Storey

“Wonderful product” Joan Glen

“Wonderful” Ken Lovegrove

“It’s Excellent!!” Kathleen Kennedy

“Worked Brilliantly in stopping William’s upset tummy.” Carole Irving

Saffy: Loose motions

“I have found that since I have been using Bionic Biotic my Setter bitch, Saffy (Kirkavagh Darara At Mayfred) she hasn’t suffered from either runny stools or a delicate stomach she suffered from both before.
She had loose motions and they have been good since she has been on your product, I will be using it from now on.
Thank you.” Dee Rance, Mayfred Setters

Each month Pooch & Mutt runs a dog photography competition on www.faceboook.com/poochandmutt

Here is a quick guide on how to upload photos to the group.

Step 1: Go to www.faceboook.com/poochandmutt (you have to already be a member of facebook – or join at facebook.com)

Step 2: Click on one of the great fans photos already uploaded. (Take some time to have a look through a few!)

Step 3: Click on ‘See all Photos’

Step 4: Click on ‘Add Photos’

Step 5: Add a photo either by uploading from your computer or from one of your existing facebook albums

Make sure that you are a fan of www.facebook.com/poochandmutt so that you can find out if your picture makes the final 3 each month – then you can get your friends to vote for your picture to give you and your pooch the chance to win the monthly prize.

Spondylosis in Dogs

Spondylosis in dogs can be extremely painful and uncomfortable for your dog. Generally affecting older dogs, canine Spondylosis can often go undetected until there is a physical problem visible in your dog. Knowing exactly what Spondylosis is can help you diagnose dog Spondylosis much quicker, meaning less pain for your precious pooch.

What is Spondylosis

Spondylosis in dogs is a progressive disease that causes a dog’s vertebrae to grow together.

Problems from Spondylosis become more common in older dogs. Younger dogs may be able to live perfectly happy, relatively pain-free lives and only suffer limited flexibility.

For older dogs Canine Spondylosis can be very painful as most owners cannot detect the disease until it is actually affecting their movement in the form of a limp or back pain.

Symptoms of Spondylosis

Many dogs experience no pain at all when they contract the Spondylosis disease, however many dogs experience severe pain, especially older dogs. As dogs cannot let us know their aches and pains, looking out for symptoms that can represent Spondylosis in dogs on a regular basis will be beneficial to your dogs long-term health.

Stiffness –if you notice stiffness in your dogs (this could be difficulty in climbing stairs or taking a while to get out of bed) this could be an early sign of canine Spondylosis, so monitor this for a few days and if there is no improvement, go and see your vet to get a diagnosis.

Swelling – check around your dog’s spinal column for any redness and swelling, as these are common symptoms of Spondylosis in dogs.

Pain – pain is one of the most common symptoms associated with canine Spondylosis. If your dog whines a lot, especially when touched on the back, you should get it checked out by a vet as soon as possible.

Treatment of Spondylosis

If you believe your dog is showing signs of Spondylosis in dogs then the first thing to do is take a trip to the vet.
A vet will initially x-ray your dog to check for signs of Spondylosis in dogs, this will also help rule out any other conditions that may be present.

Once dog Spondylosis has been diagnosed, standard veterinary treatment consists of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and occasionally surgery.

After and during treatment, dog owner must be extremely careful and very patient as Spondylosis dogs will struggle with the exercise and mobility they once enjoyed.

There are other natural treatments for Spondylosis in dogs, which can be used independently of or in conjunction with a veterinary approach.

Note: Sponylosis is known to be particularly common in certain breeds, such as Boxer Dogs

Dog Arthritis

Just like humans, arthritis in dogs is a serious problem. However unlike humans, dogs can’t let us know what is wrong with them, so signs of dog arthritis can often be put down to tiredness or old age.

Symptoms of Dogs Arthritis

Keep your eye out for the following signs in your dog which can all mean a dog arthritis problem.

A Noticeable Limp
If your dog has a noticeable limp, it can often be a temporary injury your dog has sustained. However it should not be ignored and a prolonged period of limping can be a sign of arthritis in dogs.

Swollen Joints
Regularly check your dog’s joints for signs of swelling – this can be a sign of dog arthritis.

Difficulty getting in and out of bed
If your dog has difficulty getting in and out of bed it can often be a sign of dog’s arthritis. Many owners unfortunately put this down to tiredness or old age in a dog however it can often be a sign of dog arthritis as the joints tense up when rested yet loosen up once your dog moves around a little, so easy to assume your dog is just a little tired.

Thinner muscles
Inspecting your dog for signs of dog arthritis from time to time is a good idea. When checking, look out for thinner muscles around joints as dogs may put less weight on affected limbs.

Less jumping ability
You may notice your dog is a little reluctant or unable to jump in the way they once could, this can be a sign of arthritis in dogs. Check your dog for any noticeable differences when jumping into a car or jumping on a sofa.

What causes Dog Arthritis?

Dog arthritis is extremely common and is prevalent in dogs around 7-11 years old, although the age will change dependent on the size and breed of dog. But what actually causes arthritis in dogs?

Age
Like humans, senior dogs have an increased chance of developing problems with dog arthritis. Whilst it’s impossible to stop the natural aging process, don’t assume your precious pooch will definitely have dog arthritis; a healthy lifestyle can go a long way to preventing dog arthritis.

Hip Dysplasia
Dogs suffering with hip dysplasia have an increased chance of suffering from dogs arthritis. Hip Dysplasia is characterized by pain and lameness around the joints. Hip Dysplasia is believed to be genetic.

Improper Nutrition
A poor diet for your dog can often lead to dog arthritis in later life. Lack or protein or an imbalance of minerals can contribute to arthritis in dogs.

Injuries
If your dog has suffered an injury, especially to a bone, joint or ligament, this can contribute to arthritis in dogs if not treated correctly.

Obesity
Overweight dogs have an increased chance of developed dog arthritis due to extra pressure being applied to their joints and ligaments.

Poor Breeding
Dogs arthritis can be genetic therefore breeders should think carefully before breeding with dogs that are renowned for developing dog arthritis.

Treatment and Prevention for Arthritis in Dogs

If your dog is showing any signs of dog arthritis, don’t delay in getting a veterinary examination as the sooner it is examined and diagnosed, the more chance there is of recovery.

Proper exercise is key to preventing arthritis in dogs, this is relevant for older dogs who are showing signs of developing dog arthritis and younger dogs as a form of prevention.

A good, healthy and well balanced diet will help prevent arthritis in two ways. Firstly, a good diet will help your dog maintain a healthy weight and secondly, a well balanced diet will ensure your dog is consuming the right amounts of protein and minerals to help prevent dog arthritis.

If your dog suffers from hip dysplasia or other similar problems, work closely with your vet to find the right treatment for the condition and help prevent arthritis in dogs.

If your dog suffers an injury, particularly to a bone, joint or ligament, ensure this is treated as soon as possible to prevent dogs arthritis. A quick diagnosis and treatment plan can help avoid arthritis in dogs.

There are many products available to help dog arthritis, so research is key. It is worth looking at the ingredients thatare recommended for humans with arthritis, then looking what dog products are available with similar ingredients.

Press Release: July 2009

Ethical Award For Pooch & Mutt.

Pooch and Mutt has become the first animal supplement company to receive the Ethical Award.
The makers of the natural health supplements for dogs, Mobile Bones and Bionic Biotic, have been awarded ethical accreditation by The Ethical Company Organisation.
The Bionic Biotic supplement promotes healthy skin, coat, condition and digestion, whilst Mobile Bones aids joints, bones and mobility
Other companies in the pet industry that have previously received the Ethical Award include Burns, OrganiPets and Tropy Pet Foods. However Pooch & Mutt is the first supplement company to be included in the list.
Guy Blaskey, from Pooch & Mutt commented, “It is great to receive the ethical award from The Ethical Company. As with our PETA accreditation, we did not aim to get the award, or even recognition – it simply fits with the way that we believe that you should do business.
We strive to offer the best that we can, to help dogs be as happy and healthy as they can be, whilst being as ethical and environmentally friendly as possible.
Many of our customers chose our products for ethical reasons, but the reason that they keep using them is simple. They work. They help people to help their dogs have healthy, happy lives.
Dog owners are some of the most ethical people and we are happy to provide them with an ethical option in natural supplements.”
Pooch & Mutt supplements are added to a dog’s regular food and are available direct from www.poochandmutt.com by phone on 020 8133 7667 and at selected stockist nationwide.
-ENDS-

More information about Pooch & Mutt can be found at www.poochandmutt.com
More information can about the Ethical Organisation can be found at www.ethical-company-organisation.org
Pooch & Mutt are formulated are created by the award-winning equine company, Blue Chip www.bluechipfeed.com

For additional information contact guy@poochandmutt.com

Click on the link below to listen to Pooch and Mutt MD, Guy Blaskey on Citytalk 105.9fm discussing the need and use of natural health supplements for dogs

Pooch & Mutt on City Talk 105.9

Man’s Best Friend, confidant and healer

A massive 99% of pet owners describe their dog as a friend and 100% regularly talk to them, according to new research published by dog health supplement company, Pooch and Mutt¹.   97% of dog owners also say that they think their canine friend helps to keep them healthy, with most of them – 98.5%, citing walks and exercise as the main reasons for this.  But, with dogs increasingly being used in therapy, with mentally ill and patients recovering from physical illness, scientific research suggests that there may be many other reasons, which pet owners are unaware of, for the feelings of general wellbeing owners describe in the Pooch and Mutt survey results.

Guy Blaskey, Managing Director of Pooch and Mutt said: “there is now a significant body of evidence to support the theory that pet ownership can have a positive effect on human mental and physical health, from common problems such as stress and self esteem, to recovery from serious illnesses including heart disease and cancer².  This means that, potentially, pet owners may already be saving the National Health Service considerable amounts of money!”

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All in the Mind

In the Pooch and Mutt survey, 59% of pet owners admit to ‘discussing’ their problems with their furry companions, suggesting a ‘two-way’ communication between pet and owner.   Many scientific studies, including those conducted by psychologist Dr June McNicholas at the University of Warwick and referenced in the British Medical Journal³, conclude that relationships with pets can have certain advantages over inter-human relationships.  They are less subject to ‘burnout’ and ‘fluctuations’ and don’t impose a strain or cause concern about continuing stability.

The Office for National Statistics says that one in four adults in Britain experiences at least one diagnosable mental health problem and 8-12% of the population experience depression in any one year.  The use of therapy animals is becoming more widespread and research conducted by the University of Belfast suggests that pet owners are likely to have higher self-esteem and suffer less loneliness and depression, than those living without pets.  National charity, Pets As Therapy, for example, has worked with over 22,000 pets in 25 years and these animals play important roles in hospitals, hospices, care homes, day centres, special needs schools.

Lessons and Work

In addition, McNicholas’ research also showed that pet ownership has an important role in play in education, with significantly less school absenteeism among children who live with pets!

Blaskey said: “If the positive effect of pet ownership on children’s attendance at school is mirrored in adult’s attendance at work, the UK’s pet population may be making a considerable contribution to the UK’s economy and Gross Domestic Product as well as to its ‘Gross National Happiness’ – a happier nation is a healthier and more productive nation”.

Fitness and Health

91% of people surveyed by Pooch and Mutt believe that they’re fitter because they have a dog.  But, like the UK’s human population, statistics show that between 30-60% of the UK’s dog population – a minimum of 6.5 million dogs, are overweight.  The extra weight that these dogs carry puts added pressure on their joints, meaning that they’re even less able to exercise.  This is the same vicious cycle many humans experience.

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Blaskey concluded: “As a nation we’re beginning to understand how much dogs contribute to the mental and physical health of their owners, yet people are not necessarily repaying this by looking after the health and wellbeing of their pets.  Overweight dogs should be given a glucosamine based supplement to reinforce their joints and help keep them mobile, so that they can burn off excess fat.  For dogs that aren’t portly, plenty of exercise and a good diet, supplemented with the right mix of vitamins and minerals, will help dogs to cope with the strains of modern life and keep them in top condition – fit, alert and ready to listen to our problems!  A fit dog will mean less expense of vet bills too.”

Blaskey believes that a healthy pet shouldn’t have to visit a vet more than once a year for annual vaccinations.  He recommends the following for maintaining optimum health:

• Choose pet food that’s free from added salt, sugar, fat and unnecessary additives.  Don’t feed your pet the same food as you eat as this will not meet its nutritional needs
• Use a good all-round worming, flea and tick treatment to keep the parasites away
• Look for a good dietary supplement containing EU approved probiotics, vitamins and minerals
• For older and overweight pets, choose a supplement for keeping joints and bones in good condition
• Check your pet regularly for ticks, especially if they walk and play in long grass
• Brush longer coats to remove parasites, grass seeds, etc, checking inside the ears for
• Keep nails trimmed where necessary

Further information about how to look after your dog’s health is available from www.poochandmutt.com.

Ends

Further information and imagery from:

Alison Taylor, AT PR Ltd; alison@atpublicrelations.com; 07775 925 452

¹Pooch and Mutt survey of 1,200 UK dog owners published May 2009

²House JS, Landis KR, Umberson D.  Social relationships and health.  Science 1988;241: 540-4.

³BMJ 2005; 331: 1252-1254 (26 November), doi:10.1136/bmj.331.7527.1252

This article is taken from the Veterinary Review and published here with their permission and thanks – as it was thought useful to customers.

Download a PDF of the original article here

Canine developmental joint disease

Julie Cory, PGDipABW DipAVN(Med) MBIPDT RVN, reviews the conditions and the nursing steps

Developmental joint disease is commonly associated with puppies of the larger breeds of dog, although conditions such as patella luxation are frequently seen in smaller breeds, such as West Highland white terriers.

JOINT DISEASE, either developmental or degenerative, is a common occurrence in dogs. It is commonly associated with the larger breeds of dog, although conditions such as patella luxation are frequently seen in smaller breeds, such as West Highland white terriers and the Jack Russell types. The conditions are generally multifactorial, involving genetic factors that can be difficult to address once mating has occurred. However, other factors such as nutrition, exercise and management can be manipulated to slow the rate of degeneration, or improve the quality of the dog’s life once the problem has developed.

Begins with breeding

It is important for veterinary staff to advise breeders or potential buyers of the importance of good parentage. Breeders should ensure both the sire and the dam are of the best quality, with no structural disorders. There are two main schemes run by The Kennel Club and British Veterinary Association (BVA) to identify potential developmental problems, by grading the quality of the hip and elbow joints. Veterinary nurses should be familiar with the hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia schemes, and it is helpful to have access to the average scores for the most commonly affected breeds.

Hip dysplasia

This is numerically the most common developmental disorder seen, and can affect a range of breeds from the Border collie to the Newfoundland; but most frequently appears in Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, German shepherd dogs and Rottweilers. The KC/BVA scheme offers a grading on the quality of several points within the hip joint, giving a final score of up to 53 for each hip (total of 106). The BVA publishes a guide to the average score for each of the breeds, so that an opinion of appropriate parentage can be made. The nursing component of managing hip dysplasia often revolves around relieving pain through medication, nutritional supplementation, or therapeutic exercises to maintain muscular support. Surgery to perform total hip replacement may be necessary in some cases.

Elbow dysplasia

The elbow is one of the most complicated joints, with several bones requiring union during maturation for it to function properly. Poor development can lead to a number of these structures failing to adhere, leading to instability of the joint. Conditions such as un-united anconeal process, fragmented coronoid process, and osteochondrosis dissecans are indicative of the condition. As with hip dysplasia, there is a scheme to identify the condition in breeding animals, and to discourage the mating of affected individuals. Joints are often swollen and painful, developing a fixed extended action to enable weight bearing, whilst the flexion of the joint can be markedly reduced. Management should be instigated before this stage to maintain a reasonable range of function, although elbow replacement surgery is being offered in specialist centres.

Osteochondrosis dissecans

OCD is less common than hip and elbow dysplasia; however, affected individuals can be equally disabled because of pain and reactionary changes. The condition can develop spontaneously as the result of genetic or metabolic factors. It may be secondary to other developmental conditions, such as elbow dysplasia, or may be because of abnormal loading on joints as a result of conformation or injury. OCD occurs most commonly in large breeds and the joints most likely to be affected are the shoulder, elbow, stifle and hock. A monitoring scheme is not available for OCD, perhaps because of the many factors involved with its development. However, clinical signs are usually apparent prior to breeding age, so individuals should be removed from the genetic pool before passing their genetic material on to future generations.

Patella luxation

Patella luxation is a condition that involves the dislocation of the kneecap. If it occurs in larger breeds, the luxation is often displaced laterally; however, it is more frequent in smaller breeds where the luxation is generally medial. A slack patella ligament may develop and exacerbate the condition, although the initial cause is commonly a shallow trochlear grove, in which the patella sits and glides during movement. The condition is characterised by a ‘skipping’ gait frequently seen in the Jack Russell types. Surgery usually involves deepening of the trochlear grove and tightening the patella ligament; whilst management involves strengthening the muscles and soft tissues of the joint to provide support and stability.

Managing developmental joint disease

Veterinary nurses can be valuable in providing information to owners about the causes of developmental joint disease, and how to manage their pet. Owners are often concerned about living with a potentially disabled dog, and the advice given by the nurse can give them a sense of control over the condition, and a way of dealing with a life-long condition. Analgesia through non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is often prescribed. Owners, however, can be concerned about the potential side effects of these drugs, particularly as the dog will be on them for a long time. Below are some measures that can be employed alongside conventional medication, and which may enable a reduction in dosage.

Nutrition and nutraceuticals

(This paragraph has been removed due to VMD regulations – we apologise for any inconvenience caused)

Exercise

There are a variety of therapeutic exercises that owners can instigate in order to maintain mobility and functional ability in their dogs. The exercises should be practical for the owner’s lifestyle, as well as being beneficial for the dog. The aim of all the exercises is to maintain range of movement within the joint, maintain or improve muscle tone to support the joint, and reduce pain and discomfort by stabilising the joint and reducing muscle tension in the supporting or compensating muscles. All exercises should remain within the animal’s comfort zone. Increasing range of movement within joints and releasing muscle spasms are the responsibility of professional physiotherapists and veterinary surgeons, and therefore beyond the scope of this article. Massage is a simple procedure that can be effective in releasing tension within the muscles supporting the joint, and those of the contra-lateral limbs that will carry the dog’s weight. Rhythmic stroking and friction exercises can be easily demonstrated to owners, and should be performed by the owners in front of the nurse to confirm they are confident with the techniques. Therapeutic exercises can range from structured lead exercise, sit-to-stand exercises, walking up/down steps and hills, or walking over small hurdles. The programme should be tailored to the individual, gradually increasing in difficulty as the dog’s ability increases. The aim is to maintain range of movement within the joints, as well as maintaining or increasing muscle tone around the joint. This is especially important in young dogs with developmental disease, to ensure appropriate range of movement while the joints are developing. Owners of large breeds are often advised not to exercise their growing puppies, however they have bundles of energy and will inappropriately exercise if denied an opportunity to release that energy. Advising owners of controlled therapeutic exercises can offer an outlet for their enthusiasm, but in a manner safe for the joints, yet sufficient to maintain muscle tone. Hydrotherapy is an excellent method of exercising joints and maintaining muscles, in a non-concussive medium that is protective of the joints. Swimming and walking on an underwater treadmill offer both buoyancy to cushion the pressure on the joints, as well as resistance to strengthen the muscles. The warm temperature and the massaging action of the water work to relax the muscles, facilitating an increasing range of movement within the joint.

Review questions(Answers on page 53)
1. What four large breed dogs are more commonly presented with joint disease?
2. Which joint condition is more commonly associated with smaller breeds of dog?
3. What are the two schemes available to monitor joint disease in breeding animals?
4. What nutritional advice could you offer an owner with a pet with joint disease?
5. What management advice could you offer?

Answers to Review Questions on canine developmental joint disease, page 30.
1.    Labradors, golden retrievers, German shepherds, Rottweilers.
2.    Patella luxation.
3.    BVA/KC hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia.
4.    Weight control, prescription joint/mobility diets, and nutritional supplements.
5.    Steps and ramps to aid jumping, massage, therapeutic exercises, hydrotherapy.

Further reading

• Bockstahler, B., Levine, D. and Millis, D. (2004). Essential Facts of Physiotherapy in dogs and cats – rehabilitation and pain management.VetVerlag, Babenhausen, Germany
• McGowen, C., Goff, L. and Stubbs, N. (2007). Animal Physiotherapy – assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of animals. Blackwell Publishing, Oxford
• www.bva.co.uk/public/chs/
• www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/477
• Prescription diet company’s websites and educational literature.

Veterinary Review

DIGITAL EXTRAS Visit the Veterinary Review webmag for more information on Canine joint disease www.veterinaryreview.com For full access to the Vetstream services visit http://www.vetstream.com/freetrialVR/ to sign up for a 30-day FREE trial.