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Dogs + Complementary Medicine

  • Chondroitin sulfate is the major glycosaminoglycan found in cartilage. Any pet with degenerative joint disease and arthritis can benefit from treatment with chondroitin.

  • Coenzyme Q-10 ('CoQ10' or 'ubiquinone') is a fat soluble nutrient, abundant in all tissues in the body. It is a vital component of the mitochondria, the powerhouses of the cell.

  • Colostrum is the antibody-rich milk produced from the mother's mammary glands during the first few days of life. It contains a thousands of antibodies (immunoglobulins), lactoferrin, growth hormone, growth factors, white blood cells, enzymes, vitamins and substances that regulate the body's immune response.

  • Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) covers a variety of approaches to injury and disease which can be used alongside conventional medicine or in some cases replace it. Some of the therapies are becoming increasingly popular in the West.

  • Cryosurgery is sophisticated frostbite. Natural, severe frostbite will affect the blood supply. Cryosurgery, (cryotherapy) employs the same principal.

  • Enzymes are involved in speeding up biochemical reactions (acting as catalysts) involved in virtually every function in the body, from digestion to tissue repair, and from hormone function to energy production. Vets may prescribe enzymes when they feel a particular body process needs to be supported.

  • Dimethylglycine is an unusual supplement, in that it is extremely popular despite the fact that all of its touted effects have largely been disproven by clinical and laboratory testing. It is most widely used as a performance enhancer by athletes, performance dogs and racing horses.

  • Herbal remedies made from the Echinacea plant are very popular and used to support the immune system. It is advisable to use a blend of Echinacea, containing E. purpurea herb and E. angustifolia root since the combination improves availability of the important active ingredients.

  • The herb Ephedra, known in Chinese medicine as Ma Huang, comes from the plant species Ephedra sinica and Ephedra equisetina.

  • Eyebright (Euphrasia rostkoviana formerly officinalis) has been used for centuries for the treatment of conjunctivitis and mild eye irritation in people, hence the name. It has mild antimicrobial (antiseptic), anti-inflammatory and astringent (tightening) properties.