September 2004
The first wall with Dr. Blake and his builder Joe Bushman.
As you can all see, the Blakes have a wall up and we are so excited! The smile on my face tells the whole story. Charene and I are finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. It has been a lot of work and heartache but we are on our way. This picture was taken on September 5th and now we have the entire lower floor almost framed.
Standing where our old beloved house once stood was a sad feeling for us both because of all the old memories that flooded our hearts. Feeling the walls of our new home cradling us in her arms brought joy back into our hearts knowing we'll be returning home to Grainwood Way . We are so grateful for all the help you have all given to us and for the continued prayers we receive each day.
Our builder Joe Bushman is a great builder and an honest person who has been a friend to us during this process of rebuilding. His humor is appreciated and his comments telling us not to worry, , that'ss what you pay me for, reminds me of what I always tell all of you to do in your lives. It reminds me of Dr. Blake's first rule of surviving in a toxic world: 1. Do not worry about it!
In the coming months we have a mountain of decisions and obstacles to overcome in getting us back home. "When I hear Fear knocking at my door, I ask Faith to help me open it. When we open it together, no one is there!" Thank you all for your continued support in getting Charene and me back home. I cannot wait to be home, sitting in my new office holding a patient in my arms, telling him that he will feel better. We will both look out my window into the forest of my old friends, the Eucalyptus trees, and thank them for helping us both live a healthier life.
Quote for the month
"If the eyes had no tears, then the soul would have no rainbow"
This is for my new friend Pam K.
"That the birds of worry and care fly over your head, this you cannot change, but that they build nests in your hair, this you can prevent."
News flash from the Pet Whisperer via Dr. Christian Blake's Health Central!
In 2001 I was made aware of a new product called ProHeart and after reading the literature on this product I advised all my readers and clients not to use this product. Here is a letter from one of my favorite clients about this very important topic.
FDA recalls popular heartworm drug for dogs - Medicine linked to thousands of injuries, deaths.
"Haven't you been telling us this for years???"
"I'm so glad I trusted you!"
-Lisa
Fort Dodge to Comply with FDA's Request to Recall ProHeart 6 Injectable Heartworm Product from the Market Due to Serious Health Concerns Fort Dodge Animal Health, of Overland Park , Kansas , at FDA's request, has agreed to immediately cease production and recall its heartworm medication ProHeart®6 from the market until the FDA's concerns about adverse reaction reports associated with the product can be resolved. As of August 4, 2004, FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) had received 5,552 adverse event reports for ProHeart®6. The actual number of adverse events is likely even higher because studies show that only a fraction of actual ADEs are reported. The Agency has observed an increase in the number of cases associated with liver and bleeding abnormalities followed in some cases by death.
To learn more about heartworm disease, check this very good link on the life cycle and the pros and cons of heartworm treatment protocols: http://www.danebytes.com/heartworm.htm.
I have been caring for dogs for over 20 years all over the United States in many heartworm endemic areas. In all those years, I have never had a case of heartworm disease in one of my patients except for two over 20 years ago before I knew better how to help them naturally repel the disease.
I mainly recommend natural-food diets, colostrum, minimal or no immunization and no monthly wormers or heartworm protection. I recommend also that if there are mosquitoes in your area you use my combination of the blend of the following essential oils; Lemon Grass, Lemon and Eucalyptus oils. Two drops of each per ounce of water and spritz the dogs when they go out in bug infested situations. This mixture works equally well on humans and is my bug repellent of choice for my family and myself. You can order these oils off my website www.thepetwhisperer.com under the essential oil section.
Dr. Christian Blake's tip of the month!
As you all aware, Drs. Christian and Stephen Blake have been outspoken against annual vaccines for 21 months and 24 years respectively. I just returned from the 2004 Annual Conference of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association in Kansas and was fortunate to hear Dr. Jean Dodds and Dr. Ron Shultz speak on vaccine issues.
With the help of Drs. Jean Dodds and Ron Schultz, the following information is now mainstream information for all veterinarians in the world. Please pay this forward to all pet owners and veterinarians with whom you come into contact. With your help, over-vaccination will go the way of other Flat Earth Medical Practices that have preceded it, i.e., bleeding, purging, using flat earth maps to navigate the healing of animals, etc.
NEW VACCINATION PROTOCOL
by Dr. Jean Dodds
Note: All of the 27 Vet Universities in the US have followed the immunization protocol as suggested by Dr. Dodds for years
I would like to make you aware that all 27 veterinary schools in North America are in the process of changing their protocols for vaccinating dogs and cats. Some of this information will present an ethical & economic challenge to Vets, and there will be skeptics. Some organizations have come up with a political compromise suggesting vaccinations every 3 years to appease those who fear loss of income vs. those concerned about potential side effects. Politics, traditions, or the doctors' economic well-being should not be a factor in a medical decision.
NEW PRINCIPLES OF IMMUNOLOGY
Dogs' and cats' immune systems mature fully at 6 months. If a modified live virus vaccine is given after 6 months of age, it produces immunity, which is good for the life of the pet (i.e.,: canine distemper, parvo, feline distemper.) If another MLV vaccine is given a year later, the antibodies from the first vaccine neutralize the antigens of the second vaccine and there is little or no effect. The titer is not "boosted" nor are more memory cells induced. Not only are annual boosters for parvo and distemper unnecessary, they subject the pet to potential risks of allergic reactions and immune-mediated hemolytic anemia. There is no scientific documentation to back up label claims for annual administration of MLV vaccines. Puppies receive antibodies through their mother's milk. This natural protection can last 8 - 14 weeks. Puppies & kittens should NOT be vaccinated at LESS than 8 weeks. Maternal immunity will neutralize the vaccine and little protection (0-38%) will be produced. Vaccination at 6 weeks will, however, DELAY the timing of the first highly effective vaccine. Vaccinations given 2 weeks apart SUPPRESS rather than stimulate the immune system. A series of vaccinations is given starting at 8 weeks and given 3-4 weeks apart up to 16 weeks of age. Another vaccination given sometime after 6 months of age will provide LIFETIME IMMUNITY.
As for Rabies vaccine, it is a law that all dogs must be vaccinated according to each state. Currently all but two states require annual vaccines and all the rest will honor three-year vaccines. Write and call your local state animal control agencies and petition for acceptance of rabies titers in lieu of repeated vaccination for licensing.
What Every Veterinarian Should Know About Canine and Feline Vaccines and Vaccination Programs
- Ronald D. Schultz, PhD
As always, Dr. Schultz delivered an informative, provocative and important message to all attendees at the 2004 Conference.
General Principles
He began by reminding us that the original vaccinologists were all virologists. He then compared Innate or Natural Immunity which is nonspecific with Acquired or Adaptive Immunity which is specific. The former is present from birth, operates against any substance, and is not enhanced by prior exposure, whereas the latter is a defense mechanism, tailored to individual pathogens, and is enhanced by prior exposure. Age is related to innate immunity, as eventually there is immune senescence which plays a role in longevity. Vaccines sometimes enhance innate immunity, although they are designed to enhance acquired immunity. An example is the intranasal kennel cough vaccine, which is preferred over the parenteral version, as it stimulates innate immunity immediately.
In the presence of Protective Immunity, when re-infection occurs, the immune challenge agent(s) is recognized by pre-formed antibody and effector T-cells; rapid expansion and differentiation of the effector cells occurs; and the infectious agent(s) is removed. When Immunologic Memory is present, only mild or unapparent infection occurs; this protection may last a lifetime. Effector B-cells are plasma cells that live for at least 10 years and likely forever in the bone marrow. Sterile Immunity exists when there is no infection or unapparent reinfection.
The endocrine and nervous systems are intimately interactive with the immune system, i.e. neuroendocrine system and immunity.
It was in 1978 that Ron Schultz and Fred Scott at Cornell first recommended triennial vaccination [Vet Clin N Am 8(4):755-768, 1978]. So it has taken 25 years for this recommendation to be adopted by veterinary scientists, industry, and mainstream veterinary medicine!
Cell-Mediated Immunity is not important in canine parvovirus (CPV) but very important in canine distemper virus (CDV) infections. In the presence of very low or no measurable immunity to CDV after appropriate vaccination, it is basically useless to revaccinate. Currently licensed CDV vaccines, including the recombinant (Merial) vaccine, produce excellent sustained immunity. He recommends giving MLV CDV vaccines twice, once before 12 weeks and once after 12 weeks of age, then every 3 years thereafter. For the recombinant vaccine, he recommends vaccination at 6, 8, and 12 weeks of age, then every 3 years thereafter.
Core Vaccines. These for dogs are distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus 2 (CAV-2), and rabies; for the cat, core vaccines are panleukopenia and rabies. The last dose of vaccine must be given at 12 weeks or older, and revaccination is given at 1 year of age or 1 year later. Non-Core Vaccines for dogs are Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Lyme , and canine parainfluenza vaccines; for cats, these are calicovirus and herpes (rhinotracheitis) viruses. Canine corona virus and Giardia vaccines are generally not recommended.
Duration of Immunity
The minimum duration of immunity (DOI) is 7-10 years for CDV, CPV-2, and CAV-2. Booster vaccination more than every 3 years offers no benefit. Two methods are used to measure DOI: disease agent challenge studies, and serology measurements. But, what is the DOI for natural infection for these important pathogens? The protection generated by MLV vaccines is equivalent to that of natural infection or disease. For killed vaccines, DOI is usually less and immunity is less complete. Recovery from disease is for life with CDV, CPV-2, and CAV-2.
CPV lives in the environment for years or more, whereas CDV is fragile and survives about 15 minutes in the naked state. With CDV exposure, one has up to 72 hours to vaccinate and still induce protection, but with CPV, one has only 72 minutes. In specific pathogen-free animals, vaccination against core agents lasts at least 4 ½ years.
After only 1 dose of rabies vaccine, DOI is 5-7 years based on serologic titers.
Pfizer's published study in January 2004 showed DOI of at least 4 years for their 5-way canine and 3-way feline vaccines. Schering Plough now guarantees their CDV, CPV, and CAV-2 vaccines for 3 years; their panleukopenia and FeLV vaccines are also guaranteed for 3 years. Fort Dodge recently showed 3--year protection after challenge studies for their CDV, CPV, and CAV-2 vaccines.
Miscellaneous
Feline Leukemia Vaccine. Recommends product by Fort Dodge or Schering Plough; 2 doses must be given 3 weeks apart, and preferably at 9 and 12 weeks of age. No measurable titers are typically found, and no more vaccines are needed for cats over 1 year of age as FeLV is not that contagious.
Lyme disease. Infection and disease seen mostly in northeast and around the Great Lakes region. Vaccination is generally not recommended except in high-risk areas, and then only the recombinant vaccine is recommended at the beginning of the tick season. [Generally good advice to avoid bacterin vaccines, whenever possible, as they are immune modulators (e.g. Lyme, Leptospirosis, and Bordetella parenterals; intranasal Bordetella is satisfactory).]
Leptospirosis Vaccine. As a zoonotic disease, there is concern about contagion with leptospira spp. However, vaccination does not prevent against shedding of the organism, so it is not protective of others. Even 2 vaccinations and annual boosters will not adequately protect against re-infection, because of the short-lived immunity induced (several months). Hypersensitivity reactions to leptosirosis vaccines (Type I hypersensitivity) are long-lived, and can be recalled acutely even after 4 years. Many dogs now have measurable titers against L. bratislava and L. autumnalis, but they do not have disease unless titers are in the thousands and clinical signs are present. Serovars of leptospira spp. cross-react, especially with L. grippotyphosa, L. pomona , L. canicola, and L. icterohemorrhagiae.
Kennel Cough Vaccines. In 5,000 dogs studied in shelters, it made no difference which vaccines were given, as some dogs still got kennel cough. Upper respiratory infection is endemic in most pounds and shelters because of the crowding, poor ventilation, and variable hygiene. Kennel cough vaccines are basically useless, as natural immunization is ubiquitous.
Recombinant Vaccine. Good for use in shelters as are more likely to overcome maternal immunity. CDV recombinant can boost immunity rapidly in 90% of cases, whereas MLV CDV can do so in only about 10%. Excellent antibody titers are produced to the rCDV product, and they don't cause immunosuppression like MLV vaccines. Merial's recombinant CDV vaccine should be given at 6, 8, and 12 weeks of age , and then 3 years later. A question remains about the induction of autoimmune disease with recombinant vaccines, although hypersensitivity reactions should not occur. Naked DNA vaccines are being developed, as the next stage of vaccinology.
Horses. Generally, equine vaccines perform poorly (give one year or no immunity). Must ignore information about dogs, cats, and humans when dealing with horse vaccines. Even the newer equine influenza vaccine gives immunity for only about 11 months. Equine herpes vaccines are lousy, giving immunity for only 2-3 months in attempting to prevent herpes abortion, but these vaccines should never be given to pregnant mares, despite common recommendation to do so.
Tetanus vaccines produce good 3-year immunity. For West Nile Virus (WNV) vaccine, 2 doses are given 2-3 weeks apart at 6 months of age, but duration is only about 6 months. The newer WNV vaccines give 11-12 months immunity.
Vaccine Non-Responders or Poor Responders. The estimated frequency of these low responders is 1:1000-1:10,0000, and is genetically determined. It more likely occurs with CPV than CDV (10 times less) or CAV-2 (100 times less) vaccines, especially in Dobermans and Rottweilers, although most of these bloodlines have died off now. Non-responders to one vaccine are unlikely to be non-responders to another vaccine agent.
Summary provided by W. Jean Dodds, DVM
Dr. Christian says pay it forward! (share this information with at least 3 more people or lists)
Flu Season Scam is on its way!
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have devised a portentous new blueprint to ensure the economic success of this season's flu vaccine. Concerned over data documenting that almost 65% of people surveyed in 2003 did not receive the flu shot-including nearly 47% with chronic illnesses and 78% of children aged 6-23 months-a new strategy has been devised.
The language within the presentation reveals the intent of the government and their drug company "partners" to use major news media (newswires, TV) to send scheduled, fear-based messages in an attempt to convince the unsuspecting public that, not only is the flu shot necessary, but to motivate them to demand it. This will amount to millions of dollars of free advertising for flu-vaccine manufacturers.
Last year, there were 1,026 messages sent via the media between September 21-28. Phrases used included, "this could be the worst flu season ever," "the flu kills 36,000 people per year" and "the flu shot is the best way to prevent the flu." Even though less than 175 people actually died from influenza in 2003, anticipate exponentially more messages regarding the "deadly flu" will be pushed through the news media this year.
Health officials are expecting that, through the publicity generated by last year's flu hype, coupled with a carefully planned and implemented new strategy, record numbers will seek vaccination this year. Perhaps understanding the tactical maneuvers of the CDC-Big Pharma-Media partnership will result in another "bust" year for the flu vaccines.
Doc., where can I get my RAW food Diet?
For all you wondering where my RAW food diet for dogs can be purchased, here is the latest news bulletin. There is still only one store in San Diego , California at Escondido PetCo. Make sure you call them and that they are not sold out before you drive there. Natural Balance is committed to 15 PetCos in San Diego plus Independents who want to carry my diet. You can help with this process by contacting your local pet store and asking them to contact Betsy at Natural Balance to detail them on getting the diet and freezer in their stores. The current stores that are carrying the diet are posted on www.naturalbalanceinc.com or you can call Betsy at 1-800-829-4493 to get locations and phone numbers. At this time it is only available in Southern California and will move north as each area is properly fulfilled.
My goal is to provide raw food, raw desserts and raw bones all over the United States . This will allow people easy access to quality products to help keep their animal buddies happy and healthy for their entire lives.
All you wanted to ask Gary Young, N.D. about essential oils for your animal friends.
The founder of Young Living Essential oils, Gary Young, N.D., has a section in his book Essential Oil Desk Reference with suggestions on how to use essentials oil for your pets. As you all know, I have information on my site as well www.thepetwhisperer.com on oils I have used over the years for my patients, clients, family and myself. All of the oil and oil combinations mentioned in the following text are available on my website as well. I also recommend expanding the oils in some water or cold-pressed almond oil. Generally I mix 10 drops of oil or oil mixture in one ounce of water and alcohol (75% spring water or 25% drinking alcohol). You can also mix the same amounts in one ounce of cold-pressed almond oil as well.
Essential oils have been used very successfully on many different kinds of animals from tiny kittens to 2,000 lb. draft horses. Animals respond to essential oils similarly to humans. Animals are not as sensitive to the phenol and sesquiterpene constituents, so the oils can be applied "neat" or full strength. A determination must be made which oils are applicable to the situation. For long-term treatments or health regimens, a few drops of oil can be applied 3-4 times daily. Pages 211-212 in Essential Oil Desk Reference.
General Guidelines:
For small animals, (cats and small dogs) apply 3-4 drops per application.
For larger animals, (large dogs) apply 6-7 drops per application.
For horses, apply 15-20 drops per application.
Helpful Tips:
When treating animals for viral or bacterial infection, arthritis, or bone injury, use the same protocol recommended for humansFor open wounds or hard-to-reach areas, oils can be put in a spray bottle sprayed directly on location. After applying the oils locally, cover the open wound with Rose Ointment. It seals the wound and protects it from further infection. It also prevents the essential oils from evaporating.
There is no right or wrong way to apply essential oils. Use common sense and good judgment as you experiment with different methods.
Take care not to get essential oils in the animal's eye.
When treating animals with essential oils internally, make sure that the oils are pure and free of chemicals, solvents, and adulterants.
How to Apply Essential Oils:
For non-ungulate animals (not having hooves), oils can be applied to paws for fast absorption.
For hoofed animals, apply oils on the spine or auricular points of the ears. Apply on the gums, tongue, or underneath the top lip. Sprinkle a few drops on the spine or flanks and massage them in. For a dog or cat, apply on the pads of their feet.
Examples of Applications:
If you have a high-spirited, jittery horse that is tough to saddle, apply Peace & Calming and Valor on yourself. As you approach him, he will have a tendency to bow his head or flare his nostrils when he perceives the aroma. Kneel down or squat beside him and remain still so that the animal can become accustomed to the smell. As he breathes in the fragrances, he will become calmer and easier to manage.
Animal Treatment A to Z
Arthritis: (common in older animals and purebreds). To prevent: Power Meal and Sulfurzyme. Ortho Ease or PanAway (massage on location or put several drops in animal feed). Use Raindrop-like application of PanAway, Wintergreen, Pine, or Spruce - and massage the location. For larger animals, use at least 2 times more oil than a normal raindrop would call for on humans. For Prevention: Put Power Meal and Sulfurzyme in feed or fodder. Small animals: 1/8 to 1/4 serving per day. Large animals 2-4 servings per day.
Birthing: Gentle Baby.
Bleeding: Geranium, Helichrysum.
Bones: (Pain, spurs) (all animals): PanAway, Wintergreen, Lemongrass, and Spruce.
Bones: (fractured or broken) Mix PanAway with 20-30 drops of Wintergreen and Spruce. Cover the area. After 15 minutes, rub in 10-15 more drops of Wintergreen and Spruce. Cover with Ortho Sport Massage Oil.
Calming: Peace & Calming, Trauma Life, Lavender (domestic animals respond very quickly to the smell).
Colds and flu: Small animals put 1-3 drops Exodus II, ImmuPower, or Di-Tone in feed or fodder. For large animals, use 10-20 drops.
Colic: For large animals (cows) put 10-20 drops of Di-Tone in feed or fodder.
For small animals, use 1-3 drops.
Fleas and Other Parasites
Single Oils: Lemongrass, Citronella, and Peppermint
Blends: Di-Tone, Add 1 or 2 drops of Lemongrass to pet shampoo. Oils repel fleas and other external parasites. Wash blankets with oils added to the wash water.
Place 1 or 2 drops of Lemongrass on collar to eliminate fleas.
For internal parasites:
Rub Di-Tone on the pads (bottom) of the feet. Many people have reported that they have seen the parasites eliminated from the animal.
Horses (To Calm): Add chamomile to feed.
Inflammation: Apply Ortho Ease, PanAway, Pine, Wintergreen, or Spruce on location. Put Sulfurzyme in feed.
Insect Repellent: Put 10 drops each of citronella, Purification, Eucalyptus, and Peppermint in 8 ounce spray bottle with water. Alternate formula: Put 2 drops pine, 2 drops Eucalyptus (globulus), 5-10 drops Citronella in a spray bottle of water. Shake vigorously and spray over area. Floral waters, such as Peppermint and Idaho Tansy, can also be used.
Ligaments/tendons: (torn or sprained):
Apply Lemongrass and Lavender (equal parts) on location and cover area. For small animals or birds, dilute essential oils with V-6 Mixing Oil (2 parts mixing oil to 1 part essential oil).
Mineral deficiencies: Mineral Essence. (In one case, an animal stopped chewing on furniture once his mineral deficiency was met.)
Ear mites:
Apply Purification and Peppermint to a Q-tip and swab the inside of the ear.
Nervous anxiety: Valor, Trauma Life, Geranium, Lavender, and Valerian.
Pain: Helichrysum
Saddle sores: Melrose and Rose Ointment.
Shiny coats: Rosemary and Sandalwood.
Sinus problems:
Diffuse Raven, R.C, Pine, Myrtle, and Eucalyptus (radiata) in the animal's sleeping quarters or sprinkle on bed.
Strangle in horses: Mix 4 parts Exodus II and with 1 part Melrose .
Ticks: To remove ticks, apply 1 drop Cinnamon or Peppermint on Q-tip and swab on tick.
Trauma: Trauma Life, Valor, Peace & Calming, Melissa, Rosewood, Lavender, Valerian, and Chamomile.
Tumors or cancers:
Mix Frankincense with Lavender or Clove and apply on area of tumor. Dr. Blake's formula is Frankincense, Sandalwood and Fir, 10 drops of each in a one ounce dropper bottle as directed above on expanding.
Worms and parasites: ParaFree and Di-Tone.
Wounds: (open or abrasions): Melrose , Helichrysum, and Rose Ointment.
Electricity and Health I had an amazing experience at the AHVMA annual meeting in Kansas City earlier this month and I would like to share a small amount of this in this newsletter. I plan on writing more about this wonderful subject in my next Pet Whisperer October newsletter.
When a cell is injured by infection, toxins, trauma, etc., swelling occurs. This swelling causes a resistance to the flow of electrons across the cell membrane into the cytoplasm of the cell. This can be measured by an ohm meter and when the resistance reading is higher than a cell that is in a healthy state, it is an indication of inflammation. As the cell begins to die, scar tissue, the resistance (impedance) begins to drop until it reaches zero. The reason for this is fibrous tissue has the lowest resistance to the flow of electrons of any tissue in the body. At this point the ohm meter would read below normal on reaching the cell indicated degenerative disease.
Each cell in our body needs voltage to function, and when the flow of electrons across the cell membrane is stopped, the cell dies and the death process begins. The roll of the body is to keep a constant flow of electrons crossing the cell membrane into the cytoplasm of the cell. This voltage is essential to the chemistry that takes place in each cell of the body.
Sources of electricity are fresh water, exercise, uncooked food, touching the Earth's surface directly with our bare feet or hands, sunshine, moving water, i.e., showers, and touching anything living. Massage is an excellent means of increasing electricity in the body and helping it heal. Essential oils are also a good source of energy for the cells and can be massaged into the acupuncture points of the body in the areas where there is a deficiency of electrical current.
Without a constant flow of voltage into each cell of the body, it is impossible for cells to repair themselves. When you are working with your pets, visualize electricity flowing into all the cells of the body and the cells generating light, which the body requires to run itself. See the light emanating from all of the cells of the body and your buddy regaining his or her health.
Thank you all for listening and all I ask in return is that you pay forward this newsletter and my website www.thepetwhisperer.com to at least three people you really care about. Make today a great day.
OAO,
Dr. Stephen R. Blake |
