Pet Vitamin Researcher, Wendell Belfield, DVM, believes a number of pet diseases to be forms of sub clinical scurvy, the Vitamin C deficiency disease.

DOGS
Some of these in DOGS include:
Hip dysplasia, lameness, arthritis, spinal myelopathy,
ruptured disc, vital disease, and skin problems.

CATS

In CATS, Wendell Belfield, DVM attribute killer viral disease including: Feline leukemia, FUS (feline urologic syndrome), fading kitten deaths, poor coat, and general ill health to sub-clinical scurvy due to lack of Vitamin C.

The common wisdom is that humans, other primates, guinea pigs, and a few birds need to get vitamin C in their diets.
Since the rest of the animals produce it within their own bodies, they no doubt make enough, right?
Well, maybe not. In this article, a doctor of veterinary medicine looks at the effects of vitamin C supplementation in dogs and its benefit in fighting arthritis, and other ailments.

Dogs of all ages suffer with various joint and spinal disorders, including hip dysplasia, osteoarthritis, non-specific arthritis, osteochrondritis, spondylitis and spondylosis.

Conventional Treatment often consists of rest. surgery and/or steroids, nonspecific anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), aspirin, penicillamine or methotrexate.
Many therapeutic compounds produce only short-term benefits and may actually accelerate the progression of joint destruction.

Alternative treatment Nutritional Considerations Vitamin C is a vital nutrient in bone and cartilage metabolism. Although dogs, unlike humans, can manufacture their own vitamin C, they may not produce enough to counter the effects of aging, stress, inherited dysfunctions, environmental irritants and poor quality or high fat pet foods.
In fact, early studies in dogs and horses suggest that daily vitamin C supplementation might be beneficial in reducing chronic inflammation.

Unfortunately; ordinary vitamin C may cause gastrointestinal upsets in dogs. A form of vitamin C that would promote higher levels of intracellular ascorbic acid without negative side effects would be a useful and unique product. Clinical Study The effect of different forms of vitamin C on various locomotor dysfunctions of dogs were investigated by veterinarians at The Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Utah. Over 100 case studies were evaluated, using varying strengths and combinations of mineral ascorbates, ascorbic acid and microcrystalline cellulose during a six-month period.
The results indicate that a patented vitamin C ascorbate / vitamin C metabolite complex, administered orally, may have application for the reduction of discomfort associated with nonspecific, chronic inflammatory disorders of dogs.

The vitamin C ascorbate / metabolite complex used in the study was Ester-C. Product Background According to the manufacturer, Inter-Cal Corporation, of Prescott, Arizona, Ester-C is a patented ascorbate supplement containing calcium ascorbate, naturally occurring dehydroascorbate and the vitamin C metabolite, threonate. Threonate permits ascorbate to be more rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, to cross cell membranes more efficiently, reach higher cellular levels and be excreted more slowly than ordinary vitamin C.

Ester-C ascorbate is pH neutral and believed to be water and partially fat soluble. Mechanism Of Action Vitamin C may act as an immunoresponsive and chrondrogenerative agent.

In degenerative (i.e., aging) or inflammatory conditions, collagen breakdown is excessive, resulting in joint discomfort and skeletal changes.
A product that would provide high and prolonged levels of ascorbic acid would help compression resistance of cartilage, mobilized white blood cells to the site of inflammation, and enhance prostaglandin synthesis.
The net result would be increased comfort and mobility.

Conclusion 78 percent of the study dogs receiving Ester-C calcium ascorbate showed improved mobility within four to five days. The consistency and degree of response demonstrated that Ester-C calcium ascorbate provided symptomatic relief to the study dogs suffering from selected chronic joint and musculoskeletal disorders.
The findings that the condition of many of the "improved" dogs deteriorated rapidly upon discontinuance of Ester-C ascorbate further verified its usefulness as primary or adjunctive therapy.

These studies reinforced the earlier observations that supplemental Ester-C calcium ascorbate corrected mobility problems of dogs and horses.
The findings suggest that, although dogs can manufacture endogenous ascorbic acid, the amount produced my not be sufficient to prevent or counteract stresses associated with aging, injury or joint malpositioning.
From the results of this study, there is significant evidence to recommend oral Ester-C calcium ascorbate in the management of non-specific musculoskeletal disorders of dogs.

References

Adkins, T. O. and Kronfield, D.S.: Diet of racing sled dogs affects erythrocyte depression by stress. Canadian Vet. J., 23:260-3, 1982 Allen, T.A., and Hand, M.S.: Conditionally Essential Nutrients. Proc. 8th ACVIM Forum, pp. 809-811, 1990 Belfield, W.O.: Chronic subclinical scurvy and canine hip dysplasia. Veterinary Medicine/Small Animal Clinician, 1399-1401, 1976 Berg, G.E.: Polyascorbate (C-Flex), and interesting alternative by problems in support and movement apparatus in dogs. Norwegian Veterinary Journal 102:579-581, 1990 Dockter, C unpublished data. Donoghue, S., Kronfeld, D.S. and Banta, C.A.: A possible vitamin C requirements in racing sled dogs fed a high fat diet, In: Nutrition Malnutrition and Diet in Dogs and Cats ed. by meyer, H and Kienzle, E. pp. 110-114, Hanover, Tierarztliche Hochschule, 1988. Fay, M.J.: Possible effect of ascorbic acid metabolites on the cellular uptake of ascorbic acid and other compounds. A dissertation for degree of Doctor of Philosophy, University of Mississippi, 1992 Goodman, S., Vitamin C; The Master Nutrient, Keats Publishing, Inc. Connecticut, 1991 Kronfeld, D.S.: Stress supplements: Protein and vitamin C, Purebred Dogs / Kennel Gazette, 100.10:8-9. 1983 Lewis, D.L., Morris, Jr. M.L., and Hand, M.S.: Small Animal Clinical Nutrition Mark Morris Assoc., Kansas, 1990 Newman, N.L., unpublished data. Smith, C.: Moro on vitamin C, Natural Pet, Vol2, No. 6:18-19, 1993 Stein, D.: Natural Healing for Dogs and Cats, The crossing press, California, 1993

Other Benefical Vitamins Supplements
ALL these supplements available at all Good Health Food Stores

Kelp Powder
Kelp (seaweed) contains over 60 minerals and elements, 21 amino acids, simple and complex carbohydrates and several essential plant growth hormones. Being rich in amino acids, vitamins, minerals and trace elements is one of the key reasons why kelp is known as a great promoter of health.
Benefits of Kelp
Contains over 60 minerals and elements, 21 amino acids, simple and complex carbohydrates and several essential plant growth hormones. Being rich in amino acids, vitamins, minerals and trace elements is one of the key reasons why kelp is known as a great promoter of glandular health, especially for the pituitary, adrenal and thyroid glands. Kelp also supplies a natural source of iodine, which acts as an antibiotic to kill germs. Since the thyroid and pituitary glands regulate certain functions of digestion, kelp is beneficial in balancing out the animal's total system. Nature has offered us this marvelous "herb of the sea" in a complete and balanced form.
Feeding kelp meal to your pet promotes:
Shiny hair coat and supple skin - Healthier and stronger newborns - Improved milk production in lactating bitches and queens - Improved reproductive performance both for male and female - Aids in the healing process by offering the vitamins and minerals necessary for tissue repair - Better utilization and absorption of nutrients from foods ingested - Very rich in B-carotene, the tocopherols (Vitamin E) niacin, thiamine, and ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) as well as other vitamins in varying but balancedproportions.
A natural balance diet should have the kelp powder mixed in with their other supplements which are added daily to their raw meat meals and vegies.   

Apple Cider Vinegar ( brown not white)
A good natural detoxifier for allergy dogs, skin and coat problems, excess mucous, obesity. Use in natural raw meat diet as a digestive enzyme, it may be enough for an enzyme-deficient dog. Example - bloating after a meal, unable to gain weight, digestion problems. For a dog on chemical diuretics or heart medication, it can often replace potassium supplements that are lost through medication.
Use it after exhaustion or heatstroke (electrolyte balance) rather than salt. Daily supplement can be: a good immune booster, and less likely have fleas or intestinal worms, also increases a pet's resistance to disease and their ability to repair injuries.
In fresh daily drinking water add: 2 to 4 teaspoons in a medium size bowl for general health maintenance. Cats and dogs can share this fresh water daily. OR for Cats add a little to food.
Best type of animal feeding/drinking bowls are made from stainles steal, ceramic or glass. AVIOD - aluminium and plastic drinking and eating bowls.

SUMMER SKIN ITCH - Healing

For promoting hair growth, healing sore skin, and as a Anti-Itch Solution.
- dilute in 1 litre of water -
2 teaspoon of apple cider to 20 drops of calandula tincture into a empty 1 litre spray bottle and spray on affected areas 3 x daily.
Use half the dosage mix if using a smaller spray bottle or bowl.

B-Complex Vitamin Supplement
This vitamin in general reduce pain and protect the body of stress, also required for emotional and mental health of your dog.
Deficiencies in B Vitamins: Many dog behaviour problems can be B deficient, a animal with cataracts, adrenal problems, skin allergies, skin disorders, blood vessel disease, learning difficulties, anemia, runny eyes, slow weight gain or growth, erratic appetite, stool eating, all need B-complex supplementation.Meat is fed raw in the natural diet primarily because when meat is cooked or minced, B-vitamins and digestive enzymes are lost, dog's are carnivores after all.
Note: If using Brewers Yeast , be aware some dog's are allergic to Brewers Yeast supplement (has the B-Vitamins)
* Use a low potency human B-complex supplement and always crush tablet before adding to your dog's daily meals.

Vitamin C Healing
In the form of Sodium Ascorbate Acid Powder or injectable OR Ester c Powder.
Vitamin C is an antioxidant.  
It protects against the harmful effects of pollution, prevents cancer, protects against infection, and enhances immunity.
** For Acute Viral infectious disease which can lead to life or death crises for dogs & cats, it is recommended vitamin C intravenously in high amounts.
Use a high dose twice daily for min of 7 day
(You will probably need to request this therapy as many conventional vets are not familiar with Vitamin Therapy so demand your vet to apply this Vitamin C IV)
Injectable Vit C is available at feed stores. Contrary to rumor, vitamin C does not cause kidney stones. It dissolves them.

For Chronic Disease
Feed powdered Vit C (ester C powder is best) daily mixed with the pet's food, and gradually increase to bowl tolerance (eg. slight runny poops) then slightly cut back and stay on that amount.
This is highly useful for animals with arthritis, asthma, cancer, feline leukemia/feline aids, bone problems, anemia, gum or tooth disease, digestive problems, skin diseases, recurring urinary infections, etc.
For Feline leukemia, supplementing orally with vitamin C (ester C powder) daily in meals, and gradually adding more each week until (bowel tolerance-runny stools ) then maintaining at that amount in food, can revert the disease to test-negative status; if the feline leukemia have actually be vit C deficiency disease.
For a dog with parvovirus, or a cat with feline leukemia or FUS, vitamin C can mean life instead of death.  Supplementation with Vit C from weaning (or even earlier) totally prevents hip dysphasia in large breed puppies, and supplementing older dogs with Vit C daily in their meals can greatly reduce debility and discomfort.
Pediatric Vit C drops (from a pharmacy) given to newborns prevents fading puppy or kitten death, and human crib deaths (SIDS).

Faster absorption OF Vit C For CHRONIC ILLNESSES.
Ester C powder (polyascorbate), is specially used for those suffering from CHRONIC illness, such as Cancer, Feline AIDS, Feline Leuk.
This form of Vitamin C (esterified) has been proved that white blood cell ascorbate levels are increased four times more with Ester C than the average Vitamin C or ascorbic acid, and only one-third of the amount is excreted through the urine. Most Vit C is lost in the urine.
Ester C enters the bloodstream and tissues four times quicker and into the blood cells more efficiently absorbed.

Megadoses of Vitamin C, administered intravenously, in amounts of half a gram (500mg) of injectable sodium ascorbate acid powder per pound (2.2kg) of body weight.  

To be Given twice(2) x daily.
Along with Vitamin E and selenium which are added, chelated zinc, the b-complex, pantothenic acid(B5) and B-6.

Many conventional Vets will not understand the use of Vitamin C and will not wish to use it, simply ask them to refer you to someone who would be more open to natural healing therapies.
If you live in the US - You or/and your (not so sure Vet) may phone Dr.Bellfield DVM who is veterinarian with a practitce in California available to ask how safe and effective the sodium Ascorbate (Vit C) is!
Dr. Wendall Bellfield -
Monday through Friday at (408) 227-8844
from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m. Pacific time.

Natural Treatment for Distemper:
For a dog weighting about 4 kilos, often three or four one gram slow-release tables straight down the throat, OR two teaspoons of sodium ascorbate powder, OR eight cc of vitamin C by injection in the muscle will be all that is needed to stop the symptoms immediately.
* If caught early pet will rarely need to be given a second dose.
This works equally as well for hard pad and parvo virus.

Natural Treatment for Parvo Virus:
Signs are, as with other kinds of distemper, lack of appetite, diarrhoea and vomiting accompanied by very quick dehydration. - If a dog has parvo med size dog would get approx. 10 grams of Sodium ascorbate acid, if dog is already at the vets, ask for them to administer this Vit C by injection in the muscle and repeat if necessary daily.  If not at a vet, then dose orally mix the white powder into some small amount of water and dissolve, syringe into side of mouth 2 to 3 x daily until symptoms improve. Defense and maintenance of Parvo - dose of vit C ( in the form of sodium ascorbate) if parvo was around a daily dose of half a gram for small dogs, going up the scale for large dogs.

Natural treatment for Mange :
Other than combining healing Neemseed Oil and other herbs, vitamins and homeopathy for mange symptoms, also use Vit C (sodium ascorbate) of give grams orally a day, and 1 dessertspoon of Cod Liver Oil daily.   Then reduce Cod Liver Oil once dog is healing.

Natural treatment for Hip Dysplasia
Use injectable Vit C (sodium ascorbate acid) use a large amounts eg 200 gm intravenous doses on a large lab over a few days. Restores use back in the hips.
For a Dachshund dog that lost the use of its back legs, he gave it 15 grams intravenously and next day it was perfectly recovered.

 

 

( Morinda Citrifolia )
Aids in Cell Regeneration!! & Restoration.Highly recommended FOR ALL ANIMALS AND HUMANS.
(Available from Australia ONLY)

I use for our animals the Morinda extract which has been made into a medicinal extract from the Noni Fruit, this form as well as the Noni Juice has miraculous regenerative powers the body needs, because it causes the body to revitalise, and renew damaged cells. The active substance in the juice 'Xeronine' acts like a 'manufacturing supervisor' for cell production. If it encounters an unhealthy cell, it will encompass and enclose it, not letting it reproduce. Noni juice has be known to also retard tumour growth in this manner. and Another excellent fruit.

Works on ALL animals - digestive system, chest infections, internal disorders, skin infections, mouth/throat infections, cleanses a pet's body when having Chemotherapy treatments  

Flaxseed Oil (cancer/autoimmune/lupus)
Among other remedies we also use flaxseed for part of the healing of cancer with people and animals.
(always mix oil with some cottage cheese to help absorb oil correctly)
Is good to add a little into your pets daily meals for skin problems.
I like to add a teaspoon of Oil into my dogs breakfast meals (cereal) in the mornings.
For Cancer dogs: add 1 tablespoon in 1/2 cup of cottage cheese 3 x daily for min 10 weeks.
For Cancer cats:add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon in a 1 tablespoon of plain cottage cheese or plain yogurt or goats milk, 3 x daily if possible.  

Flaxseed may prove useful in the nutritional management of patients (human and animal ) with autoimmune diseases.

For example, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an inflammatory disease that occurs mainly in young women.
It is characterized by a variety of clinical findings, including inflammation of the kidney (nephritis).

Studies show that patients with SLE exhibit increased production of platelet-activating factor (PAF), a mediator of immune response and promoter of platelet aggregation.
Dietary flaxseed has provided significant benefits in animal models of lupus nephritis and in patients with this condition.

In one study of nine patients with lupus nephritis, PAF-induced platelet aggregation was inhibited and renal function improved when subjects consumed 15 to 45 g flaxseed/day for four weeks.
lignan component of flaxseed is believed to be responsible for this effect.
Flaxseed favourably influences immune response.
The flaxseed component, ALA, alters membrane phospholipids, inhibits arachidonic acid biosynthesis from linoleic acid, inhibits the production of proinflammatory eicosanoids from arachidonic acid, and suppresses lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine production.
22, 23 Flaxseed lignans are potent inhibitors of platelet-activating factor, a mediator of inflammation.3
Through these effects, flaxseed has the potential to be used for the treatment of disorders characterized in part by activated lymphocytes and a hyper-stimulated immune response.
Such disorders include rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, multiple sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus.

3, 24 References 1. Kelley DS, et al. Am J Clin Nutr. 1991;53:40-46. 2. Blackburn GL. Proc Soc Exp Biol Med. 1992;200:183-188. 3. Parbtani A and Clark WF.
In: Flaxseed in Human Nutrition. Cunnane SC and Thompson LU, eds. Champaign, IL: AOCS Press, 1995, pp. 244-260. 4. Caughey GE, et al. Am J Clin Nutr. 1996;63:116-122. 5. Mantzioris E, et al. Am J Clin Nutr. 1994;59:1304-1309. 6. Cunnane SC, et al. Am J Clin Nutr. 1994;61:62-68. 7. Ferrier LK, et al. Am J Clin Nutr. 1995;62:81-86. 8. Whelan J, et al. Lipids. 1991;26:119-126. 9. Wallace JL and Chin BC. Proc Soc Exp Biol Med. 1997;214:192-203. 10. Calder PC, et al. Immunology. 1992;75:108-115. 11. Hwang D. FASEB J. 1989;3:2052-2061. 12. Wu D, et al. Am J Clin Nutr. 1996;63:273-280. 13. Adam O, et al. J Lipid Res. 1986;27:421-426. 14. Ferretti A and Flanagan VP. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 1996;54:451-455. 15. Abbas AK, et al. Cellular and Molecular Immunology. Philadelphia, PA: W. B. Saunders Company, 1994, pp. 9-10, 240-260. 16. Arend WP and Dayer J-M. Arthritis Rheum. 1990;33:305-315. 17. Watanabe S, et al. Life Sci. 1991;48:2013-2020. 18. Endres S. Lipids. 1996;31(Suppl):S239-S242. 19. Tetta C, et al. Int Arch Allergy Appl Immunol. 1990;91:244-256. 20. Clark WF, et al. Kidney Int. 1995;48:475-480. 21. Ingram AJ, et al. Am J Kidney Dis. 1995;25:320-329. 22. Leaf A and Weber PC. N Engl J Med. 1988;318:549-557. 23. Nair SSD, et al. J Nutr. 1997;127:383-393. 24. Blok WL, et al. J Nutr. 1996;126:1515-1533.

Lucerne Tea
Good for a sick horse - As an enriching tea it is given to horses that are ill. Put one biscuit of lucerne hay into a suitably sized container then pour over enough boiling water to just cover the hay. Cover immediately to stop steam escaping and let steam for an hour or so. Drain the hay and give the liquid tepid. About half a cup of unprocessed honey may be added and dissolved.  

Grapeseed /compound Liquid Extract Herb
Another antioxidant, giving a healthy cardiovascular.
NOTE: ALL herbal medicines should be purchased in a liquid form -
Is 20 times stronger that Vit C and 50 times stronger than Vit E in neutralizing 'Free Radicals". Free Radical damage is linked to over 60 major diseases.

 Aloe Vera (fresh from Your Plant at home)
(If you want to buy the Aloe Vera Juice or gel - suitable for DOGS ONLY)

CAUTION : The sodium benzoate or benzoic acid as a preservative in the commercial product is poisonous to cats

If not using plant from home for your cat- Buy the Aloe Vera POWDER in Capsules for your CAT.
This is an excellent topical application. Apply the gel from the plant leaf every fifteen minutes to half an hour for fresh burns, it will help quell the pain, then three times a day until healing is noticed. - It is also a drying agent and will heal ulcerous sours. Use only pure fresh gel from the plant.
Use Aloe Vera Juice for detox for a pet, who has skin problems and needs to detoxified from the chemical drugs and start again with natural healing remedies and diet

Evening Primrose Oil
Hormonal imbalances - eg. incontinence, degenerative of the spine & hip dysplasia  for the larger breed dogs eg German Shepards, Rottweilers ...... Eg. Add 5/6 capsules for a med/large dog in to daily meals -   2 daily until signs are corrected.
Use the oil for arthritis conditions,  atopic eczema, cystic fibrosis, hypertension (HEART),  inflammation,  hyperactivity, rheumatoid arthritis,  skin disorders,  obesity.    

Lecithin Grains
Use 1 teaspoon daily for dogs, and 1/4 teaspoon for cats, protects and cover nerves, spinal or nerve problems, good to add a teaspoon in daily meals for the older dog and cats - protects heart.  Elderly cats/dogs requires a natural diet with added Lecithin to add protection for a strong heart.  

Acidopholus
Works as an intestinal cleanser. Also helps prevent fungus, diverticulosis, acne, and bad breath. It helps in the absorption of calcium as well as other minerals.  

Fresh Garlic
It lowers high blood pressure 7 blood sugar, reduces blood cholesterol levels, build the immune system to resist or throw off disease. Effective in healing and preventing urinary tract infections(FUS) - Eg  put a couple of finely chopped fresh garlic ships into a small empty capsule for your cat and add to meals.
Use fresh chopped garlic gloves for your dogs in meals - arthritic and dysplasyia, immune builder, flea's are also repelled from garlic.

Organic NeemSeed Oil
Flea Dogs/Puppies
Excellent herb for riding and repelling FLEA, MOSQUITOS, ECZEMA, MANGE in DOG/PUPPIES. Add 3 or 5 mls to 1litre of pet's natural shampoo bottle wash reguraly for the first few weeks. *For Daily protection of Fleas and Mosquitos can spray on body/coat diluted in water in a empty spray bottle. 50ml, 100ml, 200ml Bottles available for DOGS/PUPPIES. ORDER

Natural Flea Repellant for Feline and Canines
Borax Powder sprinkle throught the carpet areas of the house, and outside in sandy areas where pets may lay. Vaccum inside after sprinkling. Borax will rid fleas as well as the eggs, without using toxic fumes or chemicals.

Liquid Chlorophyll
Is another detoxifiess and tonic, is a catabolic and anabolic in action. It is a blood cleanser/detoxifies, and red blood cell builder. Good for hypoglycemic or diabetes dog or cat - balances blood sugar levels. For detoxifying from illness, skin disease, over use of chemical drugs, we often add liquid Chlorophyll with Aloe Vera Juice together in the pets water dish daily. Liquid chlorophyll is a whole food rather than medication.
CAT:  Use: 1/8 teaspoon three times a day for cats with diarrhoea, irritable bowel syndrome, oily coat, skin problems, and FIP( feline Infectious Perenitis)
DOG: Can use 3 teaspoons in their meals per day for a dog.
With all the purported "research" which has been done on human nutrition in the last few decades, scientists still have been unable to agree on what humans need for optimal good health.  The Food and Drug Administration, the government agency responsible for establishing Recommended Dietary Allowances, repeatedly has bowed to corporate interests instead of keeping human food products safe and nutritional requirements true.  Despite the fact that cancer, heart disease and other illnesses are rapidly rising, the FDA continues to disparage anyone who tries to establish a link between poor nutrition and disease.