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Webvet Home Page Feed http://www.webvet.com/main This feed contains articles about Pets en-us Copyright 2009 Webvet, LLC 2009-11-07T11:20-05:00 advertise@webvet.com advertise@webvet.com Pets hourly Reiki therapy: Healing your pet with the 'universal life energy' http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2040 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2040">Reiki therapy: Healing your pet with the 'universal life energy'</a><br /><p>I’m in a small pet supply store in the Chelsea section of Manhattan, a neighborhood of quaint brownstones, trendy restaurants and art galleries, and chic clothing stores. With me is Johanna Campbell, an Australian woman with blazing blue eyes, an infectious smile, and an uncanny way with animals. We’re seated cross-legged on the floor of one of the store’s cramped aisles. With us is Aldo, a seven-year-old cat who calls the shop home. As soon as Aldo sees Campbell, he greets her warmly and enthusiastically, licking her hands and arms, rubbing against her, eventually settling into a comfortable nest in her lap. Aldo is about to receive his twice-monthly dose of the “universal life energy” — or “Reiki” as it is known in Japanese — channeled through Campbell’s trained hands.</p><h4>Alternative therapies</h4><p>While the efficacy of “alternative”' medical therapies, such as acupuncture, massage therapy, herbal medicine, and homeopathy, is widely debated, their popularity has soared in recent years. Reiki is one of the more recent alternative therapies and, like the others, is now being applied to animals, both for disease treatment and general “wellness.”</p><p>Reiki (pronounced “RAY-kee”) originated with the work of Dr. Mikao Usui in Japan in the 1920s. A compound of “rei” (spiritual) and “ki” (energy), Reiki is described by its practitioners as the “universal life energy” that flows throughout the universe and through all living things. Reiki practitioners and those who consult them believe that this energy can be channeled through the hands of the practitioner to others, thereby bringing about wellness and “balance” to those whom they treat, whether human or animal.</p><h4>Aldo responds</h4><p>As soon as Aldo settles into her lap, Campbell holds her hands just above his body, allowing him to touch her when he chooses, rather than petting him, as we are accustomed to doing with a cat. Campbell is focused entirely on Aldo, holding her hands in various positions and moving them occasionally, as Aldo moves. Whether it’s universal life energy or something else, it’s clear that Aldo is soaking it up. From time to time, he shifts position, almost as if to say “I need a little more over here, please.” Campbell responds by once again shifting her hand position, and Aldo again settles down.</p><h4>A new trend?</h4><p>Although Campbell limits her <a href="http://www.reiki4furkids.com/benefits_of_reiki.html" target="_blank">practice</a> to the treatment of animals in Manhattan, Reiki animal practitioners are now found in virtually every state as well as in a number of foreign countries.</p><p>Kathleen Prasad, a pioneer in the use of Reiki for animals and founder of the Animal Reiki Source, emphasizes that Reiki is not intended as a substitute for conventional veterinary medicine: “We don't diagnose, prescribe, or perform medical treatments. Reiki is a support in addition to conventional veterinary medicine.”</p><p>In fact, Prasad will be teaching a Reiki class to veterinarians at the upcoming annual convention of the <a href="http://www.ahvma.org" target="_blank">American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association</a> in October. Her <a href="http://www.animalreikisource.com/index.htm" target="_blank">Web site</a> is an excellent source of information on Reiki principles and practice in animals, and includes a directory of Reiki animal practitioners.</p><h4>Back to Aldo</h4><p>Aldo has shifted positions a few times, and Campbell has shifted her position to accommodate him. I have rarely seen a cat so seemingly relaxed, as Aldo gives himself over completely to Campbell’s attentions. Over a half-hour period, Campbell’s hands have hovered close to Aldo’s body, occasionally touching him, but only very lightly. Then, when—as Campbell put it—Aldo had “soaked up” as much Reiki as he cared to, he stood up, clearly finished with the session. Campbell and I said goodbye to him, and he quietly walked away.</p><h4>So, what's the verdict?</h4><p>WebVet does not provide veterinary advice or endorse or reject any particular therapeutic modality. We want you to be aware of what’s available. Because Reiki does not involve the administration of any drug, and only the gentlest physical contact with the animal, it would seem that, at worst, it is unlikely to do your pet any harm. As Prasad and Campbell both emphasize, however, it is not intended as a substitute for conventional veterinary treatment, but rather as an adjunct to it.</p><p>So, if you choose the path of Reiki, look for a practitioner with animal Reiki experience with whom you—and your animal companion—feel at ease. And don’t forget: If your pet is ill, seek veterinary care first and use Reiki as an additional therapy.</p><br />By Peter Lopatin for WebVet By Peter Lopatin for WebVet Pets A wellness program for your senior pets http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2078 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2078">A wellness program for your senior pets</a><br /><p>When we pass from middle age to our senior years, we're accustomed to being told that it's time to have regular check-ups, electrocardiograms, and various other medical tests. This allows for the early detection and prompt treatment of many age-related diseases, often before symptoms actually appear. </p><p>Because dogs and cats age more quickly than people, their senior years tend to creep up and catch us off guard. It may not be until a pet falls ill that we become aware that it's getting on in years and may need special attention.</p><h4>"Wellness," not just treatment</h4><p>To preserve and enhance the quality of life for senior dogs and cats, the veterinary profession recommends a comprehensive approach to senior wellness. Rather than waiting for age-related illness to show itself, current veterinary practice calls for a proactive approach to the health needs of senior pets.</p><p>The <a href="http://www.aahanet.org" target="_blank">American Animal Hospital Association</a> (AAHA) has produced a set of <a href="http://www.aahanet.org/PublicDocuments/Senior_Care_final.pdf" target="_blank">Senior Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats</a> outlining in detail "a working framework for veterinarians dedicated to enhancing the well-being of senior dogs and cats.'' Although the Guidelines are intended as a reference for veterinarians, they provide useful information for the pet owner as well. (A complete summary of the Guidelines, intended for pet owners, is available <a href="http://www.healthypet.com/library_view.aspx?ID=141&sid=1" target="_blank">here</a>.)</p><h4>When does my pet become a "senior"?</h4><p>There is no exact age at which a pet becomes a senior, any more than there is for people. Some of the smaller dog breeds are not considered senior until age 10-13 years, while giant breeds are thought of as senior well before that. The Guidelines suggest that pets that are in the last 25 percent of the predicted life span for their species and breed be regarded as "senior.'' Your vet can give you more specific information for your particular pet.</p><h4>Health exams: the key to monitoring senior pet wellness</h4><p>The foundation of a senior pet wellness program is to schedule regular veterinary examinations. Keep in mind that the shorter lifespan of your pet means that examinations should be more frequent than would be the case for people. So, twice-a-year examinations are best for the healthy senior pet, more frequently if there is a particular problem that needs to be monitored.</p><p>The senior pet wellness exam will include laboratory tests, such as a blood count and urinalysis, to determine baseline measures of critical values. Then, if your senior pet becomes ill, your vet will have a basis for comparison.</p><h4>Laboratory tests: watching for changes</h4><p>The AAHA Guidelines recommend that dogs and cats undergo a certain minimum of laboratory tests beginning at middle age. The frequency should increase to twice yearly when your pet reaches its senior years. At minimum, the following tests are recommended:</p><ul><li>Complete blood count (CBC): The pet CBC measures levels of red and white blood cells and platelets, an increase or decrease of which may signal a health problem.</li><li>Urinalysis: This test is helpful in detecting kidney problems, diabetes, urinary tract infections and many other conditions in pets.</li><li>Serum chemistry panel: This measures the levels of electrolytes (eg, potassium, sodium, and magnesium) in pets, the elements calcium and phosphorus, as well as certain enzymes. This panel of tests provides information on the functioning of several organs, including the pet's pancreas, kidneys, and liver.</li><li>Parasite evaluation: By examining your pet's feces, your veterinarian can confirm the presence of a variety of disease-causing parasites, such as roundworm, hookworm, and whipworm. Additional fecal testing can also detect bleeding in the pet's intestinal tract and some pancreatic disorders.</li></ul><p>Depending on your pet's particular condition, your vet may recommend other tests, such as heartworm tests, feline leukemia/immunodeficiency virus tests, as well as x-rays, electrocardiography, or ultrasound.</p><h4>Diet and exercise: Making the adjustments for your pet</h4><p>An animal's dietary requirements and exercise needs change with age. Check with your vet to see if an alteration in diet is appropriate for your older pet, particularly if it's gaining or losing weight.</p><p>Maintaining a good level of physical activity in the later years is as important for the health of an older pet as it is for older people. Keep your pet as active as the limitations of age will allow.</p><h4>Vigilance has its rewards</h4><p>If you stay on top of your senior pet's veterinary care, you will have the pleasure of knowing that your pet's later years are as healthy and vigorous as they can be. It's well worth the effort.</p><br />By Peter Lopatin for WebVet By Peter Lopatin for WebVet Pets Nutritional requirements for your pet http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1583 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1583">Nutritional requirements for your pet</a><br /><p>Proper <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=75&med=1" target="_blank">pet nutrition </a>requires the owner's attention.  Knowing how to read a pet food label is the first step in assuring that your pet is being adequately and properly nourished. Taking that step means that you know how to find out the answer to the question "What's in this stuff?'' The second - and crucial - step is to answer the question "Is this what my dog/cat needs?''</p><p>In order to answer that all-important question, you need some basic knowledge of the requirements of dogs and cats. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) - the same organization whose regulations govern the labeling of pet foods - has established "Nutrient Profiles'' for dogs and cats. Dog and cat foods that are labeled as "complete and balanced'' based on the AAFCO profiles must meet certain specified nutrient levels. These Profiles are available as tables to "<a href="http://www.fda.gov/cvm/petfood.htm" target="_blank" title="Selecting Nutritious Pet Foods">Selecting Nutritious Pet Foods</a>,'' a publication of the Center for Veterinary Medicine of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).</p><p>The AAFCO Profiles state the minimum requirements for all of the essential nutrients. However, they go beyond this by distinguishing between the "Growth and Reproduction Minimum'' and the "Adult Maintenance Minimum.'' This is an important distinction because the nutritional requirements of dogs and cats do not remain constant through all life stages.</p><p>In addition, the Profiles give maximum levels for those nutrients that are potentially dangerous to pets if consumed in excess. The FDA publication states that maximums are now listed "because of concern that overnutrition, rather than undernutrition, is a bigger problem with many pet foods today.''</p><p>When using the Profiles to assess your pet's needs, keep in mind that nutrient requirement levels are stated on a "dry matter basis''. Since the nutrient amounts on pet food labels (usually stated as the "guaranteed analysis'') are stated on an "as fed'' basis, it is necessary to convert those amounts to a dry matter basis. The FDA publication explains the simple calculation used to do this.</p><p>Since new research into pet nutrition may result in revised recommendations, it is a good idea to review your pet's nutritional needs periodically with your veterinarian.</p><br />By Peter Lopatin for WebVet By Peter Lopatin for WebVet Pets