In Loving Memory of my dear Shasta June 21, 2008 - March 28, 2017

My dear Shasta, the world is a lot less bright without you in it, but I know you are running around and have your energy and sight back enjoying all the sights and smells you love so much! You brought your daddy and me so much happiness for almost 9 years. It never would have been long enough, but your legacy will go on through Dr. Plechner's SARDS research and our 2 Hearts Animal Haven rescue. You were very special and made everyone who met you smile. You will be so greatly missed my love bug! xoxo June 21, 2008 - March 28, 2017 Shasta had been doing really well and seemed to prosper with her new little sister, Roxy, in tow. Shasta was the happiest dog I ever met, despite her health struggles. She was still going on two walks per day, playing with her sister, eating well, and jumping up on me to tell me it was time to play every day at 4pm. Then suddenly, one day, she did not get up in the morning when it was time for breakfast. I coaxed her to get up, and she finally did, and she ate her breakfast. I kept a close eye on her, but started to think it was her back hips giving her arthritis since a few months back we were told her hips are giving her quite a bit of pain due to her bottom vertebrae were pressing together. Later that day she went on a walk and seemed to feel better. She ate dinner and cuddled before bedtime. The next day she seemed ok and acted normal again. Then the day I was leaving for a business trip she acted a little sad, but she had eaten some of her breakfast. Her daddy was going to take her to the vet to get some arthritis medicine and make sure nothing else was going on with her. My husband came home to check on her at lunch time and told me that he got her to eat, but she wasn't too excited about it, and didn't want to go for a walk. He was taking her to the vet and would call me as soon as he found out what was going on. At 5pm I got a call from my husband saying that the vet wants to keep her over night, and I said no, and that I would come straight home from my trip. I asked him to have the vet give him instructions on whatever meds we needed to give her and I'd be home to take care of her. I had been down this road before and two things were on my mind. She was not going to pass without me if it came to that in some hospital with no one around and they were probably over reacting anyway. I went back into my meeting to finish up and tell them I had to leave the conference early as I had a family emergency, but my husband started blowing up my phone. He said the vet did an ultrasound and the results were grim. Something had ruptured inside of her and her abdomen was filled with fluid. They said she was in a lot of pain and didn't think she would make it through the night. I asked them to wait as I was heading home. At this point I was hysterical. I was 3 hours away and had to decide if it was worth her being in pain for me to say goodbye or to let her go without me. I'll never forgive myself for going on that business trip when I knew she was not 100%. And I always wonder if I made to the right decision to let her go. What if they we wrong and she wasn't as sick as they thought? I always did whatever was needed for her and I was sure we could fix her again no matter what the cost. But my husband was distraught and he was there with her until the end, and I was thankful for that. I told Dr. Plechner what happened and he was devastated for me. He had been emailing me about dog food and things to try that wouldn't irritate her stomach. He was always so responsive and helpful. I never thought I would lose them both in the same year, let alone THIS YEAR!!! I hope that if you come across this Blog in search of information on SARDS or other endocrine imbalance issues, that you look to Dr. Plechner's website, books, and Facebook page for assistance as he truly was a brilliant man. I can't tell you how many things he has resolved for me over email that had taken local vets multiple visits and expensive tests to run and medicines to try... and he had offered a quick and simple, inexpensive solution. References for Dr. Plechner: www.drplechner.com www.2heartsanimalhaven.org Facebook - @drplechnerdvm Facebook - @cureforsardbydrplechner Facebook - Shasta - A Story About SARDS

In Loving Memory of Dr. Plechner

Alfred J Plechner, DVM, sadly passed away on September 8, 2017, at the age of 79; he was born on April 4, 1938. Dr. Plechner was a caring and compassionate veterinarian, who had a theory about the immune endocrine imbalance that is occurring in humans and animals. His controversial view has given many veterinarians another option for care for their most difficult cases. His interest in the increasing numbers of cancer cases kept his curious mind challenging the standard understanding of the behavior of the adrenal gland. He described it as Atypical Cortisol Estrogen Imbalance Syndrome (ACEIS), or, as many in the public refer to it, the Plechner Syndrome. Dr. Plechner graduated from the University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 1966. He owned and worked at the California Veterinary Hospital in Los Angeles from 1968 to 2004. He also worked at Cedar Sinai Veterinary Hospital 2008-2016. He purchased a 27 acre parcel at the base of the Santa Monica Mountains and started a wildlife preserve called Stone Wood Meadows ,which provided free treatments and relocation for indigenous species. His passion for wildlife led him to the Big Horn Sheep Society of California as a research immunologist. Dr. Plechner worked for years helping by consulting to both veterinarians and the pet owners on the ACEIS. He would generously give of his time to interpret and help people understand the endocrine problem. For hours he would share his cases and help tweak their care. He had treated and consulted to over 100,000 humans and animals suffering with this immune endocrine imbalance. Through years of research and observation, he felt in his heart that there was a way to help prevent these allergic animals from becoming victims of cancer. He has written several books and tens of article on this topic and you can see them at his website www.drplechner.com. Margo Roman, D.V.M. wrote the following on how she met Dr. Plecher, "Personally I had a client in 1997 who claimed that Dr. Plechner saved her dog in California, after she had gone to every referral hospital, including the veterinary school. She gave me a little pamphlet which I read and thought it crazy and discounted it. About four years later, I had a case of a client who had already spent $20,000 at Angell Memorial Hospital in Boston. Thirty-three year old male neutered Newfoundland had been diagnosed with Irritable Bowel at nine weeks of age, and had his cruciate repaired on the same leg three times, but it was not healed. He had been continuously on metronidazole and other drugs, and looked like a Mexican hairless. I asked to work on this case for six months, and was able to stop the IBS in one week; we corrected the cruciate in one month with acupuncture, homeopathy, ozone, chiropractic, herbs, nutrition and nutraceuticals. Four month later, I still had a hairless itchy dog that could not gain any weight. I suggested to the owner that the dog could have this endocrine imbalance I read about. He bought Dr. Plechner’s new book Pets At Risk, From Allergies to Cancer and he said “you read this and you test my dog and treat it exactly like Dr. Plechner says.” I had to read it two times to even begin to understand it and I still do not feel I completely understand it. But I did what the owner said and the dog healed and lived another seven years looking like a healthy Newfoundland. It was not my standard of care, but I was not getting results and could have declared this case an incurable case. Since that first case, Dr. Plechner’s theories have helped me successfully treat hundreds of cases which might otherwise have been hopeless." Dr. Alfred Plechner continued to feel rejection from many in academia, but he persisted as he had owner after owner and doctor after doctor seeing shifts in cases that no one else could help. He felt that some day he would be validated and started to consult to MDs to help humans having these life disrupting health issues. Dr. Plechner is survived by his two sons, Jay and AJ, and four grandchildren, Cambria, Cassidy, Jayden and AJ.

This has personally been a very rough year for me and I have not been posting a lot. I'm very sad to say that my Shasta passed away on March 28. I will post about it soon as I feel it is very important to share her life story so that others can use the information to their benefit. What's worse is that after Dr. Plechner was forced to retire last year due to illness, he became a board member and helped me start a new animal rescue in my area. We just got things going when Shasta passed, and then several months later I received the devastating news that Dr. Plechner had passed away in September. This is such a blow to SARDS patients, but please keep referencing his work via his website, his Facebook page and of course his books. I intend to keep sharing through my own resources as well. My Shasta page on Facebook, my new website for 2 Hearts Animal Haven that Dr. P. helped me start, and of course this blog. I'll be posting his obit on here soon. Please also seek out Dr. Bill Burlingame. He practices in Washington state and is very well acquainted with the SARDS protocol. More to come in the next few days...

Dr. Plechner's Life's Work: His research and findings involving the endocrine system.

ENDOCRINE IMMUNE STUDIES BY DR. PLECHNER FROM THE PAST. Pertaining to my clinical veterinary studies, this article was an attempt to share my thoughts with my veterinary profession. The California Veterinarian found my article to be interesting enough to publish it in their journal in January of 1979. I also created this article titled The Theory of Endocrine Immune Surveillance which I would like to share with you almost 37 years later. It has taken me all this time to use my theory to help thousands of patients including canines, felines, equines and humans, even though my theory was not accepted then and even now, when it has been proven. This is the same studies that I have conducted, since the late 1960’s. Today’s endocrine immune protocol and treatment plan began with this published theory. What was true over 40 years ago, is still true today, but will not be considered by the veterinary profession. Fortunately, The MD’s are beginning to realize the importance of this study, which is available on the internet with my name. The article title is The Results of an International Convention of Integrative MD Oncologists, Regarding Dr. Plechner’s Findings, for Many Different Chronic Diseases. For those of you that might be interested in reading more about my early clinical research articles from November of 1076, please go to ABOUT and Early Research. I hope you enjoy the article. Sincerely, Dr. A. J. Plechner Theory of Endocrine Immune Surveillance Published in California Veterinarian – January 1979 Alfred J. Plechner, DVM – Los Angeles, California (Editor’s Note: This theory is presented by Dr. Plechner to stimulate creative thinking and is based upon scientific facts and his own clinical research and observations.) It is interesting to consider old diseases in modern times. One thinks of those many traditional bacteria, virus, and fungal infections. However, in present times, a clinician is forced to wonder about immunological diseases and ponder the immune system. Many traditional diseases have been well documented. Detailed studies have carefully delineated the signs of clinical disease that an organism may cause. But in all actuality, does the organism really cause the disease, or does the organism as an antigenic agent elicit a specialized immune response which indeed may cause great damage to the host. Does the staphylococcus bacteria mediate a disease against the body or does the various antigenic compounds in the structure of the bacteria and its various toxins elicit a specific immune response that may destroy adjacent or involved host tissue. Then we are discussing the processing of foreign materials properly with immune conjugation with tolerance of foreign material without inflicting damage to the host while processing these materials. When treating a specific disease with a specific antibiotic, are you then destroying the bacteria which appears to be overwhelming the host response, or are you merely reducing the foreign antigen and removing its antigenicity and reducing the numbers of antigenic bacteria necessary to elicit this specific immune host tissue reaction. It appears that it is of ultimate importance that the body remains in a state of immune homeostasis, therefore allowing for the proper processing of self antigens and foreign antigens. If this immune homeostasis is altered, then serious self-destructive diseases may occur. The immune system appears to be regulated by the endocrine system and its central point of organization may be mediated through the adrenal axis with central nervous system input through the pituitary, hypothalalmus, and cerebral cortex, etc. Whether agreed to or not, steroids have been as important to clinical veterinary practice as antibiotics. In practice, we all use steroids in various forms for a variety of diseases and generally achieve good results. No one admits to using these substances as frequently as most of us use them, because this is not a popular trend in today’s clinical veterinary medicine. But is this really true? I think not. The experts tell us steroids are usually contraindicated. However, if a practitioner is honest, it becomes quite apparent that steroids are very necessary. Ever since the 1940s when an “X” substance was found at the Mayo Clinic and this research effort sequelled because this substance was bad,” steroids have often remained in the realm of unacceptable therapy. With the many uses of steroids and many lifesaving qualities produced by this drug, one wonders if this multipurpose hormone is not one of the most important substances in the body! I believe that cortisol is the mediator of endocrine immune surveillance. I have often wondered if we as practitioners, in giving a patient a steriod, might not merely be replacing in the body a synthetic hormone which acts as a replacement substance, which due to genetic defect or acquired damage does not occur in proper amounts. A number of years ago, began looking at the adrenal gland for signs of clinical disease. By this time, veterinary pathologists had noted varying degrees of adrenal histopathology often not correlated with clinical disease. With the development and availability of more recent and more direct immunological methods and procedures, I have found good evidence that adrenal disorders exist clinically in veterinary practice and differ from the classic Addisonian and Cushing syndromes. It is important to understand the anatomy of the adrenal cortex. The adrenal cortex is composed of three basic layers. The most superficial zone is the zona glomerulosa which produces aldosterone, which is necessary for the reabsorption of sodium and the excretion of potassium. The zone is primarily controlled by the reninangiotensin system. This zone is only slightly responsive to ACTH. In man it is suspicioned that ACTH may have a supportive effect on the zona glomerulosa, but chronic ACTH deficiency apparently does not alter the responsiveness of this layer. The zona fasciculata produces cortisol for glucocorticoid action and I feel is involved clinically, at least in part, in endocrine immune surveillance. This zone is the target area for ACTH and proper cortisol production is necessary to activate the negative feedback mechanisms to the pituitary. The cortisol occurs in two major forms. Cortisol may be bound to albumen, which is biologically active and essential for activation of the anterior pituitary negative feedback system. Cortisol may be bound to an alpha globulin as transcortin which is biologically inactive for the most part. Interestingly enough, of the total cortisol produced, 5% is in the biologically active state and 95% is in the bound form. Resting blood cortisol levels and ACTH stimulated blood cortisol levels are often measured by radioimmunoassay, which measures total cortisol (free and bound). Theoretically speaking, when resting and stimulated blood cortisol levels occur in proper amounts at the time of testing, are they really normal? The ratio between free and bound cortisol may be abnormal. Adrenal disease may be present therefore, even with normal test levels. With an incorrect ratio between active and bound cortisol, the negative feedback mechanism to the anterior pituitary gland is definitely damaged. It is important to remember that naturally occurring active steroids must have a hydroxyl group at the eleventh position to inhibit ACTH release. It may be necessary to collect 24 hour urine production from a patient to determine the ratio between bound cortisol and biologically active cortisol. The innermost layer of the adrenal cortex is the zona reticularis, which is under the control of ACTH and is responsible for the production of estrogens, androgens, and prostiglandins. In the human being, almost all androgen production in the female occurs in this layer. In the male, two-thirds of the androgen production occurs in the zona reticularis. If this is true in the canine, which I believe it is, then when a complete ovariohysterectomy is performed and a state of urinary incontinence occurs at a later time, there is certainly reason to suspect the zona reticularis is not producing sufficient amounts of the proper hormone. Cystic ovarian disease is certainly suspect and may be primarily or secondarily associated with this layer and may also have an influence or be associated with the zona fasciculata. With production of progesterone from the corpus luteum and concurrent production of estrogenic compounds from the zona reticularis, it becomes a little more apparent why pyometra complex might occur. It is of utmost importance to understand some of the interrelationships of the adrenal cycles. The adrenal stimulation cycle may originate in the adrenal cortex due to diurnal factors or stress producing neural secretions (Figure 1). These and other secretions act upon the hypothalamus to release Corticotropic Releasing Factor (CRF). CRF acts upon the anterior pituitary to cause the release of ACTH. ACTH causes the release of cortisol from the zona fasciculata. If cortisol production is normal, and proper amounts of cortisol occur in the free state, then the negative feedback mechanism functions to stop further ACTH release (Figure 3). If, however, the zona fasciculata is malfunctioning and either the ratio of cortisol production between the active or bound state is incorrect, or the actual quantity of cortisol is depressed, then the negative feedback system is damaged and ACTH secretion continues (Figure 4). The ACTH then causes further secretion of estrogens, androgens, and prostiglandins from the zona reticularis. The significance of this phenomenon is that estrogens and prostiglandins cause biologically active cortisol to go into the bound state as transcortin and therefore cause further damage to the negative feedback system with the anterior pituitary. The estrogen and prostiglandins act then on a positive feedback system to the hypothalamus by causing secretion of CRF. One can then begin to imagine, if active cortisol is necessary for the proper endocrine feedback schemes to function normally, then certain natural phenomenon may act to cause dysfunction. If a female canine begins its estrus cycle, and has a genetically induced adrenal disorder, then the estrogens produced during the cycle may shift the active cortisol into transcortin, and then a certain degree of endocrine-immune surveillance is lost. Hypersensitivity diseases may occur due to a hyperactivity of the immune system because cortisol has been bound and is not as available. A male canine might be stimulated by a female in estrus, and due to increased prostiglandin production, cause a transcortin shift with loss of surveillance and increased immune hypersensitivity. Any disease process, trauma, emotional stress, etc., that damages or fatigues the zona fasciculata can lead to a loss of endocrine-immune surveillance. (Note: Steroids occurring in low levels directly suppress or lyse T-Iymphocytes without effect on the B-lymphocytes, but in higher concentrations may cause suppression of both B and T lymphocytes. In many of the cases we have studied, B and T lymphocytes population are normal, however, the cortisol production is not. Therefore, one can begin to understand how a myriad of environmental conditions can change cortisol levels and concurrently alter the regulation of the populations of B and T lymphocytes. The overall process is certainly much more complex than the above, however, the basics are applicable.) It is of ultimate importance to realize that estrogens and prostiglandins also cause a shift of certain thyroid compounds to a bound state and thereby may cause a change in the overall metabolic rate. This effect may explain why certain patients are less responsive or non-responsive to classic drug therapy. This may be part of the reason we find one-fourth to one-third of all hypothyroid canines with normal T3 and T4 levels, (Note: In man with subclinical adrenal damage, a state of hyperthermia may exist.) I have noted this same finding with our studies also. The further one proceeds with this scheme of endocrine immune surveillance, the more it becomes apparent that this is a multisystem scheme of great complexity. It appears that cortisol is necessary for catecholamine synthesis in the adrenal medulla, brain, spinal cord, and other nervous tissue (Figure 2). Synthesis of epinephrine at proper levels acts as a negative feedback mechanism involving Corticotrophic Releasing Factor and ACTH. Therefore, if the zona fasciculata is impaired, then cortisol levels are decreased. If catecholamine synthesis is reduced or inhibited then ACTH release is increased due to the damaged negative feedback system from epinephrine and cortisol (Figure 5). Resultant increased estrogen and prostiglandin then further reinforces the cyclic damage. The resultant effect again is the loss of endocrine-immune surveillance. (Note: One might then imagine that with people and animals undergoing great emotional stress, with persistent over-production and synthesis of epinephrine, the cortisol levels would be decreased due to a fatigue of the zona fasciculata with loss of endocrine-immune surveillance, with resultant production of disease.) I believe that many diseases can be involved primarily or secondarily with adrenal gland disorders. It Is interesting to speculate that the difference between allergy and severe auto-immune diseases and tumors, at least in part, may be the difference of degrees of adrenal malfunction. A tumor, therefore, may merely be an end product due to loss of endocrine-immune surveillance mediated through a multisystem malfunction involving the adrenals, pituitary, thyroid, hypothalamus, cerebral cortex, immune system, and improperly processed foreign and/or self antigens. I further believe that generalized demodecosis, immune complex, or auto-immune diseases, certain endocrine diseases and tumors, have at least in part, one common denominator, which is a damaged adrenal cortex. Summary The actual theory of endocrine-immune surveillance indicates that cortisol, produced by the zona fasciculata is the mediator substance for endocrine-immune surveillance. This substance, through its production and modification, acts to regulate, control, and function as the link between the endocrine and immune systems. The other related layers of the adrenal cortex act to further modify the cortisol as a mediator substance and add further centralized regulatory functions for other related systems. Concerning the theory and the diagrammed cycles, one may further understand that stress can cause increased epinephrine synthesis which may consume and fatigue cortisol production and damage the negative feedback system. The hypothalamic pituitary direct feedback cycles stimulate the zona reticularis which produces and releases estrogens and prostiglandins which further bind active cortisol into bound transcortin which further damages the endocrine-immune surveillance. Certain thyroid compounds are also bound by the estrogen, etc. An overall unresponsive state of immune hyperactivity may then exist with partial to total loss of endocrine-immune surveillance. Many severe immune mediated diseases appear to be primarily or secondarily involved with the adrenal gland. Generalized demodecosis appears to be involved with an adrenal malfunction. Our own studies have shown a definite genetic transference of generalized demodecosis, at least in part, through a damaged adrenal cortex. It is of major significance to realize that the degree of damage involving the adrenal cortex may be variable. There are specific disorders involving specific layers of the adrenal cortex. There are definitely a number of diseases that vary from those classic adrenal disorders that we are all familiar with at this time. Normal blood levels may still be produced and measured clinically with severe adrenal damage being present, if enough functional cells remain. Our histopathology and immunopathology studies definitely support this fact. Therefore, normal adrenal test levels do not rule out clinical disease of the gland. The disease may be inherited directly causing early manifestation or may be acquired and develop later in life due to immunological destruction of the adrenal tissue by the host’s own immune system and other diseases. If cortisol then is the mediator of endocrine-immune surveillance, and varying degrees of adrenal mediated diseases are possible, it is interesting to speculate then that mild adrenal dysfunction might manifest itself as an allergy or hypersensitivity disorder and a more severe adrenal dysfunction might lead to a more serious endocrine immune complex malady resulting in auto-antibody disease and tumors. Much more research is needed in this area, particularly involving the endocrine regulation and its influence of the endocrine system with its overall effect on the host.

Beanie Can See!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-iN1-cFLE4k&app=desktop Please click on the link above to view the video about Beanie's experience with SARDS! His owner, Dan Murphy, contacted Dr. Plechner right away and started following his protocol. 60% of Beanie's distant vision came back and 10% or near vision came back and is back to being his little happy self after previously being diagnosed as completely blind by specialists. Such great news for Beanie and Dan

Dr. A.J. Plechner's Case Chart - Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome (SARDS)

------SUCCESSFUL RETURN OF VISION IN 10 CANINE SUDDEN ACQUIRED RETINAL DEGENERATION SYNDROME (SARDS) PATIENTS Author: Dr. A. J. Plechner DVM Email: drplechner1@gmail.com Abstract 33 cases were diagnosed, by board certified veterinary ophthalmologists with canine patients that have Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome (SARDS). Request was made, for the convenience of publication, to reduce the number of SARDS cases to only 10. I have listed those 10 cases but have also listed the other 23 cases that indicate the same endocrine immune imbalances and WHY canine SARDS happens. Initial diagnosis of the 10 cases of canine SARDS, was followed by an endocrine immune blood panel. The study reflected High Total Estrogen in all 10 canines. Eight of the canines had high cortisol (defective or bound but often being diagnosed as Cushing’s syndrome) and low T3 and T4. IgA levels were initially below 58 in 9 canines, causing malabsorption of oral nutrients, supplements, vitamins and medication. IgG and IgM levels were low also in all 10 cases. Once endocrine immune replacement supplementation was begun, endocrine immune levels improved again in all 10 canine patients. Vision was restored to all 10 canines initially diagnosed with Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome. INTRODUCTION At this time, the veterinary profession has not identified the cause of SARDS in canines. However, veterinary researchers agree that SARDS is an autoimmune disease (2,3). Anti-retinal antibodies are not present, so the retinal destruction may be caused by a T- lymphocyte that is no longer regulated by an imbalanced endocrine immune system (2). This endocrine imbalance appears to allow the T- lymphocyte to lose recognition of self-tissue and cause cellular damage to the retinae. An electroretinogram (ERG) is the diagnostic tool of choice once the canine develops a SARDS blindness (4,5). The ERG is usually flat lined with a SARDS canine patient, however there are some very early non-verified reports that once vision has been reestablished in a SARDS canine patent, the repeat ERG may still remain flat lined. If my research data is correct, then either one or more of the sight layers of the retina may be involved as well as the rods and cone, since vision can been restored (1). My clinical studies indicate that the effects of canine SARDS comes from an imbalanced cortisol that is produced by the middle layer, zona fasciculata, of the adrenal cortex (5, 11-15, 18-22). Research has led me to realize that the endocrine system regulates the immune system in canines. My findings show that imbalanced cortisol not recognized by the hypothalamic-pituitary axis leads to a lack of funding of the negative feedback mechanism to the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. When this occurs, the hypothalamus continues to release its corticotrophin hormone, which in turn stimulates the release of the pituitary adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). When the cortisol imbalance is due to a deficiency or due to the production of a defective cortisol, the negative feedback mechanism to the hypothalamic-pituitary axis does not function (23, 24). The continued production of ACTH causes the inner layer adrenal cortex, zona reticularis, to respond as a positive feedback mechanism, which produces an excess amount of adrenal estrogen and adrenal androgen. THIS PAPER DEALS SPECIFICALLY WITH THE INCREASED AMOUNTS OF ADRENAL ESTROGEN. When damage to the production of cortisol occurs from the middle layer adrenal cortex, an elevated amount of adrenal estrogen is produced and I have found the following changes occur: 1) The elevated adrenal estrogen binds the receptor sites for Triiodothyronine (T3) and (Thyroxin) (T4) (6-11-15, 21). 2) The elevated adrenal estrogen deregulates the immune system (5, 6, 9). The effect of which is the T-lymphocyte ceases to function in protecting the patient from viruses and fungi and a loss of recognition of self-tissue occurs, which may lead to autoimmunity, including canine SARDS. The deregulated B-lymphocyte also loses its ability to protect the patient against bacteria and production of proper antibodies in response to vaccines. At the same time, the B-lymphocyte production of immunoglobulins is diminished and as the mucous membrane antibody Immunoglobulin A (IgA) falls below 58 mg/dL, malabsorption of oral nutrients, supplements, vitamins and medication, including steroids may additionally occur (8, 11-15, 18, 22). Unless the IgA level is at 58 mg/dL or higher, replacement hormones will not be absorbed properly by the canine SARDS patient. For the successful diagnosis and return of vision in all of my patients with canine SARDS, it appears to depend upon three events: 1) How well the canine deals with and hides their developing blindness. 2) How soon the owner of a SARDS canine realized that their pet was suffering from reduced vision. 3) How soon the canine SARDS was diagnosed and how soon I was able to correct the patients’ endocrine immune imbalance. MATERIALS I have found that an ERG and a simple blood test help diagnose canine SARDS, along with the other accompanying clinical signs. The ERG was accomplished by referring my SARDS canine patients to veterinary ophthalmologists. If the veterinary ophthalmologists confirmed SARDS, a simple blood serum test was indicated. The blood serum test must include the following: 1) Total estrogen 2) Cortisol (no special time of day is needed to do this test) 3) Total T3 (Triiodothyronine) 4) Total T4 (Thyroxin) 5) Immunoglobulin A 6) Immunoglobulin M 7) Immunoglobulin G METHODS I followed these procedures, as instructed by the veterinary laboratory: 1) The blood sample was taken after fasting from food or medication for 3 to 4 hours. 2) If a repeat test was indicated at a later date, the blood sample was taken at the same time of day. 3) If alcohol was used at the blood draw site, it was made sure the blood draw site was dry before taking the blood sample, otherwise the alcohol would cause hemolysis of the erythrocytes. On a side note, the presence of alcohol with any blood draw will cause hemolysis of the serum sample. 4) Once the blood draw was been completed, the blood tube was laid on its side in a refrigerated unit for 15 minutes in order to help increase the surface area of the sample and enhance clotting. 5) Once this procedure was completed, the blood sample was centrifuged for 10 minutes and refrigerated immediately. 6) In the event the blood sample was not spun down, the sample was sent to the lab only refrigerated, not frozen. 7) In the event the blood sample was spun down and the serum was clear, the sample was frozen. 8) If the spun down serum was hemolyzed, the sample was only refrigerated, not frozen. At this time, I have found only one veterinary laboratory in the United States that tests for total estrogen (a). RESULTS When hormonal therapy was administered to 10 SARDS canines, the endocrine immune values improved, as they regained their sight (Table 1). Detailed information on the actual treatment for SARDS canines is available (b). DISCUSSION The diagnosis and successful treatment of the SARDS canines depended on how rapidly diagnosis was made and treatment plans were begin. I have been involved with enough SARDS canines worldwide to realize that canine SARDS is an autoimmune disease that is caused by an imbalanced or deficient cortisol that is produced by the zona fasciculata of adrenal cortex which leads to the production of excessive adrenal estrogen from the zona reticularis of the adrenal cortex. This increase in the production of adrenal estrogen causes a binding of the receptor sites of the thyroid hormones and also deregulates the immune system. I believe a true pivotal point in the development of canine SARDS comes from the use of monthly insect chemicals. This is not to say that the chemicals are primary in the development of SARDS, but it is to say, the monthly insect chemicals may be a trigger for the imbalance to occur. Abnormal alteration of cortisol production may occur due to altered genetics; exposure to estrogen mimicking chemicals (xenoestrogens); exposure to plant estrogens (phytoestrogens); and exposure to chemical insect repellants, stress, vaccines, anesthetics, toxins, damaging heavy metals, radiation, poor nutrition, lack of exercise, and much more. I personally believe that the Achilles tendon of the body is the middle layer adrenal cortex and its ability, or inability, to produce adequate amounts of active regulatory cortisol. Many of the SARDS canines had elevated amounts of cortisol, but without comparing how the cortisol affects the negative feedback mechanism to the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, it was not determinable whether the measured cortisol level was active or inactive and was utilized by the canine SARDS patient (Figure 1). Cushing’s syndrome produces excess active cortisol. Active cortisol is used to treat autoimmune diseases, including SARDS. Therefore, if a canine patient has Cushing’s syndrome, the patient will not have SARDS. When I diagnosed a case of canine SARDS, there was no reason to perform an ACTH Stimulation or Dexamethasone Suppression Test for Cushing’s syndrome. If the amount of measured cortisol is elevated, and if the cortisol is in an inactive state, it cannot be used by the SARDS canine patient (Figure 2). Once proper hormone therapy was provided, the endocrine immune regulation did return to normal and vision was restored to these 10 SARDS canine patients (Figure 3). I refer to this canine syndrome as Atypical Cortisol Estrogen Imbalance Syndrome (ACEIS).   FOOTNOTES a. National Veterinary Diagnostic Services, 26856 Clark Rd, Waller, TX 77484, http://national-vet.com, email: info@national-vet.com, phone: 281-661-4292 b. Atypical Cortisol Estrogen Imbalance Syndrome Protocol, http://drplechner.com/get-help-for-your-pet/test-procedures-info/atypical-cortisol-estrogen-imbalance-syndrome-protocol * The sooner canine SARDS is diagnosed and treated, the better the chance that viable retinal tissue still remains. Because canine SARDS has been recognized as an autoimmune disease, even if sight does not return, proper replacement supplementation helps stop the development of other autoimmune diseases, including cancer.   REFERENCES 1. Miller P, Galbreath E, Kehren L, Steinberg H. Photoreceptor cell death by apoptosis in dog with sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome. Am. J. Vet Res 1998: 59: 149-152. 2. Keller R, Kania S, Dendrix D, Ward D. Evaluation of canine serum for the presence of anti-retinal autoantibodies in sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome. Vet Ophthalmol 2006: 9: 196-200. 3. Grozdanic, Sinisa, Harper, Mathew M, Kecova, Helga. Antibody-Mediated Retinopathies in Canine Patients – Mechanism and Treatment Modality. Veterinary Clinics of North America. Small Animal Practice. March 2008; 38; 361-387. 4. Electroretinography. U.S. National Library of Medicine. April 2006. 5. Brown M, Mamor M & Vaegan. ISCEV- Standard for Clinical Electro- Oculography (EOG) 2006 at Documenta Ophtlamologica 1133; 206-212. 6. Plechner AJ. Cortisol abnormality as a cause of elevated estrogen and immune destabilization: Insights for human medicine from a veterinary perspective. Medical Hypothesis 2004; 62: 575-581. 7. Plechner AJ. Reproductive Failure in Adrenal-Thyroid-Immune Dysfunction. Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients. December 2008; 80-82 8. Plechner AJ. Importance of IgA. Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients. November 2005; 268; 88-91 9. Plechner AJ. Do Adrenal-Immune Disturbances in Animals and Common Variable Immunodeficiency in Humans Have a Common Cause? Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients. 239; 122-123. 10. Plechner AJ. An Innovative Cancer Therapy That Saves Animals, Can It help Save Humans as Well? Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients. February 2004; 110-118. 11. Plechner AJ. Treating Unrecognized Cortisol Based Imbalances Offers Major Healing Benefits for Multiple Disorders. American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association. 2004; 22 (4); 9-14. 12. Plechner AJ. An Effective Veterinary Model May Offer Therapeutic Promises for Human Conditions. Medical Hypothesis. 2003; 60; 309-314. 13. Plechner AJ. Unrecognized Endocrine Immune Defects in Multiple Diseases. Medical Hypothesis. March 2003. 14 Plechner AJ. Preliminary Observations on Endocrine - Associated Immunodeficiency In Dogs - A Clinician Explores The Relationship of Immunodeficiency to Endocrinopathy. Modern Veterinary Practice. October 1979; 811-815. 15. Plechner AJ. Theory of Endocrine Immune Surveillance. California Veterinarian. January 1979; 12-15. 16. Plechner AJ, Shannon, Epstein, Goldstein & Howard. Endocrine Immune Surveillance. Pulse, June July 1978. 17. Plechner AJ, Shannon M. Canine Immune Complex Diseases. Modern Veterinary Practice, November 1976; 917. 18. Jeffries MK. Safe Uses of Cortisol Third Edition. Charles C. Thomas Publisher, Ltd. Springfield. 2004. 19. Marik PE. Adrenal-exhaustion syndrome in patients with liver disease (abstract). Intensive Care Medicine 2006; 32: 275-280. 20. Selye H. The Stress of Life Revised Edition. McGraw-Hill, Incorporated: New York. 1976. 21. Hart JE. Endocrine pathology of estrogens: species differences (abstract). Pharmacology Therapeutics. 1990; 47: 203-218. 22. Blum M, Zacharovich D, Pery J, Kitai E. Lowering effect of estrogen treatment on immunoglobulins in menopausal women (abstract). Revue française degynecologie et d’obstetrique. 1990; 4: 2078. 23. Bayarri, VM, Sancho S, Campos R, Faus R, Simon JM, Porcar E, Tormo C, Hernandez A. The euthyroid sick syndrome in severe acute illness (abstract). Presse Medical. 2007; 36: 1550-1556. 24. Cohen J, Ward G, Prins J, Jones, Venkatesh B. Variability of cortisol assays can confound the diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency in the critically ill population (abstract). Intensive Care Medicine. 32; 1901-1905.   ILLUSTRATIONS Figure 1: This diagram shows normal relationships and feedback activity between the adrenal cortex and the hypothalamus and pituitary, and in turn, a healthy regulatory influence on the immune system. Figure 2: Genetic and toxicity factors can interfere with cortisol production, triggering excess ACTH and estrogen release. Cortisol deficiency is aggravated, thyroid function affected, and the immune system destabilized. Figure 3: Correction of cortisol deficit with cortisol replacement therapy restores normal hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal relationships and immune system integrity.   CLINICAL CASE STUDIES OF RETURNED SIGHT IN 10 SARDS CANINES WITH EARLY ENDOCRINE IMMUNE REPLACEMENT SUPPLEMENTATION * All Patients Began Treatment With Flat Line ERG’s By Dr. A.J. Plechner, DVM Case Breed Sex, DOB Collection Date Total Estrogen Cortisol T3 T4 IgA IgG IgM Female (Normal Values) Male ( Normal Values) Units of Measurement 30-35 20-25 pg/ml 1-2.5 1-2.5 ug/dL 100-200 100-200 ng/dL 2-4.5 2-4.5 ng/dL 100-200 100-200 mg/ml 1000-2000 1000-2000 mg/ml 100-200 100-200 mg/ml 1 American Dingo Female 9/19/06 1/23/14 3/27/14 35.17 35.11 3.10 0.86 64.53 109.58 0.82 2.65 53 59 712 843 72 85 2 Maltese Male 10/15/03 10/27/14 12/19/14 25.19 25.15 4.63 0.68 108.11 86.99 2.39 1.64 51 55 716 768 70 76 3 Miniature Poodle Female S 3/15/93 2/01/09 4/18/09 35.29 35.13 7.51 1.74 89.94 134.72 1.22 4.65 48 58 816 941 83 96 4 Bearded Collie Male 7/03/03 10/17/14 10/18/14 11/21/14 12/18/14 1/22/15 2/05/15 25.21 25.19 25.13 25.11 25.12 25.09 4.29 4.01 0.82 0.94 0.82 0.72 56.84 77.15 143.94 77.68 88.57 107.14 0.73 1.27 4.70 0.98 1.53 2.33 50 51 57 59 58 61 712 720 802 842 832 868 70 71 79 83 83 87 5 Yorkshire Terrier Female 10/15/08 4/25/13 8/30/13 5/30/14 35.14 35.06 34.98 0.82 0.87 3.06 78.94 138.61 135.57 1.30 4.39 3.94 56 64 73 753 894 1082 74 90 105 6 Jack Russell Terrier Female S 1/28/04 6/07/13 7/26/13 8/23/13 12/4/14 35.17 35.13 35.14 35.11 6.15 0.83 0.87 0.85 84.94 95.24 72.97 168.94 1.55 1.92 1.03 5.69 53 57 56 59 768 803 782 832 75 79 77 81 7 Cocker Spaniel Male 4/16/05 4/01/14 5/09/14 6/20/14 25.21 25.18 24.17 6.38 0.77 0.58 47.31 53.74 54.05 0.51 0.58 0.59 49 52 53 684 736 740 68 72 73 8 Dachshund Male N 1/01/07 9/07/13 9/24/13 11/5/13 2/12/14 4/08/14 11/4/14 25.18 25.14 25.10 25.08 25.03 25.05 7.97 0.62 0.65 0.74 1.04 0.68 56.22 67.83 115.58 86.54 132.14 137.82 0.69 0.97 2.62 1.40 3.75 3.96 52 56 60 62 67 65 729 774 843 861 968 927 73 76 82 85 97 93 9 Wirehaired Dachshund Male N 4/01/06 5/02/14 5/16/14 25.07 25.04 1.83 1.35 98.43 133.92 2.03 3.85 63 66 901 942 89 93 10 Maltese Female 3/09/03 11/07/14 11/29/14 12/20/14 35.20 35.15 35.12 7.54 3.51 1.51 57.89 127.64 78.52 1.13 3.39 1.03 50 55 58 706 784 815 69 77 80 CLINICAL CASE STUDIES OF RETURNED SIGHT IN 33 SARDS CANINES WITH EARLY ENDOCRINE IMMUNE REPLACEMENT SUPPLEMENTATION * All Patients Began Treatment With Flat Line ERG’s By Dr. A.J. Plechner, DVM Total Estrogen Cortisol T3 T4 IgA IgG IgM Units of Measure pg/mL ug/dL ng/dL ug/dL mg/dL mg/dL mg/dL Normal Values M Low 20.00 1.00 100.00 2.00 70 1000 100 High 25.00 2.50 200.00 4.50 170 2000 200 F Low 30.00 1.00 100.00 2.00 70 1000 100 High 35.00 2.50 200.00 4.50 170 2000 200 Breed Sex DOB Collection Date Total Estrogen Cortisol T3 T4 IgA IgG IgM American Dingo F 9/19/2006 1/23/2014 35.17 3.10 64.53 0.82 53 712 72 3/27/2014 35.11 0.86 109.58 2.65 59 843 85 Maltese M 10/15/2003 10/27/2014 25.19 4.63 108.11 2.39 51 716 70 12/19/2014 25.15 0.68 86.99 1.64 55 768 76 Maltese F 1/21/2003 9/27/2012 35.15 3.03 162.11 5.61 55 783 77 10/17/2012 35.13 1.65 166.24 6.67 57 816 81 11/29/2012 35.09 1.81 150.16 4.63 61 861 86 1/18/2013 35.04 0.92 146.19 4.35 66 936 94 2/21/2013 35.03 0.98 141.58 4.21 67 958 96 3/21/2013 35.02 2.46 148.92 6.24 68 981 98 8/16/2013 35.02 1.96 159.82 7.34 68 987 99 10/18/2013 35.01 2.88 152.03 5.48 69 1002 99 3/20/2014 34.98 1.45 109.94 2.45 72 1061 107 Min Pin F 3/01/2003 3/14/2013 35.13 2.20 56.14 0.57 57 830 82 5/02/2013 35.10 0.82 60.13 0.78 60 864 85 11/15/2013 35.06 0.93 122.15 2.92 64 938 92 8/15/2014 35.03 2.35 139.68 6.97 67 952 95 Terrier Mix F 1/08/2009 4/29/2014 35.17 2.86 78.59 1.16 53 742 73 5/23/2014 35.14 0.59 82.57 1.32 56 779 78 6/05/2014 35.10 1.19 81.16 1.25 60 843 82 6/27/2014 35.06 2.68 126.42 2.99 64 931 92 7/18/2014 35.03 0.92 131.58 3.92 67 962 96 8/08/2014 35.01 1.10 152.16 6.07 69 989 99 8/29/2014 35.00 2.17 148.22 5.71 70 1013 100 9/19/2014 35.01 2.91 147.92 5.70 69 994 100 10/10/2014 35.00 2.35 145.16 4.97 70 1015 100 10/30/2014 35.01 0.74 136.84 3.57 69 989 100 11/20/2014 35.01 0.69 113.52 2.76 69 984 99 1/08/2015 35.02 0.86 107.25 2.29 68 984 99 2/05/2015 35.04 0.81 82.14 1.23 66 943 95 Min. Poodle S 3/15/1993 2/01/2009 35.29 7.51 89.94 1.22 48 816 83 4/18/2009 35.13 1.74 134.72 4.65 58 941 96 Maltese N 6/09/2006 1/27/2012 25.17 1.88 56.12 0.67 52 781 79 8/01/2012 25.13 1.43 66.27 0.89 57 884 87 8/06/2013 25.07 1.75 109.89 2.37 63 926 94 4/02/2014 25.09 1.77 78.91 1.26 61 882 87 1/10/2015 25.04 2.02 62.03 1.01 66 937 94 Total Estrogen Cortisol T3 T4 IgA IgG IgM Units of Measure pg/mL ug/dL ng/dL ug/dL mg/dL mg/dL mg/dL Normal Values M Low 20.00 1.00 100.00 2.00 70 1000 100 High 25.00 2.50 200.00 4.50 170 2000 200 F Low 30.00 1.00 100.00 2.00 70 1000 100 High 35.00 2.50 200.00 4.50 170 2000 200 Breed Sex DOB Collection Date Total Estrogen Cortisol T3 T4 IgA IgG IgM Greyhound M 6/01/2011 3/18/2014 25.20 6.20 51.22 0.47 49 694 70 4/04/2014 25.18 0.67 53.61 0.52 52 718 71 Greyhound N 6/01/2011 2/25/2014 25.18 2.62 51.12 0.48 51 731 72 3/18/2014 25.15 0.82 63.84 0.91 55 772 76 4/04/2014 25.14 0.86 58.67 0.73 56 788 77 Malamute/Shep S 6/21/2008 8/16/2013 35.13 1.97 86.24 1.66 57 784 77 9/11/2013 35.10 1.59 82.05 1.43 60 836 84 10/11/2013 35.09 0.88 126.84 3.36 61 868 87 1/31/2014 35.05 1.09 124.16 3.14 65 938 94 8/15/2014 35.03 3.20 132.91 3.93 67 972 96 11/21/2014 35.02 1.47 87.89 1.57 68 968 97 Yorkshire Terr. F 10/15/2008 4/25/2013 35.14 0.82 78.94 1.30 56 753 74 8/30/2013 35.06 0.87 138.61 4.39 64 894 90 5/30/2014 34.98 3.06 135.57 3.94 73 1082 105 Chow Mix N 8/25/2002 5/07/2013 25.17 0.53 128.94 2.99 53 741 73 8/02/2013 25.13 0.62 109.89 2.21 57 816 82 2/25/2014 25.06 0.78 143.22 5.24 64 921 93 Dachshund N 1/01/2006 4/05/2014 25.17 1.86 57.63 0.63 53 742 72 8/01/2014 25.13 0.68 110.64 2.80 57 773 78 2/05/2015 25.07 1.92 143.67 5.48 63 906 89 Dachshund S 1/14/2005 12/13/2014 35.18 5.38 84.62 1.54 52 736 73 1/27/2015 35.15 1.32 72.04 0.91 55 762 75 2/13/2015 35.11 0.96 94.27 1.83 59 843 85 Jack Russell Terrier S 1/28/2004 6/07/2013 35.17 6.15 84.94 1.55 53 768 75 7/26/2013 35.13 0.83 95.24 1.92 57 803 79 8/23/2013 35.14 0.87 72.97 1.03 56 782 77 12/4/2014 35.11 0.85 168.94 5.69 59 832 81 Schnauzer N 4/16/2006 1/30/2014 25.19 0.60 64.91 0.87 51 726 72 9/09/2014 25.03 1.46 112.49 2.71 67 958 96 Bichon Frise S 6/18/2009 10/17/2014 35.18 6.12 137.94 4.00 51 723 71 11/11/2014 35.15 1.74 89.92 1.36 55 764 77 Wolf/Malamute Mix M 5/01/2002 10/8/2008 25.37 1.45 56.92 1.58 43 712 56 11/1/2008 25.31 47 11/13/2008 25.19 60 1/17/2009 25.07 1.54 89.52 1.69 62 953 87 6/28/2009 25.03 3.01 142.13 4.67 66 994 97 8/19/2010 25.04 1.93 83.26 2.37 64 961 97 3/17/2011 24.98 1.33 113.92 2.38 71 1085 103 3/15/2012 25.04 0.79 109.97 2.41 66 972 98 3/14/2013 25.03 1.38 78.12 1.31 67 982 99 11/21/2014 25.02 0.82 101.03 2.01 68 984 98 Wirehaired Dachshund N 4/01/2006 5/02/2014 25.07 1.83 98.43 2.03 63 901 89 5/16/2014 25.04 1.35 133.92 3.85 66 942 93 6/13/2014 1.33 72 Total Estrogen Cortisol T3 T4 IgA IgG IgM Units of Measure pg/mL ug/dL ng/dL ug/dL mg/dL mg/dL mg/dL Normal Values M Low 20.00 1.00 100.00 2.00 70 1000 100 High 25.00 2.50 200.00 4.50 170 2000 200 F Low 30.00 1.00 100.00 2.00 70 1000 100 High 35.00 2.50 200.00 4.50 170 2000 200 Breed Sex DOB Collection Date Total Estrogen Cortisol T3 T4 IgA IgG IgM Cocker Spaniel N 4/16/2005 4/01/2014 25.21 6.38 47.31 0.51 49 684 68 5/09/2014 25.18 0.77 53.74 0.58 52 736 72 6/20/2014 25.17 0.58 54.05 0.59 53 740 73 Maltese S 3/09/2003 11/7/2014 35.20 7.54 57.89 1.13 50 706 69 11/29/2014 35.15 3.51 127.64 3.39 55 784 77 12/20/2014 35.12 1.51 78.52 1.03 58 815 80 Bearded Collie M 7/03/2003 10/17/2014 25.21 4.29 56.84 0.73 50 712 70 10/18/2014 25.19 4.01 77.15 1.27 51 720 71 11/21/2014 25.13 0.82 143.94 4.70 57 802 79 12/18/2014 25.11 0.94 77.68 0.98 59 842 83 1/22/2015 25.12 0.82 88.57 1.53 58 832 83 2/05/2015 25.09 0.72 107.14 2.33 61 868 87 Westie S 5/13/2004 5/17/2013 35.17 0.56 58.93 0.92 52 731 72 7/24/2013 35.15 0.66 68.22 1.36 55 761 75 9/04/2013 35.14 0.73 68.37 1.38 56 767 76 10/25/2013 35.09 0.68 129.88 3.49 61 854 86 12/4/2013 35.10 0.62 135.12 4.08 60 831 82 2/07/2014 35.08 0.78 143.67 4.95 62 894 90 5/09/2014 35.03 2.01 108.99 2.47 67 943 93 Aruba Island Dog S 6/01/2003 7/03/2013 35.20 0.53 52.07 0.46 50 689 69 8/08/2013 35.16 0.62 117.58 2.76 54 761 75 8/28/2013 35.14 0.68 116.99 2.76 56 778 78 10/11/2013 35.12 0.67 136.64 4.43 58 804 79 11/27/2013 35.13 0.65 141.93 7.06 57 784 77 7/31/2014 35.06 2.65 68.68 1.09 64 889 87 Brussels Griffon N 7/25/2007 2/17/2014 25.15 3.12 87.62 1.72 55 743 73 3/07/2014 25.11 0.67 124.44 3.29 59 792 78 4/04/2014 25.13 0.64 101.89 2.03 57 771 76 4/25/2014 25.13 0.62 82.31 1.43 57 780 77 5/16/2014 25.11 0.65 100.84 1.99 59 789 78 5/30/2014 25.10 0.72 94.31 1.86 60 814 80 6/27/2014 25.06 0.91 152.94 6.39 64 924 93 7/25/2014 25.03 5.01 178.61 8.86 67 968 97 9/26/2014 25.01 2.81 153.61 4.81 69 984 99 12/5/2014 25.08 8.65 184.49 6.84 66 894 88 12/12/2014 25.04 2.36 173.22 6.73 67 952 95 12/31/2014 25.03 3.64 142.13 3.06 67 968 97 Chihuahua Mix S 1/01/2005 7/11/2013 35.13 2.77 94.64 1.92 57 791 77 10/17/2013 35.09 3.44 169.47 10.68 61 852 85 1/24/2014 35.06 2.62 162.14 10.03 64 922 91 4/11/2014 35.04 0.53 153.91 7.71 66 948 95 9/18/2014 35.02 1.08 154.05 7.34 68 978 98 Total Estrogen Cortisol T3 T4 IgA IgG IgM Units of Measure pg/mL ug/dL ng/dL ug/dL mg/dL mg/dL mg/dL Normal Values M Low 20.00 1.00 100.00 2.00 70 1000 100 High 25.00 2.50 200.00 4.50 170 2000 200 F Low 30.00 1.00 100.00 2.00 70 1000 100 High 35.00 2.50 200.00 4.50 170 2000 200 Breed Sex DOB Collection Date Total Estrogen Cortisol T3 T4 IgA IgG IgM Dachshund N 1/01/2007 9/07/2013 25.18 7.97 56.22 0.69 52 729 73 9/24/2013 25.14 0.62 67.83 0.97 56 774 76 11/5/2013 25.10 0.65 115.58 2.62 60 843 82 2/12/2014 25.08 0.74 86.54 1.40 62 861 85 4/08/2014 25.03 1.04 132.14 3.75 67 968 97 11/4/2014 25.05 0.68 137.82 3.96 65 927 93 Jack Russell Mix N 6/20/2005 3/12/2014 25.19 3.54 61.23 0.68 51 706 70 4/18/2014 25.15 0.80 82.14 1.49 55 768 77 6/11/2014 25.09 1.53 152.13 4.49 61 843 83 10/23/2014 25.03 1.80 104.64 2.20 67 971 96 1/27/2015 25.05 0.68 112.13 2.74 65 943 94 Maltese F 2/02/2006 7/24/2013 35.20 0.44 114.38 2.54 50 703 69 9/09/2013 35.22 0.98 129.94 3.30 52 731 72 9/12/2013 35.16 0.84 94.67 1.87 54 753 74 10/10/2013 59 1/16/2014 34.98 1.35 135.34 3.83 73 1105 109 6/07/2014 35.06 0.78 130.15 3.25 64 932 94 Maltese M 10/15/2003 10/27/2014 25.19 4.63 108.11 2.39 51 716 70 12/19/2014 25.15 0.68 86.99 1.64 55 768 76 Pug S 6/27/2005 1/21/2014 35.18 0.68 67.94 1.28 52 739 74 2/19/2014 35.16 0.73 77.86 1.51 54 761 75 3/25/2014 35.11 0.89 142.66 5.08 59 854 86 Shih Tzu F 7/11/2004 5/10/2014 35.19 2.52 66.84 0.83 51 739 72 6/13/2014 35.16 0.83 68.98 0.87 54 772 76 BviHany M 9/17/2006 9/19/2014 25.18 3.47 51.77 0.54 52 734 73 10/15/2014 25.15 0.87 82.13 1.42 55 772 76 11/7/2014 25.10 0.64 109.89 2.67 60 843 85 11/26/2014 25.06 0.75 138.96 4.65 64 928 92 1/09/2015 25.04 0.85 134.66 4.01 66 958 96

Shasta is more playful than ever and does have some vision!

On January 4th, a long-time friend of Shasta's had come to visit for 3 weeks. He is a little Bulldog named Tucker who Shasta used to play with when they were both puppies. I may have mentioned that Shasta has become somewhat picky in who she plays with as she has gotten older and isn't necessarily as submissive as she used to be. So I kept her apart from Tucker until all three dogs got comfortable. As I put Shasta outside while the other two dogs played in the kitchen, I saw Shasta looking through the sliding glass window and her head and eyes followed the other two dogs as they played and moved across the kitchen floor. I was very excited to see this, although I know myself that there have been instances and proof that Shasta can still see in the distance as she does things on walks and when we are outside that I can tell she can see something. I was more excited for my husband to witness it! She has gone from laying around and being a little mopey from when she first lost her vision, to now playing with her sister, even playing keep away with her ball, teasing me by pulling on my shirt when she is tired of me working in the afternoons. Shasta has always loved the water. She has gone to lakes, rivers, beaches, swimming pools, baby pools, and bathtubs without apprehension. When she first lost her vision though, she became apprehensive of getting into the bathtub. I think mainly because it was a shower tub and had the sliding door which made her entry a little more difficult. After some coaxing though she would always climb in with some assistance. Well the other night after we all went to bed, I heard some rumbling around in our bathroom. I told my husband I think that Shasta had climbed into the bathtub and he was sure I was wrong. I turned on the lights and she had climbed in and layed down in the tub. She used to do this when she was a puppy as she liked to lay in the cool tub. Also, the other day I had turned on the shower for myself and walked away just for a second. Shasta thought it was a clear indication of her bath time and jumped in before I could tell her no! So she got an extra bath! : ) There are many things that she does now that a dog or a human just would not do freely if they could not see at all. I will try to post more as they occur. When I go to clean her ears and use a flashlight, for awhile she would not flinch or look away from the light coming at her, but the other day she did. I'm no longer devastated that Shasta has lost some vision as she is a very happy dog and that's all that really matters, however, knowing that she is not totally in the dark and that she even has some distance vision gives me peace of mind. If it weren't for trusting Dr. Plechner, I don't know what kind of condition Shasta would be in today and I'm thankful every day that I contacted him when I first discovered Shasta had SARDS.

It's Always Something - November 2014 - calcinosis cutis???

I was petting Shasta and felt something like a scab on her skin. I checked it out and it definitely looked like a scab at first. Then it kind of looked like a rash. Her skin looked dry. The next day when I checked it out it had spread pretty rapidly on her back close to her spine area. I was freaking out. I put Animin Clay on her back for about a week and by this time it had spread all down her back.

It didn't bother her at all, she didn't lick or scratch at it. But I was freaking out trying figure out what this was. I sent pics to Dr. Plechner and he had his ideas as to what it was, but sent me to my local vet who confirmed it was calcinosis cutis, which can be caused by steroids. The vet said the skin would not heal and would always be rough. I had shaved Shasta's back so I could clean it better and keep it from getting infected. The vet said her hair would not grow back in those areas and there is no treatment for the calcinosis, but advised to lower the dosage of Medrol presribed by Dr. Plechner. Instead I got another blood panel done (EI-1 panel) and sent the results to Dr. P. Shasta's thyroid had significanly lowered in the past month so we did not decrease her Medrol dose, but increased her Thyroxine by just a little bit and she started acting like a spring chicken immediately after. Dr. P also prescribed DMSO as a topical treatment for the calcinosis. I couldn't find this anywhere in local stores so I bought the gel from Amazon online. This stuff worked like a charm! It does stink pretty bad and the dogs will try to lick it so I had to put Shasta's water vest on her to prevent that. : ) I then had to bath her every coupld of days and get all the dead skin that peels off her from the DMSO, but she didn't mind at all. After a few weeks her back has cleared up and her fur has grown back where I shaved her as well. It is rare that calcinosis cutis occurs in a patient that has been shown to be cortisol imbalanced, but if it does happen, the cortisol replacement definitely needs to be continued so the original disease does not reoccur. The local areas of calcinosis cutis, need to be treated daily with DMSO topically,.until the lesion is no longer present. Again, I really do love my local vet and I know they have Shasta's best interest, but I will always go to Dr. Plechner for final advice and opinion as this man knows his stuff and would never suggest anything that would harm animals.

Life is Full of Little Suprises! July 2014

Right after Shasta's surgery and the day before we left for vacation in San Diego, we got a call from my step son's girlfriend. Her brother had adopted a little Husky puppy, but didn't realize how much work it would be to take care of her and really did not have an appropriate home for her. She ended up breaking her leg while tied up in the backyard and was now in need of medical attention. We had been thinking of getting Shasta a little sister, but were very worried about a young dog, especially a puppy, being too hyper around Shasta and were fearful of her safety and how she would take to the situation. This little girl looked so small and helpless though we had to take her in and get her leg fixed. But we were leaving for San Diego the next day... So we took her in and had the surgery done (4 screws and 2 pins in her back leg) and my step son and his girl friend took care of her during that week while we were gone. It was very difficult to be away while we knew she needed us, but she was in good hands, and pretty sedated for the most part.

When we got home from San Diego, Roxy was hobbling around and very excited to see us. She was very interested in her new big sister and Shasta was excited to meet her too. But while her leg was broken, it was best to keep them separate via Roxy's new kennel (in the house) and Shasta would lay next to it to keep her company. We still did not know how this would go once the cast came off and Roxy was going to be newly free, hyper little puppy. The cast stayed on for 8 weeks, then it took another week or so for the area to heal from the screws and pins. But once those two were actually able to play together, they loved each other at once. Shasta took quite awhile to really unleash her playfulness on Roxy. I think SHE was nervous she was going to hurt HER! and my fear was the Roxy would unintentionally hurt Shasta since she was blind. As Roxy has grown to almost the same size they play all the time. Shasta couldn't be happier.

Shasta's Trip to San Diego July 10, 2014

Shortly after Shasta's surgery to extract the stuffed animals she ate (June 10, 2014), we were going to San Diego for a softball tournament/vacation. Shasta usually loves the beach and she really loves softball games! We took her absolutely everywhere as San Diego is one of the most dog friendly cities around. We shopped at Seaport Village, went to Ocean Beach and even to the boardwalk. Shasta got lots of attention. People came up to her frequently and I had to tell them she was blind as it really isn't very noticeable. Some people even asked if they could get their picture taken with her and she was obliged. : ) She is one of the most loving and best travel

companions there is.

Shasta's Ravenous Appetite got her into some Trouble

Shasta had been doing quite well on her raw food diet, although depending on what she would get into would determine her overall health. Shasta is very tall and can reach countertops and trash cans. We try to be diligent in putting things away and out of reach, but it is not always possible with kids, guests, etc. I had noticed that her determination to get to human food had become very strong in recent months and have had to reach in her mouth to grab something she shouldn't be eating quite a few times, but I NEVER thought at her age (5 at the time) that I would have to keep her stuffed toys away from her. One day I took her to visit my parents, who have a little dog and lots of toys that Shasta loves to play with. She literally has a field day and gramma and grampa's house! Well all the sudden she went from squeaking one of the toys to suddenly devouring it before I could stop her. I was advised to feed her 2 pieces of dry bread a few times a day between meals (because she takes her meds and enzymes with meals and we don't want her absorbing the stuffed animal), for several days and to watch her stool. Several days and weeks, and even a month or two had passed and never saw anything in her stool. She acted normal so I figured the acids in her stomach had dissolved it or something. One night she suddenly started vomit and was having very dark, runny stool. I took her to the vet and the Xrays showed an obstruction. Low and behold there were actually 2 stuffed animals in Shasta's tummy and had to be extracted.

This not only cost more than a pretty penny, but was a very invasive procedure for Shasta. She handled it like a champ though. The procedure was successful and she had immediate relief. The doctors were very nervous of the fact that she was on long term steroids and therefore were apprehensive about doing the surgery right away. Dr. Plechner confirmed that their fears were not necessary and we had them proceed. Shasta bounced back right away! We ended up increasing her dose of Medrol after another EI-1 panel and this helped to alleviate her ravenous appetite!

"Skittles - A Benefit to Herself" a beautifully written story by a wonderful dog owner!

This is an example of Dr. Plechner's heart and practice that stems for his love for animals and their owners! Please read this triumphant story if you wonder about the quality of life for your pet and what you can do to improve their health or to make the right decision for your pet! http://www.jesusjazzbuddhism.org/she-is-a-benefit-to-herself-the-value-of-being-alive.html

Dr. John R. Lee, M.D. - Medical Newsletter with insights from experts in the Endocrinology field

Dr. Lee was an endocrinologist and published "Medical Letters" for years. In his 2003 letter he lists experts in his field and below is the excerpt he published from Dr. Plechner. To read more of Dr. Lee's letters and research, please Google "The John R. Lee, M.D. Medical Letter - Insights, Opinions, News and Reviews from John Lee and Friends." EXPERTS IN THE FIELD IS YOUR PET'S HEALTH SUFFERING? It Could be Unrecognized Hormonal Imbalances By Alfred J. Plechner, D.V.M. In thousands of cases spanning three decades, I have identified an unrecognized hormonal syndrome that weakens the immune system and promotes sickness and premature death in dogs and cats. Because of this widespread and unsuspected disorder, veterinarians are seeing an increase in the following: Cancer Autoimmune diseases Relentless skin allergies Severe hypersensitivity to food and insect bites Chronic bacterial, viral, and fungal infections Deadly feline viruses Inflammatory bowel disease Vaccination complications Obesity Miscarriages and sterility Chronic health problems among younger animals In most cases, I am able to help patients—even very sick ones—regain health by correcting the hormonal disturbances and thus restore effectiveness to the immune system. The complete therapeutic program brings veterinarians and pet owners together to do the necessary testing, treatment and home care. The problem originates with genetic or acquired damage (such as from toxicity or stress) to the adrenal glands, where the hormone cortisol is produced. A domino effect is unleashed. Hormones go awry. Estrogen is overproduced. Thyroid function is impaired. Immune cells become deregulated and dysfunctional. I consistently see this cortisol-based pattern in sick patients. In fact, every cancer patient I treat has it. Cortisol is an extremely important hormone. At a healthy basic level it exerts a major anti-inflammatory effect, a property that inspired the development of cortisone (synthetic cortisol) drugs more than a half-century ago. At a normal level, it also exerts a discriminating regulatory effect on molecular agents that turn on or turn off activity related to immunity. A deficiency or defect in cortisol may result in an unresponsive immune system just as too much of it suppresses immune responses. Most of my sick patients have a shortage of good, working cortisol. I believe the problem stems in large part from modern breeding practices that emphasize fashionable appearance and devalue hardiness and function. These practices create flawed, designer pets ridden with genetic defects. The endocrine-immune syndrome I have found is among many defects, however it has not been widely recognized. Moreover, the defect is no longer limited to purebred pets. Mating between breeds has thoroughly spread the imbalances. Cortisol is a cornerstone of the HPA axis, a classic hormonal “feedback loop” that involves the hypothalamus, pituitary and adrenal glands. Scientists now recognize that this axis has central importance to immune function, however they still lack a clear understanding of the countless details and interactions. A shortage of cortisol causes the pituitary to constantly secrete a substance called adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). Usually, the adrenal gland responds by producing more cortisol. However, if the gland cannot meet the demand, or the cortisol is somehow ineffective or excessively bound, the flow of ACTH will also stimulate the release of estrogen compounds. This appears to happen in all imbalanced animals, including males and spayed females, so it’s not an ovarian estrogen issue. Rather it seems to stem from direct production of estrogens by the adrenal glands or from androstenedione, a masculine hormone that can convert to the estrogen compound estrone, which in term converts to the more “potent” estrogen estradiol. How Cortisol Dysfunction Affects Our Pets This scenario of low cortisol and elevated estrogen has major trouble-making potential. Here’s a few of the disturbances it can cause: Destabilization of B and T cell activity, primary components of the immune system, and thus loss of normal disease protection. Impairment of thyroid function by binding thyroid hormones, and interfering with normal transference of T4 to active T3, and the cellular uptake of T3. This has the potential to slow down metabolic processes. Increased inflammation. Inflammation in the intestinal tract, for instance, may interfere with absorption of nutrients and medication. In the uterus, inflammation may undermine the normal conception process. Unexpected sexual behavior. Spayed females mounting other females, or neutered males humping other males, are not uncommon sights. Cortisol-based imbalances can trigger an excess of estrogen and also testosterone that may promote residual sexuality even though the animals are fixed. Unfortunately, pet owners can’t test for and resolve the imbalances on their own. They need an open-minded veterinarian willing to follow a procedure that he or she didn’t learn in veterinary school or from a textbook. I hope one day that the endocrine-immune syndrome I have found will be covered in veterinary textbooks, but at this point it is not. I personally consult with a number of veterinarians who use my program (you can find a list on my web site,www.drplechner.com). When veterinarians and pet owners follow this endocrine-immune balance program they report results just as gratifying as I achieve in my clinic. The details for the program are spelled out in my new book, and consist of three major elements: 1) A special endocrine-immune blood test. The test measures cortisol, total estrogen, thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and the following antibodies: IgA, IgG and IgM. Testing routinely reveals a similar pattern of low cortisol, elevated estrogen, bound thyroid hormones, and low antibodies in sick animals whether they are males or females, intact or neutered. To do the test, veterinarians perform a simple blood draw and send the blood in a cold pack to one of several major veterinary testing laboratories. Intact females should not be tested when in estrus. The results of the test can be interpreted by consulting the information contained in my book. If imbalances are present, the patient is retested after two or three weeks into the therapy program to determine if modification of treatment is needed. 2) Long-term therapy using low-dosage steroid medications, and for most dogs, thyroid medication (T4 only). Pharmaceutical derivatives of cortisol—that is, cortisone (steroid) compounds—have become prominent mainstream medicines because of their clinically important anti-inflammatory and immune suppression applications. Over the years we have learned a great deal about the side effects of these compounds when used at typically powerful, pharmacologic dosages. For that reason steroids are usually prescribed for the short term and avoided for prolonged use. This development has discouraged interest in the pivotal roles of cortisol and applications of low-dosage cortisone as a “hormone replacement” for cortisol deficiency. In my program I use cortisone medications—either a natural hydrocortisone (derived from soy) or a pharmaceutical such as Vetalog or Medrol—not to suppress symptoms, as these preparations are conventionally used for, but to replace a lack of active cortisol. I use only enough medication to normalize estrogen, thyroid, and the immune system. Used in this conservative manner, there are beneficial, healing effects and no side effects. William Jefferies, M.D., of the University of Virginia, has used low-dosage steroid medication safely and effectively for decades to help patients with chronic allergies, autoimmune disorders and chronic fatigue. My therapy also calls for additional thyroid medication (T4 only) for most dogs. Due to some species variation, most cats don’t require the additional thyroid medication. Those with a condition called feline infectious peritonitis do need thyroid. Pet owners usually must administer medication on a daily basis. In general, improvement on the program is rapid and animals stay healthy as long as the therapy is followed. 3) A careful diet that eliminates food allergens. The one thing that can upset the therapy and improved health is food! Animals with food allergies all have endocrine-immune imbalances, and even when the imbalances are corrected they can still react to food to which they are individually sensitive. Thus, pets need to be on hypoallergenic diets that are rotated every few months to avoid problems. Convenient hypoallergenic diets can be purchased through veterinarians or pet stores but caregivers still need to be alert. Each animal is individual and can be sensitive to even the most wholesome of foods or the worst of chemical additives. Even severely diseased animals make great comebacks on the program, living long and high-quality lives. For more details, and the practical how-to information, I suggest obtaining a copy of my new book Pets at Risk (NewSage Press, www.newsagepress.com), available through book sellers the middle of October.

STRESS and Adrenal Dysfunction

This article articulates the effects of stress on humans and animals as it relates to Adrenal Dysfunction. Written by Jonathan Collin, MD promotes Dr. Plechner's research and theory in this article: http://www.townsendletter.com/Dec2008/ltrpub1208.htm

SARDS - Emmi 8 yr old Golden Retriever

My precious Golden Retriever, Emmi is 8 years old. She was diagnosed with SARDS early this year. The veterinarians told me that she was completely blind and that there was no hope. A serendipitous conversation with the kind people from Halosforpaws steered me in Dr. Plechner's direction. I spoke to him and, with the cooperation of Emmi's vet, Dr. Debbie Bear, we started Emmi on his prescribed program. To say that this has changed her life would be an understatement! Not only has she regained her zest for life but she's actually regained some of her sight! Dr. Plechner has taken control of Emmi's care from the first time I've spoken with him, without any compensation for his time or knowledge! While I respect the perspective that Skept Vet has brought forward (there are certainly a lot of quacks in the medical field!), I have to temper that respect with the knowledge that, from the very beginning, Dr. Plechner has asked NOTHING of me! He's phoned me at least a dozen times, he's emailed me, he's spoken with Emmi's vet, and has asked for nothing in return! If he's a quack I think Skept Vet needs to come up with some new parameters to determine the definition of a quack! I think we can all agree that, with the increase in allergies, auto immune diseases, cancer, etc., something has changed in the world. Until someone can explain it, and back it up with research, I'm willing to listen to people who can produce results. I have a healthy, happy dog. Dr. Plechner is the reason! I haven't paid him a cent! He's not only made a believer out of me, he's managed to convince Emmi's vet, and she's no rookie either! I'm not a religious person, but I thank God, for whatever transpired to put me in touch with this amazing man! I'm not a wealthy man, but money can't buy what I've learned from this experience. Dr. Plechner is a great vet, but he's even a greater man! Thank you Al!

Wade Church Just before Christmas, Emmi's owner, Wade, took a video of Emmi following his hand with a treat and moving her head side to side. Something she was unable to do two months prior. Feb 1, 2014, Wade reported that Emmi continues to improve and do well with treatment. They went to the mountains over the weekend and enjoyed some hiking.

Montmorillonite Clay - Earth's Living Clay

How Living Clay Can Help Your Pet Live Better By Dr. Al Plechner, DVM Contents Scientific Facts about Clay ....................................................................................................................... 3 Types of Clay ......................................................................................................................................... 3 How Clay Works .................................................................................................................................... 4 Trace Minerals Revisited ........................................................................................................................... 5 How Clay May Help ............................................................................................................................... 7 Clay for Pets ............................................................................................................................................... 7 Treating Renal Disease ......................................................................................................................... 7 Promote Better Health for Horses...................................................................................................... 11 Mineral Supplements May Be the Answer to Skin Problems ........................................................ 12 How Calcium Montmorillonite Clay Can Help Avians ..................................................................... 15 The Need for a Calcium-Balanced Diet in Cats ............................................................................... 15 How to Care and Feed for Pregnant Dogs and Cats ...................................................................... 17 Suggested Clay Protocol ..................................................................................................................... 18 Summary .................................................................................................................................................. 20 Disclaimer: The information herein is intended for informational purposes only. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated nor approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, AMA, or any other US government agency. Any dietary changes and/or product(s) mentioned should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any changes to your health care regimen (especially if you are taking medications, are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, nursing, or if you have any other compromised health condition) before making any dietary changes, using any products mentioned, or applying any information contained herein. Page 3 of 21 Scientific Facts about Clay There are many types of clay that perform different functions making it very important to choose one that will fit your needs as well as the needs of your pets. Bentonite is a generic term that refers to a mineral compound that typically has one predominant mineral, typically either calcium or sodium. The focus of this chapter is on calcium bentonite clay. Calcium bentonite clay - also known as living clay - has both internal and external medical uses, as well as uses in industry. All references here pertain to clay as a natural remedy for health and wellness. The name Montmorillonite clay originates from the original clay deposit found in Montmorillon, France, which was exhausted years ago. Today, Montmorillonite is used to describe certain properties – including the clay structure – found in certain clays. There are mixed opinions among the scientific world as to the use of living clays, however most of the scientific community agrees on the following:  Clay minerals all contain oxygen, silicon, potassium and other trace minerals.  The actual clay structure will determine the use of a particular clay  Montmorillonite clay is the clay of choice for internal and external medical use. Types of Clay There are many different types of clay, each with variations in shapes, sizes and mineral composition. In fact, the mineral structure of a clay determines its specific properties. All clay deposits have different mineral structures. Some are naturally fine and pure. Some deposits are shallow and having been exposed to the environment, contaminated with toxins and other impurities. Some clays are sun-dried while others are irradiated or washed with alcohol or otherwise treated. Such practices greatly diminish the effectiveness of the ionic properties of the clay. All bentonite clay contains a percentage of minerals in addition to calcium as well as a percentage of sand and silt. The process of removing the sand and silt from the clay takes time and adds to the cost, but it produces a higher quality product. In addition to the many types of clay available, there is also much misinformation about clay. With the advent of the Internet, anyone can hang a shingle and sell products. Consider the following questions when buying clay:  Is the clay specifically intended for internal use by humans?  Is the clay sedimentary or from volcanic ash?  Is the predominant mineral (after silica dioxide) calcium or sodium? Page 4 of 21  Has the clay been tested for pathogens by an independent laboratory and is a copy of the results available to consumers?  Is a mineral analysis available to consumers?  Is there a phone number to call and talk to an actual person about the clay?  Does the supplier have positive reviews and testimonials?  Has the clay been chemically treated or irradiated?  Is the packaging professional and not home-made?  Does the vendor have a professional website in addition to selling on amazon, craigslist, etsy and the like? Since we’re talking about your pet’s health and wellness, it’s better to be safe than sorry! How Clay Works Calcium Montmorillonite clay contains one of the strongest negative ions of all the edible clays available today. This negative ionic charge not only enhances the availability for absorption of foods, vitamins, supplements and glucose but also increases their ability to go through the cell wall into the factory of the cell, which is called mitochondria. This allows the mitochondria to produce more energy and more oxygen for use in the body. Negatively-charged ions can enhance our immune defenses, reduce susceptibility to colds and the flu as well as provide relief from migraine headaches, allergies and hay fever. Positive ions such as those found in polluted air – of which there are many more in today’s environment than in times past – create an electrical imbalance in the atmosphere and in our bodies. Positive ions are also known as free radicals. Free radicals can damage cells and are thought to be responsible for degenerative health conditions, accelerated aging and even cancer. Positive ions are what comprise toxins, impurities, viruses and pollutants. Negative ions are beneficial because of their ability to attract and stick to different positive ions or free radicals. This is what makes bentonite clay such a powerful detoxifier. Calcium bentonite clay is highly charged with negative ions and looks to attract positive ions to it when ‘activated’. Adsorption and Absorption As the body does not absorb the clay, it is perfectly safe to consume. However not all clays available are intended for internal use. Be sure to ask the supplier if the clay being offered is considered safe for internal consumption. When mixed with food or water and taken internally, clay is eliminated through normal digestive and perspiration processes. Adsorption refers to the process through which substances stick to the exterior of the clay structure. It is here on the surface of the clay structure where the ionic exchange Page 5 of 21 between the clay and the toxins and other impure substances take place. This is a key part of clay’s ability to detoxify. Absorption is a more familiar concept to most of us. It refers to the ability of the clay to act like a sponge and draw toxins and impurities from its environment. Absorptive clays expand to accommodate this process and are also known as expandable or swelling clays. This ability to swell provides calcium bentonite clay with greater drawing or detoxifying ability. Clay and Radiation Bentonite clay was used in the Chernobyl nuclear disaster to absorb the deadly levels of radiation caused by the nuclear reactor melt down. The reactors were smothered with bentonite clay due to its well-known ability to absorb and adsorb positively-charged ions. Bentonite clay neutralizes radiation. The more recent Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan continues to present major environmental problems. Migratory fish in the Pacific Ocean have been exposed to major levels of radiation. Now, not only is there a fear of eating fish that are high on the food chain that may contain higher amounts of mercury, but now radiation has also become a factor. Warnings to not consume fish from these waters are not without merit. More and more people living on the West coast of North America are consuming bentonite clay as a precautionary measure against radiation in food, water and air. Chelation The importance of these trace minerals - in addition to providing micronutrients that do not occur in depleted agricultural soils - is that they have been created in a chelated state, meaning that the body will not absorb any of these micronutrients unless the body needs them. This eliminates the possibility of over- mineralization. Trace Minerals Revisited It has been more than 25 years since I wrote about my findings around trace minerals in Pet Age magazine. Ever since that time, I have realized that micronutrients play a tremendous roll in the development of modern day diseases. This really is the tip of the "iceberg" as to identifying the medical diseases we are seeing today, caused by deficient nutrients that no longer come to ourselves or to our animals in the foods we eat and the foods we feed them. Micronutrient deficiencies are causing worldwide diseases in people and animals. Page 6 of 21 Scientific evidence is mounting that genetically modified (GM) foods are harmful to human health over an extend period of time. Unfortunately, our beloved pets do not have the long lifespans that humans have. This means that conditions – good or bad – that impact human health are going to do so much more quickly than it would in people. This makes the impact of GMOs on our pets even more devastating. It’s vital to be vigilant in avoiding GMO foods and treats for your pets. Plants grown from genetically modified seeds render the soil in which they’re grown micronutrient-deficient. As a toxin, clay can play a vital role in removing GMOs from the body. The value of micronutrients not only lies in their presence in food and making sure the patient does is not deficient, but also in their ability to help other vitamins, nutrients and supplements enter through the cell membrane. This occurs due to the negative ion these chelated micronutrients contain. Without them, many of the products that are ingested or produced in the body never get through the cell membrane to enhance the production of energy and oxygen for the body to use to help fight off disease. Since exploring the use of micronutrients in the late 70's and early 80's, a remarkable amount of wonderful academic research has been completed on this natural, hydrothermally trace mineral, created by the earth. Dr. Benjamin H. Ershoff, while working for Cal Tech, demonstrated to N.A.S.A. Manned Space Center, that bone density loss ( known as osteoporosis), that occurs with prolonged walks in space at zero gravity does not happen if the astronauts ingest this clay routinely. This special, natural clay, not only reversed the effects of bone loss, but stopped it from happening. Other scientific investigations have been done by Dr. Paul A. La Chance. Using this clay in male rats, hamsters, mice, miniature pigs, kangaroos and other mammals, he proved that normalization and recalcification of bone density occurred. Why not apply this same clay to millions of people and animals that suffer from many types of bone density loss or an inability to absorb other forms of calcium. This special calcium Montmorillonite clay has high levels of calcium in a form that is chelated. This means that in this chelated form, the body will absorb only what the body needs. Dr. Howard E. Lind has completed a number of successful studies showing the anti- bacterial effects of this special calcium Montmorillonite clay including its ability to neutralize toxins. These are very important for people and animals that are sensitive to certain antibiotics. At the same time, the product will help neutralize toxins that may occur in our foods or the foods we feed our animals that already contain toxic food ingredients from foreign countries. Patients suffering from acid reflux and or IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) receive relief due to the high level of chelated calcium. Page 7 of 21 How Clay May Help In my profession it is believed that the use of a calcium supplements in a large breed puppy may create excess bone growth with a bone malady being the end result. This will not happen with calcium bentonite clay, as the chelated calcium will only be used *if* the puppies bone growth dictates it. Bone loss is very common with people and animals with chronic kidney disease. The kidney disease often retains phosphorus and the body tries to maintain a 1:1 or 1:2 ratio between calcium and phosphorus and to do this, the body removes the calcium from the bones and ligaments. The high level calcium contained in this micronutrient product will help stop this. In allied species, it has been scientifically proven in research facilities in Asia, that this special calcium Montmorillonite clay does cause elevated blood urea to be concentrated out of the blood, into the intestines for excretion. Supplementation with this special living clay may make a difference for the patient, while providing an additional natural supplement to enhance their nutritional health and aid the actual healing process. We can only treat the clinical effects of a disease, but often the success or failure of our therapy will depend on the overall health of the patient. Calcium Montmorillonite can make that difference. Clay for Pets The information here is intended to help concerned pet owners understand some of the ways this amazing gift from the earth may help their beloved pets. It’s not unreasonable to believe that if clay is used to successfully treat a given condition in one type of animal (including people!) that it will also be effective treating the same condition in another type of animal. For this reason, I recommend reading through ALL sections of this chapter in order to understand the many issues that can be helped with clay. Treating Renal Disease Introduction Both acute and chronic kidney failure are serious illnesses that afflict dogs, cats, horses and other animals. Conventional treatment can help manage many of the symptoms. Supplementing with calcium Montmorillonite clay may help with a number of conditions brought on by kidney failure. Scientific research has proven calcium Montmorillonite effective in preventing osteoporosis and there are virtually no contraindications for its use. In addition to augmenting standard treatment for kidney disease, calcium Montmorillonite clay can be used as a daily supplement for animals to improve overall health. Page 8 of 21 What is Kidney Disease? Kidney disease in dogs and cats often occurs in two main groups. 1. Acute Kidney Failure The first group relates to a sudden failure of the kidneys known as acute kidney failure. This generally occurs when the patient ingests a poison or a toxin or is exposed to Leptospirosis (a rare and serious bacterial infection) and through urine formation, the kidneys are damaged. 2. Chronic Renal/Kidney Failure The second group relates to a slow deterioration of the functional units of the kidneys. In cats, this condition is referred to as chronic renal failure. In dogs, this condition is referred to as chronic kidney failure. This can happen through slow ingestion of toxins, damaging heavy metals, poisons, radiation, and chronic inflammation due to an infection or due to an endocrine immune imbalance. Improper diet, and/or a diet containing poor quality protein may also cause an excess use of the kidneys’ ability to breakdown and excrete increased amount of nitrogenous waste products. Often the patient loses muscle mass, overall weight, and loss of appetite due to the elevated nitrogen level. Once your health care professional has made this diagnosis - and with your help - the following treatments may be suggested. Conventional Treatments Subcutaneous or intravenous fluids may be instigated to help perfuse the kidneys and help flush out the nitrogenous waste products. Note: If this is done for 48 hours, and the very elevated BUN diminishes only 10 to 15 points, there is a good chance that the kidneys may be permanently damaged, and to continue therapy may cause unnecessary suffering and expense for the patient. Your health care professional will advise you properly. A special diet is usually recommended. For many years, a low protein diet was recommended, as it is thought to reduce the “pressure” placed upon the remaining functional kidney units referred to as nephrons for protein breakdown. The kidneys both in animals and humans detox waste product from the process of metabolizing protein. I have always believed, that high quality protein, in a small quantity, more frequently, would allow for less insult on the remaining nephrons. For pets, this would include the same attributes sought for humans:  Organic  Grass-fed  Hormone- and antibiotic-free Page 9 of 21 The diet also needs to be low in phosphorus since with kidney failure, phosphorus retention occurs. Often Omega 3 fatty acids are given and their anti-inflammatory action can be enhanced when Vitamin E is also given, to help reduce any inflammation that is helping destroy the kidneys. Much more recently krill oil is being substituted for the fatty acids. A product called Calcitriol is often given due to advanced kidney disease, which may cause a lack of Vitamin D production. Tumil K (potassium gluconate) may be needed, if the kidney disease causes the potassium levels to drop too low. A Natural, Complementary Treatment Health care professionals and pet owners that would like to use a more natural treatment to not only enhance normal treatment of patients with kidney disease, but also as a preventative treatment to help reduce the development of kidney disease, should consider including the use of calcium Montmorillonite clay. I have found this to be a better way to enhance the treatment of kidney disease in both dogs and cats even while still using traditional therapy. As I am not an equine veterinarian I cannot report on my direct experience of patients’ use of clay to treat renal disease in horses, but I assume it is similarly effective. Improved Micronutrient Absorption Calcium Montmorillonite clay from the Death Valley area in California originates from volcanic ash that has baked in the hot sun for many centuries. It is thought that the exposure to high temperature from the sun, allows the micronutrient to lose one molecule of water, and create a negative ion that allows the micronutrient – once ingested - to enter the cell, through the cell membrane. This negative ion helps other essential nutrients, vitamins and supplements to traverse the cell membrane also. Detoxification Another important feature of this special calcium Montmorillonite is that it helps neutralize harmful toxins that enter the body through the mouth, the nose and the skin. When hydrated, the clay’s negative ionic charge becomes available. As it moves through the body, the clay attracts positively charged molecules (toxins, most parasites, harmful bacteria, allergens) to the outside surface of the clay molecule. In addition, the clay absorbs or binds the toxins into its internal molecular structure. The negative ions are exchanged with the positive ions and the clay is eliminated from the body. Conditions Clay May Improve Page 10 of 21 Elevated Nitrogen The elevated nitrogen that builds up in the blood stream from failing kidneys can cause many problems. The resulting high level blood urea nitrogen (BUN) can irritate the mucous membranes of the stomach and intestines, reduce red blood cell production and inflame the pancreas. Often Carafate is used to sooth this irritation. Calcium Montmorillonite contains many micronutrients, which will have a similar soothing effect like Carafate, but is natural. Gastrointestinal Irritation The irritation of the gastrointestinal system that occurs from the elevated BUN can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea and the calcium Montmorillonite will help stop this with its soothing effect. Calcium Montmorillonite aids with absorption of normal foods while also “settling” the stomach and intestines. Mineral Imbalance Calcium Montmorillonite also provides chelated potassium and calcium to help correct any ratio imbalance caused by failing kidneys. Osteoporosis From Phosphorous Retention Another serious problem that is often encountered with kidney disease in animals is the retention of phosphorus. The body tries to maintain a 1:1 or 1:2 ratio of calcium to phosphorus. When kidney disease causes retention of phosphorus, the body often will remove calcium from the bone in order to try to maintain a normal ratio, causing osteoporosis. Products like Amphogel and Maalox are used to help keep the phosphorus levels under control. Including the use of a calcium Montmorillonite, which is very high in chelated calcium, and can make a difference in reducing the amount of bone loss that occurs due to the kidney retention of phosphorus. It is also used extensively in people and animals that suffer from lack of bone density, aka osteoporosis, that do not have kidney disease. Scientists and researchers have found that the use of calcium Montmorillonite will allow for normal bone density to remain, while also correcting a state of diminished bone density. Bacterial Infections Not only can the use of calcium Montmorillonite help stop bacterial infections in the already damaged kidneys, but it can also help neutralize toxic molecules that may continue the damage. Page 11 of 21 Elevated Urea Renal studies in allied species conducted at X’an Jiaotong University College of Medicine indicate that calcium Montmorillonite will help reduce elevated serum urea through concentration and increased excretion by the intestines. Clay Protocol For more information on how to use clay for your pet, see the protocol for clay use at the end of this chapter. Promote Better Health for Horses Calcium Montmorillonite clay will aid in promoting maximum health for both you and your horse and will also promote better healing from many diseases, when included with standard, medical therapy. Calcium Montmorillonite clay promotes healthy bones, ligaments, and tendons, while stopping bone loss, referred to as osteoporosis. N.A.S.A. has used this product for several years, to help stop bone loss in the astronauts as a result of time spent in space at zero gravity. Clay is not only important for all horses, but is especially important for pregnant mares. Over the years, calcium Montmorillonite clay has improved fertility, promoted easier birthing and much healthier offspring, with a much higher survival rate in horses and all allied species. It is best to use clay daily, even before fertilization of the mare occurs, and continued during and after the pregnancy. In the maturing embryo, a good quality, naturally chelated calcium is of tremendous importance, to produce stronger bones, ligaments and tendons for her foal at birth. The efficiency and the amount of the chelated calcium found in calcium Montmorillonite, not only will help the mare maintain her bone density while being pregnant, but also will help increase her milk production when her foal is born. This is vital to newborn foals and helps stop the creation of a weak, decalcified skeletal system, which may lead to bone malformation and early crippling. Proper calcification is also vital in those horses competing in different types of athletics events. Calcium Montmorillonite clay neutralizes toxins and provides a protective antibacterial action, and does help to reduce the major health problems that come from feed contamination. For the best results, include clay in your horse’s food or water every day. Calcium Montmorillonite clay will definitely help the liver – the primary organ of detoxification - to neutralize toxins and give the liver a chance to heal itself. Calcium Montmorillonite clay also contains a naturally, chelated kaolin, that helps sooth the intestines and reduce the risk of colic. Page 12 of 21 If the dose of the clay is doubled, often a fluid return is created in the intestines, which often helps soften impactions, while also providing antibacterial and antitoxin action against some of the bowel inhabitants that produce an increase in gas, which can contribute to a horse’s discomfort. Research studies show that intestinal parasites flourish in a normal intestinal pH of 6 to 6.5. There are reports that indicate that calcium Montmorillonite clay – many with a pH as high as 9.7 – raises that pH significantly. In this environment, intestinal parasites can no longer live and are shed naturally. The calcium Montmorillonite clay can be mixed with water and used as a healing paste, and applied twice daily to skin infections, bacterial eruptions, wire cuts, abrasions and insect bites. Clay Protocol For more information on how to use clay for your horse, see the protocol for clay use at the end of this chapter. Mineral Supplements May Be the Answer to Skin Problems Mention nutrition to most people and they automatically think of vitamins. However, they really ignore the role of minerals. Minerals really deserve more attention. After all, there are 96 times more minerals, by weight, in a body than vitamins. There could be no life without them and cells lacking in a single mineral cannot function optimally. Minerals are present in soil, in water, and even in air, and help minute vitamins to form enzymes. They help transport oxygen into the bloodstream. They are the building materials of strong bones, tissue, teeth, nails and the hair coat. Minerals are present in the soil, in water and even in air. In minute amounts they are absorbed from the soil by plants. As herbivores eat plants and drink water, they obtain the bulk of their mineral nutrients. Carnivores get their quota through the mineral content of the flesh they eat, the water they drink and the sporadic greens they chew. Much more is known about vitamin requirements than about mineral needs. This is true for both humans and animals. That's because nutritional science only recently has developed the technology with which to study minerals. Veterinary science has determined that certain minerals are required for animals. For cats, the vital minerals are calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, magnesium, iron copper and iodine. Chlorine, manganese, zinc, sulfur, cobalt, selenium, molybdenum, fluorine, chromium, silicon and perhaps tin, nickel and vanadium are also assumed to be essential. For dogs, mineral needs include calcium, phosphorus, iron, copper, potassium, magnesium, sodium, chlorine, iodine, manganese, zinc, selenium, and perhaps molybdenum, fluorine, tin, silicon, cobalt, nickel, vanadium and chromium. Page 13 of 21 Such minerals should be included in the minimum standards for the maintenance of adequate health. If a product claims to be "complete and balanced", the suggested serving for an animal must meet all daily minimum requirements. It is important to keep the word "minimum" in mind at all times. The Required Daily Amount suggestion and "complete and balanced" claims are nothing more than minimal requirements. They are not optimal in any sense. We haven't evolved so far as food mavens to design the best possible food diet for our animals. Look how poorly we do for our own nutritional needs! Veterinary science is doing its best, but has a long way to go. Supplements In my practice, I have used both vitamins and mineral supplementation as methods for preventing skin problems and aiding in therapeutic programs. By far my best success has been with the use of minerals rather than vitamins. Generally speaking, I do not find allergic skin conditions to be very responsive to vitamins. In fact, I have found supplementation with B - complex vitamins frequently causing the allergy to become worse because yeast is used as the most common commercial sources of natural B vitamins, and yeast is a leading allergen. Using minerals, I have experienced consistently good results. I believe this may relate to inadequate mineral levels in commercial pet foods. A deficiency of minerals has been involved in at least 10 % of all allergy cases I have treated. The pet food industry might lack knowledge as to what constitutes good mineral levels for daily animal needs. Also, depletion of minerals in the soil is a problem. According to a 1981 Ford Foundation report on nutrition in America, modern farming methods alone account for much lost nutritional content of food. "Through intensive farming, poor crop management, increasing use of pesticides, erosion and other abusive factors, the soil in which are crops are raised has been seriously depleted of nutrients." Such practices rob the food chain of naturally-occurring essential vitamins and minerals. Thus the food you and your animal eat is "short- changed". Illness from these deficiencies can range from subtle to catastrophic. Over the years, veterinarians have linked deficiency diseases with a wide number of minerals. These include deficiencies in nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, iron, chlorine, copper, manganese, zinc, molybdenum, cobalt, iodine and selenium. Mineral research is a dynamic, rapidly developing science. Sophisticated techniques are being honed to probe the biological roll of "trace minerals" (also known as micronutrients), present in infinitesimal amounts in the environment. These include Page 14 of 21 dozens of lesser-known minerals with exotic names as yttrium, niobium, ruthenium, tellurium, scandium, osmium, dysprosium, gadolinium and praseodymium. Any of these unheralded elements could be a vital missing link in deficient soils and may mean the difference between good health and disease, even at one part per million or less. The body's immune system is a particularly complex network that relies on optimal nutrition for good function. If all the ingredients are not present, the system will not work as well. A shortage of minerals can affect the body's enzyme systems, which are responsible for countless numbers of biochemical reactions. Allergy or allergy-like conditions can occur when either of these systems does not receive proper nutrition. Mineral deficiencies may be involved with many common disorders suffered by dogs and cats. I did not reach this conclusion through sophisticated scientific analysis or advanced technology but rather through the simple medium of supplementing the diets of animals with a trace mineral formula containing all the essential micronutrients. Results Based upon observations involving approximately 3,700 dogs and 900 cats, I found the trace mineral compound added to their food or water over a six-month period, the skin and hair coat of these animals showed the following:  Darker, thicker hair coat, with increased luster.  Reduced itching and scratching.  Reduced flaky skin.  In geriatric dogs and cats, increased activity, weight gain and improved condition of the hair coat.  Animals with heavy flea and fly infestations appear less attractive to insects after three weeks of supplementation.  Increased fertility and more viable offspring  Improvement in overall general health. In quite a few cases, vitamin supplements, special diets and standard medication did not work satisfactorily until I included trace minerals. On the other hand, I have found the trace mineral approach effective alone or in conjunction with other dietary modifications. It also enhances standard therapy while treating many conditions. Supplementation with a trace mineral nutrient of the sort found in calcium Montmorillonite clay is clearly a "shot gun" approach. In dogs, mineral supplements have been helpful in controlling food allergies, flea-allergy dermatitis, exocrine pancreatic deficiency (digestive enzyme deficiencies), endocrine immune imbalances, chronic active hepatitis and inhalant allergies. In cats, it has helped control milliary dermatitis, food allergies, flea allergy dermatitis, chronic active hepatitis, leukemia and feline infectious peritonitis. Clay Protocol Page 15 of 21 For more information on how to use clay for your pet, see the protocol for clay use at the end of this chapter. How Calcium Montmorillonite Clay Can Help Avians I have had the opportunity to use this natural compound as an additive to enhance the health of many birds, including chickens. I had a bird of prey center set up for the US Wildlife Service plus the Department of Fish and Game in the State of California, in the Santa Monica Mountains for many years. This included the treatment of many other native wild birds and mammals. My preserve was called Stone Wood Meadows and was located at the base of Cold Canyon in the hills of Malibu. Cold Creek runs through the property and also provided 10,000 acres of habitant release. Stone Wood Meadows set a coastal standard for wildlife over recreation in the coastal zone in California. As a veterinary student graduating from The University of California at Davis, I took several classes in avian medicine. My clinical studies, using calcium Montmorillonite clay demonstrated the following:  Higher egg shell thickness  Improved egg production  Less infant mortality  Better absorption of nutrients. This owes to the negative ion effect that takes the nutrients, vitamin and supplements directly through the cell wall to the mitochondria for increased energy and increased oxygen.  Binding numerous toxins that all birds may be exposed to when free ranging.  Better control of bacterial infections due to its desiccating properties. This also helps with organically raised birds which are not subjected to synthetic antibiotics in their food and water.  Reduction of feather picking  Visible increases in feather production and color. My other recommendation is that genetically modified seeds are never used for feed, as these are themselves toxic to the system. The Need for a Calcium-Balanced Diet in Cats Whether large or small, domestic or wild, felines need a balanced diet including proper amounts of calcium to avoid developing thin bones with the possibility of pathological fractures. Over the years, my research has proven that the ratio of calcium to phosphorus is vital in a feline as well as *all* animals (including people) in order to maintain a healthy Page 16 of 21 skeletal system and avoid unnecessary incidental fractures due to a calcium phosphorus imbalance causing thin bones. It was realized a number of years ago, that zoo-fed felines given meat only (without bones and skin) developed thin bones. The result was that after jumping from a small height, they would fracture their front legs. In the wild this did not happen. In the wild, felines ate most of their prey including bones and skin which contain calcium and the meat only which contained one part calcium to 20 parts phosphorus. If only meat is given or eaten, the body of the feline tries to keep a 1:1 or 1:2 ratio between calcium and phosphorus. As the feline ingests the total meat diet, the body tries to keep the proper calcium phosphorous ratio. It does this by removing calcium from the bones causing the thinning and weakening of the bones that lead to the incidental fractures referred to as pathological fractures. This abnormal ratio causes the parathyroid gland to release its hormone which in turn causes this calcium bone depletion. Senior Project at University of California Davis While in veterinary school, my senior project found me working with a young mountain lion in Oakland, California. He was a 4 month old, male named, Tigger. Whenever he jumped off an object - even a low chair or mattress - he would fracture the bones in his front legs, referred to as pathological fractures. This was due to the fact that the cortices of his long bones were tissue thin, along with all the other bones in his body. It was the general opinion that he was suffering from osteogenesis imperfect, which in humans, is a genetic disorder that leads to the same kind of pathological fractures as seen in Tigger. After analyzing Tigger's diet, I found he was being fed a total meat (no bones or skin), diet, which has 20 parts of phosphorus to 1 part calcium. He definitely did *not* have osteogenesis imperfecta, but rather a serious nutritional imbalance. Tigger’s daily total meat diet with its 20 to 1 ratio of phosphorus to calcium was his true nemesis. His body knew it needed to keep a 1:1 or 1:2 ratio between phosphorus and calcium. To do so, his body was forced to remove calcium from his bones, because of the excess release of PTH (parathyroid hormone). In doing so, his bones became very weak and fractured on their own. Upon realizing this, I had the pet owner add calcium and bones to his diet and in the weeks that followed, the recalcification of his skeletal system occurred. As he felt better, when petting him, he would purr and it sounded like a motor boat. Just to see the look in his eyes now, seemed to justify all his pain and suffering that was now over. And you know what - he knew it. My paper detailed how his disorder was not, in fact, ostoegenesis imperfecta but rather a nutritional hyperparathyroidism. A few years later it was realized that all the big cats in Page 17 of 21 the zoos and other captive sites also needed to be fed bones with their meat to avoid similar problems. I am pleased with the fact that, after I created my first commercial non-meat, balanced food product for dogs and cats with calcium and phosphorus, it too was adopted for use in zoos. Clay Protocol For more information on how to use clay for your pet, see the protocol for clay use at the end of this chapter. How to Care and Feed for Pregnant Dogs and Cats Once you and your veterinarian have decided your dog or cat is at least 5 weeks pregnant, it is best to offer a third meal at lunch time if your pet is interested. I personally believe it is best to keep protein, carbohydrate and fat in the same ratio. It is important to increase the nutrition for your pet while pregnant, but not to increase their weight. The increased amount of foods is designed to help her embryos develop to their maximum. At this same time a calcium, magnesium compound, including a Montmorillonite clay, should be given twice daily and continued two weeks past weaning. This will help guarantee that the mother does not develop low blood calcium, which may lead to excessive shaking and seizures. This is typically found in dogs with large litters, whether the mother is small or large. If the litter is fairly large, it is best to place the puppies and kittens into two separate groups, which will allow them to nurse at separate times thus avoiding a loss of nutrition to one or more of the offspring. Did you know that 90% of the deaths that occur with normal offspring come from lack of nutrition and reduced body temperature? A proper bed for mom and her offspring is also very important. Unless provided for, it is a known fact that certain large breeds mistakenly lie on their offspring, which can result in death of the babies. Once the puppies and kittens have reached 2 to 2 ½ weeks of age, it is best to start offering the offspring baby meats, quickly followed by baby meats mixed with canned food. Allowing the offspring to nurse after they reach 3 weeks of age, may be very damaging to their mother and her overall health. Please remember, 48 hours post-delivery, the offspring on mother's milk cannot absorb the antibodies in the milk known as colostrum. While you are beginning solid food for the offspring, if the mother's breasts continue to fill up with milk, it may be necessary for the pet owner to either milk the glands or allow for short term nursing or have your veterinarian give the mother an injection to dry up the milk. Page 18 of 21 If this is your pet's first litter, it is always a good idea to speak to your veterinarian for directions. I personally like to do an x-ray at 6 ½ weeks of the pregnancy, to check for the size of the pelvic outlet as compared to the size of the heads of her offspring. Also it is important to know approximately how many offspring are present for delivery, and if the offspring are in the normal position for delivery. Using Calcium Montmorillonite Clay A pregnant female must eat a food that will allow her to provide maximum nutrition not only for herself, but also for her unborn offspring, while in-utero. Many people add fresh foods and nutrients to the diet to hopefully provide a complete and better quality food. But is this really enough? What few of us realize is that we are still facing the perils of the soil. Many of today’s available food sources are grown in agriculturally overworked soils. Considering this in combination with the overuse of petrochemical and synthetic fertilizers, it surprises me that many litters appear to be normal at birth. Micronutrients help fund so many different biological systems in our bodies and the bodies of animals. When there is a deficiency in any one micronutrient, all of our species can suffer from many different diseases including infertility, low sperm count, a reduced size of the litter and even early resorption and/or early loss of part or all of the entire litter. Calcium Montmorillonite clay has been tested and proven to contain all the necessary micronutrients that may be deficient in our foods that are grown in overworked agricultural soils. Because these micronutrients occur in a chelated form, the body will only absorb what the body needs. This stops the possibility of hyper mineralization from occurring. It is very safe to give this natural product to very large, pregnant dog breeds without the fear of causing increased, abnormal bone growth in the puppies. This is because the fast-growing puppies - whether in the uterus or outside of mom - will only absorb the amount of chelated calcium that their normal bone growth requires. Many times, when a dog is pregnant, they can be nauseated and that causes a reduction the amount of food they eat which in turn can reduce the nutrition going to the puppies in the uterus. That in turn can lead to a weak or reduced litter or even a total loss of the litter. Many times I have found that naturally chelated clay would soothe her gut and she would eat more food. Suggested Clay Protocol Page 19 of 21 The following suggestions are based on my 40+ year clinical experience. However, you and your veterinarian need to decide what protocol to follow. Clay can be added to drinking water or to wet food. Internal Use - Cats and Dogs Adding to Drinking Water When adding to water, mix clay 1 part clay to 8 parts water in a food grade plastic or glass bottle. Shake well. Fill half the water dish with clay water and half with fresh water. Clay will settle over time. Top water off each day for 2 or 3 days and start fresh on the fourth day. Be sure water dish is glass or ceramic. Plastic is an option, but since plastic is porous, bacteria from the animal’s mouth can penetrate the surface and become in itself somewhat toxic. Adding to Wet Food Cats in particular need lots of water for good health. Try having a water dish with clear, fresh water and another of clay water available. Animals instinctively know when their body needs support and they will choose whichever they feel they need. Add dry clay on a daily basis to wet food according to the animal’s body weight. Body Weight Dry Clay to Add < 20 pounds ½ tsp. 20 – 50 pounds 1 tsp. 50 – 90 pounds 2 tsp. > 90 pounds 1 Tbsp. As with people, be sure to have plenty of water available for drinking. Internal Use - Horses  Foals should receive one heaping tablespoon sprinkled on their food AM and PM.  Adult horses should receive two heaping tablespoons sprinkled on their food AM and PM.  Most foods that are fed to horses happen to be dry so a small amount of water can be sprayed on the food before the clay is sprinkled on the food.  Pregnant mares should receive three heaping tablespoons AM and PM.  Horses suffering from various diseases should receive three to four heaping tablespoons AM and PM.  To reduce bacterial build up and toxins and add clay to the horse’s water supply, at a ratio of one cup of dry clay to every 50 gallons of water. External Use – All Animals Page 20 of 21 Poultice Create a clay poultice by combining one part clay to three parts clean water. Stir to a sour cream-like consistency. Allow to stand for 12 to 24 hours to thicken. Apply the poultice directly on skin lesions, hot spots, wounds, bites and sores twice daily for 7 days and beyond as needed, until the skin has healed. Keeping the clay damp keeps the clay working. If feasible, apply a damp paper towel or damp gauze on top of the poultice. If needed, cover with a plastic bag of plastic wrap. Clay Baths For animals with skin and coat issues that are not conducive to clay poultices, clay baths may help ease irritation and itching. Mange and other parasitic infections can also be addressed with clay baths. Medium to Large Dogs Pour the tub ¼ to ½ full with clean, warm water. Add 1 cup dry clay and mix into bath water. Place animal in the tub and coat the skin with bath water. Work the water well into the coat, saturating it with clay water. Repeat for 10 to 20 minutes or as long as the animal will tolerate it and the water stays warm. Rinse the coat with clean water and towel or air dry. Small Dogs and Cats Pour the tub or sink ¼ to ½ full with clean, warm water. Add ¼ to ½ cup Add 1 cup dry clay and mix into bath water. Place animal in the tub and coat the skin with bath water. Work the water well into the coat, saturating it with clay water. Repeat for 10 to 20 minutes or as long as the animal will tolerate it and the water stays warm. Rinse the coat with clean water and towel or air dry. Summary What many people in the world are coming to realize is that the foods we and our pets eat and the environments we live in are exposing both ourselves and our pets to a myriad of toxins, heavy metals and radiation. The negative impact on our health ranges from merely irritating to chronic disease. It has been proven and documented that calcium Montmorillonite clay will not only bind toxins and heavy metals but will also neutralize radiation. The wonderful natural properties of a calcium Montmorillonite clay can make a huge difference for our families and our pets. Over 35 years ago I began using calcium Montmorillonite extensively in my practice to treat many different conditions as well as for better overall health for all of my patients including dogs, cats, horses, livestock, birds, wildlife and fish. I recommend daily Page 21 of 21 supplementation of pet food with calcium Montmorillonite to help reduce the effects of toxins, damaging heavy metals and radiation. I have also used it successfully with my friends and family, our family pets and of course - myself. Dr. Al Plechner, DVM, is a practicing veterinarian in Los Angeles and the author of several books. He works with pet owners that want to achieve optimal health, maximize their longevity and create a healthy future for themselves and their beloved pets. Dr. Plechner makes his homes in Santa Monica, California and Orofino, Idaho. Learn more about Dr. Plechner at www.drplechner.com. © Dr. Al Plechner, DVM 2013 | www.drplechner.com