|
CANINE
YEAST INFECTIONS
|
|
Yeast infections on the skin
Yeast/skin/Ears/Allergic/Bacterial Infections
Yeast Infections of the Skin
Two major types of yeast have
been implicated in skin disease in the dog, Malassezia
and Candida.
Malassezia infection
This yeast can be present on the skin and ears of normal dogs, and
in those suffering from skin problems. If it is found in large numbers
then it can be considered to be contributing to the skin problem. Heavy
growth of this yeast is thought to occur when the skin is altered by another
disease process. Diagnosis can be made by microscopic examination of smears,
and by laboratory culture. Treatment can be carried out using drugs such
as nystatin, ketoconazole, or by topical application of a shampoo such as
malaseb.
Candidiasis
This is relatively rare and develops around the mucus covered areas
such as the lips when the animal is debilitated and less able to resist
infection and there is excessive moisture. The diagnosis can be confirmed
by microscopy and by growing the yeast in laboratory cultures. Treatment
is with drugs such as nystatin, miconazole, and ketoconazole. It is important
to correct the factors that allowed the problem to develop, by keeping the
area clean and dry and if necessary improving the animals bodily condition.
**************************
|
Yeast/Skin/Ears/Allergies/Bacterial
Infections
A Number One Problem Among Pets
by Darleen Rudnick, Pet Nutritionist
|
Yeasts are single cell organisms,
which are found on the surfaces of all living things, including your pet's
body. Yeasts normally live on the mucous membranes of the digestive tract.
Unfriendly bacteria, viruses, allergens and other enemies also find their
way into other membrane-lined passageways and cavities. Also existing
in the body are billions of friendly germs.
One family of yeasts called, Candida albicans, live in your pet's body,
and consume substances such as sugar and fats in order to survive. Yeast
toxins affect your pet's immune system, nervous system, and their endocrine
system. Since these systems are all connected, yeast toxins play a major
role in causing allergies, vaginal and bladder infections, skin disorders
and many other health problems.
When a pet's immune system is healthy, the body is able to destroy
the yeast. However, when the immune system is weak, the yeast may produce
in mass amounts causing toxins that disable the immune system and prevent
it from functioning properly. In this case, the immune system cannot destroy
the yeast. At this point, the system becomes altered causing a host of
health problems.
Many pet owners have visited several veterinarians, and have spent
hundreds of dollars without any positive results. In a large percentage
of cases, a vet has ruled out a yeast infection. However, when the owner
began treatment for a yeast infection, the pet responded positively.
Signs and Symptoms of a Yeast Infection
Food Allergies
Nearly Every Type of Allergic Reaction
Food Sensitivities
Hypoglycemia Reaction
Diabetes
Constipation
Digestive Disturbances
Ongoing Ear Mite Problem
Depression
Muscle and Joint Pain (Stiff Joints/Arthritis)
Dizziness
White-Coated Tongue
Brittle Nails
Hives and other Skin Eruptions
Rectal Itching
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Asthma
Chronic Infections
Infertility
Mucus in the Stool
Clogged Sinuses
Environmental Sensitivity
Bloating
Flatulence
Diarrhea
Insomnia
Severe Itching & Skin Rashes
Persistent Cough
Fatigue
Chronic Ear Infections
Greasy Skin
Cloudy Eyes
Foul Odor from the Body or Ears
Discharge from the Eyes, Ears or Nose
Scratching in or under the Ears
Reddened area inside the Ears
Hypothyroidism
Cancer
Immune Disorders
The symptoms listed above may be due to other health issues, therefore,
before concluding that your pet's health problem is yeast related you should
have your pet checked by a veterinarian to rule out anemia, diabetes, cancer
or other diseases. If these problems are ruled out, it is likely your pet
may be suffering from a yeast infection.
Treating A Yeast Infection Naturally -- How To Get Started
The program outlined suggests general guidelines to follow. Since your
pet has it's own individual needs, we highly recommend a consultation
before beginning the program.
Many different types of traditional treatments are being used to treat
yeast and other skin problems. Although drugs are very effective, in most
cases they do not eliminate the cause of the symptom. To get at the cause,
you need to look at the whole picture. Once the cause is found, a PREVENTION
PLAN can be initiated.
A prevention plan is a simple method of enhancing the level of nutrition
and making lifestyle changes. It is an attempt to address any special
needs your pet may have.
Prevention Plan
1. Change the Diet -- You Must Feed an Anti-Yeast Diet
An anti-yeast diet is one that includes meats, most vegetables and
some diary. An anti-yeast diet will starve the yeast and aid in the healing
process. However, diet alone will not control the problem, it is only the
first step. Keep in mind a restricted diet does not have to last forever.
Once your pet's health improves, you will be able to expand on what you feed.
Foods that are allowed:
Vegetables:
asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, eggplant, parsley, squash, brussel
sprouts, celery, green beans, yellow beans, cucumbers, collard, kale,
lettuce, spinach.
Meats:
Beef, duck, chicken, fish, rabbit, turkey, Cornish hen, lamb.
Dairy:
Plain yogurt Stoneyfield Farm yogurt is recommended. Visit their website
www.stonyfield.com and type in your city and state to see where you can
purchase it. This yogurt contains:
Cultured pasteurized nonfat milk, naturally milled sugar, natural vanilla
flavor, pectin, turmeric, made with multiple organisms: S. Thermophilus,
L. Bulgaricus, L. Acidophilus, bifidus, L. Casei and L. Reuteri live active
cultures.
Purchase the French Vanilla. If you are not able to get Stoneyfield,
Dannon Plain yogurt is another option.
Beverages:
Water
Forbidden Foods:
Buttermilk
Cheeses
Packaged cereal
Cottage cheese
Crackers
Flour enriched with vitamins from yeast
Mushrooms Packaged & processed foods
Peanuts
Pretzels
Sorbital
Sweet Potatoes and yams
Vitamin/minerals from yeast source
Breads
Sausage
Potatoes
Bacon
Corn beef
Lunchmeats
Smoked turkey
Ham
Sauces, gravies
ALL grains -- white rice, brown rice, wheat, oats, barley
Anything sweet -- sugar, honey, molasses, maple syrup, corn syrup,
dextrose
Avoid Dry Dog/Cat foods containing:
Poultry-by-product meal
Meat-by-products
Corn syrup
Caramel coloring
Rice flour
Wheat gluten
Corn gluten
Sugar
Recommended Anti-Yeast Diets
Chicken n' Veggies
1 package of chicken thighs with skin (family pack)
Remove chicken skin on half of the pieces and discard.
2 chicken bouillon cubes
2 cloves garlic
1 1/2 cup water
1 bag frozen vegetables (use one vegetable)
In crock-pot place chicken, garlic and 1 1/2 cups water. Cook on LOW
for 6 hours or until the chicken is completely cooked. Add vegetables.
Stir. Meal is complete.
Before serving, carefully remove the bones. Serve at room temperature.
Refrigerator for 6 days -- then discard.
Chicken n' Beans
1 package of chicken thighs with skin (family pack)
Remove skin on half of the pieces and discard.
1 can kidney beans drained (10 oz. can)
2 cloves garlic
1 1/2 cup water
1 bag frozen vegetables or 2 cups fresh vegetables
In crock-pot place chicken, garlic and 1 1/2 cups water. Cook on LOW
for 6 hours or until the chicken is completely cooked. Add 1 bag frozen/fresh
vegetables and kidney beans. Stir. Meal is complete.
Before serving, carefully remove the bones. Serve at room temperature.
Refrigerator for 6 days -- then discard.
Beef Melody
2 lbs. medium fat ground meat or cubed steak
2 cloves garlic
1 1/2 cup water
1 bag frozen vegetables or 2 cups fresh vegetables
In crock-pot place beef, garlic and 1 1/2 cups water. Cook on LOW for
6 hours or until the beef is completely cooked. Turn crock-pot off. Add
1 bag frozen/fresh vegetables. Stir. Meal is complete.
Serve at room temperature. Refrigerator for 6 days -- then discard.
The crock-pot is suggested for ease of cooking, but any method can
be used. You can also feed a raw diet, however, it is the position of Purely
Pets that BARF feeding has certain dangers. While we are not against it,
we do not recommend it because it takes a certain amount of knowledge to feed
it risk-free.
Cooking, or feeding raw is not convenient for everyone, and you should
not feel guilty or feel that you will never get the problem under control.
You can still feed a high quality dry or canned food. However, it will
take a little longer to get the yeast problem under control.
Azmira Pet Foods is a yeast free, high quality dog/cat food containing
beef meal, lamb meal, and other high quality ingredients. With the addition
of Azmira and the supplements listed below, you will be able to treat
a yeast infection.
We suggest feeding your pet several small meals a day. Pets should
be fed as we do -- breakfast, lunch, dinner and a light snack before bedtime.
A feeding schedule is outlined below which you can adjust to your lifestyle.
7:00 a.m. or when you get up: Dry food or homemade diet.
11:00 a.m. Light snack: Vegetable, meat or yogurt.
3:00 p.m. Light snack: Vegetable, meat or yogurt.
7:00 p.m. Dinner: Dry food or homemade diet.
Before bed: Light snack: Vegetable or yogurt.
2. Supplementing is a Must When Treating Skin Disorders
Antibiotics, especially if you give them repeatedly destroy the friendly
bacteria. Since antibiotics do not harm yeast, they spread out and raise
large families that thrive in moist, dark, warm places, such as the mouth,
intestines, ears, and nose. When yeasts multiply, they put out toxins,
which circulate through your pet's body and make them sick.
However, I do not recommend discontinuing traditional medicine cold
turkey or discontinuing at all. This is YOUR decision based on how the following
program works. I highly recommend you work closely with someone knowledgeable
in nutrition, such as a holistic vet or pet nutritionist. Many traditional
vets may not agree with the program.
Product Recommendations:
Yeast & Fungal d'tox
This is a natural anti-fungal, antibacterial and anti-yeast liquid.
It helps the body eliminate Candida overgrowth, vaginal infections, fungal
infections and ringworm. It is also supportive in the reduction of Valley
Fever. This liquid should be given 3-4 times a day, 1 drop per 5 lbs. of
body weight.
Mega Pet
A yeast free vitamin supplement containing vitamins, minerals, and
amino acids. It aids in supporting the immune system during the yeast
process.
Nature's Finest Herbal Wormer
Worms thrive in a yeast-ridden body; therefore, it is very important
to keep the body clean to prevent further health problems.
Conclusion:
Pets may show a response to treatment within a month, however some
take several months, even a year. The length of treatment seems proportional
to the cooperation of the owner. In other words, if the owner gives the remedies
once a day, administers antibiotics during the treatment program, and feeds
a low quality diet, the treatment will take longer. Treatment will be more
effective if the owner remains persistent with the required regimen.
A yeast infection is very frustrating and an ailment that takes commitment
on the part of the owner. The program is not easy, however, when the yeast
is under control, owners report significant improvement and a new positive
lifestyle for the pet.
A consultation is highly recommended before any treatment is started.
A consultation will include a personalized diet and holistic program suggestions,
all custom-tailored to your pet's personal needs. While Purely Pets continues
to provide and even add educational articles on the website, these are just
general in nature. We therefore encourage you to tailor a program specifically
for your pet's needs. This is particularly imperative in pets with complicated
health issues, or if you have done outside reading and have conflicting
information.
Copyright © 1997~2007 Purely Pets. All rights
reserved.
reprinted with kind permission from Darleen Rudnick
The above information is simply informational.
It's intent is not to replace the advice of a veterinarian nor to assist
you in making a diagnosis of your pet. Please consult with your own veterinarian
for confirmation of any diagnosis. Your pets life may depend on it.