| Natural flea and tick fighters 06/04/2001 By
Since flea and tick season is upon us, here are some holistic therapies
you might try to help fight these pests. While chemicals used to kill
fleas have become significantly safer in recent years, many owners prefer
a natural approach.
A recent article in the Journal of the American Medical Association
("Garlic as an insect," 284:831) reveals some interesting information about
garlic. This study tested the use of garlic, a well-known flea
repellent, in preventing tick bites. Briefly, 100 Swedish military
personnel were given either 1,200 mg a day of garlic extract or placebo
in capsules for eight weeks. The garlic group experienced significantly
fewer tick bites.
Seed extract from neem, an East Indian tree, is also a popular natural
insecticide often used as part of a holistic flea control program. The
extract is a powerful repellent with low toxicity.
Unfortunately, it also degrades rapidly in light, excessive heat or
alkalinity. A recent abstract in Vet Parasitol showed the
effectiveness of neem in controlling fleas. Groups of kennelled
greyhounds and domestic cats infested with fleas were sprayed once with
azadirachtin containing neem seed extract with or without
diethyltoluamide (Deet) and/or citronella.
Azadirachtin reduced fleas 93 to 53 percent for 19 days. When combined
with Deet and citronella, azadirachtin reduced fleas 95 to 62 percent
for 20 days. The combination treatment was also effective on cats.
By itself, the chemical Deet did not reduce fleas significantly.
Dear Dr. Shawn: My dog Tom was recently diagnosed with myasthenia
gravis. Can you help us understand this problem?
Answer: Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease. Tom's
antibodies attach to the nerve receptors at the nerve-muscle junction,
resulting in skeletal muscle weakness.
In the generalized form, the hind limbs are affected; the gait worsens
with exercise and improves with rest. In the local form, specific muscle
groups (usually the esophageal muscles) are affected.
MG is commonly treated with corticosteroids and AChE inhibitors.
Complementary therapies can include acupuncture, homeopathy and whole
food supplements.
Since thyroid disease can resemble MG, all affected pets should be
tested for hypothyroidism.
Since this is an autoimmune disease, I recommend no longer vaccinating
Tom in order to limit extra antigen in his body.
Dr. Shawn Messonnier is a local veterinarian, author and pet care
advocate. Please address questions to him at 2145 W. Park Blvd., Plano,
TX 75075, or e-mail him.
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