1/3. Adrenal toxicity in dogs and cats as a contributing cause of hormonal and immune destabilization.The adrenal cortex is regarded as the organ most vulnerable to toxicity within the endocrine system. The production of cortisol, among the many steroidal hormones produced by the cortex, may suffer as a result. In a veterinary clinical practice, household dogs and cats with a wide variety of diseases ranging from allergies to cancer commonly have a cortisol deficiency or defect that triggers endocrine imbalances and immune system destabilization. The causes of deficient cortisol are linked primarily to genetics but also to acquired adrenal damage likely stemming from environmental toxins. An innovative blood test to determine relevant endocrine-immune imbalances in pets and a treatment method based on low-dosage steroidal medication, as a form of cortisol replacement therapy, are described. Despite a prevailing reluctance to use steroidal medications long term because of the fear of side effects, extended and even life-time usage of these medications at low, physiologic dosages has been applied successfully for decades and appears to be gaining wider acceptance. The validity of a combined testing and treatment method for humans based on the veterinary model deserves investigation as a tool with which to identify and correct toxic damage to adrenal function.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = environment (Clic here for more details about this article) |
2/3. Recurrent pharyngitis in family of four. Household pet as reservoir of group A streptococci.A frustrating clinical problem of recurrent streptococcal pharyngitis affected the clinical health, economic well-being, and social function of a family of four. Numerous attempts using conventional methods of treatment failed to permanently eradicate group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal infection from this family. Their pet dog was finally discovered to be a carrier of group A streptococci and was treated concurrently with all family members. Subsequently, no group A streptococcal infections recurred. This report illustrates the importance of detailed investigation of the patient's environment and contacts, including nonhuman contacts, in cases of recurrent infection with a streptococcal agent.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = environment (Clic here for more details about this article) |
3/3. Bats, cats, and rabies in an urban community.Bats are the primary vectors of rabies in humans in the united states. In the urban environment they generally are found within buildings where they may bite people or be attacked by cats or dogs. Given the high probability that any bat that bites a person may be rabid, antirabies prophylaxis should be administered as soon as possible after the incident. This should not be delayed pending laboratory results on the bat. Children should be taught to avoid contact with moribund bats. cats are more likely to be involved with rabid bats than dogs, but they are less likely to be vaccinated against rabies. The occasional rabid cat in an urban community may have acquired its infection from a bat. Therefore, it is vital that communities enforce rabies vaccination for cats as well as dogs.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = environment (Clic here for more details about this article) |