PetCentRx Case Study - Digestive Disorders Related to Heart Medication Reduced in Aging Calico When Veterinarian Recommends “Natural” Treatment with PetCentRx “Vim & Vigor”

Problem

Sophie was a 14-year-old longhaired calico in a multi-cat household who had had a heart murmur from birth. Her owner, Linda R. of Covina, CA, sought treatment from her original veterinarian who prescribed the human cardiovascular medication, Atenolol, for Sophie for over two years.

Atenolol is used to treat high blood pressure. It also is used to prevent angina (chest pain) and treat heart attacks. Atenolol is in a class of medications called beta blockers. It works by slowing the heart rate and relaxing the blood vessels so the heart does not have to pump as hard. “It made Sophie listless and disinterested in everything,” Linda recalled.

“Plus, the effects of the drug on Sophie’s digestive system were serious,” Linda said. “I became concerned since she had been on the medication for so long, was lethargic, had lost her appetite, vomited excessively and had severe difficulty using her cat box. Also, we suspect that because her immune system was compromised, Sophie was more susceptible and contracted ringworm which really sapped her strength. In 2005, I decided to get a second opinion from Dr. Charles Strange who consulted with a veterinarian in New York who specialized in feline heart disease. They determined to eliminate the medication. Then, Dr. Strange x-rayed Sophie which showed she was literally blocked up internally. He recommended a natural, non-invasive treatment, changing her diet to a higher fiber food and adding the PetCentRx “Vim & Vigor” vitamins to her daily feeding.

Solution

Linda was challenged about how she could feed one cat in multi-cat household so that the other cats wouldn’t eat Sophie’s food. “Dr. Strange knew the extra nutrition would benefit Sophie even in her advanced years and he used it with his own cats. I decided to use baby food as a binder for a small amount of “Vim & Vigor” and as a special treat for Sophie since baby food doesn’t have added fat, sugar or salt. Then I was able to add it directly to her food and it made a major difference. Her vomiting ended and her energy increased. Her intestines cleared in about two weeks and within a month she was more playful and interested in my other cats, Eddie, a 12-year-old male tabby, and Molly, an eight-year-old female calico. Sophie even played with her favorite tennis ball again and I know she had an enjoyable quality of life for her last three years.”

Eddie and Molly, too, have benefited from “Vim & Vigor” and Linda noted that their coats are shinier, their cat box odors are reduced and their dental health has improved greatly.

Dr. Shawn's Comments

Heart disease is common in cats. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential in allowing the cat to live a long healthy life. An important part of the therapy for cats and dogs with heart disease is regular dental care to eliminate the bacteria that can attack the valves of the heart. I’ll often use herbal remedies to act as a “natural antibiotic,” along with immune-supporting supplements to help the pet thrive on its own. A good multivitamin-mineral and health maintenance formula can provide the additional enzymes that increase digestion of the food as pets may have decreased digestion and absorption of nutrients as a result of a long-term course of prescription medication. The quality vitamin and herbal ingredients in Vim & Vigor can benefit an older cat like Sophie in keeping her healthy.

One note about ringworm: A fungus, ringworm often produces ring-like circular lesions of hair loss and crusting. Ringworm is highly contagious to pets as well as humans who in turn can contract it from pets by touching them or even their bedding. In my practice, it is very rare that I ever need to use conventional medications to treat fungal skin or ear infections and most respond quite nicely to natural therapies. I recommend treating all exposed pets as exposed pets can harbor the infection even though they may never develop dermatitis.

About Pet-Togethers

Pet-Togethers is a visionary pet wellness company, offering human-grade dietary supplements for cats & dogs, including its flagship wellness formula, PetCentRx Vim & Vigor, veterinarian-recommended to help companion pets feel better, look better, and live fuller lives. Pet-Togethers’ innovative business model offers pet care professionals a unique opportunity to add revenue to their practices through a convenient continuity program for their clients. With its caring corporate culture, the company is focused on developing programs and products that promote holistic care and treatment solutions to improve the quality of life for companion pets and provide peace of mind for their caregivers.