DEAR READERS: In a new study, glyphosate -- the main ingredient in Roundup -- caused severe damage to rats' gut function. Per the study's abstract, this gut damage was "characterized by gut microbial dysbiosis, oxidative stress damage, intestinal inflammation, and histopathological injury, particularly in female rats."
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See the study "Roundup-Induced Gut Dysbiosis, Irrelevant to Aromatic Amino Acid Deficiency, Impairs the Gut Function in Rats" by Tianchi Duan et al., published in the Journal of Agricultural Food Chemistry, September 2024.
While we are not rats, this study confirms the concerns that I raised several years ago -- namely, that residues of this herbicide, found in both human and pet foods, could be a contributing factor in the genesis of inflammatory bowel disease and other health issues following disruption of the gut microbiome. See my post: drfoxonehealth.com/post/genetically-modified-gmo-pet-food-ingredients-put-dogs-cats-and-other-consumers-at-risk.
STOMATITIS IN CATS: TREATMENT AND PREVENTION
DEAR DR. FOX: Thank you for providing information about keeping pets’ teeth and gums healthy in a recent column. You mentioned using CORE oral care products for dogs, but can they be used for cats? -- D.G., Minneapolis
DEAR D.G.: CORE Pet has excellent dental products for cats, as well as for dogs, to keep gums and teeth healthy. It is especially important to monitor the oral health of cats, as they are prone to a condition called feline stomatitis -- a painful form of gum disease.
Stomatitis is estimated to affect around 10% of all cats in the U.S., and many cats are subjected to so-called full-mouth extractions in order to treat it. This disease is now attributed to an allergic/autoimmune reaction between the teeth, gums and saliva, which the CORE oral care products can help prevent and treat.
For cats who do require some teeth to be extracted, I advise treatment with these products prior to dental surgery to help speed recovery. The ingredients are antibacterial, anti-allergen, anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antiparasitic. For details, go to core-pet.com.
For more information about feline stomatitis, see my post here: drfoxonehealth.com/post/feline-stomatitis-complex.
PIGS AT FAIR PASS ON INFLUENZA VIRUS INFECTION
The CDC and state health officials confirmed that two young people who were exposed to pigs at an agricultural fair in Minnesota tested positive for infection with the H3N2v flu virus. The patients, who did not know each other, sought care during the week of Sept. 7, and both recovered without needing hospitalization. (Full story: Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, Sept. 21)
I would say this was a close call and a warning. I have voiced my opposition, on animal welfare and public health grounds, to all exhibits featuring live animals, especially with large crowds. This is but one step away from the “wet” markets where some believe the COVID-19 pandemic started.
FORCED SEPARATION FROM PETS A SERIOUS ISSUE
A scoping review in the journal Anthrozoos found that people who are forced to abandon their companion animals may experience psychological distress that compounds the trauma of domestic violence, unstable housing or natural disasters. To avoid separation, some may take actions that pose risks to their health, well-being and safety. Policymakers and shelters should consider the value people place on their pets and take steps to “prevent unacceptable outcomes such as animal maltreatment or death,” said lead author Jasmine Montgomery.
For more, see the study "A Scoping Review of Forced Separation Between People and Their Companion Animals" by Jasmine Montgomery, Zhanming Liang and Janice Lloyd, published in Anthrozoos, January 2024.
(Send all mail to animaldocfox@gmail.com or to Dr. Michael Fox in care of Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106. The volume of mail received prohibits personal replies, but questions and comments of general interest will be discussed in future columns.
Visit Dr. Fox’s website at DrFoxOneHealth.com.)