VETERINARY MEDICINE: Ten Signs of Heart Disease in Cats.

VETERINARY MEDICINE: Ten Signs of Heart Disease in Cats. Heart disease in cats presents itself in much the same way as in dogs, with a few exceptions. The biggest difference is that cats tend to mask their signs better than dogs, and therefore go longer without detection. Since early detection is key, be on the look-out for the following signs... VETERINARY MEDICINE: Ten Signs of Heart Disease in Cats. #1 Restlessness Restlessness is harder to recognize in cats than in dogs, as it seems many healthy cats are restless, especially at night. If your cat suddenly becomes restless at night where it wasn’t before, be on the look-out for other signs of heart disease. #2 Weakness Sure, cats nap a lot no matter the circumstance. However, if your cat appears less playful or tires more easily due to weakness rather than laziness, you may have a problem. #3 Fainting/Collapsing If you find your cat has fainted or collapsed, seek veterinary help. If your cat is experience any of these other signs, it may all be due to heart disease. 4 Swollen Abdomen More likely than weight gain is a bloated or distended abdomen. More

Meta-analysis shows eggs can reduce stroke risk by 12%

Meta-analysis shows eggs can reduce stroke risk by 12%: Eating up to one egg a day has no association with coronary heart disease (CHD) but does reduce the risk of stroke by 12%, a meta-analysis has suggested. The benefits of eggs to good health are

LABRADOR RETRIEVER AND OBESITY GENE..

A new University of Cambridge study shows that Chubby labrador retrievers may be genetically predisposed to obesity. This research has been published in the journal Cell Metabolism,the dog – which is the most popular breed in the UK – is often considered to be "obsessed with food", say the researchers,this could be explained by the gene. 310 pet and assistance Labradors were weighed, assessed, and given a "body condition score". The team also "searched for variants of obesity-related genes" and assessed food-motivation via a diary kept by dog owners. The research found that one particular gene – POMC – was associated with obesity in the Labradors, with around one in four Labradors thought to carry the gene. It affects how the brain regulates and recognizes the feeling of hunger – meaning the dogs may carry on eating when they're full. "This is a common genetic variant in Labradors and has a significant effect on those dogs that carry it, so it is likely that this helps explain why Labradors are more prone to being overweight in comparison to other breeds," said Eleanor Raffman, lead author of the research. "People who live with Labradors often say they are obsessed by food, and that would fit with what we know about this genetic change." The team says the research may also have an impact on our understanding of human obesity. "Common genetic variants affecting the POMC gene are associated with human body weight and there are even some rare obese people who lack a very similar part of the POMC gene to the one that is missing in the dogs. So further research in these obese Labradors may not only help the well being of companion animals but also have important lessons for human health," said Stephen O'Rahilly, who also worked on the research. Obesity in dogs can cause diabetes, heart disease, cancer and a reduced lifespan as also observed in man. culled from wired.co.uk

Researchers identify potential approach to treat heart disease through the gut.

Researchers have demonstrated -- for the first time -- that targeting microbes in the gut may prevent heart disease brought on by nutrients contained in a diet rich in red meat, eggs and high-fat dairy products. This novel approach centers around the research team's previous discovery that TMAO -- trimethylamine N-oxide, a byproduct formed in the gut during digestion of animal fats -- is linked to atherosclerosis and heart disease. Now, the team has identified a naturally occurring inhibitor called DMB -- 3,3-dimethyl-1-butanol, found in some cold-pressed extra virgin olive oils and grape seed oils -- that reduced levels of TMAO and reduced atherosclerosis in mice. This discovery may represent a potential new therapeutic approach for the prevention of heart disease, the No. 1 killer , as well as other metabolic diseases linked to gut microbes, such as diabetes culled from science daily.

Fish oil may help curb seizure frequency in epilepsy.

Low doses of fish oil may help to curb the frequency of epileptic seizures when drug treatment no longer works, suggests a small study. The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil are able to cross over from the bloodstream into heart cells where they work to stabilize heart rhythm and protect against heart attacks. This is particularly important for people with epilepsy because they have a significantly high risk of having a heart attack. The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil are able to cross over from the bloodstream into heart cells where they work to stabilize heart rhythm and protect against heart attacks.This is particularly important for people with epilepsy because they have a significantly higher risk of having a heart attack than those without the condition.And experimental research indicates that omega 3 fatty acids can also cross over into the central nervous system, where they reduce the excitability of brain cells which trigger seizures. source;British Medical Journal

DOGS,DIET AND CANCER.

Watermelon is a highly nutritious fruit packed with nutrients that help body function properly.It is made up of 92% of water,making it a perfect hydration source when body fluids are depleted.Its juice has a calming effect on blood vessels,thus making it valuable in management of hypertension. Potassium is of the minerals found in watermelon,this helps in regulation of water/electrolyte balance making it valuable in control of heart rate and blood pressure.It protects against stroke and coronary heart disease,regulating blood pressure. Watermelon contains vitamin C, B ,A, it also contains dietary fiber that is essential for digestive health.The watermelon is a colorful fruit ,adding color to meals,salad or snack bowl,the red pigment is as a result of lycopene which is in high quantity in the fruit. Lycopene is an antioxidant responsible for destroying any free radicals in the body which normally damage cells and destroys immune system.These free radicals are cancer causing elements,but lycopene mops them up thus preventing several types of cancer and lycopene helps to fight heart disease Watermelon contains flavonoids,carotenoids and tritepenoids which have anti inflammatory and antioxidant properties, this is the reason why watermelon prevent muscle soreness,joint pain and arthritis.The antioxidant property offers protection against colon,prostate,breast,endometrial,lung and pancreatic cancers. Watermelon contains citrulline which is an essential amino acid, this is converted to arginine another essential amino acid essentially by the kidneys.Watermelon has natural diuretic properties ,thus helping to maintain kidney health by flushing out of the tubule at regular interval thus preventing urolith formation. The benefits of watermelon are enormous,and they also offer same benefits to the animal world. Dogs can be fed with watermelon to supplement their meal, or as a snack or treat, you can also use it as a treatment option in cases of kidney problems or weight management in dogs. Watermelon given to dogs must be clean,diced/cubed and seedless, and give moderate servings /mealtime.