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ClostridiaQuestion:
My dog was recently diagnosed with clostridia. She is 9 years old and never had
any problems. The doctor gave her metronidazole as a treatment. I don't think
it's working very well, however, due to some research I have done, it could take
months for the symptoms to go away. I don't know what to do? How can I treat
this without it costing me a fortune?
Answer:
Clostridium is a large genus of Gram-positive bacteria. They are obligate
anaerobes capable of producing endospores. They are one of the most common
causes of infection of the intestinal tract. Some antibiotics can put
individuals at risk of becoming infected with clostridial bacteria. Antibiotics
disrupt the normal, or "good" bacteria of the bowel, allowing this "bad"
bacteria to become established. Many animals infected with clostridium have no
symptoms. These animals become carriers of the bacteria and can infect others.
In others, a toxin produced by the bacterial endospores causes diarrhea,
abdominal pain, severe inflammation of the intestines, even fever, an elevated
white blood count, vomiting and dehydration may occur in severely affected
patients.
This imbalance of bacteria in the digestive tract causes "Leaky Gut Syndrome."
It is necessary to address this imbalance by replacing the "good" bacteria with
probiotics (NF
Spectra), restoring normal digestive/absorptive function with enzymes (Animal
Essentials Plant Enzymes and Probiotics, or
Prozyme), repairing intestinal mucosal integrity (ONP
GI Support), utilizing Chinese Herbs (Health
Concerns Shin Ling), and maintaining normal digestive health with minimally
processed, whole ingredient diets (such as
Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Diets,
Freeze Dried Food,
Home Made or
Raw Frozen Diets) along with the above supplements to prevent reoccurrence
of infection.
Vitamin, mineral, antioxidant supplements such as
Vetri-Science Canine Plus Senior, immune modulators with plant sterols such
as those in
ONP Immune Balance,
fatty acids, and medical mushroom extracts such as
Health Concerns Power Mushrooms,
Mush Medicinal Mushrooms, or
Vetri-Science Maitake DMG can help in treating and preventing clostridial
infections.
Finally, it is important to also rule out underlying diseases or imbalances that
may weaken the immune and digestive systems.
Sincerely,
S.M. Sanderlin DVM
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