A comment that was made on the second part of the article on treating parvo (part 1, part 2) that brought up some concerns over using Kaopectate in dogs. I did some investigating on the issues of using this common over-the-counter medication with animals and this is what I found.
Kaopectate use to be a formula that contained kaolin and pectin. According to peteducation.com, it was:
Suspected to work by absorbing bacteria and toxins in the intestine and coating the lining of the intestines for additional protection.
This absorption and protection is why it was especially good in the treatment of parvo as was discussed in the previous article in part 2.
In December of 2002 a new formula of Kaopectate that contains bismuth salicylate was released. Bismuth salicylate is an aspirin derivative. Aspirin is known to be toxic to cats, but unless a dog has an allergy to aspirin, it is safe for dogs.
If you look up bismuth salicylate at www.peteducation.com you will find:
Bismuth subsalicylate is used to treat mild vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. It can be fatal if used in cats; use only under direct supervision of your veterinarian. Tongue and stool may darken temporarily. If the vomiting and/or diarrhea persists for more than 48 hours; the pet has a fever, is depressed or shows abdominal pain; or the pet does not continue to be active and alert, contact your veterinarian.
There are web sites that give a blanket warning that this new formula is toxic to both cats and dogs and should be avoided. However, other sites say it is fine to use in dogs:
Dogs that may have an allergy to aspirin, or are taking aspirin, steroids, or another non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as Rimadyl, EtoGesic, or Deramaxx should not be given the formulation with bismuth salicylate unless directed by a veterinarian.
Since aspirin itself is not recommended for use in pregnant dogs, the same would also hold true for bismuth salicylate.
In doing a search for Kaopectate on the ASPCA website, the only warnings were for cats, and it was referenced in a 2008 document for people who are fostering dogs as one of the things they would need to have on hand for caring for puppies.
The original reference for using Kaopectate in dogs who have parvo was from Dr. Martin Godstein's book The Nature of Animal Healing. It was published in June of 2000, before the change in formula for Kaopectate. As such, using the generic form of Kaolin/Pectin may be more appropriate for the specific Parvo treatment then the new formula of Kaopectate. You can either look for a generic formula or look for the brand names Kao-Spen®, Kapectolin® and K-P®. If you can not find a local store that carries it, you can check online at The Find where you can find it listed for as low as $3.95 for 32 ounces.
As always, the information given here is not intended to replace the advice given by your vet. It is intended to provide you with an education so that you can make an informed decision as to what is the best alternative for your companion.
If you have any questions or comments, or if you would like to know about anything in particular, please send an email to doni@donisdogs.com.
Compassion in Action - Doni's Dogs
www.donisdogs.com
To see a complete listing of my articles, please go to http://www.examiner.com/x-11706-Salt-Lake-Alternative-Pet-Health-Examiner
Today's site
In today's world animal abuse seems to be rampant. So many times I have heard or seen comments that people wished there was some kind of a national database where abuse could be reported and perpetrators listed. Now there is. Through Their Eyes has a searchable database by name where you can look up information as to the type of abuse committed. In addition, they will check a name for you and have available a DNA (Do Not Adopt) list. They also have a listing of U.S. cruelty, bestiality and dog fighting laws. This is a great resource for both rescues who regularly adopt out animals as well as any individual who is looking to find a good home for an animal. Check them out.
More information:
http://www.examiner.com/x-11706-Salt-Lake-Alternative-Pet-Health-Examiner~y2009m7d27-Alternative-treatments-for-parvo--Part-1
http://www.examiner.com/x-11706-Salt-Lake-Alternative-Pet-Health-Examiner~y2009m7d31-Alternative-Treatment-for-Parvo--Part-2
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=26+1303&aid=1456
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2102&aid=450
http://www.aspcapro.org/saving-lives/documents/seattle-animal-shelter-foster-1.pdf
www.thefind.com/search?query=kaolin+and+pectin#page=1&local=0&filter[sortby]=price_asc
Today's Site
http://www.inhumane.org/
Comments
In 1985 one of my dogs would not eat for a couple of days after being spayed. She just stood around looking worried. I took her to another vet, thinking she might have an obstruction. They poured some barium down her throat and took an xray of her digestive system - no obstruction. I took her home, and from that moment forward she was fine again. I got a call later from the vet, who determined from a blood test that she had parvo, but "the mildest case" he had ever seen. The barium apparently had something in it that made her feel better enough to start eating again.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!