Health concerns

Itching is our top complaint here at MPN. A multifaceted issue often related to immune malfunction due to genetics and environmental factors such as nutrition, toxin exposure and stress. There are other considerations relating to itching such as thyroid function or something more simple like an elevated stress response or a poor omega-3 fatty acid rich diet. We work successfully with these issues although nothing is failsafe and protocols often take many months.

You can never underestimate how stressful it is for a dog to live in a 21st century home. Modern living, coupled with genetics and environmental factors, can make anxiety a layered issue. We look at all aspects of health including genetic mutations, inflammation, intolerances, and gut health.

A debilitating structural issue that includes inflammation, degradation, oxidation and lubrication of joint matrix. This tends to affect senior dogs related to wear and tear but can affect dogs of any age and size. We consider all areas of health and currently work with a gait analysis specialist and veterinary physiotherapist, to offer a multi modal approach to support.

Cancer is the third most common reason clients consult with MPN. Approximately 1 in 2 dogs get cancer and 1 in 4 die of cancer. Cancer is a multifaceted disease of which we consider with an in-depth approach.

Around 80% of immunity lies within your pet’s digestive system. Digestive symptoms can be as subtle as burping, diarrhoea, constipation and anal gland issues. Some of these extensive and all too common complaints can fall under the umbrella of IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). In these instances, the digestive function is compromised and may become overly sensitive to environmental stimuli (namely foods). We see many symptoms of digestive distress, where the lesser symptoms may eventually lead to more serious disease such as IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease).

Endocrine Disorders are complex and involve many glands and hormones of the body. Hormone imbalances can affect your pet’s health in many ways. Endocrine diseases occur when the glands produce too much or too little hormone, often due to an autoimmune immune response, nutritional deficiency, tumor, congenital disease and/or trauma.

Kidney disease can occur in many older cats and dogs. However, it is a multifaceted disease that can be found in younger animals and linked to congenital disease, environmental factors and other disease. Despite research and veterinarians pointing to low protein diets in kidney disease, the research is undetermined and questionable.

The liver is prepped to metabolise everything that enters and passes through the body. Liver Disease can present in different forms from acute and chronic hepatitis, copper toxicity, porto systemic liver shunts to hepatic encephalopathy. Each has a different aetiology, diet and supplementation approach but with many shared similarities.

Pancreatitis is almost 50% more commonly found in cats and dogs than in humans. Pancreatitis is the intense inflammation and swelling of the pancreas. It can either be an ‘acute case’, where animals can be at high risk (sometimes fatal) from a sudden onset of mass inflammation or a ‘chronic case’ with low grade inflammation over an extended period of time. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is the termed coined when the pancreas is no longer able to produce digestive enzymes, this can result from chronic pancreatitis.

We deal with a plethora of urinary issues including reoccurring infections, stones and bladder issues such as incontinence. Our approach looks at the very core reasons as to why this may occur in the first place. Once on a suitable new diet, clients can sometimes manage things successfully at home.