Use of Natural Topical Medications in Veterinary Medicine

By Dr Mark Teeger Bsc BVSc & Dr Rona Sherebrin DVM CVA.

Topical medications and remedies are widely used in Veterinary Dermatology, as an aid to the treatment of many skin conditions in pets. They have a long history and unfortunately, are often deemed less effective than oral and injectable formulations of medications. These products include: Shampoos, Sprays, Creams, Leave-on Conditioners, Lotions and Ointments. They are used to: Provide relief from the pain, itchiness and discomfort, and aid in the healing and resolution of many skin conditions that affect our pets They should not: Cause or mask any other conditions by their use and application, or be harmful if ingested, Modern conventional topical treatments have, up until now included products that contain: Corticosteroids, Antibiotics, Antiseptics. These medications may be highly effective in decreasing discomfort and aiding healing, but, they may cause more problems. Even if used appropriately, they may select for antibiotic resistant bacteria (superbugs) such as MRSA, or make the problem worse by suppressing immunity. Recently, in the field of Human and Veterinary Dermatology, a number of products have been developed that are made from natural ingredients, that aid in the treatment of many difficult skin conditions. Some of these products have been in use for thousands of years.(raw honey, beeswax, mineral salts and plant extracts), and some are recent innovations; ( enzymes; lactoferrin, lactoperoxidase and lysozyme). They avoid the potential problems caused by conventional pharmaceuticals, by using various natural active ingredients that have documented positive healing effects on the skin, and are being used with great success in many busy veterinary hospitals today All these remedies both individually and when put together in various preparations, have soothing , healing properties that make use of the body (skin)s own mechanisms to fight infection and heal damaged tissues.

There is NO risk for selecting for strains of Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria, that are rapidly becoming the number one concern in human and veterinary hospitals. They are free of Antibiotics and Corticosteroids. They are soothing, non toxic and an excellent aid to the treatment of many complex, frustrating skin problems; such as hot spots, lick granulomas, necrotizing fascitis, road burn (degloving injuries) , superficial and deep skin infections (pyoderma). Sidebar: Natural ingredients 1) Avocado Oil: the oil from avocado fruits Contains: Vitamins (A, D, E, Lecithin, Beta-carotein) , Potassium, >20% EFA (Essential Fatty Acids) Uses: Aids in regeneration, moisturizes dry damaged skin, softens tissue, and naturally soothes itchy skin. Eessential for the healing and well being of the skin. 2) Aloe Vera : The gel from the inside of the Aloe Vera plant leaf. Contains: Vitamins (A, B1, B6, B12, C & E), Amino acids, Minerals. Uses: Soothes and moisturizes the skin, eases pain and inflammation. Promotes natural healing of superficial skin damage. (e.g. burns, eczema ). 3) Mineral salts ( From the Dead Sea) Contains: 27 essential minerals (including: Magnesium, Calcium, Sulphur, Bromide, Iodine, Sodium, Zinc, Potassium) Uses: Dead Sea Salts are famous for their unique qualities of skin nourishment and rejuvenation in humans. 4) Propolis: Resin produced by bees and used in the construction of hives. It has natural antibacterial qualities. An ancient natural antibacterial ( used 2000 years ago by Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Romans) Contains: High concentration of Flavinoids Uses: General healing qualities in skin. Useful in treatment of many superficial skin lesions (The World Health Organization lists bee propolis as a natural cure for a variety of ailments such as: Acne, Burns, Blisters, Bedsores, Calluses, Canker sores (aphtha), Diaper rash, Eczema, Psoriasis) 5) Calendula Extract: Natural healing herbal extract obtained from the Summer Marigold flower ( Calendula officinalis) Uses: Soothes dry irritated skin, aids in healing of skin and open wounds.

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Beeswax: The waxy material that bees secrete to build their hives Contains: more than 284 different compounds, primarily a mixture of various long-chain fatty acids. Beeswax is also insoluble in water and resistant to many acids, and has mild antiinflammatory and antioxidant activity. Uses: to create a waterproof barrier, to thicken ointments

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Raw (unpasteurized) Honey: The sweet secretion that bees produce from flower nectar, mechanically separated from the hive Contains: mostly fructose and glucose, and smaller amounts of maltose and sucrose, flavonoids, phenolic acids and lysozyme Uses: antimicrobial activity makes honey beneficial in contaminated wounds, skin ulcers

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Plant Butters: (Cocoa , Shea , Mango, Coconut (oil) Contains: medium and long chain fatty acids, complex nonsaponifiable fats, Vitamins A, E. Uses: Soothes and moisturizes dry irritated skin, provides a waterproof barrier

Most natural topical products will avoid or minimize the use of chemicals such as, ethanolamine, diethanolamines, isopropyl alcohol, urea (imidazolidinyl), DMDM Hydantoin, Parabens, Petrolatum and Mineral oil, Polyethylene and propylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), synthetic colors and fragrances. Natural products that must be avoided in pets are full strength essential oils, as these can be toxic. Even diluted they can be toxic to cats, who lack the enzymes to process them.

Examples: A home-made paw protection salve can be made by melting : 1/3 cup cosmetic grade beeswax 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil or pure almond oil 1/16 teaspoon borax 6 drops calendula extract

Melt the wax in a double boiler. Once it is melted, slowly add the oil, mix well until it is of a whipped cream consistency and add the borax and Calendula extract. Pour into a sterilized jar and cover. Apply a thin layer to pads before going outside in icy weather.

VetGold (Animal Skin Care Cream) www.vetgold.ca

About the authors: Dr Mark Teeger. Practicing Veterinarian, and co-owner Secord Animal Hospital in Toronto. www.secordanimalhospital.com Dr Rona Sherebrin. Practicing Veterinarian at Secord Animal Hospital in Toronto. Specializing in:Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) , Veterinary Acupuncture,, Integrative Veterinary Health Management. www.mytcmvet.com

Clinical Cases: (using Vetgoldtm twice daily)

1) Hotspot in a Dalmatian Before:

After 7 days :

Interdigital Cyst in a dog

Before:

After 10 days

Necrotizing Abscess in a cat Before:

After 10 days: