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Renal Failure in Cats and Dogs: Holistic Veterinary

It has long been known that chronic renal failure (CRF) has an inflammatory component. Chronic low-grade inflammation causes gradual destruction and scarring of the kidney, eventually resulting in loss of function and failure of the organ. However, what was not known was what caused the inflammation in the first place. Recent research from Colorado State University suggests a link between vaccination for feline distemper (panleukopenia) and the development of chronic renal failure. The distemper virus is grown in a feline kidney cell culture to make the vaccine. Earlier research at Purdue University showed that puppies given a vaccine grown in calf serum developed antibodies to calf proteins that also reacted against the puppies' own cells. These auto-antibodies (antibodies to self, or to one's own tissues) may contribute to later development of autoimmune diseases. Every subsequent vaccine caused the puppies to form even more antibodies.

Kidney and Bladder Health Conditions in Animals - Natural Solutions

Presumably, the term “chronic kidney failure” suggests that the kidneys have quit working and are, therefore, not making urine. However, by definition, kidney failure is the inability of the kidneys to remove waste products from the blood. This definition can occasionally create confusion because some will equate kidney failure with failure to make urine. Kidney failure is NOT the inability to make urine. Ironically, most dogs in kidney failure are actually producing large quantities of urine, but the bodys wastes are not being effectively eliminated.

"Kidney failure" might mean compromised, overworked kidneys - or it might mean damaged kidneys (i.e., severe, chronic renal failure). Kidneys can be damaged - irreparably, so the veterinary information says - by a whole slew of environmental poisons and veterinary treatment drugs, and via other disease forces as well (such as kidney infections, diabetes, leptospirosis, cancer, as examples). And kidney problems can be inherited (especially by certain breeds). (By the way, I've read that kidney failure is supposedly easier to treat in cats than in dogs.) Kidney failure (renal disease - increased thirst, dehydration, loss of appetite, urination changes, maybe nausea and pain) is common in elderly pets - systems do fail as we get older, whoever we are. But the kidneys are one of the critical factors in eliminating toxins from the body - and they become less efficient with age, and with toxin loading. (Which can be a problem at any age, just like with humans.)"

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Diet's Influence on Feline Kidney Disease

The Complete Guide to Chronic Kidney Disease in Dogs & Cats Dr. Russell Swift, DVM on kidney disease - "Fortunately, since I have turned to a holistic approach to wellness, I have seen many dogs and cats outlive their death sentence by years. I believe there are three major reasons for kidneys to degenerate and eventually fail: 1) poor quality nutrition, 2) toxicity and 3) chronic disease. I have discussed in many previous articles the failings of processed foods. Inadequate and improper protein sources and low moisture content (of dry foods) are the two major kidney stressors I believe occur in commercial foods. The kidneys also take a hard hit from many toxins to which the body is exposed. Many conventional medications, notably nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories and certain antibiotics, are very damaging to the kidneys. Ultimately, there is not much known about the long-term effects of many food additives and preservatives; fluoride in the drinking water; and all the pesticides and herbicides used in, on and around our companion animals (and ourselves!). Item number three on the list above is a term used by homeopaths to describe a chronic disturbance in the body's function that results in symptoms.

 Russell Swift, DVM - "When I am confronted with a dog or cat who has been diagnosed with chronic renal (kidney) failure (CRF), I generally begin by educating the animal's guardian about the dangers of commercial foods and the benefits of fresh-food feeding. Conventional veterinarians are under the misunderstanding that low protein diets are the best way to feed an animal with chronic renal failure. My experience is that such an approach will lead to the death of the animal in a few months (thus bringing their prognosis to fruition). I have found that just the opposite approach is the most effective for most animals. I suggest feeding a high protein, raw-meat-based diet. I have seen dramatic reductions in elevated kidney blood tests within two weeks in some patients.

Why does conventional medicine do the opposite? Because all of the conventional nutrition research is done with processed foods. I haven't seen any done with raw foods. I believe this is the reason for the research data. Heat-treated animal protein, as found in commercial foods, is more difficult to digest. This results in more protein (nitrogen) waste, which the kidneys must remove from the bloodstream. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is a protein waste that is measured in a blood test. Therefore, a diet that has high levels of cooked protein is more stressful to the kidneys and results in higher toxicity (BUN) in the blood if the kidneys are not functioning well. Raw protein, in comparison, digests more completely with less waste. This results in more protein for healing and rebuilding tissue without the renal stress. Remember, by nature carnivores eat a very high protein diet. They should have the ability to handle it. Another benefit of the raw foods is that they contain much more water than dry foods. This helps the kidneys discharge waste material. I would not be writing this information if I had not seen many animals improve on such a regimen. Other holistic vets are having the same results." There is a fine line between making sure all the kitty's nutritional needs are met, and keeping the stress on the kidneys as low as possible Page Divider

Testimonials of Feline with kidney (renal) failure: Full Recovery

Terminal renal failure diagnosis - Tikka the love of my life! "19 years ago I saw this adorable coy Calico kitten at the animal shelter. And it was love at first sight. She was a bevy of colors with random black, orange & white markings that came together like a Picasso masterpiece. I called her TIKKA because she had a little black dot on the side of her nose. Tikka in India means dot on the forehead. She also had the cutest white tipped curly Q tail. I fell in love with her when I saw her grooming all the other little kitties like she was their mama! Alas, at age 19, my beloved Tikka was diagnosed with advanced stages of renal disease. The vet pronounced a death sentence saying that she had weeks or maybe months to live. They said there was no hope for a cure. Tikka used to be so swift, you could never catch her but in recent months she lay lifelessly on her mat waiting for death to engulf her. She could hardly stand up. She had lost her meow. Her curly Q tail now hung limply down. Her coat was inextricably tangled. She was incontinent because she was too weak to walk to the litter box.

I have been a fan of Shirleys Wellness Cafe for many years. I contacted Shirley and started Tikka on a comprehensive holistic program that included specifics: transfer factors & Marine Phytoplankton formulas. I also added wheatgrass, fluids & other important healing techniques to her protocol. Tikkas has experienced an amazing transformation, with no harmful side effects that accompany aggressive therapies. At 20, she is fragile but is a determined survivor. Tikkas mischief has returned. When I try to catch her, she is nolonger stuck to her mat! She jumps down from the counter & gives me the slip.When she is on her program, her Curly Q tail is way up!!! She always had an inaudible meow; now her meow is more audacious & assertive than ever! She used to live under the bed & hated thunderstorms. Now she loved sitting by the window during thunder & lightening. Her matted coat & incontinence have vanished.I am so grateful to Shirley to have Tikka, the light of my life back, that I now help Shirley spread the word about how amazing the bodys healing capacities are. By cleansing the body & providing it with ALL the 5 elements & essential nutrients it needs, the bodys innate healing mechanism is enhanced & many miracles manifest themselves! I have a plethora of testimonials that I can send you, too many miracles to be ignored, which will inspire you to create your own miracle too! And perhaps one day you may also want to share this vital information to someone else who is looking for a miracle too.

"My beloved cat Tawny 16 years old was diagnosed with kidney (renal) failure

There wasn't much the vet was offering to do but to put my cat on a very low protein diet. Tawny didn't want to eat it. He had lost a lot a weight when he got sick. Within 9 mo's he had gone from 8 lbs. to 6 lbs. I could see his bones in his back. I had given him that tainted cat food unknowingly. I didn't know which way to turn because I just knew I was losing him. Just by luck I happened upon shirleyswellnesscafe and decided this is the route I would try for him. I knew I had to do something because he wasn't eating but very little. I ordered the transfer factors and was assured that this could help him. The price is reasonable for someone living on a fixed income. The order came so fast that I could hardly believe the order was already here.

My cat is very hard to give medicine to. I put it in a small amount of beef broth , mixed it and put it in a syringe and he just sits there and doesn't seem to mind. I was about 3 or 4 days into the medicine, (they say it takes from 5 days to a week to see an improvement) and I thought he was going to die that night, he was still eating very little with me running out and trying to daily find anything he would eat. The next day he started to eat some by himself but still with a lot of coaxing all through the day.

As the days went by he would eat a little more until he was eating totally on his own. He's never been a big eater so it will take awhile to really see a weight gain but I notice the bones on his back don't show anymore. It is now 19 days down the line and for the first time today he came in to eat with us the food we eat and he ate voraciously. I don't believe I'm going to lose him now as I had thought I would but were it to happen I would feel I made the right choice and did the best I could for him. As we all know there is so much fraud out there and it seems you can't trust anyone anymore because the bottom line is money. I really feel that ShirleysWellness Cafe truly cares about people and pets, something that is so rare to find anymore.

Tawny has only been on this near 3 weeks and I'm not stressed anymore about something happening to him. If you have any doubts in your mind about trying transfer factors products, you'll find it's the best choice you will have ever made. I just wish I had known about transfer factors before my sons beautiful cat just wasted away and died with no concern from the vet except money."

15 year old turkish angora named Princess.

"I have a 15 year old turkish angora named Princess. In February 2009, she was very sick, not eating, and hiding under the bed. We took her to the vet, and they said her kidneys were failing. They did a blood test and her creatine was 7.2. The normal level for cats is 0.8-2.4. She was hospitalized for a week with iv fluids. My husband and I decided to take her home, and started her on transfer factors. Three weeks later we took her back to the vet for a checkup, and her creatine dropped to a 4.7. In October we took her in again for a recheck, and she dropped to a 3.5. She still continues to improve. Now she jumps 4 feet ledges, hardly sleeps, and is very active."
Arlene Metke 206-600-6222 email: barabooblackcat@yahoo.com

"My 19 year old cat Dexter had been diagnosed with Chronic Renal Failure about 3 years ago

At the time his numbers were not too bad so we were able to manage with diet for a while. Then last year my mother had a brain bleed and brain surgery. Her recovery took about a year and during that time we were able to take care of Dexter but not like we had been. It was a very difficult time for us. Finally mom was getting better (Thank God!!) but I noticed that Dexter was very thin and while staying at my parents house(Dexter lives with them and I live close to my parents) noticed that he had not had a bowel movement in a while. He also stopped eating and was VERY WOBBLY.

We took him to the vet and they said that he was very close to the end. We would be justified in letting him go. The doctor wanted to give him a chance so they kept him for a few days, gave him an enema and fluids. A few days later I was sent home with some stool softener and potassium.They also told us that fluids under the skin twice a week would also help. They said to keep him comfortable and feed him anything that he wanted. I was so sad, I felt like we had let him down. They were not giving him much time. At home he acted okay but not very alert, not jumping on his favorite couch, not doing much of anything. Then I stumbled across Shirley's Wellness Cafe. The information about transfer factors was very interesting and seemed like it could help out kitty. I got on the phone and called the number on Shirley's website.

An amazing earth angel named Tamara answered and gave me all of the info I needed. She said that the transfer factors would make him feel better. She even helped me to order. I could not have asked for a more helpful person. I ordered the transfer factors which is almost tasteless and so easy to mask in anything. Order came quick and started Dexter on one capsule a day. It is SO EASY to give. I open the capsule put it with a little butter and he licks it right off of my finger. About 4 days after starting he got a little more life into him. 2 weeks later he started taking his walks around the swimming pool out back and started jumping on his couch again. He is eating like he never has before and has regular bowel movements. It has been almost 2 months and he continues to do well.

We don't know how much time he has, after all he is almost 20 and we have to be realistic. The main thing is that his quality of life is so much better and Tamara was right, it did make him feel better. Thank you to Shirley for this amazing website and to Tamara for all of her help. We owe a huge thanks to you!"

Do you have a question about holistic animal health or need assistance? Contact Shirley
Call 323-522-4521 or 323-989-3372

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Fine line between making sure all the kitty's nutritional needs are met,
and keeping the stress on the kidneys as low as possible

In the past, it was believed that a low protein diet was essential in controlling Chronic Renal Failure (CRF). The idea behind this is to cut down on the kidneys' load. However, studies done on dogs in renal failure, show that a low protein diet did not help the GFR or BUN of said dogs. Since cats have an even higher protein requirement than dogs, it seems unlikely that they could thrive on low protein diets. As an obligate carnivore, they need the nutrients only available from meat. So one has to walk a fine line between making sure all the kitty's nutritional needs are met, and keeping the stress on the kidneys as low as possible.

Dr. Derek Duval, VMD - "Do high protein diets causes renal failure? No. In dogs they have removed 7/8 of the renal mass and then placed them on diets of various protein level and quality. Dietary protein had no effect on the development of renal failure. In cats similar studies suggest that dietary protein level is not associated with renal failure."

Small Can of Instinctive Choice Cat Food "Very Important to Feed a ALL Natural Diet home prepared meals of cooked or raw chicken ot turkey meats ( any type of artifical foods that come in tin or wrapper are full of chemical/toxins which will only continue to burden the kidneys and add more toxins in the body. With more damage the toxins that are normally filtered by the kidney begin to build up and can cause depression, decreased appetite, a foul odor to the breath, oral ulceration, and vomiting. In the end stage of renal failure, a low body temperature, seizures, and severe depression and coma can result." Diana Hayes-Moon

Instinctive Choice for felines contains fresh, highly digestible, human-quality proteins from organic chicken, turkey, chicken liver and shrimp. Instinctive Choice contains nutrient rich water or “biological water,” which contains nutritional components found in meats and chicken broth. This allows your cat to obtain moisture closer to the way a cat in the wild would get it. It also contains added omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, chelated minerals, taurine, l-carnitine, vitamin E and a superior blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to help contribute to a healthy daily diet.

T.J. Dunn D.V.M. - "The biggest and most common misconception of all... the promotion of some low priced, grain-based foods as being a Complete and Balanced diet for dogs and cats! Having done physical exams on tens of thousands of dogs and cats and learning from their owners what these pets are being fed has taught me that dogs and cats look, feel, and perform better if they are fed a meat-based diet rather than if fed a corn, wheat, soy or rice-based diet. This does not mean that grains are bad for dogs and cats; they surely can contribute certain limited nutrients to a good diet (mainly calories in the form of carbohydrates). Nevertheless, many veterinarians believe that grains should not be the foundation of a diet intended for a dog or cat. If some pet food "expert" tells you that eating animal fat is bad for dogs and cats and that a plant source of fatty acids is much better, your common sense should tell you that dogs and cats successfully evolved over the eons by consuming animal fat in their diets. So does it make sense to say that animal fat is bad for dogs and cats? Another example is the common notion that lots of protein in a pet's diet will cause kidney damage. Again, looking at the nature of the dog and cat as primarily a meat-eating animal and having evolved by capturing and consuming other animals, we know their diets have always been high in protein. Think about what makes sense IN NATURE. If you hear about a nutritional product that "just doesn't make sense"... be cautious about it's factual basis."

Call 323-522-4521 or 323-989-3372

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Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats

Natural health for Dogs and Cats "...Chemicals in food (like preservatives, coloring agents and artificial flavoring agents) and in the environment (contaminated water, air and soil) are directly stressful to the kidneys and probably play a role in the development of the condition. In addition, lack of adequate exercise and diminished exposure to natural environments compound the problem of inadequate elimination and a sluggish metabolism. ...Long-term skin irritation and eruption often seem to precede eventual kidney failure in old age. If the skin disorder is repeatedly suppressed with doses of cortisone or related corticosteroid drugs, the relationship seems especially true."

Dr.Hamilton DVM - "Diets that are low in potassium can cause renal failure.' In general Commercial diets are of poor quality protein and poorly formulated and may have led to the development of renal disease.

Dr. Paula Terifaj DMV - "Research conducted at the University of Georgia in the 1990s found that feeding protein levels of 34% (higher than the recommended average of 22-26%) to older dogs with kidney failure caused no ill effects at all... The truth of the matter is this; Inferior sources of proteins, meat by-products and grains (cheap sources of incomplete proteins that pet food companies are allowed to factor in and measure as crude protein) can make more work for the organs that are involved in digesting food and eliminating waste, namely the kidney, liver and pancreas."

Lisa A. Pierson, DVM - "Kidney disease is probably the leading cause of mortality in the cat. It is troubling to think about the role that chronic dehydration may play in feline kidney failure. And remember, cats are chronically dehydrated when they are on a diet of predominantly dry food. The prescription dry 'renal diets' such as Science Diet k/d - which is commonly prescribed by veterinarians - contain only a small amount of moisture leaving your cat in a less than optimal state of water balance. I must say that I find it truly amazing when I hear about the very large numbers of cats receiving subcutaneous fluids while being maintained on a diet of dry food. This is extremely illogical and every attempt should be made to get these cats on a diet that contains a higher moisture content. Please also note the following list of the first four ingredients of Science Diet dry k/d after reviewing this section on reading a pet food label - and bearing in mind that your cat is a carnivore. The first three ingredients are not even meat and the fourth ingredient is a by-product meal. The purpose of this prescription diet is to restrict protein which it certainly does. Unfortunately, it restricts it to the point that the cat will often catabolize (use for fuel) his own muscle mass which results in muscle wasting and weight loss. The level of protein in this diet is not only at an extremely low level, it is in an incomplete form for a carnivore. Note that it is made up mainly of plant proteins - not meat proteins."

Dr. Duval explains that the most common clinical signs of renal (kidney) failure are vomiting, increased urination and increased thirst. (Other disease share these same signs; such as diabetes, hyperthyrioidism ...) Blood tests that are important are the BUN, Creatinine and phosphorous. BUN or blood urea nitrogen is a chemical that the liver makes from ammonia.">

Dr. Will Falconer, DVM - "Most of the chronic diseases we commonly see in animals (and humans) have an immune basis, e.g. diabetes, allergies, asthma, thyroid disease, inflammatory bowel diseases, repeated ear infections, cancer, renal failure etc. While they can be cured through the careful use of homeopathy, the road to cure can be a long one -- often years if the animal has had years of disease. Transfer factors can significantly shorten the course, by giving a much needed balancing effect to the immune system. If the immune system is overactive as in allergies, ear infections, asthma, diabetes, or hypothyroidism, Transfer factors can balance this overactivity so the system is not attacking its own organs, overreacting to things that shouldnt be perceived as a threat. If, conversely, the immune system is under-active as in mange, parasites, viral infections, or cancer, transfer factors can clearly stimulate it to better meet the challenges it needs to be alert to."

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Feline Diabetes

Sam Jones, DVM - "Two cats, both about 8 years old, had severe diabetes. It was impossible to get the insulin requirements adjusted. They had lost weight to a point that they were skin and bones. Both cats had no quality of life left. The cats were given transfer factors along with a healthy diet to help support their immune system. A week later, we were able to get their insulin requirements adjusted. It is now 6 months and they have regained their weight and have a great quality of life and health."

Feline Optimum Nutrition

Dr. Pottenger discovered quite by accident that cats degenerated unless they were fed raw food. In his 10-year study of 900 cats, he found the optimal diet for his cats was 2/3 raw meat and 1/3 raw milk plus a little cod liver oil. If either the meat or the milk was cooked, the cats degenerated. And if both were cooked, the degeneration was much worse, and the cats could no longer reproduce by the third generation. Some of the problems Pottenger found in the cats fed cooked food were: heart problems; nearsightedness and farsightedness; underactivity and inflammation of the thyroid; infections of the kidney, liver, testes, ovaries and bladder; arthritis and inflammation of the joints; inflammation of the nervous system with paralysis and meningitis. And in the third generation, some of the cats' bones became as soft as rubber. Lung problems, and bronchitis and pneumonia were also frequent. Moreover, the females became irritable and even dangerous, and the males became passive and lacked sex interest. Clearly, there was a direct link between the cooking of meat and the resultant evidence of malnutrition in Pottenger's cats.

Raw - Ready-To-Eat Safe, Healthy RAW Pet Food

Scientists theorize that mineral deficiency subjects us, and our animals, to more diseases, aging, sickness and destruction of our physical well-being than any other factor in personal health. A groundswell of nutrition conscious veterinarians are beginning to recommend to their clients that they supplement their animals diet with a daily dose of flaxseed oil and other nutrients for optimum health and vitality. The food your animal eats should provide all of the nutritional components which are necessary for all organs and systems of a healthy body to perform in harmonious unison. A properly functioning body does an amazing job at preventing disease and healing itself, and to do this it requires the energies and nutrients of a well-balanced diet. In terms of finding the proper diet for our companions, this means learning to look beyond our own needs, opinions, and agendas to address the natural needs of the animals that we caretake.

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Vaccines Triggered Harmful Inflammatory Reactions in the Kidneys


In the Colorado State study, 75% of kittens given an injectable distemper vaccine developed antibodies to kidney proteins. However, kittens given the intranasal form of the vaccine did not produce kidney antibodies.Ongoing work at Cornell University has demonstrated that the immunity produced by the feline distemper vaccine lasts for many years (the test cats have maintained their immunity to destemper for more than 9 years without revaccination). Given the long-lasting immunity provided by the distemper vaccine and the risk of triggering a harmful inflammatory reaction in the kidneys, it seems prudent to minimize the vaccines a cat receives. The current recommendation is to vaccinate every 3 years. For indoor cats, it may be unnecessary to revaccinate at all, once the kitten has had its distemper series. Some studies suggest that a single distemper vaccine given after 16 weeks of age, is fully protective and need not be repeated. The intranasal vaccine appears to be much less likely to cause this adverse reaction. Reference: Parenteral administration of FVRCP vaccines induces antibodies against feline renal tissues." MR Lappin, WA Jensen, R Chandrashekar, SD Kinney

Chronic renal failure is a common cause of death in cats. Lymphocytic/plasmacytic interstitial nephritis is common histopathologically, suggesting immune-mediated reactions may play a role. Feline herpesvirus 1, calicivirus, and panleukopenia virus for use in feline vaccines (FVRCP) are commonly grown in Crandall-Reese Feline Kidney (CRFK) cells. As a consequence, commercially available FVRCP vaccines contain CRFK proteins. The objectives of this study were to determine whether cats inoculated with FVRCP vaccines develop antibodies against CRFK cell extracts and if so, to determine if these antibodies reacted with extracts of feline renal tissue (FRT).

Stop the ShotsMichael Richards, DVM - "Unfortunately, cats develop vaccine related fibrosarcomas. This is a problem which has come to light in the last few years and it is one for which there is no clear consensus about the proper way to publicize and deal with it among small animal veterinarians. I suspect that many cat owners are unaware of this risk.. Most veterinarians are reluctant to tell every cat owner about the risk of fibrosarcomas and to explain the risk/benefit ratio of vaccination for each individual cat." Fibrosarcoma in Cats - Vaccine Related

Dr. Christina Chambreau, DVM - "Routine vaccinations are probably the worst thing that we do for our animals. They cause all types of illnesses but not directly to where we would relate them definitely to be caused by the vaccine. Repeating vaccinations on a yearly basis undermines the whole energetic well-being of our animals. Animals do not seem to be decimated by one or two vaccines when they are young and veterinary immunologists tell us that viral vaccines need only be given once or twice in an animal's life. First, there is no need for annual vaccinations and, second, they definitely cause chronic disease. As a homoeopath, it is almost impossible to cure an animal without first addressing the problems that vaccines have caused to the animal, no matter what the species."

Steroids don't cure anything. They are very powerful drugs and if used inappropriately, they can mask symptoms of a serious illness and weaken the cats immune system. These drugs have severe side effects and if used improperly, can bring harm to the cat. Suppression of the cats immune system is a side effect which must be seriously considered before long term treatment is begun. Many cats placed on long term steroid therapy are seriously ill. Some of the severe side effects take a long time to develop. Learn more about the danger of overuse of steroids and antibiotic

Call 323-522-4521 or 323-989-3372

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Cystitis, Inflamation, and Bladder-Kidney Stones

Lisa A. Pierson, DVM

Cat sweating it out in a litter box Cystitis and stones are extremely common in the cat and can be very painful and life-threatening. Cystitis can lead to inappropriate urination (urinating outside of the litter box) and stones can cause a fatal rupture of the bladder by blocking the outflow of urine. Any cat that is repeatedly entering the litter box but not voiding any urine is in need of IMMEDIATE medical attention! It is important to note, however, that "crystals" are not the same thing as stones. Crystals are often a normal finding in a cat's urine and it is not appropriate to put the cat on a "special urinary tract" formula when these are found in the urine.

Important: I often see too much clinical significance placed on the identification of crystals in the urine without regard to how the urine sample was handled. It is very important to understand that crystals will often form once outside of the body within a very short (one hour) period of time. If the veterinarian does not examine the urine right away and either sends it to an outside laboratory or uses a free-catch sample that the owner brought from home, an erroneous diagnosis of crystals may be made. This is called a "false positive" report and results in unnecessary worry on the part of the owner and often leads to the cat being placed on an inappropriate diet.

With regard to overall kidney and bladder health, I cannot stress strongly enough how important WATER, WATER, WATER is in both the prevention and treatment of diseases involving this organ system. When a cat is on a diet of water-depleted dry food, they produce a more highly concentrated urine (higher urine specific gravity - USG) and they produce a lower volume of urine which means that a higher concentration of crystals will be present in the urine. This increases the chance of these crystals forming life-threatening stones. The concentrated urine and the lack of volume production can also be very irritating to the lining of the bladder wall predisposing them to painful cystitis. Please keep in mind that a cat has a very low thirst drive and is designed to get water with their food. A diet of canned food will keep a proper amount of water flowing through the urinary tract system and help maintain its health.

Urine pH is also often considered when discussing urinary tract problems but we really need to stop focusing on pH. Again, a proper amount of water in the diet is the important issue here - not urine pH. Many of the so-called feline lower urinary tract diets are formulated to make the urine acidic but it is thought that these low magnesium, acidifying diets may actually exacerbate painful cystitis. Also, these acidifying diets, which are so often prescribed, may end up promoting calcium oxylate stones and hypokalemia (low potassium in the blood). It is also important to note - for those people still stuck on worrying about the urine pH - that there are many factors which determine the pH of urine and only one of them is diet.

With regard to dry food and urinary tract health, aside from the lack of water in this type of diet, there is also a correlation between the consumption of a high carbohydrate diet and the formation of struvite crystals as shown by this study. Veterinarians often prescribe Science Diet dry c/d and x/d for urinary tract problems but again, these diets are only ten percent water and contain a high level of species-inappropriate ingredients and questionable preservatives. They are also very high in carbohydrates with dry c/d containing 42 percent of its weight as carbohydrates. Please note the first few ingredients in c/d while remembering that your cat is a carnivore. Ready-To-Eat Healthy Raw and Canned Pet Food

Diet is not the only issue involved with cystitis but it is an important one and one that we can control. Stress is also thought to play a very significant role in cystitis and even cats that are fed a 100 percent canned food diet may experience bouts of cystitis. This is a very frustrating disease to deal with and one that the veterinary community does not have all the answers for. What we do know is that decreasing stress and increasing the water content of the diet are the most important management issues to address. The water content of the diet is easy to control. The stress issue is another matter and is not always easy to address since cats can be very sensitive and are often 'silent' in their stress.

Cystitis can be extremely painful and it is very important to address pain management in these cats. Remember: pain = stress and we are trying to minimize the stress in these patients. Buprinex is a good choice for a pain medication. This is superior to Torbugesic which has been used for pain management in the cat in the past. (Burprinex is a prescription medication that you must get from your veterinarian.) Unfortunately, many veterinarians overlook pain medications as a very important part of the treatment of this common feline problem.

A note on antibiotic usage in these cases. Most cases of cystitis are sterile. In other words, they are not the result of an infection and should not be placed on antibiotics. Only ~1% of cats with cystitis that are under 10 years of age have a urinary tract infection, yet many veterinarians place these patients on antibiotics when these drugs are not warranted. Most cats under 10 years of age produce a very concentrated urine (USG greater than 1.030) and bacteria do not grow well in concentrated urine. In cats over 10 years of age, infections are more common but that still does not mean that older cats with cystitis should automatically be put on antibiotics. The reason that an older cat is more prone to urinary tract infections is because kidney disease is more common in this age group and so these cats will have a more dilute urine which is not as hostile to bacterial growth.


Richard H. Bennett, Ph.D - "For decades, the approach to maintaining healthy animals was to wait for signs and symptoms of disease to occur and to counter the challenge with an array of drugs which were toxic for the disease causing agent. This approach is now being questioned as the armada of drugs is diminishing due to multiple drug resistant pathogens. Compounding this alarming trend is the current approach to health maintenance which assumes that "all is well" until actual disease processes begin. By this time, the disease is established, sometimes irreversibly, and the damage has occurred. So the questions arises...What if a new paradigm existed? Could it be possible to optimize the immune status of animals so that (1) disease is much less likely to occur and (2) if disease does occur, it's severity and duration is minimized? The answer is YES and this paradigm shift is being engineered by small, naturally occuring protein-like molecules called Transfer factors."Dr. Richard Bennett holds a doctorate in Comparatie Pathology from the University of California, Davis. His work in this area includes basic and applied research in infectious disease microbiology and immunology.
Testimonials of animals healing with transfer factors

CHLORINATED and FLUORIDATED WATER.... A BIG NO-NO !!! There is a perception among many people that bottled water is somehow more healthy or pure than water from their tap. This is simply an illusion of marketing. A four-year study by the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC), released in 1999, found that one-fifth of the sampled bottled waters contained known neurotoxins and carcinogens such as styrene, toluene and xylene. Another NRDC study found that, out of 103 brands of bottled water, one-third contained traces of arsenic and E. coli. This means that out of a sample of 1,000 bottles sold in the U.S., at least 300 would have some level of chemical contamination. It is well known that the average city water today contains over 500 chemicals that do not belong in it. Part of this is due to the fact that most delivery systems in the U.S. include cement, asbestos pipes, cast iron, PVC (porous to certain solvents, herbicides and pesticides) and that lead, cadmium and other toxic metals leach out of valves and couplings of pipes between a water treatment plant and a faucet in the home. Why Purified and Distilled Bottled Water are Bad For You and Your Animals

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Feline with severe liver failure

Cat curled up"Last fall my cat became really sick with severe liver failure, she actually went down to being just skin and bones. A friend of mine, a veterinary assistant and nutritionist of many years, told me that the only way I could possibly save my cat was by force feeding her a high protein diet every two hours. I had read years ago that it is actually the wrong approach to feed an ill person protein since it takes too much energy to digest, so when my cat declined cat food and tuna I decided to follow the wisdom of her body. The only thing I ever forced her to take was marine phytoplankton (Frequen~Sea) (1/2 to 1 teaspoon a day) and filtered water and Pedialyte for hydration. I also did energy healing on her and prayed for her. could notice a small improvement in my cat after a few days of Frequen~Sea and energy healing combined. My rationale was to help her detoxify and clean out the liver, and the Frequen~Sea would be giving her the energy to stay alive and work through this phase. With her weight loss I decided to deal later. Over the course of several weeks with these "treatments" my cat slowly got a little strength back, also gained a little bit of weight. I would put pureed tuna and tuna water on my hand and entice her to take some all the time, but never forced her. The first thing that she decided to eat on her own again was the seed part of cantaloupe, one of her favorites. I decided to keep trusting her body - it actually made perfect sense that she would eat this first since it cleans the body because of the high water content. From here she progressed to pieces of cantaloupe, then some tuna and some kitten food (only out of my hand), all the while I kept giving her the Frequen~Sea once or twice a day which I squirted into her mouth with a syringe without a needle. After about 5 months my cat became healthy again and gained her normal strength and weight back. Her fur is actually more silky and beautiful now than it ever was before. I put a few drops of FrequenSea into the water bowls for all of my cats every day now - their furs have also become softer and shinier, they throw up hairballs less frequently. In my opinion the combination of FrequenSea and energy healing is almost foolproof, an opinion that was also supported by Dr. Rodier." Annette K.

Feeding marine phytoplankton and other sea plant algae to your pet promotes: Shiny hair coat and supple skin - Healthier and stronger newborns - Improved milk production in lactating bitches and queens - Improved reproductive performance both for male and female - Aids in the healing process by offering the vitamins and minerals necessary for tissue repair - Better utilization and absorption of nutrients from foods ingested.

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Feline Urogogical Syndrome (FUS) - Urinary tract infections (UTIs)


Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are uncomfortable and extremely painful. They tend to be more common in cats than dogs and can be caused by bacterial infection, bladder stones or urolithiasis (stones in the urinary tract). UTIs often recur and can lead to more serious kidney infections if left untreated. Symptoms may include:

  • Straining to urinate
  • Obvious pain or discomfort when urinating
  • Constantly licking their genitals
  • Frequent urination without passing much urine
  • Urinating in unusual places
  • Cloudy or bloody urine
  • Fever andFever and loss of condition

Holistic vets use this herbal remedy and transfer factors he treatment of various forms of urinary tract inflammation without irritating the kidneys. An antimicrobial, anti inflammatory, soothing and tonifying designed to disinfect, sooth and protect the urinary tract.

Learn about essential fatty acid malnutrition and the healing properties of flaxoil and fish oil for animals

William Winter DVM - "...Another sort of miracle that occurred from my exposure to this work was my conversion to using herbs instead of steroids, antibiotics and other drugs when treating the very common ailment, FELINE UROLOGICAL SYNDROME (I refuse to use any newer acronyms because the current thinking doesn't seem to have evolved any more since the old acronym was in vogue). I began exploring the simple herbs listed by Ms. Levy to great effect, then I discovered a commercial product of a similar nature HERBAL DIURETIC. It is produced for humans with cystitis/vaginitis. When I first started using the product it was called "URINARY ANTISEPTIC" for it really is, but the F.D.A. did not want people to be curing themselves so they made them change the name. It still works very nicely."

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Insecticides and Feline Hyperthyroidism

Since the early 1980s, increasing numbers of cats have been found with hyperthyroidism, enlarged thyroid glands and high levels of thyroid hormone in the blood. Cats which were regularly treated with flea powders and sprays, and were also exposed to lawn pesticides, have been found more likely to have hyperthyroidism. A higher level of canned cat food in the diet was also an increased risk factor (Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 1988(6): 295-309). Thyroid enlargement has been seen in Great Lakes fish and in rodents fed on these fish. This has been attributed to pesticides and other contaminants in the lake water (Advances in Modern Toxicology, 1992(XXl): 129-145).

Hyperthyroidism occurs when tyroid gland produces too much hormone. Speeds up body processes (esp. digestion). Thyroid functions influence pituitary, parathyroid, and sex glands. All may be affected.

Results: overactive metabolic state, malabsorbtion of food, increased fat breakdown and cholesterol excretion, increased use of glucose, over stimulation of protein synthesis., Symptoms: Nervousness, irritability, increased perspiration, insomnia and fatigue, weakness, hair loss, seperation of the nails, hand tremors, intolerance of heat, rapid heartbeat, and sometimes protuding eyeballs., The condition is sometimes called thyrotoxicosis, or Grave's disease.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis Treatment

FIP is a viral disease of cats that can affect many systems of the body. It is a progressive disease and almost always fatal. It is found worldwide and affects not only domestic cats, but many wild ones as well, including cougars, bobcats, lynx, lions, and cheetahs. FIP is caused by a virus the F.CoV feline corona virus which is found in the saliva and faeces of infected cats. Risk of exposure is, nevertheless, greatest in enclosed multi-cat facilities and much less via casual contact with neighbouring cats. The least risk is in the single, indoor-only cat. Therefore, cat-to-cat contact and exposure to faeces in litter boxes are the most common modes of infection. Contaminated food or water dishes, bedding, and personal clothing may also serve as sources of infection. The virus is easily killed by antiseptics.

The so-called FIP vaccine that is currently available is not used by any vet who understands this mode of death of FIP. The theory behind the vaccine, is that it is a non-virulent temperature-sensitive form of FIP, which they HOPE will only get to the cellular response system, and not through to the antibody system - they hope this from the perspective that the virus gets into the nose where it is cool, and that the temperature-sensitive virus will die before it gets further into the body where it can trigger antibody manufacture (and thus death.) Most vets consider that playing with fire. I think the homeopathic nosode's approach of strengthening cellular immunity and prevention of infection this way, without any fear of a virus getting in there to be able to trigger an antibody response (since there is no virus in the nosode), is the way to go.



Toby was diagnosed with FIP in February 1998, just two weeks after he was given 3 vaccinations in one day. I thought it was too much to give to a 4 lbs kitten. But I did not say anything to the veterinarian. Now I strongly believe that the vaccination messed up his immune system. Toby had the wet type of FIP and had fluid accumulation in his chest. Shelley believes that a change of her cat's diet from commercial kibbles and canned food to wholesome raw food helped saved her cat.

"My introduction to homeopathy came about because my feline who had FIP, Aids and Leukemia was dying. The following remedy brought him back in 12 hours. NO JOKE. He was choking on his fluids before that and the antibiotics were useless. Haven't had much use for conventional medicine since. Anyway, if you can get a vet to order the glandulars for you, here it is: Pulsatilla, Ars. alb., Calc. flour, Silicia, Rhus tox., Flour ac., Cantharis, Carduus mar, Hepar sulph, Cell salts, Lymph, Liver, Argent. nit. - all 10x potency, 15x will do. I realize the classical homeopaths will have a fit over this. I'm sorry, this is beyond chronic and these remedies work on many different area's of the body and quickly." - Lita

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Inflamatory Bowel Disease

Don Hamilton, DVM - "The panleukopenia virus of cats induces an intense, rapidly progressive malfunction in the digestive tract, leading to vomiting and/or diarrhea. In adult vaccinated animals this translates into a chronic state of diarrhea and sometimes vomiting. This disease is known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), an autoimmune disease of the intestines. IBD has been occurring at near epidemic levels over the past several years; no other reasonable explanation has been proposed for the proliferation of cases of the disease."

"After six years of escalating misery, all of my cats inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) symptoms disappeared—quite literally—within 24 hours of making the complete transition to a raw, grainless diet. That was nearly three years ago and the symptoms have not returned. Ultimately, I came to the realization that I was putting my IBD cat at much greater risk by feeding species-inappropriate commercial foods than by feeding him a carefully-prepared, balanced, grain-free, raw meat based diet. Interestingly, plenty of other folks I know with cats that have digestive troubles report this same experience. A grain-free diet “does the trick” for these IBD cats, but a raw diet with grains does not. Why is that? They're carnivores."

Emotional Healing for Cats
by Stefan Ball

Emotional Healing for Cats Anyone wanting to improve the quality and increase the longevity of their feline companion's life should own this reference book. Based on the teachings of Dr. Edward Bach, a prominent physician in the early 1900s, who was concerned not only with the physical problems of his patients, but with their emotional outlook as well. This book reminds us that cats are as individual as humans--each with their own set of emotional and health issues. The 38 Bach Flower Essences are listed alphabetically, with a general description as well as specific behavioral traits exhibited by cats that each remedy could correct. Suggested remedies for humans having difficulty dealing with injured or ailing cats are also given. No previous knowledge or experience with flower essences is needed to start using this information immediately.

question mark Do you have a question about holistic animal health or need assistance? Contact Shirley
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The Medicines of Our Grandmothers
by Gail Colombo

"Rather than resort to vaccines as a prevention of diseases or a way to rid a cat of worms Juliette de Bairacli Levy believes in a strict healthy diet and herbs. This she refers to as "natural rearing." "Do you know that once Pasteur started his vaccinations rabies spread? Elecampane cures rabies very well. Common broom makes a wonderful champagne (for humans!) and is the specific for rabies given as a tea. Garlic will prevent rabies, common broom will cure." "Garlic is almost all you need to be healthy, the Gypsies always have their garlic and they have it raw. Did you know the FDA wants to go after Garlic?" Juliette strongly believes, and has seen firsthand that a cat with any form of cancer treated with garlic will live many long years. "Surgery to me is the last thing to do for cancer. Once air gets to it the end is in sight. I would never consider an operation for myself. I would take lots of honey and garlic, all the berries, and beets. It is widely held by Juliette and other that all the burning and bitter things are good against cancer, such as horseradish, garlic, turnips, ginger and sheep sorrel."

Fleas:"The main problem people have with their cats, in England anyway, seems to be with fleas in the warmer weather. They are also, of course prone to get worms from the fleas they eat whilst grooming, supposedly. One neat solution to both these problems was passed on to us by our local pet store. They give a garlic capsule to their cats - and dogs too, I think, once or twice each week. It kills the worms in the gut, and the fleas won't come or stay on the animals with garlic in their system. Frequency of dosage is worthy of some experiment" - Jack Dempsey. (make sure to read below the warning on garlic usage )

Adding Garlic to your Feline's Diet: a Bad Idea?

Excerpt from Feline Future's website

Many natural substances which aid human ailments may have an equally beneficial outcome on the cat, but equally many can also have a detrimental effects on the cat and her health. The following is a summery of supplements often well meaningly added to cats' diet, under the misconception that their benefits for human wellbeing can also be applied to feline health.

Feline Future website warns against using garlic for cats and dogs "The use of garlic and other members of the Lily family such as onions, shallots, and chives in the cat's diet is not advised. Ingestion of these plants in a raw, cooked, or dried form can lead to damage of the red blood cells, which are rejected by the body from the bloodstream, and a continued use of garlic or onions can eventually result in hemolytic anemia. If the anemia is not controlled by discontinuing the use of the plants, it can potentially lead to death. Less significant but important is that raw garlic and onions irritate the mouth, esophagus, and stomach and can cause or exacerbate ulcers.

"Onion poisoning has been described in the cat by Kobayaschi (1981) who reported a hemolytic anemia and increase in Heinz bodies in cats that had consumed onion soup. (...)" Excerpt from Nutrient Requirements of Cats, Revised edition by the National Research Council. Ref.: Kobayaschi, K. 1981. Onion poisoning in the cat.Feline Pract. 11:22.

"Cats or Dogs should never be given raw, un-aged garlic because it is very irritating to the mouth, esophagus, and stomach and can cause or exacerbate ulcers." The Garlic Information Center hotline, 1-800-330-5922 at Cornell University Medical College.

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"Using her years of learning and successful working with herbs Juliette has created an Herbal Compound Formula which you can easily make yourself. This garlic and wormwood based compound has been used by Juliette most of her life and by the gypsies forever as a cure-all and preventative for just about anything. With pills of this compound, and grated or ground almonds, Juliette has kept all her animals free from illness such as rabies, all forms of cancer including Feline Leukemia and Feline AIDS. "When I went to the Balearic Islands to the farms I found they used the same extract I use. These herbs are the great protectors of the human race and animals. The wise animals go for bitters and wild garlic, and are never ill." With this formula you can safely and easily worm your cat.

A note about Yeast
Gail Colombo, Juliette de Bairacli Levy and The Backyard Predator Website also warns against adding yeast to a cat's diet "Yeast - brewers yeast, baker's yeast, nutritional yeast Ones ingested, yeast will start to ferment in the warm, moist, nutrient rich environment of the stomach, and cats frequently suffer of bloating when given yeast. In the health-compromised domestic cat population it can also cause severe allergies in individuals. All the nutrients, which make yeast acclaimed as a nutritional supplement, are readily available in meats, organs, and eggs of a normal feline diet.

Soybeans in our pet's food

A quick scan of supermarket dog and cat food labels indicates that about half of the commercial dry pet foods have soy as the main protein source, with soy appearing as the first ingredient after corn or (in some very high protein products such as kitten food) as the first ingredient. In 1985, 29 American zoo cheetahs died and only 18 were born, and 7 of the 18 died before adulthood. Only about 10% of North American adult female cheetahs have been producing live cubs in the last 5 years, compared with 60 to 80 % in other countries. Since North American cheetahs mostly eat a commercial feline diet based on horsemeat and soy, while the cheetahs living and breeding more successfully elsewhere are being fed whole carcasses, a group of researchers in Ohio decided to look at the zoo cheetah's food. They found that the soybean part of the diet (the same textured soy protein and soy flakes used increasingly as a meat extender in human diets) contained natural plant estrogens, chemicals akin to mammalian female hormones and having some of the same effects. Experiments were carried out at the zoo as well as in the lab. When four cheetahs in the Cincinnati Zoo were switched to a diet based on chicken meat without soy, their liver function improved.

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Dr. Steven Slagle, DVM Transfer factors have turned out to be the most effective and versatile large animal family products I have ever used in my 32-year veterinary practice. A cat with leukemia, an oral tumor, and posterior paralysis due to a spinal tumor, was very ill and emaciated. One month after transfer factors there was some regression of the oral tumor, restored appetite with some weight gain, and increased sociability. Five months later, she continues to improve, regaining normal weight, 80% regression of her oral tumor, and regaining use of hind legs and tail."

dog with sign "Are you feeding me contaminated food? Pet deaths prompt recall of pet food The number of cases of kidney failure among dogs and cats that ate poisoned pet food could total in the tens of thousands says Dr. Paul Pion, president of the Veterinary Information Network. Shop for Safe, All Natural Human Ingredients Healthy Pet Food

Life's abundance petfood Do You Really Know What's In Your
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Puppy face with paws up "You take healthy animals and often very quickly after you vaccinate, you can see simple things like itching of the skin or excessive licking of the paws, sometimes even with no eruptions and licking of the air. We see a lot of epilepsy, often after a rabies vaccination. Or dogs or cats can become aggressive for several days. Frequently you'll see urinary tract infections in cats, often within three months after their [annual] vaccination. If you step back, open your mind and heart, you'll start to see patterns of illness
post-vaccination." - Dr. Blanco D.V.M

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The first natural plant-based stem cell enhancers have shown to trigger the release of millions of adult stem cells from the bone marrow very quickly. These stem cells can then migrate and attach to any cells, tissue, bone, muscle, cartilage, organ anywhere in the body needing repair. Visit the StemPets and StemEquine store.

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Deadly, Contagious Dog Flu Virus

Dr. Cynda Crawford, an immunologist at the University of Florida's College of Veterinary Medicine who is studying the virus, said that it spread most easily where dogs were housed together but that it could also be passed on the street, in dog runs or even by a human transferring it from one dog to another. Kennel workers have carried the virus home with them. Learn what Dr. Falconer D.V.M. recommends to protect your pet from the Canine Flu disease

Dogs love the VelociTea Holy Detox Tea too!

Dog drinking glass Dogs enjoy drinking the VelociTea Holy Detox Tea because it helps improve their digestion, thus eliminate bad breath and body odors. The tea also helps flush toxins and assists in cleansing waste and compacted fecal matter from the colon.

Barbara, Meadowsweet and dog Sadie question mark Do you have a question about holistic animal health or need assistance? Barbara is an animal lover and wellness coach who donates her time to help visitors of Shirley's Wellness Cafe website. She'll be happy to answer your question and offers guidance. 970-731-0883 (CO). You may also contact Shirley or call 323-522-4521 or 323-989-3372

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Shop for all natural, non-toxic, safe products for your pet's health and well being

Natural Remedies for Stressed Pets
Stressed Cat with hair on end and arched back Animals respond as well to non-toxic anti-stress natural remedies.
shy stressed dog
Animals too, have an active mental and emotional life. and can manifest behavioral and physical problems that have their roots in emotional trauma.

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Books: Natural Animal Health

Heart warming testimonials People share their success of healing their animals without drugs, surgery or radiation.

Nutitional Supplements Advanced Daily Supplement with Phytonutrient Power for Dogs and Puppies or Cats and Kittens. Why should you give your animal a nutritional supplement? A deficiency in one vitamin or mineral may leave your dog vulnerable to disease. This daily nutritional supplement provides your dog with the essential nutrients ? the defense system support it needs to live a long ? healthy life. Most of us take supplements and eat right to get all the nutrients necessary to avoid disease and ensure good health. The same is true for the four-legged member of your family … your precious pup or kitten.

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Doctors and parents expose how vaccines are crippling our children;

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