Page 27 - Boca Club News - December '23

Boca Club News, Page 27

Nature & Pets

You and Your Pet: Cardiac Disease in Cats and Dogs

By Dr. Siddharth Ajit Ranade, Partner/VPP, Director of others. When caught early, these diseases can be treated to as well as the ability to get a cardiology appointment quickly.
DSRVETMED PA, Veterinary Soft Tissue and Orthopedic improve the quality and duration of life in affected cats. Some cardiology appointments could take up to four weeks or
Surgery, Calusa Veterinary Center, 6900 Congress Avenue, Arrhythmias, pericardial effusion, aortic stenosis and more. At Calusa Veterinary Center, we can get you a cardiology
Boca Raton, FL 33487 (561) 999-3000. www.CVCBoca.com pulmonary hypertension are also cardiac diseases that cause appointment every Wednesday. Plan ahead.
There is no single cause of heart disease in dogs and cats. problems with blood flow to the body and the lungs.
Aging, obesity, breed and nutrition can all play a role. Heart Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) is one of the most common
valve problems are the most common issue and typically affect end stage cardiac diseases in dogs and cats. CHF occurs when Film Review from page 26
small breed dogs that are five years or older. No matter what the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, leading to a
heart condition your dog has, it’s important to spot the signs buildup of fluid in the lungs and/or abdomen. It can be caused by examples of the points being made in that episode. For
early. Since most heart conditions in dogs come on as they various underlying conditions, such as dilated cardiomyopathy, example, in the first episode, “The Rules of Life,” a
age, it’s easier to manage as soon as it develops. Hypertrophic mitral valve disease, or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in cats. discussion of adaptation for survival depicts, among
cardiomyopathy in cats can be congenital, acquired at an older CHF patients are oxygen dependent and can be treated when other action, a Tyrannosaurus and her offspring hunting
age or caused by hyperthyroidism. We see a lot of different heart hospitalized for a few days. When the duration of time in a Triceratops. Later, videos include plants as predators
conditions in dogs, but the following are the two most common. between episodes of congestive heart failure starts to decrease, today competing for space in a crowded forest, and then
Valve disease: Mitral regurgitation and tricuspid regurgitation the prognosis is grave. as prey forced to defend themselves against caterpillars
are valve diseases, which are common causes of heart murmurs Common signs that your dog might have heart disease that feed on them.
in dogs. Blood flow becomes turbulent and creates a murmur. include coughing and difficulty breathing, getting tired on walks, This series is so packed with information that it is not
Murmurs are graded on a scale of 1 to 6. The higher the number, swelling of the abdomen (belly) and sudden onset of back leg until Episode 5, “In the Shadow of Giants,” that we enter
the more obvious the murmur. Your dog can lead a normal life weakness or paralysis. Cats with cardiac disease that are not the Jurassic Age made so popular by the hit Jurassic Park
with a heart murmur. Common dog breeds affected by valvular doing well hide, show weakness, open mouth breathe or have motion pictures.
disease are King Charles Cavaliers, Chihuahuas and Yorkshire faster breathing. By the time today’s viewers have experienced the final
terriers, among other small breed dogs. Your veterinarian should be able to diagnose cardiac three episodes—“Out of the Ashes,” “Inheriting the Earth”
Heart muscle disease: DCM, or dilated cardiomyopathy, is disease from a thorough history, physical exam, auscultation and “Age of Ice and Fire”—one thing will be clear. While
the most common form of heart muscle disease. With DCM, and radiographs. The doctor can also perform a blood pressure it is impossible to remember the encyclopedic range of facts
the muscles degenerate and begin to wear thin. That thinning via doppler, an ECG, and blood work such as PROBNP presented about the many creatures and other life forms we
decreases the heart’s ability to contract and pump blood and cardiac enzyme testing to look at the severity of the disease. meet on our 500 million year journey, the stunning creative
leads to congestive heart failure. DCM in dogs is irreversible but Once these results are collected, the pet needs to have an imagery of Steven Spielberg’s production will burn in your
can be controlled through medications available through your echocardiogram with a cardiologist who will be able to look at memory long afterward.
board-certified Veterinary cardiologist. Common dog breeds the internal structure of the heart, measure the cardiac muscle Most important is the lesson of this series for all of us:
with DCM are Dobermans, Boxers, Pit bulls and their mixes, size and calculate heart chamber and valvular pressures, blood that those who forget, or ignore, history are doomed to
as well as other large breed deep chested dogs. A board-certified flow velocities to make a confirmed diagnosis of the disease. repeat it. We live on a planet that has undergone wave after
Veterinary cardiologist can diagnose and help treat the conditions The cardiologist will then be able to prescribe the appropriate wave of cataclysmic environmental cycles already resulting
with the help of an echocardiogram (heart ultrasound). medications for the disease, give a prognosis, expectations five times in the extinction of almost all life on Earth. Now
By far the single most common heart problem that affects for length of life, and when to return for the next follow-up that we have reached a significant level of knowledge and
cats is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM. This is a cardiology consult and echocardiogram. science that enables us to at least mitigate the dangers of
genetic-based disease that causes the heart muscle to become In conclusion, cardiac disease in cats and dogs can be climate change, our individual reaction to the hard reality
too thick, which in turn can impair the heart’s ability to pump managed well between your veterinarian and a board-certified of our planet’s current climate crisis answers the question
blood effectively. Congenital cardiac diseases are common in veterinary cardiologist. The important rate limiting steps will be about whether each of us has learned that lesson.
Himalayans, Persians, polydactyl Hemingway cats, among keeping a close eye on subtle changes in activity and fatigue,

Holistic Approaches to Managing Chronic Pain:

A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction: promotes overall health but also plays a crucial role in pain Vibroacoustic and Infrared Sauna: Harmonizing Sound
Chronic pain is a persistent challenge that affects management. Exercise aids in maintaining joint flexibility, and Heat
millions of adults. For those dealing with various ailments, building muscle strength, and releasing endorphins, Embracing technology, vibroacoustic therapy harnesses
finding effective and sustainable ways to manage pain fostering a natural defense against pain. Tailoring an the power of sound vibrations to influence physical and
becomes paramount. In this article, we will explore exercise regimen to individual needs and limitations is key, mental well-being. By integrating rhythmic vibrations with
holistic approaches that go beyond conventional methods, making activities such as swimming, walking, or gentle yoga music or sound frequencies, this therapy aims to reduce pain
focusing on mindfulness, meditation, and gentle exercises and Tai Chi accessible options for those navigating chronic and induce relaxation. Infrared saunas, on the other hand,
as key components of a comprehensive pain management pain. leverage heat to penetrate tissues, promoting improved
strategy. circulation and easing muscle tension. Combined, these
In the United States alone, 50 million people grapple Massage: The Healing Touch modalities provide a holistic approach, addressing both
with chronic pain, and among them, 20 million bear the Massage therapy transcends mere relaxation; it has physical and psychological facets of chronic pain.
weight of high-impact chronic pain. The implications established itself as a viable component of holistic pain In conclusion, the journey toward managing chronic
are profound, as chronic pain has been correlated with management. Through targeted manipulation of muscles pain encompasses a rich tapestry of holistic strategies, each
an elevated risk of severe mental conditions such as and soft tissues, massage contributes to improved blood offering unique benefits. Acupuncture taps into ancient
depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The circulation, reduced muscle tension, and enhanced wisdom, exercise mobilizes the body’s defenses, massage
scientific understanding of this plight reveals that a body flexibility. These effects synergize to alleviate chronic pain provides healing touch, stress-reduction techniques
entrenched in chronic pain continually dispatches stress symptoms. Specific massage techniques, such as Swedish empower the mind, supplements offer natural nourishment,
signals to the brain. This not only intensifies the experience massage or deep tissue massage, can be tailored to address and innovative technologies like vibroacoustic therapy and
of pain itself but also amplifies the perceived level of threat. individual pain patterns, providing a personalized approach infrared saunas harmonize sound and heat. By embracing
It’s a relentless cycle, difficult to break or control. to relief. these diverse approaches, individuals can cultivate a
Conventionally, when a person receives a diagnosis of personalized, comprehensive pain management plan that
chronic pain, the first recourse is typically pain medication. Stress-Reduction Techniques: Mindfulness and Meditation goes beyond the confines of conventional medicine, offering
While effective for some, the downside lies in potential side Mastery hope and relief in the face of persistent discomfort.
effects, ranging from nausea to heart complications, which Acknowledging the intricate connection between the
may overshadow the relief provided. mind and body, stress-reduction techniques like mindfulness Dr. Yaron Seidman, an
For those inclined to explore a holistic approach to pain and meditation training offer profound benefits for chronic acclaimed author boasting
management—either independently or in conjunction with pain sufferers. By cultivating a heightened awareness of eight wellness books, a
traditional medicine—a diverse array of options awaits the present moment, individuals can effectively manage seasoned public speaker, and
consideration. stress, subsequently influencing pain perception. Through a committed acupuncture
regular practice, these techniques empower individuals to practitioner for over 35
Acupuncture: The Art of Healing Needles develop resilience in the face of chronic pain, fostering a years, is the visionary behind
Acupuncture, rooted in ancient Chinese medicine, more adaptive response to discomfort. the Hunyuan Life Wellness
involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points Center in Boca Raton. This
on the body. This practice is believed to balance the Vitamin or Herbal Supplements: Nourishment from comprehensive studio
flow of energy, known as qi, throughout the body. The Nature seamlessly integrates cutting-
benefits of acupuncture for chronic pain have been widely Supplements, whether in the form of vitamins or edge technologies with
acknowledged. The needles stimulate the nervous system, herbal remedies, present an alternative avenue in holistic ancient holistic modalities to
prompting the release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain management. Certain vitamins, like vitamin D, have effectively manage pain. To
painkillers. Additionally, acupuncture may modulate the been linked to bone health, potentially impacting chronic arrange a consultation, you can contact him directly at (561)
way the brain processes pain signals, offering relief to those pain conditions. Herbal supplements, such as turmeric 400-6743 or easily book online at www.Hunyuan.org.
ensnared in the grip of chronic discomfort. or ginger, are renowned for their anti-inflammatory
properties, offering a natural approach to reducing pain
Exercise: Mobilizing the Body, Easing the Pain and inflammation. Prioritizing a balanced, nutrient-rich diet
Physical activity emerges as a potent ally in the battle complemented by targeted supplements can contribute to
against chronic pain. Engaging in regular exercise not only overall well-being and resilience against chronic pain.