Animal Dermatology Laboratories

We agree with many Veterinary Dermatologists that Fatty Acid manufacturer's recommended dosages are very low and are often not given long enough to see clinical results.

'Current recommendations are that the manufacturer's recommended dose be quadrupled and that the minimum treatment period be 8-12 weeks.'

The problem is a four times increase in Derm Caps would require two bottles of 60 per month.

Concentrated liquids, based on marine lipid concentrates which supply a high level of omega 3 EPA and DHA can make these recommended dosages cost effective for your clients.

As many of the expensive soft gel capsules are punctured and added to the food, the more economical liquid can be used at a higher dosage level.

It is also recommended that you dispense Fatty Acid supplements under your clinic printed label or private label. Many of the popular Fatty Acid products are now available in pet super stores (with or without associated veterinary clinics). You may be losing more repeat sales to these outlets than you realize.

Using a combination of Omega 3 and Omega 6 Fatty Acids with one of the Antihistamines, Hydroxyzine HCL, Diphenhydramine HCL, or Chlorpheniramine Maleate can reduce average steroid usage by 25 - 33%. The Fatty Acids should be maintained throughout the allergy season. A lapse period of 2-3 weeks will generally occur if Fatty Acid therapy has not been started before allergy related pruritus occurs.

Animal Dermatology Laboratories can supply you with Fatty Acid liquids with your hospital or clinic name and optional doctors name, address and phone number printed on each bottle in minimum orders of 12 units. Alternately, you can apply your own hospital label to the ADL bottle and prescribe your own dosage. Clients may have problems accepting a conflicting four times dosage over that printed on a bottle. Our dosage range allow for the current recommendations of many Veterinary Dermatologists.

FATTY ACID NUGGETS WITH BIOTIN

A convenient highly concentrated source of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids, Biotin, Vitamins E, A, D3, and Zinc. Most dogs readily accept as a tasty treat. Available in ADL label or your hospital Private Label. Also available in bulk for dispensing in vials and bottles.

Clinical study on the effect of Biotin on skin conditions in dogs

Summary: In a collaborative study, dogs with skin conditions were treated with biotin (approximately 5mg biotin / 10kg body weight/day) for 3 to 5 weeks. In total 119 cases were treated which were reported to show symptoms such as dull coat, brittle hair, loss of hair, scaly skin, pruritus or dermatitis. Cases requiring other treatments with e.g. glucocorticoids, were excluded from the study. In 60% of the cases all symptoms were reported to be cured after the biotin treatment and in a further 31% an improvement was noted; in only 9% no effect was recorded. All breeds responded. The results confirm the favorable effect of biotin for treatment of skin conditions in dogs.

ADL Fatty Acid Nuggets with Biotin supply the level of Biotin used in this study when used at five nuggets per ten pounds body weight twice daily.

Fatty Acid Nuggets - source of concentrated fatty acids. Each 3 nuggets contain: Alpha-linolenic Acid (ALA, Omega 3) 10mg from flax seed oil. Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA, Omega 3) 85mg, source marine lipids concentrated from fish oil. Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA, Omega 3) 55mg, source marine lipids concentrated from fish oil. Gamma-linolenic Acid (GLA, Omega 6) 23mg, evening primrose oil, borage oil. Linoleic Acid (Omega 6) 350mg, source sunflower oil, soy oil, safflower oil. Biotin 700 / Vitamin E (dl-alpha Tocopheryl Acetate) 3 IU. Vitamin A 400 IU. Vitamin D3 40 IU. Zinc 5mg. Dosage: Give three to five nuggets per 10 pounds body weight once or twice daily. Give as a snack treat or add to food.

THE USE OF FATTY ACIDS IN INFLAMMATORY DISEASE

Recent research has studied the use of specific fatty acids on the immune system and the effect on inflammatory disease of the skin and musculo-skeletal system. Current dietary recommendations are to provide additional levels of Omega-6 (GLA) or Omega-3 (ALA), EPA, and DHA for dermatitis, pruritus, arthritis, and other inflammatory diseases.

From Small Animal Clinical Nutrition: 4th Edition: Use of fatty acids in inflammatory diseases: Consumption of fish oil with n-3 PUFA or oils high in the n-6 fatty acid GLA (e.g. evening primrose oil, borage oil and black currant oil) results in replacement of AA in the macrophage membrane with EPA or DGLA. The result is production of fewer AA-derived eicosanoids and more EPA- or GLA- derived eicosanoids, thereby reducing the immunologic response to an inflammatory episode. Consequently, changing the type of eicosanoid production and the subsequent alteration in cytokine production can reduce inflammation by eicosanoid-mediated effects. This premise is the basis for using EPA or GLA for treatment of chronic inflammatory conditions.

Use of Fatty Acids for Seborrhea

Campbell and others studied linoleic and other acid levels in dogs with seborrhea. They found with 30 days of supplementation with linoleic acid from sunflower oil clinical signs of seborrhea improved. Transepidermal water loss can be decreased by supplementation with alpha-linolenic acid. Seborrhea sicca is associated with increased transepidermal water loss and can be reversed with linoleic acid.

FATTY ACID RESPONSIVE DISEASES: Dietary supplementation may required two to twelve weeks to fully take place.

Use of Fatty Acids for Pruritus

Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is a Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid and is metabolized to EPA and DHA, and is part of the skin of normal dogs. Flax seed oil is a rich source of ALA. GLA can be incorporated into the skin where it becomes DGLA and competes with arachidonic acid for metabolic enzymes. The result is decreased arachidonic acid derived eicosanoids and increase in antiflammatory effect. It is believed that up to 50% of dogs with allergic pruritus will be helped by increased fatty acid intake.

FATTY ACID THERAPY