Digestive Upsets in Macropods and Possums
As most carers would agree, apart from dealing with the usual injuries, the most common problem most carers face is thrush & diarrhoea.
Some Treatment options
Saccharomyces boulardii.
If diarrhoea has only just commenced and there is no smell associated
with it, I recommend a product called SB Pro: a biotherapeutic supplement featuring
Saccharomyces boulardii – a clinically proven agent that competitively inhibits Candida albicans and stimulates secretory IgA production. Saccharomyces boulardii is a non-colonising yeast specieswhich is not related to the Candida spp. SB quickly establishes itself in the gastrointestinal tract. On cessation of therapy it is no longer detectable after 2-4 days. SB produces lactic acid and B vitamins,
and as it becomes established, crowds out unfriendly strains of yeast. When given along with probiotic bacteria such as protexin, SB provides a symbiotic treatment regime for the gastrointestinal tract xix.
Bentonite for treating diarrhoea in mammals
Bentonite is not a mineral but a commercial name for montmorillonite, the active mineral in many medicinal clays which come from weathered volcanic ash. This name derives from Montmorillon, France, where the medicinal mineral was first identified. Sometimes mineralogists also use the termsmectite. A VOLCANIC DETOXIFIER – Bentonite, a medicinal powdered clay is one of the most effective natural intestinal detoxifying agents available and has been recognized as such for centuries by nativepeoples around the world. Liquid clay contains minerals that, once inside the gastrointestinal tract,are able to absorb toxins and deliver mineral nutrients to an impressive degree. Liquid clay is inertwhich means it passes through the body undigested. A medicinal study by Frederic Damrau, M.D., in 1961 (Medical Annals of the District of Columbia) established clearly that bentonite can end bouts of diarrhoea. When 35 individuals (average age 51) suffering from diarrhoea took two tablespoons of bentonite in distilled water daily, the diarrhoea was relieved in 97% of the patients in 3.8 days, regardless of the original cause of the problem (allergies, virus infection, spastic colitis, or food poisoning). According to Dr. Damrau, bentonite is “safe and highly effective” in treating acute diarrhoea.
Technically, the clay first adsorbs toxins (heavy metals, free radicals, pesticides), attracting them to its extensive surface area where they adhere like flies to sticky paper; it then absorbs the toxins, taking them in the way a sponge mops up a kitchen counter mess.
Instructions for use:
Mix 1 tsp in a cup of hot water and let steep for 5 minutes. The grey water on top is what you want and you add 1 to 5ml per 100ml milk formula depending on severity of diarrhoea.
Charcoal powder.
Can be added to milk formula just before feeding to calm the stomach and remove pathogens.
Slippery elm powder
for inflammatory conditions of the digestive system, including diarrhoea. This herb puts a soothing coat on inflamed mucous membranes from mouth to anus. It can also be made intoa paste and can also be used for bites, boils, abscesses, and ulcers.
Chamomile
Chamomile can be given as a tea for an inflamed digestive system. You can make an infusion and usethis water to make up milk formula.
Herbal Formulas
For the past 15 years or so I have been formulating and prescribing herbal formulas for digestive upsets for wildlife in care. For more information please e-mail me at anmacropod@bigpond.com or call 0498622948 for a free consult.
Have a look at testimonials of happy carers with this issue:
"I have been a macropod carer for some time now & like all carers, I have had all the sadness along with the delights. As most carers would agree, for animals that thrive so well in nature they can be extremely fragile when we become involved in their lives. Apart from dealing with the usual injuries, the most common problem I have faced has been thrush & diarrhoea. As a vet nurse I have been extremely lucky having a lot of resources available but I have found the most success I have had, has been with Anne-Marie Dineen’s thrush formula. I have used it on pinkies from 400gms through to fully furred joeys, all with positive results without any nasty side-effects. I am happy to recommend this product to other carers, anything that helps these little ones must be good. When you think about it, it makes sense to try nature first, especially with an animal that is so in tune with nature."
Annemarie O’Connor
If you are interested in reading more then follow the link to the paper I presented at the Australian Wildlife Conference.
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