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Ask the Veterinarian/Tapeworms in cats

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Expert: - 6/6/2011


Question
How does a cats immune system combat the tapeworms?
It is for a college assignment please help :)

Answer
For a paper you need citations, so I suggest you research immunology texts and parasitology texts. I am a practicing veterinarian, not an expert on the immune system.

Since I have holistic training, I will give you some interesting opinions you could also use in your paper. Be sure you emphasize the amazing varieties of tapeworm intermediate and final hosts that tapeworms have. When a cat ingests a mouse or a flea, the infective larvae is in the stomach, so the pH of 1 (acid) can kill the tapeworms larvae right then. If they pass into the intestines and adhere to the lumen, it is harder for the immune system to kill them. If the intestinal tract is very healthy (because a raw meat diet is fed), there will be less mucus (mucus is generated as an allergic response to processed foods and grains) and tapeworms need mucus to adhere. Many herbs can kill the worms at this point, so drugs may not be needed. A British natural healer, Juliette de Bairacli Levy, speaks of this in her book the complete herbal handbook for the dog and cat, page 273 in my edition. She gives specifi  herbal treatments for even recalcitrant tapeworm infestations.
Hope this helps you a bit.
Dr. Chambreau  

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Dr. Christina Chambreau

Expertise

I can give you the holistic approach to any problem in any species, though mostly I work with dogs and cats. Depending on the condition and the type of animal, I will be able to give very specific treatment suggestions such as what flower essences, homeopathic remedies, nutritional supplements, diet changes, lifestyle changes or herbs that may be helpful - not drugs. I can also suggest where you can go for further education or to find a specialist in a specific holistic field. I can help you understand why your animal is ill and what improvements can be expected. I do not check messages more than every one to two days, so PLEASE DO NOT ask about EMERGENCIES - call your local veterinarian. I cannot diagnose your animal. I cannot prescribe specific treatments. I am no longer very current with conventional treatments, so cannot answer questions on those. I am not an expert on birds or small critters. I will give you helpful connections about hose species.

Experience

I graduated from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in 1980 and began using homeopathy in my practice after a client introduced me to it. By 1988 I was using exclusively holistic treatments. I began lecturing in 1987 and have spoken at veterinary conferences, health food stores, people's homes, churches, veterinary college conferences - anywhere people want to learn more about keeping their animals healthy.

Organizations
Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy (I helped found this one) American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association National Center for Homeopathy American Veterinary Medical Association

Publications
I have written in many magazines, journals and newspapers. A few include Bark Magazine; Journal of the AHVMA; Baltimore Dog Magazine; Whole Dog Journal; Tiger Tribe; Wolf Clan. I have also been frequently interveiwed on radio and TV.

Education/Credentials
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Certified Veterinary Homeopath (CVH)

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