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Ask the Veterinarian/Activated Charcoal And Slippery Elm (Inner Bark)

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Expert: - 1/20/2012


Question
QUESTION: Dear Dr. Christina,

May I know if activated charcoal and slippery elm (inner bark) are safe for pregnant and nursing cats?

Thanks & regards,

ANSWER: Yes, it is safe to use activated charcoal and slippery elm in pregnant and nursing cats. I do prefer to use marshmallow root over elm, to prevent elm trees from being cut down. the Marshmallow root is a bit more gentle on the cats and is an annual plant, so more sustainable.

There is a great natural rearing website - www.aunaturelk9s.com - that may help you improve the health of offspring.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Dear Dr. Christina,

And is it true that the activated charcoal is not for long term use (only 3-4 days maximum) for cat's diarrhea?

Thanks & regards,

Answer
No treatment should be used forever. If a cat has diarrhea, you want to discover what is causing it, then use holistic approaches to resolve the problem so you do not need to continue to use any temporary help for the stools. Definitely look at long term probiotics and digestive enzymes as part of care for the digestive tract. Charcoal can be safely used for months, though I do not recommend it.

If you have cats with chronic diarrhea problems, please seek professional holistic care and do not breed these cats as they will pass on that tendency. Once cured, they will not pass on the tendency. See www.aunaturelk9s.com (good for cats, too).  

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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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