Learn more about Dimethylglycine (Dmg) uses, effectiveness, possible side effects, interactions, dosage, user ratings and products that contain Dimethylglycine (Dmg).
- Seizures can look like a twitch or uncontrollable shaking and can last from less than a minute to several minutes. They can appear unconscious but seem to be paddling water and begin to drool. The sad news is pets can experience seizures just like humans. I understand that watching your dog have a seizure is more than upsetting.
- The most common cause of seizures in dogs is epilepsy commonly known as seizure disorders. Epilepsy occurs when a dog experiences two or more unprovoked seizures in a period of one year. Management of seizures has a lot to do with the use of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) coupled with good nutrition.
DMG: A Nutrient for the New Millennium
DMG, short for dimethylglycine, is a nutritional supplement that can provide wonderful positive benefits to humans and animals. Our bodies use DMG every day, even though we don't know it. Humans and animals produce DMG in small amounts, and it affects nearly every metabolic pathway within each cell of the body. At the end of this paper, I will include the more technical, scientific information for those intrepid individuals who wish to learn more.
Here is what you need to know about DMG:
It provides useful building units for biosynthesis of vitamins, hormones, neurotransmitters, antibodies, nucleic acids and other metabolically active molecules. It can be helpful in virtually all species of animals, including dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, rodents, reptiles and birds.DMG is one of the nutrients found in the supplement, Immune and Digestive Support. Many veterinarians have discovered the unique and wonderful properties of this new supplement.
Laboratory and clinical research indicates that DMG supplementation can be used effectively as a nutritional adjunct to a number of health issues in pets.
These include:
Cardiovascular problems
Glucose metabolism
Autoimmune disorders
Allergies
Cancer/tumors
Liver diseases
Respiratory problems
Immune response deficiencies
Neurological disorders
Neurological disorders
Cardiovascular problems
Glucose metabolism
Autoimmune disorders
Allergies
Cancer/tumors
Liver diseases
Respiratory problems
Immune response deficiencies
Neurological disorders
Neurological disorders
Let’s look at many of the specific conditions that Immune and Digestive Support containing DMG may help your pets.
DMG for Seizuring Animals
Ferrets with Insulinoma
DMG increases the threshold for seizures and can reduce seizures in all types of animals. In some cases, if DMG is added to a seizuring animal’s therapy, it may decrease the amount of anticonvulsants required by an animal. This can be very beneficial for ferrets suffering from insulinoma, until the blood sugar issues are under control. Diet plays a huge role in helping stabilize a ferret suffering from insulinoma, and Young Again Ferret Food is one very positive step in improving the health of a ferret. In some cases, an insulinoma may present as a solitary tumor in the pancreas, but for most ferrets, the lesions are microscopic infiltrates, and surgery is not considered the best way to treat this condition. Some veterinarians recommend surgically removing approximately 1/3 of the pancreas, usually the tail of the pancreas, however, the pancreas is a delicate organ and surgery is not always beneficial.
DMG and the Immune System
It improves the immune response by increasing resistance to disease and infection.
It has antiviral and antibacterial properties. It can modulate the inflammatory response.
DMG and Tumors
A study was performed using mice and melanoma cells. Mice were injected with melanoma cells and those mice receiving DMG had fewer implantations of melanoma cells than the control group did. This study was performed at Baylor University.
It possesses anti-cancer activity and can prevent metastases (the spread of tumor cells). I routinely use DMG in all of my patients with any type of cancer. If it can help prevent the spread of tumors, then I am all for it.
DMG and Cardiac Disease
It aids in cardiovascular functions by reducing elevated cholesterol, blood pressure and triglyceride levels and improving circulation. Ferrets and cats with cardiac disease may benefit from the administration of DMG.
DMG and Diabetes in Cats
It improves glucose metabolism and for this reason, I recommend prescribing DMG for all diabetic cats, in addition to changing the cat’s food to Young Again Zero Carbohydrate Cat Food. Many diabetic animals will eventually develop cataracts in the lenses of the eyes, which can significantly decrease eyesight. When the cataracts are mature, the diabetic pet will eventually lose vision, except for being able to discern light and dark. DMG can retard cataract formation in diabetic animals.
![Dogs Dogs](/uploads/1/2/6/0/126011928/636861440.jpg)
DMG and IBD/IBS
According to literature studies, DMG helps with inflammation, circulation, healing and detoxification, all of which helps cats and dogs suffering from inflammatory bowel disease and inflammatory bowel syndrome. Young Again pet foods may help contribute to the resolution of issues related to chronic gastrointestinal problems in dogs and cats.
DMG and Cataracts
DMG is also an excellent adjunct to therapy for rabbits suffering from E. cuniculi, which is a microscopic protozoal organism that has an affinity for kidney tissue and the central nervous system (CNS). In addition to strengthening the immune system, DMG may also slow the formation of cataracts in the eyes of E. cuniculi infected rabbits.
DMG and Liver Disease
It aids in detoxification and enhances liver function. When administered, part of it will be converted to SAM-E, a nutrient helpful to the liver. Any cat suffering from hepatic lipidosis from not eating for one or several days may benefit from the administration of DMG.
DMG and Exercise
It improves oxygen utilization in the body and it removes lactic acid from muscle tissue. This makes DMG wonderful for athletic dogs. Lactic acid is what causes muscle cramps and pain after running. I know that many greyhound racers use DMG for their dogs. Many horse trainers believe it is helpful during training exercise.
It enhances energy levels, endurance and muscle metabolism.
It improves mental and physical performance.
It improves neurological function and mental clarity.
DMG use in Veterinary Medicine
DMG has been used by veterinarians and trainers in horses and dogs.
DMG is suggested for use in dogs, cats, horses and birds for performance and enhanced recovery from illness. It can be used therapeutically as an adjunct to traditional therapy for osteoarthritis, stress, seizures, allergies, heart disease, cancer, feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) and diabetes.
DMG has antifungal properties and helps fight bacterial and viral infections. It is converted to SAM-E in the body. It helps detoxify the liver. It decreases the inflammation associated with IBD (inflammatory bowel disease). It helps maintain glucose metabolism and can help slow the development of diabetic cataracts. DMG helps circulation and cardiovascular health.
It increases the threshold for seizures and I have personally used it to control seizures in many animals, including dogs, cats, Amazon parrots, lovebirds and many other animals. In many cases, DMG alone will control seizures, and in other cases, reduced amounts of anticonvulsants will be necessary (such as phenobarbital, Valium, Keppra or phenytoin). It can be used for many neurological problems in exotic animals, such as idiopathic seizures in red-lored Amazons and peach-faced lovebirds, E. cuniculi in rabbits, PDD in psittacines and hypoglycemic seizures in ferrets (resulting from insulinoma issues).
While the label recommendation is for once or twice a day dosing, this supplement is absorbed rapidly, so often I will recommend small, incremental doses during the day. Often to help control seizures, I find that more frequent dosing will control seizures (along with treating any underlying medical problems, such as infection, low blood glucose or even lead toxicosis) much better than just one or two doses per day. I recommend working with your veterinarian to adjust the DMG and/or anticonvulsant medications to best control seizures.
The Science of DMG
As promised, I am providing a bit of the science (including the jargon) about how DMG works. DMG is an adaptogen that works with other cofactors in the body to counteract the negative effects of stress, to promote healing and even to help prevent some degenerative diseases. Some of the things that it does are to decrease homocysteine levels (a risk factor for cardiovascular disease), increases oxygen utilization, modulates the immune response, aids in liver detoxification, regulates cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and increases energy levels. New research shows that DMG can function as an antioxidant and prevent free-radical damage. So, you can see how this nutrient can be a wonderful adjunct to traditional medical therapy for many different disease states.
DMG is found naturally in low levels in the body, and also in certain foods, such as meat (liver), beans, seeds and grains. It is considered an intermediary metabolite, meaning that it is rapidly broken down into other substances that the body needs. The body can produce small amounts of DMG from other nutrients, but supplementation can provide increased levels of DMG resulting in many healthful benefits for the body. DMG is built from the amino acid glycine and is physiologically active and important to cell metabolism. It provides methyl groups for modification, building and detoxifying many components in the body. Biochemically, it occupies a central position in the cell's metabolic pathway, so it can produce a wide range of biological effects in the body.
DMG and the Autistic Spectrum
While I have no personal experience with autistic children, there are many testimonials describing significant improvement in autistic children that are given DMG regularly. Apparently, many autistic children will become more verbal and communicative when taking DMG, and may become more interactive with family members. Again, I have no personal experience, but with children being diagnosed with any number of problems within the autism spectrum in almost epidemic proportions today, it is worth a look-see in case it can help a child that you might know. I don’t see how it can be detrimental. The same can be said for animals suffering from abnormal behaviors, such as pacing, repetitive behaviors, obsessive licking or those suffering from other unusual situations.
It improves verbal communications and social interactions in autistic individuals. While there isn’t any research in pets suffering from separation anxiety or other issues, DMG is certainly a “do no harm” addition to any medical and behavioral therapy.
Dmg For Seizures In Dogs Symptoms
![Seizures Seizures](/uploads/1/2/6/0/126011928/367952137.jpg)
Dosing DMG
DMG should be taken between meals, although it can be taken with food. DMG is broken down quickly and used by the body, so smaller, multiple doses are better than giving the entire dose all at once. The upper limit of dosing is extremely high; humans can take up to 6000 mg. per day without complications or risk of overdosage.
DMG comes in a liquid and the dosage is right on the label, and the dosage is also marked on the dropper which is included. Vetri-DMG Liquid is available for use in small animals and exotics. Each drop contains 5 mg of DMG.
According to the label dosing, the dosage for birds is: 1 drop per 100 grams body weight. This is given BID as a loading dose, for two weeks, then once a day. The liquid may also be used for dogs and cats:
For animals:
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up to 25 lbs: give 0.5 ml daily
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25-50 lbs: give 1.0 ml daily
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51-90 lbs: give 1.5 ml daily
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91+ lbs: give 2.0 ml daily
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Give dosage two times per day for the first two weeks, as a loading dosage, then give once a day, or for best results, divide dosage between a.m. and p.m. However, it is a very safe supplement and I will often tweak the dosage to accommodate the situation and provide the best support for the animal. Smaller, incremental doses are seemingly much more efficacious than one dose once a day.
If you are interested in reading more about DMG, there is a wonderful book entitled Building Wellness Through DMG (by Roger V. Kendall, Ph. D. with Adena Therrien, Freedom Press, 2003) that explains the science behind the supplement. The book discusses using DMG for lupus and other autoimmune disorders, respiratory disorders, cancer and autism, to name just a few. There are also many scientific papers that you can explore on-line, as well. The book discusses dosages for humans and animals with different conditions that might benefit from the administration of DMG.
DMG is available from several sources. Some nutrition and vitamin outlets sell DMG for humans in a powder, liquid or tablet/capsule form. I purchase mine as capsule from Now Foods, Bloomingdale, IL 60108, www.nowfoods.com. Another source is Best Naturals, NJ, www.shopbestnaturals.com.
DMG is available in tablets for small animals and exotics from Vetri-Science Labs, phone number: 800-882-9993. However, Vetri-Science Labs sells only to licensed veterinarians. For pet owners interested in purchasing single bottles, check the web, as we have seen it offered at Amazon.com.
Copyright © 2006 Margaret A. Wissman, D.V.M., D.A.B.V.P.
All Rights Reserved
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What is a seizure or epilepsy?
Seizures are one of the most frequently reported neurological conditions in dogs. A seizure may also be called a convulsion or fit, and is a temporary involuntary disturbance of normal brain function that is usually accompanied by uncontrollable muscle activity.
'Epilepsy is a term used to describe repeated episodes of seizures.'
Epilepsy is a term used to describe repeated episodes of seizures. With epilepsy, the seizures can be single or may occur in clusters, and they can be infrequent and unpredictable or may occur at regular intervals.
What causes seizures?
There are many causes of seizures. Idiopathic epilepsy, the most common cause of seizures in the dog, is an inherited disorder, but its exact cause is unknown. Other causes include liver disease, kidney failure, brain tumors, brain trauma, or toxins.
'Idiopathic epilepsy is the most common cause of seizures in the dog.'
Seizures often occur at times of changing brain activity, such as during excitement or feeding, or as the dog is falling asleep or waking up. Affected dogs can appear completely normal between seizures.
What happens during a typical seizure?
Seizures consist of three components:
1) The pre-ictal phase(aura), is a period of altered behavior in which the dog may hide, appear nervous, or seek out the owner. It may be restless, nervous, whining, shaking, or salivating. This may last a few seconds to a few hours. This period precedes the seizure activity, as if the dog senses that something is about to occur.
2) The ictal phase can last from a few seconds to several minutes, and can vary in appearance. The ictal phase can range from mild changes in mental awareness, such as a dazed look, mild shaking, staring aimlessly, licking lips, to a complete loss of consciousness and body function. If the dog experiences a grand mal, or full-blown seizure with loss of consciousness, all of the muscles of the body move spastically and erratically. The dog usually falls over on its side and paddles its legs while seeming to be otherwise paralyzed. The head will often be drawn backward. Urination, defecation, and salivation may occur. If the seizure has not stopped within five minutes, the dog is said to be in status epilepticus or prolonged seizure (see below).
3) During the post-ictal phase or the period immediately after the end of the seizure, there is confusion, disorientation, salivation, pacing, restlessness, or even temporary blindness. There is no direct correlation between the severity of the seizure and the duration of the post-ictal phase.
Is a seizure painful or dangerous to the dog?
Despite the dramatic and violent appearance of a seizure, seizures are not painful, although the dog may feel confusion and perhaps panic. Contrary to popular belief, dogs do not swallow their tongues during a seizure. If you put your fingers or an object into its mouth, you will not help your pet and you run a high risk of being bitten very badly or of injuring your dog. The important thing is to keep the dog from falling or hurting itself by knocking objects onto itself. As long as it is on the floor or ground, there is little chance of harm occurring.
A single seizure is rarely dangerous to the dog. However, if the dog has multiple seizures within a short period of time (cluster seizures), or if a seizure continues for longer than a few minutes, the body temperature begins to rise. If hyperthermia (elevated body temperature) develops secondary to a seizure, another set of problems need to be addressed.
What is status epilepticus?
Status epilepticus is a serious and life threatening situation. It is characterized by a seizure that lasts more than five minutes. Unless intravenous anticonvulsants are given immediately to stop the seizure activity, the dog may die or suffer irreversible brain damage. If status epilepticus occurs, you must seek treatment by a veterinarian immediately.
Dmg Dosage For Dogs
Now that the seizure is over, can we find out why it happened?
After a dog has a seizure episode, your veterinarian will begin by taking a thorough history, concentrating on possible exposures to poisonous or hallucinogenic substances or any history of head trauma. The veterinarian will also perform a physical examination, blood and urine tests and sometimes an electrocardiogram (ECG). These tests rule out disorders of the liver, kidneys, heart, electrolytes, and blood sugar levels. A heartworm test is performed if your dog is not taking heartworm preventative monthly.
If these tests are normal and there is no exposure to poison or recent trauma, further diagnostics may be recommended, depending on the severity and frequency of the seizures. Occasional seizures (less frequently than once a month) are not as worrisome, but they can become more frequent or more severe. In this instance, a spinal fluid analysis may be performed.
Depending on availability at a referral center or teaching hospital, specialized techniques such as a CT scan or MRI may also be performed to look directly at the structure of the brain.
How are seizures treated or prevented?
Treatment is usually begun only after a pet has:
Dmg For Seizures In Dogs Symptoms
1) more than one seizure a month,
2) clusters of seizures where one seizure is immediately followed by another, or
3) grand mal seizures that are severe or prolonged in duration.
The two most commonly used medications to treat seizures in dogs are phenobarbital and potassium bromide. Research into the use of other anticonvulsants is ongoing, and newer anticonvulsants such as zonisamide (brand nameZonegran®) and levetiracetam (brand nameKeppra®) are becoming more popular. Combination therapy is often used for dogs that are poorly responsive to standard treatments.
'Once anticonvulsant medication is started, it must be given for life.'
Once anticonvulsant medication is started, it must be given for life. There is evidence that, if anticonvulsant medication is started and then discontinued, the dog may have a greater risk of developing more severe seizures in the future. Even normal dogs without a history of seizures or epilepsy may be induced to seizure if placed on anticonvulsant medication and then abruptly withdrawn from it. If anticonvulsant medication must be discontinued or changed for some reason, your veterinarian will give you specific instructions for doing this.
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