Natural Remedies & Treatments for Your Rats |
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Further Information and Stockists
Grapefruit Seed Extract Shirley's
Wellness Cafe
GSE tested by US Dept Argriculture
Mycoplex Coriolus Colloidal Silver
Transfer Factor
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I don't refer to these products as alternative
because they really shouldn't replace the attention of an experienced ratty vet. They are,
however, excellent first aid products and can be used in conjunction with conventional
treatments. I've been researching these products for nearly 3 years and have had some very
positive results. I've treated myself, my friends and family, and my rats (and in that
order) with every single one. I must stress that, as with conventional medicines, not every
rat will be treated successfully with every product.
Grapefruit Seed Extract Mycoplex Coriolus Colloidal Silver Transfer Factor Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE)
GSE is one of nature's most powerful antibiotics. It's antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal, and it tastes foul! There's no getting away from it - it tastes like battery acid and you should never use the liquid undiluted or near the eyes. Available in liquid and capsule form, I suggest you have both. The liquid can be used topically and orally, and the capsules can be pulled apart and the powder divided into the required number of doses. One capsule should treat one rat for around a week. GSE has been used to treat a wide range of ailments, including: Influenza, strep throat infections, tooth abscesses, Candida, Herpes, Salmonella, E-coli, diarrhea, fungal infections, parasites, and all sorts of infections in humans and animals. I'd be interested to know if it works on Bumblefoot. I imagine it would be a good treatment. Anyone out there know? GSE is broad-spectrum and, as our rats can't actually tell us what's wrong with them, it can be used for any infection - whether bacterial, viral or fungal. It can also be used effectively on parasites, skin complaints, cuts and wounds, and it can actually help stop bleeding. GSE has been used by the avian and reptile (sorry!) breeders for some time (see links to left) We all know that respiratory disease is prevalent amongst rats, and that many antibiotics don't always work so well. I've used GSE on a number of my rats with upper respiratory tract infections, with great success. I've even found it to be very helpful on lower respiratory tract infections. At the first sign of a rattle or snuffle, I sprinkle some GSE into the morning porridge or put a couple of drops of the liquid into the standard water bottle. For more acute infections, or to treat just one particular rat, you can dab your finger in a little olive oil spread, yogurt or whatever your rat particularly likes, then dab a little of the powder (or one drop of liquid) onto it - and let your rat lick the whole lot off. Remember that GSE has a really bitter taste. I've used everything from Olivio margarine to chocolate spread. Each rat is different. You could also try mixing it with Ferretvite (available from Acrorats) I've done this and EVERY rat would have killed for it! DO give it a try! GSE can also be used to treat rats under 12 weeks old, when conventional medicines should perhaps not be used if at all possible. The diluted liquid can be used to sterilize or clean cages, bottles, bowls and litter trays. I also use it to clean my sink! There are no known overdose limits of GSE, and I would suggest that one capsule (250mgs) would treat a rat for a week or more. This is just my personal guess work as there doesn't appear to be any weights and measures stipulated for small animals. Please email if you know otherwise! The amount of GSE you give to your rat can be increased, with no known problems. I'd recommend you increase the number of doses rather than the size of the doses. The more taste, the more waste in the case of GSE.
One last thing. Do NOT confuse Grapefruit Seed Extract with Grape Seed Extract. They're not the same, or even from the same plant. OUR TESTIMONIAL Lilian Elizabeth Moonstone was a beautiful blind doe, who came to live with me when she was rescued by Emma at Furry Friends. She'd been living alone in a hamster cage for the whole of her life. She was around a year old when she came to me, and she had a very bad chest. Our wonderful vet gave her antibiotic injections and told us to prepare ourselves. Lilian was very poorly. I put her on Grapefruit Seed Extract, in a blob of Ferretvite, twice a day. After a few weeks I realized that Lilian wasn't wheezing any more. A check up revealed that her respiratory illness had cleared up! Granted she eventually died of the illness, but the GSE kept her clear for another year. I always take any rat with respiratory problems to the vet right away. I will also give them GSE as soon as I hear a problem. You can also give GSE to rats under 3 months old, when Baytril really shouldn't be given if possible. Stockists UK: Citrosept GSE liquid and capsules are available from Acrorats Tel: 01452-540244 Body Kind stock Citricidal liquid and tablets.
Mycoplex Coriolus cuts off the blood supply to tumours, both benign and malignant, sometimes shrinking them and sometimes even destroying the tumour altogether. I haven't had such a success but it has certainly stopped the growth of a number of benign, mammary tumours that are so common in the older female rats. Of course, if you feel a lump on rat you should take them right away to a good ratty vet. The smaller the lump, the simpler and less invasive the surgery to remove it. These lumps and bumps often return and Mycoplex Coriolus can help prevent a recurrence. There may also be a time when your rat may not be fit enough to undergo surgery, or the tumour may be inoperable. Your vet may even tell you that there is nothing more that can be done. This is when Mycoplex can be very useful indeed. There is no given dosage but I usually give about a quarter of a tablet a day (crushed up in a finger of a favourite food) perhaps lowering the dose after a week or so but if the lump grows - increase the dose. Keep giving the Mycoplex for the life of the tumour. Mycoplex Coriolus is also an immune builder and can only really do good. I include pituitary tumours here, as they are generally untreatable (apart from steroids) You can only gauge the effect of the Mycoplex on a pituitary tumour by the way your rat reacts. This is also where steroids can be invaluable in prolonging quality life, given with the Mycoplex. You can also give your rat Shark Cartilage (Maxigen) with the Mycoplex. This can boost the good effects. I would also give Transfer Factor to build up the body's own immunity, which is depleted by the steroids. OUR TESTIMONIAL Branwen, my husky doe, developed a lump in her groin when she was about a year old. She was healthy and active and the lump wasn't affecting her at all. I started giving her Mycoplex and Maxigen every day. The lump remained the size of a small pea for the whole of her life, not needing surgery. Available from Pilgrims Pet Care and Pet Vet Care in the UK More information: Ratstuff Mycology Research COLLOIDAL SILVER (CS)
In the 1970s the interest in silver grew, mainly because of its success in treating burns victims. Many hospitals still use it today. Silver is now regularly added to wound dressings, and is being tested by Barts and the London NHS trust in the hope it will guard against MRSA. Could it also be a major weapon against Bird Flu? OK. So what does this mean to you and me? Here at Rat Planet I've been researching and using Colloidal Silver for 3 years. As with the GSE, I've treated myself, my family and friends, and my rats. There have been some terrific results. Eye infections are notoriously difficult to treat and I've suffered with conjunctivitis time after time. Just a few hours after spraying, or dropping, CS in the eye - the infection cleared up. It's a great healer of cold sores and I dab it on as soon as I feel the tingle. When I was suffering from a tooth abscess, I rinsed my mouth every few hours with CS and the moment it touched the actual tooth - the pain was gone. My dentist was astounded when I returned a few days later. It really does keep milk fresh too! My rats have really benefited from CS, especially when the CS actually comes into direct contact with the infected area - e.g. eye infections, ear infections, and tooth infections. As the CS does not sting, it's perfect to use on eyes. It has very little taste and so it's very easy to add to your rat's food or drink, or even given by itself. Betty-Sue Squish, my lovely big Russian Blue twin doe, had a very nasty wound on her side, which would just not heal. I tried various treatments over FIVE months, including a silver based cream from the vet. Nothing helped. Then, armed with a new bottle of Colloidal Silver, I sprayed the wound just twice a day. Within three days the wound had virtually healed over. I would never be without a spray bottle of CS, which I also carry in my handbag ... just in case. The quality of CS varies and I've tried a few varieties. Even Holland & Barrett are now selling it in their stores.. Whichever you use, be sure it'sof good quality and it's stored in dark glass containers - which is the best way. If you see it in a clear plastic bottle I'd look elsewhere. The amber (or blue) glass prevents sunlight from spoiling the liquid. It should NOT be kept in the fridge or near a microwave, or any other electrical equipment where possible. There is SO much to say about this product that I'll let you browse the Internet yourselves. Here are a few links: Information: Natural Health re-discovery? Cyber-Pet Colloidal Silver, by James South Advanced Colloidal Silver Utopia Silver UK Colloidal Silver CS - FAQs More FAQs
UK Stockists: Colldass Aquasafe Colloidal Silver Online Higher Nature Body Kind
USA Stockists: Think Natural Utopia Silver Advanced Colloidal Silver
Transfer Factor Plus
Problems with the immune system fall into two categories. They are: Immunodeficiency - This is when the immune system is under active and does not recognize nasty invaders, such as acute respiratory illness, pneumonia, heart disease, and most cancers, and just sits quietly on the bench (so to speak) Autoimmunity - is when the immune system can't even recognize its friends and good bacteria. Basically, the body attacks itself! TF Plus is a must for rats who have been removed from their mothers too soon, and who will not have had the mother's immunity passed on to them. It's also a first stop for elderly or sick rats, especially when they are on steroids (which deplete the immune system even further) or recovering from illness or surgery. This is when their immune system is pushed to the limits. Independent studies have shown TF Plus to increase natural immunity by 248%. By comparison, the more popular and well known Echinacea increases immunity by 43%.
Still working on this article!
I am not a qualified or trained vet and I can take no responsibility for any problems arising from the use of any of these products. However, I have no knowledge of any problems and have not come across any during my usage. |
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| Many thanks to Juliet Francis, who introduced me to most of the products above. We are all very grateful. Thanks Juliet! xxxxxx | ||
GSE is my top natural treatment and I recommend you have this
in your first aid cupboard at all times. I've treated myself, my family and my rats -
successfully in the vast majority of cases.
A word of warning. Isn't there always? Some
immunosuppressants, antihistamines and cholesterol-lowering drugs should not be taken with
grapefruit juice. It's not known if GSE may cause the same problems. Please let me know if
anyone has more information! 
Mycoplex Coriolus is made from the Turkey Tail Mushroom and has been used for
many years to treat the immune system and all types of cancers. I have been researching it
for around 3 years and would now never be without it.
Silver has been used to treat infection for
hundreds, if not thousands, of years and ancient civilizations stored their water and
other liquids in silver vessels to prevent the growth of bacteria. Silver coins were often
placed in milk to keep it fresh, the milk was then given to children to keep illness at
bay. In the early 20th Century you would often find articles in the medical journals
praising the benefits of Colloidal Silver. But the price of silver rose and the price of
penicillin dropped. Colloidal Silver fell by the wayside.
Transfer Factors (Also known as TF)
are found in a mother's breast milk and are passed on during feeding. They are tiny
molecules which literally transfer knowledge of the mother's immune system to the baby,
thus giving it's new, naive system, and its Natural Killer Cells the ability to recognize
and fight infection. A photocopy, if you like. They are not specific to one species.
Please note that here I am talking about Transfer Factor PLUS. There is a very
important difference.