We want to thank Dr. Jean Dodds for allowing us to share this article with our customers and practitioners.
Dr. Dodds is an internationally known and respected veterinary practitioner, researcher, and lecturer. Please visit her website at www.hemopet.org
BY PATTI WILSON
We’ve all seen them. Many of us have fed them, and a few of us have had one in the deep freeze. Dairy steers make up nearly 20% of all fed cattle.
The sale of newborn bull calves may make up only one to two percent of gross sales from dairies. Until recently, there has been little incentive to give them the same care as their heifer mates. High labor costs and time restrictions on large dairies generally have a negative impact on the initial care of dairy bull calves. This is directly translated into inadequate or untimely administration of colostrum after birth. It sets up the calves for a lifetime of greater disease risk, lower growth rates, and unthriftiness.
Given today’s price of cattle, the shortage of numbers, and increased feedlot space, dairy bull calves are gaining importance in the beef industry. This fact alone should prompt dairies to administer first-class care to their bull calves. Calves that, in the past, may have only brought $5 per head may now be worth up to $500 off the farm. Compared to beef calves, dairy bull calves are at higher risk of illness due to how they are managed and raised.
A dairy heifer calf is the princess of the barn. She is administered measured amounts of high-quality colostrum (tested with a colostrometer). She receives these two to three times prior to being moved out of the calving area. A general recommendation for administering colostrum is four quarts of high-quality product at birth. Followed by two quarts at 10 to 12 hours. Some dairies may even feed three times. Bull calves, however, are treated a bit differently. Being a by-product, many may get only one feeding, and some may get none. Many large dairies have calves picked up by “calf jockeys” on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. And they often spend a week on the road. They are trailered to calf ranches where they are raised in large groups until they weigh 300 to 350 pounds. At that point, backgrounding lots purchase the calves, and they are moved out.
On a seasonal basis, morbidity on these young calves can reach 15 to 30 percent, and mortality 5 to 15 percent without our health program. Early pulls and death loss due to compromised immune systems are more measurable than events happening later in the lives of calves. A common problem, susceptibility to Mycoplasma pneumonia, can lead to other diseases. Eventually, the value of the drop at harvest from Holsteins is reduced by abscesses on the liver, lungs, and kidneys. Mycoplasma almost guarantees an abscessed liver, resulting in lowered grade percentages. Inadequate immunity affects every factor determining profitability.
For folks feeding Holsteins, good intervention lies in using transfer factors and probiotics found in the Ramaekers Immune Primer Formulas. Joe Ramaekers, DVM, is a veterinarian from Santa Cruz, California. He is a lifelong student of immunology and is frequently called to consult with livestock producers of all species regarding communicable diseases. Ramaekers is conducting real-world tests and has developed Immune Primer Formulas which can be administered to large groups of cattle, fed to just a few, or even drenched in young stock. It is used to boost the immune system’s performance in healthy and compromised animals. He has long believed in effective preventative medicine using his patented Immune Primer for at-risk or stressed patients.
Stressed calves arriving from lengthy trips to calf ranches may be dosed with the Immune Primer Formulas on days one, two, and twelve, and spot treated with penicillin G as needed. Cheaper antibiotics appear to have enhanced effectiveness when used in combination with his Immune Primer Formulas. At one ranch, cull rates on calves under Dr. Ramaekers’ care have been cut to less than 1%, and groups of calves “even up” as they stay on the ranch.
For older preconditioned dairy calves, there is the Adult Stress Premix. This formula is indicated for use during stress windows such as transition, weaning, and transport.
Finished dairy steers when managed with Dr. Ramaekers’ immune conditioning program consistently attain improved carcass quality and reduced carcass discounts, resulting in higher profitability for the producer.
Ramaekers’ hope is that the Adult Immune Primer Formula and Adult Stress Premix can be used in all-natural pens of cattle, replacing implants, hormone therapy, or other regulatory feed additives that may cause side effects such as lowering grade or potential toxicity. His goal is to return at least ten dollars for every dollar invested in his product. His historical data collected on almost 1 million head of cattle over 13 years shows an average return of $10 for every dollar invested.
With new antibiotic regulations coming down the pike, Ramaekers sees an increasing need to turn to a “prophylactic program”. A program that affords 24-hour protection and Primes the animal’s immune system for life. The current political climate is demanding the minimization of antibiotics. It is inconvenient and, to many of us in the livestock industry, unnecessary because we use our medications judiciously according to the label guidelines. The future may demand that we rely more heavily on the use of immune science to raise our production levels. Immune system priming will also help raise the effectiveness of all health products, including vaccines and wormers, and extend the life of Western medicine therapeutics. The use of non-prescription feed additives will end in 2016. Ramaekers Nutrition is being proactive in a market that is demanding an antibiotic and hormone-free product.
BOVINE VACCINE TITER ENHANCEMENT OCTOBER 2009
WILLOW CREEK FARMS, TIFFIN, OHIO
In October of 2009, 45 steers from Zanesville, Ohio, were delivered to Willow Creek Farms in Tiffin, Ohio, owned by Dr. Robert McClung.
Twenty heads were tagged with ODD numbers to receive the Adult Immune Primer, twenty heads were tagged with EVEN numbers to receive the Adult Immune Primer Sustained Release with Minerals, and five tagged controls received placebos.
The Adult Immune Primer group got the product on days 1, 2 & 12. The Adult Immune Primer Sustained Release with Minerals group got the product on days 1 &12. The controls were given placebos on days 1, 2 & 12.
On day 1, all cattle received the same worming and vaccine protocols. In addition, all cattle received a porcine, slow-release parvovirus and 5-way leptospirosis vaccine by Solid Tech Bacterin.
All cattle were bled on day 0 for baseline titers for porcine parvovirus and leptospirosis.
On day 12, all cattle received standard vaccine boosters, and the study groups received their second dose of Adult Immune Primer.
On days 21 and 42, all cattle were bled and weighed.
By the second day, ALL of the Treated calves suddenly stopped bawling and were feeding. On Days 3 & 4, compared to the controls, all the treated cattle had full bellies and appeared much more active.
On day 10, it was observed that some of the groups were visibly depressed and starting to show some respiratory signs. By day 12, 8 of the Adult Immune Primer group and 3 of the Adult Immune Primer Sustained Release with Minerals group had respiratory signs.
On day 16, Dr. McClung decided to mass treat the Adult Immune Primer group with antibiotics and 2 of the Adult Immune Primer Sustained Release with Minerals group.
On day 21, Dr. McClung repeated the Adult Immune Primer group’s antibiotics and re-bled all cattle in the study. After suspecting a vaccine failure and consulting with the manufacturer, Dr. McClung sent in titers for IBR, PI3, BVD, and BRSV. The manufacturer also suspected a vaccine failure or virus mutations. This was the first time in 5 years that Dr. McClung had problems with immune supplementation and vaccine response.
On day 42, all cattle were re-bled and weighed.
Although this article is dated, it demonstrates the hidden costs of calf illness and how illness early in life prevents maximum performance and limits complete genetic expression. Using our bovine products from day one will help maximize health, lower drug and labor costs, improve feed efficiency, enhance genetic expression, improve carcass quality, and increase profits.
THYROID TUMOR KEY POINTS:
Age/Sex/Breed: 12-year-old male Chocolate Lab
03/05/08 – Choco was examined at a local veterinary hospital for difficulty swallowing and a mass under the neck. The mass was firmly attached to the larynx and measured approximately 4cm. An excellent diagnostic workup was performed at that time. A fine needle biopsy of the laryngeal mass revealed a thyroid tumor. Due to Choco’s age, the owner declined an oncology consult and/or surgical therapy.
Almost one year later, Choco was presented to me with an ongoing thyroid mass and a lick granuloma on his right paw. The mass now measures 8 cm x 5.5 cm and is firmly attached to the larynx on three sides. The owner was interested in natural immune therapy to help his dog.
Prior fine needle aspirates revealed a thyroid tumor.
01/26/09 – We started the Veterinary Immune Tabs
02/09/09 – The thyroid mass had shrunk to 7.5 cm x 4.5 cm in just two weeks! He had a lick granuloma on his right front paw that had shrunk some to 2.5 cm x 3 cm.
03/09/09 – The thyroid mass continued to shrink to 4.5 cm x 3.5 cm! This represents a nearly 50% reduction in size over just 7 weeks. The lick granuloma is continuing to soften and feel less inflamed.
Using the Vet Immune Professional Tabs in cases like this provides me with another therapeutic option that is not available in any other supplement or medication. Immunotherapy can help resolve chronic and previously untreatable conditions while also markedly improving the patient’s Overall Wellness level. I use these supplements in almost all of my geriatric patients. Owners are very interested in providing their pets with a natural therapeutic option when other forms of therapy are not feasible.
Vet Immune Professional Products are our professional veterinary immune products for dogs and cats. The powder and tabs are formulated for therapeutic use in animals as an adjunct to chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. Incorporate the immune powder and tabs into any holistic or Western medicine therapy plan.
The owner’s feedback is excellent when using our Vet Immune Professional Products for cancer patients. This formula offers pet owners a viable alternative for therapy when chemo, surgery, or radiation is not an option. It also provides excellent nutritional and patient support when used adjunctively with traditional cancer therapy protocols.
Dr. Ramaekers’ Vet Immune Professional Products addresses several areas of need in these critically ill patients.
Applications
The patented Transfer Factor and Medicinal Mushroom blend significantly enhances immune function, helping to combat cancer on a cellular level. Medicinal mushrooms offer anti-angiogenic properties that help starve the tumor of its essential blood supply, thereby improving cellular energy production (ATP) and lung oxygen absorption.
SPLENIC HEMANGIOSARCOMA KEY POINTS:
An 11-pound spleen mass (33% of total body weight) was successfully removed. Dramatic Bone Marrow Response!!
04/2/10 – RBC 2.97 Million WBC 5.24 thousand PLATELETS 97 thousand 4/22/10 RBC 5.5 Million WBC 7.24 thousand PLATELETS 345 thousand
04/02/10 – Toby was presented for examination of a markedly distended abdomen. Radiographs confirmed our suspicion of a spleen tumor. Toby was in a very debilitated condition with significant muscle wasting and difficulty breathing due to the size of the abdominal mass. Veterinary Immune Tabs were started that day.
The therapy goals were to:
1) Improve the red cell and platelet counts
2) Enhance the immune response in a highly stressed patient
3) Potentially shrink or slow tumor growth
4) Support post-surgical healing.
04/22/10 – In less than 2 weeks, pre-surgical blood work revealed a fantastic improvement in the cell counts. An 11-pound spleen mass (33% of total body weight) was successfully removed. Biopsies confirmed a malignant hemangiosarcoma.
06/27/10 – Toby is flourishing and has gained back 8 pounds. Post-surgical healing was utterly uneventful. His owners are extremely happy and will continue his Veterinary Immune Tabs for preventative purposes.
08/12/10: Current Update, Toby is thriving and has increased her body weight to 34# from a post-op weight of 25#
Toby survived another 18 months without post-surgical chemotherapy when she succumbed to congestive heart failure.
Vet Immune Professional Products are our professional veterinary immune products for dogs and cats. The powder and tabs are formulated for therapeutic use in animals as an adjunct to chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. Incorporate the immune powder and tabs into any holistic or Western medicine therapy plan.
The owner’s feedback is excellent when using our Vet Immune Professional Products for cancer patients. This formula offers pet owners a viable alternative for therapy when chemo, surgery, or radiation is not an option. It also provides excellent nutritional and patient support when used adjunctively with traditional cancer therapy protocols.
Dr. Ramaekers’ Vet Immune Professional Products addresses several areas of need in these critically ill patients.
Applications
The patented Transfer Factor and Medicinal Mushroom blend significantly enhances immune function, helping to combat cancer on a cellular level. Medicinal mushrooms offer anti-angiogenic properties that help starve the tumor of its essential blood supply, thereby improving cellular energy production (ATP) and lung oxygen absorption.
SPINDLE CELL TUMOR/ probable low-grade HEMANGIOPERICYTOMA
KEY POINTS:
BJ. Age/Sex/Breed: 14-year-old Bouvier
01/16/2007 – BJ was presented with a firm SQ mass on the proximal caudal aspect of the left thigh, measuring approximately 4 cm x 1.5 cm x 1 cm. BJ had additional health problems, including cauda equina syndrome, bilateral hock Degenerative Joint Disease, chronic left sinusitis, hypothyroidism, numerous benign SQ and dermal masses, sporadic epileptic-like seizures, and a mild stroke following an anesthetic procedure in 6/2006.
A fine needle aspirate revealed a mesenchymal tumor. Surgery was contraindicated due to BJ’s previous post-anesthesia complications and current ongoing neurologic episodes of weakness and disorientation.
The treating veterinarian recommended aggressive immunotherapy with high-dose Vet Immune Professional Tabs. After 3-4 weeks of supplementation, the mass began to regress.
06/27/2007 – BJ succumbed to neurologic disease. Measurements showed marked regression, down to less than 1.0 cm x 0.5 cm x 0.6 cm. BJ was an excellent companion and is missed by all who knew him to this day.
“The ability of the Vet Immune Professional Tabs to assist the body in combating tumor growth, as demonstrated in the case, is why I incorporate this unique supplement as an adjunct to other treatment methods. I know no other product on the market that can shrink tumors like this one with no side effects!! Used pre-surgically, it aids in tumor shrinkage, making surgical resection much easier. Considering the incidence of cancers in older canines, I recommend the Vet Immune Professional Tabs as a valuable Preventative Health & Wellness Supplement.” — Dr. Bill Burlingame, DVM.
Vet Immune Professional Products are our professional veterinary immune products for dogs and cats. The powder and tabs are formulated for therapeutic use in animals as an adjunct to chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. Incorporate the immune powder and tabs into any holistic or Western medicine therapy plan.
The owner’s feedback is excellent when using our Vet Immune Professional Products for cancer patients. This formula offers pet owners a viable alternative for therapy when chemo, surgery, or radiation is not an option. It also provides excellent nutritional and patient support when used adjunctively with traditional cancer therapy protocols.
Dr. Ramaekers’ Vet Immune Professional Products addresses several areas of need in these critically ill patients.
Applications
The patented Transfer Factor and Medicinal Mushroom blend significantly enhances immune function, helping to combat cancer on a cellular level. Medicinal mushrooms offer anti-angiogenic properties that help starve the tumor of its essential blood supply, thereby improving cellular energy production (ATP) and lung oxygen absorption.
Sebaceous Epithelioma—Intermediate Malignancy
KEY POINTS:
Enzo. Age/Sex/Breed: 12-year-old male Husky Mix
Enzo is a large Husky cross born in November 1997. His owners adopted him in 2003, and much of his prior history is unknown.
He has had a long history of allergic skin disease, high water intake, constant panting, soft stools, and occasional gas. He has moderate oily seborrhea and no active evidence of bacterial skin infections, but has periodically been on antibiotics for skin infections. In the past, some of his symptoms seemed to improve with food changes. He has numerous widespread tumors and nodules on his skin. A mass on his right cheek grew, and his character changed recently.
Prior food allergy screens suggested a sensitivity to wheat, corn, and turkey. Blood chemistry screens in 02/07 showed some mild azotemia, with negative Leptospirosis screens. He tested strongly positive for Plechner Syndrome. A biopsy of the right facial skin tumor revealed a Sebaceous Epithelioma (intermediate malignancy). This cell type is intermediate between adenomas and carcinomas in its behavior.
Vet Immune Professional Tabs started on 12/01/08.
01/06/09 – The tumor shrank to 2.5 cm x 2.7 cm on recheck. There was a depression in the central area of the tumor. The borders were becoming irregular, and the base was shrinking, which allowed a ruler to be slid underneath. These are signs of cell necrosis and tumor regression.
02/03/09 – The mass dimensions are unchanged, but there is a more definitive central depression and developing large cracks and fissures on the surface, indicating ongoing regression.
I frequently utilize the Vet Immune Professional Tabs to shrink skin tumors before surgical removal, primarily if they are located in a difficult-to-excise location. In Enzo’s case, because of other ongoing issues, we’re allowing for ongoing tumor regression in hopes of avoiding general anesthesia and surgery to remove the mass. Hopefully, in time, we’ll be able to use just a local anesthetic and remove the tumor at the narrowed base. In the meantime, we are improving his overall level of Health and Wellness with the nutritional ingredients in the Vet Immune Professional Tabs.
Vet Immune Professional Products are our professional veterinary immune products for dogs and cats. The powder and tabs are formulated for therapeutic use in animals as an adjunct to chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. Incorporate the immune powder and tabs into any holistic or Western medicine therapy plan.
The owner’s feedback is excellent when using our Vet Immune Professional Products for cancer patients. This formula offers pet owners a viable alternative for therapy when chemo, surgery, or radiation is not an option. It also provides excellent nutritional and patient support when used adjunctively with traditional cancer therapy protocols.
Dr. Ramaekers’ Vet Immune Professional Products addresses several areas of need in these critically ill patients.
Applications
The patented Transfer Factor and Medicinal Mushroom blend significantly enhances immune function, helping to combat cancer on a cellular level. Medicinal mushrooms offer anti-angiogenic properties that help starve the tumor of its essential blood supply, thereby improving cellular energy production (ATP) and lung oxygen absorption.
ROUND CELL TUMOR—PROBABLE HISTIOCYTOMA / ATYPICAL PLASMACYTOMA
KEY POINTS:
Luke. Age/Sex/Breed: 10-year-old castrated male Rottweiler mix.
01/16/12 – Luke was presented for a 1 cm diameter growth on the left side of his perineum. The owners said that it seemed to have appeared just recently.
A fine needle aspirate was performed.
The Ramaekers Vet Immune Professional Products were started.
02/07/12 – The supplement had been given sporadically and at a sub-therapeutic dose. The dosage was increased to a full therapeutic dose. The tumor size had increased to 2 cm × 1.5 cm.
03/08/12 – The owner reported that the mass started to develop central necrosis and then fell off. Follow-up photos were taken about two months later.
Vet Immune Professional Products are our professional veterinary immune products for dogs and cats. The powder and tabs are formulated for therapeutic use in animals as an adjunct to chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. Incorporate the immune powder and tabs into any holistic or Western medicine therapy plan.
The owner’s feedback is excellent when using our Vet Immune Professional Products for cancer patients. This formula offers pet owners a viable alternative for therapy when chemo, surgery, or radiation is not an option. It also provides excellent nutritional and patient support when used adjunctively with traditional cancer therapy protocols.
Dr. Ramaekers’ Vet Immune Professional Products addresses several areas of need in these critically ill patients.
Applications
The patented Transfer Factor and Medicinal Mushroom blend significantly enhances immune function, helping to combat cancer on a cellular level. Medicinal mushrooms offer anti-angiogenic properties that help starve the tumor of its essential blood supply, thereby improving cellular energy production (ATP) and lung oxygen absorption.
POSSIBLE FIBROSARCOMA KEY POINTS:
Katie. Age/Sex/Breed: 10-year-old spayed female Terrier mix.
03/02/06 – On physical exam, Katie presented with jaw pain and palpable swelling of the right orbital and temporal area measuring 1″ x 1 3/4″. Katie also exhibited lethargy, depressed mood, signs of pain, and symptoms of possible facial nerve damage.
X-rays revealed a mass extending into the sinuses. The owner declined anesthesia and a surgical biopsy. That day, we decided to begin supplementation with the Vet Immune Professional Tabs.
03/28/06 – At a reassessment, measurement of the mass indicated a 60% reduction in mass size in only 26 days. Katie showed increased energy, improved affect, and enhanced appetite. I recommended continued administration of Vet Immune Professional Tabs until tumor remission is complete or controlled.
Vet Immune Professional Products are our professional veterinary immune products for dogs and cats. The powder and tabs are formulated for therapeutic use in animals as an adjunct to chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. Incorporate the immune powder and tabs into any holistic or Western medicine therapy plan.
The owner’s feedback is excellent when using our Vet Immune Professional Products for cancer patients. This formula offers pet owners a viable alternative for therapy when chemo, surgery, or radiation is not an option. It also provides excellent nutritional and patient support when used adjunctively with traditional cancer therapy protocols.
Dr. Ramaekers’ Vet Immune Professional Products addresses several areas of need in these critically ill patients.
Applications
The patented Transfer Factor and Medicinal Mushroom blend significantly enhances immune function, helping to combat cancer on a cellular level. Medicinal mushrooms offer anti-angiogenic properties that help starve the tumor of its essential blood supply, thereby improving cellular energy production (ATP) and lung oxygen absorption.
PNEUMONIA /PULMONARY MASS KEY POINTS:
Riley. Age/Sex/Breed: 4-year-old female Yorkshire Terrier
12/21/2007 – Riley presented with chronic coughing, anorexia, and listlessness. Initial radiographs revealed severe pneumonia with fluid lines and consolidation of the accessory lung lobe. There is also evidence of a mass or enlarged lesion in the caudal dorsal lung field. Initial oral antibiotic therapy was started.
01/28/2008 – More extensive radiographs were performed and submitted for diagnostic evaluation. The radiology report confirmed relatively extensive changes in the lung parenchyma and the presence of a soft tissue opacity mass lesion in the left caudal lung field, most likely associated with chronic active inflammatory processes – infarction, infection, granuloma formation, or neoplasia.
1/28/2008 – Riley immediately began a treatment plan with Vet Immune Professional Tabs.
02/7/2008 – At a reassessment, Riley showed marked clinical improvements, and radiographs revealed that the caudal lung mass appeared to be clearing.
Radiographs dated 4/21//2008 showed significant clearing. Riley’s owners declined further diagnostics due to cost, but Riley continues to take Vet Immune Professional Tabs and is doing well.
Vet Immune Professional Products are our professional veterinary immune products for dogs and cats. The powder and tabs are formulated for therapeutic use in animals as an adjunct to chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. Incorporate the immune powder and tabs into any holistic or Western medicine therapy plan.
The owner’s feedback is excellent when using our Vet Immune Professional Products for cancer patients. This formula offers pet owners a viable alternative for therapy when chemo, surgery, or radiation is not an option. It also provides excellent nutritional and patient support when used adjunctively with traditional cancer therapy protocols.
Dr. Ramaekers’ Vet Immune Professional Products addresses several areas of need in these critically ill patients.
Applications
The patented Transfer Factor and Medicinal Mushroom blend significantly enhances immune function, helping to combat cancer on a cellular level. Medicinal mushrooms offer anti-angiogenic properties that help starve the tumor of its essential blood supply, thereby improving cellular energy production (ATP) and lung oxygen absorption.
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