Dear readers: My recent article on detoxification generated much response. Many readers wanted more information on the process and asked about the specific protocol I used in my practice.

The basic idea is that for pets with serious diseases, using detoxification at the start of therapy can be beneficial to the treatment process. The products used or protocol varies among veterinarians.

In general, detoxification involves “cleansing” the lymphatic system, gastrointestinal system and liver. I only received one negative response from a medical doctor. The doctor pointed out that in his opinion, “holistic medicine is very much a FRINGE area, with VERY LITTLE support in the literature.”

I know many holistic medical and veterinary doctors who would disagree, and each month I read a number of medical journals with articles investigating a number of holistic therapies. I recently read an article on toxins and cancer in one journal, which summarized two studies (the first was done by Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York; the second was by the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta). Both studies showed people were exposed to significant toxins during their lives.

Using blood and urine tests, researchers found that the bodies of the people tested contained an average of 91 chemical compounds, many of which did not exist 75 years ago. Seventy-six of these chemicals have been linked to cancer. Some of the test subjects were surprised at their toxin load, since they practiced an “organic” lifestyle.

While such data on pets is unavailable, I feel our pets also are exposed to environmental chemicals, as well as chemicals in foods and flea-control products.

We know cancer begins as mutations to genes and that toxins cause genetic mutations. This is why holistic doctors encourage the use of natural protocols when possible (including detoxification) and the use of agents that may decrease genetic mutations.

While data such as that requested by the doctor who wrote to me may be lacking in controlled studies, I believe it makes sense to do all we can to help our patients.

Dear readers: Feeding your pet the most appropriate diet is critical to maintaining health, yet so many owners really don’t know exactly what’s in the food they feed their pets. A must-read is Ann Martin’s book, Food Pets Die For: Shocking Facts About Pet Food (New Sage Press, $13.95).

Her well-researched text tells you what’s in pet foods. The book is at times uncomfortable but avoids sensationalizing the facts regarding how foods are made. I encourage you to learn from it and then work with your doctor to find the most wholesome food for your pet.

— Dr. Shawn P. Messonnier is a veterinarian and pet care advocate.