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Pain management and Microlactin: Got milk?
This milk protein concentrate from the milk of hyperimmunized cows, should be your next big moo-ve toward managing pain in feline patients
Photo: Shutterstock.comMilk protein concentrate from the milk of hyperimmunized cows, Microlactin (Duralactin-VPL), is something you should add to your pain management protocol in cats. The hyperimmune milk factor (HIMF) inhibits inflammation in many animal models, effective regardless of the cause of inflammation and demonstrates no evidence of gastrointestinal irritation. It also works by a different mechanism than NSAIDs or corticosteroids.
The first piece of data about the anti-inflammatory active in milk was disclosed in 1981.1
The novel activities illuminated from pharmacologic studies on this molecule include:
> activating macrophages
> inhibiting neutrophil migration
>inhibiting neutrophil adhesion
>inhibiting infection-induced inflammation
>inhibiting arthritis
>suppressing edema (in a rat model)
>inhibiting autoimmune disease.
Microlactin exhibits a very selective mechanism by blocking cytokines that contribute to the perpetuation of inflammation. It modifies the biological response to inflammation and changes the response of cytokines and neutrophils. It alters the signaling to neutrophils that “calls” them to the sites of inflammation. The neutrophils then do not release the destructive enzymes that perpetuate the inflammatory process. There is no NSAID adverse event profile, since much the same efficacy profile as NSAIDs are seen but the action happens by a different mechanism.
Microlactin can be used safely in dogs, cats and horses. The dose in cats (according to experts such as James Gaynor, DVM, MS, DACVA, DAAPM) is 30 to 50 mg/kg orally b.i.d. It takes time for maximal effects. We see initial effects within four to seven days and maximal effects in 10 to 14 days. This is why Microlactin is not well-positioned for acute pain. For chronic pain, during weeks one through three, overlap with an NSAID or a corticosteroid. After week three, continue Microlactin for long-term anti-inflammatory activity.
It's important to be as specific as possible when making your pain management plan. Conduct a medication, feeding and nutraceutical review at each visit. Write everything down, and have clients keep an “activities of daily living (ADL)” journal in order to keep track of exactly what they are doing to manage pain. Once the patient is stable or comfortable, functional and strong, you can consider removing some elements from your pain management procedure.
References
Bordoni A, Danesi F, Dardevet D, et al. Dairy products and inflammation: a review of the clinical evidence. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2015.
