Why would I be recommended to administer colostrum to my pet?
In pets, colostrum has been recommended and anecdotally found useful for the treatment of wounds (promotes healing of insect bites, abscesses, ruptured cysts, warts, and surgical incisions when applied topically to the wound,) gingivitis, as an aid to proper functioning and motility of the intestinal tract, diarrhea, colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, constipation, food allergies, and arthritis.
How much experience is there with the use of colostrum in pets?
Colostrum has been used for many years as part of the therapy for people and pets with a variety of illnesses. While controlled studies in pets are lacking, it may be effective in stimulating the immune system or in directly killing bacteria, fungi, or viruses.
What species of animals are being treated regularly with colostrum ?
Any animal species may benefit from colostrum.
How can my pet benefit from colostrum?
Any sick pet may benefit from supplementation with colostrum as part of their treatment.
How successful is colostrum?
Studies in people are contradictory with some studies showing benefit against various infections and other studies showing no benefit. Anecdotally, many owners feel that their pets have improved when colostrum is given to their pets. Since other supplements are part of the therapy, it is difficult to assess the effectiveness of colostrums usage. However, since colostrum and similar supplements are safe, using colostrum as part of the therapy for pets with any illness is unlikely to cause harm and may have benefit.
How safe is colostrum?
Colostrum does not seem to cause any significant side effects and has been used safely in many pets.
Where do I get colostrum and do I need a prescription?
As is true with many supplements, your veterinarian may have favorite supplements that he will sell you or recommend to you. Pet owners are cautioned against buying supplements without knowledge of the manufacturer, as supplements are not highly regulated and some supplements may not contain the labeled amount of colostrum. A prescription is not needed for colostrum.
