Surgery Support Protocol
The NGD Care Surgery Support Protocol is a nutritional supplement schedule for dogs and cats featuring glutathione, vitamin C, PEA Complex, L-glutamine, and a flower essence. Use in consultation with your veterinarian.
- A schedule for the weeks following a procedure.
- Phase 1 with five products, plus supplements based on the situation.
- Use in consultation with your veterinarian.
- For dogs and cats.
Description
QUICK SUMMARY
The Surgery Support Protocol is a schedule for dogs and cats in the weeks following a procedure, as a complement to your veterinarian’s care.
Why a program and not a separate supplement?
For a dog or cat’s body, surgery is a major event on multiple levels simultaneously. The liver processes anesthetics, the tissue around the surgical site is rebuilt, and stress and medication affect the intestines.
This protocol complements your veterinarian’s care and does not replace it. Pain relief, antibiotics, and check-ups always remain in the hands of your veterinarian.
Four processes surrounding a procedure
Surgery affects multiple systems at once. What happens in the body is linked to the liver, the tissue around the procedure, the intestinal wall, and the stress response. This protocol was developed from this systems biology perspective to complement your veterinarian’s care.
Anesthetics and other medications are largely processed in the liver. In this process, the liver uses glutathione, creating free radicals that are neutralized by antioxidants such as vitamin C.
After a procedure, the body creates new tissue. This requires collagen, and vitamin C is a cofactor in collagen production.
Stress, reduced food intake, and medication surrounding a procedure also affect the gut. The cells of the intestinal wall use the amino acid glutamine as their primary fuel.
Surgery is also a stressful event for an animal: a strange environment, fasting, and anesthesia. Via the HPA axis, the adrenal gland releases cortisol.
Why this order?
Start all components of the first phase as soon as possible after the procedure, in consultation with your veterinarian, as these processes begin immediately. Choose additional supplements based on the situation, such as prolonged anesthesia, an orthopedic procedure, or the use of antibiotics.
How does the Surgery Support Protocol work?
The protocol consists of two consecutive phases. The ingredients are listed for each supplement.
Start all components of this phase as soon as possible after the procedure, in consultation with your veterinarian. They relate to the liver, the tissue around the procedure, the intestinal wall, and the stress response. Liposomal Glutathione is the most important antioxidant within the cell. The liver uses glutathione when processing substances, including anesthetics, which then become more water-soluble and can be excreted. Liposomal Vitamin C provides vitamin C, an antioxidant and a cofactor in collagen production. Collagen is the primary building block of connective tissue and skin. PEA Complex contains PEA, a substance the body produces itself, and Boswellia serrata. PEA is studied in relation to mast cells, which become active around tissue after a procedure, and boswellic acids are studied regarding the enzyme 5-LOX. L-Glutamine is the amino acid that intestinal wall cells use as their primary fuel. Many animals eat less around a procedure, while the intestinal wall continues to renew itself. Surgery Essence is a flower essence in the Bach remedy tradition, formulated for the period surrounding a procedure.
In addition to phase 1, you can choose supplements in consultation that fit the procedure and your animal’s situation. Liposomal Coenzyme Q10 is part of energy production in the mitochondria, including in liver cells. An option after prolonged anesthesia. Liposomal Curcumin contains curcumin, a polyphenol being studied in relation to Nrf2, the switch for the body’s own antioxidant enzymes. Consult on the timing, as curcumin has a mild effect on platelets. Prebiotic Fibers contain fibers that gut bacteria use as food. An option if your animal receives antibiotics around the procedure, as these also affect the gut flora. Fermented Probiotics contain yeasts and bacteria from water kefir. When using antibiotics, administer at a different time of day than the antibiotics. Mobility Support contains collagen, hyaluronic acid, glucosamine, and chondroitin, the building blocks of cartilage and joint capsules. An option for orthopedic procedures. CBD Oil contains CBD, which is studied in relation to the endocannabinoid system. An option for animals that are restless or have less interest in food after the procedure.
How do you use the program?
Start phase 1 as soon as possible after the procedure, in consultation with your veterinarian, and use it for four to six weeks. For major surgery or an older animal, you can continue longer in consultation. The dosage per weight is listed for each supplement. Only give supplements in the final days before surgery in consultation with your veterinarian.
Do you have questions during the program, or want to tailor the schedule to your pet? Schedule an intake with integrative veterinarian Stefan Veenstra.
Frequently asked questions
When do I start?
As soon as possible after the procedure, once your animal is eating again, and in consultation with your veterinarian.
Can this be used alongside veterinary medication?
Always consult your veterinarian. The protocol is intended as a supplement and does not replace pain relief, antibiotics, or other medication.
Can I give this before the surgery?
Consult your veterinarian. We prefer not to give certain supplements, such as curcumin and omega-3, in the days immediately preceding surgery.
How long should I use it?
Usually four to six weeks. For major surgery or an older animal, you can continue longer in consultation.
Why choose the NGD Care Surgery Support Protocol?
| Feature | NGD Care |
|---|---|
| Composition | A schedule with NGD Care supplements, in a fixed order. |
| Human grade | We use human-grade ingredients. |
| Individual guidance | Would you like personal advice for your animal? This is possible via a consultation with Stefan Veenstra. |
Scientific literature
- Forman HJ, et al. (2009). Glutathione: overview of its protective roles, measurement, and biosynthesis. Molecular Aspects of Medicine.
- Carr AC, Maggini S. (2017). Vitamin C and immune function. Nutrients.
- Cruzat V, et al. (2018). Glutamine: metabolism and immune function, supplementation and clinical translation. Nutrients.
- Abdel-Tawab M, et al. (2011). Boswellia serrata: an overall assessment of in vitro, preclinical, pharmacokinetic and clinical data. Clinical Pharmacokinetics.
- Slavin J. (2013). Fiber and prebiotics: mechanisms and health benefits. Nutrients.
Want to read more about nutrients and body processes?
In the knowledge base, you’ll find background articles about nutrition and how the body works. Have a question about this program or want personal advice? Feel free to contact us.
Developed by Stefan Veenstra DVM, integrative veterinarian. Stefan is the founder of NGD Care, NGD Care Academy and Integrative Veterinary Center Natural Healthy Animals. Read more about Stefan →
This information is educational in nature and does not replace a veterinary consultation. In case of severe or persistent complaints, always consult a veterinarian.
What's in the package
- The Surgery Recovery Package contains 1 package of glutathione, vitamin C, PEA Complex, L-Glutamine and Surgery Essence.
- This is sufficient for a therapeutic dosage of 2 months for a dog or cat <10kg and for 1 month for a dog of 10-30kg
Ingredients, dosage and use
- See the individual ingredients
- Adhere to the therapeutic dosage for this protocol
- <10kg 2xdaily 1/2 capsule
- 10-30kg 1 capsule 2xdaily
- >30kg 2 capsules 2 times a day
Disclaimer
- This product is a dietary supplement and not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle and varied balanced diet.
- The products are not medicines and cannot be used as medicines, but as a dietary supplement. In case of illness or other medical condition, always consult a veterinarian before use.
- Dietary supplements may have interactions and side effects with regular medications.
- Keep out of reach of young children.
- Consult an expert before using supplements in case of pregnancy, lactation, medication use and illness.
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