What is Tissue Mineral Hair Analysis?
Tissue Mineral Hair Analysis is the process of using a sample of an animal's hair to test the body's biochemistry and nutritional metabolic activity that occurred during the process of hair growth. Once the hair follicles reach the skin's surface and the outer layers solidify, those metabolic products are permanently locked in and can be analyzed at the time the sample is sent to a laboratory.
Why is Tissue Mineral Hair Analysis Important?
Tissue Mineral Hair Analysis will allow your veterinarian to recommend the best supplements and diet for your pet. TMHA is a non-invasive and cost-efficient method of revealing your pet's general metabolic status, which is determined by many factors including diet, toxic metal exposure, and stress. These things can all impact an animal's overall health, and it is important to determine how to give your animal their best and most healthy life.
Why Tissue Mineral Hair Analysis Instead of Blood Testing?
While testing the blood is equally important in certain circumstances, Tissue Mineral Hair Analysis can be useful because, unlike blood chemistries which are constantly changing, metabolic values shown in the hair gives a more consistent idea of your animal's overall mineral nutrition. Tissue Mineral Hair Analysis is also 10 times more accurate than blood work, making it a great diagnostic option.
Common Heavy Metal Toxins
The list of potential heavy metals that your pet may be exposed to is extensive, but the following are the most common ones:
- Arsenic
- Lead
- Aluminum
- Mercury
- Chromium
- Cadmium
How Are Pets Exposed to Heavy Metals?
There are numerous ways pets can be exposed to toxic metals. This is because they often eat, drink, or dig into things that their owners don’t even see. However, the following are some common activities and products that put pets at risk:
- Drinking water from lead pipes
- Pet toys, flea treatments, and collars (some have a few or all of the toxins listed above)
- Pet food, which often contains mercury and aluminum
- Golf balls
- Fertilizer in your garden or your neighbor’s
- Environmental pollution
- Some supplement minerals
- Ceramic pet food bowls that were not properly glazed
As you can see, your pet can be exposed to heavy metals in a variety of ways. You can take precautions such as being very aware and careful of what you’re allowing your pets to eat, drink, or play with. Additionally, if your pet needs to take any supplement minerals, it should be done under the careful eye of your vet. Even with precautions, it can be nearly impossible to combat all potential exposure. That’s why it’s important to know the signs of heavy metal toxicity and what to do when you notice them.
Signs of Heavy Metal Toxicity in Pets
Some common symptoms of heavy metal poisoning include:
- Vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea
- Lack of appetite
- Running around aimlessly or in circles
- Sudden, unexplained aggression
- Abdominal pain
- Seizures
- Loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden collapse
If you notice any of these signs or anything that is out of the ordinary, contact our holistic veterinarian immediately.
Testing for Toxic Metals
Our holistic veterinarian can complete a mineral and toxin analysis via animal hair testing. This is an effective method for both determining how long ago and to which heavy metals your pet was exposed. From there, a treatment plan can be devised.
Contact Our Holistic Veterinarian in Rolla for Mineral and Toxin Analysis
Call South Side Animal Clinic today at (573) 426-3647 for more information or to schedule an appointment with our veterinarian.