|
Active Constituents:
Each litre provides; Each 3mL dose provides;
Ferric ammonium citrate 12.5g/L 37.8mg
Folic acid 265mg/L 0.8mg
In a palatable, dark, sweet flavoured syrup for addition to feed
Directions For Use:
Mix evenly into feed. Give 3mL once daily for the first 6 weeks of
training, then 3mL every second day, or as recommended by a
veterinarian.
Pack Sizes:
1L, 5L. Dark, sweet flavoured syrup
Withholding period: Ranvet FerroMax does not contravene the rules of
racing in any jurisdiction and has no withholding period
Actions: FerroMax with Folic acid is a palatable, sweet, oral iron
supplement for use where dietary iron levels may be low, and where there
are relative deficiencies during early growth stages in young dogs. With
bitch’s milk being low in iron, and most cereal grain based diets low in
folic acid, FerroMax is a beneficial feed supplement for pups, pregnant
and lactating bitches, as well as for training and hard working
greyhounds.
Technical Issues: Ranvet FerroMax with Folic Acid
A good blood count is critical for racing performance in greyhounds:
designed for maximum exertion over short distances. Anything less than
an optimum blood count will result in reduced performance, because red
blood cells are responsible for the transport of oxygen to hard working
muscles. A decrease in the number of red blood cells, or in their
ability to transport oxygen in any way means that less oxygen is
available to fuel exercise.
The average greyhound has about 3 litres of blood that circulates
through the body approximately every 30 seconds. This volume actually
represents about 10% of total body weight. The body can survive the loss
of many components, but it cannot survive without blood. If 50% of the
blood is lost, the greyhound will die within minutes. Even the rapid
loss of 1 litre (30%) can often be fatal without an immediate blood
transfusion.
Anaemia
A deficiency of red blood cells or of the haemoglobin inside the red
blood cells is called anaemia. The different types of anaemia in
greyhounds are named according to whether there is a change in the total
number of red blood cells, or a reduction of the haemoglobin in each red
cell, or a combination of both. The normal number of red blood cells for
a racing greyhound is between 9 and 10 million per cubic millimetre
(about 1 drop) of blood
There are multiple causes of anaemia, including;
a) Infestation with blood sucking worms (hookworms and whipworms). The
average worm will take about 2mLs of blood in 24 hours
b) Lack of iron in diet
c) Lack of B group vitamins
d) Bleeding from any injury, even torn muscles
e) Reduced manufacture of red blood cells or haemoglobin (known as
“sport anaemia”)
Haemoglobin
The production of haemoglobin (the red coloured pigment in blood
responsible for carrying oxygen) is complex, requiring protein, B group
vitamins B2, B6, B12, Folic acid, vitamin C, plus the minerals cobalt
and copper, in addition to iron. No amount of iron alone will increase
haemoglobin levels in red blood cells. A combination of all the critical
cofactors mentioned here is required in very precise steps. FerroMax
does not include any of these apart from Folic acid, which is often the
limiting vitamin for the formation of healthy red cells, as other
minerals and vitamins are usually readily available from the diet and
other supplements such as VitaMax.
Iron is an essential component of the oxygen carrying haemoglobin in red
blood cells, as well as myoglobin in muscle tissue, and many enzymes
involved in normal respiration.
The physiological importance of iron is vital to all tissues and organ
function. In the normal dog the excretion of iron is very closely
regulated to conserve body reserves. More than 75% of body iron is
functional, with the remainder in storage in tissues such as liver,
spleen, kidneys, bone marrow.
Normally, every 100mL of blood will contain 18-20gms of the protein
haemoglobin in greyhounds. Levels of haemoglobin below 18gm/100mL of
blood mean reduced oxygen transport with reduced stamina and endurance.
Quite often early speed up to about 270 meters is unaffected by a low
haemoglobin level, but it is only when fatigue begins in the latter part
of the race that the low haemoglobin level will be reflected by poor
performance. How many dogs have you seen “hit the wall” close to the end
of a race? Greyhounds with low haemoglobin levels will not only tire
more easily, they will take significantly longer to recover.
Packed Cell Volume (PCV)
A fit, trained greyhound will normally have a PCV (Packed Cell Volume)
of 60-65%. This is much higher than for normal dogs. As greyhounds
progress through training to full race fitness, the red blood cell count
and PCV increase in response to the need to transport more oxygen with
increased activity.
Anaemia due to iron deficiency may be caused by the constant stress of
training and competition, worm infestations, insufficient training, or
actual blood loss.
Levels of red blood cells lower than 58% in the PCV (Packed Cell Volume)
suggest varying degrees of anaemia, with associated poor performance,
early fatigue, and slow recovery from runs.
When the PCV falls to about 50% the dog looks very dull, with a picky
appetite, loss of interest in work, and generally being “off colour”,
but not obviously ill. The coat will be dry and coarse, and the skin
will lack tone and elasticity.
On the other hand, a PCV which is too high can be equally serious in
reducing performance. When a resting dog’s PCV is over 65% it means
there are too many red cells in the blood, which becomes too thick to
pump around the body. The heart simply cannot pump the thick blood
quickly enough, and performance again reduces due to lack of sufficient
oxygen. If the PCV rises to around 80%, the greyhound is likely to die,
and this sometimes occurs when dogs are back in the catching pen after
races if the PCV is too high.
Red blood cells normally last for about 80-120 days in the circulation,
and they are then broken down, recycled, and replaced by new red cells
which are manufactured in the bone marrow. Hard training and exercise
can see the life of red blood cells reduced by about 50-60%. In many
cases of training stress the ability of bone marrow to produce
sufficient new red blood cells may be significantly reduced, resulting
in anaemia, loss of performance, and “training off”.
In addition to training stress, heavy parasite burdens, poor or
imbalanced nutrition, or illness and injury may result in excessive loss
of red blood cells. White meat diets are usually low in iron, copper and
vitamin B12, and cereal based diets (kibbles) may often be deficient in
folic acid. If dogs are not trained or slipped to provide maximum
exertion regularly then there is not enough stimulus to manufacture
sufficient new red blood cells to cater for maximum exertion.
Heavy Hookworm or whipworm burdens, and even fleas, can remove
significant amounts of blood on a daily basis. Make sure all dogs are
properly treated with anthelmintics (worm treatments) on a regular
basis.
The Importance of Red Blood Cell Counts
A low red blood cell count or a low haemoglobin level is a common
finding in racing greyhounds.
Red blood cells are the most plentiful cells in the body. Produced by
bone marrow, they take about 120 days to actually manufacture, and last
in the blood for roughly 150 days.
The primary function of red blood cells is to carry oxygen around the
body, locked into the haemoglobin within the cells. Haemoglobin is a
protein that binds oxygen when it is breathed into the lungs, then
transports the oxygen to the tissues such as muscle, as it is required.
On the return trip, haemoglobin collects the carbon dioxide produced
during muscle and tissue activity, and transports it back to the lungs
for elimination from the body. Haemoglobin contains iron as an integral
component. Without iron, haemoglobin cannot function.
A low red blood cell count will have a lower capacity to transport
oxygen around the body, so a dog with a low red blood cell count will
have a lower ability to perform because of decreased available oxygen to
hard working muscles and other tissues, and a decreased elimination of
toxic wastes such as carbon dioxide. (If carbon dioxide levels increase
in working muscles, for example, this increases the acidity of muscle
fluids. You know this as acidosis)
While it is rare for a fit greyhound to be clinically anaemic, many have
lower than normal red blood cell counts, low haemoglobin levels, or
other blood cell abnormalities. Vets diagnose anaemia firstly on a PCV
(Packed Cell Volume), which is an indication of the amount of red cells
compared to the amount of fluid in the blood. The PCV actually varies a
little depending on age, breed, and level of fitness.
You will have seen many blood tests conducted on greyhounds, and it is
important to understand that normal ranges for blood parameters actually
vary between laboratories because of the techniques they use for each
test, and also because some labs have normal ranges for dogs in work,
where other labs have wider ranges for general dog types. Try not to
compare one lab result with one from a different lab without advice from
your vet.
How Can Low Red Cell Counts Develop?
There are many causes, but primarily;
a) blood loss
b) inadequate iron or other essential cofactors (folic acid, vitamin
B12, etc)
c) insufficient training and conditioning to stimulate red cell
production
Blood Loss:
Internal or external parasites (worms, fleas) can result in significant
blood loss. It is important to supplement young greyhounds first coming
into preparation with iron, as well as to treat them comprehensively for
worms and other parasites to minimise blood loss.
Haemorrhage (bleeding) from injury or surgery can be common.
Deficiencies of Essential Minerals, Vitamins
As well as iron, the body absolutely requires the minerals cobalt, zinc
and copper, as well as vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid, all in
combination, to produce adequate red blood cells. If each of these
essential nutrients is not available at the time it is required, no red
cell formation occurs. A deficiency of one nutrient can totally stop all
red cell manufacture until that nutrient is available.
Many trainers are only aware that iron is required for red cell
formation, but a deficiency of any of the above nutrients will cease red
cell production regardless of how much iron is available.
Inadequate Training or Conditioning
A greyhound needs to work at top speed to fully stimulate bone marrow to
produce adequate red blood cells for the type of work it will be doing.
It is important to remember that during all exercise and training, there
is damage to red blood cells, just as there is damage to muscle and
other tissues from free radicals produced as dogs exercise. The red
cells need to be repaired and replaced during recovery periods, just as
muscle tissue needs to repair. For this to occur, adequate raw materials
need to be available at all times, or trainers begin to see dogs
‘training off’ as the stress of training and racing leads to reduced
ability to recover and repair the body.
Why Supplement Greyhounds?
Greyhounds in full work can have significantly higher requirements for
all nutrients than resting dogs. These nutrients are not always
adequately available from the diet at all times, depending largely on
the type of diet fed. Haematinic supplements such as FerroMax provide
the critical components in sufficient levels to augment the normal diet
and ensure that there are no deficiencies.
Similarly, pregnant and lactating bitches, young growing pups, and those
dogs with heavy parasite burdens or illness and injury, require help
from supplements to adequately restore red blood cell levels.
Pregnant and lactating bitches need supplemental iron to prevent iron
deficiency anaemia in young pups brought on by reduced iron reserves in
the mother’s body, as well as anaemia from hookworm and similar parasite
infestations. Newborn pups have a rapidly expanding blood volume, and
bitch’s milk is a poor source of iron generally. Supplementation of the
lactating bitch, as well as ensuring quick access to good quality feed
or supplementation for growing pups is critical to optimum development
Supplements vary in availability, risk and function
Injectable iron supplements have long been used for dogs. The iron
reaches tissues and blood rapidly, but there is considerable risk of
allergic reaction to the injected supplement, as well as the risk of
overdosing on iron, and the risk of injection site pain, irritation and
infection.
Oral iron supplements (either powder or liquid) are absorbed from the
gut, and any iron or other cofactor which is not immediately required is
passed out in faeces, significantly reducing the risk of overdosing iron
Remember that iron supplements added to a meal may act to reduce the
availability of any vitamins included in that ration. Try to add iron
supplements separately in, say, the evening feed, while all vitamins and
other supplements are added to the morning feed, to ensure maximum
availability of all nutrients.
The important issue for owners is the question: Which type of iron is
best?
The older inorganic iron salts such as iron oxide, ferrous sulfate,
ferrous phosphate are very poorly absorbed, and are now rarely used in
modern iron supplements. They can easily overdose iron, and can irritate
the gut, as well as reduce the availability of many vitamins and
cofactors in the same diet.
The more modern organic iron supplements such as chelates, iron ammonium
citrate, ferrous gluconate and iron carbonyl, are very well absorbed
from the gut, and provide a much greater margin of safety, with little
risk of iron overdosing. FerroMax uses organic ferric ammonium citrate.
FerroMax is safe to use. The iron provided in oral supplements is less
than the RDA (recommended daily intake) for dogs, because other
foodstuffs also contain iron in variable amounts. High cereal grain
based diets and white meat diets (chicken) are usually quite low in
iron.
The maximum tolerable level of iron is approximately 40-50 times that
provided by normal oral iron supplements in use today. In addition, the
organic nature of the iron in FerroMax provides additional safety and
bioavailability.
Why Does FerroMax with Folic Acid not have the minerals cobalt, copper
and zinc as well?
This is deliberate. Although these minerals are essential to good red
blood cell formation, they are almost always available from a wide range
of other supplements regularly fed to dogs, including in complete feeds
and kibbles. These essential nutrients are available in Ranvet VitaMax,
for example, so there is little requirement to add them into FerroMax as
well. This only makes products unnecessarily expensive, with little
additional benefit. FerroMax contains Folic Acid because this is most
commonly the limiting vitamin in the process of creating adequate red
blood cells.
What’s The Best Way to Prevent Sport Anaemia in Greyhounds in Work?
The best way is to combine nutritional supplements, feeding and training
schedule, depending on the need and stage of fitness;
a) Make sure the dog has sufficient exercise, conditioning and training
to strengthen and condition bones, tendons and ligaments, as well as
sufficient maximum exertion work to fully stimulate the maximum
production of red blood cells and haemoglobin
b) Use daily haematinic supplements such as FerroMax and VitaMax to
provide all of the essential nutrients (vitamins, minerals and trace
elements) required to build blood counts, muscle and bone tissue, and to
ensure rapid recovery after work.
c) Use additional supplements such as Foliphos at times of excess stress
to make sure blood counts remain at optimum levels.
d) Make sure you keep dogs flea-free and wormed with Ranvet WORMFREE ALLWORMER to prevent excess blood loss and reduced performance
e) Start young pups on worm treatment and FerroMax plus VitaMax as soon
as training starts
Summary
FerroMax with Folic Acid Build Better Blood!
Features: Benefits:
1. Supplies organic iron as ferric ammonium citrate Safe, readily
bioavailable in oral form.
Iron levels low in cereals and in bitch’s milk
3. Supplies Folic acid Critical vitamin in haemoglobin production
4. Oral liquid – sweet flavoured syrup Palatable, even for pups
Pour onto feed ration. Easy to administer
5. Maintains iron levels in bitches blood & milk Optimum puppy nutrition
and blood
as well as in fit racing greyhounds development. Optimum performance
6. Does not contain cobalt, zinc, copper These essential minerals are
readily available in other feeds & supplements, including Ranvet VitaMax
7. Suitable for daily supplementation in feed Ideal to maintain RBC in
working greyhounds
See also Ranvet’s VitaMax for daily vitamin & mineral supplementation in
the diet
COMBINING ELECTROLYTE SUPPLEMENTS FOR MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE
It is widely accepted as essential to supplement electrolytes daily in
the diet of performance greyhounds, and the rate of supplementation will
vary with the degree of fitness, work levels required, and the
environmental conditions.
Electrolyte losses can be significant even in cooler months, and it is
recommended that daily supplementation continue during all training and
competition stages.
Ranvet Recommendations:
Use Ranvet Salka-Lite daily in feed or water to supplement the essential
electrolytes and B group vitamins at a dose rate of 4g twice daily in
morning & evening meals. Use in drinking water when travelling, if required.
For dogs which tend to develop acidosis, with muscle fatigue, cramping
and poor performance, supplement with Ranvet NeutraMax in combination
with Salka-Lite to reduce acidosis, pain and cramping in muscles and
improve recovery.
Help hard working dogs, and those with poor appetite by supplementing
Ranvet K-Max in addition to Salka-Lite daily electrolyte
Is The Dog Off It’s Feed? Ranvet Foliphos gives a quick lift and
stimulates appetite.
Ranvet K-Max is vital to supplement potassium in dogs that are off their
feed, especially nervous, excitable dogs, heavy panters and barkers, and
those tending to cramping &muscle fatigue.
Need Fast Muscle Recovery After Hard Work?
Ranvet NeutraMax given after hard work reduces acidosis in muscle and
blood to hasten recovery
Ranvet Muscle-G provides the complete package of nutrients involved in
muscle function. To prevent muscle damage and the associated signs of
stiffness, soreness, fatigue, cramping and lack of stamina
Need B Group Vitamins to maintain performance?
Ranvet VitaMax is a daily supplement to add to diet to balance essential
vitamins and minerals
Ranvet Batphol is injectable vitamin B Complex plus choline
Ranvet Macrofol is injectable vitamin B12 plus Folic acid
Ranvet Foliphos is injectable high energy Phosphorus/B12/Folic acid
Need More Endurance and Stamina at the end of the race?
Ranvet Sprint Oil provides fat for energy. Fats provide 2.5 times the
available energy as starch without increasing meal volume. Supplement
Sprint Oil with Ranvet L-CARNITINE for maximum utilisation of fats.
Is Muscle Cramping a Problem?
Ranvet Sprint Oil, L-Carnitine,
NeutraMax and
Muscle-G all work to improve and maximise
muscle function and performance.
Make sure of the correct electrolyte and fluid balance with
Salka-Lite.
Take
care. Excessive use of iron supplementation can be more harmful than a
deficiency. The wise trainer will always work in conjunction with a
competent veterinarian, not on the promotional material from a
supplement manufacturer. |
Innovation
