Soil-based organism (SBO) supplements are the best preventives for lymphoma in cats. SBOs are microbes that live in the soil and produce powerful enzymes. SBO probiotics are natural supplements that are presently used as substitutes to antibiotics. These probiotics rectify the gastrointestinal (GI) disorders and stimulate the immune system. SBO probiotics are known as Directly Fed Microbial (DFM), which contain live microbial feed supplementary.
SBO and Gastrointestinal Tract (GIT)
SBO restores the microbial balance in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). The GIT, which extends from the mouth to the rectum, is a breeding ground of microfloras such as bacteria, protozoa and fungi. These microfloras provide immunity to fight against diseases and the secreted enzymes promote digestion by breaking down the undigested food.
SBO probiotics contain yeast, fungi and bacteria that push back pathogens and fill the gap created by endogenous microflora until it recovers. Although SBO probiotics are confined to GIT, they also activate the immune system to control the infection in other parts of the body. In a healthy cat, the number of viable probiotic organisms is greater than that of the invading ones.
SBO and GI Lymphoma
GI Lymphoma is always related to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The inflammatory cells found on the lining of intestinal tract multiply drastically due to IBD, thus resulting in GI Lymphoma.
Vaccinations, manufactured pet foods, toxic household cleaning products and air fresheners may cause cancer or chronic diseases. The abnormal cells that not recognized by immune system bind together to form cancerous tumors.
In a sick cat, the GIT stops functioning and the immune system does not receive the energy or nutrients to fight against infections. However, SBO probiotics help in metabolizing the food left in the GIT and supply energy to the feline.
Diarrhea is caused by the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria due to digested sugar and starch in the large intestine. Secondary infections caused by the use of antibiotics can be prevented by increasing the dose of SBO probiotics. SBO probiotics must be selected on the basis of the health and stress levels of a cat.
Types of SBO Probiotic Product
SBO probiotics are available in dried powdered or granulated form, which can be sealed and refrigerated. Paste and liquid products must be kept under refrigeration. Dried frozen forms retain their viability and potency until they are mixed with water.
SBO probiotics are available in three different concentrations:
- Maintenance (powder and granule form) type is fed daily for every day stress such as that related to weather.
- Intermediate (powder form) is fed daily for digestive problems and chronic stress.
- Concentrated paste or liquid is fed more than one time until the cat eats normally.
Two common SBO supplements available in the market are as follows:
- Pet Flora is an SBO supplement that contains 28 active strains of SBO and has the highest level of bio availability.
- Celloquent is another SBO supplement that consists of 13 immune enhancing ingredients such as Lactoferrin (antiviral, antimicrobial, anticancer), Ascorbyl Palmitate (enhance white blood cell function), Dried yeast fermentate (strengthen resistance, balance and nourish immune system), Agrimos (reduce stress on immune system, bind intestinal toxin), and Active Aloe.