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Calcium aluminosilicate (CAS) is naturally occurring silicate clay. It is used in the poultry industry to adsorb the toxins associated with aflatoxin-contaminated feed and has been investigated in other species, including humans, for its ability to reduce the bioavailability of toxins in the gastrointestinal tract.
CAS is a form of bentonite or smectite. These are geologic
terms for highly colloidal, plastic, swelling clays. There are other types
of bentonites and their names depend on the dominant elements, such as
K, Na and Al. Bentonite can be used to absorb relatively large amounts
of protein molecules from aqueous solutions. In animal models, bentonite
down-regulates the inflammatory response within the GI tract and decreases
bacterial mucolysis. It is protective of the luminal-surface membrane.
Bentonite is chemically and nutritionally inert.
CAS has been studied in dogs as a means of treating intractable diarrhea in animals undergoing chemotherapy. In a study performed by Hahn and Carpenter at Gulf Coast Oncology, CAS was used to treat a group of dogs whose diarrhea had not responded to conventional antibiotic and dietary manipulation. In the first group, 65 percent had a complete resolution of symptoms within 48 to 72 hours. In a different group of dogs, the diarrhea was controlled in 80 percent of the dogs in less than three days.
Gastrointestinal toxicity can be the limiting factor
for many chemotherapeutic agents. Many drugs and antibiotics used to treat
diarrhea have additional systemic side effects. CAS is a colloidal absorber
of water and is thought to have fewer potential side effects.
• Constipation is the most commonly reported side
effect.
• Unknown at this time.
• Unknown at this time. Because CAS binds other chemicals, and toxins,
drug interactions are possible with oral drugs.
• Because CAS is chemically and nutritionally inert, constipation would be the most likely result of an overdose.
Dr.
Barbara Forney is a veterinary practitioner in Chester County, Pennsylvania.
She has a master's degree in animal science from the University of Delaware
and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine
in 1982.
She began to develop her interest in client education and medical writing 1997. Recent publications include portions of The Pill Book Guide to Medication for Your Dog and Cat, and most recently Understanding Equine Medications published by the Bloodhorse.
Dr. Forney is an FEI veterinarian and an active member of the AAEP, AVMA, and AMWA.
You can purchase books by Dr. Forney at www.exclusivelyequine.com
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risks and benefits of using a particular product. You should consult your doctor
about diagnosis and treatment of any health problems. Information and statements
have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration ("FDA"),
nor has the FDA approved the products to diagnose, cure or prevent disease.
Wedgewood compounded veterinary preparations are not intended for use in food and food-producing animals.
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