The Medicinal Magic of Functional Mushrooms
1.0 CE Credit Hour / Veterinarians & Veterinary Technicians
Overview:
Mushrooms are neither animal nor plant. They are part of the Kingdom of Fungi, which play an important role in the decomposition of organic matter, nutrient (re)cycling and exchange in the environment. Fungi have chitin in their cell walls, do not photosynthesize but gain nourishment by secreting digestive enzymes into the environment and then absorbing the dissolved molecules. Fungi are major decomposers in ecological systems.
Mushrooms have a life cycle that alternates between vegetative and reproductive cycles, producing spores, which then germinate into hyphae and mycelium in their vegetative state, and then develop fruiting bodies (the mushroom itself) that contain the spores for the reproductive state that then are disseminated and germinate, thus repeating the life cycle.
Mushrooms can be poisonous, psychotropic, inedible or edible, and many of the edible and inedible mushrooms themselves have potential medicinal properties.
This class will cover in-depth, the life cycle of the mushroom, and how that influences cultivation practices which in turn dictates mushroom potency. The two classes of mushrooms and their important members will be discussed in detail.
Several of the more important and better known mushrooms will be discussed. The scientific evidence that supports their use medicinally will be covered in this class, including the most recent study into Turkey Tail and hemangiosarcoma in dogs, and oyster mushroom and vaccination titers in immunosuppressed puppies..
Learning Objectives:
- Learn about the Fungal Kingdom and how it provides an important role in our global ecosystem
- Apply the knowledge you will learn regarding the mushroom life cycle to guide your selection of a mushroom for clinical applications.
- Understand the molecular constituents of mushrooms and their biological activity and influence on health and disease.
- Evaluate published studies of functional mushrooms in dogs for vaccine competence and addressing cancer in dogs and other species to develop clinical applications for your practice.
Robert J. Silver DVM, MS
Dr. Robert Silver is a 1982 graduate of Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. He received his Master’s Degree in cardiopulmonary physiology in 1976, and his Bachelor’s degree with honors in Animal Science in1974, also from CSU. Dr Silver is currently adjunct faculty at both the Chi University and at Lincoln Memorial University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.
Dr Silver established one of the first integrative veterinary hospitals in the US in Boulder, Colorado in 1994 until he sold the practice in 2010 to focus his time and energy on post-graduate education and veterinary product development.
Considered one of few true experts in veterinary cannabis, Dr. Silver has authored the popular book: “Medical Marijuana and Your Pet”. A second book, Pet Health Guide to Cannabis and Medicinal Mushrooms is pending publication. It will provide an integrative health guide for veterinary conditions that are responsive to cannabis, as well as a guide to both internet and dispensary products for pets.
Adam Christman, DVM, MBA
Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, is the chief veterinary officer for dvm360®—an MJH Life Sciences Company™—who oversees content strategy and development and is the brand voice and personality for dvm360®’s multimedia channels. As a charismatic leader, he brings wit, humor, and authenticity to animal health care as the host of dvm360 Live!™ a new web-based talk show, The Vet Blast Podcast, continuing education webinars, and live media broadcasts.
Christman has also been in private practice and shelter medicine for 18 years and is currently a member and Treasurer of the New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association. He received his DVM degree from Iowa State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and his MBA from Aspen University.
Christman is a national thought leader, speaker and author on practice management, social media, and rehabilitation, and co-authored, Honey, Have You Squeezed the Dachshund? A Pet Owner’s Guide for Owners Who Are Terrified of IVDD—a book on dogs with disabilities. He has been featured in multiple publications and appeared on various multimedia shows throughout the country sharing his expertise and passion on all things veterinary medicine.
As an avid social media influencer for animal health care, he has over 800K followers on TikTok and 53K followers on Instagram. He loves to engage with fellow pet parents and veterinary professionals across social media. Christman is an advocate of Pride VMC and Pawsibilities. He is also the proud dog dad to 4 dachshunds and believes no one should be deprived of the incredible human-animal bond.
This program has been approved for 1.0 hour of continuing education credit in jurisdictions that recognize RACE approval.
This activity is funded by Real Mushrooms for Pets.
This activity is funded by Real Mushrooms for Pets.
