7 Weird Ways to be Cured by Critters

Humans and animals have a strange relationship.  We have been domesticating animals such as cats and dogs for centuries, bringing them into our homes as one of the family.  Whilst on the other hand we also use animals as a source of food and clothing.  But have you ever sat down and thought about how animals can make great doctors?  Probably not, but we have….

1.  Electric Eels and Nerve Gas – During the war, scientists found a connection between eels and nerve gas - when nerve gas gets into the system, it prevents electrical signals passing through the body, so the scientists' reasoning was that electrical activity could be induced by using the eel's stronger enzyme.  As fate would have it, by the time an antidote was discovered, nerve gas was banned by both sides of the war.

>>  Further Reading: Electric Eels and WWII, Electric Fish, Computers, and the Future

2.  Puffer fish and Cancer – Just about every one knows that puffer fish can be deadly if not prepared by an expert chef.  But did you know that the same deadly neurotoxin, Tetrodotoxin, is now being used in drugs to help reduce pain in cancer patients?  It seems in tests carried out that 68% of patients had a 33% reduction in pain.  Oh, and almost forgot, tetrodotoxin is also being developed by Wex Technologies for the clinical treatment of heroin withdrawal.

>>  Further Reading:  Promising relief in cancer pain - Puffer fish biotoxin and Tetraodontidae on Wiki

Sniff!  Sniff!  Sniff!

3.  Rats and TB – Think of rats and you think of disease spreading vermin.  It might be true but they do at least have one redeeming feature.  Scientists in Africa have been training the African Giant Pouched rat to sniff out Tuberculosis.  It takes 4 months of intensive training and at the end they are more successful at identifying TB than the standard microscope approach - 67% compared to 60%  Not only that, but they can get through a whopping 2000 samples per day - whilst the human lab technician gets through a measly 20.

Another use people are putting this rat to is sniffing for landmines, they are quicker to train than dogs plus due to their weight, they don't set off a mine when they walk over it.

>>  Further Reading:  Rats help sniff out TB and Giant rats to sniff out tuberculosis and APOP (whilst you're here, why not adopt a rat?)

4.  Dogs and Cancer –. So are you a cat or a dog sort of person?  If you prefer feline company then what you are about to read may change your mind.  What most people don't know is that our faithful friend Fido can actually detect both melanomas and bladder cancers long before the owner realises there is a problem.  This has spurred the medical profession to carry out a series of tests in order to find out exactly what it is that the dog can smell so to create a device which can do this instead.

>>  View a video about this on the BBC website 

5.  Doctor Fish and Skin Conditions – Psoriasis and eczema are skin conditions which affects people from all over the world, however a little fish called garra rufa is being used in the treatment of this painful infliction.  These fish naturally occur in the hot pools of Turkey, Iran and Iraq where they eat algae.  However they are also more than happy to nibble on the flaky dead skin of humans.  Most people who use this treatment have to re-visit every few months.  Some people find that it is a permanent cure but on the whole it is seen as giving temporary relief.

>>  Further Reading:  Doctor Fish on Wiki and Where Doctor Fish Lick Disease

6.  Leeches and Plastic Surgery – Leeches have been used in medicine for thousands of years (a practice called Hirudotherapy), yet during the 1960s and 70s they went out of favour.  Luckily since the 1980s they have made quite a come back largely due to the popularity of plastic surgery.  During these types of operations a problem known as venous congestion occurs, this is very serious and can cause blood clots.  The leeches solve this problem in two ways – first of all they suck the blood which encourages the body to produce fresh oxygenated blood and reduces swelling.  Secondly, they produce anticoagulant (known as hirudin) to prevent blood clotting.  If you can get your mind past what a leech looks like, then you will find they are truly amazing creatures with many health benefits.  If you still find them creepy, then scientists have developed "mechanical leeches".

>>  Further Reading - Leeches on Wiki and Leeches make a comeback

Maggot therapy of human foot affected by frostbite.

7.  Magots - Magots are another type of parasite which have recently made a medical come-back.  Their healing powers were first recognized in the 16^th century by soldiers.  Those soldiers whose wounds were maggot-infested actually healed quicker than other soldiers.  This is because maggots eat dead tissue (but not the living tissues) whilst excreting a bacteria-killing substance. But whatever you do, don't go rushing out to your nearest fishing supply shop, not all maggots can be used in this way, some will bury under your skin and eat healthy tissue!

>>  Further Reading - Maggot Therapy on Wiki, Medical Maggots Treat As They Eat and Maggots make a comeback

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