Canine Cancer …

Hi Kelly…. Not a big blogger but it’s nice to try this out…… Got the news last week that my 13 yr old Am Staff “Beamer” X-Rays showed a tumor in his upper jaw has advanced to his  lungs and has compromised his heart.  He has always had a big strong heart and this came on very quickly so I want to too take aggressive action on giving him the best diet for his advancing cancer.  Any input would be great for many of us having unfortunately been through this and I’m going to do what it takes to keep him eating and wagging his tail as long as I can.  Currently he is on a 23/12 high end kibble and supplemented with Grandma Lucy’s, and a senior supplement pill. I’m thinking about going back to Raw with Grandma Lucy’s.  I have been  hearing about a gamma tea? Any input would be great!        

-Sarah Connaughton-

Beamer Connaughton

Hey Sarah… It’s always difficult to hear the word tumor or cancer, but please know that many of your friends and family are all pulling for you and your incredible “Beamer” and will keep you both in our positive thoughts and prayers.  I can still remember your training partner, Beamer, helping Gus at his first ever training session with you after we rescued him almost 12 years ago!

For this post, since you have not mentioned anything to the contrary I am assuming that you are not going to implement any chemo or radiation therapy or surgical removal of the mouth tumor.  Everyone has to make their own decisions with regard to treatments based on many risk factors and with some mouth tumors surgical removal is not even an option.

I recall two former customers who had dogs (a Black Labrador Retriever and a Shepherd Mix) with mouth tumors.  The eight year old Shepherd Mix was diagnosed over two and a half years ago and is still with us.  That particular dog did have the tumor (and part of the jaw) surgically removed based on the dog’s age and position of the tumor.   The Labrador Retriever was 13 at the time of diagnosis and surgery wasn’t an option due to age and location of tumor.  That dog lived another year, but succumbed to a heart attack/stroke at 14+ years.  So, I want you to know that there is hope and with some diet changes, additional supplements and (possibly) light acupuncture you and Beamer can still have some good quality time together.

Generally speaking, I am a huge proponent of Raw Diet for dogs and cats.  However, I share the more conservative mindset of well known holistic veterinarian, Dr. Shawn Messonnier, that I don’t typically recommend a Raw Diet for any pets that are immuno-compromised, have cancer or are going through any type of chemo or radiation therapy.  I have discussed this issue with many knowledgeable people and read opinions from several holistic vets and all agree that Raw Diet is typically not the best choice in the case of a dog fighting cancer.

The reason Raw Diet may NOT be the best choice for Beamer is because his immune system is already compromised and you absolutely do not want to tax his system any more than it already is.  Further, a healthy dog is normally able to deal with any bacterial issues or infections that could possibly confront him.  But, unfortunately, an immuno-compromised dog may not be able to.  So, why take the risk of exposing your dog to possible infections when there are other excellent dietary options available…

The CANINE CANCER DIET  includes:  higher amounts of quality protein and fat and lower amounts of carbohydrates (typically:  37% Protein/32% Fat/21% Carbohydrates).  This diet also includes inclusion of Omega 3 Fatty Acids found in cold water fish oils like Salmon oil.

  • Higher PROTEIN is important because there are higher amounts of amino acids in meats which help with every bodily function.  Meat protein is also high in Arginine which decreases tumor growth and cancer metastasis.
  • Slightly higher FAT in the diet is important because tumor cells, unlike normal healthy cells, have difficulty utilizing lipids (fats) for energy, hence it is desirable to have higher fat content to stump cancer cell proliferation.
  • Lower CARBOHYDRATES are important to prevent metabolic abnormalities, like hyperlactatemia (high levels of lactic acid in the blood).  And, it is often said that carbohydrates which break down into sugars help “feed” cancer cells.

There are many options with regard to attaining the Canine Cancer Diet such as Home Cooking, Natural Canned Foods, and Premix Foods where you add water and/or meat protein.  Again, I would discourage any use of dry kibble at this point as you need the most digestible and least processed food for optimal benefits.  Not to mention, a soft textured diet is easier to chew than kibble for a dog who has a mouth tumor.  NOTE:  Using a balanced natural meat based canned food as a supplement to whatever diet you choose is always a great idea.  My 1st choice of canned food is Natures Variety Instinct…this brand was also used for both of the above-mentioned dogs.

There are many Home Cooked Recipes for canine cancer available.  I prefer Dr. Shawn Messonier’s recipes as outlined in his book entitled, The Natural Vet’s Guide to Preventing and Treating Cancer in Dogs.  AgainI would NOT use any dry kibble moving forward as it is the least nutritious and most processed food choice.  You could use a Balanced Pre Mix product like Dr. Harvey Veg-to-Bowl or The Honest Kitchen Preference wherein you would add water, oil and a higher amount of cooked meat then suggested.  NOTE:  I’ve been using the Preference Premix for Gus for almost six months now and I alternate the meat protein every week and add other ingredients like salmon oil, left over cooked veggies, cheese and eggs.  I actually cook the entire mixture together and make a meatloaf that will last for about one week.  Check out this post for more information:  http://blogger.thepetsperspective.com/whats-cooking-for-gus/.

Answers Raw Goats Milk

I would also suggest incorporating the highly nutritious, digestible and palatable Answers Raw Goats Milk into Beamer’s diet as it is full of live enzymes, many important vitamins and minerals, amino acids like L-Glutamine and Arginine, electrolytes, protein, fatty acids and several powerful antioxidants.  Raw Goats Milk has been deemed ”The most complete food known” by The Journal of American Medicine.  Should Beamer become finicky or have difficulty eating other foods, goats milk is easier to drink.  Just think of the number of dog and cat breeders you know who use goats milk for their puppies and kittens whose mothers refused or could not nurse their litters.

Grandma Lucy’s Artisan Food is a good grain free food product, but I couldn’t find the actual carbohydrate breakdown.  Hence, I would suggest using The Honest Kitchen grain free food products (1st choice) ZEAL – Fish based and (2nd choice) Embark – Turkey based.  After reviewing the actual Full Nutrient Profiles, the Honest Kitchen more closely resembles the recommended breakdowns of protein, fat and carbohydrates of the Canine Cancer Diet.  I often add a little more meat or eggs to these products.  FYI…If you sign up for the Honest Kitchen’s email newsletter, you will receive coupons periodically.

The second part of your question deals with SUPPLEMENTS (gamma tea, etc.) and the list is very long on this topic.  There isn’t enough time to go into every recommended supplement available and it’s particular benefits, but the following are common supplements that I have read about often with promising results and also through the experiences of former customers who have gone through similar situations with their dogs:

  1. ENZYMES:  In addition to feeding the desired Canine Cancer Diet, digestive enzymes like Prozyme or Animal Essentials Enzymes, will help to break down, assimilate and metabolize all of the nutritional benefits of whole foods.  Look for an enzyme product containing Bromelain in particular.  Bromelain (found in papaya and pineapple) is a specific proteolytic enzyme which has been found to be very beneficial in cancer cases.
  2. PROBIOTICS:  Will help to balance the gut bacteria and keep a healthy intestinal system during increased stress on the immune system.
  3. ANTIOXIDANTS:  Antioxidants are substances that may protect cells from the damage caused by unstable molecules known as “Free Radicals.”  Free radical damage may lead to cancer.  Antioxidants interact with and stabilize free radicals and may prevent some of the damage free radicals might otherwise cause (Source:  National Cancer Institute).  There are many antioxidants but using Whole Food Derived sources when possible, combined with synthetically derived sources is a good approach.  Examples of beneficial Antioxidants are:  Lycopene, Lutein (particularly beneficial for lung tissue), Combining Vitamins C (water soluble) and E (Fat soluble), Coenzyme Q-10 (particularly beneficial for heart), and Green Tea (contains polyphenals).   NOTE:  I had a lengthy conversation with a prominent Nutritionist, Dr. Harvey Cohen, who generally recommends the powerful antioxidant, CoQ-10, for every senior pet.  In my research, Co-Q10 comes up repeatedly for its beneficial properties when dealing with cancer and heart function.

    Essiac Tea: Burdock Root, Whole Sheep Sorrel Herb, Slippery Elm Bark, Turkish Rhubarb Root (Source: www.healthfreedom.info)

  4. ESSIAC TEA:  The original Essiac formula was originally derived by a Canadian nurse, Rene Caisse, to treat cancer and diabetes.   The original four herb recipe includes:  Burdock Root, powdered (whole plant) Sheep Sorrel, powdered Slippery Elm Bark, and powdered Turkish Rhubarb Root.   It is recommended to make a “Decoction” (boil herbs in water for 10 minutes, then let stand for 12 hours).  Here is a link for more information on Essiac and where to buy authentic Essiac tea with whole Sheep Sorrel Roots included:   http://www.healthfreedom.info/ & click on Essiac Info.   Dr. Martin Goldstein has used Essiac Tea for pet clients having cancer or tumors at his Smith Ridge Veterinary Center.   Also worth noting is that one of the dogs I mentioned above was getting daily Essiac Tea as part of her mouth cancer protocol.
  5. COLOSTRUM:  The antibody-rich milk produced by nursing mothers in the first few days following childbirth.  A product called Transfer Factor is highly recommended by many respected holistic veterinarians and it is used to stimulate the immune system so it can fight off infections and prevent the spread of cancer.
  6. OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS:  Are found in cold water Fish Oils (salmon, trout, and menhaden fish) and Flaxseed.  Fish sources are preferred as they can be broken down more efficiently than plant derived sources.  The OFA3 have been found to reduce tumor development.  Also consider adding cooked Salmon (cooked and/or canned) to get a therapeutic amount of OFA3′s in the diet.
  7. GREEN FOODS:  Contain a variety of bio-available vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that help strengthen an imbalanced immune system.  Examples of Green Foods are Spirulina, Blue-Green Algae, Alfalfa, Chlorella, Wheatgrass, Kelp, Barley Grass, and Chlorophyll.   NOTE:  The Honest Kitchen Zeal, Embark and Preference Premix contain many of the super nutritious Green Foods.
  8. THUJA 30C (Homeopathic Remedy):  Thuja is considered to be a good “detoxifying” remedy, especially after vaccinations.  Dr. Richard Pitcairn recommends giving one dose (2-3 pillules) for tumor or cancer cases.  No food or water one hour before or after the dose is given.

Because there is some controversy with regard to using Acupuncture when treating cancer, Dr. Martin Goldstein recommends another therapy called, Magnetic Therapy.  Magnetic therapy is the “coursing of the Qi” (a quasi electrical energy) that creates magnetic polarities in the body which have helped with lameness, pain relief and even tumor regression…. Just a thought.  However, all that said, I have known many people who have utilized some acupuncture for their pets dealing with cancer, including the two dogs I have referred to continually for this post.  At the very least, make sure to discuss the possibility of acupuncture with your holistic veterinarian.

As you have probably discovered, there are a plethora of supplements available that may help in the treatment of oral tumors and cancer… mushrooms, shark cartilage, saurkraut, magic water, specific herb mixtures, etc.   I typically look to three of my “go to” respected holistic veterinarian resources, Dr. Shawn Messonnier, Dr. Richard Pitcairn and Dr. Martin Goldstein, for protocols on various illnesses.  It is worth noting that most of the above Cancer/Tumor protocols are recommended by all three of these expert veterinarians.

Don’t be overwhelmed by all of the above information.  Just provide a diet fitting the Canine Cancer Diet recommendations to the best of your abilities and situation.  Incorporate Raw Goats Milk into Beamers Diet.  Then, ADD Enzymes & Probiotics, Salmon oil, Vitamin C, and CoQ-10.  And, do try the Essiac Tea approach too.   All of these things can only help your sweet Beamer…if roles were reversed, I’m certain Beamer wouldn’t hesitate to cook for you…though he would probably be doing alot more taste testing then you would!

Above all… “Just Do Your Best!”

This entry was posted in Dog Health Topics and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

10 Responses to Canine Cancer …

  1. Hi Kelly!

    I really enjoyed the vaccination Seminar this Saturday with Dr Schultz! I talk about being an educated client when visiting your vet in my training classes. This Saturdays seminar was a great source of information for me and I plan on passing it on to my students! Thanks for offering this opportunity to learn more about pet health when it comes to vaccinations. Great Job!

  2. Pingback: Food Suggestions for Dog with Stomach Mass… | The Pets Perspective Blog

  3. Just a quick update about Beamer. All’s well! Talked Dr. T. from Seneca and he said he agrees that too see him he doesn’t even seem like he is 13 let alone diagnosed with Bone/lung cancer. We go for 1 mile field walks and he is running and doing great. He loves his meaty diet and eat everything. Today we went back to DR. A. Koenig and she couldn’t hear anything wrong with his lungs! She gave him a higher concentration of medical herbs, I even brought him to SDTC club meeting where he was in his element and smoozed! So far so he shows no signs of slowing. Fingers crossed!!! :) )

    • avatar KellyB says:

      So happy to hear of Beamer’s current condition. I’ve seen many positive outcomes and more time gained with beloved pets when utilizing all of the natural and conventional approaches that are at our disposal. Thanks for the update and please continue to share with all of us on the blog. Super Big Hugs & Slobbers!

  4. switch to raw, Honest kit preference, supplemented with antibiotics, general senior supplement, DR A K agreed with where I was going with Probiotics, Cod liver oil, and xue fu zhu yu tang and max’s formula a chinese herb supplement she added. He eat everything! she thinks the x-rays show a medastinal mass, metastasizing in his lungs from the tumor in his mouth. This is what Dr T saw and thought he should just come home with antibiotics to try and clear the fluid. It has helped. He seems to be doing just fine. Any suggestion on someone else to look at his X-rays? Dr K was really amazed and could quite believe what she was seeing.

  5. I met with Dr. Alisa Koenig today. I brought his X-rays and had a consult and she was very impressed with Beamer as he was schmoozing everyone, he even lied next to her a put his head in her lap. She took a long time with the X-rays for they didn’t match the dog. She agreed with the antibiotics for him and some light acupuncture was done and I told her what I had changed for him with raw and honest kitchen and she agreed and had some holistic Chinese herbs along with Vit C and some cod liver oil. We are back in 2 weeks to see how things are coming along with back to Seneca after the antibiotics are done. I really like all the input I have gotten. I feel that all of it is in the same direction so there is much more too come.

    I am very fortunate to have such resources. Over the years Beamer has been my right hand man in all the problem solving we have done as a team with reactive dogs. He deserves the best.
    Sarah and Beamer

  6. Yup! That worked!

    As I was saying.. Wow! That was great to get all that input from you Kelly! I feel much more in control with all the info you just gave me! I am going to go with the 37% 32% 21% and get some Honest Kitchen dry along with added beef or chicken smaller feedings 3xs daily. I have always believed in rotating and a variety for a good diet. I did get the ESSIAC TEA, and since he is on antibiotics (Cefpodoxime 200mg) for pneumonia I have him on Probiotics to help with his digestion and good bacteria.
    I did have a last hope that the biopsy would show a different result but I did get the results this morning which was the same conclusion that the X-rays showed. I going to see DR A. K. for a second opinion and acupuncture for him for It’s always helped me! We did a nice walk in the field between the rain and plan on coming up with a daily routine to keep him stimulated and wagging his tail! Thanks again for your terrific response and I’ll keep in touch!

    Sarah & Beamer

    • avatar KellyB says:

      You’ve obviously got Beamer’s program well under control and doing all you can for him. I have seen some amazing things with alternative modalities and changes to diet and supplements. Having a positive attitude and Being hopeful can only help. Another friend, Anne T., once reminded of this important phenomenon…So Gus and I are sending all good positive energy your way. Super Big Hugs & Slobbers.

  7. avatar KellyB says:

    Susan… Thanks so much for sharing your valuable information on canine cancer. Unfortunately, you have had experience with cancer with some of your beloved dogs. At the very least you can help other pet owners going through this difficult situation. Your feedback and insights are so greatly appreciated.

  8. At Kelly’s request, I’m posting my Facebook thread with Sarah here on the blog for anyone else who can use the guidance and links.
    Susan Ferry AtPawsitive Sarah, I’m sorry to read this. You know I”ve always liked all your dogs and Beamer is a great dog. I’ve called Dr. Messonier directly for consult and help with cancer diet and my dog (Teddy was the first we dealt with it). You might want to contact him directly and get a consult. Same with Dr. Pitcairn and direct contact. Ron used Dr. Pitcairn when Bear arrived to him with Parvo and the good doctor helped him survive it.

    I used to use and distribute Transfer Factor until the original distributors got to greedy on the profit and you were paying them to sell the product. It is a fantastic product and carries the colustrum in the first few days of milking the new babes. Colustrom by itself would be the next step away from the Transfer Factor. I keep that here and use it for my dogs whose immune systems are compromised regardless.
    2 hours ago · Like
    Susan Ferry AtPawsitive Also, Dr. Nachbar was fabulous with alternatives, traditional and working with me locally on another cancer dog and helped extend his life 6 months. A good local resource without going to Guelph. He worked with me with Artemisinin, conventional protocol and an idea I had which gave the dog at least 6 months more of life he believed.

    I’m a huge believer in Artemisinin which is now used in humans and wasn’t when I started. Roswell was doing a research project 6 years ago on breast cancer and Artemisinin. It helps stop the feeding of the cancerous growth. When I first used it for my cancer dogs, it was experimentally being tested through the U.of Washington. The link I will give you to this group will give you access to the very doctors that did the study.

    Join some yahoo groups for help with current access and protocol. I’ll list them below so you can join them and access easily.

    Also, Dr. Jean Dodd, who is available for direct contact, might have some guidance for you as well.
    2 hours ago · Like
    Susan Ferry AtPawsitive Yahoo Groups: Dr. Messionier @ pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/naturalpetcare for his group and you can contact him directly @ Location:
    Paws & Claws Animal Hospital
    2145 W Park Blvd, Plano, TX
    (972) 867-8800
    2 hours ago · Like
    Susan Ferry AtPawsitive Note re canine cancer group: “Description
    The number of canines that are diagnosed with cancer is on the rise. CanineCancer is a support group restricted to people whose dogs are CURRENTLY battling cancer or are awaiting a definitive diagnosis. If you have recently lost a beloved dog to cancer, you may want to do a yahoogroup search for pet loss support groups. Discussions will focus on the treatment of cancer in our members’ dogs, rather than cause and prevention. There is another yahoogroup for that. This includes traditional and alternative treatments and therapy. If you do not currently have a dog with cancer, please do not send a subscription request. Previous members are welcome to come back.
    Before sending your request to join CanineCancer, please also check out the following groups in case you feel one of them would be more appropriate for you:
    Bone Cancer Group: bonecancerdogs
    Lymphome Group: LymphomaHeartDogs
    Mast Cell Tumors: Mast Cell Tumors
    Hemangiosarcoma: Hemangiosarcoma
    Prevention Discussion: Canine Cancer Prevention
    AFTER YOU SEND YOUR REQUEST TO JOIN CANINECANCER, YOU WILL RECEIVE A VERY SHORT QUESTIONNAIRE. THAT MUST BE SUBMITTED BEFORE YOUR MEMBERSHIP CAN BE APPROVED.”
    2 hours ago · Like
    Susan Ferry AtPawsitive Here is the Canine Cancer group on Yahoo http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/CanineCancer/?yguid=42149075
    CanineCancer : for people whose dogs have cancer
    pets.groups.yahoo.com
    CanineCancer: for people whose dogs have cancer
    2 hours ago · Like · Remove Preview
    Susan Ferry AtPawsitive HUGE believer in Artemisinin … http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/artemisinin_and_cancer/?yguid=42149075 is the yahoo group, very active.
    artemisinin_and_cancer : artemisinin_and_cancer
    pets.groups.yahoo.com
    artemisinin_and_cancer: artemisinin_and_cancer
    2 hours ago · Like · Remove Preview
    Susan Ferry AtPawsitive BTW, Artemisinin is used to treat maleria. Just a side note.

    Links to arte and dog cancer: http://giw.utnij.net
    artemisinin and dog cancer – Google Search
    www.google.com
    2 hours ago · Like · Remove Preview
    Susan Ferry AtPawsitive Here is another great site with specific info about Arte and cancer treatment for dogs. http://pathwithpaws.com/blog/2011/03/26/artemisinin-when-cancer-cells-kill-themselves/

    People on the Yahoo group address above Dr. Lai directly and get feedback. He is the doctor (one of two) who was working on the UW project originally.
    *************************************
    “Artemisinin is the second most common herbal I use to fight cancer in animals and it is extremely safe in almost all cases.

    Artemisinin is an extract from the herb sweet wormwood and was originally used to treat malaria. It is currently under study by Dr. Henry Lai at the University of Washington for its effects against cancer, especially breast and bone cancer.

    So how does it work?

    Cancer cells take up more iron then normal cells. Artemisinin is attracted to these high iron cells and selectively goes to them. Once inside the cancer cells it reacts with the iron causing free radial formation which kills the cancer cells.

    Also see
    UW licenses potential cancer treatment derived from ancient Chinese folk remedy
    Ancient Chinese remedy shows potential in preventing breast cancer

    K9 health support also has a great page with links to articles and research on Artemisinin
    Dog Cancer Treatment Options”
    Artemisinin – when cancer cells kill themselves | A Path With Paws
    pathwithpaws.com
    What if you had an herbal extract that could fight cancer safely even in those a
    nimals who were very sick and old? Artemisinin is the second most common

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*

* Copy This Password *

* Type Or Paste Password Here *

HTML tags and attributes are not allowed.