You are here:
Alternative Medicine for Pets/Canine Lymphoma
Advertisement
Question
Hi,
)
I have about a million questions at this point, but will try to narrow them down here! About 5 weeks ago, I noticed very enlarged lymph nodes on my 4year old (65lb) pit bull/bull dog mix. He has been scheduled for 2 TPLO surgeries for torn ACL's in both back legs. (I've only had him for 6 mo.- it was his second time at the animal shelter, and I had to have him treated for heart worms immediately after I adopted him. He's had such a hard life, but he's always so happy!) He had one surgery, which wasn't healing well so when they felt his lymph nodes, they decided to do a biopsy. He was diagnosed with lymphoma about 3 weeks ago. I take him to a very low-cost vet, and just happen to be lucky Leonard steals everyone's hearts, that they've been doing everything they can to help us- the Dr. there really specializes in orthopedic surgery but is working through an oncologist to try to treat Leonard. They started him on Prednisone while waiting to hear if we could do chemo (which I've read is bad to start before chemo). He was started on 80mg every other day for a week, down to 40mg twice a week. In the meantime, they want to do a quick suture on his other leg so that he's not in so much pain. I feel like the combination of the fact that they started the Prednisone 2 weeks ago- which would be 3 weeks before starting chemo, and the fact that the chemo could cause slow healing of the surgery is now too scary for me. I don't want to do the chemo anymore.
In the meantime, I've been researching alternative approaches to treating lymphoma. I've started him on the Budwig Protocol- started at 1TBSP Organic cold pressed Flax Oil mixed with 1/2 cup organic low fat cottage cheese 2-3 times/day. Now we're up to 1.5-2.5 TBSP Flax with 1/2 cup C.C (I also squeeze 2 1000mg fish oil tablets in). I've also been stirring in about 20 drops Echinacea and 1-2 capsules Milk Thistle twice a day. For his meals, I am combining 1 raw egg, cooked chicken, some salmon or sardines, 1/2 canned organic dog food, and a vegetable puree of baby bok choy, spinach, broccoli, tomatoes, red bell peppers, a little red beet and red cabbage, garlic, and chicken broth. Even in the last 5 days, he has improved significantly- even my roommate was commenting on it yesterday. His coat is better, shinier, his eyes look good, he's got his old goofy happy dance back, and even his leg seems to bother him less! I am actually supposed to take him for his surgery in a half hour, and still don't know what to do. They say the Prednisone alone doesn't extend they're life at all, but they also say that prognosis is 4-6 after diagnosis without chemo- its now 5 weeks since his lymph nodes were alarmingly enlarged, and he's doing better now than 2 weeks ago. I know the Prednisone is helping with that, but I'm wondering if the alternative therapies are helping too. So I wanted to ask about adding in some things I've read... I'm scared of adding too much, for fear they could have counter effects.
Here are the one's I'm most curious about:
- Anaerobic Oxygen
- Cell Fort Ip6 + Inositol
- K9 Transfer Factor (colostrum)
- K9 Immunity
- Dogtor Rx
- MSM
- L- Glutathione
- L- Arganine
I've also ordered Essaic Tea which is on its way.
My main concern is that using a combination of these could have a reverse affect. I think I will try adding the L-arganine, the K9 Immunity and the oxygen drops in his water- Dogtor Rx is expensive (about $70/mo) and I'm assuming the Transfer Factor is as well, so if its safe and worth it to try both, I will, otherwise I'm curious which one is more promising. I'm also curious if you have an opinion about whether I should hope to think there would be a reason to still get the surgery- that even without chemo, he could still have a few months instead of the few weeks that the general prognosis says? Ok. One last thing- I have not had any blood work done yet- they say to give them Tums (especially for his legs) but if he has T- cell lymphoma they can usually tell by a raised level of calcium in the blood. I think that would be beneficial to know what kind of lymphoma he has, as well as if I should be giving him Tums or not.
Sorry this is so long, he is my heart and soul. Unfortunately, I haven't slept in weeks because all I think about is cancer but I don't know who to ask these questions to!
Thank you so much,
Ali, Leonard and Bandit (his loving brother)
Hi - I would hold off on this boy's ACL surgery and try some Natural options to heal the area.
He is not a good canidate for this surgery. As far as your diet, all looks great:
Here is the Canine Cancer diet that I work with....
YOU may want to try this and the NuVET Immune system support and NuJOINT plus for the ACL:
CANINE CANCER DIET
The following home-made cancer diet can be given to any dog with cancer, and follows the "low carbs, high fat, moderate protein" principle. It is important to understand that some additional supplementation (eg. high-quality Iron-free multi vitamin) is needed for complete nutrition.
( NuVET will cover the Vitamin need)
1 cup cooked brown rice
2 eggs hard boiled *( or you can do 1 full egg, and 1 with just the whites and no yolk)
1 teaspoon Flax Oil
ANY veggies you think : UP to you....
1 cup grated, lightly steamed or raw organic vegetables (carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, bok-choy, cabbage, tomatoes etc…)
½ cup low-fat cottage cheese ( *goat cottage cheese is the best if you can find it....)
½ cup cooked beef or fully cooked chicken or turkey (immune suppression from chemotherapy makes bacterial contamination a danger, so be sure to cook all meat thoroughly) ~~~~~\MEAT must be cooked - she did not do well on RAW anyway... So I know you would cook it.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
***This is enough food for a 15-20 lb pooch for one day (double the above amounts for a 30-40 lb pup;
triple the amounts for a 50-60lb).*****
It should be fed in 2-3 servings at room temperature.
You can rotate your meats - I would do MORE White meats and only red 1-2 x per week.
Try this recipe - There are many more but this one is easy and you can mix and match your meats.
If she can't do veggies , don't worry because she will be taking the NuVET PLUS to off balance to her diet.
---------------------Also, - see if you can get 1 of a 500 mg ESTER C into him dialy - hide in some Cheese????
Advertisement
You are here: Experts > Animals/Pets > Dogs > Dog Food (Canine Diet and Nutrition) > Baileys ongoing stomach issues/MCT's
Dog Food (Canine Diet and Nutrition) - Baileys ongoing stomach issues/MCT's
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expert: Marie Peppers / ask the pet nurse ..NuVET .... - 5/16/2009
Question
Hi, I believe you had answered some questions for me on Dogster.com and I was hoping you could help again.
Bailey is my 7 year old puggle that had two Mast cell tumors removed in February or March of this year. She has had a sensitive stomach her whole life, with episodes of either vomiting or very mucousy diarrhea or both maybe once or twice a month. Since her diagnosis these bouts have increased and are now at least twice a week. She has lost 4 pounds since the surgery and the vet had us go to a limited ingredient diet. We are currently feeding Natural Balance Venison and Sweet Potato. In the week we started the food she has had at least three days of stomach issues. The last one was vomiting in the evening followed by grass eating the next morning. She did vomit and then demanded food, she was ravenous. I fed her because I am worried about her losing so much weight. She then climbed up into bed with me and instantly started chewing her feet. She does this when having an allergic reaction (she did this when having a reaction to vaccines in the past and we almost lost her). After a few minutes she stopped and went to sleep. She woke up and vomited partially digested kibble and had three large bowel movements that were wet.
Our vet is now recommending either I substitute 25% of her kibble with rice or I do a complete chicken and rice diet for at least a month. She assures me that we don't need to worry about her getting an unbalanced diet for at least a few months. She also said I can go straight to a prescription ID which would be balanced. Normally I wouldn't even consider prescription diets but I am really lost as to what I should do. The vet is thinking a low fat high carb diet is the way to go.
The diets she has tried in the past include: Solid Gold Wolfking, Wellness Core, Taste of the Wild (all varieties and she got VERY ill frequently on those), Merrick, Eagle Pack Holistic, Natural Balance, Natures Variety, Natures Instinct Grain Free, Purina One and Blue Buffalo. This has been over the course of her lifetime and she has been sick on each.
We have also tried raw and had the same result. The last try at raw had bloody diarrhea, so I am very hesitant to try again. I am not against homecooking though.
Bailey is 7 years old, a female puggle that currently weighs 24 pounds.
Thanks so much for any help you can offer!
Jennifer
Get the answer below
Sponsored Links
Iams PreBiotic Dog Food
Learn about the ingredients in Iams enhanced formulas with PreBiotics.
www.Iams.com/PreBiotics-Dog-Food
Find the Right Dog Food
It's Easy with the Comparison Tool. Take the True BLUE Test. Learn More
BlueBuff.com
Diarrhea? Upset Stomach?
Probios treats and supplements give your dog digestive balance
ProbioticSmart.com/Probios-For-Dogs
Puppy Dog Food
Give Your Dog the Best! Chef Michael's Dog Food at Target.
www.Target.com
Answer
Follow up :
LET me know if you need more help? Are you going to try the recipes?
I am here is you want more help...
Marie Peppers LPN MA
**********************************************
1. Please get him 1 1/2 teaspoons a NuVET Powder per day - NuVET Plus will help with Allergies and Strengthen her SHOT immune system . Many Cancer dogs are taking NuVET each day...
Helps with Healing, too.
Mix the powder into his food 1 x per day.
http://www.nuvet.com/81098
Call them and ask for the powder *( not the wafer of NuVET)
1-800-474-7044 ( tell them Pet Nurse Marie Peppers )
I hope we can work together!
Marie Peppers LPN MA
ask the pet nurse....
mtnmom@gci.net
Related Articles
Alternative Medicine for Pets
Answers by Expert:
Herbs, NuVet Plus Supplements, Dog/Cat Food Recipes; ( Marie)
Experience
Nurse for over 17 years,,, Trained in Holistic Pet Medicine... Supplement and Vitamin certifications;
Worked with Vet for over 25 years;
Many CEU credits on Holistic and Natural Health;
Licensed Nurse for over 18 years;
Organizations
***My comments and answers to your questions or any information in my articles is not to be used "in lieu of" veterinarian's advise, diagnosis, or treatment.**
Publications
Education/Credentials
Licensed Nurse - Shattuck Hospital School of Nursing 1989
***My comments and answers to your questions or any information in my articles is not to be used "in lieu of" veterinarian's advise, diagnosis, or treatment.**
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.