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Carrie,
Thank you for those kind words. How great that you are winning!
D
Thank you for this blog Dr. Dressler…My 11 yr. old pug Barney has squamous cell nasal carcinoma. It was diagnosed in Jan. of this year and he has been on limited carbohydrates, supplements, etc. It is spreading rapidly no matter what I do. Any info you have on this type of cancer will be appreciated. I need something topical to keep his nose as dry as possible and that would help with the rawness.
Thank you.
suzy
can my dog use Rimadyl, or his arthritis, and heartworm, flea and
tick meds. He had surgery a month ago and a peripheal tumor was
removed from his front left leg near the elbow. It was a low
grade cancer according to the surgeon… perhaps a forty percent
chance it would reoccur. Does not invade organs or spread.
I am afraid to give him the above medications for fear it will
compromise his immune system. Vet said they were ok… heartworm, flea tick, rimadyl, but I am fearful. Your comments, please.
Oh, no radiation or chemo treatment.
Dietary Inorganic phosphates were recently shown to activate the AKT cancer pathway. The study urged those at risk to limit inorganic phosphates in the diet, both for prevention and those in treatment for cancer. Inorganic phosphates like sodium phosphate used in the study, are very very widely used in salt form to preserve foods, baked goods, Subway meats and breads, “fresh” doughnuts, and is injected into chicken, turkey, and fish to increase its shelf life. They poison our dogs as they poison our people food too. Do a google on sodium phosphate AKT for the study or email me for a copy or link.
I have ordered the cancer book, but have not received it yet and would appreciate some help in the meantime. Ripley, my 10yr chocolate standard poodle was diagnosed with a very small mass on his prostrate last nov after his splendectomy. his prognosis was good because the mass was so small, so we did 4 out of 6 rounds of iv chemo last dec/jan(stopped after 4 due to side effects.)Ripley has other chronic diseases such as IBS, gastritious, possible esophagitis, and occaisionlly gets colitis. He has a good life , but is obviously easily stressed. He had gastric torsion when he was 4. His ultrasound in May showed no cancer growth, but last week after noticing him having difficulty peeing and pooping, we discovered the mass had grown. He’s been give piroxicam 8mg. which seems to be helping and has an estimate 3-6 months left. For his numerous other conditions, he is also on sulcrafate 2xday, tylan powder 1/8 tsp. 2x day, cyclosporine 150mg/day, pepcid 20mg.2xday and forti flora. He has been off grains over 1 year and is on venison and sweet potatoe, but has been reluctant to eat that this past week and has been eating some of my other poodles Hills UD(Max is on it for bladder stones). I’m considering the ND for cancer, but am not sure if it’s going to effect his irritable bowel and he’s been allergic to chicken in the past. I just got omega 3-6-9 oil and was wondering how much to give him and any other wholistic meds/suggestions for prolonging his life and reducing any future suffering? thankyou for your help.
has anyone tried Raspberry Gold for cancer..? my 9 year old golden has hamangiosarcomia ( probably not spelled right) and the lump is on his side…. entwinded in his ribs…. most was taken out with surgery but not all of it. I have tried the light color spray therapy, Frankinsence oils from Young Living, and the tumor is going down. I also have him on the Kangen Water. ( Look this up.. it is amazing. ) Is too much of everything suggested too much???? I wonder if my hamilton will use all that i am giving him in a positive way. how can you tell if anything is working and not moving all over their body? Would an ultrasound of his organs do that???? My heart goes out to everyone on this site……. we all cry together and wish our beloved pups would recover well…… God Speed.
Dear doctor,
what information can you give on nasal cancer in dogs. “butch will eat but he is getting so thin. I can’t afford chemo nor radiation, what options are left? I don’t want him to suffer, I don’t want him put to sleep, Help!
Dr. Dressler,
I recently read your entire book, which has been so helpful that I cannot begin to thank you. Our 7 yr. old rottie was recently diagnosed with osteosarcoma, which has metastasized to the lungs. After amputation, he has begun Carboplatin chemotherapy. We have begun him on a supplementation plan including luteolin, apigenin, k-9 immunity and co-q10, among other things. After reading one of your blogs, along with the book, we were just confused on one point. Are these supplements, which may include antioxidants, interfering with the positive oxidation effects of the Carboplatin on the cancer cells? Thank you so much.
Dear Russell,
the doses indicated for the luteolin, apigenin and many of the “Big Guns” are actually pro-oxidant. The anti-oxidant effects of the others when combined with pro-oxidant chemo drugs, from my viewpoint, are outweighed by their other positive effects as far as life quality, toxicity protection, and so on. Good question. Do a google search on antioxidants and dog cancer blog and you will find more information on this topic…
Best
Dr D
Russell,
this week’s webinar is on OSA. You might be interested:
http://www.mydogvet.com
best,
Dr D
Thank you for doing two stories on stem cell transplants. Our Molly was the 5th dog to receive a stem cell transplant at NCSU. Her treatment was excellent and the staff was excellent. Unfortunately, she relapsed in a month after the transplant and she developed 3rd degree heart block. Shortly after she arrived at the cardio clinic to receive a pacemaker, she shocked all of her doctors and passed away. I suspect, as you mentioned in your articles, that radiation and chemo can affect other organs. Molly had had chemo for nearly 13 months and then the blast of radiation for the transplant. She was into her third remission at the time of her transplant.
Although the previous 58 transplants done by different vets and by NCSU since the late 1990s had not shown heart problems following transplants, I suspect that this will show up in some patients as more patients are done.
Again, thank you for treating stem cell transplants in your writing and for thoroughly covering this topic.
Gary,
I am sorry to hear this sad news about Molly. Thank you though for sharing it, as the experience you have may help others.
Best,
Dr D
My dog has been recently diagnosed with melanoma in his nail bed. His toe has been amputated and he starts chemo on Thursday. I’ve been reading your book and with the costs of the chemo I’m trying to decide what in addition I should purchase. There are so many suggestions and I’m trying to find out which is the best for his condition. He is 6 and all other tests have come back great, we caught it relatively early. Any suggestions on which items in Chapter 21 would be best?
Thanks for any help, Debbie
I have two dogs currently diagnosed with cancer – osteosarcoma in a Dogue de Bordeaux rescue; GI lymphoma in a PitBull rescue – and was interested in purchasing your book. However, your site DogCancerSurvival.com has been blocked by 2 separate browser due to potential malicious spyware or adware. What gives????
Dear Nick
I will have customer service and the internet staff look into it immediately. They will be in touch. Thank you for the heads up.
Dr D
Hello Dr. Dressler,
My 6 yr old St. Dane (Bailey) lost his battle with Osteosarcoma yesterday. He was 4 months and one week post amputation. I am sure that the diet suggested in your book helped keep him with us longer and gave him a better quality of life. My question is,since I have a St.Dane puppy (Benson) who was neutered early, and by all that I have read stating that early neutering can possibly lead to Osteosarcoma, is there a diet or supplements that can help prevent this nasty disease in the neutered male dog? In other words is there something I can do to undo the damage done?
Dr. Dressler,
My three year old shih tzu has had a number of health problems. She has had a re occuring autoimmune deficiency disorder (Anemia). She has had to be hospitalized twice due to the disorder. After the last hospitalization, she started to take Prednisone in order to prevent a relapse. She has now been on the drug for two months, incrementally decreasing dosage. She developed diabetes from taking the drug and is now on insulin as well. The doctor recently put her on the steroid Atopica, that she takes daily. He insists she must remain on the Atopica the rest of her life. The Doctor is very hesitant in weaning her off the Predniose in fear of the disease showing itself once again. He says she very well may relapse, causing finanical distress as well as a lower prognosis of survival. I am not a Doctor, but I myself have not taken a single drug in over five years. I believe in very little Western medicine, I believe in organic food, as well as a holistic and homeopathic way to treating the body and its’ ailments that can occur. I am very weary (and quite frankly uneasy) about keeping her on these drugs much longer (let alone the rest of her life). An expert opinion from yourself on the situation would be much appreciated.
Thank you so much and God Bless,
Valerie.
Dear Valerie,
I will address your concern, but in the future please reserve your questions to those regarding dog cancer as this is devoted to that, not immune mediated diseases. Here is the short and direct information:
1. Get a second opinion
2. Atopica is not a steriod but is an immune suppressing drug
3. Many dogs can be maintained on atopica alone, without the use of pred. This would minimize the diabetic insulin requirement.
4. Immune mediated disease like this is dangerous, so be cautious of letting go of therapeutic control (going off drugs). Don’t convince yourself otherwise without very careful and frequent blood testing to maintain control.
5. You can use less atopica if it is combined with ketoconazole and/or grapefruit extract (naringen and naringenan) to lessen expense
Hope that helps you,
Best
Dr D
Dr. Dressler,
As stated under your article regarding Mirtazapine, my dog has cancer (Lymphoma). Would you mind reading this? This looks like the most promising lymphona cure I’ve seen since researching it starting almost one year ago:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091122161753.htm
I am going to try to get ahold of the doctor and see if I can get some of this drug. I’m not sure if he’ll talk to an average person. Would you mind providing your input?
Thanks for all your help to all of us in need,
Dave
Dr Dressler:
Our 2 and 1/2 yr old female Leonberger was diagnosed with Cutaneous Hemaniosarcoma at 2 yrs.
Long story short, she went through two operation of her thoracic area to get clean margins. We decided against Chemo. She is now on human food, taking 4000/day Omega 3, 2000/day Glucosamine & Condroitin with MSM, 2/day Vetri-Mega Probiotic and 1 scoop/day of Wholly Immune (Allergy Research Group). Now, three months post-surgery, Blood levels and organ function is all within normal range, her appetite and energy level are excellent and she is in great spirits.
Two questions: 1) Can/should we be adding the Apocaps to her regime and 2) if/when we start her on a 1-week on, 3-weeks off dose of Artemisin/Artesunate, should we interrupt the Apocaps just as we will the Wholly Immune and Omega 3s?
Your book “The Dog Cancer Survival Guide” has been a tremendous help and comfort as are your regular emails.
Cheers
Stephen
Dr. Dressler,
My dog, Buddy, an 8 yr. old golden retriever had lymphoma and I took him to UC Davis and did chemo and he recently passed away in November 2009. I now have a 7 month old golden male puppy and he’s large (65 lbs.) and I’ve been told to feed him puppy food for large breeds, but he really likes the grain free salmon and sweet potato food and I’m wondering what’s best for him to avoid cancer further down the road.
I’m not fertilizing my lawn and I’m not using chemicals on the floor and I’m sure there’s a lot of people out there that want to know how to best prevent cancer in the first place. I also heard it’s best not to neuter him until he’s one, can you give me advise about that. One more thing, should he be on fish oil capsules now and how much?
To sum it up – grain free?, fish oil capsules? and neutering?…
Thanks, Kim
Dear Kim
1. limiting grain is logical based on the research we have
2. http://www.dogcancerblog.com/dog-food-and-cancer-help-fight-this-problem/
3. http://www.dogcancerblog.com/bladder-and-prostate-cancer-neutering-male-dogs-increases-risk-2/
I advise neutering after 1 year unless there are behavioral problems that demand it….
Hope this helps
Dr D
my wife bought your book on cancer in animals ! Do you ever do interviews for other websites ?
Thank You
Randy Young
CEO Emotitees
I am already on your list of subscribers
Dr. Dressler,
My beagle was diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma last September. He had a splenectomy and no other treatments. Since then, I have followed your full spectrum care plan using various supplements you recommend, including K9 Immunity. I have a couple questions:
1. When you mention that you need to stop supplements before a surgery, is a dental cleaning and tooth extraction considered “surgery” with regard to this issue?
2. How does use of the Apocaps fit in with the diet/supplement portion of your book? In other words, can I use it with what I’m already doing? Should it not be mixed with anything in particular, e.g., as you mention in your book that certain supplements should not be used together; you must use one or the other.
3. After 6 months he’s doing well but obviously this isn’t a cancer you can test for to see if it’s still lingering. So, is there will there ever be a point when you should stop using the “big guns” and/or anything else from your book? I believe I understood that these were treatment, not preventative, measures so you wouldn’t use these things on a healthy dog.
Thank you so much for your work and your book and answering our personal questions. You’ve really made a difference for us! KIM
Dear Kim,
1. Yes, tooth extraction involves potential bleeding and the possible “blood thinning” could make excessive bleeding an issue.
2. The apocaps replace the whole Big Gun section. They can be used with K-9 Immunity concurrently. The are used on an ongoing basis.
3. We don’t have the data to answer this sadly. One approach would be to continue for about another year and then start to taper off while monitoring closely with exams, lab tests and frequent ultrasounds every 2-3 months or so.
Best,
Dr D
Dr. Dressler,
Our dog Mcleod (sheltie) was given an ultrasound and diagnosed with a possible pancreatic cancer in Dec. with weeks to live. We read your book and others, researched and have been giving him K9 Immunity and the cottage cheese (Budwig Diet) and have to tell you that up until this week his energy and spirit was unbelievable. He kept bringing me his frisbee constantly to play with. I forgot to tell you but we have him on no fat meat with lamb and rice dog food which he loved and was always looking to eat more for when he was diagnosed he had stopped eating.
This week his stool turned tan and then very rapidly it turned dark and gelly. He hasn’t eaten
in three days and have given him liquids to keep him hydrated. He makes a very loud yell
when vomiting and nothing comes out. We have also been giving him pepto bismol every
six hours.
I feel the inevitable is waiting and I don’t want him to suffer. It was confusing when the doctor
in December gave him pain pills to take home to make this last weeks of his life comfortable
and he has lived this long.
We have been trying to save him with both no imcome from a job loss so we have to face the reality. We feel so blessed that god has allowed us to share his life. We have no children but feel God has given us the one of his most precious gift. A noble, kind, illegient, gentle soul who has been more precious than gold and really has blessed our life with his special love.
Does a dog with a diseased pancreas need to purge his body by fasting this long?
We initially thought because the doctor told us the results weren’t a definite but he concluded
that he might of just had pacreatiis?
Any advise I will appreciate and thanks so much for all you do for animals and getting the word out how important it is to feed and keep animals immune system up for a healty life.
Hello, I am not sure how unique my story is compared to other dog owners, but I have researched endlessly for the past month and I have not found a similar story. The story is actually regarding my surviving 7 year old Basset Hound Daisy, but here is what happened which will lead up to my question. My boy Basset Hound, Benson was 9 years old when we put him to sleep last month. He had been back and forth to the vet and the emergency vet hospital on several occasions over the past 12 months. In January of 2010 I noticed he was not feeling well… shivering and drooling excessively- and I rushed him to the vet on a Saturday night. His fever was 107.3 along with an abnormal white blood count and an abnormal heart rate. The illness after 2 days, $2,000 and numerous tests was “undetermined fever/illness”. He was given an antibiotic and he got better quickly. On March 14th 2010 in the blink of an eye, he started shivering again, he couldnt move, and within hours he was diagnosed with Cancer and he was gone. This brings me to my question about my 7 year old Basset. About 12 months ago she started to really misbehave. She started to pee in the house. She did it every single night. She drank excessively so I thought she was becoming diabetic. I took her to the vet and they found nothing. No urinary infection, no bladder or kidney problems etc. On March 13th the night before we put her brother to sleep was the last time she peed in the house. Clearly she had started to smell his illness a year ago. Over the course of the year and as he got sicker, her drinking and peeing were out of control. She would almost pee in the house right in front of me. I have read that dogs can smell cancer in people, but I can not find any information on dogs that can smell cancer in another dog. Are there any articles on this subject? Also, through the course of the year whenever we would take the 9 year old to the vet, she would pace and cry and wait by the door for him to return, but when we took him from the house on the morning of the 14th, she knew that she would not see him again and she began to grieve right away. Her anxiety is completely gone now and she is totally lonely without him. One of the worst things for me was that I punished her for peeing in the house for a year- not realizing that she was just trying to tell me that her brother had cancer. Does anyone know about this subject?
Hi Dr. D,
You recommend oral enzymes in your book… I bought the digestive enzymes from Dr. Goodpet that you sprinkle on the food a 1/2 hr before, but what brand do you recommend that comes in pill form and when do you give it?
Also, I just received Apocaps, and my dog Toby is taking Previcox which is helping with walking due to his Histiocytic Sarcoma on his elbow. You say to check with our vet before starting to take Apocaps… Is there a reaction that can happen?
Thanks,
Christina
One more thing…. Assuming my onocologist says ok… I will give Toby Apocaps, Coryceps, indole 3 Carbinol, Both digestive enzymes, cimetidine,multivitamin, rotation of juven and Modified Citrus Pectin, rotation of Krill oil and Omega 3. He will be taking CCNU, should I also add Glutamine and Milk Thistle? Anything else? Because of the cost, is there anything that I can take out of the above list to help reduce costs?
Thank you, Thank you!
Cheers,
Christina
Dear Christina,
there is a FAQ on the website:
http://www.apocaps.com
Included there are both sheets for dog lovers and their vets. Bottom line is that reducing the dose of drugs like Previcox, under veterinary supervision, may be possible and is advised if using Apocaps concurrently. One way would be to drop the dose to a quarter and reassessing in 3 weeks to see if it is still needed.
Can you help me understand the specific choice of glutamine? You could maybe toss it out if you want to save money..
Best
Dr D
Hi Dr. D,
Spoke with my onocologist today and he said he has never heard of Apocaps, and he was happy that I sent him the info for vets. We will be switching him from Previcox to Prednisone with CCNU, and I will let him know about reducing the dose by 25% and see what he says. Honestly, our onocologist does not seem to accepting of all the supplements that i want to give Toby, but i gave him the list I want to use and the only ones he said not to use were Tagamet (Pepsid instead with CCNU) and Apocaps because it said on your label to not give with Anti- Inflammatory drugs.
I asked him about any supplements to help with the liver and he prescribed Denamarin.
Thank you for your advice! Have a nice rest of the week!
Christina
Hi,
My 7 year old 40 pound cocker spaniel may have osteosarcoma. He was started last year on 100 mg of Atopica and I was wondering if this could have had anything to do with him getting cancer.
Thanks,
Joy
Hi Christina,
In the world of vocations, we usually use what we are most familiar with . A surgeon will lean towards a scalpel. It can be said that some oncologists are not particularly open to supplements, while others are quite open and well versed in their use. Sadly there is a general lack of studies on interactions between supplements and conventional chemotherapy drugs in both human and veterinary oncology. However there are studies that show benefits…my opinion is that when we are dealing with treatments that don’t produce actual resolution (cures) or very long remissions, I lean towards getting any edge possible, especially if what is being used has a high safety margin.
Always work with your health professional. It may be worthwhile seeking out an oncologist with an integrative approach. I am unable to make specific dog recommendations, but I have started with a quarter of the dose of Apocaps in my own patients with NSAIDS and then worked up gradually over 4-6 weeks, while watching for vomiting, diarrhea or loss of appetite. Giving Apocaps with a full meal can help in these patients as well. Cytotec can be used to help as well (prescription). Again, my advices is that this should be done with your vet or onc involved, as with any medical care for your dog.
Best,
Dr D
well I just wanted to let you know, that Lucky only lasted 2 mths after finding out about the lymphnod cancer. Now both my baby’s are gone with in two months of each other. I miss them dearly. I will get another friend just not right now. I will be getting two rescue dogs. I liked have them together. so that they are not alone when i am at work. so If you know of any sites i can look around in; I would be very thankful. (Michigan) I will kept reading your post and updates. Thank you very much for all the information you have given me.
sincerely,
Dar
Dear Dar,
I am so sorry to hear this heartbreaking news. My thoughts are with you.
I always suggest that people get a dog from a shelter (or two dogs if that suits you), such as rescue groups, the Humane Society, or the SPCA.
Best,
Dr D
I’ve noticed Dr. Dressler responds to many comments, however mine went unnoticed. I am a bit sad because of that. I hope it was unintentional.
As of today my dog Champ has had his spleen removed and diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma (1 inch mass). The primary site is the spleen and secondary in the left rear femur. There were no other lesions visualized during the splenectomy and non visible on chest x-rays or other full body x rays. He is not acting different (no lethargy, loves his food and very energetic).
I am wondering if Dr. Dressler thinks a leg amputation and chemo (Doxorubicin) would be in Champ’s best interest. He is only 8. Pain meds have still left him with a limp so he is obviously still in pain. The leg amputation would alleviate the pain. The chemo would hopefully fight any microscopic bloodbourne cancer cells.
I am not ready to let him go. He is not ready either. After chemo is over I am also looking to start him on a homemade diet and some type of meds to help him immune system continue to fight the cancern. I would like his opinions on my options.
Thanks,
Joy Hoffman
Dr. Dressler, statistics will tell us that 2out of 3 dogs get cancer over their life time.
I suspect that the food we buy commercially, under hundreds and hundreds of labels all contain a an ingredient to make it palatable…..this ingredient is most likely a carcinogen, that given constantly over years years, under the right condition will cause some type of cancer……so back to home cooking………
What do you think about my theory ?
Allen Depta
Dr. Dressler,
We are friends of Kristi Kapahulehua. She spoke to you last week about our Siberian Husky Blanca Rose. We enjoyed your webinar this afternoon. I have included excerpts of the various reports regarding Blanca. We both appreciate your reviewing this information. We are in need of guidance. We are reading your book and working through what type of guardians we are.
Here are the specifics:
Visualized mass within 2cm of the trachea immediately caudal to and partially involving the vocal fold on the left side, sessile mass but irregular partially ulcerated region extending into the lumen of the trachea, normal laryngeal motion.De bulking laryngeal/tracheal mass. De-bulked 80% of the mass with only the ventral regions of the mass remaining. Mass was submitted for biopsy.
Biopsy results summarized:
Received fragments of portions of a mucosal epithelial neoplasm taken form immediately caudal to the left arytenoid. Tumor cells are pleomorphic polyhedral epithelial cells arranged in densely packed lobules, nests and small sheets, supported by a scant and delicate vascular stoma. Tumor cells have mild aniscytosis and anisokaryosis with scant to moderate pale amphophilic vacuolated cytoplasm. Microscopic Interpretation: Malignant carcinoma, necrotic, inflamed, with active hemorrhage, tumor tissue extends to margins.The presence of a few rudimentary tubular structures in this epithelial malignancy of the laryngotracheal region suggest a submucosal seromucous gland origin. The tumor demonstrates features of an intermediate or higher grade malignancy and a very guarded prognosis is likely warranted.
Blanca underwent a CT scan and X-rays last Tuesday t determine size of remaining tumor and to check for metastases within her system. Here are the results: Diagnosis – subarytenoid carcinoma The cardiac silhouette, pulmonary vasculature, lung parenchyma, and extra-thoracic structures are with normal limits. Conclusion – Normal Thorax.
Oncologist is suggesting chemo as a initial course of action. A total of 6 treatments every 3 weeks utilizing “Carboplatin – 300 mg/m2 IV”. Possible palliative radiation course in the future of 5 days – 5 fractions x 4 Gy M-F sched.
I hope that I have captured the pertinent information. I have all of reports and detail in a PDF file.
At this point Blanca seems to be happy, is talking, still loves to go swimming and play tug of war. Here appetite is normal, as are her urination and bowel movements.
Thank you for your help and guidance.
Stan and Charleen Lawrence
Dr. D
(try this again). I sent the last one with no text. ok. I am thinking about getting a dog from my sister. Which is were i got lucky.(lymphnod cancer) This would be lucky’s Aunt who had the puppies. (so lucky’s cousin) how likely is this puppie to get cancer?
sincerly,
dar
OUR DOG DIVOT HAS A VERY AGGRESSIVE CASE OF SINUS CANCER. WE REALLY HAD NO HOPE EVEN AFTER TAKING HIM TO 2 VETS AND SPECIALIST. A VET HERE IN HOUSTON ON STUBNER WAS WILLING TO HELP US OUT. THEY HAVE DONE SEVERAL PROCEDURES AND DIVOT IS ON NEOPLASTINE. I WANT EVERYONE TO KNOW THAT HE HAS SHOWN A HUGE IMPROVEMENT WHEN I STARTED PUTTING IT IN CAPSULES BECAUSE IT UPSET HIS STOMACH SO MUCH. IT HAS WORKED GREAT AND THIS HAS BEEN GREAT! HE IS ALSO HAVING LAZER TREATMENTS BY OUR VET WHO DIVOT LOVES WITH ALL OF HEART HE RUNS TO THE DOOR TO SEE HIM! THEY HAVE BONDED. HE HAS BEEN A BLESSING TO US AND DIVOT. VETERANS MEMORAIL ANIMAL HOSPITAL IS WHERE HE IS BEING TREATED DR. DAN AHRENS. HE DOES NOT TAKE NEW PATIENTS BUT HE TOOK DIVOT BECAUSE HE WAS SO SICK. IF YOU CAN HANDEL THE TUMORS COMING OUT LIKE BOILS AND EXPLODE AND LEAVE HOLES IN THEIR HEADS IF YOU GET PAST THAT IT LOOKS LIKE WE ARE COMING OUT WINNERS AGAINST CANCER THANKS SO MUCH FOR GIVING ME THE NAME OF NEOPLASTINE
Dr. D, my 9-year-old Jack Russell almost died last September before finally being diagnosed with lymphosarcoma. I was lucky enough to find a vet (only 70 miles away from my rural home) who does chemo, and Rambo was saved and is doing incredibly well except for one problem: he has the urinary side effects that are apparently caused by his cyclophosphamide. He takes 5mg of prednisone every other day, and the vet has had us feeding him Hill’s s/d canned food in hopes of helping, but is there anything else you can suggest to help with this problem? Your book has been a real blessing to me during this much-loved boy’s horrible illness, so thank you so much for writing it!
Dr. Dressler, I really need some direction and advice. I have a two year old Bassett/Lab mix male who has been diagnosed with REHABDOMYOSARCOMA (BUTRYOID SUBTYPE) in his bladder. It is located at the TRIGON area. He has had two procedures to debulk the growth. He does really well after each procedure urinating, but after 3 or 4 months, the same thing occurrs again. He is currently taking PEROXICAM once a day. He shows no other abnormalities. His appetite and stools are normal. Any suggestions. I dont know if I am doing him any harm subjecting him to the debulking process each time. Thank you for your time. Mr. Twisdale
Dear Dr. Dressler:
Your views, book and blog, to me is more than treating dog cancer. In a way is how to handle life when crisis sets in. Cancer in my dog is big crisis for me. You have helped me more than you would have hoped for. Your book guided me to treat mast cell tumor in my pug. The tumors were cut out by surgery and biopsy showed grade 1, thank god. He now follows your dog cancer diet and he is on apocaps. I hope he makes it. A big bravo to you. You are the best in your area in my eyes, but mostly in my heart. I will recommend you to anyone who faces cancer with his dog. One issue. You have recommended Hill’s n/d food for convenience. I strongly believe that industrial food of any sort is a big contributor to dog cancer. Nothing can replace home made food, and I hope one day you recommend nothing else but home made food not only to dogs with cancer but for all dogs.
May you be blessed.
Nick from Athens Greece.
p.s. Am I doing the right thing giving my dog apocaps although he was diagnosed just with grade 1? For how long?
Hi Dr. D
really hopin you read and answer my inquiry asap. I have had one of the most devastating and stressful weeks of my life. My almost 10yr old shihtzu, Bailey was not feeling well over the weekend. He was fine than suddenly lethargic had not wanted to eat at all not even hand fed as I usually do when he refuses to eat from his bowl (this has happened for the last few months I thought it was due to the heat….I live in Northeast PA and also reside in NY) anyway he was having difficulty with bowel movement, vomitted some time last week. The last couple of baths I gave him I had noticed I was feeling his rib cage and spine as if he were deteriorating but confused because he had sort of a pot belly. I feared a tumor so I kept feeling for one but he didn’t complain of pain and I was feeling anything moving or a mass, so I was hopeful as I keep my boys (I have 2 shihtzu’s) pretty healthy …..they never missed their annuals vaccinations always give them their heartgard every month feed them only Eukanuba kibble…maintenance and now the senior level for small breeds purified water, brush their teeth provide chew toys (even though one has pretty bad tartar build up and had to extract a tooth,,,he hates chew toys unless they are digestable) bailey was always complimented on his teeth for an older dog as he frequently chews, so I was positive but had a strong bad feeling in my heart. Took him to his vet this week he was due his shots but I immediatley mentioned I was concerned with Bailey seemed depressed has not eaten in a few days (3) did drink a great deal of water that morning, urinated but no poop. The vet checked his temp. he had no fever….I mentioned he seemed to lose weight and I feel his bones which I never experienced with him before but yet his belly was oddly big….when the vet felt him he had an alarming look on his face and said he didn’t like how that felt and immediately took him in the back to take a blood sample as well as X-ray and opted not to give his vaccinations in this visit since he had not been feeling well. After a while of waitingg he called me to the back to view the x-ray….lil did I know that what I had been feeling around for a tumor at home was itself a massive tumor that was the size of his entire body. In the X-ray he showed me what was this mass tumor crushing his stomach and intestines and other organs preventing him from being able to eat, digest and pass stool. I was horrified and immediately felt faint. I asked if it were cancerous he responded that is not something that can be determined through blood work or x-ray but the blood work will help determine the functions of the other organs if in fact there was anyh abnormalities than cander could be a possibility as the organs are being affected his hopes were worst case scenario its a splenatic tumor mass that could only be determined by exploratory surgery and remove the spleen to completely remove tumor and send for biopsy to determine malignant or benign. His blood work came back all good, lungs, liver, kidney with the exception that he did appear anemic. We wasted no time he went into surgery…I was a mess as he is my first baby whom I love as if I birthed him and he is extremely attached to me, the vet found this a bit odd as he has seen this mostly in larger breed dogs rare small breeds. I was called after his surgery that they were able to remove the spleen it was in fact a tumor growth on his spleen and removed safely but because of his little size he lost alot of blood and very week but while recovering from the surgery and anesthesia he stood up on his own and the vet thought it be a good Idea to come see him so he could feel at ease. I got there as soon as I could, my 8 yr old took him her blanky that hd her scent, and his favorite toy to keep in his crate. As soon as he saw me he wanted to jump to me and we kept him from doing so, as the dr. showed me the mass he removed I was horrified at how large this tumor was and couldn’t believe that large mass was inside of that lil body. It was literally the size of his entire body…..I still can’t understand how such a hug mass was able to fit such a small body and how he survived all this time. Than my Bailey let out a loud yelp and just fell with his eyes open and limp the doctor kept shaking him and was able to feel a pulse moved him in the crate and had me leave room he felt the visit was overwhelming he said he was still in critical we could still lose him he was very weak loss of blood hoping to get him alert within next 24 hrs or by next morning latest or he may have to consider transfusion, kept him overnight I cried all the way home. Waited at home anxiously until I heard from the dr. that evening…..he said Bailey was able to stand up and drink some water on his own so that was a good sign but he wouldn’t be happy till he got him to eat, poop and move around more frequent. he mention the biopsy wld be available in 3-4 days but tht wasn’t his concern as much as getting Bailey strength back up from what he removed he didn’t think it was malignant in his opinion it looked benigh but testing was for confirmation. I have been on computer allnight doing research I am getting conflicting reports if malignant with splenectomy only the survival rate is 19-60 days with chemo 292 days, if benign survival up to a year after splenectomy and some said with splenectomy curative and should live normal life after. Some seemed it indicate that even if benigh, chemo with alternative medicines but still short life span. I don’t know what to believe….your blog site gave me some assurance in regards to other cancers but I didn’t see much in regards to Hemangiomas splenectomy, what prognosis is given afterwards to help them live healthy and extend their life span if possible. Please give me some feedback as I am still an emotional mess and dealing with another dog at home very depressed that his brother/buddy is not around and we are hoping for a speedy recovery for bailey as we are not ready to see him go either. prior to this my bailey was a very active playful and loving dog, people were often shocked he was turning 10 soon and thought he was younger….please respond to my comments as it would be greatly appreciated. I have read up on your dogcancerdiet and it seems like a great way to go and I would like to know if this would be extremely beneficial to Bailey if an when he returns home (i’m keeping faith he will).
regards,
Maggie mom of Shihtzu Bailey.
Dear Dr. Dressler, I submitted a comment on July 28 2010 but received no answer. I know you are a very busy man, but I would appreciate a comment and any suggestions that you may have about this situation. Thank you for your valuable time and the wonderful things you do for animals and their owners. Mr. Twisdale
Dear Mr. Twisdale,
Is there harm from continued debulking? Likely this is better than the alternative. Thus, in the overall analysis, debulking would win. However, I wonder what other steps are being taken to get an edge on this cancer? Is your dog on the Dog Cancer Diet? Are you using Apocaps (you would want to drop the dose of piroxicam to 1/4 of what is is currently obviously under veterinary supervision). Alternating Apocaps with artemisinin? What immune support is there? Low dose doxycycline? High dose omega 3 supplementation? Implantation of Matrix cisplatin impregated beeds during the next debulking (these can be found on line)? Intraoperative radiation at a referrral center? Chemotherapy? These are some options that pop up in my mind. I am not suggesting that these will cure your dog, but are things that may lessen the number of surgeries needed or increase your dog’s life expectancy and overall life quality. Most are discussed in the Guide.
Best,
Dr D
Dear Maggie,
So sorry to hear this shocking story. There is just no way that anyone could be prepared for this experience. I’ll give you some rough figures to work with based on conventional care alone. These do not apply to individual dogs, they only apply to a whole group of dogs with this problem, so these numbers should be taken with a grain of salt. They also do not apply to the full spectrum approach in the Guide which I suggest you take the time to read if you are interested in learning what else you can do to get an edge.
rough median survival times for splenic hemangiosarcoma:
splenectomy only: about 2-3 months roughly
splenectomy with chemotherapy: roughly 6-7 months
It is time for you to step up and get the information you need to handle all the different pieces of this chapter in life.
Best,
Dr D
A young (only 15 month old Doberman ) bitch that I bred just lost her battle with T Cell Lympoma. This is one hard pill to swallow, not only for me, but her owner…Could you shed some light on how, why, or any logical reason a dog so young would get something like this…?
She was diagnosed in July, after her owner noticed a small lump on her throat, then a couple days later the right side of her face swelled up. After tests and slides, it was confirmed and she started on Chemo…the chemo put her into remission for 3 weeks, then it came back with a vengence…nothing worked..from diagnoses to loss, was only two months…this is so heartbreaking..From readings, talking to vets, this is a common cancer in dogs, but usually in older dogs and usually it is BCell which supposedly easier to treat,…..We (her owner and myself) are trying to understand, why or how she could have gotten this horrible heartbreaking disease, and it had anything to do with her genetics, her environment or anything…we are grief stricken…Do you have any answers from your experiences?
Are there any contraindications for using the parasiticide, drontal plus, while patient is being treated w/ Palladia?
Dear Dr. Zacek,
I am not aware of published or anectodal contraindications for the use of Drontal Plus with Palladia. Thanks for tuning in!
Best,
Dr D
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