Neoplasene as a Dog Cancer Treatment
Dr. Demian Dressler is internationally recognized as “the dog cancer vet” because of his innovations in the field of dog cancer management, and the popularity of his blog here at Dog Cancer Blog. The owner of South Shore Veterinary Care, a full-service veterinary hospital in Maui, Hawaii, Dr. Dressler studied Animal Physiology and received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California at Davis before earning his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University. After practicing at Killewald Animal Hospital in Amherst, New York, he returned to his home state, Hawaii, to practice at the East Honolulu Pet Hospital before heading home to Maui to open his own hospital. Dr. Dressler consults both dog lovers and veterinary professionals, and is sought after as a speaker on topics ranging from the links between lifestyle choices and disease, nutrition and cancer, and animal ethics. His television appearances include “Ask the Vet” segments on local news programs. He is the author of The Dog Cancer Survival Guide: Full Spectrum Treatments to Optimize Your Dog’s Life Quality and Longevity. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association, the American Association of Avian Veterinarians, the National Animal Supplement Council and CORE (Comparative Orthopedic Research Evaluation). He is also an advisory board member for Pacific Primate Sanctuary.
Updated: May 24th, 2020
I received a question recently asking if I had heard of Neoplasene, so I thought I should post about it.
Neoplasene is derived from bloodroot, an old herb used by native Americans. The stuff works but can be a bit much for an average dog lover to deal with. Read on.
It is delivered to the dog cancer patient in a salve that is rubbed on the tumor, or pills, or can be injected in the vein or around the tumor.
It is different from so-called “black salve”, as Neoplasene is a specific extract of bloodroot, not the whole herb. Only certain components of the plant are used.
There are a variety of successes documented, especially with tumors of the skin like fiborsarcomas, mast cell tumors, mammary tumors, and others.
Neoplasene is for use under veterinary supervision only. This is a good call by the makers of the product (Buck Mountain Botanicals). The reason for this is, when the ointment is applied to the tumor on the skin, the tumor cells start to die.
When the tumor cells die, the tissue tends to slough off. A hole is left which needs medical attention. This hole can be pretty big, especially if the tumor was on the larger side. Sometimes the defect produced after large sloughs can go down to the bone. Kind of heavy-duty for some dog lovers.
For more helpful tools and information, get a copy of the Dog Cancer Survival Guide
Other factors need to be considered before using Neoplasene. One is that your dog must not lick the ointment. An Elizabethan collar may be needed, sometimes for a long time. Another issue is the wound may need twice daily care. Finally, there can be pain or discomfort after application or use of Neoplasene, which may require the use of prescription strength pain control medication, in some cases.
Like many tools in medicine, we need to consider all the pros and cons of this treatment. For some dogs with cancer and those who love them, it may be a great match, but not necessarily for all.
I hope this information is helpful. For more outside the box ways to deal with canine cancer, check out the dog cancer e-book, The Dog Cancer Survival Guide, Beyond Chemotherapy, Radiation, and Surgery.
Best to all,
Dr D
Dr. Demian Dressler is internationally recognized as “the dog cancer vet” because of his innovations in the field of dog cancer management, and the popularity of his blog here at Dog Cancer Blog. The owner of South Shore Veterinary Care, a full-service veterinary hospital in Maui, Hawaii, Dr. Dressler studied Animal Physiology and received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California at Davis before earning his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University. After practicing at Killewald Animal Hospital in Amherst, New York, he returned to his home state, Hawaii, to practice at the East Honolulu Pet Hospital before heading home to Maui to open his own hospital. Dr. Dressler consults both dog lovers and veterinary professionals, and is sought after as a speaker on topics ranging from the links between lifestyle choices and disease, nutrition and cancer, and animal ethics. His television appearances include “Ask the Vet” segments on local news programs. He is the author of The Dog Cancer Survival Guide: Full Spectrum Treatments to Optimize Your Dog’s Life Quality and Longevity. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association, the American Association of Avian Veterinarians, the National Animal Supplement Council and CORE (Comparative Orthopedic Research Evaluation). He is also an advisory board member for Pacific Primate Sanctuary.
Hello:
My golden, just got diagnosed with a nasal tumor, the pathology reports are pending on what type. I prayed it wasn’t this, but my intuitions were right, unfortunately. I haven’t even crossed the bridge of other treatments, but I am really interested in neo and if it works for nasal tumors. I pray it is not cancer, but I can’t be blind to this anymore. I don’t want to put him through radiation and frankly, I just don’t have the cash. He is my world, I work from home and the thought of him not being here is killing me. I am mad, hurt, devastated, lost and just not sure what to do now. He is only 6.5 years, I thought we had at least 5 more years with him. Is my vet going to knock this down when I ask about it? I am in PA and not sure of any holistic doctors around here. I just need someone who knows what I am going though to help me ease the pain!
Stacie
Stacie,
sorry to hear about your Golden, ugh.
I would be thinking of a multi-pronged approach. Neoplasene alone will usually not cure cancer and you often get longer longevity and more life quality with more tools.
I would suggest that you start here:
https://www.dogcancerblog.com/blog/an-overview-of-what-else-can-i-do/
and also read this one:
https://www.dogcancerblog.com/blog/taking-care-of-your-dogs-guardian/
I hope this helps a bit at least.
D
Hi Dr. Dressler,
On April 12, 2013 my 11 year old (approximate age) mixed breed (possibly border collie/labrador) dog, Highway presented with a swollen area on the left side of his nose (2 inches long, 1 3/4 inches wide, and approx 1/4 inches high in the center). X-rays showed a mass above the gumline, and a fine needle aspirate came back inconclusive because of blood contamination. Assuming that the mass is cancer (I decided not to get a tissue biopsy), I’ve started him on your diet (not fully implemented yet), and other recommended supplements according to your guide. He began Apocaps and K-9 immunity on 5/4/13. I also have him on Primalix Immune support and Primalix Anti- Cancer drops twice daily with meals. I am wondering how soon might I be able to tell if the diet and Apocaps regime are working, and if the regime is not working, would Highway be a good candidate for low dose oral Neoplasene? Aside from the mass, Highway seems to be doing quite well with good appetite, good energy level, high spirits, and is accepting the new diet and supplements regime very well.
Dr. Dressler, I would greatly appreciate any advise and recommendations that you can offer me for Highway. Thank you for all your efforts to help our beloved dogs.
Stephanie
Hi Stephanie
I am sorry to hear about your dog’s nasal tumor. 🙁
I would discuss not only what you have already begun, but also possibly palladia or piroxicam. If using piroxicam, drop the apocaps to 1/4 -1/2 the labeled dose, and discuss all these steps with your vet. I would yes, also consider low dose oral neoplasene along with an anti emetic like mirtazapine.
I would also consider perhaps doxycycline under veterinary supervision…you will need to hit this hard as these tend to be aggressive.
Hope this helps
D
Hi, I would like your input on how I am treating my dog Sammy. He had his spleen out about 3 weeks ago., a small tumor was bleeding into his abdomen. The surgeon saw a tiny nodule on his liver so he biopsies that. Both the spleen tumor and liver came back positive for hermangiosarcoma. The Dr. Told me that Sam has about 3-6 months of a quality life until the liver starts to bleed as the spleen did.
I am now taking a holistic approach. Sam is no longer eating his Pro Plan dry, he is getting all meat and veggies. (I have noticed that there is a lot less stool to pick up.) the Dr. I spoke with advised of the diet., we put him on Artemisinin, wearepulsing that.,so many Dayton, so many off etc. The next step is to start the Neoplasene. I just received this yesterday from the receptionist., I did not speak to the Dr. About any side effects etc. But she did hand me a paper with the website LeonbergerHealth.com and told me to research and read it. What I have is a liquid. Can I put this liquid on a treat that he loves to get him to eat it? (Chewy and Stella’s freeze dried treats.) VERY HEALTHY.
Also, I found a great product that will pull all toxins from your body and have started Sam on that. It’s called Zeolite, in the powder form. He can take this with other things and has no side effects. I asked the receptionist to tell the Dr. About this, but I haven’t heard a word from her. I expressed my feelings in an email that this is all new to me and I do not want anything to happen to our son. He is 7, a lab mix.
I was told no carbs etc., however was just told yesterday to give him mainly sweet potatoes with other veggies and meat once we start the Neoplasene. Sam is great at spitting out the veggies. I cooked up broccoli, kale,cauliflower for him. He is starting to catch on!
I thank you for your input. I want to know if what Iam doing is good for Sam, I feel like I alone with this treatment sine the Dr. Seems a little hard to get a hold of anther emails are quite short.
Sam is also on an Immunity Booster.
Thank you!!!!!!!
Any pointers you can give me would be wonderful.
Dear Dr. Dressler
neoplasene and apocaps combo: I have read a previous post where it was stated that both were used simultaneously in dogs with serious conditions. Today we started neoplasene and we’ve already been on apocaps for 4 days. Our male standard neutered poodle, age 9, is s/p splenetomy, DX lymphoma with 2 rounds of chemo which our vet assured us would not be beneficial after a subsequent DX of poorly differentiated cells in the synovial fluid of his RFE, sudden onset of lameness, indicating osteo. I started him on your diet suggestions and purchased the cancer information package. Today he received a dilaudid IM and fentanyl patch. I’m just not sure what to do. I have seriously considered euthanasia, but he is fighting so hard and his appetite remains phenomenol. He has 5 pack siblings. Radiation due to begin on Thursday and on and on and on. What should I do, really, I do not want regrets haunting me. Thank you for all that you do for the critters!
Dear Rebecca,
so sorry to hear this tough news. Be sure you are using mirtazapine or some other potent anti emetic or you will risk some pretty serious tummy issues with oral neoplasene. Having said that I have been using the combo of oral neoplasene with apocaps pretty frequently for about a year now and things seem OK…but as usual have your vet supervise all you are doing to be safe. Let us know how it is going and don’t forget immune support and I might throw in some extra silymarin with the radiation, personally.
Dr D
My Golden Retriever who is 9yrs old, was just diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma. We were able to remove 95%of the tumor on his heart valve yesterday. Hoping the recovery of the surgery continues to go well, and in the meantime we’ve been starting to look into different treatments to stop the cancer from spreading/growing as quickly. Chemo has been the main option. Just wondering if anyone has used neoplasene for hemangiosarcoma tumor on the heart? I’ve read a bit into Addies story which is quite remarcable. but from I can tell she just had the tumor on the spleen. Not sure if it could have the same positive effects on my boy. Anybody who can help or throw any advice my way, please do! I’m willing to try anything to keep my boy up and going as long as his quality of life doesn’t go down.
Dear Erin
I would be leaning towards Apocaps, low dose oral neoplasene combined with mirtazapine, metronomic palladia possibly, and either ImYunity or K-9 immunity with transfer factor..and of course diet…all under veterinary supervision….
I would read the Guide as each is discussed.
I hope this helps
DR D
My 14 year old Pyranees has a tumor on the side of his neck. My vet suspects cancer but, waiting on test results. She has suggested neoplase instead of surgery. At his age would he do better with neoplase than surgery? Is neoplase painful when eating through the tumor. I know my dog is older but, can’t give up on him.
My Siberian Husky was recently diagnosed with nasal carcinoma. The tumor fills her entire right nasal cavity (with turbinate destruction), and in some areas, the left as well. Radiation is not an option where I live, so I have been searching for other options. I went to a holistic vet, who recommended to start her on different Chinese medicines (Max’s formula, Stasis breaker, and mushrooms). I am a little bit skeptical because I don’t understand how the different Chinese medicines work on the body, and I can’t really find much information on them. I have also read about Neoplasene. Do you have any thoughts on “alternative” therapies for a dog with nose cancer? Thanks so much!
My 12yr old husky has nasal cancer, he weights around 47 lbs. currently he is on antirobe and previous and takes thyroid pills. Currently he is running jumping eating and very happy. We can’t afford radiation or chemo so our vet recommended neoplasene to be taken orally. I don’t know what to do I am reading to many conflicting statements on this drug. Please I don’t want to cause him any pain when he isn’t in any, yet I want to shrink the cancer if I can. I have pain meds for when the time comes should he be in pain,but not sure if I should keep him on his current meds or try Neoplasene. This dog is my child I don’t want to do anything to harm him,and I am afraid to do nothing. Help thanks
Dear Kimberly,
always use an anti emetic med for vomiting with that treatment, i use mirtazapine. Discuss with your vet please. Secondly, I would start here for more optionsL
https://www.dogcancerblog.com/blog/an-overview-of-what-else-can-i-do/
Other options to discuss are apocaps (i usually use half dose with neoplasene), high dose IV vitamin C, diet, beta glucans, and so on.
I hope this helps
Dr D
If Kathy is still using this blog, I would be very keen to know how successful the neoplasene bladder infusion was with her dog. Would really appreciate any feedback, as I considering this for our dog, Logan.
Kind regards
Garry
“dog was diagnosed with a TCC bladder tumor. My vet has been treating him with 5mg piroxicam and bladder infusion therapy of neoplasene. ………….
Thank you,
Kathy”
I used Neoplasene for my 6 year old Lab who had a mast cell tumor on her belly. It was amazing. We injected the medicine around the tumor and within the week, it started to eat away the cancer cells and leave the healthy cells alone. I watched it with my own eyes! My dod was only uncomfortable for about an hour but after that she never felt any pain. It did leave a 2 inch hole in her belly but all I had to do was keep it clean and it closed up on its own within a month. Now, we have a 9 year old German Shepherd with bone cancer. We are trying it orally. It’s too soon to tell if it is working but so far he is in great spirits, eating healthy, no problems with breathing and still wants to play. Yes, he is limping and not using his leg, but that is because the tumor in in his front shoulder. He is currently on one pain pill a day just in case.
Dear Terry, good to hear this news.
Just for your information, there may be some other steps you would want to take that can help your dog:
https://www.dogcancerblog.com/blog/an-overview-of-what-else-can-i-do/
I hope this helps
Dr D