Can holistic treatments fight cancer in dogs?

Dr. Chretin is an advocate of holistic treatments and doesn’t discourage pawrents from pursuing this type of care, as long as pawrents are talking to a qualified practitioner and remain aware that holistic care cannot replace what western medicine does.

“Any good holistic practitioner is going to tell an owner what they can offer, not replace what western medicine does.”

Holistic care is not going to replace chemotherapy, or surgery, and if pawrents are talking to a practitioner who says their methods can replace these things, go somewhere else.

But for any pawrent who asks about combining holistic care with western medicine, Dr. Chretin says “I tell them ‘absolutely!’ Odds are you’re not going to hurt (the dog) and if they’re willing, I say more power to you!”

 At VCA Animal Hospital West L.A., Dr. Chretin works in conjunction with on-site holistic practitioners who treat his patients, which keeps the lines of communication open so both doctors know exactly how a patient is being treated. About 30 percent of Dr. Chretin’s patients are also being treated with holistic medicine.

 The jury is still out as to whether or not holistic care actually improves quality of life and fights cancer, but Dr. Chretin says “I think it’s a matter of time before we have a landslide of studies that say “yeah, that is the way to go. It’s not going to be across the board . . . I don’t know where it’s going to take off to, but there is something to it.”

Watch Dr. Chretin Discuss His View on Holistic Therapy

Click here to view the embedded video.

Dr. Chretin has treated enough cases (like Reno, in the following video) to know that sometimes holistic care can make a difference, although nobody knows for sure. Still, he cautions pawrents to keep in mind that in his experience, probably less than half the holistic treatments available can actually do something for dogs with cancer.

 Dr. Chretin’s Team Helps Reno Beat the Odds

One of Dr. Chretin’s many long-term success stories is Reno, a three-year survivor of osteosarcoma who’s lived with lung mets for the last two years.

Earlier this year, Reno told us about his experience with chemotherapy, metronomic protocol and mushroom therapy.

In the following video, his dad explains what the family went through when Reno was diagnosed, why he pursued amputation and chemotherapy at VCA Animal Hospital West Los Angeles Oncology Center and how Reno and the family are coping with life on three legs.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Thank You Dr. Chretin and VCA Animal Hospital

This is the last in our series of video interviews with Dr. Chretin at VCA Animal Hospital West Los Angeles. Check out more of Dr. Chretin’s informative advice about canine bone cancers, such as:

• Cisplatin and Doxorubicin Side Effects in Dogs
• Canine Chondrosarcoma and Chemotherapy
• Bone Cancer Tumors and Treatment Options for Dogs

Tripwds sends sincere thanks to Dr. Chretin and his helpful staff for allowing us to bring this impawtant information to you!

Recommended Reading

• Learn about holistic and alternative medicine at the National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine..
• Find a holistic vet at the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association website directory.
•  Tripawds Nutrition Blog

Trying to envision 10 year-old, 150 pound Cane Corso living life as a canine amputee while battling bone cancer, was difficult for Fortis’ vet to imagine.  He only gave Fortis a “4″ out of “10″ in rating him as a candidate for amputation.

But Fortis’ Dad, Brett, knew better. He knew that Fortis had the drive and enthusiasm to face any obstacle, head on and with dignity. “Fortis,” says Brett, “Is my hero, my best friend, and I love him more than words permit. He is a fighter for sure. . .”

Nearly one year later, Fortis has beaten the odds, despite a leg injury and even after lung mets were discovered.

Fortis celebrated his 11 month ampuversary yesterday.

On behalf of this entire community, we send our love and biggest hoppy dances out to Fortis in Austin, Texas!

How Fortis Fights Cancer

We asked Brett if he could share some of the facts surrounding Fortis’ diagnosis, treatments, and his overall philosophy for coping with bone cancer. Here’s what he had to say:

Type of cancer: Osteosarcoma

Diagnosed: 01/23/2010, right rear leg amputated on February 3, 2010.

Age: 10 yrs

Chemo Treatments? Chemo was not given mainly for two reasons. First, I wasn’t totally convinced of its effectiveness. Secondly, Fortis injured his remaining knee shortly after his surgery.

I was not going to put him through another surgery. I felt there was a high likelihood that his body would fail him before the cancer reappeared.

Of course, I was wrong and this hasn’t been the case. So now, I am left with wonder as to whether I made the right choice. I have really struggled with this subject. I go back and forth on how I feel about chemo. I’m not positive I even know for sure what I would decide today if the journey was just beginning.

Lung Mets Discovered: 08/13/2010

Medications: NSAID’s Rimadyl, Deramaxx, and Piroxicam, Fentanyl Patch and Tramadol (for post surgery pain relief), Zeniquin and Cephalexin (Antibiotics), Beano and Pepcid AC (for gas and upset stomach), Prednisolone (started on 09/03/2010 “lung met burst”). Accupunture and chiropractic treatments (monthly).

No side effects.

Fortis’ Diet and Supplements? Wellness Core Grain Free Kibbles (main diet), Wellness wellbites and biscuits, NB Beef log, raw meat (as snacks and treats), Glucosamine (Joints), K-9 Immunity, K9 Transfer Factor, K9 Omega (Initially were given)

What Do You Contribute Fortis’ Longevity To?

I suppose I would most contribute Fortis’ longevity to love, prayer and the stress free environment we have tried so hard to give him.

Secondly, early detection and the amputation. The amputation removed the main tumor and Fortis’ end would have surely come much earlier otherwise.

I also feel the chiropractic and acupuncture treatments have helped to keep him as mobile as possible.

Lastly, I feel an active lifestyle has greatly contributed to his longevity.

The consistent swimming, car rides, trips to the park, and outdoor time around the house has aided in weight control, muscle tone, and most importantly an energetic, alert and high spirited Fortis in my opinion!

Brett and Fortis’ Advice for Coping with Bone Cancer

My advice would be to educate yourself and your family as much as possible.

Tripawds is not only a great source of information but the compassion and support of this wonderful community will give you strength and comfort during the tough times.

Seek second opinions when possible and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Knowledge is your greatest defense against fear, guilt, and worry. Don’t let these emotions rob you of your joy and happiness. Remember, there are no right or wrong choices.

Here is Maggie’s story about life as a Tripawd, as told by her Mom Tracy. Maggie is one of the  many dogs here whose pawrent opted for holistic care instead chemotherapy treatments, and she continues to beat the odds.

Click here to view the embedded video.

What type of cancer does Maggie have?
Soft tissue sarcoma to left rear knee (never found out exactly what type but several ruled out – even after several special stains)

When was she diagnosed?
October 12, 2009

How old was she then?
9 1/2 years old

What kind of treatment does Maggie receive to help fight cancer?
Three homeopathic daily remedies rotating each day, twice per day by Dr. Charles Loops in North Carolina:

• Sempervivum Tectorum LM4
• Lapis Albus LM4
• Carc-P 200C+

Each time I run out, Dr. Loops refills them only in a higher potency. She also gets for supplements:

• Transfer Factors
• Mushrooms
• Omega 3 Oil
• Maritime Pine Bark herbal tincture
• Apocaps

Does she experience any side effects from the therapy?
No.

What does Maggie eat?
Honest Kitchen premixes with additional meat of Primal frozen grinds or locally grown ground beef. The premixes I feed her are the lowest carb diets of Preference , Thrive and Embark.

What does Maggie think about life on three legs and living with cancer?

It was a rough road at first for Maggie with a low grade fever and off her food for 2 weeks after amputation. But after that finally broke and she started eating, life has been improving since!

It has also been a long road to gaining her stamina back but with the help of doing PT work on her and not overdoing our walks, she has returned to the “old Maggie” only now on 3 legs…3 healthy legs.

Our walks are far shorter but I think she’s OK with that. I think she’s very happy to still be here and we have had a great summer/fall…far better than last summer/fall when trying to figure out what was wrong with her and dealing with MUCH pain.

Name 3 Things that contributed to her longevity

If you mean since being a Tripawd, I guess I would say

• CONTINUING on how I have always taken care of Maggie all her life.
• Good real/raw foods, VERY minimal vaccines and topical chemicals or internal chemicals.
• She also has been very lean and fit her entire life.

Do you  have any advice for new members facing a cancer diagnosis?

“After the initial shock and emotions of getting the diagnosis, get to work figuring out your plan of attack for YOUR dog. Always think of QUALITY versus QUANTITY. Think of the DOG. Don’t think of the human part of the equation.”

Bravo Maggie!

If you would like to submit your Triumphant Tripawd’s story, contact us today for details. We can’t wait to read your tails!

Here are some highlights from recent blog posts:

Cool Gifts for Tripawds community

• Tripawd Chloe designed the first Tripawds Tribute t-shirt for Team Tripawds to wear at the Morris Animal Foundation K9 Cancer Walk in Los Gatos, CA on 10/10. Walk with Team Tripawds in spirit and order yours today.
• Get your official Tripawds Rule! Bandanna for the low price of whatever you can afford!
• Goldens, Labs and German Shepherds are now featured in our latest Tripawds propaganda.

Tripawds Nutrition and Health

• Strengthen your Tripawd’s bones with Synflex, a premium glucosamine arthritis supplement made in the USA.
• Learn how Wysong’s new starch-free, high protein kibble can help your dog fight cancer
• Aloha Medicinals has cancer care kits with items to help fight canine cancer care at home.

Gear for Tripawds on the Go

• Power Paws dog socks give better traction on slippery surfaces at home
• Forget the old school post-surgery satellite dish collars, now there’s better alternatives to the Cone of Shame
• Ease your dog’s weary bones and post-surgery swelling with Bella’s Pain Relief Pack, a hot/cold pack made just for dogs.

Download Useful Tripawd Tips and More

• Dr. Dressler, author of the Dog Cancer Survival Guide, has a free e-book about diet and nutrition for Tripawds with cancer.
• Did you know that chiropractic care can help your Tripawd live a more comfortable life? Watch Fortis get chiropractic care and read how it works for him.
• Why is it that some Tripawds come home from surgery with staples, and others come home with stitches? Learn more from our 2010 Tripawds Amputation Survey.

Bargains for Tripawds from Amazon.com

• Big dogs can save until 9/30 on Dr. Dressler’s Apocaps cancer fighting immune system supplement with a special coupon code redeemable at Amazon.
• Learn exercise and rehab tips with how-to dog massage and physical therapy books.
• Set aside some leisure reading time with Last Dog on the Hill, a book about a remarkable dog named Lou who will met your heart with his story of fearlessness and dedication.

These Tripawds blogs are here to help you make the best decisions about living life with your Tripawd. Since Tripawds can receive a small commission through products purchased via these blogs, they also help support this community. Even if you don’t buy the product we specifically mention but do end up buying something from that storefront, your purchase will still benefit Tripwds.

If you have any tips, product recommendations or news that you want to share with us, please do, and we’ll mention it the appropriate blogs. Thanks!

Join the forum discussion on this topic.

Pawrents who are unfamiliar with veterinary oncology practices are sometimes under the assumption that oncology care is intent on curing cancer at any cost. But this misconception couldn’t be further from the truth. Preserving quality of life is always the number one priority of veterinary oncology practitioners, like Dr. Mona Rosenberg’s team at the Veterinary Cancer Group of Southern California.

The Veterinary Cancer Group’s doctors and staff work with clients to determine the most effective treatments that can ensure the highest quality of life for every patient. If one method fails to sustain a good quality of life, other options can always be explored to ensure as happy and healthy life as possible.

One of these options is known as the Metronomic Protocol, or low-dose continuous chemotherapy (LDC). This therapy works by preventing blood-vessel proliferation by the tumor, starving it of nutrients that enable it to grow and spread.

(Read about Tripawd Founder Jerry’s Metronomic Protocol experience here).

In the last of our three part interview series with Dr. Mona Rosenberg (founder of the Veterinary Cancer Group of Southern California) she discusses the Metronomic Protocol. She also presents her approach for using nutritional supplements while undergoing cancer care treatments, and the importance of living with cancer, instead of living in fear of it.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Tripawds sincerely thanks Dr. Rosenberg and her staff at the Veterinary Cancer Group for allowing us to bring this important information to you.

Since 1992, the Veterinary Cancer Group of Southern California has been committed to taking the fear out of cancer and providing in-depth information and access to the latest treatments.

The Veterinary Cancer Group is the largest, most comprehensive and sophisticated veterinary oncology practice in the world, staffed by leading board-certified medical and radiation oncologists, oncology residents, technicians, assistants and client care specialists. Learn more about the Veterinary Cancer Group of Southern California by visiting their website at vetcancergroup.com

Catch the other two parts of our Veterinary Cancer Group series:

Chemotherapy Session for Daisee Dog

Canine Bone Cancer News with Dr. Mona Rosenberg

Please take a moment to complete Part One below. Submit it by midnight on Sunday, February 21st and you’ll be entered into a drawing where one lucky pawrent will get a $10 Café Cash gift certificate valid for any Café Press items including Tripawds apparel and gifts!

Upon submission of the Tripawds Treatment Survey below will be redirected to Part 2, which covers cancer-specific concerns. Stay tuned for regular updates with interesting findings from this ongoing survey, here in Jerry’s blog and his three legged dog discussion forums.

NOTE: Please be sure to take Part II of this very impawtant survey too! Tripawds Treatment Survey, Part II

cforms contact form by delicious:days

Earlier this year, Dr. Dressler came out with his first e-book, the Dog Cancer Survival Guide. While not specific to bone cancers that affect many of us, this is a 300 page PDF filled with information that presents the latest findings in suspected causes of cancer, treatment options, nutrition and supplements, and kindhearted advice to help you stay strong throughout it all.

We recommend this book because it’s as much a resource guide as it is a mental health guide for coping with canine cancer cancer. Using the old adage “You must put on your own oxygen mask first,” Dr. Dressler explains why your mental health is mission critical.

“”You must get into a state of mind where you can be most effective as your dog’s primary caregiver. You have some big decisions to make, and they require a clear mind. Your ability to focus and be totally available to your dog — who really needs you — is your number one job.”

In a step-by-step, straightforward manner targeted at the layperson who has just learned that their dog has cancer, he turns complex information into easy summaries the layperson can understand and utilize, such as: what are some suspected causes of cancer, questions to ask your vet, what a pathologist’s report is and why you need a copy, financing treatment and more. You’ll learn basic cancer terms, causes, and why your dog’s immune system is his own best defense.

Because the book is for anyone coping with canine cancer, it covers eight major types of cancers in detail. Later, you’ll learn how Dr. Dressler’s “Full Spectrum Cancer Care Plan” can be tailored specifically to your dog’s health status. You’ll learn what strategies (from chemotherapy to natural medicine) and techniques have scientific studies that support their effectiveness, and the pros and cons of each.

Another thing we liked about the Dog Cancer Survival Guide is, unlike a lot of traditional veterinarians, Dr. Dressler doesn’t ignore  alternative nutrition therapies as a way to combat cancer. He understands that what you feed your dog during his battle with cancer is just as important as what kind of surgery you decide  to have performed. You’ll learn about foods and supplements that can enhance treatments and improve your dog’s quality of life, and how to feed them to your dog.

This book will also help you manage the side effects of most conventional and alternative medicine treatments for canine cancer (did you know you can give your dog fresh ginger to manage nausea?). You’ll learn how to evaluate your dog’s quality of life, and how to figure out when the time is right to set aside cancer weapons and begin hospice care for your beloved companion.

We wholeheartedly endorse Dr. Dressler’s e-book because it’s one of the few we’ve found that addresses all aspects of ways in which you can battle the evil monster called canine cancer. But a word of warning: Dr. Dressler is an eloquent writer. The book’s last chapter, “If Your Dog Could Speak, This is What She Would Say to You,” is a real tearjerker:

“And if their short lives are to be useful, it is to remind us of a few simple facts that we humans forget pretty easily.

‘We are alive. We are breathing. We are here. We are smelling and tasting and the breeze feels good. We are holding each other and we like each other. We play and walk and run. This is good. You are good.”

Be sure to subscribe to our new Tripawds Downloads blog for more e-book reviews and updates about other downloadable resources we find! Have you started your Tripawds Blog yet?

We wanted to get a current picture on the status of how mushroom therapy treatment is doing out there in the real world, so we wrote to my oncologist, Dr. Marie Mullins, who led the K9 Immunity clinical trial that I participated in, when I was patient in 2008 at the Santa Fe Veterinary Cancer center.

With her permission to quote her, here is what Dr. Mullins said about the study:

“The results of the K9 Immunity trial have not yet been published. They were submitted to JAVMA* but rejected (they rarely publish articles on nutriceuticals). They were going to try to get it published in some international mushroom journal (not sure of the exact name) but I have not heard much since then (October 2008 time frame).

The data that I saw was all very preliminary (some of the dogs were still alive). At that point in time, it did not appear to significantly extend survival times but the case numbers were low and statistics lacking.

However, it seemed to overwhelmingly improve their quality of life and protect most of the dogs from untoward chemotherapy side effects.”

In our own limited knowledge about mushroom therapy, we recently learned that mushroom therapy isn’t just something being promoted for dog cancers only. A family friend who is a certified “ND,” a naturopathic doctor, in Washington state, and specializes in holistic cancer treatments, uses mushroom therapy for her own human patients.

It’s so hard to know what is fact and what is fiction when it comes to nutriceuticals, but by posting your stories and experiences with K9 Immunity and other canine cancer therapies here in our Eating Healthy Forums, we can try to help get the official verdict out to the public much sooner.

*Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association

UPDATE: The final results of the Santa Fe Cancer Care clinic’s K9 Immunity Study can be downloaded here as a PDF document.

Join the forum discussion on this topic.

Please note: this information is just based on my own experience, and is not meant to replace advice given to you by your vet or other canine health professional. To read about what other pawrents are feeding their tripawds, please visit our “Eating Healthy” Forums.

Before I got sick, I used to eat a half “BARF” diet (Bones and Raw Foods), and half premium Innova EVO kibble* diet. I  was lean and healthy, and my system was used to good food already. That’s because when I was about four years old, my Mom found out what’s really in commercial dog food. After that, she never fed conventional dog food to me again – that stuff’s bad.

When we learned I had cancer, we wanted to make sure my diet was as healthy as possible. To point us in the right direction, my Mom did more BARF research and attended a BARF class. She also got a great book called Natural Nutrition for Dogs and Cats that helped her find the right combination of a human grade, meat and veggie diet for dogs with cancer.She and Dad decided to focus on a few select type of foods and supplements, which we describe below. There are many other choices out there, please do your research and learn what’s best for your dog’s unique health picture.

After I got sick, I still ate a half-BARF, half kibble diet, but some BARFers don’t advise giving dogs kibble and BARF foods simultaneously, because they say kibble slows down digestion of raw meats. My Mom tried to give me a 100 percent BARF diet for a while, but found that I was getting too skinny.

She started feeding me small amounts of Innova EVO kibble* with supplements mixed in. As an entree, I got various types of raw meat. I never had a problem with digestion, and once I started eating this way, I maintained a perfect weight of 75 pounds.

Please keep in mind that we are not experts, and your dog’s own nutritional needs may be different. We recommend  talking to a holistic nutritional expert and/or learn all you can about BARF before attempting a diet change for your Tripawd. *Also, since the time of this writing, Evo kibble, made by Natura, has been sold to Proctor and Gamble, and we can no longer feel 100 pawcent confident in this grain-free kibble.

My Dog Cancer Diet

My daily regimen changed over the two years I fought cancer, just like the cancer within me evolved. In my case, the osteosarcoma progressed exactly as textbooks describe it. My diet changed at three distinct times while I fought this disease.

Diet Phase 1: November 2006 to March 2008

After Amputation

I was still happy and spunky after amputation, and had a hearty appetite, but I was slightly slower due to the challenges of one missing front leg. I did not have IV chemotherapy. My pawrents believe that my amazingly good health and longevity was due to my healthy diet, before and after my diagnosis.

My routine was always eating one meal a day, so we kept it that way after I was diagnosed. This is the feeding method that worked for me at this time:

Rise & Shine:

Supplements:

• 1 Fish Oil Pill

• 1 Glucosamine pill

Evening Supper

“Meat Nights”:

• 1 Cup cottage cheese, OR a few Tbsp. plain yogurt

• One raw “above ground” veggie: like leaves of a dark leavy green (kale, chard, collards, or spinach), chopped fine, OR shredded zucchini or broccoli

• One raw “below ground” veggie, like some shredded carrots

• Fresh parsley and garlic

• 1.5 cups Innova Evo Kibble

• 1/4 Can Innova Evo

• Some pieces of raw, meaty chicken, beef or turkey, with bones

“Fish Nights”:

• Chunks of cooked fish, like salmon or mackerel

• 1 Cup cottage cheese, OR a few Tbsp. plain yogurt

• One raw “above ground” veggie: like leaves of a dark leavy green (kale, chard, collards, or spinach), chopped fine, OR shredded zucchini or broccoli

• One raw “below ground” veggie, like some shredded carrots

• Fresh parsley and/or garlic

• 1.5 cups Innova Evo Kibble

Nightly Supplements:

• 1 Tbsp. Flax Seed Oil*

• 1 Tbsp. Kelp Powder*

• 1 Tbsp. Alfalfa Powder

• 1 Vitamin C pill*

• 3/4 Tsp. Synflex Glucosamine Supplement for Pets
  

Nightly Medication:

• Metacam (on food, as needed for pain)

Diet Phase 2: March 2008 to September 2008

Metronomic Therapy Cancer Diet for Lung Mets

In March, 2008, sixteen months after I was diagnosed, my pawrents learned I had lung mets.

Soon it became clear that the lung tumors were affecting my stamina, and I went on the Metronomic Protocol. About the only side effect I had from this type of chemotherapy was that I could no longer stomach fish more than once a week. I also ate less dairy products.

Because I was much slower, managing my weight became very important. My food proportions decreased, but I still had a good appetite.

We fought the tumors more aggressively, through the Metronomic Protocol, additional diet supplements and K9 Immunity and K9 Transfer Factor, which I was lucky enough to be in a clinical trial for.

Here’s what my diet looked like …

Rise & Shine:

Morning Supplements:

• 3 Salmon Oil pills
• 1 Glucosamine pill
• K9 Transfer Factor with peanut butter and a healthy treat

Morning Medication:

• Cytoxan chemotherapy pill, every other day, (by mouth)

Evening Supper:

“Meat Nights”:

• 1 Cup cottage cheese, OR a few Tbsp. plain yogurt
• One raw “above ground” veggie: like leaves of a dark leavy green (kale, chard, collards, or spinach), chopped fine, OR shredded zucchini or broccoli
• One raw “below ground” veggie, like some shredded carrots
• Fresh parsley and garlic
• 1.5 cups Innova Evo Kibble
• 1/4 Can Innova Evo

• Some pieces of raw, meaty chicken, beef or turkey, with bones. I had fish about once a week.

Nightly Medication:

• Metacam (on food)
• Doxycycline (half hour before dinner)

Nightly Supplements:

• 1 Tbsp. Flax Seed Oil*
• 1 Tbsp. Powdered Kelp*
• 1 Tbsp. Alfalfa Powder
• 1 Tsp. Super Greens Supplement
• 1 Vitamin C pill*
• K9 Immunity
• 3/4 Tsp. Synflex Glucosamine Supplement for Pets

Diet Phase 3: September 2008 to October 2008

When I Stopped my Metronomic Therapy

At 22 months past my diagnosis, I showed signs of slowing down, had increased coughing and my appetite decreased too. In September, an x-ray of my lungs confirmed what we already suspected: the lung mets had grown exponentially. My lungs were irritated from coughing, which also contributed to my lack of appetite. What was most important at that point, was for me to start eating again. On the recommendation of Dr. Mullins, Mom and Dad discontinued the Metronomic Therapy, since the Cytoxan was no longer keeping the tumors from growing. Also, as a way to get my appetite back, my pawrents cut out most of my supplements, including the K9 Immunity. I was also given various medications to help me feel better. People here also gave great new diet tips. At this point in dealing with a dog’s bone cancer, some people might choose a different approach, like fighting it even more aggressively. But my pawrents and I decided that at this point, it was all about my quality of life and enjoying my food again, instead of continuing to desperately trying to beat the cancer. It wasn’t always easy to get me to eat, and we had a lot of challenges together at this time. Some days, like this one, were better than others. Here’s what I my diet looked like: Rise and Shine Morning Supplements:

• 3/4 Tsp. Synflex Glucosamine Supplement for Pets (it’s beef flavored, so I didn’t mind)

Morning Medication:

• Baytril Antibiotic (only for 14 days…my lungs had become irritated from the coughing, and the doctor thought I could have an underlying infection from it)
• Prednisone corticosteroids, 20 mg. (my pawrents didn’t want to put me on this, as they are aware of the dangers of corticosteroids, but the good doctor suggested that a very low dosage would help alleviate lung irritation, and keep my coughing under control. She was right).
• Carafate & Pepcid AC (for 7 and 14 days, to help any irritation my stomach might be experiencing from the switchover from Metacam to Prednisone. Risks in immediately switching from an NSAID to a Steroid can include gastric irritation and stomach ulcers, and the Pepcid AC can help alleviate any early symptoms).
• Tramadol, 100 mg. (to help calm me down from the increased panting I was experiencing).
• Robitussin DM (sugar free, to help control my coughing)

Lunch:

• Treats, like freeze dried liver
• Robitussin DF
• Tramadol as needed

Evening Supper:

• MEAT: Some pieces of raw, meaty chicken, beef or turkey, with bones (at this point, my stomach couldn’t handle fish any more)
• 1/4 Can moist, stinky food, like venison, elk, or even cat food!
• 1.5 cups Innova Evo Kibble

Nightly Medication:

• 3/4 Tsp. Synflex Glucosamine Supplement for Pets

Bedtime: Nightly Medication:

• Prednisone
• Pepcid AC
• Tramadol
• Robitussin DF

This was my routine until October 3, 2008, when my spirit was set free. We hope you find this information helpful.

Important Notes about My Canine Cancer Dog Diet

• Feeding a high quality, no-grain / low-carb food like Natura’s Innova Evo line is good for cancer patients.
• Kelp, alfalfa and green foods in general are great for dogs with compromised immune systems. Kelp has many essential minerals, and binds with toxins in the gastrointestinal tract to prevent their absorption in the body.
• Fish oils have Omega3 fatty acids, which can help with arthritis, make me more flexible, and keep my cardiovascular system in top shape.
• Vitamin C should not be fed at the same time as fish oil. Give separately (i.e.; morning and evening)
• Organic Cold Pressed Flax Seed Oil is best.
• If your dog has arthritis like Jerry, they may find yummy relief with Zuke’s Power Bones. Zuke’s makes a treat with glucosamine and chondroitin, and they also contribute to the Dog and Cat Cancer Fund.

Save on Supplements – Shop Online:

• See our Syn-Flex glucosamine supplement for dogs product review.
• Kalyx.com: Herbs and All Natural Supplements
• Click to save on quality herbs, vitamins, and natural beauty products from Botanic Choice!
• Shop at MotherNature.com for thousands of all-natural Health & Wellness products.

Further Reading: Canine Cancer Diet Health

• Natural Nutrition for Dogs and Cats
• Earl Mindell’s Nutrition & Health for Dogs: Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy with Natural Preventative Care and Remedies
• Dr. Jane’s Natural Care for a Healthier, Happier Dog
• The Ultimate Diet : Natural Nutrition for Dogs and Cats

Mom and Dad knew about K9 Immunity, but had never tried it before. It’s a supplement made from medicinal mushrooms, that’s supposed to help my immune system out. When I first got sick, they chose to focus on giving me a narrow list of supplements to keep me healthy, so that they could eventually measure the results of my supplement regime against osteosarcoma dogs who had not been on those same supplements.

But then my cancer returned, and Mom and Dad decided to take out the big guns. The Veterinary Cancer Care clinic is doing a clinical trial with K9 Immunity, and I am so happy to report that I was selected for it.

What Are We Trying to Find Out?
The people who make K9 Immunity decided to sponsor this trial, because of the lack of hard evidence out there that immune-boosting supplements like K9 Immunity actually work. At the Veterinary Cancer clinic, patients with canine lymphoma, mast cell tumor, osteosarcoma and splenic hemangiosarcoma are elibigle to receive K9 Immunity at no charge if they met the criteria. Pawrents though, are responsible for follow up tests and the like. Seems like a fair deal to me!

In this study, dogs will get K9 Immunity alongside conventional chemotherapy treatment. Then, the pawrents are responsible for keeping very detailed records about my everyday life. Like, what I ate and when, what my activity level was like, and even what my poo was like!

Participants are evaluated for: Tumor remission status, disease free interval, survival time, conventional therapy side effects, and overall quality of life. The information will be compared to dogs who didn’t receive K9 Immunity. It’s a long-term study and the results won’t be published for at least a year, but I’m so happy to know that I’m helping to fight osteosarcoma.

So far I feel pretty great. I’m not experiencing any side effects from my low-dose chemo, and my energy level is the same as it was before we know about my metastasis. K9 Immunity seems to be working just great, in my book!

Next week I have a follow up appointment at the vet to see how I am doing. I’ll report back then and give you the whole scoop on how K9 Immunity is helping me out.