Cancer
Treatment Options:
Cancer is a dreaded disease that seems to be affecting more
and more pets, especially older dogs and cats. Many vets believe that a
poor diet and increased exposure to chemicals and other environmental pollutants
have led to an increase in cancers in pets.
What is cancer?
Simply put, cancer occurs when cells continue to reproduce
after they have replicated. Rather than self-destruct, cancer cells perish more
slowly or not at all and so their numbers continue to increase. The immune
system plays an important role by identifying and destroying these abnormal
cells. In most cases, the cancer cells are found and eliminated in time, but
sometimes, the cells have replicated so quickly that a tumor forms or some of
the cancer cells break free and move to other areas of the body.
Clinical Signs of Cancer in Dogs and Cats
There are several clinical signs that may indicate the
possibility of cancer:
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Appetite loss
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Weight loss
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Chronic lameness
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Abnormal masses that persist or grow
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Difficulty breathing, eating, urinating, or defecating
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Bleeding or discharge
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Offensive odor coming from any body opening.
Conventional Treatments
Most conventional cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and
radiation, are based on the fact that malignant tumors have a higher rate of
growth and the drugs work by interfering with the cell's DNA synthesis or
function. Because healthy cells go through regular division, these conventional
treatments have an increased incidence of side effects and a limited area of
effectiveness and safety.
There are new classes of drugs that are being researched to
mark the abnormal high dividing cells and therefore destroy only cancer cells.
Another conventional treatment is removing a tumor through
surgery. This can be very effective unless the cancer cells have spread to a new
area.
Using a Holistic Approach
Many animals respond very well to conventional therapies but
the related side effects, long term prognosis, quality of life and other health
issues all need to be considered when looking at treatment options. Holistic
therapies are often used along with conventional treatments to reduce the toxic
effects of chemo drugs and radiation. They help mobilize the immune system to
support the body itself. Nutrition, supplements and acupuncture are all
part of a holistic approach to healing dogs and cats with cancer.
Nutrition
Good nutrition is the foundation for building a strong immune
system. Most commercial pet food is very high in carbohydrates and is generally
too much for a pet's low activity levels. Carbohydrates are much cheaper for pet
food companies and are often used as fillers. Cancer cells use carbohydrates as
their main energy source, leaving a pet with even poorer quality nutrition. A
high protein, low carbohydrate, moderate fat diet should be offered to give the
most optimal nutrition for your pet's health.
Supplements and Herbs
Supplements and western or eastern herbs are also key for
whole body support. Often during chemotherapy or radiation therapy, side effects
cause loss of appetite, lethargy and suppress the white blood cell counts.
Immune supplements can help pets recover from treatment faster and with more
energy.
There are compounds in some herbs that have been studied and
found to stimulate specific immune cells in the body that attack and destroy
cancer cells. This often results in a more favorable outcome for the pet's
overall quality and length of life. Look for these herbs:
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Astragalus - Studies have shown that it helps to restore
immune system functioning and suppress tumor growth in cancer patients.
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Echinacea - Benefits immune functioning and as a tonic for
the lymphatic system.
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Ashwagandha - Has anti-tumor properties that can help
prevent or slow the development of tumors.
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Milk Thistle - A widely researched herb that has been shown
to restore liver functioning. Milk thistle contains silymarin, a powerful
antioxidant that helps in detoxifiying the liver. This herb is often
recommended to counteract the harmful effects of prescription drugs and
vaccinations.
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Reishi Mushrooms - Enhance immune modulators and inhibit
the growth of cancer cells.
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Selenium - An antioxidant that protects cell membranes and
slows down the hardening of tissues due to oxidation.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been found to help suppress pain and
inflammation and effects neurologic function and so will often work with both
conventional and non-traditional therapies. A trained and licensed practitioner
will determine the treatment points carefully so as not to stimulate activity of
a cancer cells. In many cases,, acupuncture will be used to correct the
underlying imbalance of the body that initiated the cancer. It is also commonly
used for the secondary pain and loss of appetite that often occurs with cancer.
Traditional Chinese
Veterinary Medicine, is a holistic, natural approach to evaluating and
treating your pet. Conventional medicine tends to look at the symptoms
and then address the problem by trying to alleviate those symptoms.
Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine looks at the individual symptoms of
each pet, and tries to figure out why those symptoms are present.
The root cause of those symptoms is addressed and if the treatment is
successful, the symptoms subside.
During your first appointment, I will perform a
veterinary examination to determine how many treatments are necessary to
give your pet optimal results as well as discuss diet and herbal medication
options. In addition, I consult with your family veterinarian to
provide total health care for your pet. |
