Greyhounds as Companions Medical

reyhounds as Companions
Medical Topics
Table of Contents
Canine Lymphoma
Ticks & Tick Borne Diseases

CANINE LYMPHOMA
by Donald F. Dries, DVM Canine lymphoma, also called lymphosarcoma, is a cancer primarily affecting the lymph nodes of the dog. This cancer is the most common "leukemia" in dogs, and can also involve other organs of the body including the liver, spleen and bone marrow. Most dogs affected are middle to old aged, and can be of either sex. Any breed, including greyhounds, can be affected, but the common breeds involved are poodles, boxers, German shepherds, bassets, and St. Bernards.

The definitive cause of canine lymphoma is not known. Certain theories have been advanced, such as viral, genetic, and carcinogenic causes, but there is no proof regarding any of these speculations.

Canine lymphoma can take several forms and is classified into five main categories, according to the parts of the body affected:

Multicentric lymphoma is the most common form with the main abnormality being enlargement of the glands in the throat, neck, armpits, groin, and behind the knees. Many times the animal has no other problems, but can also show nonspecific signs like lack of appetite, weight loss, increased drinking and urinating, swelling of the extremities or listlessness.

Alimentary lymphoma involves the glands of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, and spleen. This form can be associated with vomiting and diarrhea.

Mediastinal lymphoma is the form involving enlarged glands within the chest cavity. These can lead to symptoms of respiratory distress, lack of appetite, and weakness.

Cutaneous lymphoma is an uncommon manifestation of this disease that produces multiple en-larged nodules of cancer within the skin. This type of lymphoma can mimic other forms of skin disease because it often starts out with itching and eczema that later develops into the skin nodules of various sizes.

Extranodal form is the rarest form of the disease and includes other areas of cancer involvement in the eyes, bones, brain, bladder, and spinal cord.

The diagnosis of lymphoma begins with the veterinarian performing a complete physical examination, as well as assessing the symptoms observed by the owner. Other tests are performed as well, depending on the form of the disease and the location and extent of the disease, including blood and urine tests, lymph node and bone marrow biopsies, and x-ray and ultrasound exams. All this is done to assess how sick the patient is and how far advanced the disease has become. Many other diseases can mimic canine lymphoma, so careful evaluation must be done to make an accurate diagnosis. It is important not to panic, should you observe enlarged glands in your dog, as it could be caused by one of any number of conditions.

Once a definitive diagnosis is made, a treatment plan is then determined that best fits the patient. Sometimes surgery and radiation therapy are employed, but the mainstay of canine lymphoma treatment is chemotherapy. Most people confronted with the prospect of chemotherapy for their pet think of the suffering endured by human patients going through chemotherapy. Dogs, however, are surprising tolerant of the drugs, and show little, if any, sickness while undergoing chemotherapy. Many different protocols involving different drugs given at various dose intervals are used to treat lymphoma. There has not been a determination as to which drug regimen is superior; many different treatment protocols result in success. In general, dogs are monitored regularly, and given chemotherapy for approximately fifteen weeks. Most dogs will show a significant response after the first treatment, often with the glands returning to normal size within the first week. Side effects of the treatments are few, but may include lethargy, mild temporary hair or whisker loss, and red urine. These problems are generally mild and are not reasons to deny your pet chemotherapy. Chemotherapy must still be respected for what it is- a powerful, toxic drug that kills tissue and can produce serious side effects. Canine lymphoma is essentially an incurable cancer, but the life of a dog can be extended by six to twenty four months with early detection and treatment. The cost of care and treatment for a dog diagnosed with canine lymphoma is considerable, often exceeding $1500-$2000. Most dogs, however, experience a complete remission for extended periods of time and have significantly improved quality of life during the additional time they are given by their treatment.

TICKS AND MAJOR TICK BORNE INFECTIOUS DISEASES- Donald F. Dries, DVM

T

TICK BIOLOGY AND LIFE CYCLE
Ticks are blood feeding external parasites that infest mammals, birds, and reptiles. There are approximately 850 species of ticks worldwide, however, only three major species inhabit the Capital Region of New York State. Ticks transmit a wide variety of pathogenic organisms to dogs including bacteria, rickettsia, spirochetes, protozoa, and viruses. Some of the diseases of current interest to greyhound owners include, Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, Babesiosis, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
Ticks have three distinct stages in their life cycle. Larval stages emerge from the initial egg stage, and immediately obtain a blood meal from its first host (animal, person, etc.) They then molt from the six- legged larvae to the eight- legged nymph stage and feed again on another animal host. The nymph then molts again, into the adult tick stage, takes yet another blood meal, mates, and finally lays up to 1,000 eggs in the environment to start the life cycle again. This cycle can take one to two years depending on species of ticks and environmental conditions.
Ticks seek out their victims by a behavior called “questing”. Questing ticks crawl up the stems of tall grass and bushes, perching on the edges of the plants with their front feet extended. Certain biochemical signals from the target animals passing by stimulate the ticks to “quest” and become attached to the target animal.
Once on the animal, each stage of the tick feeds for several days to several weeks, depending on such factors as life stage, host type, and species of tick. The tick expands from 200-600 times their unfed body weight during a blood meal. Ticks are very hardy and can live through extremes of starvation and harsh climatic conditions. Many will survive to the next stage of their life cycle without a blood meal for several months.
It is obvious how ticks are highly successful at transmitting serious infectious disease by the nature of their hardiness and the biology of their life cycle. Ticks can “drink up” serious pathogens into their bodies, where they will remain dormant until the tick finds its next blood meal; finally “injecting” the victim with disease causing organisms.

TICK SPECIES OF THE CAPITAL DISTRICT AREA

American Dog Tick (Dermacentor sp)
These ticks are a larger species and are seen on dogs more often in the spring and summer. These ticks are reported to spread Babesiosis and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. These ticks are identified by their white variegated pattern on their backs.

Brown Dog Tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineous)
There are generally spring and summer ticks, and are somewhat larger in size. These ticks are known to spread Ehrlichiosis and Babesiosis.
Deer Tick (Ixodes scapularis/dammini)
These are the ticks that spread Lyme disease and Ehrlichiosis. They are somewhat small, with larvae and nymphs hardly visible. These pests are extremely successful because they are “three host ticks”, and will feed on a different host at each stage of their life cycle including humans, dogs, mice, deer, etc. These ticks can be active from September all the way through a mild winter into March or April. The entire life cycle takes two years to complete.

TICK CONTROL
Tick control is, at best, only marginal in the environment. Chemical extermination is not effective or practical. Cutting back heavy brush is helpful, but not the total answer either, as ticks will live in shorter grass and lawns as well. Humans can control ticks on themselves by wearing long sleeves, long pants, and cuffs tucked into high socks.
Control of ticks on dogs can be accomplished by using various insecticide preparations, such as fipronil topical liquid (Frontline) or collars containing amitraz (Preventic). DEET topical preparations don’t seem to be effective on dogs.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN SPOTTED FEVER
DEFINITION AND CAUSES
A rickettsial microorganism that is spread by the American Dog Tick causes Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF). The disease is mainly found in the southeast, but can be diagnosed anywhere in the United States. RMSF gets its name from the rash it gives humans, but this doesn’t seem to happen in dogs.
PATHOLOGY
Dogs infected with RMSF can show evidence of hemorrhage, have swollen glands and enlarged spleens. The German Shepard dog and Husky seem to be more susceptible to this disease than other breeds of dogs.
CLINICAL SIGNS
The course of illness is generally short and consists of signs including fever, lack of appetite, weight loss, and dehydration. Dogs can also become depressed and lame. In addition, swollen glands, hemorrhages in the skin, and neurological signs can occur.

DIAGNOSIS
This disease occurs mainly from March to October when the American Dog Tick is active. An IFA (immunoflorescent antibody) test can be performed on the blood to evaluate exposure, but can be hard to evaluate.

DISEASE THAT MIMIC RMSF
1. Ehrlichiosis
2. Autoimmune disease, leukemia, lymphomas, etc.
TREATMENT
Doxycycline antibiotics are prescribed at a dose of 5mg/lb for 7-14 days. Other supportive care is given as needed, including fluids and nutritional support. RMSF is generally quick to respond to treatment, with dogs feeling better in a day or two. If not treated, however, this is a potentially fatal disease.

BABESIOSIS
DEFINITION AND CAUSES
Babesiosis is caused by a protozoan parasite Babesia that is distributed worldwide. In the United States, most cases are seen in the southwest and gulf coast states, but can be seen anywhere due to the mobility of society and their pets. Transmission is mainly by the Brown Dog Tick.
PATHOLOGY
The tick needs to feed on the dog for a two to three day period to transmit the organism. Once the Babesia enters the blood stream, it enters the red blood cells directly, causing them to break apart and produce what is called hemolytic anemia.
CLINICAL SIGNS
The signs of the disease are related to the anemia produced including fever, jaundice, pale membranes, enlarged liver, and spleen. Dogs become listless, loose weight, and stop eating.
DIAGNOSIS
Two test are generally used:
1. An IFA (immuniflourescent antibody) test is performed to test the animal’s immune response to the organism. A 1:80 titer is diagnostic.
2. Microscopic examination of blood smears may reveal the actual organism, especially if the blood is obtained from the capillary blood of the dog’s ear tips.
DISEASES THAT MIMIC BABESIOSIS
1. Hemolytic anemia
2. Autoimmune diseases
3. Hemobartenellosis

TREATMENT
Imidocarb is a recently approved injectable drug for the treatment of Babesiosis. It is a powerful medication and must be used with care. Doxycycline and clinimycin antibiotics have also been used before Imidocarb was available. The success rate for treating this disease is generally favorable. Supportive care for the anemia, such as blood transfusions may need to be given in severe cases.

EHRLICHIOSIS
DEFINITION AND CAUSE
Ehrlichiosis is a worldwide tick borne disease caused by the rickettsial organism Ehrlichia. It is spread in the United States by the Brown Dog Tick.
PATHOLOGY
Three stages of the disease are recognized:
1. An acute phase lasts from two to four weeks where dogs acquire the infection and the organism multiples in the mononuclear cells of the blood and bone marrow. At this time the dog may develop anemia, low white blood cell count, low platelet counts, and increase in liver enzyme levels.
2. A sub clinical phase may last for extended periods, sometimes years. This is when the dog will develop the antibody levels that are helpful in the diagnosis of the disease.
3. A chronic phase is when the animal’s immune system is exhausted and leads ultimately to complete bone marrow failure, organ failure and death.
CLINICAL SIGNS
Signs include depression, lack of appetite, lethargy, weight loss, and fever. Dogs also have pale gums, bleeding tendencies, swollen glands, and enlarged spleens, as well as neurological problems, swelling of the extremities, and sometimes inflammation of the eyes.
DIAGNOSIS
Four tests are helpful in establishing a diagnosis, but are not foolproof:
1. An IFA (immunoflourescent antibody) test is used to measure the dog’s immune level to the Ehrlichia. A 1:80 level is considered positive.
2. A Western Blot assay is a sophisticated electrophoresis test of the proteins produced as a result of the infection. This test is not generally available, except for research purposes.
3. The PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test is a DNA test that positively identifies the Ehrlichia organism in the blood. A positive test is conclusive, but a negative test doesn’t rule out infection.
4. A stained blood smear can be examined to look for the organism directly, but positive results are rare.

OTHER DISEASES THAT MIMIC EHRLICHIOSIS
1. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
2. Other diseases that produce bone marrow suppression like leukemia, lymphoma, etc.
3. Babesiosis

TREATMENT
Medical therapy consists of Doxycline antibiotic at a dose of 5 mg/lb for 10 days up to two or more months. Supportive care must also be used in severe cases, including blood transfusion and fluid therapy.

LYME DISEASE
DEFINITION AND CAUSE
Lyme disease is caused by a spirochete bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi, that is contracted by the bite of the Deer Tick, as well as possibly other species of ticks. Lyme disease was first identified in Lyme, Connecticut in 1975, and is now the most common tick borne disease in the United States. The highest incidence is in the northeast and is growing in incidence in the Capital District area of New York State.
PATHOLOGY
Most cases of Lyme disease occur during March through November when the Deer Tick is most active. The greatest chance of exposure occurs in young, active, outdoor dogs.
Lyme disease is spread because the immature Deer Ticks feed on the white footed mouse, which is the reservoir for the Lyme bacteria.
CLINICAL SIGNS
Lyme disease may have no signs at all in many animals. Only a small percentage of animals actually develop signs; and then only after a 2-5 month period after exposure. Signs of the disease include a fever of 103 to 106, and a lack of appetite. Joint pain, particularly of the wrists, elbows, knees, and ankles appears, but generally the joints don’t swell excessively. Sometimes the lymph glands become enlarged, but the large red rash that humans exhibit does not seem to appear in dogs.
DISEASES THAT MIMIC LYME DISEASE
1. Ehrlichiosis
2. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
3. Other disease of joints, including various forms of arthritis.
DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
Several tests are used in the diagnostic process including:
1. IFA ( immunoflourescent antibody) test. This test measures the dog’s antibody response to infection. This is a difficult test to interpret because many dogs have been exposed naturally to the organism, but have not become sick.
2. The Western Blot electrophoresis test is a sophisticated test measuring the antibody production to the disease, and can be more useful in the diagnosis that the IFA test.
3. The PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test is the DNA test that identifies the Lyme organism’s DNA and proves its presence in the body. A negative test, however, does not prove the organism is absent.
TREATMENT
Doxycycline is given at 5 mg/lb for 10-14 days or longer. Ampicillin also has be used with good results. Non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs are given to dogs with joint pain. Many dogs improve quickly with therapy, but once the Borrelia organism is in the body, some veterinarians believe that it can never be eradicated from the body.
PREVENTION
Lyme vaccine is available for use in dogs. It is still somewhat controversial, and not totally perfected, however, is valuable in helping to prevent infection in the majority of dogs immunized. It is probably most effective when given to puppies, before they have had a chance to be exposed to Borrelia by tick bites.

New Hope for Treating Cancer Some dogs successfully treated with herbal extract, still under research.

C.J. Puotinen (author of The Encyclopedia of Natural Pet Care and other books; she is a NYS resident)

THE WHOLE DOG JOURNAL, May 2003 Issue

Article surveys the history of Artemesia as a cancer treatment. Artemesia is an herb that is also called Qinghao in Chinese, sweet worm, annual wood worm, Sweet Annie, or perennial wormwood. It is the herbal ingredient used in canine and human worming products.

Artemesia was first discovered by the Chinese Institute of Material Medicine as a treatment or preventative for malaria and the drug of choice in North Viet Nam for malaria.

In 1993, the University of Michigan discovered how Artemesia kills malaria. When Artemesia comes in contact with the iron stored in malaria parasite, it creates a toxin. Researchers at the University of Washington applied the action of Artemesia to cancer cells because cancer cells also store iron. Tests have shown Artemesia as an effective treatment for human leukemia and breast cancers, with promise as a treatment for melanoma, ovarian, prostrate, renal and central nervous system cancers. In 1999, professors Lai and Singh pioneered canine research on Artemesia with DVM Sodhi at the Animal Hospital at Lynnwood Washington. They found Artemesia able to cure bone cancer and lymphoscaroma. As of 2003, research was being done on Artemesia and osteocarcoma.

Dosages:

Human – 1 mg per kilogram (2.2 lbs) weight twice a day

Dogs - 50 or 100 mg twice a day for at least one month, continued up to 6 or 12 months

COMPATIBLE THERAPIES:

Vitamin C – do not use within 3 hours of using Artemesia

CQ10 – OK

Pancreatic enzymes – OK

Cod liver oil or other fat – recommended by some to improve assimilation of Artemesia

Radiation – NO. Radiation releases iron stored in cells. Wait at least 2 months after

radiation before using Artemesia.

Chemotherapy – OK. Research shows Artemesia improves the effectiveness of 22 chemo drugs. Artemesia should be taken several hours after chemotherapy ends. Artemesia does not alleviate the side effects of chemo drugs.

CASE HISTORIES

2002, German Shepherd “Gus” owned by Karen and Greg Moore, Bar Habour Maine with adenocarcinoma had 5 chemo treatments but the cancer was still there. Three months later, the owners discovered Artemesia and gave Gus 100 mg. He is in remission.

2002, Great Pyrenees “Zoe” owned by Shirley and Mike Driggs, Lake Havasu Arizona with osteosarcoma was treated with 50 mg Artemesia. She became symptom free and the tumor was reduced in size for almost a year. The cancer did metasticize and Artemesia was repeated at 100 mg. A year after diagnosis, Zoe was still alive and enjoying life.

SOURCES OF Artemesia:

Holley Pharmaceuticals, Fullerton CA

REFERENCES:

Professor Lai – 206-543-1071, hlai@u.washington.edu

Kristen Kellar-Graney, Washington Cancer Institute 202-877-3390

Feed the Dog, Starve the Cancer Cancer alters a dog’s metabolism, necessitating major dietary adjustments.

C.C. Holland

THE WHOLE DOG JOURNAL, November 2003 Issue

Cancer alters a dog’s metabolism. They will utilize carbohydrates, fats and proteins a different way. In some cases, dogs with cancer will have cachexia, a condition in which the dog will lose weight despite taking in adequate nutrients.

Cancer cells metabolize glucose from carbohydrates through a process called anaerobic glycolysis, which forms lactate as a by-product. The dog’s body must then expend energy to convert the lactate into a usable form. The tumor gets energy from carbohydrates, while the dog suffers a dramatic energy loss.

With cancer cachexia, protein degradation exceeds protein synthesis, resulting in a net loss of protein and muscle loss. Fat also is broken down at an increased rate, also causing rapid weight loss.

Once a dog has cancer, the dog’s metabolism is permanently altered.

The exact right diet is still unknown, but the best known diet includes:

A low amount of simple carbohydrates – less than 25%
Modest amount of fat, especially omega-3 fatty acids – 27-35%
Adequate amounts of highly bio-available protein – 35-48%
More than 5% of total food should be comprised of omega-3 fatty acids (from fish oil)
More than 2% of total food should be comprised of arginine
Antioxidants (Vitamin A,C,E,A) are essential whenever n-e fatty acids (from fish) are used
Maybe selenium, Vitamins A, K, arginine, glutamine, garlic
Artemesia and applicable Chinese herbs can be added to the diet.

Nutrients are further discussed in a one-page panel in this article.

Home-made diet is best. Raw meat is better unless the dog is on immune suppressing drugs (chemo, radiation, Prednisone)

REFERENCES:

Greg Ogilvie, DMV Colorado State University, College of Veterinary Medicine and bio-medical sciences co-authored a landmark book that describes metabolic changes referred to above – Managing the Veterinary Cancer Paitent.

Conventional Cancer Care Many well-known and new treatments are helping canine cancer patients

C.J. Puotinen (author of The Encyclopedia of Natural Pet Care and other books; she is a NYS resident)

Comments by Dr. Gerald Post, DMV, ACVIM – has specialized in pet cancer for 15 years

THE WHOLE DOG JOURNAL, December 2005 Issue

Article surveys cancer treatments: surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, stem-cell transplant, and in particular anti-angiogenic therapy (cutting off blood supply to cancer). An anti-angiogenic therapy, called “Navy’s protocol” is described. Navy (Golden Retriever) was owned by Marion Haber who was a vet student at Tufts when her dog was diagnosed in 2000. Navy’s protocol includes Celebrex, tamoxifen (sold as Nolvadex), and doxycline. Navy was cured of cancer in his chest and leg using this group of drugs.

Article lists cancer treatment resources:

Angiogenesis Foundation – angio.org

Animal Cancer Foundation – acfoundation.org; 347-693-6882

Edmund Sullivan, DMV, Bellingham Veterinary & Critical Care, Belligham, WA

360-734-0720; bvcc720@yahoo.com

Canine Cancer Awareness, online information – caninecancerawareness.org

Gulf Coast veterinary Specialists “caring for Pets with Cancer” – gcvs.com

National Cancer Institue’s Center for Cancer Research Comparative Oncology

Program – http://ccrcancer.gov/resources/cop

Perseus Foundation (information, an excellent free online book, Diagnosis:

Cancer-A Resource Guide for pet Owners – perseusfoundation.org, 301-417-2721

Gerald Post, DMV, Veterinary Oncology & Hematology Center, Norwalk CT –

oncovet.com, 203-838-6696

NEW!

What Are the Alternatives? Nonconventional cancer treatments appeal to many dog owners.

C.J. Puotinen (author of The Encyclopedia of Natural Pet Care and other books; she is a NYS resident)

THE WHOLE DOG JOURNAL, February 2006 Issue

Author cautions owners to work with a vet during use of therapies because dogs go through a “healing crisis” – a rapid detoxification when the dog gets worse before it gets better. A vet needs to evaluate this.

Nutrition ~

Organic, pasture-fed ingredients, including raw or cultured dairy products which contain CLA that inhibits development of tumors.

Fats, but no carbohydrates.

Sunlight

Flax seed oil, cottage cheese, ground flax seed, garlic, broccoli (Dr. Budwig therapy)

Coconut oil in place of flax seed oil – more stable

Resources:

Weston A Price Foundation – food sources

Johanna Budwig PhD., German pharmacologist who researched nutrition and cancer

Bruce Fife ND- coconut anti-cancer properties (WDJ October 2005)

Cured dog – Craig Stauffer, Sunnyvale CA – dog Misty

Anti-oxidant Supplements ~

Synthetic Vitamin E shown to cause illness on human clinical trials – don’t use.

May be helpful in conjunction with cancer treatments, but may interfere – check protocol for use.

Other Supplements ~

Melatonin – used in humans for breast and prostate cancer, is being used on dogs (Note-causes nightmares in humans over 20 mg and for some people at lower levels)

Shark cartilage – Most promising, but with uneven results

Bovine cartilage – shares some properties of shark cartilage

Beta Glucan (Beta 1,3/1,6-Glucan) – a simple sugar derived from baker’s yeast – works

in early diagnosis of melanoma that has not metastasized

Resources:

Cured dog(bovine cartilage) – Gayle Roberson, NJ – toy poodle

Ted Kellar, registered pharmacist, Colorado – Beta Glucan

Herbal Treatments ~

There are thousands, but few are backed by serious research.

Herbs regarded as effective immune boosters – medicinal mushrooms (maitake, reishi), aloe vera, cat’s claw, red clover, astragalus, dandelion root, garlic, tumeric.

Essiac – herbal formula (WDH January 2006)

Resources:

Buying Time to Spend Together Australian herbalist Robert McDowell (WDJ Oct 1998)

All You Ever Wanted to Know about Herbs for Pets (Terrific book) by Mary Wulff-Tilford & Gregory Tilford

Chinese Herbs ~

Must be prescribed by a TCM practitioner, and are selected specifically for each animal based on disease and energy level of animal.

Resources:

Cured dog - Audrey Blake, Riverhead NY- Golden Retriever with liver cancer used Vet Dr. Jiu Jia Wen to delay death until 12 years old

Artemisinin ~

An extract derived from a Chinese herb, also called Sweet Annie or annual wormwood (WDJ May 2003) . Cancer cells require iron to replicate DNA. When Artemisinin comes in contact with iron, it becomes a toxic chemical that releases free radicals that destroy parasites or cancer cells. It was actively studies in 2003, but research has stopped due to a lack of funding. Not all dogs improve on it and it may have adverse side effects. It remains a popular remedy and it improves longevity. It is believed that it does not work if (1) cancer is in advanced stages, (2) half-life expires, (3) is used with anti-oxidants that cancel its effects

Resources:

Cured dog – greyhound Tera with bone cancer owned by Kathy Rowley

University of Washington – Dr.’s henry Lai PhD and Narenda P Singh MD

Cancer Salves ~

Escharotic salves, also called black salves containing herb bloodroot. In humans, treatment is painful and scarring.

Resources:

Dr. Andrew Weil Spontaneous Healing cites his successful use on his dog

Gail Tenny, Mahwah, NJ –cured 11-yr old mixed breed dog 1998

Patricia Weissleader, Palm Springs CA – successfully treated several dogs

Homeopathy ~

Controversial, but can have spectacular results.

Resources:

Dr. Stacey Hershman, DMV. NY – classically trained homeopathic vet

Cryosurgery ~

Not always successful; used in conjunction with other therapy

Resources:

Dr. Marty Goldstein South Salem NY DMV. NY

Enzyme Therapy ~

Digestive enzymes used on an empty stomach – bromelain (WDJ Jan 2001, Oct 2005)

Resources:

Dr. Stacey Hershman, DMV. NY – classically trained homeopathic vet

Resources:

Cured dog – greyhound cured by owner Sue Appelin, NH

Cancell/Protocel ~

A drug created by Dow Chemical in the 1930’s, also called Cantrol, Entelev, or Cantron that balances the vibrational frequency of cancer cells, retuning them to a healthy state, it has been studied by the FDA and NCI. DVM Daniel King of Tolono Ill claims to use it and estimates 65-70% success in stopping cancer growth or metastisis, and pain. Cancer does not go away in 85% of time, but lifespan is normalized.

Resources:

DVM Daniel King of Tolono Ill

Cured dog – Gus George, Tuscola Ill used on Boxer

Bioresonance ~

A technology developed in Germany 30 years ago and used in 65 countries that restores healthy electromagnetic oscillations; manufactured under Biocom Resonance

Resources:

Dr. Gigi Gaulin, Santa Fe NM – one of 9 USA vets using it

Is Cancer Prevention Possible? If so, experts are certain the key will lie in a healthy immune system

C.J. Puotinen (author of The Encyclopedia of Natural Pet Care and other books; she is a NYS resident)

Comments by Dr. Stacey Hershman, DMV Rockland County, NYS

THE WHOLE DOG JOURNAL, March 2006 Issue

Article surveys risk factors and carcinogens and immune disruptors:

1. Some breeds are very cancer prone and owners need to protect their immune systems.

2. Risks of spaying/neutering – dogs neutered when under 1 year of age have a significantly higher risk of osteosarcoma compared to intact males/females.

3. Routine vaccinations are to be avoided; vaccinating an injured animal is irresponsible.

4. Dry or canned commercial dog foods – very inferior form of nutrition

5. Grain-based dog food – Aflatonin, which grows on corn, rice and other grains contaminates pet foods and kills dogs. It causes liver damage and is a powerful carcinogen. Acrylamide is another carcinogen created when high-carbohydrate foods are subject to high heat as in dog food production.

6. Anti-oxidant supplements – They provide cancer protection, but are not compatible with artemisinin. Regular vegetables that contain anti-oxidants are hard to digest for dogs, but lactofermented vegetables are a key ingredient to a popular cancer treatment (see WDJ March 2001 for how to make)

7. Owner who smokes – 2^nd hand smoke is as dangerous to dogs as infants.

8. Diesel exhaust – walking dog in an area where trucks/cars idle, i.e. parking lots.

9. Lawn pesticides/herbicides

10. Flouride in drinking water – Many countries consider fluoride a hazardous waste; in September 2005 the USA EPA called for a national moratorium on fluoride in water citing cancer risks posed.

11. Magnetic fields ( appliances, power lines ) – correlation to lymphoma found in 1995.

12. Radiation – is cumulative

13. Topical and systemic pest control products – The less used the better. A well-balanced raw diet may repel insects.

Cancer preventives:

1. Artemesia – an extract of annual wormwood. University of Washington researcher Henry Lai, PhD. first tested it. Recommends 8 milligrams per kilogram of body weight at day. A 60-75 lb dog would take 50 mg for 10 days each month. This has not been tested on humans or canines.

2. Protocel – an anti-oxidant; works on early cancer cells as an antimetastatic. Dan King, DMV in Illinois recommends ¼ teasp twice a day for 3 months on and 6 months off (for a 5-75 lb dog).

3. Medicinal mushrooms – almost everyone now agrees that they have anti-tumor and immune-stimulating activity. Myco-immune by Thorne Research is a liquid extract of 7 medicinal mushrooms.

4. Green tea extract – available from Thorne Research

5. Curcumin – the yellow pigment from turmeric inhibits tumor growth

6. Astragalus – Astragalus for Animals by Buck Mountain Botanicals

7. Garlic- antiseptic, cancer-inhibiting properties

8. Bioprin – for dogs at high risk, it has antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-tumor properties

9. Aromotherapy – massage pads of high risk dogs with a drop of blended frankincense, sandalwood, and Douglas fir essential oils daily

10. Exercise – for lymph circulation to remove toxins

11. Unfiltered natural light – activates hypothalamus and endocrine system; dog needs several hours a day

12. Emotional support

Tom Lonsdale, Vet – Work Wonders: Feed Your Dog Raw Meaty Bones

Stephen Blake, DMV – thepetwhisperer.com

Carol Falck, VMD – friendshipvet.com

Stacey Hershman, DMV – naturalvetforpets.com

Daniel King, DMV – 217-485-7387

Henry Lai PhD – hlai@uwashington.edu

Mary Straus – dogaware.com

Basic Immunology How to monitor and support your dog’s immune system

Randy Kidd, DMV, PhD (holistic practitioner)

THE WHOLE DOG JOURNAL, May 2006 Issue

Article provides background information on the components of the immune system, immune system disruptors and diseases, and mention of primary methods of maintaining immunity (Massage, exercise, nutrition, herbs, acupuncture, homeopathy, flower essences). No specific information on diseases or therapies.

Dr. Kidd is the author of Dr. Kidd’s Guide to Herbal Dog Care

Willard Water Some dog owners swear this substance helps treat anything effectively

C.J. Puotinen (author of The Encyclopedia of Natural Pet Care and other books; she is a NYS resident)

Comments by Dr. Roger DeHaan (holistic vet in Kings Mt, N Carolina)

THE WHOLE DOG JOURNAL, June 2006 Issue

Article provides background information on the many applications of Willard Water. Willard Water contains water, fossilized organics, sodium meta silicate, sulfated castor oil, calcium chloride, magnesium sulfate. With regard to cancer, article states, “Willard Water’s testimonials include many reports about cancer patients, including dogs who outlive their prognoses or, in some cases, completely recover. ‘ Willard Water does not cure cancer’ says Dr. DeHaan, ‘but it definitely supports the cancer patient. It does this in part by improving digestion and the assimilation of nutrients, which strengthens immunity.’ ”

1) May 2003 issue - about Artemisinin

(2) November 2003 - How cancer permanently changes a dog's metabolism and what should be in a cancer diet (low carbohydrate)