Cancer is the most feared diagnosis
among pet owners because it is so often fatal and the conventional treatments
so debilitating. More than 50% of dogs and cats over the age of 10 will
be diagnosed with cancer, and the incidence of cancer in younger animals is
growing. As responsible guardians of our faithful companions it is
important to understand the risk factors that contribute to the development
of cancer and to learn all we can about prevention.
Cancer is not like a contagious disease – there is no bacterium or virus
at fault for the animal’s ill health, no outside invader has entered the system.
Cancer is most often the result of years (and even generations) of substandard
nutrition and exposure to toxins in the food and the environment, along with
conventional medical treatments that can degrade the immune system, and stress–compounded
in many cases by inbreeding creating genetic predispositions to ill health.
Simply put-cancer is the result of an overtaxed system–the body can no longer
detoxify or heal itself.
Prevention and treatment start with the same components:
Optimal diet & nutrition
Clean, purified water
Limit the number of vaccinations for cancer prevention
Eliminate vaccinations if your pet has been diagnosed with cancer
Reduce indoor air pollution & yard pollution
Minimize electromagnetic radiation
Use a safe, non-toxic flea control program
Minimize stress
Provide adequate exercise
Diet
Any cancer prevention or treatment program begins with diet. Nothing
will go farther in promoting health than a home-prepared diet of fresh, preferably
organic, whole foods. When the body is supported with the building blocks
needed to maintain healthy cells and repair damaged ones, healing from within
can begin. Holistic veterinarians will frequently recommend a diet
that is low-carbohydrate, moderate protein, and moderate to high fat for
cancer patients. Cancer cells utilize glucose from carbohydrates as
fuel, so a low carbohydrate diet can be helpful in fighting cancer.
Many cancer cells cannot utilize fat as an energy source, and fat in the diet
can help combat weight loss as well.
For dogs a diet of roughly 50% meat, and 40–50% non-starchy vegetables,
with 10% or less whole grains can be optimal. Fish oils should be added
to provide additional fat–omega 3 fats are best and are abundant in fish oil.
For cats a diet of 80% meat and 20% non-starchy vegetables is recommended–again
with fish oil added for additional fat. For both dogs and cats, proper
calcium and a multi-vitamin and mineral supplement should be part of the
daily nutrition as well.
When a home-prepared diet is just not possible, try ready made (frozen)
raw food, freeze dried or dehydrated diets, or a very high-quality canned
food without grains:
Frozen Raw Food
Freeze Dried
Dehydrated Food
High Quality Canned Foods for Dogs - Choose grain-free or low grain varieties,
add fresh vegetables when possible.
High Quality Canned Foods for Cats - Choose grain-free varieties.
If cooked or processed foods must be used, adding finely ground fresh vegetables
or freshly juiced vegetables can be helpful. Dark leafy greens, broccoli,
and carrots contain antioxidants that are beneficial in fighting cancer, as
well as providing enzymes to help break down the food.
For additional information about the benefits of fresh food and a healthy
diet please read What You Need to Know About Your Pet's Food and All About
Raw Food.
Water
Depending on where you live, the tap water can be anywhere from almost acceptable
to fairly toxic. It is best to avoid tap water altogether. The
fluoride and chlorine added are a stress to the animal’s already overtaxed
detoxification system. Filtered water is best, followed by bottled water
and spring water. The animal’s water needs to be kept clean and fresh
so they will drink as much as possible to help flush toxins out of the system.
If you have a cat who is not a great water drinker, it may be a good idea
to try one of the flowing-water style waterers: Drinkwell Pet Fountain.
Raw food is a great source of moisture as well and is the source of hydration
for most wild cats.
Vaccinations
Many holistic veterinarians agree that over-vaccination is a significant
contributor to the rising rates of chronic disease and cancer in cats and
dogs. A limited vaccine program is highly recommended–and is especially
important if your companion belongs to any of the breeds known to be more
susceptible to cancer and chronic diseases. If your veterinarian is
not supportive, then find a veterinarian who will agree to a limited vaccination
schedule. Do not succumb to the pressures of a professional who is not
willing to look at the overwhelming evidence of the problems of over-vaccination.
Any animal diagnosed with cancer or exhibiting signs of a weakened immune
system should not be vaccinated at all. For more information about limited
vaccination schedules please read The Truth About Pet Vaccinations.
Indoor Air and Yard Pollution
We don’t often think about the air in our homes as a source of toxins, but
for our companions’ sake it is important to examine our home and yard care
practices. Cleaning chemicals are the first place to look: if the floor
cleaner you use contains toxic chemicals (as most do), and your companion’s
nose is continually close to that floor then their system is likely having
to detox after every cleaning. Plug-in air fresheners are popular with
some pet owners to help cover up that “pet” smell–but they are a constant
source of petrochemicals in the air our companions breath. Choose more
natural cleaning products and air fresheners and this can go a long way to
limiting the toxins your companion has to deal with on a daily basis.
Non-toxic Stain and Odor Control
The yard is another place to focus on the elimination of toxic exposure
to our companions. Chemical fertilizers and other lawn products should
be eliminated. There are abundant alternatives available now that are
organic and natural and will not add to the burden on our companions’ overtaxed
systems. Here is a great place to look: Gardens Alive Online and Catalog
Store.
Electromagnetic Radiation
There is some very interesting research that has shown a connection between
electromagnetic radiation and cellular changes that can lead to cancer.
Sources of electromagnetic radiation include electrical cords & outlets,
cordless and cellular phones, computer monitors, and televisions. This
is especially relevant for cats since they love to lounge in warm places like
the top of the TV or computer monitor. Keep your companion’s bed away
from electrical components as well.
Flea Control
Spot on flea control products such as Advantage, Frontline and Revolution
or pills such as Sentinel are pesticides. These pesticides permeate
the animal’s system and are found in the organs, the urine and the feces.
The cumulative effect of month after month and year after year of trying to
detoxify systemic pesticides would tax even the healthiest cat or dog’s system.
Add in all the other factors draining the immune system of the animal and
they hardly stand a chance of avoiding some type of chronic disease or cancer.
Effective flea control does not have to be toxic. There are effective
non-toxic alternatives. They take slightly more effort than putting
a spot of pesticide on your companion’s skin, but they are so well worth it
in the long-term health of your friend. For more information please
read: The Natural Approach to Flea Control.
Stress
You may take a look at the cat sprawled in a patch of sunlight on the sofa
or the dog curled up at your feet and wonder “what stress?” Yet many
of our companions experience stress as much or more than we do. Have
you ever known a dog with separation anxiety? They are feeling extreme
stress for a good portion of every day if their guardian goes out of the home
for work. Cats in multiple cat households often become stressed over
hierarchies and turf disputes. And both cats and dogs are very responsive
to the stress levels of their guardians–the more stressed you are the more
your cat or dog feels and absorbs that stress. They are totally dependent
on you for the signals of the “pack leader” (or in the case of cats – for
signs of what goes on beyond their small indoor world)–and if the pack leader
is giving off the signal that “life is not safe and there is danger lurking
somewhere just out of sight,” then the animal feels stressed.
For dogs one of the best ways to reduce their own stress is proper training.
EVERY puppy should go through a “puppy class” at the very least. Even
when you adopt an older dog both you and the dog can benefit from a few sessions
with a good behaviorist. A good trainer helps you interpret the dog’s
behavior and teaches you how to communicate in ways that your dog can understand.
A well trained dog is a secure dog–and a much safer one as well.
Cats are, of course, not so easily trained. But you can learn to interpret
their subtle behavior patterns for signs of stress and look for ways to reduce
that stress. There are books and organizations that can help.
See: www.catsinternational.org/articles and www.sspca.org/CatBehavior.html.
Exercise
You need it, your pets need it. It's one of the best ways to combat
stress and is also crucial for the health of the body–human, dog or cat.
Play is even better as it provides both exercise and the joy of fun and laughter.
There is nothing more hilarious than the antics of a cat chasing a laser beam
or a toy at the end of a string.
Cats need exercise–so if Fluffy doesn’t like to play–try a harness and go
for walks.
Dogs are a bit easier to exercise and a brisk walk can do you both good.
A play date with another dog or a romp at the dog park is great exercise and
can provide stress relief in the social interaction. Some clients insist
that their dogs are “house dogs” and don’t like to spend time outside.
If that is the case, then play fetch with them in the house or find some way
to give them some exercise every day. It is important for digestive
health, detoxification, and immune health as well as muscle tone and respiratory
health.
Treating Cancer
If you are faced with the diagnosis of cancer in your beloved companion,
there are many difficult choices to be made. These choices are best
made after you have educated yourself about all the options available–both
conventional and holistic or complementary. You will surely forget to
ask many important questions when you first hear the diagnosis, so make sure
to schedule a follow up visit with your veterinarian to ask the multitude
of questions that are likely to arise. Ask for a referral to an oncologist
who can answer questions about conventional treatment methods. Find
a holistic veterinarian either in your area or one who will provide phone
consultations regarding alternative cancer treatments. Cancer is serious
business and a team approach is often best.
For many cancer patients, the conventional treatment options are as bad,
or worse than the cancer itself. In these cases, holistic treatment
can at least offer the chance for a better quality of life even if it cannot
cure the cancer. Holistic care is about providing the animal with the
resources its body needs to heal from within. Every case is different.
There is no one way to treat any type of cancer. There are some basic
principles as discussed above that can help no matter what type of cancer
the animal has. There are also some basic immune boosting and cancer
fighting supplements that can help in many cases.
We have already discussed the importance of diet. Digestive enzymes
(for Dogs and Cats) are also an important component to help the animal’s system
break down and more easily absorb the urgently needed nutrients in the food.
Essential Fatty Acids (for Dogs and Cats) are crucial as well.
Immune Support Complexes
These will typically combine medicinal mushrooms, some antioxidants, herbs
that boost immunity such as astragalus, cats claw, pau d’arco, Echinacea or
green tea. The following supplements are often utilized in the treatment of
a wide variety of cancers and help to boost the immune system, act as antioxidants
or aid in detoxification:
Only Natural Pet Immune Strengthener is a powerful immune support complex
that includes medicinal mushrooms, antioxidants and Cat’s Claw along with
other herbs to help with chronic disease and cancer.
CAS Options by Genesis Resources is an immune building supplement that includes
mushrooms and antioxidants that have been shown to boost the immune system.
Pet Alive C-Caps is another option containing astragalus, milk thistle
and other tonic herbs for cancer prevention and treatment.
The Chinese Herbal formulas Power Mushrooms and Astra 8 are a good immune
boosting combination also.
For cats and small dogs where a liquid supplement may be more easily administered,
Vetri-Science Maitake-DMG liquid is a powerful immune enhancer.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants help prevent oxidation and increase immune function.
They act as scavengers, helping to prevent cell and tissue damage by destroying
free radicals and playing an important role in cancer prevention and control.
Vitamins A, C and E are the most commonly known antioxidants. Other
powerful antioxidants include green tea, selenium, Co-Enzyme Q10, bioflavonoids,
N-acetylcysteine, proanthocyanidins (pycnogenol) typically derived from grape
seed extract or pine bark, quercetin, soy isoflavones, and zinc.
In addition to one of the above immune support complexes, additional antioxidants
can be provided most easily in a combination form:
Seven Forest’s Quercenol
Genesis Resources Canine Antioxidant or Feline Antioxidant
Vetri-Science Cell Advance
Antioxidants are controversial with some oncologists, so if you are also
pursuing conventional treatments such as chemotherapy, check with your veterinarian
before giving additional antioxidants.
For a more complete discussion of immune support, please see: Building a
Healthy Immune System.
Studies utilizing IP6 with inositol have revealed significant anticancer
activity with a variety of tumor types, possibly via inhibition of tumor cell
growth and differentiation. Cellular Forte by PhytoPharmica is another
good supplement for fighting cancer and can be given in addition to immune
boosters and antioxidants:
Cleansing and Detoxifying
Since toxins in the body contribute significantly to the degradation of
the immune system, detoxification is an important component in rebuilding
the immune system. There are two formulas widely used in cancer care–the
Essiac Formula and the Hoxsey Formula. Both are named for the original
formulators of the herbal compounds, (although Essiac is Caisse, the formulator’s
last name, spelled backwards).
Only Natural Pet BSST Cancer Formula is based on the widely used Essiac
Formula and has been shown to be helpful in many types of cancer.
Only Natural Pet Blood and System Cleanser is based on the Hoxsey Formula,
which is also widely used for cleansing the body when cancer is present.
Additional Supplements Consider adding 4-Life Transfer factor, a powerful immune support formula,
to your companion’s regimen. This is not available at Only Natural Pet
Store yet, but here is a link to the 4-Life company page where you can order
directly: www.4life.com/products/AnimalHealth/index.html.
Artemisinin has been the subject of much discussion regarding cancer
care recently. It is a derivative of Artemesia, a simple plant that
grows in Southeast Asia. Originally used as an anti-malaria drug, it
was tested by researchers at the University of Washington for it’s effectiveness
against cancer. The results have been very promising with impressive
tumor reduction outcomes, and more research is being conducted.
The amino acids L-Arginine and L-Glutamine are often helpful in fighting
cancer. L-Arginine appears to enhance immune function and may inhibit
the growth of some tumors. It can be given at a dose of 500 – 3000 mg
per day. L-Glutamine may also inhibit tumor growth and helps in protecting
the gastrointestinal system and combat the physical wasting and loss of muscle
mass seen in some cancer patients.
Curcumin, from the Indian spice turmeric, is another supplement used frequently
as it inhibits tumor growth and metastasis and tends to reduce the side effects
of chemotherapy. The dosage is typically 15 to 20 mg per pound of body
weight daily (150 – 200 mg for cats, increasing appropriately for larger animals).
Homeopathy
Constitutional homeopathy is often very helpful in treating cancer.
I use homeopathy for almost all cancer patients. Some homeopaths claim
they can cure some cancers with homeopathy alone. Considering there
are no side effects and it is very easy to administer, it should be a part
of any cancer fighting regimen. Treatment is very specific to each individual
and must be guided by a veterinarian trained in homeopathy. You can
locate one through the Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is very helpful for pain relief in cancer patients. It
can stimulate the immune system and assist in promoting detoxification as
well. For a list of practitioners in your area see the American Holistic
Veterinary Medical Association referral directory or the International Veterinary
Acupuncture Society.
While cancer is most certainly a frightening diagnosis, there is much that
can be done to both improve the quality of your companion’s life and even
extend the amount of time you have with him or her. Keep in mind that
it is crucial to remain as optimistic as possible. Remember - your companion
senses your stress. If you view your dog or cat as a “cancer patient”
or a problem to be solved they will not fair as well as if you see them as
your beloved companion who enhances your quality of life. All of the
therapies discussed will go farther when administered with a healthy dose
of love and affection.
reprinted with kind permission from Dr Larry Seiger
The above information is simply informational. It's intent is not
to replace the advice of a veterinarian nor to assist you in making a diagnosis
of your pet. Please consult with your own veterinarian for confirmation of
any diagnosis. Your pets life may depend on it.
