Now that cancer has been diagnosed
or suspected as the most likely diagnosis, you are trying to make some difficult
and important decisions in regards to your companion’s future health and well-being.
If you are considering surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation, or a combination
of several western medical modalities, you are probably looking for other
supportive therapies to maximize quality of life. If you are pursuing a completely
natural approach, you are looking for as many effective therapies as possible
to prolong your companion’s life and preserve their quality.
The information out there is confusing and complicated. Every practitioner
or expert seems to have a different opinion or suggestion. Some supplements
and medications seem to conflict with one another and philosophies of therapy
vary widely. In general, veterinary oncologists or cancer specialists have
very little knowledge about alternative approaches to cancer. Many times their
information is not only lacking but just incorrect. Most people end up searching
the internet and finding the wealth of information that presents itself.
The difficulty is wading through articles and articles about different supplements
that all seem to cure cancer. Many are difficult to find or very expensive,
but the real issue becomes, does this have any merit in the treatment of
my animal companion?
For most animals, especially with cats, we must be somewhat selective about
what medicines or supplements we can expect to give them. One must be careful
not to cause side-effects that will create quality of life issues and also,
most companions will have a breaking point, where only so many supplements
can be given before they begin refusing our efforts to medicate them or hide
things in their food. Our relationship and bond with them can also suffer
because of the constant harassment medicating causes. This is especially true
with feline companions as they will begin to hide every time they see you
coming!
So it becomes important to choose not only the therapy for dealing with
this cancer but choosing which supplements and diets we are going to entice,
or force, our companions to eat. We want to be selective and make choices
that are beneficial and that either fight the cancer effectively or improve
the quality of life for our animal friends.
Whether your treatment decisions involve surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation,
I feel homeopathic treatment will benefit in some way the prognosis of your
companion. Call the office for an appointment. There will also be selective
supplements from the list below that would be supportive or helpful also.
With cases where a homeopathic approach is the main treatment modality, it
will be important to give some of the supplements listed below. Each patient
should have an individualized treatment plan that best fits that individual
and the type of cancer being treated. Some supplements seem to be more effective
with certain types of cancer.
With all approaches to cancer, nothing works or helps ALL patients. Choosing
the treatment plan that has best track record and the most likelihood of helping
your companion is what the following list may help to provide.I have attempted
to select from my practice experience, those supplements that I have found
to be helpful as a part of an overall treatment plan in dealing with cancer.
I do not suggest all of these supplements in any one case, nor would I expect
any animal to be able to endure taking all of these on a daily basis. This
list is to help you decide what will be best for your companion. You should
always consult with me or my office staff about the specifics of your companion’s
case before choosing to give anything new.
The supplements and medications I have listed below are compatible, in general,
with homeopathic cancer treatment unless otherwise noted. The following list
is in no way meant to be complete and will be modified and enhanced as new
information becomes available to me.
Amygdalin (Laetrile) – also known as Vitamin B17, amygdalin is found
in the seeds of apricots, peaches, cherries and plums. I have very little
experience in using this in animals. It may help with quality of life issues,
pain control, and palliation of cancer. No evidence of curative responses.
Dosage 100 – 1500 mgs. two to three times daily depending on weight. Dosage
range is variable as not much data available for dogs and cats. Available
online.
Arginine (L–Arginine) – an amino acid shown to have some cancer fighting
properties when extra supplementation is added to diet. I recommend 500mg.
to 1500mg. daily added to food. Available online and in health food stores.
Artemisinin or Artemether – an extract of sweet wormwood from China
used mainly as an anti-malarial drug but may have cancer fighting properties.
There have been several recent articles about using this with osteosarcoma.
I have no direct experience using this in a cancer protocol, but I have several
cases now using this along with homeopathy. Artemether seems to be the more
potent form. Dosages are unclear. Anti-oxidants may interfere with effectiveness.
Toxicity is very low. Dosages in the range of 80mg. to 100mg. twice daily
for a large dog have been proposed. Available online at Holley Pharmaceuticals
or Allergy Research.
Astragalus – see Chinese Herbs
Bee Pollen – may be more useful as a cancer preventative. May boost
the immune system and help prevent side-effects of chemotherapy and radiation.
Dosages as for humans or less depending on weight. No toxicity. Available
online and health stores.
Beta Carotene – a vitamin A precursor. Converted to Vitamin A in
the body as required. Can be given in large amounts. Little toxicity as compared
to Vitamin A. Seems to work as an anti-oxidant. Available online and in health
food stores.
Bioflavonoids – found in foods containing Vitamin C. Compounds such
as citrin, hesperidin, rutin, and quercetin. Seem to support the anti-oxidant
properties of Vitamin C.
Carnivora – extract of the Venus Flytrap, an insect eating plant.
Seems to have cancer fighting properties but probably works by stimulation
of T-helper cells. I have not seen any dramatic or significant results in
cases where this was used. Dosage extrapolated from human dosages. Expensive.
I have concern for environmental impact to the plant. It is a rare species.
Available online.
Cat’s Claw (Una de gato) – from the vine of a Peruvian plant. Has
anti-oxidant and immune enhancing properties. May be useful. Use extrapolated
human dosages. May be more useful in high doses. Widely available.
Chinese Herbs - There are many Chinese herbal combinations for cancer
therapy. The two I most often use in my practice are Astragalus 10+, a combination
of Astragalus and ten other herbs to boost the immune system, and Chih-ko
and Circuma, a tumor fighting combination of herbs. Both are available from
our office. Dosages vary.
Chlorella – a fresh-water, single celled algae taken for high chlorophyll
content, anti-oxidant effect, and high vitamin content. Seems to have cancer
fighting properties. Larger doses may be more effective. Widely available.
CoEnzyme Q10- naturally occurring substance found in sardines, soybean
and grapeseed oils, sesame seeds, pistachios, and spinach. Seems to have cancer
fighting properties when given at the 300mg. per day level or greater. Expensive
at high doses. Widely available.
Colostrum – first milk from cow’s after parturition. Has immune factors
that help boost T-helper Cells along with other immune boosting properties.
Mainly from New Zealand cows where organically raised. Most beneficial in
high doses. Can be expensive. Widely available, online and health food stores.
See Transfer Factor also.
Curcumin (Tumeric) – yellow pigment that is the main component of
Tumeric, an Indian herb in the ginger family. Seems to have anti-carcinogenic
properties at many levels of cancer as a prevention and treatment. Has been
used effectively for tumor shrinkage topically as a paste also. Exact dosages
unknown. Available in grocery stores and specialty stores.
Echinacea – an herbal stimulant for the immune system. Doesn’t seem
to be of use in cancer. Better used as an herbal for acute infections. Astragalus
is better for cancer use.
Essiac – a combination of herbals taken as a tea, tincture or capsule.
Formulas vary somewhat but all contain burdock, Indian rhubarb, sheep sorrel,
and slippery elm. Historically has been of great benefit in treating cancer
both for pain relief and tumor shrinkage. Some cures have been reported, but
mainly the effects seem palliative; recent use for treating cancer seems less
effective. My experience over the last twelve years would agree with the
latter. I have seen very little in positive responses. Essiac is Caisse spelled
backwards, the last name of the Canadian woman who formulated the herbal
combination. The recipe was originally from a Native American Tribe based
in Ontario, Canada. Widely available in many forms. Dosages extrapolated from
human dose.
Fish Oil – a rich source of Omega 3’s which have been shown to have
cancer fighting and preventative effects. Salmon Oil is probably the best
source. Dosages range from 1000mg. to 5000mg. daily. Found in many combination
products with Flaxseed Oil and Borage Oil. Straight Fish Oil seems better
utilized for dogs and cats, whereas the combination products work well for
people. Widely available.
Flaxseed Oil – used the same way as fish oil, but fish oil may be
better for carnivores. Often used in combination with cottage cheese to fight
cancer, but this combination seems to have little basis for being effective.
Goldenseal – used as herbal immune stimulant. Astragalus seems more
appropriate.
Grapeseed Extract (Pycnogenol) – a potent anti-oxidant. Useful as
a part of any cancer protocol. Dosages are 1-2 mg. per lb. body weight per
day. Doesn’t seem useful in higher dosages. Widely available. Some think Pycnogenol,
a similar substance extracted from Pine Bark, is more potent. It is also
more expensive.
Green Tea – seems to have several anti-carcinogenic properties both
for prevention and treatment. May be impractical, as large amounts are probably
required to have much effect therapeutically. Widely available.
Hoxsey Formula – a combination of herbals containing red clover,
buckthorn bark, barberry bark, chaparral, licorice root, Cascara amarga,
and prickly ash bark. Bloodroot is sometimes added to make an external formula
for topical application. There are many formulations available. There are
good studies supporting its effectiveness. I have used this in combination
with homeopathy in some cases and may have seen more results than with homeopathy
alone. Dosages vary with formulation.
Hydrazine sulphate – a synthetic compound, non-toxic, which seems
to stimulate appetite, help prevent cachexia, the wasting from cancer, and
offer some pain relief. I have used this in the past and have had mixed results.
Not readily available.
Inositol – an unofficial B-vitamin. Found in many high fiber foods.
Converted to lecithin in the body. May have some cancer fighting properties
such as angiogenesis or the reduction of blood supply to tumors. Dosages extrapolated
from human dosages. Widely available.
Iscador (Mistletoe) – fermented extracts from European mistletoe.
Often injected, rather than taken orally. Used widely in Europe. Has had mixed
results in my practice, although varieties of extracts available to me have
been limited. Could be useful approach with certain cancers. Dosages vary
with route of administration.
Maitake Mushrooms (Shitake) – stimulates T-helper cells and generally
boosts the immune system. Potent immune boosters. Found in many combination
products. Dosages extrapolated from human dosages. Widely available.
MaxGXL - a natural supplement that stimulates the production of glutathione
in the cells. Glutathione is the ultimate antioxidant, because it is
the one that works at the mitochondrial level within the cell. Both
as a cancer preventative and an adjunct therapy where cancer is already present,
I strongly recommend this product and use it as part of my protocol with all
my cancer patients. Glutathione is classified as an “orphan drug” by
the FDA for promoting weight gain and preventing weight loss with cancer patients.
MaxGXL also has a strong anti-inflammatory effect with the addition of Cordyceps,
plus the glutathione produced destroys free-radicals and restores normal
cellular function.
For more information and to order MaxGXL, go to www.maxgxl.com/cloops.
You can also call our office for more information.
Mistletoe – see Iscador
Nosodes (Isodes) – remedies made from cancer cells or tumors and
taken orally or injected. These can be made specifically from the patient’s
tumor (Isode) or a generic tumor can be used (Nosode). These are diluted
and succussed and work homeopathically. I have had some results with this
approach depending on the type of cancer and the patient.
Omega 3’s – active ingredient in Fish Oils, Flaxseed Oils and Borage
Oil. Helpful in prevention and treatment of cancer.
Pau D’arco – extract of the inner bark of a genus of trees from the
South American rainforest. Has been shown to reduce the size of tumors. May
interfere with homeopathic remedies according to some homeopaths. Lapachol
is the active ingredient. Dosage extrapolated from human dosages. Widely available.
Poly MVA – supposedly a DNA nutrient that repairs abnormal genes
that have set the cancer cascade in motion. A natural substance generally
well-tolerated, I have seen some cats react adversely to it. Considered a
mineralo-vitamin. I have seen little difference in cases where this was used.
Very expensive. Dosages extrapolated from human dosages.
Pycnogenol – see Grapeseed Extract
Quercetin – a bioflavonoid. Seems most helpful with stomach cancers.
Dosages extrapolated from human dosage. Available online and in health food
stores.
Selenium – trace mineral complimentary and synergistically with Vitamin
E. Helpful in prevention of cancer and may be useful in treatment in conjunction
with Vitamin E. Mega doses not recommended. Dosages range from 50 to 200mcg.
Daily. Readily available.
Shark Cartilage – usage is based on the premise that sharks don’t
get cancer. There are some small studies that showed tumor regression using
fairly large doses of this. I have not seen any results with shark cartilage
use and I object to the harvesting of sharks for this purpose. Amounts required
are completely impractical for cats.
Soy Products – anti-carcinogenic effects from fermented soy products
have been shown in people. Carnivores don’t metabolize soy protein very effectively
and this doesn’t seem to be an effective part of therapy for dogs and cats.
Spirulina – another “green” supplement. See Chorella.
Superoxide dismutase (SOD) – neutralizes free radicals that cause
cancer and that cancer cells release. An anti-oxidant enzyme. Widely available.
Dosages extrapolated for human doses.
Tamoxifen – blocks estrogen activity that stimulates certain cancers
such as mammary tumors. Dosages extrapolated. Prescription medication.
Transfer Factors (Transfer Factor Plus) – extracts of colostrums
where the immune factors have been concentrated into a supplement. Much more
specific and concentrated than colostrums, but can be used in conjunction
with each other.
Transfer Factor Plus from 4Life is what I generally recommend for my cancer
patients, as an immune stimulant. I suggest the human product - giving one
capsule twice daily per ten pounds body weight, up to six capsules twice daily
as the maximum. There is also a Canine Complete Formula or Feline Complete
Formula which is in grandular form - add this to their food, giving an equivalent
amount as above.
Call 4Life directly at 888-454-3374 for best pricing. State that you are
a new customer and wish to open a NEW CUSTOMER ACCOUNT. When asked for a sponsor
number give ID #84038. Place your order and write down your account number
for future orders. Contact our office if you have any questions or we can
refer you to an information specialist on 4Life Products.
Vitamins A and D are fat soluble and can be overdosed. There are
some protocols for pushing the limits on Vitamin A with cancer fighting results,
but consult with me before using more than a standard Vitamin A and D supplement.
B vitamins are water soluble and excess will be excreted, so overdosing
is not a problem. In general, giving a B-complex is best so as to keep ratios
in line between different B’s. Giving a 10mg. complex to cats and up to a
100mg. complex for larger dogs is appropriate.
Vitamin C can be dosed high or low. In general, I recommend about
500mg. for a cat daily and up to 2000mg. for a large dog. At these levels
any type of Vitamin C can be used for most animals. If you choose to give
higher doses, then amounts should be increased gradually at weekly increments
and ester C’s should be used to avoid stomach difficulties.
Vitamin E should be given dosing from 100 IU’s daily for cats to
400 IU’s daily for large dogs. There is no evidence to show higher doses
are beneficial especially when other anti-oxidants are being given.
Willard’s Water – a blend of minerals with water in a concentrate.
Adding one ounce per gallon of drinking water seems to facilitate the removal
of heavy metals from the system. May be useful in helping to detoxify while
undergoing cancer therapy.
Wobenzyme – a German formulation of digestive enzymes that may be
helpful in an overall cancer protocol. Formulations contain lipase, amylase,
rutin, pancreatin, papain, bromelain, trypsin, and chymotrypsin. Dosages extrapolated
from human dosages.
Zinc – deficiencies can reduce effectiveness of other cancer therapies.
Should not be used long term as a supplement but given for one week at a time
in the 20 mg. to 40mg. range daily, depending on weight.
reprinted with kind permission from Charles Loops DVM
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
