Dog Illnesses: My Dog Has Lymphoma – What Do I Do Now?
My dog was diagnosed with lymphoma yesterday. I am heartbroken and devastated. Does anyone have any words of wisdom or any ideas for supportive care to keep him comfortable in his final days? I will not do chemotherapy but am interested in any immune boosting therapies, etc. He is a raw fed dog. He has been on a raw diet for 3 1/2 years. He is a 90 lb Akita mix. He turned 10 years old yesterday.
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Eating habits… “The diet for pets with lymphoma needs to be high in protein, high in fat, and low in carbohydrates,”
Along with a healthier meal plan, adding nutritional supplements to enhance immune function. Fish oil, which in very high doses, will give him the essential fatty acids he needs to fight lymphoma. Depending on size, giving him 1,000 to 3,000 mg a day of EPA plus DHA, which are the active omega-3s in fish oil. I suggests antioxidants like vitamin E, selenium, green tea extract, and red wine extract.
Herbal remedies also can help, and most of them don’t taste half-bad. Echinacea’s strong immune-modulating properties make it a popular choice in battling cancer. And mistletoe contains the essential extracts needed to protect DNA, encourage cell death, and stimulate the immune system.
Treat to a little acupuncture and aromatherapy, which can round out his treatment. I’m told they ease the stress we dogs encounter when undergoing rigorous cancer treatments.
Exploring holistic treatments for canine cancer can lead owners down
many different paths.
“There are a lot of variations in holistic therapies,”
“What works for one dog may or may not work for another.”
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My 8 yr old Bernese was diagnosed with stage 5b lymphoma in September. We did the UW-Madison protocol chemo for him at Purdue vet school. He has been in full remission for 3 months now and is back to being as normal as he was before. He did not have any ill effects from chemo and Essaic Tea got him started eating again. He is back to his normal 100 lbs.
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He already gets no grains and eats a prey model raw diet. I also use fish oil for my dogs. I wish I had better knowledge of herbal remedies! I definitely want to try those and will be making a trip to my health food store for ideas. I am going to start him on prednisone today. I am not happy about that but he is starting to have labored breathing now and I want to do what I can to make him comfortable for the time that he has left. I will look into the suggestions that you have made.
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Prednisone has so many bad side effects here are some alternatives
http://www.nativeremedies.com/ailment/natural-dyspnea-treatments-for-breathing.html
* Inula helenium (Elecampane) (Scullcap) has been used by herbalists for centuries to treat coughs, bronchitis, asthma and whooping cough. Elecampane has also been used historically to treat poor digestion and general complaints of the intestinal tract. The flowers of this herb were used in Oriental medicine, to treat all condition producing excessive phlegm.
* Althea officinalis (Marshmallow) is an effective treatment for bronchitis, respiratory catarrh, irritating coughs and infections. This soothing herb helps to reduce all types of inflammation and will relieve dry coughs, bronchial asthma and sore throats as well as digestive complaints.
* Mag. phos. (D6) is a biochemic tissue salt used for rapid easing of a tight chest and as an antispasmodic for constricted airways. Mag. phos. is also a natural painkiller and is often used to treat cramping pains.
* Kali. mur. (D6) is another biochemic tissue salt. Kali. mur. is well-known for its mucus-decongesting properties. This soothing and anti-inflammatory remedy also prevents infections of the respiratory tract, improves liver functioning and strengthens blood and nerve tissue.
* Arsen. alb. (30C) is a homeopathic remedy effective for treating acute bronchospasm and dry throat associated with cold air in the early mornings. Arsen alb. is also useful for a variety of other conditions including inflammation of the eyes, sneezing and allergies, skin conditions and general restlessness.
* Phosphorus (30C) is a well known remedy for the respiratory conditions of asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, tightness in chest, dry lingering coughs and deep coughs. Phosphorus is also used homeopathically to treat and prevent respiratory problems linked to stress or anxiety.
* Mullein: expectorant
* Horehound: expectorant and soothing
* Marshmallow:anti-inflammatory, cough reliever
* Slippery elm: anti-inflammatory
* Lobelia: relieves bronchial spasms
* Thyme: relieves bronchial spasms
* Garlic: antibacterial, helps other herbs work effectively
* Antimonium should be given to the patient that feels congested and has labored breathing. There may be a rattling sound to the chest. Coughing takes much effort. Other symptoms could include dizziness, drowsiness, and lack of energy.
* Bryonia is useful when the cough is dry and painful with little mucus.
Movement makes the cough worse. The patient may try to stay very still to avoid the pain of coughing. There will be spasms in the stomach, dryness of the mouth and unrelenting thirst. The patient may seem sullen and unwilling to talk.
* Silicea patients have had bronchitis for a prolonged time. It takes a lot of effort to bring up the phlegm. Mucus has a greenish or yellowish tint. Fever will be present during times that the bronchitis is the worst. Other symptoms that suggest the need for silicea are swollen lymph nodes, exhaustion, and pain in the back when coughing.
