Canine Lymphoma. When dogs are diagnosed with lymphoma cancer or lymphosarcoma, many pet owners seek out complementary therapies to help their pet deal with the disease and its treatment. Designing a supplement program for a cancer patient can be challenging, as many factors play a role in what may, or may not, be beneficial. It is very important that pet parents seek out the advice of trained professionals before changing, adding or eliminating supplements during a pet cancer treatment regimen.
We all know that a high quality diet is essential especially with cancer. As a practicing holistic veterinarian, you are what you eat applies to people and pets. With pet cancer, diet becomes even more essential. In addition, a good multi-vitamin mineral supplement is considered standard for most dog cancer cases. In my practice, we’ve had great results with VitaLife and PAAWS supplements and my “anti-cancer diet”.
Below is a short list of pet nutritional supplements that have been helpful for many canine cancer patients. You’ll notice that I do not include dosages. Every animal should receive an individual evaluation to determine what supplements will be the MOST beneficial and in what amount for each unique case. Also, notice the asterisk (*) after the name of certain supplements – these are considered essential!
* Fish Oil or Other Omega 3-Fatty Acid Sources*: Fish oil and other Omega-3’s appear to reduce the spread of cancer, enhance the body’s natural defense mechanisms, and fight inflammation.
* Vitamin A*: Vitamin A enhances the body’s immune function and may prevent some forms of cancer.
* Vitamin C*: Adequate levels of Vitamin C may lower cancer risk and supplementation may enhance the effects of cancer therapy while reducing chemotherapy’s toxicity. Vitamin C may help also reduce inflammation.
* Vitamin E*: Vitamin E also can reduce adverse side effects of chemotherapy and may even prevent some cancers.
* Selenium*: Selenium is strongly associated with a decreased risk of cancer. Supplements can reduce the nasty side effects of chemotherapy.
* Arginine*: Several cancer studies have shown arginine to enhance immune function.
* Coenzyme Q10: Coenzyme Q10 (or CoQ10) acts as an antioxidant essential to heart function and enhances internal immunity. It is also reported that CoQ10 can reduce the toxicity of Adriamycin, a chemotherapy drug.
* Pycnogenol: Pycnogenol is a power antioxidant that is derived from grape-seed extract.
* Melatonin: Melatonin, in addition to maintaining normal brain function and cognition has been shown to suppress several types of cancer cell growth.
* Glandulars: Extracts of thymus gland, for example, may contain agents called cytokines helpful in managing certain cancer cases.
* Herbal Supplements: Several herbal supplements possess significant anti-cancer effects. It is wise to use herbal supplements under the direction of a trained veterinarian. Examples include: turmeric, soybeans, garlic, carnivore, cotis, Oregon grape, mistletoe, and chaparral.
* Immune Stimulants: Reishi (ganoderma), maitake, ashwaganda, ginseng, and astragalus.
In this veterinarians experience, aside from cost issues, traditional cancer therapy has been documented to help less than 3% of cancer ridden pets, alternative therapies however hold a valid place in veterinary medicine and in most cases are not only cost effective options but also are worthy of serious consideration. It is always best to consult with your veterinarian before attempting to treat your pet with natural or complementary therapies for best results.
