Tibbi

My disclaimer: These are our personal experiences and are unique to each canine. The following is from our life with a greyhound with osteosarcoma.

First, before you even think about branching off on your own to try alternative therapies, talk with your dog's oncologist. If you get the 'green-light' - seek out a certified holistic vet (we were lucky enough to have a family friend who is our vet, Dr. Donn Griffith - he's certified by the International Veterinary Accupuncture Society and the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association and operates Ohio Holistic Veterinary Services - plus he was recommended by our oncology team at OSU - before they knew that we knew him). I know it may sound like I'm a commercial spokesperson for the guy, but I only mention his name so you can research his background so you can find what you should look for in certifications and credentials.

Azie's oncologist (Dr. Melanie McMahon, OSU) and his primary guardian angel, Dr. Guillermo Couto (Diplomate ACVIM, Professor and Chief of Oncology/Hematology/Transfusion Medicine at OSU) said absolutely no alternative treatments while he was undergoing his chemo. They needed to know what was working from their end. When Az ended his 5 rounds of chemo, they gave us to 'go-ahead' to expore alternatives for accupuncture (if needed for pain); supplements and diet from Dr. G.

Dr. G. examined Az about 3 months post-amp and had us start our greys on a macrobiotic diet. In a nutshell, brown rice, fresh veggies, fresh fruit and fresh (non-ground) high-quality meats - all cooked up together. Lots of color in the veggies - green, yellow, orange and red peppers (not the hot ones, of course); blueberries, apples, tomatoes, carrots, green beans, peas, zuchinni. No salt, but a bit of garlic. No onions or grapes (poison to dogs)! No beans, cruciferous veggies (dog fats are poison to you). Each gets about a cup of this per meal with some kibble for their teeth (our greyhounds are all on the large end of the breed - Az weighs almost 90 lbs, GiGi about 65 and Callie weighs in at 78 lbs). We cook up 3 days worth in our huge crock pot and store meals in zip-loc bags.

Azie also gets folic acid, glucosamine, Canine Hepatic Support, ProBalance Canine and an antioxidant supplement. Az is 11 years old and aside from his OS, also is getting cataracts, has horrible teeth, has arthritis and has some kidney issues - this macrobiotic diet has been beneficial to all 3 - no doggie farts, loose stools or vomiting - they're leaner now than pre-new-diet.

Our only issue is that the greys eat better than us. Thank goodness for the summer garden!

Other alt medicines I asked everyone at OSU and Dr. G about were some ancient Chinese herbal treatments that I had read about on line and in Celebrating Greyhound Magazine from 2002. (I won't mention the name as that thread is closed). All our vets - all of them - said NO. Research was conducted in the early 2000's and lead no where - no results, no cure, just a very high cost with no proven return.

Accupuncture was recommended for pain, but Azie has not needed it. He only had tramadol and Deramaxx immediately after his amputation for a few days.

I highly recommend seeking holistic health care as a supplement to the oncology care. There is so much to be said about integrative and complementary medicine. Seek advice from an expert, after all, this is just one dog's 'tail'.

Tibbi, Azie, GiGi and Callie

sparkysmom

Thank you very much for this advise. I was not aware that onions and grapes are poisonous to dogs, so this is good to know. I have been feeding my dogs the same things that I eat. Fortunately, I am as concerned about what I put in my families bodies as I am about what my dogs eat. We all eat very healthy. All organic foods, including meats raised with no hormones, or antibiotics. We are all very healthy as a result. I think that more people should be aware of what they not only put in their animals bodies, but their own bodies as well. I think if everyone was more educated in this area, most people would be a lot happier and healthier, as well as their animals.

Thank you,
Kathy
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