nailtek

I got the sad news last week and cannot believe it. My Maltese who weighs only 3 1/2 lbs and is 8years old was being treated for gum disease and the dentist found a lymph node enlarged and a weird looking growth in his mouth. He had them biopsied and the results were devastating. I've read all I can on the internet and do know the prognosis is not good. I've opted for prednisone instead of chemo because he would need combination of chemo and radiation and maybe only get up to 8 months remission if at all. He is so tiny I cant put him through all that.

I have been trying to find a holistic or homeopathic vet to help me with food and supplements to help boost his immune system but there are none in my area. I would appreciate any help you can give. Part of me still doesnt believe this is happening to my sweet little boy. All he ever asked for is love. Im glad I found this site and hope I can learn from experience so I can take the best care of my baby because he deserves it.

rockytola

Hi:

So sorry to hear about your Maltese! Where in the country (assuming US) do you live. We had a great holistic vet here in CT and I am sure she has referrals around the country.

As a start slowly change the diet away from any carbs....check Aloha Pharmaceuticals for their K9 Immunity and start a diet of cottage cheese blended with flaxseed oil. You can check the amounts and the background by researching The Budwig Protocol. I am sure you will be receiving a bunch of e mails with advice and support as we are all here to help.

John

jeffers

so sorry to hear about your maltese my old girl had similar. the other a day i came across a site that sounds very interesting www.outoftheearth.com/hydperox.htm

it might be able to help. just copy and paste address into browser if clicking above dont work. look at there homepage i thought it was very good. just had a look at your georgeous pic what a lovely boy. john is right you will find a lot of help here as we have all had to deal with similar probs

Meesh

So sorry to hear about your baby. T-cell lymphoma is, unfortunately, as you know, not a good diagnosis. BUT, it's not untreatable. Here's the website for the American Holistc Vet Association: AHVMA - American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, you can search for holistic vets in your state. Switch your dog to a grain-free diet, bottled or filtered water, a good Omega-3 and since you're not doing chemo, find a good antioxidant. I wish you the best on this retchid journey.
Michelle & Hamlet (and Rufus, too)
Dx 01/29/10 Stage Va, B-cell lymphoma with liver, spleen and bone marrow involvement
Tx 02/01/10
Full Remission 04/26/10
Completed chemo 06/28/10
Remission confirmed 07/16/10, 08/16/10

nailtek

Thank you all for your replies. I am so beside myself. Today we went to the oncologist and she told me the protocol for chemo It would be combination IV chemo, oral, steroids and radiation. Hopefully MAYBE 6-8 months. I just cant put my little guy through all that for maybe a few months. I decided to do prednisone but when I came home I got a call from a nutritionist and he told me he would like to put my little guy on Supplements and herbs. I thought that would be good but he said some of the supps may interfere with the prednisone. He made me understand that the prednisone will not help my dog in a way of fighting the disease but the supps and herbs possible can. So what do I do now? Choose? Im just more confused than ever. Has anyone ever gone just the route of diet and supps? I need all the feedback I can get and time is not on my side.

Again thank you all for your information. John, Jeffers and Meesh, I will check the links you guys sent.

Meesh

We went the chemo route with complimentary holistic supplements. I know some oncologists like to wean the dogs off pred once the nodes shrink. While the pred won't cure the cancer, it certainly will ease the discomfort and help to shrink the nodes/tumors and it stimulates the appetite so your guy will keep eating (always important). I'd talk to your onc and see what her plan is with respect to how long she intends your guy to be on the pred. If it's a similar plan to what I mentioned, maybe let him take the pred now, get his nodes down, and once he's weaned off the pred, switch to the herbs and supplements. There are supplements you can use in the meantime while he's on pred, like a good Omega-3, Milk Thistle for liver support, a probiotic for digestive help, etc. BTW, dogs can get OTC human-grade supplements. And, a final word of caution: I'm always leary of "medical professionals" who aren't open to combination therapy; specifically if it's something YOU want to do for your guy. Also, be cautious of the "medical professionals" who sell proprietary products; I find they're only in it for the money. And, ask questions of everyone and don't back down until you're comfortable with the answer. Remember you're paying the bills here and it's your baby!
Keep us posted on how you and your little guy make out.
NOT TODAY, NOT WITHOUT A FIGHT!
Michelle, Rufus & Hamlet

Meesh

BTW, I wanted to let you know that T-cell is NOT a death sentence. I belong to another support group specifically for lymphoma dogs undergoing chemo. There are a few T-cell dogs on there who are thriving; one of which is into her 2nd year of remission. Those statistics they give us are just numbers. Every dog is different and this horrible disease affects each dog differently.
Michelle

nailtek

Meesh,
Im just so confused. I think I got enough information as for the feeding but the herbs and supplements are confusing to me. I am still searching.

nailtek

John thanks for you reply. I am in NY. I have learned about the carbs and will check out the Budwig. thanks a bunch!

Meesh

There are two books I've found immensely helpful:
1. Help Your Dog Fight Cancer by Laurie Kaplan - Her dog Bullet (she also is the founder of the Magic Bullet Fund) had lymphoma and lived 5 years after diagnosis in remission. He passed due to an unrelated illness. Her book breaks down treatments, supplements, diet, and what to expect. She personally chose chemo with complimentary treatments for Bullet but her book talks about the other treatments.
2. The Holistic Vet's Guide to Preventing and Treating Canine Cancer by Shawn Messonier. This book includes two complete chapters on herbs, supplements, diet, etc.
As I've mentioned, I prefer combination therapy but there have been quite a few who have had success with natural only.
Keep us posted on your guy's progress.
Michelle, Rufus & Hamlet