kzarpas

Hi,
Has anyone used or heard of the stats on the DNA vaccine that is for oral melanomas? I really wanted to get some input
Thanks so much
Kathy

Darkrose

We did the vaccine along with the radiation. I did not want my dogs lower jaw cut off as they would have to have cut about 3/4 of it off. We went through the radiation 6 treatments, and so far 4 of the vaccine. It has spread to her lungs, so it did not work. She is still eating but I notice her breathing is more rapid. I don't know if that is from the medicines she takes, a chemo every other day and prednisone along with an antibiotic. It may be because it has spread to her lungs. I will tell you it has cost us over 10,000 dollars, and I wish I could say I did the right thing in not taking off her jaw, but they did tell me it may not have worked either...I think this vaccine is still in the experimental stages. Good luck with your dog..

Sandy

I have wondered about this vaccine myself. My dog had a melanoma removed from her lip 2 months ago. I have wrestled with whether or not to pursue this vaccine, although, I know it is very, very expensive. In the end, I decided not to do chemo or the vaccine. Radiation was not offered to me. I was told since the margins on the biopsy were clear to go with either chemo or the vaccine. I am treating her holistically, and just hope to God I have made the right decisions for her. Based on my research, chemo is relatively ineffective against melanoma...but, I have read so many different things too.
It is so very hard to know what to do. All you can do is do your best for your baby.
My heart goes out to everyone on this board...

kzarpas

I spoke to Merial, the manufacturer and they just didn't have enough data for me to know if it would work. I spoke to my holistic vet and she said that a curr client had done the vaccine, had the tumor removed and it came back 3 times. I decided to invest in a bunch of supplements to keep him strong. I also spoke to her and she said that on melanomas that the oil of Frankincense was very effective, especially if it could be placed topically as well as taken orally. Since Tully's tumor is in the back of his mouth I can't get it there..it tastes horrible too. I put it in capsules and feed it to him in chicken and he eats it up. We can only make the decision that we think is best at the time. You just do the waht you can. I know we all love our dogs more than anything so it's all to easy to second guess ourselves. Best of luck and let me know if you find any other supplements that look promising

labman

My lab had oral melanoma. We started with surgery and they thought they had clear margins. We started on the vaccine but in a couple of months the melanoma came back. The "clear margins" is their best guess given the sample they have to work with. We then did radiation which helped for awhile. Then chemo, supplements, and then an experimental drug called Gleevec. I think all these things helped and Hoover had about 8 months after diagnosis. His quality of life was very good even with all the treatments. He remained a happy guy until things went downhill at the end and it was time say goodbye. It was a long, expensive road but I would do it again. It's a tough thing because there are alot of things out there - conventional and holistic,etc. Obviously there are no guarantees. Follow your heart because there is no road map. Whatever you do, you do it for the love of your best friend. And that's the only thing that counts.

Sandy

It does not sound like this very expensive vaccine has had much success for melanoma
I check Dazzle several times a week for regrowth of the tumor, or a new one...I just don't know, however, what may be going on on the inside of her body.
It is hard, and i pray every day for her and others going through this.
It is so good to have a support system on this site..
sandy