Cancer is an all too common occurrence in our furry family members. In fact, cancer is the leading cause of death in dogs and cats 10 years of age and older. Pet lovers should be aware of all options for cancer treatment for dogs and cats.
Conventional approaches can include
- Surgery
- Surgery and chemotherapy
- Radiation
Conventional treatment may or may not be curative.
Holistic treatment by a holistic veterinarian focuses on treating the patient with more natural treatment options that are:
- Much less invasive
- More supportive of natural healing by the body
- Encourage the body’s natural ability to protect and regulate itself
These treatments can be complementary or utilized as the sole therapy to fight cancer.
At Healing Paws Center, we believe in a comprehensive, individualized approach to treat cancer. We utilize Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine to treat the cancer, and improve the overall quality of life of your pet.
Dexter’s Story
“Our sweet beloved chocolate lab Dexter, changed our lives from the day he arrived home on a gorgeous December day. Dexter stole our hearts the minute he got home. That’s when I promised him to love and care for him for the rest of his life.
When he was diagnosed in 2018 with severe arthritis and masses in his spleen and liver, he started loosing interest in his day to day activities and stopped eating. We simply couldn’t let him give up on life and deteriorate in discomfort or pain. It was very clear to both of us we didn’t want Dexter to go through painful surgery recuperations or discomforting traditional treatments at his age if his condition would have ever continued to escalate and so we decided to look for a holistic solution to his condition. That’s when we found Healing Paws Center. …
Click here for sweet Dexter’s full story and other cancer successes
Chinese medicine dates back to the 2nd century BC. Integrative cancer treatment plans are a common standard of practice at most Chinese and Japanese human oncology centers.
Additionally, human cancer treatment centers are practicing Traditional Chinese Medicine across the US (see Cancer Treatment Centers of America)
We recommend fighting the cancer from every angle – thus, our treatment plans typically include three parts:
- Acupuncture
- Herbal Therapy
- Food Therapy/ Nutrition – including protective vitamins, and supplements
Acupuncture
Acupuncture works on several levels to combat cancer and its effects including:
- Enhancing the immune system function – Studies have demonstrated that acupuncture can encourage the production of such cancer-killing cells as T-lymphocytes, macrophages, and natural killer cells.
- Decreasing pain – Why does acupuncture tend to feel so good? Acupuncture causes the natural release of the “feel good” neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine, and dopamine. For a treatment with NO major side effects, this is absolutely astounding.
- Increased appetite and energy – This can be the most beneficial effect of acupuncture. Cancer causes animals to just feel tired, drained, and sad. Acupuncture is a natural way to treat these symptoms of cancer. Most owners will comment on how active and energetic their pets are after their treatments.
Holistic cancer therapy in practice: Bailey was diagnosed with advanced canine osteosarcoma (bone cancer) of her front leg.
In cases of bone cancer, pets experience severe cancer pain and weight loss. Traditional treatment (oral pain pills) may not be enough. Bailey’s owners selected to use an integrative holistic treatment plan with acupuncture, herbal therapy, and food therapy. After starting these holistic treatments, Bailey’s pain level and lameness were dramatically reduced, and she began to run around like she used to!
Acupuncture for Chemotherapy and Radiation Support . . .
Studies have demonstrated that acupuncture can help reduce unwanted side effects of chemotherapy:
- Nausea/ vomiting
- Decreased energy
- Decreased appetite
- Weight loss
Additionally, acupuncture can boost your pet’s overall immune system function in the body.
- Certain chemotherapeutic agents affect the white blood cell and red blood cell levels in the body.
- Acupuncture can help keep white blood cell and red blood cell levels within normal range during chemotherapy – with NO side effects.
Herbal Therapy
Herbal therapy is typically combined with acupuncture and food therapy in order to create a synergistic effect. Herbal therapies contain chemical constituents that can have powerful, beneficial effects on the bodies of our pets.
Chinese herbal therapy is utilized to:
- Enhance the immune system
- Increase appetite and energy
- Decrease the effects of cancer
Food Therapy / Nutrition – Food is medicine!
Dr. Jessie works closely with a veterinary dietician to create individualized balanced, home-made recipes aimed at treating your pet’s underlying disease process, not just their daily symptoms. These recipes are based on Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM), and created utilizing the natural energetics of food.
Unprocessed, home-cooked diets allow for intense nutrition for your pet via high quality fresh foods. We recommend whole foods – fresh vegetables, low fat meats, and fruits, etc. Fresh vegetables and fruits that contain high levels of antioxidants and omega-3-fatty acids can help your pet naturally fight the cancer.
Just as in human oncology, highly processed foods (such as kibble) are not recommended. Nutrients are drastically altered during the heat-processing that is inherent in creating kibble. Additionally, preservatives and other chemicals are added to the kibble in order to increase its shelf life.
If a home-cooked diet is not possible, Dr. Jessie will work with you to select the best commercial canned food that contains similar food energetics.
Nutraceutical supplements, such as mushroom extracts that contain high levels of antioxidants, may be recommended as well.
Commonly asked questions about cancer treatment for dogs and cats:
My pet was recently diagnosed with cancer, but is eating well and has a high energy level. When should we start these holistic therapies?
Starting these holistic therapies before the clinical signs of cancer start is the BEST choice you can make. It is easier to keep a pet’s energy and appetite on a steady level when you start from a steady level.
How often should my pet with cancer receive acupuncture therapy?
Dr. Jessie strongly recommends acupuncture treatments at least every two weeks. Depending on the response, we may be able to consider treatments every other week or every 2 weeks. Every patient is different, and we must tailor treatment accordingly.
If my pet is currently taking or has taken chemotherapy, can we still start herbal therapy or acupuncture?
Yes! You can utilize Traditional Chinese Medicine as complementary therapies. We highly recommend acupuncture and herbal therapy to maintain appetite and energy while your pet’s body is metabolizing the chemotherapy.
Studies have demonstrated that acupuncture can help reduce unwanted side effects of chemotherapy:
- Nausea/ vomiting
- Decreased energy
- Decreased appetite
- Weight loss
Additionally, acupuncture can boost your pet’s overall immune system function in the body.
- Certain chemotherapeutic agents affect the white blood cell and red blood cell levels in the body.
- Acupuncture can help keep white blood cell and red blood cell levels within normal range during chemotherapy – with NO side effects.
Can we treat my pet’s cancer with ONLY acupuncture, herbal therapy, and food therapy?
Yes! These forms of therapy can be used as the sole therapeutic modality for cancer treatment.
Unfortunately, there are several kinds of cancer for which there is no conventional care option.
Dr. Jessie’s own dog, Duke, was diagnosed with a very, very rare form of pancreatic cancer. Conventional care treatments were not an option for Duke. Through treatment with daily food therapy, daily herbal therapy, and twice-weekly acupuncture, Duke lived 1 year past his prognosis of only 6 weeks.
Can we utilize these therapies to prevent the recurrence of cancer after surgery, or for pets currently in remission following chemotherapy?
Yes! These forms of therapy can be used for pets who have successfully undergone conventional treatments and currently in remission. In these cases, the therapies would be adapted to support your pet’s immunity, and to prevent cancer recurrence.
Do we have to utilize all three treatments (acupuncture, herbal therapy, and food therapy) to treat my pet?
It is important to attack the cancer from as many angles and avenues as possible – thus, Dr. Jessie recommends utilizing acupuncture, herbal therapy, and food therapy to treat cancer.
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