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Mammary Neoplasia In A Dog

by LJH - April 23, 2019 View Case Report

Hi Steve, I've just seen an 11yr intact female Boston Terrier with a history of false pregnancies who has developed a rapidly growing mass in the right caudal most mammary gland. Mass is now 4cm x 2 1/2 cm, firm and irregular, very warm, skin reddened and starting to develop a couple of small "blisters" over the gland. Dog is in good body condition, not overweight, good appetite, normal stools and water consumption/ urination, no vomiting. No ear or anal gland issues, slight mucoid ocular discharge, snores some, dreams a little, no anxiety, hair coat good, no dandruff or pruritis. Usually heat seeking, lately seems warm not wanting covers on etc. Sensitive on palpation of BL-18,21,22, Is a bit stiff in hindend when first gets up. Tongue is pink with lavender tinge. Pulse is sl weak and a bit wiry. Pulse is 76per min, improved some massaging GB pts. Temperature normal.Bloodwork good except showing mild nonregenerative anemia, ultrasound of liver and spleen wnl and thoracic x-rays normal at this time. rDVM advised mass removal and histopath but in the meantime dog has started another false pregnancy. No behaviour changes but mammary gland enlargement and lactation, so surgery has been delayed. Owner has just changed diet from kibble to lightly home cooked, meat and veg and some cottage cheese. I know Xian Fang Huo Ming Yin has a great affinity for the ST meridian and so mammary chain/masses but also wondered about XCHT and what about that non regenerative anemia. Xiao Yao San might have been helpful if it was just the false pregnancy.I was going to start her on Coriolus and IP-6 +/- tumeric/golden paste,and maybe topical Essential Oil of Frankinscence. Any thoughts you might have about herbs for this dog would be much appreciated. Thanks again, Llewanda

by naturevet

April 24, 2019

Hi Llewanda,

It would be great to get that mass off ASAP, since it limits your herbal options. I find that any Blood moving, tonifying, or peripheral circulation enhancing herbs can cause tumor growth to explode, if the tumor looks 'hot' and is rapidly growing. Despite the weak pulse, then, I'd probably start with Hoxsey. Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang can allow you to use a version of XCHT, while internalizing the Blood supply.

Once the tumor is removed, the pulse and picture will change, and you'll have more opportunity to use Blood tonics, Blood movers, etc.

If there has been any pyometra in the past, then Si Miao San is also a consideration. If in doubt, all three can be used together

Hopefully this helps you out!

Steve

by LJH

April 24, 2019

Thanks for your quick reply. I was worried XFHMY could increase tumor growth and it is definitely “hot”, but also worried about the sl weak and wiry pulse.Will see how she does with Hoxsey. Hoping surgery can happen soon. Thank you again for all your help, Llewanda

by naturevet

April 24, 2019

If any mover is tolerated, it will be XFHMY. But I'd try Hoxsey first. Try a small dose and work up, given the weak pulse.

Now if you've already started XFHMY, then maybe just add in Si Miao San

Steve

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