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2 Dogs With Cancer

by LJH - October 7, 2009

Dear Dr. Marsden,
I've got 2 canine patients recently diagnosed with tumors of the head. Dog #1 is an 8yr M(N)Rhodesian Ridgeback that I saw 3 years ago for a chronic low grade erythema, papules, hyperpigmentation of inguinal region. He seemed blood deficient at the time with empty heat and responded well to Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan and a change to lower carb, more homemade diet. Although there were no Damp signs at the time I wondered about an underlying SP Qi deficiency.This spring he started putting on weight and his regular vet changed him to a dry weight loss formula. He had intranasl Bordatella vaccine in July. About a month ago he started with snoring/snorting breathing that was worse in the morning but progressed quickly (now constantly sounds like a suffocating Bulldog)and was diagnosed as a mass in the dorsal rt pharynx. Biopsy showed multilobular osteochondroma(osteochondrosarcoma)that was likley to be expansile not so metastasizing but unlikley to be able to remove with any kind of margins.Tongue is pale thin white coat, a bit flabby and slightly swollen. Pulse 80 a bit weak, thin and now more soft(previously was more wiry)I wondered if your protocol for VitA and VitD was appropriate to try. Also if it could be given orally(VitAD capsules vs the injectable given orally).
Also if Hoxey formula was suitable despite alot of Heat signs. I also wondered about Tan Yu Tang (good for head and neck)or if a more Blood moving formula like modified Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang should be considered. He seems to have elements of both Blood def/stasis and Damp/Phlegm. He is worsening quite quickly. I;ve started him on a medicinal mushroom blend, low/no carb homemade diet, omega 3's and curcuma plus some HOmotox to support immune system.
Dog #2 is a 13 yr F(S) retreiver collie mix diagnosed by x-ray with an intranasal/sinus mass after an episode of epistaxis. No biopsy done as owner doesn't want to put her through alot. Tongue was a bit pale and seemed a little dry as well as a bit flabby. Pulse was 84 a bit weak, thin and soft/slippery. She is currently on a low carb raw diet, digestive enzymes and Reishi mushroom blend and antioxidants. I wondered about Tan Yu Tang again or if there was a better choice in light of what seemed to be elements of both Blood def and Damp/Phlegm. Recommended Yunnan Bai Yuo with regards to bleeding. Sorry for the lengthy email. Both owners are distraight and any suggestions appreciated Thanks,
Llewanda

by naturevet

October 9, 2009

Hi Llewanda,

For the first dog, no problem to use vitamin A and D orally. The weight loss diet is clearly not serving the dog well, so I'm glad he's back to being fed the same way as when he was thriving, but just heavy. Generally there are several reasons why home-cooked diets deliver superior results in cancer cases, and I'm sure you know most of them. Low sugar content, antioxidant protection, etc.

Complaints worse in the morning can be due to Qi deficiency, or Damp and Phlegm accumulation, or both. Snoring would certainly make me think of Damp. Weight loss is consistent with Damp if there are loose stools and the Spleen is weak. The pulse suggests (Spleen?) Qi deficiency, perhaps.

Given the possible deficiencies, Hoxsey is too strong to jump in with. I'd wonder about the Tan Yu Tang formula. It's an anti-cancer Phlegm formula for the upper burner. It might work. Even a general anti-phlegm formula would probably be helpful, at least at taking down swelling. An example might be Er Chen Tang, which we can provide. Or use both, which might be the best solution. But that's where I'd start.

It's unfortunate that things are progressing rapidly. One thing we are probably going to start using as a supplement is IP-6. It supposedly has anti-cancer and cell differentiating effects, although I'd need to confirm that. But I can say we've seen many animals with metastatic cancer have unusual longevity when taking the product.

For nasal tumors, we've seen Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang, Hoxsey, and a formula called Xin Yi San (Magnolia Powder) be very helpful, producing longevity of a year or longer. Sometimes we've used all three formulas together. I'd start with XFZYT if the dog strikes you as Blood deficient. If there is mucous and Damp secondarily, then roll in Xin Yi San. Use Hoxsey for a stronger anti-inflammatory effect - e.g. if the mass is growing rapidly or is very inflammed.

Hope that all helps,

Steve

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