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Soft Tissue Sarcoma

by TraceyH - February 9, 2010

I've got a 9 year old canine cross (65 lbs) who had a soft tissue sarcoma removed several weeks ago from his elbow (looks like the tumour was on the TH channel). THe histologist thinks its likely a peripheral nerve sheath tumour and margins were not clean. The tumour was ulcerated before removal which may have been from the dog licking at it. The owner does not want to pursue chemo or leg amputation. The dog's pulse stuck me as wiry..almost ropey (ie taut), superficial and rapid. He had heat at BL 22, GB 20 and along the TH, PC and or HT channels at the surgical site. I couldn't get a look at his tongue because he was trying to eat me! He has a history of mild arthritis in the hips and knees, his coat almost feels greasy but has a dryness to it too. (no dry skin). He's on Raw food and Wellness kbble, is a deep sleeper, coprophagic and is mildly heat seeking. He's an aggressive dog, who is very reactive to noises.

We've definately got some Blood stasis, and am wondering about QCHT with the tumour in the TH location and heat at BL22...but hesitant because the pulse is superficial. Have also been looking at Tan Yu Tang or Xue Fu Tang.

Any thoughts would be helpful.

Thanks,
Tracey

by naturevet

February 9, 2010

Hi Tracey,

I like your thinking. As long as the pulse has tone and force to it, there is vasoconstriction and the need to move circulation outwards. The dry coat, deep sleep, and chilliness are consistent with that impression as well.

The rapid pulse suggests a need to cool as well, and the coprophagy a possible digestive problem to be cognizant of.

There are probably many options here:
XCHT plus Xue Yu Tang - this has an affinity for the tumor location, is anti-cancer, and is useful for chronic non-healing lesions like acral lick dermatitis

Xian Fang Huo Ming Yin - also excellent for appendicular tumors in dogs with a suggestion of Damp Heat, blood stasis, and non-healing wounds.

Si Miao San plus Dang Gui - more of a general play that acknowledges the digestive aspect; still significant anti-cancer activities. Can be used with Si Miao San.

I'd probably try two or three:
XCHT plus XYT plus SMS
SMS plus XFHMY plus XCHT

Normally we like to be elegant, but in cancer management, you sometimes score extra points for using a large number of herbs that are all really well coordinated.

Hopefully that gets you started. Whatever your gut says about the above....

Steve

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