If your cat is diagnosed with cancer, conventional treatment options will depend upon the type of cancer, its location and to what stage the disease has progressed. Some cancers could respond to natural treatments and these therapies can, along with conventional medicine, support your pet's health.
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Holistic Veterinarian
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If you choose to treat your cat's cancer with natural therapies, find a holistic veterinarian. This is a good idea whether you use natural therapies to supplement, or replace, conventional medicine. Visit the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association's Web site at: www.ahvma.org to find a holistic veterinarian in your area.
Nutrition
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One of the first areas a holistic veterinarian will focus on is diet. The right diet will help to support your cat's immune system. The vet will also try to move your pet away from foods that contain too many carbohydrates because, according to Holistic Pet Info, cancer cells use carbohydrates as their main source of energy. While the veterinarian may direct you toward a natural food brand that is high in protein, low in carbs and moderate in fat, the doctor may also recommend a homemade diet using human-grade ingredients.
Herbs
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A holistic veterinarian will likely recommend herbal supplements as part of your cat's treatment. The type of cancer may determine the type of herbs recommended. Astragalus is often prescribed because it supports the immune system and is thought to suppress tumor growth. Echinacea is also prescribed for its benefits to the immune system as well as for its support of the lymphatic system. Ashwagandha is another commonly used herb in treating cancer. It is thought to prevent, and slow, the growth of tumors.
Comfort
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Comfort and minimizing pain plays a great role in treating your cat's cancer. Reducing pain and stress will help keep your pet's immune system functioning at its best. Acupuncture is often used as part of reducing pain and inflammation in cats with cancer. To find a veterinary acupuncturist, visit the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture's Web site at: www.aava.org. Provide your cat with a warm, quiet place to rest. Make sure that the bed is near enough to you that the cat will not feel lonely and you can check her condition often. Warmth has been shown to play an important part in reducing pain in cats. Consider providing your cat with a heating pad. The heating pad should be on its lowest setting and covered with at least one towel. Use the heating pad only if your cat can get off the pad if it gets too warm.
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