Graviola for Dog Bone Cancer

For many people, their dogs are not just an animal but a part of their families. For these people, a diagnosis of bone cancer is no less heart-wrenching when found in their beloved pets as when found in any other family member. When the expense and pain associated with traditional veterinary cancer treatments is not possible, many such pet owners find relief in alternative treatments. Graviola, a small evergreen plant found in the warmest tropical climates of North and South America, is a relatively new source for such treatments.

  1. Symptoms

    • According to Bone Cancer Dogs, Inc., "the most common symptoms of bone cancer are lameness and pain," and occasionally bone swelling may be noticed; though the involved area may be sensitive to touch, this is not always the case. Because such symptoms are easily attributed to sprains and other minor injuries, Bone Cancer Dogs, Inc. reports that a diagnosis of bone cancer may be late in coming. Furthermore, Bone Cancer Dogs, Inc. claims that dogs may respond well to anti-inflammatory medications as pain relievers for a time, allowing the cancer opportunity to spread.

    Prevention

    • Because there are no known causes of bone cancer in dogs, according to Bone Cancer Dog, Inc., there are no real preventions in place. Instead, standard veterinary care emphasizes early detection and treatment. However, because the symptoms of bone cancer are often confused with sprains or joint pain, diagnosis often comes weeks or months after symptoms began manifesting.

      Currently, according to Bone Cancer Dog, Inc., standard veterinary treatment options are much the same as for humans: chemotherapy, radiation and amputation.

    History

    • The use of graviola as a cancer-fighting treatment is relatively new, as most of the research supporting this plant's anti-cancer properties coming just in the past 15 years, as outlined by Raintree Nutrition. Through various studies, most conducted at Purdue University and funded by The National Cancer Institute and/or the National Institute of Health, Raintree Nutrition reports that graviola has been found to have "significant antitumorous properties and selective toxicity against various types of cancer cells (without harming healthy cells)." In fact, according to Raintree Nutrition, "Purdue University and/or its staff have filed at least nine U.S. and/or international patents on their work" exploring the use of graviola as a possible treatment option.

    Benefits

    • Traditional veterinary treatment of bone cancer often involves amputation, according to Bone Cancer Dog, Inc; for instance, if the cancer is found in a leg bone and has not yet spread to other parts of a dog's body, amputation of the affected bone offers a better chance of survival. Sometimes, according to Bone Cancer Dog, Inc., amputation is associated with chemotherapy and/or radiation as well.

      The alternative use of graviola may prevent the necessity of such measures. A study conducted by Dr. Jerry L. McLaughlin, et al. found that the use of graviola "reduced tumor markers, reduced tumor sizes, and increased longevities among 94 cancer patients while causing minimal side effects." In addition, according to the "Oncology Nursing Forum," graviola is is also powerful "against cancers that are resistant to multiple drugs," which is commonly happens as cancer patients are subjected to repeated chemotherapy treatments over time.

    Considerations

    • Graviola is an alternative treatment drug. As such, many of the resources advocating its use do not come from medical professionals. Additionally, though the AnnieAppleSeedProject claims that no contraindications are associated with giving graviola to dogs, some cautions applied to human usage may be applicable. According to Raintree Nutrition, some of the properties of graviola may have negative effects on patients with low blood pressure. Raintree Nutrition also reports that, due to the antimicrobial properties of graviola, chronic long-term use may kill off friendly digestive tract bacteria. Additionally, though the use of other parts of the plant have proven to be safe, Raintree Nutrition notes that the seeds and root of graviola have different chemical properties and may lead to "neurotoxic effects" such as "atypical Parkinson's disease."