Oral cancers account for about 6 percent of all canine cancers. In many cases, surgery is the only way to remove the tumor and relieve the dog's pain. Alternative therapy may include diet, supplements and botanical formulas. None of these will cure oral cancer, but these approaches may slow the spread of invasive cancers, ease side effects of conventional treatment and improve both survival rates and the dog's quality of life.
-
Easing Side Effects of Conventional Treatment
-
The type of oral cancer your dog has will dictate the treatment. Surgery to remove the tumor is common to ease the pain and allow the dog to eat and drink as well as stop or slow the spread of cancer to other parts of the body. Your veterinarian or veterinary oncologist may also suggest chemotherapy or radiation. These treatments have side effects including nausea, gastrointestinal upset and pain.
If possible, consult with a holistic or homeopathic veterinarian for complementary treatments. Always let your primary vet know what alternative therapies you're using because there may be risk of drug interactions. Slippery elm bark soothes the digestive tract, eases nausea and can reduce vomiting and diarrhea. Ginger and the homeopathic remedy Nux vomica can also be effective for nausea. Probiotics and digestive enzymes will help replenish "good" bacteria responsible for healthy digestion and help keep food properly digested instead of being thrown up. Antioxidant supplements like vitamins A,C and E, as well as coenzyme Q-10 may help strengthen the immune system and combat hair loss.
Traditional Chinese Medicine and Botanical Treatments
-
Some herbal and botanical treatments are being studied as viable cancer treatment options instead of merely "alternative" therapies. Artemisinin is a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) herb long recognized as an anti-malarial drug. It has been studied for its efficacy in treating bone and lymph node cancers, making it a potentially viable treatment for oral bone tumors and any oral cancer that spreads through the lymphatic system. Artemisinin can be purchased online and can be used in conjunction with chemotherapy. Neoplasene is another botanical treatment used in many types of cancer. It must be obtained through a veterinarian and is given either orally or by injection, depending on the type of cancer involved.
Nutritional Support for Cancer Dogs
-
Much of what we know today about nutrition for canine cancer comes from Colorado State oncologist Dr. Ogilvie, D.V.M. His recommendation for a low- or zero-carbohydrate, high-protein and high-fat diet is based both on the research of others and his own studies. This diet has proven effective in slowing the progress of cachexia (extreme weight loss due to cancer) and retarding the growth of some cancer cells. Choosing a grain-free kibble, or feeding a home-cooked or raw diet allows the dog's caregiver to formulate a palatable diet and add supplements. Many veterinary oncologists will provide guidance on putting together a diet for a dog with oral cancer and will tailor it to make it easy for a dog who has undergone surgery to eat and digest.
-