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Cancer Fighter Pack (Cancer Kit 4)

PetOmega 3, Milk Thistle, ES-Clear, Turmeric

USD $173.80
Cancer Fighter Pack (Cancer Kit 4) USD $173.80 Add to Cart

Vet Talks: Cancer in Pets

Vet Talks 2 min read
Vet Talks: Cancer in Pets

Being integrative veterinary practitioners, we often see cancer in pets who need holistic care.  Many receive western medications and chemotherapy and we add in diet, herbal therapy, physical therapy, and acupuncture, and or spinal manipulation to enable our patients to be more comfortable, and stay in remission longer.

Cancer, unfortunately is the leading cause of death among dogs and cats in the United States.

It is possible to extend life if problems are presented earlier to veterinarians, although that being said, things can often happen very suddenly.

It is possible to extend life if problems are presented earlier to veterinarians, although that being said, things can often happen very suddenly.  Signs to look for if your pet is ill and may have cancer include:

  • Anorexia and weight loss
  • Difficulty eating or swallowing
  • Drinking more water than usual and urinating more
  • Lameness, stiffness, or other movement difficulties
  • Enlarged lymph nodes, lumps, or swellings anywhere on the body
  • Chronic diarrhea or constipation
  • Difficulty breathing,
  • Offensive odor to the breath
  • Skin sores that won’t heal
  • Sores in the mouth
  • Difficulty breathing, exercise intolerance
  • Bleeding or discharge from any body opening
  • Abdominal distention

Some common types of cancers include lymphoma carcinomas, osteosarcomas, melanomas, and mast cell tumors to name a few. Some dogs are at greater risk of cancer than others due to genetics including golden retrievers, boxers, Scottish terriers, poodles, St. Bernards, basset hounds, Airedale terriers, chows, German Shepards, bulldogs, beagles, Rottweilers.

The cause of cancer in pets is not well understood, but there are some things you can do to give the best chance of avoiding cancer.

  • Diet: feed the best diet possible, what I call a “clean” diet- balanced, minimal ingredients either home-cooked, raw, or commercially available.
  • Lots of exercises, this is good for the body as well as the mind.
  • Eliminate exposure to toxins – think about your pet as you would yourself – inhalant toxins, chemical toxins, pesticides, any unhealthy environmental exposures should be eliminated.
  • Reduce the number of unnecessary vaccines.
  • Annual exams in younger patients and biannual exams in any animal over the age of 8, biannual screening lab work over the age of 8, and baseline labwork in younger dogs and cats.
  • Brush your pet’s teeth daily.
  • Keep the immune system up with immune-stimulating supplements such as nutritional vitamins, omega 3 fatty acids, Turmeric, Milk Thistle and ES Clear, and Natures Immuno by NHV.

If your pet is diagnosed with cancer, our best advice is to gather all information available and talk about a treatment plan with your western veterinarian – internist, oncologist, surgeon, or primary veterinarian in conjunction with your holistic veterinarian for the best outcome possible.

Feel free to contact us for an online vet consult, which you can book through NHV.

Dr. Hillary Cook DVM

Dr. Hillary Cook DVM

Dr. Hillary Cook is a graduate of Virginia Maryland Regional Veterinary Medical school. She has been practicing holistic and integrative veterinary medicine for over 20 years. She certified in Veterinary acupuncture and is fully qualified in Western and Chinese herbalism. She is the owner of Animal Wellness Center, an integrative veterinary clinic in Crozet, VA. She enjoys spending time with her husband, two children, and a menagerie of pets including dogs, cats, and chickens. When time allows, you can find her in the garden or on the tennis court!

Published: December 15, 2017

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