The Dog Cancer Survival Guide: Full Spectrum Treatments to Optimize Your Dog's Life Quality and Longevity

Book Description

Publication Date: July 20, 2011

If your dog has cancer, you need this book. No matter what you’ve heard, there are always steps you can take to help your dog fight (and even beat) cancer.
This scientifically researched guide is your complete reference for practical, evidence-based strategies that can optimize the life quality and longevity for your dog. No matter what diagnosis or stage of cancer your dog has, this book is packed with precious advice that can help now.
Discover the Full Spectrum approach to dog cancer care:

• Everything you need to know about conventional western veterinary treatments (surgery, chemotherapy and radiation) including how to reduce their side effects.
• The most effective non-conventional options, including botanical nutraceuticals, supplements, nutrition, and mind-body medicine.
• How to analyze the options and develop a specific plan for your own dog based on your dog’s type of cancer, your dog’s age, your financial and time budget, your personality, and many other personal factors.

Imagine looking back at this time in your life, five years from now, and having not a single regret. You can help your dog fight cancer and you can honor your dog’s life by living each moment to the fullest, starting now. This book can help you as it has helped thousands of other dog lovers.
The Authors
Dr. Demian Dressler, DVM practices in Hawaii and is internationally recognized as "the dog cancer vet" and blogs at DogCancerBlog.com. Dr. Susan Ettinger, DVM is a veterinary oncologist and a diplomate of the American College of Internal Medicine who practices in New York.
Praise from Veterinarians, Authors & Book Reviewers
"The future is upon us and this ground-breaking book is a vital cornerstone. In dealing with cancer, our worst illness, this Survival Guide is educational, logical, expansive, embracing, honest and so needed."
Dr. Marty Goldstein, DVM
Holistic veterinarian and Host, Ask Martha Stewart’s Vet on Sirius Radio
"The message of this book jumps off the written page and into the heart of every reader, and will become the at home bible for cancer care of dogs. The authors have given you a sensible and systematic approach that practicing veterinarians will cherish. I found the book inspiring and, clearly, it will become part of my daily approach to cancer therapy for my own patients."
Dr. Robert B. Cohen, VMD
Bay Street Animal Hospital, New York
"I wish that I had had The Dog Cancer Survival Guide when my dearly beloved Flat-coated Retriever, Odin, contracted cancer. It would have provided me alternative courses of action, as well as some well needed "reality checks" which were not available from conversations with my veterinarian. It should be on every dog owner’s book shelf--just in case..."
Dr. Stanley Coren, PhD, FRSC
author of many books, including Born to Bark
"A comprehensive guide that distills both alternative and allopathic cancer treatments in dogs...With the overwhelming amount of conflicting information about cancer prevention and treatment, this book provides a pet owner with an easy to follow approach to one of the most serious diseases in animals."
Dr. Barbara Royal, DVM
The Royal Treatment Veterinary Center, Oprah Winfrey’s Chicago veterinarian
"Picking up The Dog Cancer Survival Guide is anything but a downer: it's an 'empowerer.' It will make you feel like the best medical advocate for your dog. It covers canine cancer topics to an unprecedented depth and breadth from emotional coping strategies to prevention-in plain English.Read this book, and you will understand cancer stages, treatment options, and types, and much more. If you have just had the dreaded news, pick up a copy and it will guide the decisions your dog trusts you to make."
Laure-Anne Viselé
Dog behavior specialist and technical dog writer, CanisBonus.com

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Faced with a bewildering set of circumstances, owners of dogs with cancer will welcome this guide, which will help them calm down, think clearly, consider the options, and, ultimately, make more confident decisions." -Library Journal

"This book is an incredible resource on everything cancer for dogs. Starting off with your role, common questions (why didn't my vet catch this earlier?),cancer causes, cancer care and twelve common types of canine cancers, this book is very comprehensive and definitely worth reading....Bottom line: Get it." -Veterinary Editor, About.com

"At this troubling time, having The Dog Cancer Survival Guide by your side is like having both a knowledgeable and a caring friend beside you...This valuable and compassionate guide is a must-have for anyone caring for a dog with cancer." -Modern Dog Magazine

"Paw Turner...provides a full-spectrum approach to dog cancer care. Now in its second edition, the book covers conventional and nonconventional treatments, the 12 most common dog cancers,ways to analyze and develop a treatment plan with your vet or oncologist, and 'True Tails' from readers of the book's first edition."-DogFancy magazine

About the Author

The Dog Cancer Survival Guide is collaboration between two highly respected veterinarians. Dr. Demian Dressler, DVM is internationally recognized as "the dog cancer vet" because of his innovations in the field of dog cancer management, and the popularity of his blog, www.DogCancerBlog.com.
The owner of South Shore Veterinary Care, a full-service veterinary hospital in Maui, Hawaii, he studied Animal Physiology and received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California at Davis before earning his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University.
Dr. Dressler consults both dog lovers and veterinary professionals, and is sought after as a speaker on topics ranging from the links between lifestyle choices and disease, nutrition and cancer, and animal ethics.
Dr. Dressler is the co-founder of Functional Nutriments, LLC, a nutraceutical company, and is the inventor of Apocaps, the first clinical apoptogen formula.
He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association, the American Association of Avian Veterinarians, the National Animal Supplement Council and CORE. He is an advisory board member for Pacific Primate Sanctuary. He and his wife, Allison, live on Maui, Hawaii, with their dog, Bjorn, and their cat, Ginsu.
Dr. Susan Ettinger, DVM, Dip. ACVIM (Oncology) is a staff medical oncologist at Animal Specialty Center in Yonkers, New York, and board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Oncology).
After earning a BS in biology at Tufts University, she received a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University.
She completed her small animal medicine and surgery internship before joining the Department of Radiation Oncology at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina, as a research associate and investigator in a five-year NIH program project grant.
Dr. Ettinger was also an instructor in the Department of Molecular Medicine and an oncology associate with the Comparative Cancer Program at Cornell.
After relocating to New York, she became a staff oncologist at Long Island Veterinary Specialists before rejoining Animal Specialty Center. She is well-known for compassionate, comprehensive cancer management with a focus on quality of life and palliative care. She and her husband, Kerry, who is also a veterinarian, live with their two sons, their dog, Matilda, and two cats, Jeter and Raziel, in New York.

More About the Author

Biography

Demian Dressler, DVM is an internationally-respected veterinarian known as the "dog cancer vet."

Dr. Dressler is author of "The Dog Cancer Survival Guide: Beyond Surgery, Chemotherapy & Radiation" and "The Dog Cancer Coping Guide."

Dr. Dressler graduated from Cornell University's School of Veterinary Medicine.

He has over a decade of experience in treating dog cancer with a full spectrum approach that goes far beyond chemotherapy, radiation and surgery - to unearthing treatments for canine cancer from across the world.

Beyond his expertise in conventional veterinary medicine and surgery and his strong critical and clinical evaluation of concepts, Dr. Dressler has a powerful connection to animals and is his mission to provide dog owners and their vets with effective tools to fight cancer.

Laura's Struggle with Hemangiosarcoma -- A special dog's cancer diet

Laura's Cancer Diet

http://doghemangiosarcoma.blogspot.com/

Many of you have emailed me asking about Laura's cancer diet.   I believe that her diet has kept her strong and healthy and the number one reason she is still alive today.   I have probably spent about more than 30 hours researching various cancer diets for dogs and the best vitamins and supplements to include.   The following is the result of my extensive research.  This diet should work well for any type of dog cancer.

Since cancer cells thrive on the energy that carbohydrates give the body, you must include foods with fewer carbohydrates. Foods with higher fat content, contain lipids. Cancer cannot thrive in the presence of lipids; this allows more amino acids to replicate and aid in the fight against cancer. White rice, wheat and breads have extremely high amounts of carbohydrates, and should not be fed to a dog with cancer.  Cancer cells feed on sugar. We are attempting to starve those cells.

Protein is the most essential part of a cancer diet, since protein is responsible for tissue repair. Foods high in protein, like fish, beef, chicken, pork and eggs, are ideal for cancer sufferers. Not only does protein promote tissue repair, but it also aids in the prevention of cancer in dogs, since cancer cannot thrive on protein.

Below is Laura's Cancer Diet.   I'm including links to the actual products that I give her in the event that you would like to purchase them too.   After the recipe for the diet, I will explain in detail why I choose each ingredient.   Laura is a 54 pound dog, so you will need to adjust the recipe accordingly.

Morning Meal

1 cup of cooked chopped Chicken or Turkey

1 cup of steamed pureed mixed green vegetables

1 cooked scrambled egg
1/4 cup cooked chopped liver

2 tablespoons raw chopped parsley

1/2 clove chopped raw garlic

1 tablespoon raw chopped ginger

1 Pet Tab multi vitamin
1 Garlic Pill
2 Vitamin C (1000 mg total)
1 Vitamin E (400 IU)
1 Thorne Vet Immugen
1 CoQ10
1 Milk Thistle
1 L-Arginine
1 Ashwagandha
1 Reishi Mushroom
1 Bromelain
1 Resveratol
1 Selenium
1 L-Glutamine
1 Tablespoon Lipiderm
1 Tablespoon Essiac Tea

Evening Meal

1 cup of cooked chopped Chicken or Turkey

1 cup of steamed pureed mixed green vegetables

1/3 cup of smashed mackerel
1/4 cup cooked chopped liver

2 tablespoons raw chopped parsley

1/2 clove chopped raw garlic

1 tablespoon raw chopped ginger

1 Vitamin A (10,000 IU)
2 Vitamin C (1000 mg total)
1 Chinese Ginseng (500 mg)
1 IP-6
1 CoQ10
1 Milk Thistle
1 Thorne Vet Immugen
1 L-Arginine
1 Reishi Mushroom
1 Spirulina
1 Tumeric Curcumin
1 L-Glutamine
1 Astragalus
1 Tablespoon Essiac Tea
2 Tablespoons of Yogurt (given after her dinner)

Snack: (given 2x per day in-between meals)
2 Tablespoons of cottage cheese
1 Tablespoon of Flax seed oil mixed well with the cottage cheese

Rotating Supplements: I do one week on of these and then one week off
5 drops of Echinacea 3x day
1 capsule of Yunnan Baiyao at each meal

Bedtime:
1 Melatonin (3mg)

Detailed Explanation of Ingredients:

Ashwagandha

The herb Ashwagandha may slow and even stop the growth of cancerous cells or tumors in the canine body.  Regular use of Ashwagandha also increases hemoglobin levels. Its anti cancer, anti-inflammatory and soothing attributes can assist in providing the dog with an improved quality of life.

Astragalus

Recent research confirms the positive effect of Astragalus on immune functioning and its ability to help the body fight against illness and disease.  Astragalus may aid in restoring the function of the canine immune system. It also may prohibit the further growth of cancer cells and tumors. Astragalus is considered a supportive herb because it also enhances the effectiveness of other herbs that may be used in homeopathic treatments. Specifically, astragalus treats fatigue, high blood pressure, shortness of breath and helps the body fight colds.

Bromelain

Recent research indicates that Bromelain, an enzyme that comes from pineapples, may have an anti-cancer effect.

Chicken or Turkey

Great source of high quality protein.  I generally use the thighs, legs and breast.   I throw as much as I can in a large crock-pot and let it cook all day.  When it's cooked, I de-bone it and chop it. Some people recommend only using skinless breasts -- but for a cancer dog you want the high fat content.   Remember, a diet with a high fat content may slow tumor growth, and make the body resilient to fight tumor cells.  Leave the skin on!

Chinese Ginseng (500 mg)

Ginseng has antioxidant properties, protects against cancer formation, stimulates natural killer cell function, inhibits tumor invasion, and has antiangiogenesis properties.

Cottage Cheese and Flax seed oil

The Budwig Protocol of cottage cheese and flax seed oil found that tumors gradually receded, weakness and anemia disappeared and life energy was restored. Symptoms of cancer, liver dysfunction and diabetes were alleviated.

CoQ10
Coenzyme Q-10 is a supplement with antioxidant properties. It is a compound produced by the body and essential for the production of energy at the cellular level. Coenzyme Q-10 helps protect the heart and helps boost the immune system. . Both these benefits can be very helpful in dogs fighting any form of cancer. Some chemotherapy drugs such as doxorubicin can cause side effects such as heart toxicity in dogs, so CoQ-10 can be given as a supplement to dog cancer patients, especially those on doxorubicin. Incidentally, in humans, supplementation of CoQ-10 with other cancer treatments has been shown to improve survival times.

Echinacea

This is an herb that has long been used in Europe (and now North America) for boosting the immune system. Dogs with cancer have compromised immune systems, which can be further weakened by chemotherapy. Echinacea can be used re-establish a weakened immune system.

Essiac Tea

The blend of Essiac tea may help your dog strengthen its immune system, help the body to destroy benign growths and tumors, and strengthen muscles, organs and tissues. The formula also may remove toxic accumulation in your dogs' body, aid in detoxification and elimination, and purify the blood while it adds strength and flexibility to bones, joints and lungs.

Garlic

Garlic stimulates immune functions in the bloodstream by increasing the activities of killer cells (cells that seek out and destroy invading microbes and cancer cells). It is therefore beneficial for dogs with suppressed immune systems and dogs fighting cancer.

Ginger

Ginger is great for relieving vomiting and queasiness, which is a common side effect brought on by chemotherapy. In addition, ginger can stimulate appetite, so that a dog patient with cancer can eat more which is important for fighting cancer.

IP-6

A number of studies support IP6's (inositol hexaphosphate) cancer-fighting properties. Additionally, IP6 has been shown to have potent antioxidant properties. IP6 has been shown in more than 25 studies to prevent the growth of tumors and shrink existing tumors.

L-Arginine

L-Arginine is an essential amino acid required for the normal cellular growth, metabolism and organ function. However, L-Arginine also plays a vital role in inducing cell death. L-Arginine is the common substrate for two different enzymes namely arginase and nitric oxide synthase (NOS). NOS catalyze the conversion of L-Arginine to Nitric Oxide. Arginase catalyzes the conversion of L-arginine to L-ornithine. L-ornithine is an essential component of cell proliferation whereas Nitric Oxide inhibits the proliferation of many cell types. Hence, L-Arginine can be used as a treatment option for curing certain specific types of cancers.

In a recent study conducted on dogs suffering with lymphoblastic lymphoma, researchers were able to increase survival time to a significant level by providing L-Arginine and fish oil as a dietary supplement. L-Arginine was found to lower the levels of lactic acid and insulin in the blood and also reduce the levels of cytokines that can help in the growth of cancer. L-Arginine also helps in enhancing immunity in cancer patients who have undergone chemotherapy or surgery. Certain cancer types do not require L-Arginine for their growth. Studies have shown that overloading such cancer cells with excess L-Arginine has resulted in decreased tumor growth.

L-Glutamine

L-glutamine is useful for fighting muscle wasting associated with cancer and also shows promise as an immune boosting supplement and may even be useful as an antioxidant. It is useful in this capacity to help support the dog's immune system and help maintain body weight.

Lipiderm

A dog with cancer is building a lot of new tissue, and adequate proteins and cell membrane compounds (omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids) are required to do this. Lipiderm is a great source of omega 3 fatty acids.

Liver

Contains a lot of nutrients and large amounts of vitamin A and iron.  I usually use a mixture of beef and chicken.

Mackerel

Certain fatty acids called Omega 3, 6 and 9 are required in fighting cancer. Fish oil is a good source of these specific fatty acids. In a diet supplemented with fish and the amino acid arginine appears to increase survival time in dogs with cancer.  Sardines may also be substituted, but they are expensive.   Amazon has a great deal on a case of Mackerel (Roland brand).

Melatonin
Melatonin used with chemo versus chemo alone more than doubled the survival time of human cancer patients.  A study looked at over 600 cancer patients with a variety of solid-tissue tumors received melatonin.  The 1 year survival time of the group that took melatonin was more than a third greater than those that did not.

Milk Thistle
Thіѕ herb саn protect thе liver against harmful bу-products οf thе cancer. Aѕ well, milk thistle іѕ effectual іn protecting thе body frοm liver destruction resulting frοm chemotherapy.

Mixed Green Vegetables

Cancer dogs need antioxidant-rich vegetables to strengthen their immune system. Choose dark green vegetables.  I use a mix of broccoli, spinach, asparagus spears, cabbage, brussel sprouts, celery, collard greens, mustard greens and bok-choy.   These are great sources of  many important vitamins and they are all very low carb.   I use a large steamer to cook them until they are mushy and then puree them in my food processor.  Make sure to puree the vegetables, since dogs do not possess the enzymes that break the layer outer cellulose layers in vegetables.  I also throw in about a teaspoon of ground up egg shells in the vegetable mixture for the calcium.

Parsley

Parsley acts like an antioxidant in that it neutralizes the negative effects of the environment by eliminating toxins and maintains the elasticity of the blood vessels. It is very beneficial for the liver, digestive system, to re-boot the immune system, reduce stress levels in the endocrine system and will benefit every area of digestion.

Pet Tab multi vitamin
Pet tabs is a great multi vitamin to make sure your dog is getting all the nutrients it needs.  Vitamins and supplements play an important role in maintaining health and vitality.

Reishi Mushroom
Reishi mushrooms work to stimulate the immune system. By doing so, they restrict and prevent the growth of cancer cells. Reishi is known to stimulate the production of potent natural anti-cancer substances that inhibit the growth of tumors. It can prevent the growth of secondary cancers, and reduces side-effects of chemotherapy.

Resveratol
Has the ability to prevent and slow down cancer growth in dogs, due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.

Scrambled Egg

Good source of protein.  Protein repairs damaged tissues.

Selenium
A mineral and a major antioxidant nutrient. Selenium protects cell membranes and helps prevent free radical generation.  Selenium can deliver a real punch against dog cancer. There have been over one hundred studies done in animals that yielded some fascinating results. As it turns out selenium has the ability to prevent numerous types of cancer. How important is selenium in the fight against cancer? One study found that high doses of selenium were able to stop cancer from forming by eighty to ninety percent.

Spirulina
Spirulina increases the level of white cells in the blood and of nucleated cells and DNA in the bone marrow of mice that had been subjected to chemotherapy and radiation. In dogs, the spirulina extract additionally increased the level of red blood cells. Spirulina "has chemo-protective and radio-protective capability, and may be a potential adjunct to cancer therapy. Studies show Spirulina or its extracts can prevent or inhibit cancers in humans, animals, and fish.

Thorne Vet Immugen
Comprehensive immune support product that contains vitamins, minerals, glandular, and herbs with immune-supportive properties.  Activates natural-killer cells and promotes the body's innate resistance to pathogens.

Tumeric Curcumin

Studies done on laboratory animals suggest that curcumin has significant anti-cancer activities and properties. Curcumin is making huge strides in cancer cures, as it not only inhibits tumor growth, but it shrinks existing tumors and prevents new ones from growing in carcinogenic cancers.

Vitamin A (10,000 IU)
Vitamin A is an important antioxidant which may protect against certain forms of cancer in dogs.

Vitamin C
Antioxidant. Vitamin C works with vitamin E and helps regenerate vitamin E, potentiating its antioxidant effect. Vitamin C supplementation does no harm, since the excess is excreted through the kidney. While dogs produce vitamin C in their bodies (unlike human beings who must have it in their diet), under stress or disease, they may need vitamin C in excess of their manufacturing capacity.

Vitamin E
Evidence suggests that Vitamin E prevents cancer.  Vitamin E does stimulate immunity and may help counteract the side effects of chemotherapy.

Yogurt

Yogurt can boost immunity, is a rich source of calcium and and improves the bioavailability of other nutrients.

Yunnan Baiyao

If your dog has hemangiosarcoma, leukemia, or any type of bleeding tumor, you'll want to know about Yunnan Baiyao (aka Yunnan Paiyao), a Chinese herb that stops bleeding. Yunnan Baiyao has been used in Asia for more than one hundred years and is considered a miracle drug for wounds and hemorrhage. It first gained recognition by western practitioners during the Vietnam War. The Vietcong carried it with them and took it if they were wounded to stop bleeding and recover more quickly.  It is now recognized as an effective remedy for reducing clotting time by as much as 55%. Hemangiosarcoma is a very deadly cancer in dogs,  which generally isn't diagnosed until the dog collapses or dies. This sort of cancer is genetic, hereditary, and it runs in bloodlines. It causes a tumor in the heart (also seen in the spleen, and other organs) that leads to fluid build-up in the pericardium. Yunnan Baiyao has been used successfully to relieve the fluid build up and help with the dog's comfort level.

http://doghemangiosarcoma.blogspot.com/
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