10 natural ways to help your dog diagnosed with Osteosarcoma
What is Osteosarcoma?
Osteosarcoma is an aggressive cancer of bone. It most commonly develops in a leg bone (appendicular osteosarcoma), but it can occur in any bone in the body. The first symptom of appendicular osteosarcoma is limping. Bone pain and a firm swelling may be noticed on the limb. Osteosarcomas are rapidly destructive. Cancerous bone replaces normal bone and inflammation occurs in and around the tumor. Osteosarcoma generally occurs in middle aged to older, large and giant breed dogs such as Rottweilers, Great Danes, St. Bernards, Doberman Pinschers, Irish Wolfhounds, German Shepherds, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Mastiffs, Irish Setters, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers and Boxers, but any age and breed of dog (or cat) can be affected.
What Causes Osteosarcoma?
A genetic cause is suspected due to the predisposition to osteosarcoma of particular large and giant breeds of dogs. Osteosarcoma can occur at areas of bone trauma such as healed fracture sites, pockets of chronic bone infection, and secondary to orthopedic surgery such as TPLO. Early sterilization (spaying or neutering before 1 year of age) was shown to cause a 25% increased risk of osteosarcoma in a study involving Rottweilers. Osteosarcoma is also a side effect of radiation therapy .
How is Osteosarcoma Treated?
Conventionally, osteosarcoma is treated with various combinations of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, bisphosphonates and analgesics (pain medication). The standard surgery for appendicular osteosarcoma is amputation of the limb. Alternatively, limb-sparing surgery is available at specialty surgical centers for dogs that are not good candidates for amputation.
How does Traditional Chinese Medicine view Bone Tumors?
In TCVM, osteosarcomas represent Toxic Heat, Dampness and Phlegm with an underlying Qi deficiency. A suppressed immune system, lethargy and a lack of appetite are examples of Qi deficiency. Toxic Heat/Dampness/Phlegm in western terminology is a painful, inflamed, swollen limb containing a bone tumor. Many herbs, supplements, and holistic therapies, such as acupuncture, have been shown to have anti-cancer effects, stimulate the immune system, decrease inflammation and relieve pain.
10 natural ways to help a dog diagnosed with Osteosarcoma:
Feed a balanced, fresh, real food diet
Supplement Vitamin D3
Give CBD
Add medicinal mushrooms such as Turkey Tail mushrooms
Give turmeric or curcumin
Use homeopathic arnica 30C for pain (along with conventional analgesics)
Consider IV Vitamin C Therapy at a veterinary hospital.
Consider Mistletoe Therapy by a holistic veterinarian.
Choose herbal formulas such as Essiac Tea, Hoxsey Formula or Artemisia with the help of a veterinary herbalist or holistic veterinarian.
Seek acupuncture, chiropractic, and massage or “Tui-na” by a certified veterinarian.
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