Canine Lymphoma
10 natural ways to help your dog diagnosed with Lymphoma
What is Lymphoma?
Lymphoma is one of the most common cancers afflicting dogs today. Lymphoma usually begins as swollen, non-painful lymph nodes around the neck. It is caused by unlimited growth and multiplication of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell involved in immune function. Multicentric lymphoma starts as a cancerous swelling of the lymph nodes, but can also affect any organ in the body, such as the liver, spleen, kidneys and bone marrow.
What causes Lymphoma?
Lymphoma occurs when the body’s immune system fails to recognize and remove rogue lymphocytes. Certain breeds of dogs are genetically predisposed to lymphoma such as Boxers, Golden Retrievers, and Bulldogs. Viral causes have been demonstrated and exposure to environmental toxins such as pesticides, herbicides, radiation, smoke, and some pharmaceuticals has been linked to lymphoma. Lifestyle issues such as eating heat processed diets (kibble and canned), too much or too little exercise, worry, stress, and chronic inflammatory conditions will predispose a dog to lymphoma.
A different spin on Lymphoma.
In Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM), lymphoma is commonly seen as congealed Dampness or Phlegm with an underlying Qi and Blood deficiency. Dampness and Phlegm in the body will eventually lead to heat symptoms such as panting, excessive thirst, and heat intolerance. Every pet with lymphoma will present differently and an individualized holistic plan can optimize their outcome with or without conventional chemotherapy.
How can holistic care help a dog diagnosed with Lymphoma?
Holistic care can prolong a pet’s life while maintaining or improving the quality of life of a dog diagnosed with lymphoma. Herbs, supplements, and diet changes can help a pet feel better and achieve cancer remission. Research has shown that many herbs and herbal formulas slow cancer cell proliferation, induce cancer cell death, boost the immune system, and cause stem cell differentiation to halt cancer. Certain herbs and herbal formulas can also improve chemotherapy effectiveness and decrease chemotherapy side effects.
10 natural ways to help a dog diagnosed with Lymphoma:
Feed a balanced, fresh, real food diet.
Supplement Omega 3 Fatty Acids.
Give Medicinal Mushrooms such as Turkey Tail, Cordyceps or Reishi.
Supplement Vitamin D3.
Give Green Tea Extract (EGCG).
Add anti-cancer herbs such as Turmeric, Ginseng, Artemisia, and Cat’s Claw.
Consider IV Vitamin C Therapy at a veterinary hospital.
Consider Mistletoe Therapy by a holistic veterinarian.
Choose herbal formulas such as Xiao Chai Hu Tang, Hoxsey-Like Formula or Liu Jun Zi Tang with the help of a veterinary herbalist.
Acupuncture by a certified veterinary acupuncturist.