Treating the Big C in Fido and Fluffy

This is the first in a two-part series on treating cancer in your pets. This month we look at the causes of cancer and homeopathic remedies that can be used. Please consult your veterinarian before beginning treatment.

Cancer is a common problem that we face every day with our pets. Probably the most common cancers I see in both dogs and cats is lymphosarcoma (non-Hodgkin's lymphoma), fibrosarcoma (tumours of the connective tissue) and mast cell tumours, though there are many other types.

Holistically, there are a number of potential sources for this disease:

• • Emotions--grief, loneliness, fright, anger and constant, ongoing stress can contribute to cancer. These conditions are common. Quite often I see disease shortly after the arrival of a new family member such as a baby, new spouse or in-law. New arrivals may leave a pet lacking attention and going into what I recognize as a grief state. Disease can shortly follow.

• • Sedentary lifestyle--exercise is a well known health variable. This means regular walks for the dog and play time for the cats.

• • Dietary reasons--poor quality commercial pet foods may have additives and preservatives. Ethoxyquin (a proven cancer- causing food additive used in dog and cat food), butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) have been associated with cancer in processed pet foods. These foods contain chemicals and antibiotics from the livestock that went into making them. It's unknown what effects these have on our companions. As well, poor absorption of foods, either from poor quality or poor health, doesn't allow the body enough nutrition to heal itself in times of need.

• • Carcinogen exposure--smoking, junk food, environmental chemicals such as pesticides, fungicides and herbicides found in grains and vaccinations can all be implicated in cancer. (Fibrosarcoma is a cancer that has been linked to vaccination.)

• Genetics and infectious causes--there are links to genetics that may be implicated as well as viral diseases that are associated with certain types of cancers especially in cats who contract feline leukemia or feline immunodeficiency virus.

Homeopathic Cancer TreatmentIn treating cancer cases with homeopathy, I begin by approaching the case homeopathically. This consists of looking at the individual case both in physical, mental and emotional planes and prescribing a remedy based on the individual's unique symptoms.

• • Apis--this is recommended for animals that are restless and are constantly changing positions. It's used to treat cancer of the tongue or mammary glands. Apis also reduces swelling associated with cancer in which fluid has built up in the tissues.

• • Arsenicum--this is effective for animals who are restless, chilly, have difficulty breathing, thirst for water in small sips and exhibit swelling in the abdomen from fluid build-up. It's useful for cancer of the face, nose and stomach.

• • Conium--this remedy is useful for cancer cases with firm glandular swellings and pain associated with them.

• • Hydrastis--is best suited to treat cancers of the lip, tongue, stomach, breast and liver. Generally better from warmth and covering.

• Ruta--is indicated in lower bowel cancers.

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