When your dog gets cancer, many of the same treatments available for humans are also available for dogs. Allopathic treatments like chemotherapy, radiation and surgery to remove tumors are standard fare in veterinary oncology. Many oncology clinics also practice complementary and integrative medicine, using herbal treatments along with standard cancer treatment. The efficacy of many herbal treatments is not established, but some are showing promise in slowing cancer metastasis or spread.
Complementary and Alternative Veterinary Medicine
Complementary and alternative veterinary medicine (CAVM) is a growing field, and many veterinary oncologists and cancer clinics have staff that integrate allopathic treatments with diet, acupuncture, herbal remedies and other alternative cancer treatments. many people opt for using herbal treatments instead of chemotherapy, because chemotherapy can be very expensive.
While many herbal-cancer treatments are available online, working with a veterinarian (if you can afford it) allows you to have a tailor-made treatment for your dog; and a wider range of treatments will be available.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) includes herbs such as turmeric and astralagus and artemisinin. Many of these herbs have tumor-shrinking properties and also work as antioxidants to slow cancer spread. Some studies indicate that artemisinin may increase the effectiveness of both chemotherapy and radiation.
Herbal remedies can have side effects and may interact with other drugs. Many TCM formulas are proprietary blends and are custom-mixed for the dog, depending on the type and stage of the cancer. Artemisinin dosage and use should be monitored by a veterinarian. Other herbs, such as cat's claw, burdock and echinacea have been used for different types of cancers and may be purchased through a vet or online. Different herbs treat different cancers. Echinacea is used for lymphatic cancer, while burdock may be effective for prostate cancer. Other herbs can mitigate the effects of chemotherapy by reducing nausea and stimulating appetite. These include goldenseal, milk thistle and hawthorn. When using herbs for cancer treatment, let your veterinarian know exactly what you are giving your dog.
Neoplasene
Neoplasene (sanguinarine) is a botanical extract derived from the herb wormwood. It's used either as "black salve," which is caustic and destroys tissue when applied externally, injected or as an oral remedy given with food. The type of cancer being treated determines how it's applied. Neoplasene can be administered at home, but has to be obtained through a veterinarian.
Like artemisinin, neoplasene has been studied at Case Western Reserve University and Ohio State Veterinary School and found effective in killing cancer cells and stimulating the immune system.
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