My 5 1/2 year old neutered Boxer was recently diagnosed with Lymphoma. He is currently undergoing single agent lomustine chemotherapy and he just took his first dose this week. In addition, he is on 40 mg prednisone every day (to be given for 5 weeks in decreasing dosage), 2000 mg of amoxycillin (to prevent infection) and denamarin for liver support. I am really looking to purchase nutritional supplements to help strengthen his immune system to fight this disease. He currently weighs 105 lbs (yes, he is a big boy!), and I’ve been cooking all of his food since we found out the diagnosis (a lot of protein, some vegetables and sardines and salmon). The vet plans to put him on Hill’s Prescription Diet N/D within the next week or so – this is specifically for dogs undergoing chemo. My vet is not holistic – she is an internist – and we are also seeing an oncologist. There are so many different supplements, etc. out there and it is confusing as to what I should give him and how much the dosages should be.
I see your website sells a variety of cancer support products - can you please offer some guidance as to what I should purchase to help support Bentley as he fights this disease?
Hello,
Thanks for your inquiry to Holistic Pet Info. You may offer C-Caps by PetAlive and Super EPA fish oil by Thorne. It is difficult to support the immune system when an animal is on steroids as they depress the function of the immune system, which is what primarily keeps cancer in check.
I believe your dog is better off with the balanced home cooked diet. As long as you are using the proper vitamins and minerals the dry dog food is not really a better choice. Hills N/D is not specifically for chemo but just formulated for cancer in general. It contains beef “by-products”, powdered cellulose (sawdust) and dried beet pulp both of which are no nutritional value fillers. Cancer cells use carbohydrates and minimally protein as an energy source. There are several books by Dr. Pitcairn and/or Dr Becker that have balanced home cooked and raw diets, that would better support your dogs immune system. If you want to continue with a commercial diet for cancer, I generally recommend Orijen, EVO or Honest Kitchen.
I recommend speaking with a holistic veterinarian in your area; they will usually work with your current vet to optimize your dogs care with acupuncture, supplements and diet. Best of luck.
Regards,
Colleen Smith DVM, CVA, CVCP