Dear Dr. Smith,
My 13 year-old dog has Cushing’s. Unfortunately, she has cancer due to this horrible disease. My only options with traditional treatments is radiation. The radiation will possibly help but being put under anesthesia every day for 30 days and the long trip to obtain the teatment will be very difficult on her to say the least. Has this treatment ever worked for dogs with malignant tumors? Could you please email me back A.S.A.P. I love my dog and want to help her in any way possible. She is family and not merely a dog. Any help that you could give me would be deeply appreciated.
Hello,
Thank you for your inquiry to Holistic Pet Info. In my experience radiation therapy is for a primary tumors and doesn’t appear to be helpful with metastasized tumors. Are they treating a pituitary or adrenal tumor that’s related to the cushing’s disease or is it a tumor originating from another area?
You may try the Cushex Drops to help with the Cushings Disease, but I would also recommend immune support such as Immugen by Thorne to sustain her immune system during radiation treatment. Her diet is also very important. Cancer cells use carbohydrates as the main source of energy. Ideally a good quality protein with moderate fat and no to low carbohydrate diet is the best to support the animal and not the cancer cells.
There are several treatments that many holistic veterinarians use for cancer. Acupuncture, Chinese herbs, homeopathics and treatments such as neoplasene are several. You may want to consider speaking with a holistic veterinarian also to discuss alternatives and additional support to radiation therapy. Best of luck.
Regards,
Colleen Smith DVM, CVA, CVCP