3 Effective Treatments of Dog Cancer Hemangiosarcoma

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3 Effective Treatments of Dog Cancer Hemangiosarcoma

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Three alternative therapies for hemangiosarcoma of internal organs to be used either in conjunction with each other and/or traditional surgery or as an alternative to the traditional western approaches of surgery and chemotherapy. The remedies recommended are presented in order of importance for immediate benefit, maximum long term benefit and overall cost.

By Dirk Vorderstraße

How Long Can a Dog Live with Hemangiosarcoma

Currently there is no cure for the internal organ form of hemangiosarcoma.  However, dermal hemangiosarcoma may be effectively treated with removal of the tumor and a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

In the instance of hemangiosarcoma of the internal organs, many dogs will only survive a few days following diagnosis, due to hemorrhaging of the tumor.

In instances of operable hemangiosarcoma tumors, dogs live an average of 89 days following surgery, with no other treatments or interventions.

Dogs who receive chemotherapy following surgery, live and average of 180 days following surgery.

Studies performed by University of Pennsylvania demonstrate that dogs receiving the Coriolus Versicolor mushroomextract produced by I’m Yunity, with no other treatment (i.e. no surgery or chemotherapy), lived and average of 199 days, while some participants were still alive one year after the study. The I’m Yunity treatment protocol produced no negative side effects, and can be significantly less expensive than surgery followed by chemotherapy.

How Can Alternative and Holistic Medicine Help Dogs with Hemangiosarcoma

Canine hemangiosarcoma is an insidious disease, in that dogs tend to tolerate the tumors well, with few signs of illness, until the cancer has progressed to a very advanced stage. Often, the diagnosis come with a very grim prognosis – your dog has one or two days left to live.  These words leave many owners stunned and wishing they had more time to spend with their beloved companion.

The early signs of the hemangiosarcoma are vague and may only be detected a week or two at most, prior to collapse.

Early Signs of Hemangiosarcoma May Include:

• Depression or restlessness
• Inappetence
• Pale Gums (a sign of anemia due to blood loss)
• Easy fatigue and lethargy
• Abdominal swelling or a sense of heaviness in the dog’s chest
• Heavy breathing, shallow breathing or rapid breathing
• Abnormal stools, sometimes pink with a consistency of putty
• Abnormal heart rhythm
• Seizures
• Collapse: a late stage occurrence (this often comes once the tumor has ruptured, and the dogs is hemorrhaging internally)

The hemangiosarcoma tumor is vascular in nature, meaning the tumor develops its own blood vessels.  However, these blood vessels are of inferior quality, and as the tumor grows, the vessels eventually begin to rupture, resulting in internal bleeding. The tumors may be located in the abdomen, frequently attached to the spleen (splenetic), liver or gall bladder, or may be located in the heart muscle (cardiac). Once the tumor ruptures, it bathes the abdominal cavity in cancer cells, allowing the cancer to metastasize quickly. 

Until recently, the prognosis for a dog diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma was very poor.  Traditional treatment includes surgery to remove the tumor and the organ the tumor is attached to. In splenetic hemangiosarcoma a splenectomy is performed. If the tumor is attached to the liver, part of the liver may be able to be removed and the liver resected. Generally in instances of cardiac hemangiosarcoma, the tumor is inoperable. 

However, dogs may be in such poor condition upon diagnosis, that survival of the surgery is questionable. Additionally, many families find it prohibitively expensive, given the poor long-term prognosis of dogs with hemangiosarcoma.

In western approaches to this cancer, surgery is usually followed by chemotherapy, although this cancer typically does not respond well to chemo. Average longevity following surgery and chemo is 180 days.  Additionally, chemo may have a severely negative impact on the quality of the dog’s life.  Many owners express regret in opting for chemotherapy, and some feel that it hastened their dog’s demise.

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What Should I Do If My Dog Is Diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma

If your dog has been diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma, request a referral to a holistic veterinarian. Holistic vets are typically licensed vets trained in western veterinary medicine. These vets have opted to add other arts, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine, to their practice. As they are also “real vets”, they are more readily accepted in the veterinary community than are holistic medical practitioners in the human medical community. Integrative care is developing in the mainstream veterinary practices at a faster rate than in the medical community.

The holistic vet may be able to stop the hemorrhage through the use of a Chinese herbal compound called Yunnan Baiyao. This may improve your pet’s ability to tolerate surgery, or if that is not an option, to stop the bleeding and reduce swelling and pain, while you attempt increase the dog’s lifespan with non-surgical treatments, such as turkey tail mushroom extract, acupuncture and ozone therapy.   We recommend that you consult with a holistic vet prior to implementing any of the therapies below, although depending on your geographic location, that may be difficult or impossible. 

Below we discuss the uses of each therapy, dosages, as well as outcome expectancies from anecdotal evidence as well as scientific studies.

What Is Yunnan Baiyao and How Does It Help Dogs with Hemangiosarcoma

Yunnan Baiyao (also spelled Yunnan Paiyao) is a proprietary Chinese herbal formulation that originated in the Yunnan province in China. Developed in the early 1900s, the name translates as bai meaning “white” and yao meaning “medicine” of Yunnan Province.  

This is a compound of various ingredients, whose exact formulation is a closely guarded secret in China.  While its formula is patented by the Chinese government and considered a state secret, it is believed that the main ingredients of Yunnan Baiyao include two types of ginseng, various yam roots, ox gall bladder, pseudoginseng, sweet geranium, borneol, musk and more. In Chinese Traditional Medicine (TCM) this formula is used to Transform Stasis, Tonify Qi, Resolve Stagnation, Invigorate Blood and Clear Heat.

Blood stasis or stagnation is believed to be the underlying cause of many ailments according to Chinese Traditional Medicine. Acupuncture, for example, is another therapy designed to reduce stasis and clear qi. However it is Yunnan Baiyao’s ability to stop bleeding and heal external wounds, as well as internal hemorrhages, and reduce pain that makes this TCM useful in the treatment of hemangiosarcoma and the hemorrhaging tumors.

Yunnan Baiyao (YB) has been carried by military personal in Vietnam and China to stop bleeding from open wounds and speed the healing process.  Externally, when applied to wounds, YB aids in granulation of the wound. When ingested for internal bleeding, YB aids in coagulation. YB is already used in dentistry to stop bleeding and promote healing for extractions and oral surgery. Now Western medicine is taking a look at how it may be able to help patients with chronic internal bleeding.

Yunnan Baiyao in Human Medicinal Treatments

• In one human study, 100 participants with chronic upper gastrointestinal bleeding were treated with a Yunnan Baiyao blend of herbals. A remarkable 95% effective rate was reported over a short period of treatment.
• Research at Peking University confirms its value for surgical applications. By administering Yunnan Baiyao for a few days before surgery, patients experienced a one third reduction in bleeding during and immediately after surgery, and when given for a few days after surgery, patients also experienced significantly reduced swelling.(1)
• In other studies, Yunnan Baiyao taken orally has been shown to decrease liver bleeding in lab animals.  Similarly, studies have shown that Yunnan Baiyao, when taken orally, decreases bleeding times in ponies and rabbits.  It also works to slow bleed times when the powder is applied to a bleeding wound.
• Anecdotal evidence by dog owners and holistic vets demonstrates that hemangiosarcoma patients can recover from the collapse phase of the disease with an “emergency” dose of Yunnan Baiyao. (That is the “red” pill in the package, also referred to as the “safety” pill, which we will discuss under Yunnan Baiyao dosage).

How Yunnan Baiyao Works to Stop Bleeding

It has been theorized that the stop-bleeding action of Yunnan Baiyao may be due to the presence of microscopic plant fibers (nanofibers) in the compound that stimulate platelets to aggregate and form clots. This could explain how a low dosage of herbal material, might have such dramatic effect. The supplement is intended to be used for a very short time 2-5 days.

Anecdotally, university surgeons are using YB capsules orally as a pre-med to reduce or prevent adverse bleeding during surgery. In holistic vet practices, YB has been an invaluable aid in stopping leakage from splenic hemangiosarcoma masses, resulting in decreases of the associated anemia, improvement of quality of life, and increased longevity, especially when surgical intervention is not an option or has failed.

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Dog Dosage for Yunnan Baiyao

Administration and dosage

Yunnan Baiyao comes as a patch to be applied externally or as a liquid or as a capsule. In treatment of dogs, the capsule method is preferred.

The capsule is available in a package of 16 - 250 mg capsules. The small red tablet (the “safety pill”) in the middle of the blister packet is equal in potency to the rest of the capsules combined and is to be reserved for emergencies (severe hemorrhage).

How Much Yunnan Baiyao Dosage by Weight:

For dogs under 10 lbs, give 1 capsule by mouth one time a day.

For dogs from 10 to 30 lbs, give 1 capsule by mouth two times a day.

For dogs above 30 but less than 60 lbs, give 2 capsules two times a day.

For dogs above 60 lbs, give 2 capsules three times a day.

For dogs with hemangiosarcoma the standard treatment protocol would be five days on and a five day off for a rest period, alternating off and on every five days. This off and on schedule is intended to avoid overdose as it can result in liver damage. However, if your dog noticeably goes downhill during the off phase of the cycle, you can reduce the daily supplement intake and keep him on YB daily. For example, a 75-pound dog can be dosed one capsule twice daily for longer than one year as part of a cancer management protocol, with no adverse effects having been noted.

In instances of collapse due to a rupture of the tumor, the red pill is to be given, and is the only pill that day. If recovery is insignificant the red pill may be given the following day.  There is no point in worrying about liver damage if the patient is going to bleed out from hemorrhaging. 

Side Effects of Yunnan Baiyao

• Stomach upset
• Allergic reaction (hives etc) and in rare cases anaphylactic shock
• Liver problems (resulting from over-use). Serious side effects are not expected, and liver problems are likely to be mild, although dogs with existing liver disease might experience more issues during over-use of the medicine.

Overdoses of Yunnan Baiyao can cause effects similar to aconitine poisoning. This could include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Pain
• Temporary paralysis

Turkey Tail Mushroom Extract To Prolong Dogs’ Lives with No Side Effects

In a University of Pennsylvania study, funded by Chinese Medicine Holding LTD., dogs with hemangiosarcoma were treated with a compound derived from the Coriolus Versicolor mushroom, also known as the turkey tail mushroom due to its variegated, brown coloration and distinctive fan shaped growth pattern. Treatment with the mushroom extract branded under I’m-Yunity resulted in the longest survival times ever reported for dogs with the disease.

The Coriolus Versicolor mushroom, known commonly in Traditional Chinese Medicine as the Yunzhi mushroom, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years. Two compounds within the mushroom, Polysaccharide Krestin (PSK) and Polysaccharide Peptide (PSP), are believed to have immune-boosting properties. Over the past two decades, studies have indicated that PSP may also have a tumor-fighting effect. According to the Mayo Clinic, clinical trials with a combination of chemotherapy and PSK have been show to benefit patients with stomach and colorectal cancers. (PSK extract is approved for clinical use in Japan, further studies are required in the USA for FDA approval).

The University of Pennsylvania (UP) researchers studied dogs with naturally occurring hemangiosarcoma to see what effects the Yunzhi mushroom extract would have on their patients. Fifteen dogs who had been diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma participated in the trial. Divided into three groups of five, each group received a varying dose — 25, 50 or 100 mg/kg/day — of I’m-Yunity, a formulation of PSP which is also readily available over the Internet. The dog owners were instructed to give their dog a capsule of I’m-Yunity, daily. The owners brought their dogs to UP’s Ryan Veterinary Hospital for follow-up visits on a monthly basis for blood sample testings and ultrasounds to determine the extent that tumors had developed or spread in the dogs’ bodies.

According to researcher Cimino Brown, “We were shocked! Prior to this, the longest reported median survival time of dogs with hemangiosarcoma of the spleen that underwent no further treatment was 86 days. We had dogs that lived beyond a year with nothing other than this mushroom as treatment.” (2)

Not only had the dog’s survival times increased with the use of I’m-Yunity, but unlike chemotherapy, there were no reported side effects.  Dogs receiving the highest dosage, 100 mg/day, had the longest average survival time, however the difference in median survival times between dosages was not statistically significant. University of Pennsylvania intends to mount several more experiments with I’m-Yunity and canine hemangiosarcoma.

While I’m-Yunity was the brand used in the experiment, other manufacturers exist that charge one third of the price of I’m-Yunity. Many holistic practitioners use Host Defense Turkey Tail Mushroom 500 mg 120 Caps with good results.

Host Defense Turkey Tail Mushroom Extract Dosage

Dogs under 40 pounds ½ capsule (sprinkled on moist food or yogurt)

Dogs 40 pounds and over one capsule per day

Dogs over 100 pounds two capsules a day.

Side Effects

None have been noted in canines.  Humans have experienced dark stools and darkening of the finger nails.

I’m-Yunity Dosage Recommendation

For dogs under 50 pounds 50 mg per day

For dogs 50 pounds and over 100 MG per day

(Recently I'm Yunity has experienced a shortage in supply, you may have to purchase an alternative brand until this is resolved)

Sample Canine Cancer Diet Recipe

In conjunction with the above TCM treatments, you will want to switch your dog to a grain-free, organic diet high in dark leafy green vegetables in order to help boost the immune system. Cancer cells prefer to feed on calories from carbohydrates, so minimizing the amount of carbs in the diet, may help to starve the cancer cells. 

Conversely, cancer cells do not feed readily on calories from fat. While the canine body, on the other hand, easy makes good use of fat based calories. Adding Omega 3 fatty acids through wild sourced fish oils and sardines, can improve your dog’s appetite and muscle mass.

(If cooking for your dog is too time consuming, you can choose an organic kibble with freeze dried fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants.  Castor and Pollux’s Organix is highly recommended as is the Fromm brand of dog foods.)

When feeding a commercial kibble feel free to add the following proteins to the kibble:

• Canned Sardines
• Raw or Hard Boiled Eggs
• Cottage Cheese
• Kefir or Active Yogurt
• Wild Sourced Fish Oil or Salmon Oil Supplements

If you feel up to cooking for your dog you will want to mix the following ingredients in a food processor:

• 4 pounds organic (or at least antibiotic/hormone free) chicken (baked or raw)
• 2 chopped carrots
• 3 raw eggs
• 1 cup yogurt (active) or kefir
• 4 cups leafy green vegetables (dark outer leaves of romaine, frozen chopped collards, spinach, kale or a mixture of all of these). The lettuce family of dark lettuces are rich in vitamins A, C and K; eating them will help your dog’s blood to clot normally. Kale, mustard greens, collard greens, cabbage and broccoli are cruciferous leafy greens. These vegetables are high in nutrients and contain glucosinolates, which inhibit the growth of certain cancers.
• Other antioxidants that can be added include blueberries, seeded apples, broccoli,
• Additionally you can add canned pumpkin to the mixture if your dog is having loose stools.

Once the ingredients have been blended, you can form patties for each meal time and freeze them.

Summary

Diagnosis of internal hemangiosarcoma is very serious, as it metastasize quickly and is only very rarely curable. Researchers are working on early detection methods that may improve the prognosis of dogs diagnosed at early stages of the disease. The alternative therapies in this article can help to extend your pet's life and improve the remaining quality of life. 

This article is intended for informational purposes to educate pet owners on alternative treatments available to owners. Pet owners should not to implement any suggestions on animal health treatments without  consultation with a licensed veterinarian. If your pet is experiencing health issues, please contact your licensed veterinarian.

References:

(1) YUNNAN PAIYAO Uses for injury and surgery; gastro-intestinal, respiratory, and urogenital disorders
by Subhuti Dharmananda, Ph.D., Director, Institute for Traditional Medicine, Portland, Oregon http://www.itmonline.org/articles/yunnan_paiyao/yunnan_paiyao.htm

(2) Compound Derived From a Mushroom Lengthens Survival Time in Dogs With Cancer, Penn Vet Study Finds
https://news.upenn.edu/news/compound-derived-mushroom-lengthens-survival-time-dogs-cancer-penn-vet-study-finds

All Image Credits [CC BY 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Breakthrough In Pain Treatment For Dogs With Osteosarcoma

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Breakthrough In Pain Treatment For Dogs With Osteosarcoma

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Between 6000-8000 dogs in the United States receive treatment for Osteosarcoma each year.  Typically a disease of large breed dogs, Osteosarcoma can affect breeds of all sizes.  As the disease progresses, it reshapes normal healthy bone tissue and changes it to tumorous bone.  In dogs as in people, this remodeling process becomes increasingly more painful as the disease progresses, impacting activity levels and quality of life.

Dr. Vladimir Osipov Sarcomaimages.com

The Dorothy Cimino Brown, DVM and Kimberly Agnello DVM University of Pennsylvania Study

Seventy dogs suffering from Osteosarcoma participated in this study.  A variety of breeds were represented including Rottweilers, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrieves and various mixed breeds. The average size of the dogs in the study was 90 pounds, and the average age fell between 8 and 9 years.  The study was conducted by splitting the group in half and treating both groups with standard care, while the second group also received a single injection of a Neurotoxin, SP-sap (P-saporin), near the tumor site.

A similar neurotoxin many of us are familiar with is Botox, the anti-wrinkle injection. Botox acts to block signals from the nerves to the muscles, so that the muscles can no longer contract.  When specific muscles cannot contract, the wrinkle appears to soften.

Similarly, SP-sap works by attaching itself to the pain sensing nerves. Once attached, the sap portion kills off the nerve.  The theory is, no more pain sensing nerve then no more pain.

Study Results

Six weeks into the study, 74% of the dogs in the control group (those receiving only standard care) had significant increases in pain levels, and needed to be removed from the control group or "unblinded" in order to have their pain management adjusted.  

In contrast with the control group, only 24% of the dogs in the SP-sap group needed to be "unblinded" for adjustments to their pain management.

Additionally, the dogs in the control group, who were receiving only standard care, experienced a 6% increase in pain severity testing.  The dogs who received the single SP-sap injection experienced no increase in pain severity.

And more encouraging, the dogs in the control group experienced and 8% decreases in how pain interferes with their daily activities, while the SP-sap group had a 5% improvement in their daily activities.

The Implications

As Osteosarcoma afflicts both dogs and people in the same manner, this study is potentially good news for both humans and canines.  Relieving pain is critical to improving the patient's quality of life, response to treatment and the overall patient outcome.  The positive results from this study are likely to spark further investigation into SP-sap and other neurotoxins for pain management of Osteosarcoma as well as other diseases with chronic pain symptoms as well.

To learn more about this study visit: American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) (2013, October 23). Chronic pain in dogs with bone cancer relieved with new treatment.

4 Promising Studies: Early Detection and Treatment Options for Canine Hemangiosarcoma

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4 Promising Studies: Early Detection and Treatment Options for Canine Hemangiosarcoma

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Courtesy of Public Domain Images

Hemangiosarcoma is a form of cancer found almost exclusively in dogs. A relatively common canine cancer (6-8% of all canine cancers) it is estimated that 2 million of 73 million dogs currently alive in the United States will develop the disease and die from it.

At this time, it is considered incurable, as it remains symptomless until the advanced stages of the disease.  The current standard of care, surgery and chemotherapy, have proven to extend the life to the affected dog a mere median of 180 days with surgery alone, and an additionally 180 days with chemotherapy added to surgical intervention.

In the wake of these poor treatment outcomes, research has focused on early detection of the disease as well as a new, very promising alternative medicine approach.

Hemangiosarcoma

Hemangiosarcoma is an indolent cancer, meaning it initially develops very slowly, asymptomatically and painlessly.  The most common primary sites of the disease are the spleen, right atrium of the heart and the tissue beneath the skin.  In the later stages of the disease, the cancer aggressively metastasizes to the lungs, liver and intestines.   While dogs of any age and breed may be susceptible to hemangiosarcoma, it occurs more commonly in dogs beyond middle age, and has a higher incidence in breeds such as German Shepherd Dogs, Golden Retrievers, Portuguese Water Dogs and Skye Terriers, suggesting a genetic component is involved.

The Canine Genome

The completion of the Canine Genome Project has spurred research into the genetic components of a wide variety of physical ailments believed to have heritable factors. Researchers at Modiano Lab at the University of Minnesota have taken an interest in the genetic components contributing to hemangiosarcoma.   Three of the more promising approaches involve mapping the risk alleles associated with the disease, determining the genetic, breed-specific abnormalities of the tumors themselves and developing a blood test for early detection of cancer cells via flow cytology.

The first project, developed in collaboration with Dr. Matthew Breen, focused on the possibility of breed specific abnormalities that may be detectable in tumors arising in dogs of different breeds. The initial results were promising; the data showed that tumors from dogs of one specific breed are functionally and genetically more similar to each other than they are to tumors from dogs of other breeds. This information demonstrates that heritable risk factors contribute to the development of canine cancer. More importantly, these results are the first step toward developing prevention and treatment strategies that address the specific causes underlying the biology of canine hemangiosarcoma.

The second project of great promise, developed in collaboration with the National Human Genome Research Institute of the National Institutes of Health and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, has begun the process of mapping the risk alleles for the development of both Lymphoma and Hemangiosarcoma in the following target breeds:

Turkey Tail Fungus - Penn State's Magic Mushrooms see below
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Source:http://www.wallwork.me.uk/backgrounds.html

• Australian Shepherd
• Bernese Mountain Dog
• Border Collie
• Boxer
• Briard
• Bullmastiff
• Cocker Spaniel
• Flat-coated Retriever
• German Shepherd Dog
• Golden Retriever
• Greyhound
• Irish Setter
• Keeshond
• Labrador Retriever
• Mastiff
• Poodle
• Portuguese Water Dog
• Rottweiler
• Vizsla
• Saluki

Researchers are currently seeking samples for this research in the form of blood samples and tumor samples with associated pedigree information.  Samples from mixed breeds and other breeds are welcome from both healthy (aged) dogs and affected dogs.  To learn more about how to contribute to the project visit the Modiano Labs website.

Early Cancer Detection: Flow Cytometry

Once we have a genetic test that can forewarn us of a genetic predisposition to developing specific cancers, we will want to be able to detect the disease at an early stage of its development, well before it becomes symptomatic.

As cancer tumors grow, they shed cells into the blood stream.  However, the tumor cells are shed so infrequently that they cannot be detected in routine blood tests. Enter the technology called flow cytometry. Here cells are “tagged” with fluorescent molecules that identify their lineage of origin, they are then run through an instrument (the flow cytometer) that combines optics and fluidics information through a software capable of analyzing hundreds of thousands of cells in a matter of minutes.

Researchers have employed this technology, and have successfully shown proof of principle for this test. Idexx Laboratories has licensed the technology from the University of Colorado, although the ultimate affordability of employing this technology in local veterinary practices tests remains to be seen.  Another issue with this technology, is that it does not tell us where the site of origin of the tumor is. Early treatment will therefore need to be able to treat the disease independent of the site of origin.

The Biggest Breakthrough In Hemangiosarcoma Cancer Treatment: Penn State’s Magic Mushrooms

In a Penn State study funded by Chinese Medicine Holding LTD. and released in September 2012, dogs with hemangiosarcoma were treated with a compound derived from the Coriolus Versicolor mushroom, resulting in the longest survival times ever reported for dogs with the disease.

The Coriolus Versicolor mushroom, known commonly as the Yunzhi mushroom, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years. A compound within the mushroom, polysaccharopeptide, or PSP, is believed to have immune-boosting properties. Over the past two decades, studies have indicated that PSP may also have a tumor-fighting effect.

Penn State researchers studied dogs with naturally occurring hemangiosarcoma to see what effects, the Yunzhi mushroom would have on their patients. Fifteen dogs that had been diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma participated in the trial. Divided into three groups of five, each group received a different dose — 25, 50 or 100 mg/kg/day — of I’m-Yunity, a formulation of PSP which is also readily available over the Internet. The dog owners were instructed to give their dog a capsule of I’m-Yunity, daily. The owners brought their dogs to Penn’s Ryan Veterinary Hospital for follow-up visits on a monthly basis for blood sample testings and ultrasounds to determine the extent that tumors had developed or spread in the dogs’ bodies.

“We were shocked,” Cimino Brown said of Penn State. “Prior to this, the longest reported median survival time of dogs with hemangiosarcoma of the spleen that underwent no further treatment was 86 days. We had dogs that lived beyond a year with nothing other than this mushroom as treatment.”

Not only had the dog’s survival times increased with the use of PSP, but unlike chemotherapy, there were no reported side effects.  Dogs receiving the highest dosage, 100 mg/day, had the longest median survival time, however the difference in survival times between dosages was not statistically significant.

While not inexpensive, this treatment is certainly more affordable than chemotherapy.  Those on tight budgets, may consider using this supplement at the lower dosage without fear of significantly impacting survival rates.  However, it should be noted that while the PSP, I’m Yunity, extends life and improves quality of life, it has not been shown to be a cure for hemangiosarcoma.

The Penn State researchers are preparing to pursue further trials of I’m-Yunity in dogs with hemangiosarcoma to confirm and refine their results. One upcoming trial will compare I’m-Yunity to a placebo for those owners who choose not to pursue chemotherapy for their pet; the other will compare the compound with the current standard-of-care, chemotherapy.

Here are some options for Organic Turkey Tail Mushroom Extract 

 

The liquid form may be easier to administer.  The capsules are 500mg, so you would need to open the capsule and shake out 1/4 of the mushroom extract. For larger dogs (80 lbs and up) you may want to give them one third of a capsule or approximately 165mg.

We will keep you posted as more information comes in from the ongoing Penn State Research.

For information on Canine Osteosarcoma please click here.

Osteosarcoma in Dogs: Diagnosis, Treatment and Outcomes

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Osteosarcoma in Dogs: Diagnosis, Treatment and Outcomes

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Great Dane and Chihuahua Skeletons
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While Osteosarcoma represents just 5% of all canine tumors, it is estimated that between 6000 and 8000 new cases will be diagnosed this year in the United States. As the most common type of bone cancer in dogs, Osteosarcoma accounts for approximately 85% of canine tumors that originate in the skeletal system. This is an aggressive cancer where malignant tumors develop deep within the bone; from there they destroy healthy bone and remodel it with tumorous bone from the inside out.  The tumerous bone becomes increasingly painful and is not as strong as healthy bone, potentially causing the bone to break easily with minor injury.

Risk Factors Associated With Development of Osteosarcoma In Dogs

Osteosarcoma is generally a disease of large breed dogs, and although any size dog may develop the disease, it is estimated that large breeds such as the Scottish Deerhound are 200 times more likely to develop the disease than are toy breeds. High risk breeds include Rottweilers, Deerhounds, Greyhounds, Great Pyrenees and Mastiffs as well as other large breed dogs.  Typical age of onset is 7-10 years of age, however large breeds may develop the disease earlier, in fact there have been large breed cases with diagnosis as early as under one year of age.

Factors that are suspected in increasing risk of developing the disease in addition to breed size include puppy diets that promote rapid puppy growth, spay and neuter, genetics and environmental factors:

• As tumors are frequently found near growth plates, factors that affect the growth rate and promote rapid growth are suspected in increasing likelihood of developing this cancer. 
• One long term historical study of Rottweilers showed that the earlier that a puppy was spayed or neutered the more likely it was to develop Osteosarcoma. Casterated males are 65% more likely to develop this cancer than intact males, and spayed females are 35% more likely to develop the disease than intact females.
• As certain lines of dogs within breeds have an increased propensity for developing this cancer, a genetic component is suspected as well.
• Fluoridation of drinking water has been linked to the development of Osteosarcoma in studies of both rats and young men in the North Eastern United States.

Diagnosis of Oesteosarcoma

Symptoms of Osteosarcoma will vary based on the location of the primary tumor. As the tumor grows, the affected area becomes increasingly painful. Swelling eventually develops around the tumor and the area is painful to the touch. 

• Development of a tumor in a leg bone may cause sudden onset lameness or intermittent lameness over a period of several weeks.
• Dog with tumors in their jaw bones may exhibit difficulty swallowing and/or excessive drooling. 
• Dogs with cranial or spinal tumors may present with neurologic deficits. 
• Dogs with pelvic tumors may exhibit difficulty defecating as their primary symptom.

It is important to see a veterinarian as soon as you suspect the disease, as it progresses very rapidly.  In most instances once a diagnosis of Osteosarcoma has been made, it has already micrometastasized to other areas of the body including the lungs and other bones.  Additionally, as the tumorous bone is weaker than normal bone, it can fracture easily.  Pathological fractures resulting from Osteosarcoma will not heal, so it is important to begin treatment as soon as possible.

Diagnosis is initially made by x-ray.  Once a bone tumor is suspected, the veterinarian should take x-rays of the lungs as well to see if the tumor has metastasized to that area.  Prognosis and treatment options will vary greatly if metastasis is evident in the lungs.  The tumor will also be aspirated with a small needle to obtain a sample of the tumor for further analysis and determination of the nature of the tumor.  This procedure does carry a small risk that the aspiration of the tumor could fracture the already weakened bone.

Additionally, the vet may aspirate the lymph nodes or any skin masses, do a full blood panel and perform an abdominal ultrasound in order to determine the spread of the cancer and overall health of the dog.  A bone scan may be performed in order to determine the spread of the disease to other bones and the extent of the tumor in the primary location.

Treatment For Osteosarcoma

The standard of care for the treatment of Osteosarcoma requires that the tumor be removed to prevent further spread of the disease.  In most instances, this means amputation of the affected limb.  Dogs typically respond well to this treatment, however overweight dogs, arthritic dogs or elderly dogs may not be good candidates for amputation. 

If the tumor has not progressed too far, a limb sparing procedure may be attempted.  The most successful procedures are performed where the tumor is on the bone just above the wrist of the dog and the tumor is still relatively small in size. Generally in these procedures, the removed bone must be replaced with bone from another site on the dog or from a bone bank.  Since there is a high complication rate with this procedure and a longer, more involved recovery than an amputation, amputation may eventually be necessary anyway.

In cases where neither amputation nor limb sparing procedures can be performed, the dog may be treated with palliative radiation therapy.  While radiation will not extend the life of the dog, it can be an effective pain management tool to improve the quality of the remaining life of the dog. This treatment provides relief to approximately 75% of the dogs that receive this therapy.  Radiation doses are given 1 to 4 times and are usually administered at one week intervals.

Follow-up to surgical removal of the tumor or limb includes chemotherapy.  In most instances the tumor has already micrometastisized at the time of diagnosis.  Chemotherapy, while not effective in treating tumors with visible signs of existence, is effective at destroying the microscopic disease.

Updated 11/5/13: Breakthrough in Pain Management for Dogs Suffering with Osteosarcoma

Prognosis After Treatment For Osteosarcoma

Following surgery, dogs that do not receive chemotherapy can expect an average life span of an additional 3 months post surgery.  Those treated with chemotherapy may enjoy a median lifespan of one year.  Approximately 50% treated with both surgery and chemotherapy will survive 1 year, less than 30% will survive two years and 10% will make it to 3 years.  While these statistics sound discouraging, it is important to keep in mind that in dog years, and especially in large breeds with shorter life expectancies, an additional year represents between 10-13% of a dog’s total expected life span.

Improving Your Dogs Odds In Preventing Development Of Osteosarcoma

If you have a large breed dog, or are aware that this issue has developed within your dog’s lines, there are some precautions you can take to improve his odds at heading-off or delaying the onset of the disease.

• Feed your puppy an “all life stages” dog food, and not a specially formulated puppy food that will accelerate growth.
• Wait until your dog is at least one year old before spaying or neutering him or her.  Leave males intact if you have a well fenced yard and no intact females in the home.
• Provide spring water for drinking water for your dog; carbon based filters such as PUR and Brita do not remove fluoride.
• Regularly examine your dog while petting for lumps and sensitive areas as he ages.

15 Warning Signs of Cancer in Dogs

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15 Warning Signs of Cancer in Dogs

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Cancer is increasingly common in pet animals, and as pets age, the likelihood of contracting some form of the disease increases substantially.  In fact, cancer accounts for almost half of the deaths of pets over 10 years of age. 

In breeds like the golden retriever it is estimated that between 60 and 80% will contract a form of cancer. But cancer is not restricted to geriatric canines, dogs as young as 4 years old may be diagnosed with it.

While dogs in general contract cancer at approximately the same rate as humans; cats tend to get fewer cancers, perhaps owing to their nine lives. Some cancers such as Hemangiosarcom and Oesteosarcoma have a higher rate of occurrence within certain breeds, suggesting a genetic component is probably at work.

If your dog’s breed has a propensity for developing a specific type of cancer, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the early warning symptoms of the onset of the disease.  Awareness of the signs of cancer in dogs combined with early detection and quick action can significantly improve the outcome for your pet.

By Darnyi Zsóka via Wikimedia Commons

Common Warning Signs of Cancer in Dogs

If you suspect a combination of the following symptoms in your pet, consult your veterinarian promptly; when it comes to the health of your pet, it is always better to be safe now than sorry later.

1. Foul Odors from the Mouth or Other Orifices: Foul Odors from the Mouth: If you detect offensive odors emanating from your dog’s mouth, and there has been no change in diet, you should have it checked out. Halitosis combined with excessive drooling, difficulty eating or swallowing can be a sign of oral cancer.   Bloody saliva indicates a prompt visit to the vet is in order. Bad odors from the ears, anal area or any other part of your pet’s body, should be checked out as well.  While food allergies, mites, impacted anal glands, infections from bites or scrapes or yeast infections can cause foul odors, it is best to seek veterinary advice to clear up any of these conditions and check for the underlying cause of the odor.
2. Nasal discharge. This can be a sign of allergies, or especially if discolored or bloody, a symptom of cancer of the nasal and sinus cavities.
3. Excessive Drooling and Difficulty Eating or Swallowing.  Excessive drooling, especially combined with a strong halitosis merits further investigation.  Anytime a dog has difficulty eating or swallowing you should consult a veterinarian immediately.  
4. Difficulty Breathing and Coughing. Dogs having difficulty breathing  should be examined immediately.  For both humans and dogs, shortness of breath is a critical symptom.  Heart disease, lung cancer and hemangiosarcoma are potential underlying causes of breathing difficulties.  Early detection of any of these diseases can improve your dog’s prognosis.
5. Excessive Panting.  It is normal for dogs to pant following exercise (for 20-30 minutes) or in extremely warm conditions.  Prolonged panting however may be a symptom of a severe injury or chronic illness such as heart failure, Cushing's syndrome, pneumonia or lung tumors.  
6. Loss of Appetite. Dogs usually do not stop eating without a cause.  If your dog suddenly loses his appetite and there has been no change in diet, you should consider a trip to the vet, particularly if it is combined with some of the other symptoms on this list.  While this may not be a symptom of cancer, it could be a symptom of another serious issue where early intervention is beneficial.
7. Lethargy. Lack of stamina or fatigue developing over a relatively short time frame can be symptoms of cancer.  Beyond normal aging, a dog that over a period of weeks or months that exhibits a noticeable decrease in activity levels should be seen by your veterinarian.  Other possible causes of lethargy and lack of appetite can include parasites such as tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms and whipworms, conditions that you will also want to address quickly.
8. Depression.  You can’t put your finger on it, but Rover just doesn't seem to be himself.  Depressed dogs don’t seem to take pleasure in their usual activities; they tend to lie down away from the family activities exhibiting a decreased interest in their surroundings.  This can be a symptom of a change in the family dynamic or environment, but if there have been no changes to the family routine, depression combined with a several other symptoms on this list should be noted when discussing your dog’s health with your veterinarian.
9. Changes in Bathroom Habits. A dog that is normally well house trained begins soiling the house (and there have been no changes in the household dynamics to upset him) or the consistency of the bowel movement is unusual.  This symptom combined with depression were our first clues that something was wrong with our dog Kebe, prior to her being diagnosed with a branching cancerous tumor. Additionally, difficulty using the bathroom, frequent bathroom use or blood in urine or stool are all symptoms indicating a prompt visit to your vet is in order.
10. Abdominal Distention. If your dog’s abdomen becomes bloated or distended it could be a sign of an accumulation of abnormal discharge within the body. Accumulation of fluids can be indicative of congestive heart failure and cardiac hemangiosarcoma.
11. Lameness or Difficulty Walking.  Sudden onset of lameness or pain during exercise, when the dog has not engaged in any extreme physical activities can be indicative of arthritis or bone cancer (osteosarcoma).
12. Weight Loss:  Just as in humans, cancer can cause its victims to lose weight dramatically.  If your pet has experienced weight loss, and you have not adjusted caloric intake or increased activity levels of your pet, then a trip to the vet is indicated.  If you notice sudden weight loss in your dog, along with other signs from this list (especially weight loss combined with decreased activity levels), be sure to mention it to your veterinarian.
13. Vomiting or Diarrhea.  Vomiting and/or excessive diarrhea that continue for more than a day should be checked out by a vet.  At the very least, the dog may become dehydrated, a condition easily remedied by administration of fluids.  Prolonged vomiting or the inablility to hold down fluids and solids can indicate pancreatitis, kidney disease or digestive cancer.
14. Lumps That are Unresolved or Growing. Not all lumps on or under your dog’s skin will be cancerous, but they are a cause for concern.  If the lump is growing rapidly, is ulcerated or bleeding, warm or painful to the touch you should consult your veterinarian. While it may just be a cyst, your vet can perform a needle biopsy and a veterinary pathologist can determine if the cells are cancerous or not.
15. Sores That Don’t Heal. If your pet has wounds or sores that are not healing, it could be a sign of infection, skin disease, diabetes or cancer.

While many items on this list, when exhibited individually, are not cause for concern, an accumulation of 3 or more of these symptoms is reason to visit your veterinarian.

As your pet ages, it is a good idea to routinely examine him by stroking and petting his entire body. Tummy rubs and scratching around the ears and neck can aid in detecting any unusually bumps, and your dog will enjoy it too.  An annual physical examination along with annual laboratory analysis (for elderly pets) can be useful in early detection of a variety of disorders including those that affect the kidney, liver, heart or bowel.