Supporting the Immune system is critical

Supporting the Immune system is beneficial, and (quoted)

"a diet supplemented with fish oil and the amino acid arginine appears to increase survival time in dogs with lymphoma, a cancer that affects white blood cells.

Dogs with this kind of cancer, similar to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in humans, are easily treated, but as with humans, their cancer tends to return. A team of researchers led by Dr. Gregory Ogilvie of Colorado State University in Fort Kent, studied the effects of adding fish oil and arginine to the diets of 32 dogs being treated for lymphoma.

Half of the dogs received a special chow with the two supplements in it, and the other half ate chow with soybean oil added. The two chows were identical in nutritional value, and formulated to be equally tasty to the dogs. All the dogs were being treated with the anti-cancer drug doxorubicin every three weeks, and were living at home with their owners.

Previous research has shown that some polyunsaturated fatty acids, like those found in fish oil, may help prevent the growth and spread of cancer tumors, and may help prevent cachexia -- the devastating weight loss and muscle wasting seen in some cancer patients despite adequate nutrition. Likewise, arginine supplements have been reported to improve immune responses, and might help the body fight cancer.

The dogs were fed one of the chows twice a day during and after their cancer treatment. The researchers report that compared to the control dogs, those who ate the supplemented chow showed higher blood levels of two fatty acids called C20:5 and C22:6 that seem particularly effective in fighting cancer. Dogs with more of these fatty acids in their blood also tended to have more normal levels of lactic acid, which tends to accumulate in the blood when metabolism is disrupted in cancer patients.

In addition, report Ogilvie and colleagues, the dogs with higher levels of these two fatty acids survived longer than those with lower levels, and had longer remissions, periods of time before their disease came back.

Writing in the journal Cancer, the researchers suggest that the fatty acids may help both dogs and humans by slowing down the spread of cancer cells and by increasing the cells' susceptibility to anti-cancer drugs like the doxorubicin used in this study.

Ogilvie and colleagues also note their findings fit in with previous research showing that the fatty acids they studied appear to help fight cancer and its effects in both humans and animals."

SOURCES:
Reuters Health, April 28, 2000
The journal Cancer, May 2000; 88:1916-1928

Lucy never did radiation or chemo, she only did the Tippner Protocol. The Tippner Cancer Protocol combines immunotherapy and molecular cancer therapy using off the shelf readily available inexpensive natural substances. Here is her list. She is past 3 years after diagnosis by biopsy

I buy most of the stuff from Swanson Vitamins. They are cheaper, in capsules for dosage changes, and carry almost everything I give to Lucy except for the Chinese Herbs Stasis Breaker prescription, and the Low Dose Naltrexone prescription. Here is a $5 off coupon link I found

Appetite Stimulation in Dogs and Cats with Cancer

Mirtazapine for Appetite Stimulation in Dogs and Cats

Rx Mirtazapine (brand name Remeron™-Organon) is approved as an antidepressant for use in humans and has activity both as an alpha 2 receptor antagonist and as a potent 5HT3 antagonist. A side effect noted in humans taking this drug is appetite stimulation. Pharmacy faculty at the Mississippi State College of Veterinary Medicine used mirtazapine in a dog after all other attempts at appetite stimulation had failed, and were very pleased to find that mirtazapine restored appetite almost immediately in this dog. In another case, a physician used mirtazapine to treat anorexia and nausea in his Boston Terrier with chronic renal failure. Due to the vast improvement in the animal’s quality of life for one month preceding its death, the dog’s primary care veterinary clinic conducted a series of uncontrolled field trials using mirtazapine over the next 4 years in 24 dogs and 17 cats with GI symptoms that were marginally responsive or refractory to standard remedies. “Mirtazapine therapy led to a robust response in 12 animals, improvement compared with standard treatment in 16 cases, and an equivocal response in 13 animals. The most vigorous responses were observed in patients in chronic renal failure or receiving concurrent chemotherapy for neoplastic disease.”

Many veterinarians have started using mirtazapine to stimulate appetite in both dogs and cats. There have been no controlled studies and dosing is still empirical, but most dogs are dosed at 0.6mg/kg orally every 24 hours and cats are dosed at 3.75mg/cat orally every 48-72 hours. The terminal half-life of mirtazapine in humans is more than 40 hours, and mirtazapine is eliminated partially through conjugation with glucuronide. For this reason, dosing intervals of less than 48 hours are not recommended for cats, as accumulation is likely. Mirtazapine is not commercially available in an oral suspension; however, compounding pharmacists have formulated suspensions upon the request of veterinarians and have anecdotally reported success with this dosage form. For cats that are vomiting as well as anorectic and cannot swallow or retain oral medications, veterinarians have instructed compounding pharmacists to formulate transdermal gels of mirtazapine (3.75mg/0.1ml), which also have left veterinarians with a positive impression of clinical efficacy. Obviously, further studies are needed to determine stability, safety and efficacy of these compounded dosage forms, but until such evidence is available, veterinarians may wish to try these dosage forms in cases that are refractory to traditional methods of appetite stimulation.

Veterinary Forum, February 2006, pages 34-36

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/5-HT3_antagonist


http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3184575/  related info but not specific

note this post in not complete yet. I am working on finding a natural herbal version.



Lucy never did radiation or chemo, she only did the Tippner Protocol. The Tippner Cancer Protocol combines immunotherapy and molecular cancer therapy using off the shelf readily available inexpensive natural substances. Here is her list. She is past 3 years after diagnosis by biopsy

I buy most of the stuff from Swanson Vitamins. They are cheaper, in capsules for dosage changes, and carry almost everything I give to Lucy except for the Chinese Herbs Stasis Breaker prescription, and the Low Dose Naltrexone prescription. Here is a $5 off coupon link I found

Dog won't eat fish oil or flax oil. Alternatives?

"Hemp (Cannabis sativa L. - the SAVITA VAREITY IS NOT POT) Seed Oil: Analytical and Phytochemical Characterization of the Unsaponifiable Fraction"
Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry

A new study, which appears in ACS’ Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, details just how many healthful compounds hempseed oil contains.

Maria Angeles Fernández-Arche and colleagues note that for millennia, people around the world cultivated cannabis for textiles, medicine and food. Hemp has high levels of vitamins A, C and E and beta carotene, and it is rich in protein, carbohydrates, minerals and fiber. In the early 20th century, many countries banned cannabis because some varieties contain large amounts of the high-inducing compound THC. With increasing interest in plant oils as a source of healthful compounds, Fernández-Arche’s team wanted to investigate hempseed oil’s potential.

They did a detailed analysis of a portion of hempseed oil. They found it has a variety of interesting substances, such as sterols, aliphatic alcohols and linolenic acids, that research suggests promote good health. For example, it contains α-linolenic acid, which is an omega-3 fatty acid that some studies suggest helps prevent coronary heart disease. The findings could have implications in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, food and non-food industries, they state.


Can dogs have help seed oil google search

Hemp seed oil for dogs is the best of all oils over the fish or flax seed based oils

Hemp seed oil is dubbed "Nature's most best omega oil", because of the undeniable fact that it includes the perfect ratio of Omega 6 (LA) to Omega 3 (ALA/LNA) 3:1 important fatty acids which your dog needs.

Did you know this about hemp oil?

Hemp seed oil kills cancer cells
Hemp seed oil can enhance blood circulation in brains
Hemp seed oil thicken the fur texture
Hemp seed oil will keep the skin less shedding
Hemp seed oil prevents putting out dog dandruff
Hemp oil has no psychoactive qualities there for hemp oil for dogs is safe


Hemp oil is an oil extracted coming from the hemp plant. All plants from the cannabis genus can produce hemp oil but solely industrial hemp is designed for hemp oil production. Industrial hemp is really a hemp type that has been cultivated only for industrial production, and it does not contain psychoactive substances (THC) related to the genus.

The hemp oil for dogs has numerous health advantages and the products along with the raw forms are used to supplement several important fatty acids to dog. In case dog's is lacking of any of those fatty acids there will be serious issues such as genetic mutations and cancer. Hemp seed oil kills cancer cells due the essential and non-essential fatty acids that are present in large quantities in hemp seed oil and therefore when hemp seed oil is often used by cancer patients, there is better chance of cure. Therefore administering hemp oil for dogs is extremely helpful for several factors.

The hemp oil for dogs includes numerous essential fatty acids that are extremely healthy for the dog's skin. These essential fatty acids takes care and moisturize dog's skin and fur correctly when administered in right quantities. There are a lot of oil products for dogs that have hemp oil as key ingredient. The reason being it's herbal and also has virtually no side effects like fish oils for dogs. Hemp seed oil prevents dog's skin disorders such as dry nose, dog acne, dog eczema, dog rash and dog dandruff.

There are a lot of fur health advantages of hemp oil also. Hemp seed oil products can enhance blood circulation in the top and also the mind of the dog. Hemp oil for dogs can thicken the fur texture and will keep the skin less shedding or putting out dog dandruff. Therefore hemp oil is extremely advantageous for the fur care also. Loss of fur is likewise reduced by essential fatty acids and skin infections and issues are kept away.

The oil contained inside the hemp seed is 80-90% unsaturated fatty acids (the good sort of essential fats) and just 9-11% from the less wanted saturated fatty acids. Hemp oil for dogs is known as being most unsaturated oil derived from plants. The essential fatty acids contained in hemp seed oil are needed in diet a lot more than other vitamins, yet dog's bodies don't normally manufacture all of these essential fatty acids. There fore they need to be supplemented from external sources like food and supplements for dogs. Essential fatty acids are in important role in dog's life and hemp seed oil for dogs and it's qualities are best for the job. In general, North American dogs require more essential fatty acids and omega's because foods contain more animal fats than plant based fats. If you compare hemp oil against fish or flax seed oil, this ratio and along with the supplementation itself of the hemp oil for dogs is the perfect health solution. Hemp oil for dogs contain also other polyunsaturated fatty acids in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), oleic acid and stearidonic acid. The EFA structure is distinctive among of any edible oil seeds.

Nutrients in Hemp Oil
Hemp oil contains all of the essential amino acids, according to a 2000 article published in the "Journal of Nutraceuticals, Functional and Medicinal Foods." Essential amino acids help maintain the proteins in your body, which can prevent muscle loss. Hemp oil delivers small amounts of vitamins and minerals, including calcium, potassium, magnesium, copper, folate and vitamins B-6 and E.

Hemp was banned many many decades ago not because of its relation to pot. Industrial hemp has almost zero THC. You can smoke your brains out and get nothing. It was banned because of successful lobbying from the wood and textile industries because hemp grows much faster than wood and can produce many of the same products like paper, rope, clothing, protein powder, oil etc. It is one of the most perfect crops. Requires almost no attention from farmers, grows fast, multiple crops per year and is great for the soil when plowed under. Wild huh!

Here is info on the use of omega oils from fish in dogs 


Some dogs tolerate the extra fats quickly others get diarrhea and you have to back off and add more slowly over a 2-3 week period. Lucy used to eat the caps of fish oil tossed in bowl then she started to leave them in bowl. I had to go to health food store and buy the liquid. She took that for a long while, then wouldn't eat it in her food. So, then I bought a lemon flavor less odor salmon oil and she ate then for a long while, then wouldn't. I have had to recently go to Hemp Oil in it's place. She does eat that for now. No odor. It's actually quite helpful as good as fish oil pretty much. I got this at swansonvitamins as well cheap. I give her Hemp Oil, Flax Oil, Coconut Oil, Olive oil....


Lucy never did radiation or chemo, she only did the Tippner Protocol. The Tippner Cancer Protocol combines immunotherapy and molecular cancer therapy using off the shelf readily available inexpensive natural substances. Here is her list. She is past 3 years after diagnosis by biopsy

I buy most of the stuff from Swanson Vitamins. They are cheaper, in capsules for dosage changes, and carry almost everything I give to Lucy except for the Chinese Herbs Stasis Breaker prescription, and the Low Dose Naltrexone prescription. Here is a $5 off coupon link I found

Chain Stores you Probably Didn't Know Allowed Dogs

Chain Stores you Probably Didn't Know Allowed Pets


I know this might not be  a specific cancer related post, but I think it is. Quality of life.

For many pet lovers, bringing a furry friend along on a shopping trip would be the perfect way to spend a day. While many big-name chain stores do have a "service dogs only" policy, you may be surprised to know that a number of them will in fact allow you to shop with your Shih-Tzu or browse with your bulldog.

Please keep in mind that many of these stores only welcome pets on a limited basis. In some cases, the decision to allow pets is left to individual store managers. This means that while one chain location may welcome your pooch, another may have a no-pets policy. In other cases, a stand-alone chain location may allow pets, while a mall location may have to comply with that mall's no-pets policy.

Rules and policies change all the time from store to store and from location to location. It's important to contact any store you plan to visit with your pet to ensure that they will in fact allow him in - even if you have brought him into that store before.

Out of respect to the establishment and its patrons, any time your pet visits a store he should be leashed and under your control at all times. Some stores ask that pets ride in shopping carts and be kept securely and tightly leashed, and some ask that they be contained in a carrier. Make sure you are aware of the store's specific policies before visiting.

Department Stores

Several department store chains around the country have been known to welcome pets. Banana Republic is notably dog friendly, with some locations offering treats to canine visitors. The Gap and Old Navy, which are owned by the same company as Banana Republic, have also been known to allow dogs. Bloomingdales, Saks Fifth Avenue, TJ Maxx and Marshall's allow dogs in at least some of their locations, and Nordstrom has welcomed pooches through its doors for over 20 years. Bed Bath and Beyond goes above and beyond at some of its locations by not only allowing pets, but providing specialty dog carts for them to ride in.

Pet Stores

Perhaps not surprisingly, both Petco and PetSmart celebrate their doggie clientele, and leashed, well-behaved dogs are welcome throughout each store at every location. Some locations even offer doggie day care for shoppers.

Home Improvement Stores

Lowe's Home Improvement and Home Depot are both well-known for allowing pets - however, the degree to which pets are welcome varies widely from location to location. It's important to check with each individual store before bringing your dog with you to help you select your lumber or bathroom fixtures.

Outdoor Stores

Tractor Supply Company, a well-known agricultural and farming supply store, welcomes leashed, friendly dogs at most of its locations - but that's what you might expect from a store that supports pet adoptions and holds an annual Pet Appreciation Week. Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's - both of which are hunting, fishing and all-around outdoor authorities -- also allow pets at many of their locations; a fact that's not well-known, but also not surprising.  

Craft Stores

Michael's Craft Store has a reputation for being dog friendly. While not every location may welcome your pooch, some of them will allow him to ride in the cart as you browse.

Local Stores

Many local chains or mom-and-pop stores work to develop personal relationships with their clientele. They also tend to have a lot of discretion and autonomy when it comes to whether or not they will allow pets in their establishments. Call ahead to your favorite local retailer. They may surprise you by saying your pet is welcome, especially if he's small enough to fit in a carrier or shopping cart.





Lucy never did radiation or chemo, she only did the Tippner Protocol. The Tippner Cancer Protocol combines immunotherapy and molecular cancer therapy using off the shelf readily available inexpensive natural substances. Here is her list. She is past 3 years after diagnosis by biopsy

I buy most of the stuff from Swanson Vitamins. They are cheaper, in capsules for dosage changes, and carry almost everything I give to Lucy except for the Chinese Herbs Stasis Breaker prescription, and the Low Dose Naltrexone prescription. Here is a $5 off coupon link I found

Vomiting in Dogs

Normally, dogs will eat grass to cleanse out their system – this is the natural method to cure your dog’s upset stomach. However, at times this won’t do the trick, or your dog won’t even feel like eating grass. In this case it can help to give your dog a little bit of Pepcid crushed and mixed with water (the amount will depend on your dog’s weight – consult your veterinarian). It is possible that the manufacturers of these products may change their formulas over time and they may not be as safe as they once were for pups so, as with any treatment, always consult a vet before proceeding with treatment.

If you prefer not giving your dog human medications like Pepcid, and your dog won’t eat grass to clear her or his upset stomach, there are other natural home remedies that can do the trick. However, these may not be the best cure for your dog, so make sure you check with your veterinarian before proceeding. Some natural home remedies include:

• Rice
• Boiled chicken or turkey (boneless and no salt added)

Do not use hamburger meat – this is a fairly common recommendation on bulletin boards, but the fact is the meat is too greasy and will not help your dog’s upset stomach.

No matter what you choose, however, make sure your dog stays well hydrated. The point of the grass is to make your dog vomit, to clear out whatever is upsetting his or her stomach. For more serious situations, your best bet is to limit food intake, keep getting your dog water (or low salt broth if necessary), plain clear Pedialyte, give Pepcid for a day or two, and take them to the vet if dehydration becomes a problem.

Should the condition persist, the most dangerous threat is likely to be dehydration. This occurs when the body is unable to retain fluids. Water makes up around 75% of the body weight of dogs, but even consuming large amounts of water may not be enough to prevent dehydration in your dog.

Signs of Dehydration

Dogs, and especially young pups are very susceptible to occurrences of dehydration, much the way humans are. If you notice that your dog has diarrhea or doesn’t seem to have an appetite or be interested in drinking his or her water, then your dog is taking the first step towards dehydration.

You can check to see if your dog is already dehydrated by assessing the appearance of his or her skin and gums. If you lift the lip of your dogs, the gums should be coated with a shiny wet film. If not, then he or she may be dehydrated. To check the skin to see if your dog is dehydrated, squeeze the skin behind the neck as if you were going to pick your dog up as his or her mother would. Release the skin. If the skin stays in the pinched position, your dog is dehydrated. If it automatically goes back to lying flat on the neck, your dog is not dehydrated. This is the same method used to check humans. If you’ve ever had someone pinch the skin on your hand and then watch to see if it goes back to its original form, you have experienced the same kind of dehydration test.

Prevent Dehydration

Don’t assume that you can prevent dehydration by offering water to your furry pet. Your pet also needs electrolytes and vitamins in order to retain fluids. One possible solution to this dilemma is to use Pedialyte. You can obtain a dry mixture made for animals by going to your nearest farming store. The packet is mixed with water, and then fed to the dog.

If your dog does not improve quickly though, do not continue to try self treating. Dehydration in dogs can quickly progress from a passing concern to one of possible organ failure and even death. So, please if your dogs symptoms last more than 24 hours, take him to the vet immediately for treatment.

Feeding a Dog with no Appetite

If your dog isn’t feeling well and you wish to feed it CLEAR NO DYE Pedialyte or some other mixture that will help prevent dehydration, you’re going to need a turkey baster or such similar device and a towel. Your dog isn’t going to want to be fed anything, just as you don’t want to eat when you don’t feel good. Because of this, you may need some assistance when feeding your dog.

After filling the baster or similar (check out drugstores) with the mixture to be used, lay the dog on its side. Open the mouth of the dog and use the syringe to inject the fluid down the dog’s throat. If the dog still doesn’t want to swallow the mixture, massage the throat to prompt the swallowing response. Another method is to inject the mixture inside the back of the cheek of the dog. Again, massage the throat as needed for swallowing. If you choose to use the cheek method, watch for liquid to come out the other side of the mouth as sometimes dogs will simply let the liquid drain out if they don’t have the energy or urge to swallow.

What is vomiting?  Vomiting is the forceful expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth. What is the difference between vomiting and regurgitation?  In regurgitation, the food that is expelled comes from the mouth or esophagus, versus the stomach. Vomiting involves the forceful contraction of stomach muscles; regurgitation does not. Both vomiting and regurgitation can occur right after eating or drinking, or up to several hours later. If my dog is vomiting, when should I call my veterinarian?  If your dog is bright and alert, and only vomits once, it is probably not necessary to call your veterinarian. Many dogs will vomit after eating grass, for instance. If your dog vomits more than once or appears sick, call your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will ask you a series of questions to determine how severe the vomiting is. It will be helpful for your veterinarian to know when the vomiting started, how many times your dog has vomited, what the vomit looks like, and if your dog is uncomfortable. It is especially important that you call your veterinarian immediately if: There is blood in the vomit Your dog acts like he wants to vomit, but nothing is expelled Your dog appears bloated or has a swollen abdomen You suspect your dog may have eaten something toxic or poisonous Your dog has a fever or is depressed Your dog's gums are pale or yellow Your dog is a puppy or has not received all his vaccinations Your dog appears to be in pain Your dog also has diarrhea Do not give your dog any medications, including over-the-counter human medications unless advised by your veterinarian to do so. How is the cause of vomiting diagnosed?  There are many causes of vomiting (See Table 1: Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment of Vomiting in Dogs). It is important to determine the cause so the appropriate treatment can be given. Your veterinarian will combine information from you, the physical exam, and possibly laboratory and other diagnostic tests to determine the cause of the vomiting. When dogs and cats vomit, their abdominal muscles contract very strongly multiple times before the food is actually ejected from the mouth. It may appear as though the whole body is involved in the effort. Often they will go through this process several times in a row. Onset of symptoms - How suddenly the symptoms appeared is a good clue to what the cause of the vomiting may be. If the symptoms appeared suddenly, the condition is called "acute". If the symptoms remain over a long period of time (weeks), the vomiting is called "chronic". Appearance of vomit - Distinguish vomiting from regurgitation (expelling food that has not yet reached the stomach), whether the vomit contains food or just fluid, color of vomit, presence of blood or bile in the vomit. Degree of nausea - As shown by such signs as licking or smacking of lips, drooling, swallowing, or gulping. Timing of vomiting in relation to meals or drinking should also be noted. Severity - How often the vomiting occurs and whether it is projectile. Presence of other signs - Fever, pain, dehydration, urinary changes, depression, weakness, diarrhea, or weight loss. Vomiting is often caused by diseases not directly related to conditions of the digestive tract, such as hepatitis, pancreatitis, diabetes, and kidney disease. Medical History - Your veterinarian will ask about your dog's medical history including vaccinations, what type of wormer the dog has received and how often, contact with other dogs, diet, any access to garbage or toxins, and any medications. The more information you can offer, the easier it will be to make a diagnosis. Physical examination - Your veterinarian will do a complete physical exam including taking your dog's weight and temperature, checking the heart and respiration, looking in the mouth, palpating the abdomen, checking for dehydration, and performing a rectal exam. Laboratory and diagnostic tests - In some cases of vomiting, your veterinarian will recommend a fecal flotation. This is a test to check for parasites such as intestinal worms or Giardia. If a bacterial infection is suspected, a fecal culture and sensitivity are performed. In cases of certain viral diseases, such as parvovirus, other tests on the feces may aid in the diagnosis. If the dog is showing signs of illness, a complete blood count and chemistry panel are often recommended. Special blood tests may also be conducted if certain diseases are suspected. Radiographs (x-rays) are appropriate if a tumor, foreign body, or anatomical problem is suspected. Other diagnostic imaging such as a barium study or ultrasound may also be helpful. Examinations using an endoscope or colonoscopy may be indicated. For some diseases, the only way to make an accurate diagnosis is to obtain a surgical biopsy and have it examined microscopically. How is vomiting treated?  Because there are so many causes of vomiting, the treatment will vary (See Table 1: Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment of Vomiting in Dogs). In many cases of vomiting in dogs, it is recommended to withhold food for at least 24 hours, and provide small amounts of water frequently. Then, a bland diet such as boiled chicken and rice is offered in small amounts. If the vomiting does not recur, the dog is slowly switched back to his normal diet or a special diet over the course of several days. For some cases of vomiting, it may be necessary to modify the diet permanently. Special foods may need to be given as a way to avoid certain ingredients, add fiber to the diet, decrease the fat intake, or increase digestibility. If intestinal worms are present, the appropriate wormer will be prescribed. Few wormers kill every kind of intestinal worm, so it is very important that the appropriate wormer be selected. In most cases, it is necessary to repeat the wormer one or more times over several weeks or months. It is also important to try to remove the worm eggs from the environment. The fecal flotation test looks for worm eggs, and if no eggs are being produced, the test could be negative even though adult worms or larvae could be present. For this reason, in some cases, even if the fecal flotation test is negative, a wormer may still be prescribed. If dehydration is present, it is usually necessary to give the animal intravenous or subcutaneous fluids. Oral fluids are often inadequate during vomiting or diarrhea since they may pass through the animal too quickly to be sufficiently absorbed. Antibiotics are given if the vomiting is caused by bacteria. They may also be given if the stomach or intestine has been damaged (eg., blood in the stool or vomit would indicate an injured intestine or stomach) and there is a chance that the injury could allow bacteria from the digestive tract into the blood stream. In some cases, medications may be given to decrease vomiting. As a general rule, these drugs should not be given if the dog could have ingested a toxin or may have a bacterial infection. Therefore, it is always important to have an accurate diagnosis before use of these drugs. Table 1: Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment of Vomiting in Dogs Cause Example Dogs Most at Risk Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Gastric dilitation and volvulus (bloat) Deep chested, large breed dogs Vomiting, retching, bloated abdomen History; physical exam; radiographs Surgery; supportive care; this is an emergency condition and requires immediate treatment Benign gastric outflow obstruction Pyloric stenosis, polyps Boxers, Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, young animals Intermittent vomiting, weight loss, dehydration History, physical exam, radiographs, endoscopy Surgery to correct outflow obstruction; antacids Diet change Changing dog food brand or feeding a high fat meal Those switching from a consistent diet Usually no other signs of being ill History and physical exam; tests (eg., fecal flotation) to rule out other causes Withhold food as needed then switch to bland diet and then slowly back to normal diet Food intolerance or sensitivity Sensitivity to or inability to digest or absorb certain foods such as milk or gluten Gluten hypersensitivity: Irish setters and soft coated Wheaton terriers Sudden onset of diarrhea, sometimes with gas Monitor response to removing ingredient from diet and then adding it again (food trial) Withhold food as needed then switch to diet without the offending ingredient Intestinal parasites Hookworms Young dogs Diarrhea, vomiting, weakness, pale gums, dehydration, anemia, swollen abdomen, black and tarry stools Fecal flotation exam Multiple treatments with appropriate wormer; decontaminate environment; supportive care Giardia Usually young animals or those who are immunosuppressed Mild to severe soft diarrhea with mucus and a bad odor; weight loss, abdominal pain and vomiting; often intermittent ELISA test on feces; fecal flotation exam or microscopic exam of feces; difficult to diagnose - often need multiple samples over several days Metronidazole, albendazole or febantel; bathing and sanitation to remove Giardia from coat and environment. Reinfection commonly occurs. Garbage ingestion Those left unattended or unsupervised Diarrhea, vomiting History and physical exam Withhold food as needed then switch to bland diet and then slowly back to normal diet Bacterial infection Salmonella, E. coli, Clostridia Young kenneled dogs or those who are immunosuppressed Mild to severe bloody diarrhea with loss of appetite, depression, fever and vomiting Fecal culture and sensitivity; microscopic exam of feces Antibiotics; intravenous fluids and supportive care in more serious conditions Viral infections Parvovirus Young dogs who have not received full series of parvo vaccinations Loss of appetite, fever, depression, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, abdominal pain History, physical exam, fecal test for presence of parvovirus, white blood cell count Intravenous fluids, antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial infection, withhold food and water Distemper Young dogs who have not received full series of distemper vaccinations Loss of appetite, fever, depression, cough, vomiting, diarrhea; later see neurological signs History and physical exam; tests (eg., fecal flotation) to rule out other causes; viral testing on blood, urine, or other body fluids Intravenous fluids if dehydrated; antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial infections. Prognosis is poor Coronavirus More severe in very young dogs, especially those with other intestinal diseases; more of a problem in animal shelters or where there are large numbers of stressed dogs Diarrhea, poor appetite, lethargy, sometimes vomiting Virus isolation or electron microscopy of biopsy Intravenous fluids if dehydrated; antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial infections Toxins Strychnine,ethylene glycol,lead, zinc Those left unattended or unsupervised Loss of appetite, depression, vomiting, dehydration, abdominal pain History and physical exam; tests (eg., fecal flotation) to rule out other causes; testing of blood, feces or vomit for presence of toxin; x-rays Depends on toxin Idiopathic Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis Small breed dogs Sudden onset of bloody vomiting and diarrhea, depression, abdominal pain, black and tarry stools, shock History; physical exam; complete blood count; tests (eg., fecal flotation) to rule out other causes Intravenous fluids, antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial infection, withhold food and water as needed Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO); also called antibiotic resistant diarrhea German shepherds, dogs with other intestinal diseases Intermittent watery diarrhea, poor growth or weight loss, increased gas, sometimes vomiting History; physical exam; intestinal biopsy; tests (eg., fecal flotation) to rule out other causes; ultrasound; blood tests (eg., serum folate and cobalamin, bile acids) Antibiotics (at least 4-6 weeks); modify diet Tumors Lymphoma, adenocarcinoma Middle-age or older Chronic diarrhea, weight loss, poor appetite; may see vomiting and dark, tarry stools History; physical exam; intestinal biopsy Chemotherapy or surgery depending upon the type of tumor Idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease Granulomatous enteritis, eosinophilic gastroenterocolitis, or lymphocytic/ plasmacytic enteritis (LPE) Middle-age; LPE in German Shepherds and Basenjis Chronic vomiting and diarrhea possibly with blood and/or mucus; sometimes straining, mild weight loss, and/or black and tarry stools History; physical exam; intestinal biopsy; tests (eg., fecal flotation) to rule out other causes Modify diet, wormers and antibiotics to treat or prevent hidden infections; probiotics; anti-inflammatory drugs; immuno-suppressing drugs if no response to other treatment Histoplasma enteritis or colitis Those living in the central US along the Mississippi, Ohio, and Missouri Rivers Loss of appetite, mild fever, depression, severe weight loss, vomiting, blood in stool, straining; may also have respiratory signs Endoscopy and biopsy Itraconazole, ketoconazole or amphotericin B Obstruction Foreign body,intussusception, pyloric stenosis, splenic torsion Diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite; as progresses see depression and/or possible abdominal pain History; physical exam; x-rays; barium series; ultrasound; exploratory surgery Surgery Pancreatitis Dogs eating a high-fat meal; Schnauzers and Yorkshire terriers; middle-aged dogs Vomiting, dehydration, painful abdomen History; physical exam;chemistry panel; other blood tests (e.g., PLI or pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity) Restrict oral intake as needed; administer fluids; provide pain control and other supportive care; medications to control vomiting; maintain on low fat diet Liver or Biliary Disease Hepatitis, biliary obstruction Vomiting; yellow discoloration of gums and whites of the eyes History; physical exam; chemistry panel; other blood tests; x-rays and/or ultrasound; biopsy Medications and fluids to control effects of vomiting and liver disease; possible surgery depending on cause Kidney Disease Pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis, urinary obstruction Older dogs Vomiting, increased thirst and urination; decreased or no urination if obstructed History; physical exam; chemistry panel; urinalysis; x-rays and/or ultrasound Diet changes; medications and fluids to control effects of vomiting and kidney disease; remove any obstruction Peritonitis Perforated intestine Vomiting, painful abdomen; sometimes fever History; physical exam; chemistry panel; complete blood count; x-rays and/or ultrasound Antibiotics, fluids; medications to control vomiting; possible surgery depending upon cause Pyometra (infection of the uterus) Unspayed dogs who have recently had an estrus (heat) Vomiting; increased thirst and urination History; physical exam; complete blood count; x-rays and/or ultrasound Surgical removal of uterus; medical treatment Diabetes mellitus Older and female dogs; Schnauzers and Poodles Vomiting; increased thirst and urination; sometimes depression History; physical exam; chemistry panel; urinalysis Insulin therapy; dietary management; supportive care Vestibular disease or brain disease Older dogs Incoordination; vomiting History; physical exam; possibly MRI Medications to control vomiting; depends on specific condition Medications Digoxin, erythromycin, chemotherapy Vomiting History; physical exam; drug levels Medications to control vomiting; change drug therapy Septicemia Vomiting, fever History; physical exam; blood culture Antibiotics; supportive care Hypo-adrenocorticism (Addison's disease) Young to middle-age female dogs Vomiting History; physical exam; chemistry panel; complete blood count Medications to control effects of hypo-adrenocorticism Gastritis Helicobacterinfection; high blood urea nitrogen (BUN); stomach worm Vomiting History; physical exam; endoscopy Medications to control vomiting and protect stomach; treat underlying cause; fluids, if necessary Ulcers Vomiting; blood in vomit; black, tarry stools History; physical exam; endoscopy or barium series Medications to control vomiting and protect lining of stomach and intestines; treat underlying cause; fluids, if necessary Gastroesophageal reflux More common in brachycephalic breeds (eg, bulldogs and pugs) Drooling, licking of lips, vomiting or regurgitation, bad breath History; physical exam; endoscopy or barium series Feed small, low-fat meals; medications to help protect esophagus, reduce stomach acid and increase movement of food out of stomach Bilious vomiting syndrome May be more common in dogs with giardiasis or inflammatory bowel disease Vomiting of bile on an empty stomach (usually late at night or early morning) History; physical exam; endoscopy or barium series Feed a late night meal; medications to help protect the stomach and increase movement of food out of stomach Motion sickness Drooling, vomiting while riding in a vehicle History; physical exam Medications to control vomiting

References and Further Reading

Cave, NJ. Chronic inflammatory disorders of the gastrointestinal tract of companion animals. New Zealand Veterinary Journal. December 2003;51(6):262-74. Hall, EJ; German, AJ. Diseases of the small intestine. In Ettinger, SJ; Feldman, EC (eds.) Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Sixth Edition. Elsevier, St. Louis MO; 2005; 1332-1378. Simpson, KW. Diseases of the stomach. In Ettinger, SJ; Feldman, EC (eds.) Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Sixth Edition. Elsevier, St. Louis MO; 2005; 1310-1331. Twedt, DC. Vomiting. In Ettinger, SJ; Feldman, EC (eds.) Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Sixth Edition. Elsevier, St. Louis MO; 2005; 132 -136. Twedt, DC. Don't miss these commonly misdiagnosed gastrointestinal diseases. Veterinary Medicine November 2006: 716-718. Willard, MD (ed.) The Veterinary Clinics of North America Small Animal Practice: Gastroenterology Mellitus. W.B. Saunders Co. Philadelphia, PA; 2003.

Lucy never did radiation or chemo, she only did the Tippner Protocol. The Tippner Cancer Protocol combines immunotherapy and molecular cancer therapy using off the shelf readily available inexpensive natural substances. She is past 3 years after diagnosis by biopsy

I buy most of the stuff from Swanson Vitamins. They are cheaper, in capsules for dosage changes, and carry almost everything I give to Lucy except for the Chinese Herbs Stasis Breaker prescription, and the Low Dose Naltrexone prescription. Here is a $5 off coupon link I found