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betsycam on "Bromelain"

betsycam — Fri, 18 May 2012 09:10:14 +0000

Thank you for your response, Lena! Great links! Joxer is maybe 2/3 of the way back but sort of stalled out. There's a swim therapy place near his vet. How often should they have that kind of therapy? My hubby and are I both recently unemployed so need to find the least expensive solutions possible!

Betsy

Lena on "Bromelain"

Lena — Thu, 17 May 2012 12:27:20 +0000

Hi Betsy,
I have never used Resinalle before. I would check with the vet who prescribed on your questions about giving it as hopefully they should know. I have found that a combo of acupuncture, chinese herbs and hydrotherapy really can get these guys back on their feet. The chinese herbs I use are fairly animal specific. Usually I just have them on one herbal and then often they are also on western drugs but all vets work different in practice and have our favorite approaches. Here is a link to my favorite hydrotherapy pool in my area. http://wellspringsk9.com/ You may be able to find something similar in your area.

Here is a little article I wrote on paralysis a long time ago which may be helpful http://pathwithpaws.com/blog/2009/05/01/the-mysteries-of-nerves-paralysis-seizures-and-old-age-neurologic-conditions-part-1-paralysis/
And another which talks about how Chinese herbs are used
http://pathwithpaws.com/blog/2009/01/22/my-secret-world-of-plants/

Personally I do not use supplements on an empty stomach, even those which are said to work better that way. I think it is just too hard to give them that way. The only supplements I have people give without a meal are appetite stimulants since usually they are not eating well and we don't have a choice.

betsycam on "Bromelain"

betsycam — Thu, 17 May 2012 09:22:29 +0000

I forgot to add that the Resinalle is to be given twice a day on an empty stomach.

betsycam on "Bromelain"

betsycam — Thu, 17 May 2012 09:21:42 +0000

Our poor old dog Joxer, 13 years old, has hind end weakness, and about a week ago on a walk he suddenly was dragging his hind legs behind him! His hind right leg was especially useless and his left couldn't support his hind end so he was dragging himself along. We took him to the vet and she determined he still had reflexes and a deep pain response when squeezing his toes, and so prescribed Robaxin, Rimadyl, and to keep him totally quiet and that he should improve in a week. If not, then MRI etc.

We followed up with our holistic vet a few days later who did acupuncture and chiropractic, found his spine was really tweaked. She gave us Resinalle (contains bromelain), Traumeel, and Pain Plus to use after the week of Rimadyl is up.

It's tough to get all the supplements/meds in on top of the others I am already giving him, with the timing being different (every 12 hours, every 8 hours, etc.). The Resinalle is the question: it has to be given on an empty stomach. How long after a meal might that be? If I were to give it to him first thing in the morning, how long do I need to wait before feeding him breakfast?

He is gradually improving. Any other suggestions?

Betsy

Lena on "Cushings Disease"

Lena — Wed, 16 May 2012 11:58:06 +0000

I am in Seattle but have a closed practice right now. There is a good list of veterinary acupuncturists in Seattle on the resources and links page.

kristyannhenry on "Cushings Disease"

kristyannhenry — Tue, 15 May 2012 10:18:11 +0000

She is pretty thick (heehee) and still has the ability to play and wags her tail.

Are you local to me? I am in the Seattle Wa area.

She is just in shock from losing her vision so quickly. I will educate myself on SARDS & Cushings. Maybe it would benefit us to have the testing done for Cushings to see what we are dealing with. I just felt like the testing was a bit harsh also.

Lena on "Cushings Disease"

Lena — Tue, 15 May 2012 09:56:15 +0000

From my experience all dogs with SARDS I have seen do not have Cushings and Cushings does not normally cause blindness. There is still a lot we don't know about SARDS including what causes it.

I think raw food is great for any dog unless they can't tolerate it and esp those with inflammatory disease. You should check with your vet on the Si Miao San but dogs with symptoms of Cushings do well on it even if they do not have Cushings. The exception is the dogs that are very wasted - very thin, low energy, very old, etc.

kristyannhenry on "Cushings Disease"

kristyannhenry — Tue, 15 May 2012 09:10:33 +0000

Interesting! When I had originally found out about this, I assumed SARDS. But the vet told me that SARDS is most of the time caused by Cushings? I believe it sounds like you feel they are two separate issues, not related, but similar?

I realize there is some varied opinions on this.

She is potbellied, has had an a ravenous appetite. I think thats where she got cushings as the cause of the SARDS? We have noticed her begging more for food/water. She asked if we wanted to do the testing, but we weren't fans of the treatment method or the testing that had to be done to even continue on the treatment.

I realize that we really can't do much about the SARDS ... and we will cope with the blindness.

Is it safe to continue down this path of the raw foods and the Si Miao San even if we dont get the official test for Cushings?

(I appreciate that you took the time to answer my post ... its so hard to process this and we just want to do the very best we can for our Mija)

Lena on "Cushings Disease"

Lena — Tue, 15 May 2012 08:45:41 +0000

Hi ,
You may want to do some research on SARDS
http://www.michvet.com/library/ophthalmology_SARDS.asp
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sudden_acquired_retinal_degeneration
as this sounds like what Mija has. Usually it is not from Cushings although they show all the signs of Cushings plus sudden blindness. There is not a great treatment for it but antioxidants and anti-inflammatory diet can help. Some vets have also had success with Si Miao San. For the diet make a full batch and then you will have about three meals.

kristyannhenry on "Cushings Disease"

kristyannhenry — Mon, 14 May 2012 22:24:53 +0000

Our dog, Mija, suddenly went blind this weekend. After a vet visit, the vet feels it is Cushings ... but sadly we just aren't in a place to do all the testing. I am fearful of the medications and the side effects (and cost). We want to do everything possible to limit the issues she might have and give her the best possible life.

I have seen your page: http://pathwithpaws.com/blog/2011/06/25/managing-cushings-disease-in-dogs-holistically/

I would like to do a more holistic approach to helping her. I think we could afford to feed her a better diet and some supplements to help ease the symptoms a bit.

What would be a suggested diet for a 14lb dog... how do I break down some of these smaller amounts?

Dog (approximately for a 40 lb dog per day)
1 1/2 cups cooked or raw meat including liver and organ meat (if you use fish or pork make sure it is cooked)
1 cup cooked vegetables
1/4 cup yam, sweet potato or pumpkin, cooked or canned
1/8 cup nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or cashews
2 T yogurt with live cultures
1 egg
1 teaspoon Nordic Naturals Pet Cod Liver Oil
a calcium supplement (see below)

Lena on "Article on dementia"

Lena — Sun, 13 May 2012 11:45:04 +0000

I'm so sorry Christine. It sounds like she was able to tell you when it was time which I am glad of. They are amazing little fighters. My heart is with you. Thank you for adding your experiences here to share with others who are going through the same thing.

Lena on "Senior Dog Pooping in Cage when we leave him"

Lena — Sun, 13 May 2012 11:42:32 +0000

Hi Jake,
Sounds like step one would be clearing up the diarrhea. Has your vet found a reason for it or been able to suggest medications? It is probably that he has to go badly enough that he just can't hold it for the time you are gone. Here are some natural suggestions. http://pathwithpaws.com/blog/2012/05/13/natural-solutions-to-treat-acute-diarrhea-in-cats-and-dogs/
However with more chronic diarrhea sometimes you need something stronger - there are several antibiotics vets will use including metronitazole and tylosan. You might want to talk to them about prescribing something for him to help if the natural methods don't work.

It is a hard issue. I hope you can find something to help.

jake on "Senior Dog Pooping in Cage when we leave him"

jake — Sun, 13 May 2012 09:29:04 +0000

Our 12 year old maltese has congestive heart failure. We are also seeing signs of some dementia (staring, panting, waking up very early). He is on several medications for the CHF. They have caused him to need to go out more often. In addition, his stools have become very loose - not sure why, but that's another story for another time. We had noticed that he has urinated a couple of times in the house when we are gone so decided to start putting him in the bathroom when we leave. Much to our surprise, he started pooping in there so we bought a small wire cage, thinking there was no way he would to that in there - wrong. He has gone in there both times we've left. Because of the diarrea (sp) it is an absolute mess. He can't sit or lay down after he does it so the poor guy has to stand there for a couple/few hours until we get home. We can't give him the bigger space of the bathroom because it gets in the grout, etc.

We walk him right before we leave. I would assume this is being caused by anxiety of us being gone.

We had him in a kennel in February. Got him a private room so it would be quiet, etc., however, he continually had diarrea there as well. They do not want him kenneled there again. Life altering - can't travel to see grandkids, etc. We can't be home 100% of the time. I don't have anyone I can call to stay with him while we are gone.

He does have a crate he's had since he was a puppy that he sleeps in a night in our bedroom. We also use it in the car. We've thought of putting him in that, however, we're concerned he will learn to hate it and would have problems going to bed at night.

So - I guess my question is if anyone has suggestions of what we can do to help him, us. Thank you in advance.

Christine on "Article on dementia"

Christine — Sat, 12 May 2012 10:43:30 +0000

A quick thank you to everyone that sent me words of encouragement and support during my struggles with my little one. I just wanted to share with you that we helped our little Tia to cross over yesterday. She never displayed any pain symptoms until the last couple of days when she finally refused all food and water and it became clear to me that she was ready to leave. I am in awe of her resilience and cant get over how stoic and determined she was to stay alive regardless of her physical condition... right up to the moment before she went all she wanted to do was walk.
Sending much love to all of you who are still supporting your companions through their issues.
Thanks Lena for having this forum, it was a god send to me!

Christine on "Article on dementia"

Christine — Tue, 08 May 2012 15:04:34 +0000

Thanks Katy! As difficult as our situation is right now it has given me so much food for thought. Over the past 25 years I have had to help 3 of our friends to the other side at the ages 14, 16 and 17 years. The one thing that remains with me all the time is "did I do the right thing". Was it for my convenience or was it really because they were "no longer getting quality of life"...
I have just finished reading a great book (and its sequel actually) which talks about why dogs play such an important part of our lives and what they are here to teach us...the book is a story about dogs and angels...and not what you would expect by the title. It has really made me sit up and think seriously about the lives we share with these beautiful creatures. If anyone is interested I'll post the details.
Tia is having a good day today.

katy on "Article on dementia"

katy — Mon, 07 May 2012 17:55:46 +0000

Christine, I had a dog like that. Have you tried Anipryl? Or liquid melatonin under the tongue? Anipryl does take several weeks to kick in.

My biggest piece of advice, though, is to not let anybody make decisions for you about Tia - on this site or otherwise. You will know when it's time to help her along to the other side, if you need to. Nobody else is there with you. Go with your heart when she's ready and when you're ready.

Hang in there.

Marisa on "Article on dementia"

Marisa — Mon, 07 May 2012 16:32:23 +0000

Thanks Lena - will give her more head massages...might make her feel a little better.

Christine - that sounds awful, I have to say if Maggie where to start circling etc I would seriously think about letting her go, as her quality of life would not be that good. Question - would you be content with your life that way? Lucky for our pets we can end their pain, unfortunately humans can't...

Christine on "Article on dementia"

Christine — Mon, 07 May 2012 15:23:54 +0000

First off want to say to Pam that I am to sorry to hear about Hutch - so caught up in my own problems I completely overlooked that you had to let your friend go! My heart goes out to you.
Tia has deteriorated today somewhat...starting to drool (new thing) ...paces in circles all the time now and constantly gets stuck in a corner now matter how small and then cries until someone comes to release her from that position - I had thought about putting her in another room at the other end of the house at night so we can get some sleep but the problem is she is so frail that when she slips over she cant get up so I cant go far or she gets frantic if she has fallen over.... I begin to wonder at the quality of life left to these poor souls with dementia, can we assume they are content with the way their life is?

katy on "Article on dementia"

katy — Mon, 07 May 2012 15:19:10 +0000

Lena -

Re: My thoughts on melatonin a couple months back. I discovered it does come in liquid form. For those whose dogs don't seem to respond - maybe try putting the liquid form under their tongue.

I know I could have dropped it under my dog's tongue, if I had known it existed. It did not take affect in my dog's digestive track.

My thoughts go out to all of you going through this with your dog.

Lena on "Article on dementia"

Lena — Mon, 07 May 2012 14:57:20 +0000

Hi Marisa,
The anti-inflammatory should help with pain in the head as well however some headaches don't seem to be as responsive to it as others - I've hear the same for people with headaches. Sometimes the straight pain killers such as tramadol seem to work better. Also depending on the dog doing some massage on the head may help - think of us when we have a headache.

Marisa on "Article on dementia"

Marisa — Mon, 07 May 2012 13:17:47 +0000

Oh Pam I am so sorry to hear about Hutch but as we know it is for the best. It really is an awful decision to make - thinking of you.
Christine my girl does tend to end up in a corner or facing a wall ... The melatonin worked for a few nights then it stopped taking effect( It worked a treat on me ). As you prob read she now sleeps in our dining room now so she can 'party' on her own and not wake us all up! She is dead to the world in the mornings when we go to get her up.
Lena I have noticed that Maggie's head does get very warm ...interesting that that is a sign of a headache - would the anti- inflammatory that she has now help this?

Lena on "Article on dementia"

Lena — Mon, 07 May 2012 12:13:38 +0000

Hi Christine,
I usually use a higher dose for dogs then some of the human suggestions so yes 3-4 mg per 50lbs. When the pacing is heading for dark corners I always wonder about headaches. They are not easily diagnosed but often the head will feel hot. Pain meds can help if that is the case as the morphine might be doing for her, acupuncture may also help with that. Not all pacing dogs head for the dark corners.

Lena on "CARCINOMA"

Lena — Mon, 07 May 2012 08:34:10 +0000

That is not a type of cancer I have worked with before. With his complex medical history I would highly recommend finding a holistic vet in your area to consult with. They are going to be able to better help and with cats it is even more important as I find that usually you only get 2-3 supplements before they start rejecting them.

http://pathwithpaws.com/blog/2011/12/11/how-to-find-a-good-holistic-vet-to-work-with

Christine on "Article on dementia"

Christine — Mon, 07 May 2012 05:04:37 +0000

Thanks for the replies and support Marisa and Pam.
I have a question about melatonin - Lena suggested 3-4mg per 50lb dog - the bottle I got from the store is human grade and the recommended dosage is 1mg per night... did I misunderstand the dosage? We gave her 1mg last night and she slept 6 hours but don't know if that was because of the melatonin or the low dose morphine she's on.
Also does anyone know why during their pacing they always make a bee line for the corners and dark spaces...?

Pam on "Article on dementia"

Pam — Mon, 07 May 2012 01:09:28 +0000

Hello Christine,
I also really feel for you. I have described the situation with Hutch above. Sadly, we let him go a week ago. His dementia mainly exhibited itself at night with barking, but he was increasingly weak physically as well, though he ate well until the very end. The impetus for actually putting him to sleep was less anything he did, though the Thursday night before we put him down he didn't sleep at all and barked all night, but rather that my girlfriend's dog was severely injured in an attack by another dog and needs our full attention to get well.
We had Hutch put to sleep at home and he went very peacefully after eating a meal of baked ham with enthusiasm. He had just seemed more and more frustrated and weary over the past few weeks, and the dementia medicine had stopped working as far as his sleep patterns were concerned.
For your sake I hope your dog just goes to sleep on her own. You could try the Anipryl or its equivalent wherever you live, but it takes several weeks to have any effect. It did help for a few weeks with Hutch. If she has lost interest in food it probably won't be very long now. Good luck and lots of strength!

Marisa on "Article on dementia"

Marisa — Sun, 06 May 2012 16:39:24 +0000

Hi Christine - I know I was relieved when I came across this forum also....it definitely made me feel better, that others are experiencing the same issues.
It kills you to see them turn into a different dog, than the one you used to know...Maggie is the same - the lights are on but no one is home. ( I watch a series called 'The Walking Dead' and there are zombies on it called 'Walkers' that is what we call her - as she walks around aimlessly)
She has days where she isn't interested in food and other where she just inhales her food. You will know when it is time to make that decision and it won't be easy at all (we have had to do it once)- we hope she just stays asleep one night. Goodluck

Christine on "Article on dementia"

Christine — Sun, 06 May 2012 11:41:49 +0000

I'm so pleased to have come across this forum - such great information and a comfort to know there are others out there having the same challenges as we are.
We have a 15year Dachshund who has dementia and also has something else going on inside of her that the vet thinks is adding to her general state of ill-health. We have made the decision because of her age not to do any invasive tests or procedures believing that in the long run the treatment will be the same.
Our challenge is trying to figure out what we need to do to make her last days/weeks/months here as comfortable and as enjoyable as possible. Up to now she has been a typical Dachshund eating everything in sight and never refusing food but now her sense of smell seems to have left her and even the tastiest of cooked chicken takes a while for her to detect and eat but not with the usual gusto. She displays all the DM symptoms described by others and while she has never been a touchy/feeling dog she has even further distanced herself from us.
Being of the belief that all animals are sentient beings, as we are albeit of a different species, we really, really want to try and let her cross over on her own terms - we just don't know where to draw the line in the sand.
Sorry for the long post but thanks for listening.

robtempe on "CARCINOMA"

robtempe — Wed, 02 May 2012 18:19:51 +0000

I just found this website and consider it to be quite promising in helping me with a 5 year old neutered male Tuxedo cat that is positive for FIV, is on heart medication (diltiazem, Lasix, enalapril, aspirin) and has what the lab report said was neoplastic epitheal cell malignant carcinoma. I am a cat rescue guy and foster for several cat rescue groups including a group called Lost Our Home Pet Foundation that assists animals that have been found abandoned inside foreclosed homes. Leo was one such case and because he tested FIV positive no volunteers stepped forward to help him. He was to be sent to the County animal control unit where he would have been euthanized and I have this thing about helping animals no one else wants especially those who have been abused in some way.

A week after I had taken him home to foster a fast growing tumor appeared in his rectal area (to the side). I took him to the Pet foundations vet and they said to euthanize him because the tumor was too large to operate on (and the foundation didn’t want to pay). I said I wanted to take him to my own vet for a second opinion. She operated (last Sept.) The foundation will not pay for any more operations after the first one. He just had his third one yesterday. I have put him on Curcuvet, some Azmira herbal tinctures (both mixed in food which he tolerates ok). I also bought another cancer herbal mix for Pets called Life One. He just will not allow that near his mouth even when hidden in food, clam juice, tuna, etc. So I was looking for a stronger hopefully tastier alternative and I remembered the Hoxey story from a health/psychic fair here in the Phoenix area back in the 80’s so I inputted it in google and found your site.

In reviewing your site I couldn’t quite find his particular cancer listed on any of the herbal mixes recommended which is why I am writing. Is there one of them that I should be using? Leo is a 14 pound bundle of love but I am getting worried that his time and options are running out. I have 5 leukemia cats, 6 FIV cats and several with the dreaded stomatitis (which I am at my wits end on for something to help with as well).

Lena on "Dr. McCullough is not currently participating in the forums"

Lena — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 08:24:59 +0000

It has become apparent to me that I need to take a break from the forums. I have found that by participating I am not having much time to write new articles. I believe that my time is much better spent writing new articles that can help many, many people. I hope that the forums are able to gain a life of their own without me and I will be back at some point.
I highly recommend that if you are here for medical advice, finding a holistic vet in your area.
http://pathwithpaws.com/blog/2011/12/11/how-to-find-a-good-holistic-vet-to-work-with/

quillsmom on "Primary Lung Cancer and Chinese Herbs"

quillsmom — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 17:19:42 +0000

Lena, thank you very much for a prompt reply. I'm so sorry about your kitties. I will try to follow your protocol and I'm making first steps. We are going to take Quill for lab tests this Friday and will ask about a holistic vet at the clinic (their website says they have one). He's a very nervous/anxious dog and doesn't do well with strangers, so acupuncture might be a tricky one but we will see what the holistic vet says.
Thank you so much again, I appreciate your help and advice.
Alisa

Lena on "Primary Lung Cancer and Chinese Herbs"

Lena — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 16:54:40 +0000

Lung cancer is a hard one. I've gone through primary lung cancer with two of my own kitties. The first I did not know what I know now and the second one I used the protocol I mentioned in the article on lung mets and keep it from effecting his breathing. I always give herbs with food if possible, I think they go down better. I often use both XFZYT and XCHT in food together and with other supplements. The XCHT should also help with the liver enzymes and vomiting. I would recommend checking in with a holistic vet to see if there is anything else they would suggest (as they can see him in person) and see if you can find someone who does acupuncture in your area (may be the same holistic vet). I hope he does well!

quillsmom on "Primary Lung Cancer and Chinese Herbs"

quillsmom — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 14:37:28 +0000

Lena, first of all, thank you so much for this website, useful information and opportunity to ask a question! Our 10.5 year old lab-mix (75 lbs) has a lung tumor (supposedly primary lung cancer because there were no other tumors/mets found so far). He was going to have lobectomy last week but it was canceled because he started vomiting all food, and his liver enzymes significantly increased. He is receiving Denamarin and antibiotics now (today is the last day on antibiotics). He was receiving Artemisinin 400 mg/day before he started vomiting, and we discontinued it and all other supplements until gets better.
I got Stasis in the Mansion of Blood teapills (Xue Fu Zhu Yu Wan) and Xiao Chai Hu Tang Wan pills are coming soon. Since your post about lung cancer only mentions lung mets, I was wondering if these pills will work for primary lung cancer? If yes, do I give them with food? Away from other supplements? There are no dosing directions on the bottle.
Thank you so much!

michellek on "Rottweiler w/ possible bone cancer"

michellek — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 15:26:10 +0000

Lena-

Thanks for the response. Yes, I understand. I have to see if there is a holistic vet in my area that I could work with. It is a tough decision to make, but if that is the only option of making him feel better and for him to live longer, I may have to go that route. I will keep him up on the herbs and the diet and try to get some acupuncture for him. I appreciate your quick responses and help. I shall keep you posted. Thank you!

-Michelle

Lena on "Rottweiler w/ possible bone cancer"

Lena — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 13:20:33 +0000

I know it is very difficult but I can not legally tell you what to do for Booboo. You should be able to find dosages that I use for the animals I treat in all the herbal articles. I am a huge supporter of amputation just because I have seen so many dogs do so well. I have not had a dog have bad side effects with Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang and consider it a very safe herbal if not used in excess. It certainly sounds like you have a great protocol for him but if you want an opinion of someone who can see him you can check out some of the referral lists in this article. I also really like using acupuncture with the dogs I treat for osteosarcoma.
http://pathwithpaws.com/blog/2011/12/11/how-to-find-a-good-holistic-vet-to-work-with/

best wishes,
Lena

Lena on "Cancer questions"

Lena — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 13:13:55 +0000

Hi Diane,
My guess is that Hoxsey make not be the way to go if she has a sensitive stomach and is a picky eater. If there is anyway you can find a holistic vet in your area I think that is going to be your best course, esp if she is sensitive. Here is a few lists you can use, I esp like the veterinary botanical medical association list.
http://pathwithpaws.com/blog/2011/12/11/how-to-find-a-good-holistic-vet-to-work-with/

The one nerve sheath tumor I worked with was about a month ago and was very, very aggressive. By the time we started treatment it was much more advanced then any of us knew and we did not learn that it was already extensively in the spine until after a surgery. We really didn't have time for anything to work well unfortunately.

If you can't come up with a holistic vet in your area you may want to talk to your regular vet about some of these supplements/herbals and see if you can find an acupuncturist in your area.
http://pathwithpaws.com/blog/2011/12/29/a-mini-protocol-for-any-cancer/

best wishes,
Lena