Panza, a Cancer Survivor

Let’s hear it for little Panza who is doing well despite cancer.

Cancer is a devastating disease that affects half our dogs and one-third of our cats. For many forms of cancer we don’t have tremendous success with conventional approaches. For example, even with surgical removal of a cancerous spleen (hemangiosarcoma), dogs live an average of 19-61 days. Panza had surgery last February and, 6 months later, is still doing well.

Several things contribute to Panza’s ability to live beyond the normal lifespan of a dog with a splenic tumor, the most important of which is her family’s love. Every day she has fun. Panza receives short walks and weekend outings. She receives hot, home-cooked food, skin care, & baths.

In addition, holistic therapies have helped extend Panza’s life:
1. Premium nutrition with emphasis on proteins, fresh deeply pigmented fruits and vegetables
2. Herbs such as Yunnan Pai Yao that help limit bleeding
3. Herbs such as Blood’s Palace that promote movement of energy and prevent “blood stasis”
4. Homeopathy for toxin clearance
5. Acupuncture tune ups

When Panza’s family first began working with me after her surgery in February, we were realistic. We discussed the possibility that Panza, like many pets with this type of cancer, could develop a sudden internal hemorrhage and die. Still, we created a plan that looked at Panza’s overall health, including her allergies, arthritis, tendency to diarrhea with a diet change, anal sac scooting, and proceeded. We came up with a whole new way of feeding her. We selected ideal supplements, fatty acids, vitamins and herbs. We acupunctured her weekly, then monthly. We did everything we could from a holistic veterinary perspective, including prayer, and Panza has benefited.

Panza is one example of how well a pet with a loving family can do given holistic veterinary support. In upcoming Caring for Pet blog entries, we’ll talk about some of the others.

HERE’S TO PANZA’S FIRST SIX MONTHS FOLLOWING SURGERY FOR CANCER!