Treating Golden Retrievers with Cancer, Using TCM Herbal Formulas

Golden Retrievers develop a high rate of cancer and many benefit from conventional therapy including surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. For Goldens receiving conventional therapies and for Goldens whose families choose not to use conventional approach to tumors, I recommend change in diet, use of supplements and herbs.

In previous Caring for Pets blog entries we’ve discussed diet (no simple carbohydrates, give complex carbs in deeply pigmented vegetables, oils from fish & ground flax, and organic meats to avoid hormone-enriched meats. We’ve also discussed Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) herbal formulas to support pets before cancer develops.

If cancer develops the TCM formula will be chose based on the individual pet. Among those that might be prescribed are

• Bu Gan Tang
• Chai Hu Shu Gan San
• Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang
• Gui Pi Tang
• Liu Jun Zi Tang
• Liu Wei Di Huang Wan
• Si Miao San, Xiao Yao San
• Xue Fu Zhu Ye Tang

Each formula has herbal ingredients that make it specific for different problems. We consider the whole pet, including tongue and pulse, blood tests, and tumor type to choose the best TCM formula.

These are just a few examples of TCM herbal formulas used for Golden Retrievers or other pets with cancer. In addition, there is Hoxsey formula, which is based on North American & European herbs.

A holistic veterinarian will assess your pet and prescribe the best formula.

I wish we could say these formulas performed miracles—they do not. What they do is help bring the body into balance so the body can do its job of fixing itself.

Using TCM formulas, good nutrition, prayer and play that brings joie de vivre to your pet offers it the best opportunity to heal itself. Golden Retrievers and all dogs are worthy of this level of care if they have cancer.