Toni & Lyle Killpatrick's Greater Swiss Mountain Dog 'Roy' Is Again Proving To Be A Winner: Part 2

November 25, 2011

It is now six weeks since Roy was diagnosed with the Mast Cell Tumor.

I sat down, took a deep breath, looked in Roy's eyes and said, "We're Going To Get Through This Nightmare Together - Alive And Well - I Promise You."

Roy's recuperation from surgery is going very well. He's running around the yard like nothing is wrong.  He doesn't realize that he is missing his right ear, thanks to Dr. Bissmeyer for doing such an outstanding job removing his ear flap. Roy's ear has healed now without draining or bleeding.

His diet has changed to some extent and he seems to enjoy his food more. Roy is now on a totally grain free kibble plus fresh, raw meat (liver and rabbit), fresh vegetables, pumpkin, cottage cheese, yogurt, tofu, fish oil and supplements for cancer support.

ROY'S NEW ROUTINE:

Roy is taking Chinese Herbal medicine. Including Chinese Medicinal mushrooms The Polysaccharides in many medicinal mushrooms stimulate the body’s natural killer cells (NK cells), and activate macrophage activity making it a useful treatment tool against tumors.   I also give him Acupressure and Moxibustion treatments twice a day. He not only tolerates it, he just loves it.

Moxibustion utilizes the heat from a burning herb to stimulate specific acupuncture points in the body. Indirect moxibustion (not touching the body) in the form of a cigar-like roll increases the local blood and qi flow, is extremely comforting and can create a deep relaxation response.

Once a week, Dr. Bissmeyer and Gloria Garland come over to give Roy Acupuncture and additional Moxibustion treatments.  Roy really enjoys all this attention. He just melts in their laps.  Our second session with Gloria Garland and Dr. Bissmeyer was exceptional.

WHAT NOW?

One of the most important things I can do now is to monitor Roy's behavior. So far everything appears normal. It is so important to know his habits: What and how much does he eat?  How much water does he drink in a day?  Does he get up in the middle of the night to pee?  Does he wet the bed? What is his daily energy level?  Does he still play ball like he did before? Does he run around the yard like he used to do?  Is he faster or slower?

It is crucial to note any changes, because now we will not be able to see any external sign of cancer such as tumors or lesions. The cancer will start affecting his internal organs, such as spleen and liver and abdomen. We will be doing blood work on him every month to make sure his organs are functioning normally.

RECORD KEEPING:

Keeping a chart is so important... I have a binder with all of his test results and daily activities on Roy. When he was first diagnosed, I kept a daily chart monitoring his moods and eating habits.  I was still in shock that he had this horrible cancer, So, I just wanted to make sure I didn't miss anything. Before Roy was diagnosed, I could only tell Dr. Bissmeyer and Gloria Garland a few basic things, like  what and how much Roy ate (diet & supplements) what his stools looked like and some of his daily activities. Remember, Roy was a big show dog, and we spent a lot of time together. The food that Roy was eating at that time was Fromm Gold, (Salmon , duck and white fish). http://www.frommfamily.com

The reason I put Roy on Fromm Surf and Turf  grain free kibble was to cut back on his Carbs. There seems to be some research that supports the idea that the higher carbs that are usually present in dog foods containing grains, actually feed cancer growth in dogs that have cancer.

Not that the grains cause the cancer ... but in dogs with cancer, the higher carbs (primarily starch carbs) potentially feed the cancer growth (carbs being converted to blood sugar, raising insulin levels, etc). There are good carbs and bad carbs... carbs from fruits and vegetables are good.

A true canine anti-cancer diet would be to learn how to feed RAW.. as that is the only way to control ingredients and provide the highest of nutrients. Remember that dogs are designed to be carnivores. A raw Beef bone from the butcher would be great.

Many of the grain free foods have a significantly lower carb percentage compared to those made with grains as a primary ingredient (though not all - it's important to research specific foods being considered, and compare) ... that's why some recommend switching to grain free for dogs with cancer ... to help reduce carbs in the diet, and thereby help to eliminate a fuel for cancer growth.

Some will agree with this concern ... others will not.

In Part 3, I will give you his complete diet and his results from the blood test...Keep your fingers crossed.

Thanks for reading, Toni and Roy