A diagnosis of cancer in your beloved companion requires many difficult choices. You will surely forget to ask many important questions when you first hear the dreaded word, so schedule a follow-up visit with your veterinarian to discuss the issues that are likely to arise. Try not to make any profound decisions until you have a chance to educate yourself about all the options available-both conventional and alternative. Ask for a referral to an oncologist who can answer questions about conventional treatment methods. Find a holistic veterinarian, either in your area or one who will provide phone consultations, regarding alternative cancer treatments. Cancer is serious business, and an integrative team approach is best.

For many cancer patients, conventional treatment options are as harmful than the cancer itself. In these cases, holistic treatment can offer the chance for a better quality of life, even if it cannot cure the cancer. Holistic care aims to provide the animal with the resources its body needs to heal from within.  

Every case is different. There is no one way to treat any type of cancer, although the above suggestions can help no matter what type of cancer the animal has. There are also some basic immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory, cancer-fighting nutritional supplements that can help in many cases.

Diet, of course, is fundamental. You can give supplements all day long, but if the basic diet is "junk food," you're just throwing good money after bad, and needlessly stressing your pet. 

Helpful supplements include:

Digestive enzymes - they help fight inflammation, as well as help the digestive system break down and more easily absorb the urgently needed nutrients in the food.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids -(from marine sources) these are some of nature's most potent anti-inflammatories. These fats are crucial for immune and nervous system function, and are necessary for rebuilding cell membranes. Nordic Naturals makes the best quality fish and cod liver oils for pets; and for fussy pets, Moxxor produces green-lipped mussel oil in tiny capsules suitable for cats and small dogs.

Antioxidants - prevent oxidative damage (which promotes ongoing inflammation) and increase immune function. They help prevent cell and tissue injury by scavenging and destroying free radicals, and play a fundamental role in cancer prevention and control. Vitamins A, C, and E are the best-known antioxidants. Other powerful antioxidants include green tea extract, co-enzyme Q10 (which reduces free radical production at the source), N-acetylcysteine, proanthocyanidins, flavonoids, carotenoids, and quercetin [but avoid alpha-lipoic acid for cats, as it can quickly build up to toxic levels].  Only Natural Pet makes an excellent antioxidant blend for dogs and cats that also contains herbs and medicinal mushrooms (see below). Curcumin, from the Indian spice turmeric, warrants special mention, as it also inhibits tumor growth and metastasis, and can reduce the side effects of chemotherapy.

Caution: some oncologists recommend against antioxidants for pets during conventional therapies such as radiation or certain types of chemotherapy, so check with your veterinarian before supplementing with antioxidants.

Redox Signaling Molecules - this technology is so advanced that it's way past the cutting edge of conventional medicine. Completely non-toxic, native to the body, but diminishing with age, stabilized Redox Signaling Molecules work to:

• Replenish the body with these important cellular messengers.
• Enhance the energy production and efficiency of every cell.
• Stabilize cells and slow the aging process at the cellular level.
• Increase the power of endogenous and supplemented antioxidants by 500%, thereby giving the immune system more of what it needs to fight inflammation and chronic disease.

Medicinal mushrooms - are an important part of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and contain powerful immune-modulating compounds such as beta-glucans. Many holistic practitioners incorporate them into their anti-cancer protocols.

Herbs - many herbs are renowned for their cleansing, tonic, anti-tumor, or anti-cancer effects. However, herbs can be extremely powerful and may carry the risk of serious toxicity, so always work with a trained veterinarian to ensure safe use.

There are two "standard" herbal formulas widely used in cancer care: Essiac and the Hoxsey Formula. Both are named for the original formulators of the herbal compounds (although Essiac is the formulator's last name, Caisse, spelled backwards). Ojibwa Tea of Life makes organic herbal formulas for pets.

Homeopathy - Constitutional homeopathy is often very helpful in treating cancer. Several homeopaths have had great success in treating some cancers with homeopathy alone. It has a good safety record, and is very easy to administer. Treatment is very specific to each individual and must be guided by a veterinarian trained in homeopathy.

Homotoxicology -Homotoxicology is an offshoot of homeopathy that focuses specifically on detoxification, organ support, and alleviation of symptoms.

Acupuncture/Traditional Chinese Medicine - Acupuncture is very helpful for pain relief in cancer patients. It can stimulate the immune system and assist in promoting detoxification as well. Chinese herbs are also used for cancer therapy.

For a list of holistic veterinarians in your area, see the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association referral directory, the Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy, or the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society.

While cancer is a frightening diagnosis, there is much that can be done to improve the quality of your companion's life and potentially extend the amount of time you have with him or her. Keep in mind that it is crucial to remain as optimistic as possible. A positive attitude is not just wishful thinking; it is completely practical. Use E.F.T. or flower essences to help both you and your pet maintain emotional balance. Remember, your companion senses your stress. All therapies will go farther when administered with large doses of love and affection.

Holistic veterinarian and author Dr. Jean Hofve has 18 years' experience in conventional and alternative veterinary medicine. She has a passion for feline health and nutrition; she has intensively studied and researched pet nutrition and the pet food industry since the early 1990s. She is recognized as an expert on pet food, having written dozens of articles and been interviewed for print, radio, and television around the world.  In 1995, she founded Spirit Essences (now owned and operated by Jackson Galaxy), which makes flower essence remedies for many animal health and behavior problems. For more information about Dr. Hofve, please visit www.LittleBigCat.com