SARCOMA IN DOGS
I'm guessing that you're not reading this page for pleasure, but here's one thing to remember. You are not alone. I've been helping pets with sarcoma for over 30 years, and there's a pretty good chance I can help you in your pet's journey through cancer as well. So here we go...
FIND THE RIGHT SUPPLEMENTS HERE.
WHAT ARE SARCOMAS?
Sarcomas are a common tumor type for both cats and dogs, and are generally considered to be aggressive but slow-moving malignancies.
From an integrative perspective, we believe that most sarcomas develop in response to chronic inflammation. This can be local—as with the sarcomas that cats can develop at the site of a skin puncture—or distant inflammation, as with chronic dental disease.
In general, early sarcomas appear as simple thickening of the skin, which then progresses to actual bump formation and then to ulceration (ie, a non-healing wound). These ulcers and localized swelling gradually increase over time.
HOW TO DIAGNOSE SARCOMA IN DOGS
Here's the key point: EARLIER IS BETTER, because that gives us a chance to remove the whole tumor before it invades surrounding tissue.
Once we find a suspicious lesion, the best way to make a diagnosis is to do a “fine needle aspirate”, where your vet sticks a small needle into the mass and aspirate, or suck back, some of the cells within the bump and then examines them under the microscope. We always recommend sending the microscope slide off for histopathologic exam by a pathology specialist.
WHAT'S THE BEST TREATMENT FOR SARCOMA?
The best initial treatment for sarcomas is their surgical removal. Because sarcomas develop by growing roots, we always try to get a margin of at least two centimeters around and under the mass. If a sarcoma progresses on the lower limb, it may necessitate amputation in an effort to prevent spread.
The early excision of these masses is very important when you realize that they have a tendency to spread locally by forming invasive roots, very similar to the roots of a tree. These roots can sometimes extend several inches away from the visible mass. Sarcomas in general are not metastatic—in other words, they usually do not spread to distant sites via the blood or lymphatic systems. However, local recurrence rates after surgery are high due to the widespread tumor roots.
After the tumor is removed, we always recommend the histopathologic exam of your pet’s tumor to evaluate incisional margins. This biopsy will enable us to offer you the most detailed guidance in the form of treatment and prognosis.
If you are considering immunotherapy or a cancer vaccine as part of your pet's treatment, be SURE to mention this to your vet as this biopsy sample may require special handling. If your vet has questions about that, I am happy to chat with them.
RADIATION THERAPY FOR SARCOMA IN DOGS
If the tumor could not be completely removed or recurs, the next recommendation is radiation therapy. This has come a long ways in both targeting and benefit to sarcoma patients, but does require sedation for each round of radiation. Check out PetCure online or the closest veterinary college to learn more.
METRONOMIC CHEMOTHERAPY FOR SARCOMA IN DOGS
Studies have proven that sarcoma spread or regrowth can be significantly slowed with metronomic chemotherapy. What's that? Metronomic chemotherapy means that you are giving small oral doses of chemotherapy medications at home. This is a GREAT path for sarcoma patients, as it is generally effective and also very well tolerated. Here's the study that started it all.
The most commonly prescribed drugs for this purpose are cyclophosphamide and a NSAID pain reliever such as piroxicam or Deramaxx. Our goal with metronomic treatment is NOT tumor eradication, but rather to slow tumor growth by reducing root formation and the blood supply to the tumor, while still maintaining an excellent quality of life.
IMMUNE THERAPY FOR SARCOMA IN DOGS
There are two different approaches to immune therapy for dogs with sarcoma, and they can be used separately or together. The first is with FidoCure, who tests your pet's biopsy sample for genetic markers that may enable the use of human precision checkpoint inhibitors given orally by you at home.
The second is using a chunk of your pet's original biopsy to develop an actual vaccine against the tumor, and that vaccine is then injected back into your pet to stimulate your pet's immune system against the tumor cells. This approach requires special processing of the biopsy sample, so it is important that you and your vet work together on this.
There is now a brand new immune therapy called GILVETMAB that may help your pet. Ask your oncologist about it.
NATURAL TREATMENTS FOR SARCOMA IN DOGS
The best natural treatment of sarcoma in dogs is to mellow the immune system. We do this by trying to avoid allergies, minimize inflammatory disease like dental problems or arthritis, and by minimizing vaccines.
Secondly, we can use natural supplements to help reduce inflammation throughout the body. The following supplements have been proven to help human sarcoma patients:
- Curcumin, such as our Longevity Plus
- Turkey Tail Mushrooms
- Astaxanthin
- CBD
- EGCG, the active ingredient in green tea (always DECAF for dogs)
- Omega 3 Fatty Acids
DIETS FOR SARCOMA IN DOGS
There are two different dietary approaches that make ABSOLUTE sense for dogs with sarcoma. The first is a home-cooked "Mediterranean diet" -- yes, for your pet-- because it will naturally reduce inflammation.
The other dietary approach is a low-carb diet designed to minimize the blood glucose that tumor cells feed upon. One solution to this is with keto diets like this.
And the most important part of all? We’ll help you however we can, so let me know if you have any questions. And spoil your pet today.
