Dear Dr. Shawn: My 9 1/2-year-old female miniature dachshund had a growth removed from her hind leg that turned out to be a mast cell tumor. Do you have any recommendations for treatments or supplements that could increase her chances for survival?
Answer: Mast cell tumors, when caught early and treated appropriately, are usually curable. However, they can recur and new cancers can develop. Here's what I would suggest:
Follow the diet and supplement recommendations I made in my book "The Natural Vet's Guide to Preventing and Treating Cancer in Dogs" (New World Library, $15.95). The best diet for pets with cancer is high in fat (specifically omega-3 fatty acids obtained from fish oil), high in protein, and low in carbohydrates. This diet literally starves cancer cells, whereas typical dog food, which is high in carbs and low in fat and protein, serves as food for cancer cells.
People are also reading…
There are many supplements I recommend in the book to help kill any remaining cancer cells. Antioxidants, arabinogalactans (which have strong immunity-stimulating and anti-inflammatory properties), DMG (a nutrient found in grains and meat), garlic, curcumin, and medicinal mushrooms are often prescribed.
I'd use this regimen for about six months. I wouldn't vaccinate your pet unless absolutely necessary, and would try not to use chemical flea and tick preventive medications.