Question:
We have a 7-1/2-year-old male collie that stopped eating and is less active than before. When Rex was taken to the vet and a blood test was done, his calcium level was over 16. We were told that, since the level was so high, the dog might have cancer. Rex was given a shot of Prednisone and pills for four weeks. After the pills were used, he was tested again and his calcium level fell to 10.9. He was then put on Prednisone every other day. Everything was OK for about two weeks, and then he stopped eating again. We took him to the vet, and his calcium level had shot back up to 15.3. The same treatment was started again. Do high calcium levels always mean cancer? Does it pay to have more tests done to find the cause? Is it treatable?
M.H., Brandywine, Md Aug 16, 2009
Answer:
I am saddened to receive your letter. Yes, indeed, one of the cardinal signs of cancer is an elevation in blood-calcium content.
The Prednisone is prescribed to suppress the inflammatory and invasive spread of the cancer. But doing so will open your dog to infection and other complications of an already impaired immune system.
There are costly treatments to target and destroy the cancer cells. Cancer cells of abnormal DNA are created by a variety of agents that can cause mutations in the DNA of normal cells. Some of these agents are best eliminated or neutralized by a radical change in diet and a host of antioxidant and other nutraceuticals. Herbs like skullcap, astragalus, green tea, fucoidan (from brown seaweed) and turmeric can subdue and even eliminate some cancers. These may or may not cure your dog, but he will at least not become sick from conventional treatments and will enjoy a better quality of life.
To find a holistic veterinary medical practitioner who may be using a more integrated approach with cancer patients in your area, visit www.ahvma.org. Veterinarians wishing to learn more are encouraged to become members of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association at www.ahvma.org.
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