Articles by Demian Dressler, DVM
Signs of Dog Cancer and Decompensation
People are often stunned to find out their dog has cancer. Why? Because cancer seems to hit out of the blue. I often hear “but he’s been fine until the last couple days!” In this article, I’m going to take just a minute to explain why “cancer” seems to happen overnight. (Hint: it’s because of…
Read MoreThe Premature Frenzy: Resveratrol
Ever since Dr. Oz mentioned resveratrol on Oprah, the media has anchored this substance into the minds of dog lovers across the country. Granted, resveratrol is very interesting. And the anti cancer effects of resveratrol are quite interesting too…but mainly in test tubes and petri dishes. If one were to use this as the basis…
Read MoreHomeopathy for Dog Cancer?
Using homeopathy for dog cancer is a mixed bag in terms of the literature, but it may be useful for certain cancers. What Exactly Is Homeopathy? Homeopathy is a system of medicine based on the administration of very diluted amounts of substances that mimic the symptoms of the disease being treated. The underlying idea is…
Read MoreI Need An Alternative Veterinarian!
When on the hard road of dog cancer, we have to use all tools at our disposal. The reason is obvious: we still don’t have a cure for systemic cancers. Thus, most in their right mind would agree that an unsolved problem demands open-minded consideration of all approaches. At the same time, the challenge is…
Read MoreIs There Hope For Dog Cancer?
Hope. Even looking at the word on a computer screen can cause an odd mix of feelings. This is especially true if you are coping with a canine cancer diagnosis. If there was ever a double-edged sword, hope is it. On one hand, allowing yourself to feel hope can turbocharge your abilities and motivation. On…
Read MoreSmoke Screens and Dog Cancer
Is medical science ignorant? This is quite a loaded question. When you are coping with a canine cancer diagnosis, it may feel at times like the answer is yes. Let’s take a closer look at the fog surrounding dog cancer causes and the dollar that keeps you in the dark. A spot-on word that is…
Read MoreDetoxification in Dog Cancer
One of the ways companies make money on cancer is by using words that sound great but mean little. “Detoxification” is one of them. Let’s take a closer look at this. On the surface, getting rid of “toxins‘ is a good idea, right? “Toxins” bad, “detox” good, correct? Well, sure, except nobody really knows what…
Read MoreVitamin C and Dog Cancer Update
There is much talk on the use of vitamin C (ascorbic acid), in it’s various forms, for cancer treatment in the “alternative” medical community. It’s use in conventional cancer care is routinely ignored. In the spirit of full-spectrum care and rational analysis, let’s take a closer look. Due to some interesting observations, focus on vitamin…
Read MoreThe Most Important Question in Dog Cancer Care
Many dog lovers arrive at The Dog Cancer Blog looking or information. There is a problem though, and I would like to begin to spread the word about the most important question in dog cancer care. Here it is: What type of person are you? To many, this may sound very bizarre, so give me…
Read MoreVaccinating Dogs with Cancer
Vaccination. For some dog lovers, this word is a general part of health care for a canine companion. For others, it is the root of a syndrome called “vaccinosis”. Vaccinosis is a made-up term is a term used by alternative vets to describe the cluster of side effects from vaccinations. Like most issues in medicine,…
Read MoreGrief Can Be Complicated
One of the problems in dealing with dog cancer is what to put your attention on. Truly, there are so many aspects to a life chapter like this one. The grieving process is no exception. We experience sadness and pain at so many different times, and in so may different ways, while caring for a…
Read MoreA Change in Viewing Dog Cancer
I gave a webinar this morning that focused on making a dog cancer treatment plan. I realized the topic should be presented, as so many blog readers post specific questions, but many are essentially the same query. So I presented a structure that would allow people to answer their own version of the question, with…
Read MoreReal-Life Stem Cell Therapy
The last post focused on the newest version of a canine “Bone Marrow Transplant.” In a nutshell, this is a brand-new procedure that may produce a good number of actual dog cancer cures. Curing canine cancer essentially unheard of in conventional veterinary care using chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, at least with the systemic dog cancers.…
Read MoreStem Cell Transplants: Dog Cancer Cures?
Many of us have heard of bone marrow transplants used in people with cancers. In the last few years, bone marrow transplants have become available for dogs too. Ironically, it was dogs that served as the models for development of the technology in people more than 3 decades ago. Finally, they are benefiting from the…
Read MoreSurvival Times and Dog Cancer
I recently got a comment from a reader who was quite upset with her veterinarian because he didn’t fully explain the survival times he expected with her dog’s cancer. Her dog underwent a splenectomy (spleen removal), presumably for treatment of a hemangiosarcoma (a malignant tumor of the blood vessel walls) of the spleen. This dog…
Read MoreThe Magic Bullet for Dog Cancer Care Cost
I have had people in my veterinary hospital tell me they have to choose between their dog’s food and their own. Or their children’s needs and those of their dogs. Indeed, for many, these dog days are ruff days (sorry, had to lighten it up a little…) So, what to do when faced with the…
Read MoreA Thermometer to Save Dogs Fighting Cancer?
It is clear that dogs with cancer, at least with true, aggressive forms of cancer, have some special needs. I would like to give you some information about a special need that is often overlooked. Dogs with a cancer diagnosis should have their temperatures taken on a regular basis. If a dog is on chemotherapy,…
Read MoreHit The Bull’s Eye With Dog Cancer Drugs
One of the problems with chemotherapy, in addition to cost and trips in and out of the hospital is toxicity. It can be especially difficult to handle a toxic event when the whole point of chemo in treating dog cancer is palliation. Palliation is defined as a reduction in the signs or symptoms of a…
Read MoreA Dog Cancer Wake Up Call
From time to time I receive comments from readers who express opinions about what they will consider in treating their dog’s cancer. These particular folks segregate themselves into a single group…the “anti” people. First, we have those who are very impressed with conventional veterinary care. This is my background, so I see the appeal. Big…
Read MoreWhen to Avoid Chemo for Canine Mast Cell Tumors?
There has been much online talk these days about dogs with mast cell tumors (read, Palladia) which are the most common canine cancer. So I thought I’d just add some fuel to the fire and give my readers some overall guidelines about mast cell tumors and chemotherapy. As many already know, these cancers come in…
Read MoreDiet for Dogs With Mast Cell Tumors
Friends, Today’s post will likely be met with some skepticism from those immersed (and confined) to our Western medical approach. So if this is your framework, please keep an open mind. You will be pleased to know that the information here is taken from little known, but still Western, data banks. I have recently been…
Read MoreUsing Black Salve in Dog Cancer
Dear Dog Lovers, I wanted to touch base with you about some information from the real-life streets of veterinary medicine. Occasionally I will get a question about the use of “black salve”. This rather ugly looking ointment is in a group of medicinals called the escharotics. An escharotic is a preparation that injures the tissue…
Read MorePau D’Arco for Dogs With Cancer: Be Careful Says Dr. Dressler
In the last post, I focused on really looking at the source of the information you are receiving about your dog’s cancer. Let’s get into some specific examples of questionable “intelligence” you may have received. Some, claiming authority in the area of supplements for dog cancer, are pushing Pau D’Arco. Be careful, everyone! Let’s look…
Read MoreFalse Hopes and How to Spot a Charlatan…
So many times I hear of the benefits of a new (or ancient) miracle treatment for dog cancer. Often these are from someone who has seen the benefit, or believe they see the benefit, of a certain protocol. The fact is that in most cases these claims have not been established to the point where…
Read MoreKeep Yourself and Your Dogs Safe with Palladia
Palladia is the first FDA-approved drug for dog cancer. It is a chemotherapy medication, and as such it is a big gun. When I say big gun, I mean that there are side effects and issues that you need to be aware of. And some of you may have not heard this yet. Since a…
Read MoreYunnan Baiyao for Dogs: Chinese Herb for Bleeding Dog Cancers
Yunnan baiyao for dogs with cancer may sound weird because it’s used for bleeding problems. But in certain cases, it is really useful.
Read MoreBe Careful What You Read!!
One of the difficulties dog lovers have is in getting good data about dog cancer. Sometimes questions surface after your visit to the vet or oncologist, and you may not be able to reach your dog’s doctor. Logically, the internet is a good place to start. You will find lots of information about dog cancer…
Read MoreWhy use stomach medication for mast cell tumors?
Many dog lovers are coping with a diagnosis of canine mast cell tumor. Just yesterday afternoon I was removing a very large one from the body wall of Big, a 10 year old, 105 pound, much-loved mixed breed. The day before his surgery, Big started to throw up. He became quite sick, and would not…
Read MoreCarcinogenic Chemo Drugs
One of the biggest ironies I have encountered are carcinogenic chemotherapy drugs. Sound odd to you? Well, I don’t blame you! When I first found out about it I was shocked. Medication used for fighting cancer actually increasing the odds for cancer later? Now, before everyone gets reactionary, we have to temper this topic…
Read MoreThe Two Sides of Sunlight and Dog Cancer, part 2
In the last post, we examined those cases where a dog lover might want to protect dogs prone to certain skin cancers with sunscreen and indoor living. However, these are the minority. The vast majority of dogs actually benefit, in a real way, from some direct sunlight. Here’s my argument… Sunlight exposure in people is …
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