Cases - Othopedics

Name: Zeus
Age at Evaluation: 11 years
Breed: Malamute
Evaluation Date: 2/21/03
Presenting Complaint: Undifferentiated sarcoma, grade 3-in right axilla (armpit)
History: Client had seen a surgeon for a biopsy and x-rays. X-rays showed possibly lysis of 2 ribs. Client declined surgery because it would have entailed removing part of his body wall.
Exam Findings: Large, firm mass adhered to ribs in right axilla.
Goals: Pain management as needed; prolong his life.
Treatment Plan: weekly acupuncture, omega 3 fatty acids, diet (natural foods-high protein, moderate fat, low carbohydrate), probiotics, Poly-MVA, herbs.
Outcome: By 11/11/03, mass had decreased in size by at least 25% and was difficult to identify without deep palpation.
Latest Update: By 2/28/04, mass began to grow again. Zeus had been doing so well, that he was no longer being given his medications consistently. Zeus is now back on track with his therapies, and still has an excellent quality of life; he goes hiking with his "Mom"; and is doing amazingly well.

Name: Cooper
Age at Evaluation: 14 years
Breed: Black Labrador Retriever
Evaluation Date: 11/15/03
Presenting Complaint: Splenic mass (likely hemangiosarcoma) with metastasis to lungs
History: Cooper has a long list of medical problems including severe arthritis, prostatitis, laryngeal paralysis, dermatitis, intermittent cervical pain. He had an abdominal ultrasound due to an abnormality in bloodwork which is when the splenic mass was detected. No clinical signs of cancer.
Exam Findings: Abdominal mass not palpable; difficulty getting up; occasional cough; raspy breathing. Chest x-rays reveal nodule in lungs.
Goals: Considering the poor prognosis of this type of cancer, our primary goal was to maintain a good quality of life and ideally prolong his life. Treatment Plan: Diet (natural foods-high protein, moderate fat, low carbohydrates), omega 3 fatty acids, antioxidants, Poly-MVA, Reiki.
Outcome: As of 4/5/04, Cooper continues to do well with no clinical signs of cancer. We are very pleased he has come this far, as he was given a survival time of days to weeks at the time of diagnosis.
Latest Update: Cooper will be having follow-up chest x-rays and an abdominal ultrasound performed in about a month.