Timbercreek Veterinary Hospital specializes in the treatment of various small animal cancers utilizing traditional and non-traditional methods.  Traditional methods include surgical excision, chemotherapy and radiation.  Non-traditional methods include the use of various herbs, acupuncture, chiropractics and high dose vitamin supplementation.  Our treatment protocols are based on various human research trials as well as experiences gained on a patient to patient basis.  No protocol is exactly alike and unfortunately not all patients respond.  The positive aspect of non-traditional treatments include increased patient survival time, decreased expense to the owner and minimal side effects to the patient.  In many instances, we are able to get the patient into remission and reduce the tumor burden on the patient.  In cases in which traditional therapies are utilized, non-traditional therapies are also administered, which seem to help alleviate the typical side effects seen with therapies such as chemotherapy, while noting no interferance between the two modes.

Below we have two case examples:

CASE ONE:  Oral Malignant Melanoma
Oral Malignant Melanoma in a 11 yo female,  presented in April 2008 with large growth on the outside of the right cheek.  Mass measured 11 x 12  cm at that time.  Treated with mega dose intravenous vitamin C therapies along with high dose oral vitamins and supplements.  Mass currently measuring 3 x 3 cm in size.  The take home point in this case is that in most instances of oral malignant melanoma, the prognosis is very poor with survival time of 90 days.  This patient has survived 9 months post diagnosis and has maintained weight as well as puppy like energy levels during the course of therapy.
   Mass prior to aggressive therapy

  This is the mass 3 months later, measuring 3 cm x 4 cm.


CASE TWO:  ANAL GLAND ADENOCARCINOMA

A 6 yo female spayed border collie mix was presented to our hospital in September of 2008 for evaluation of a previously diagnosed anal gland adenocarcinoma.  At that time, she had undergone a biopsy at another facility and recommended radiation therapy.  Anal gland adenocarcinomas have a poor prognosis with high rate of metastasis.  Overall survival time is generally 90-120 days.  Upon admission, the mass was located in the right rectal region, very firm and measuring 6 x 8 cm.  The mass was invading the rectal area and causing difficulty in having bowell movements.  Mega dose IV vitamin C therapy was initiated as well as high dose vitamins and herbal supplements given by mouth on a daily basis.  As of January 2009, the mass is currently measuring 2.5 cm x 3.0 cm in size, fecal output is close to normal and the patient is doing great.  There were no side effects noted during the therapy and energy levels as well as appetite have been great.