Nutrition help

[Melanie Xarti]

Hey all:

My Waldo is living with cancer. He is very skinny because the cancer has affected his ability to properly absorb all the nutrients he eats in his food and water. I am aware of and have tried products from my pet store (doggy gatorade-like stuff with electrolytes, for example). I also feed him ANY nutritious food he wants -- basically, I spoil him (Doctor's orders!). I've even learned of a few meal products through school (where I am studying Veterinary Technology).
Despite all our efforts, he's gained about one pound in months.
I realize that he's not going to be miraculously cured and suddenly fat and healthy no matter what I do, but I do want to try different things. For various reasons, we cannot treat (by surgery, chemo, etc) his cancer. We're just doing our best to let him live his life with as much happiness and love as we can give him until the end. He has a good quality of life at this time.
But...
Maybe there's something out there -- on supermarket shelves, from a homemade recipe -- that another fellow dog person knows of and can share with me. It's worth a try.
Thanks, in advance, for your help.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/mnixon/DSCF1992.jpg

[Maria Juliano]

Hi Melanie,

Waldo looks like he's posing for the camera...he's a cutie!;) So sorry to hear about his cancer, I cannot imagine how sad it must be.



I have a friend whose dog was almost ready to be put to sleep, anyway, she refused and did some research on food, she came up with Dr. Harvey's Canine Health Formula:


Dr. H's Canine Health Formula
(Formerly Canine Cuisine Formula)
The absolute best for your best friend!
Learn what thousands are calling "The Miracle Dog Food"

Remember, Good Health For All Starts In The Kitchen!!


The Miracle Dog Food

Dr. H's Canine Health is a revoluntionary holistic dog food pre mix. This is because Dr. Harvey uses only the finest organic and human consumption grade ingredients, with no dyes, no preservatives, and no chemicals. When this meal is combined with fresh protein and oils the result is the healthiest meal available for your companion animal. Thousands have had remarkable success with this wonderful diet (formerly branded Dr. Harvey's Canine Cusine) . When you feed Canine Health as a daily food you too will see the amazing benefits for your companion animal.
Human Consumption Grade Ingredients

What does it mean for Canine Health to have human consumption grade ingredients? Well, it means three things:


One, your companion dog is getting the absolute best ingredients under the sun.
Two, Dr. Harvey never uses pet grade ingredients like most other commercial dog foods.
And three, soon your dog will probably be eating healthier than you are!
Canine Health includes 6 certified organic grains and a variety of vegetables and herbs containing all of the essenyial vitamins and minerals, vital to optimal canine health.
Ingredients: Organic Brown Rice

Organic Quinoa Flakes

Organic Spelt Flakes

Organic Rolled Oats

Organic Barley Flakes

Organic Triticale Flakes

Dehydrated Carrots

Dehydrated Peas

Dehydrated Sweet Potatoes

Dehydrated Zucchini

Dehydrated Potatoes

Dehydrated Parsley

Dehydrated Beets

Dehydrated Broccoli

Dehydrated Garlic

Dehydrated Green Beans

Nutritional Yeast

Red Clover

Rose Hips

Alfalfa

Oat Straw

Bee Pollen

Dandelion Root

Flax Seed Meal

Payaya

Rosemary

Peppermint
Lecithin

Spirulina

Ginger

Foenugreek




No Dyes, No Preservatives, No Chemicals

Most commercial dog foods use preservatives to give their food a longer shelf life. In fact, no meat (beef, chicken, turkey, etc.) can stay at room temperature for more that a few hours. That is why it is obvious that commercial dog foods use so many preservatives to keep the meat that they do use from going rancid. They use dyes and artificial flavorings (chemicals) to enhance the way the food looks and taste.These additives can have detrimental effects on your dog's short and long term health. We have seen dramatic improvements, in many conditions, when a dog is changed to a diet without preservatives, dyes and chemical additives. Dr. H's Canine Health contains no dyes, no preservatives and no chemicals, which is just one of the reasons that we have seen positive results when dogs switch to Canine Health Pre Mix.
Sure its healthy, but what about the taste?

Now we know what you're thinking, if its that good, my dog probably won't eat it! Dogs love the taste of Canine Health, even the most finicky of dogs will thank you by cleaning their bowls. Canine Health is, that good! In fact, once your dog has tasted Canine Health, he or she may never settle for anything else!
Cook for my dog? I don't cook for myself!

We saved this part for last. Canine Health is a food that requires some preparation, but don't worry, its not like preparing Thanksgiving dinner for your dog every night. In fact Canine Health only takes about 8 minutes, and only requires boiling water, and a little commitment. But, what a difference it will make in your dog's life. Dr. Harvey says "Health begns in the kitchen!" Diet is perhaps the most important aspect to maintaining a dog's health, besides love of course.
When to start?

Dogs of all ages will benefit from Canine Cusine. Dr. Harvey suggests starting puppies on Canine Health as soon as they are weaned. But its never to late to switch! In fact, most dogs that have been helped are older dogs who have benefited from this all natural diet.
Dog Food Recipe


For One Pound Of Finished Dog Food

Boil 7 1/2 ounces of water
2 1/2 ounces of Dr. Harvey's Canine Health
Simmer for 8 minutes
Let cool
6 ounces of Beef, Chicken, Turkey, Lamb, Soy or Lentils
1 teaspoon each of: Flax Seed Oil, Wheat Germ Oil, Sunflower Oil

* In place of the oils above we suggest you use Dr. H's Health & Shine which contains all the oils you need in one easy to use capsule! Health & Shine can be found at the bottom of this page.
You can rotate or substitute oils if you wish using any of the following oils in place of the oils above: Black Currant, Olive, Safflower, Canola, Borage, Hemp, Corn, or Soy
The above formula yields ONE POUND of finished product.
Recipe For Dogs Over 8 Years Of Age
Boil 9 ounces of water
3 ounces of Dr. Harvey's Canine Health
Simmer for 8 minutes
Let cool
4 ounces of Beef, Chicken, Turkey, Lamb, Soy or Lentils
1 teaspoon each of: Flax Seed Oil, Wheat Germ Oil, Sunflower Oil

* In place of the oils above we suggest you use Dr. H's Health & Shine which contains all the essential oils you need in an easy to use capsule! Health & Shine can be found at the bottom of this page.
OK, why switch? More Vitality
Better Digestion
Improved Skin & Coat
Relief From Skin Irritation
Relief From Cronic Itching
Improved Appetite

Increased Joint Flexibility
Better Weight Management
Improved Teeth & Gums
Increased Longevity
Delicious Taste
The Best Thing You'll Ever Do For Your Pet



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Her dog couldn't even walk. That was three years ago. Ollie is just as healthy as her brother Tobby. My friend swears it's this food that turned Ollie around. It's a bit expensive, but for her, Ollie is worth it!

Good luck and keep us posted on Waldo.

Maria Juliano
Lina & Giotto's mom

[Melanie Xarti]

Wow... I'm surprised there's even ONE response. Thank you so much, Maria, for taking the time to get that information and share it with me.
I'll certainly look into it.
I'm really crossing my fingers. I've done a lot of research on Waldo's type of cancer so I know the weight loss is going to be a fight. But Waldo's a fighter. Research shows that an average of 2 months pass from the time of definitive diagnosis until death (this particular cancer is usually in advanced stages before detection). Waldo was diagnosed 4 months ago! He's a real trooper. :dogrun:
Thanks, again! I appreciate it so much.

[Grace Erick]

This is a K9nutrition site. They are into food as it applies to illnesses there. I think it may be a good place to pose your question. Also, they are a little cranky there about new people asking old questions, so you may want to check out their archives first, then pose a question.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/K9Nutrition/

They really don't seem to discuss ingredients in general, but more health related problems. You have to sign up. Good luck!!!

[Maria Juliano]

Wow... I'm surprised there's even ONE response. Thank you so much, Maria, for taking the time to get that information and share it with me.
I'll certainly look into it.
I'm really crossing my fingers. I've done a lot of research on Waldo's type of cancer so I know the weight loss is going to be a fight. But Waldo's a fighter. Research shows that an average of 2 months pass from the time of definitive diagnosis until death (this particular cancer is usually in advanced stages before detection). Waldo was diagnosed 4 months ago! He's a real trooper. :dogrun:
Thanks, again! I appreciate it so much.

Melanie--I'm praying for Waldo and you...I still believe in MIRACLES!!

I hope you'll get more suggestions, ideas from other members.



((BIG HUG ))

[Jennifer Carr]

I've lost 2 goldens to cancer, but sound as is they were far more aggressive.

May I ask you the type of cancer your little guy has? Could make a difference in the answers you receive??

That picture - bless his little heart

[Melanie Xarti]

Thank you, Grace. I've bookmarked the site and plan to look it over in detail after school tomorrow.

Jennifer, I am so sorry about both your Goldens. Even when you know they are going, you're still not ready for it when it happens.

Waldo has splenic cancer. A big ol' tumor has taken over his spleen and impaired its normal functioning. He's anemic because of it. And like I mentioned before, it's depleted his nutrient uptake, with significant weight loss as a result. He has had a few episodes of bleeding -- the tumor can rupture at any time and cause him to bleed to death. But often, it bleeds chronically and slowly before a large bleed. With each bleed, he becomes suddenly weak and ill until it passes (usually just a few hours later). I can't leave his side, hoping that it's not the big one.
Surgery is usually recommended to remove the spleen and tumor. But Waldo will not survive surgery. Besides, a splenectomy only prolongs survival time for a couple more months, on average. And there can be complications afterwards. Chemo can be used after surgery to extend survival another couple months, on average.... You get the idea.
When we adopted Waldo, he was recovering from heartworm treatment. So he was pretty run-down. From his overall condition, he was probably a stray, on his own, for a good while. We took him in for dental extraction surgery (his teeth were severely abscessed, there was no way keeping his teeth would be healthy for him) soon after adoption. His surgery was cut short because he could not be stabilized under anasthesia. His age and overall health will just not allow surgery.
So... I got second and third opinions. Seems our only option is to continue loving him and caring for him until the end. So every day we just give him the best we can.
Wow... I really just rambled. Ask me a simple question and I go on forever! :D
But thanks for your interest and help!!!!!!!!

[Hee Yung Lee]

Waldo is such a little cutie and it just breaks my heart to hear about his condition. I don't have any ideas for better nutrient absorption, but I just wanted to say that no one could love him more than you, and that's probably the best treatment right there. Good luck with everything.

[Grace Erick]

Can someone jump in here? Wasn't there something you feed your dog to help them digest more vitamins from their food if you add it to it? Was it plain, no sugar yogurt or cottage cheese. I know these items are supposed to put good bacteria in the stomachs of dogs, but I think there was another side benefit I read somewhere.

[Maria Juliano]

Can someone jump in here? Wasn't there something you feed your dog to help them digest more vitamins from their food if you add it to it? Was it plain, no sugar yogurt or cottage cheese. I know these items are supposed to put good bacteria in the stomachs of dogs, but I think there was another side benefit I read somewhere.

Grace,

I once asked the question of plain yogurt to Susan Dillon at DD. Her reply was that the yogurt did nothing... I give it to them anyway. I figure, if it's good for me, it's good for them! My pups love it!:p

[Grace Erick]

Maria, There was something to it where it puts good bacteria into their stomachs. If it's not true, then there are a lot of wrong articles out there. I would also believe Susan over internet articles.

I remember years ago where they did commercials with an old person saying they lived so long from eating yogurt. All I know is Costco makes a great frozen yogurt that tastes better than ice cream for about 300-350 calories; it's non fat. I don't even eat vanilla ice cream, but the vanilla yogurt is so creamy, it's like eating heavy cream. It tastes very rich.

[Jennifer Carr]

Melanie,

Ironically enough, my mom is suffering from a similar condition with her spleen... different topic, but your reponse caught my eye.


Have you seen the diet as outlined on this site: http://www.eattheapple.com/ginger/

Jenn

[Maria Juliano]

Maria, There was something to it where it puts good bacteria into their stomachs. If it's not true, then there are a lot of wrong articles out there. I would also believe Susan over internet articles.

I remember years ago where they did commercials with an old person saying they lived so long from eating yogurt. All I know is Costco makes a great frozen yogurt that tastes better than ice cream for about 300-350 calories; it's non fat. I don't even eat vanilla ice cream, but the vanilla yogurt is so creamy, it's like eating heavy cream. It tastes very rich.

Grace,

That's the reason I did not take Susan Dillon's advice on the plain yogurt and introduced it to my pups.

Personally, I pefer Italian gelato richer in taste ( more cream ) and less sugar, my favorite flavor is hazelnut, buonissimo!!

[Grace Erick]

I like hazelnuts; I roast them. I like the Italian Bacci and Mon Cheri candy with hazelnuts. I have not had gelato yet, though I was surprised to pass a gelato store in Seattle. We definitely are not the mecca for Italian people or foods here.

[Jennifer Carr]

Hi Melanie,

Check out this page : http://www.smilingblueskies .com/nutritional_support. html

[Melanie Xarti]

Wow... thanks for all the links...! I haven't been online in a couple days, so it was a pleasant surprise to come back and find such wonderful info. That one sight (smiling blue skies) is amazing!
Now I just gotta' sift through a few more things and I'll be ready to try something new!
Thanks again everyone!!!!!