GoudasMom

Usually I tell folks I can tell if a skin tumor is benign by how it feels. Most benign tumors are easy to roll around, in other words not attached to any deep tissue. They tend to grow slowly and if they are under the skin they are fairly smooth. You can get some really ugly bumpy benign tumors on the skin surface. The exception to these rules is the mast cell tumors, which tend to feel like benign tumors but are really cancerous. Mast cell tumors contain histamine and it is common to see a large amount of swelling if they get hit or injured. Often times this is when they are diagnosed. In large tumors this release can be dangerous and can cause anaphylaxis. Usually with small tumors this is not an issue.
There are certain breeds of dogs who are very prone to these tumors, the number one breed being Boxers.
If you can remove a mast cell tumor of the skin usually you are in good shape if it is a grade 1 or 2. These tumors are slow to spread to other areas of the body. The grade 3 ones can be more problematic as they are faster to spread. I always recommend removal of mast cell tumors of the skin. Your veterinarian may use an antihistamine during surgery to avoid any chance of anaphylaxis, especially if the tumor is larger.
Mast cell tumors that grow in the skin are usually related to issues with blood flow. If there is not proper blood flow to the skin the immune system is not getting there and there is not enough vigilance against these tumors forming. These animals often will also have other issues with dry skin, skin inflammation or itchiness but not always.
Most dogs that have mast cell tumors in the skin will go on to form more with time. With enough of these growths the changes of getting a grade 3 seem to increase so it is best to try to treat the underlying blood flow issues early.
The two most important tools I use for treating mast cell skin tumors are

1. Up the meat in your dog’s diet and make sure it is good quality protein. If possible consider a high protein raw food. This helps reduce inflammation in the skin and improve blood flow. See Diets for cancer.
2. Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang – this formula helps to move blood out to the skin and enhance the immune system’s response to cancer. Constant vigilance! Sometimes mast cells can disappear with this formula but I still recommend surgical removal if at all possible

In addition I will sometimes use the following

• Acupuncture – can help to move blood to the skin and boost the immune system
• Mushrooms – Chinese mushrooms such as shiitake, maitake, cordyceps, and reishi can help stimulate the immune system and have a strong anti-cancer effect.
• Artemisinin – can help to kill off cancer cells when they form
• Cod liver oil
  Cod liver oil
  – the omega fatty acids in fish oils help to stimulate the immune system, work as anti-oxidants and reduce inflammation.

This article is about small grade 1 and 2 mast cell tumors of the skin. I am working on an article on more aggressive grade 3 tumors and systemic mast cell cancer. Hopefully I will have that up soon.
Georgia’s Legacy just put up a great article on Mast Cell Tumors that talks quite a bit about the grading. Please read Mast Cell Tumors in Dogs.
As with all articles on this site please check with your animal’s primary veterinarian before starting any supplements or herbs.


Copied From: Mast cell tumors of the skin – holistic approaches for prevention | A Path With Paws

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Gouda 9/6/01 - 7/19/12

Sue - Mom to Kippah rescued 8/19/12

IheartKayla

I am wondering if Life Gold is a reputable company and product to enhance the quality of my sweet girl's life. She is a 10yr boxer, with one stage 3 mast cell removal and a scary stomach ulcer episode. She now has a growing mass in her belly/pelvic area. She takes Benadryl and Pepcid daily. She is still eating and drinking and eliminating well. Her thirst has increased which makes me suspicious of cancer metastisizing to lymph nodes. I can feel some little "grapes" in her armpit areas. This really stinks! It just hurts so much and I feel so powerless. I am beating myself up because I wish I knew 2yrs ago, what I know now. I'm taking her back to vet to discuss giving her prednisone, also to re-evaluate the Rimadyl (I don't want to give it to her after what I have read and her episode of excessive drooling the other night), also I want to discuss alternatives to pain management. She has Tramadol for rough days. We are currently making her ground deer meat with veggies. We plan to add spinach, carrots, and sweet pot's to next batch. I would just love some advice on reputable brands of holistic supplements, if anyone has any great advice to offer. I feel at such a loss because I know the inevitable is coming. I just want to do my best to help comfort her and make her feel loved and happy as possible. THANKS!!!

GoudasMom

I responded to your other post I hope the information helps!

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Gouda 9/6/01 - 7/19/12

Sue - Mom to Kippah rescued 8/19/12

Mike P

The Holistic Chatter Box | A place to discuss a holistic lifestyle for us and our pets.
I find this a interesting site and helped me understand the difference between holistic vs conventional vet care.As a Boxer owner I am aware of tumors,upset belly's and the wrong foods I used to feed.I found lot's of people on this site to be very helpful and answer your questions very fast.

SaharaNight Boxers

I would personally try this too.

http://www.veraboxers.com/cancer.htm


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