My horse has been diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma in his penis, specifically the uretral fossa.
It appears to be middle stage and we are about to test lymph nodes to see about spreading before going to surgery for amputation. What can I do to help build up his immune system? He has been dropping weight, coughing in the AM, having a snotty nose (off and on) and lesions on his belly which come and go. We just did a course of SMZ after the biopsy and the other issues did not go away...so thinking it may be in the lymphatic system. He is 20 and I want to avoid surgery but am still considering it. Just want options to keep him comfortable.
Thank you!
Carolyn Aiken, SC
Carolyn ,
Ellen at Holistic Horse forwarded you some cancer related articles from a recent issue [Fall 2007, Issue #51]. My personalized response, based on your inquiry, is included here.
I am not a vet so I do not prescribe. I do, however, have specific thoughts on what I would do. I also have had a few horses with cancer, but not of the penis.
If this were my horse, I would immediately get him on Silver Lining’s Immune Boost. If you can get someone to check his points (kinesiology), it would help to prioritize your options. Once you know more, be aware that Silver Lining also makes a Lymphatic support formula.
If you decide to move ahead with surgery, if it were my horse, I would also include Proteolytic Enzymes (such as Virastop before and after) and Homeopathics just prior to surgery.
You don’t want him to have issues with all those toxins and you sure don’t want his kidneys to shut down in all of this stress. The liver deals with the toxins from the drugs and the cancer. The kidneys’ job is to FLUSH those toxins out of his body.
The good news is Silver Lining makes both a liver and kidney support; you have good herbal natural alternatives on all counts including lymphatic.
Even if you choose not to go with the surgery, I would keep him on Immune Boost.
I would not hesitate to call Mickey Young at 1-623-261-2339. He is the creator of Silver Lining. He can help you prioritize your plan, but he is not a vet and will be limited in his response as well. His products offer the most natural and direct support I can think of in this critical time.
I am aware of two topical options which you may look into as well. A sarcoid cream is mentioned in the article Ellen sent you. Also, I know of several people who use Black Salve for similar issues, both on humans and on their horses. I have not worked with it yet, but I hear it is very effective. It is definitely powerful, so if you decide to use it, I’d certainly be conservative if it were my horse.
HOMEOPATHICS
• PHOSPHORUS to support reduction of blood loss during surgery by aiding blood coagulation. Dosage considerations are 6X, 12X or 30C three times a day the day before surgery, the day of the surgery, and the day after. (If there is any need to continue, such as severe blood loss during surgery, the surgeon can also give it during the actual operation; in that case many veterinarians continue using it for 5 days after surgery as well.)
• FERRUM PHOSPHORICUM to strengthen blood and support the blood’s ability to carry oxygen. Dosage, 6X, 12X, or 6C (of tissue salt #4) two times a day for 3 days prior, and for at least a week after.
• CARBO VEGETABILIS to encourage healthy intestinal tract movement and aid in preventing gas build up. Dosage 6X, 12X, or 30C twice a day the day before, and 2 days after.
ENZYME SUPPORT
Contact Enzymedica at 1-888-918-1118
OXYGEN SUPPORT
Contact Aquagen at 1-800-699-4336
The herbs I mentioned are more long term, whereas homeopathics can be used as a short term support in conjunction with the herbs. The Enzymes can be either short- or long-term, but with cancer there are certainly many good reasons to continue enzymes as a staple support.
Hopefully this will be of assistance to your dear equine’s return to health! Please keep me posted on your horse’s progress and if I may be of further assistance.
Shari Frederick
Healthy Horse Hints