Kitty is dieing. Need holistic suggestions.

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Sev

Sev

Member Since 2011
With the aid off the members of this board kitty went into full remission with his diabetes.
He has been on a steady diet of the Merrick Before Grain and everything seemed to be fine. He had been leaping running and playing like a younger cat than his senior cat age would indicate.

However things have now taken a turn.
About a month ago Kitty began changing his pattern and acting differently and had been loosing a little weight. He had generally stopped going outside which is where he always spent most of his time. He had started sleeping in sink and not coming out to eat. When he did he would take a nibble and run back to the bathroom.
The only time he had done anything similar in the past was if fleas were present.

Being concerned I took him to the vet today for a checkup. The vet found a mass locate along the intestines. Not something I wanted to hear as you can imagine. Nor was it something Tonya wanted to tell me as she knows the length I went to to get Kitty to go into remission.

So here is how it stands. I dont have the finances to even consider surgery or chemo. Due to Kittys age the idea is pretty much moot anyway.
Tonya prescribed Prednisolone to help shrink the tumor and make Kitty feel better.
However the one side effect it has it to make the glucose numbers elevate. A catch 22.

Has anybody had any type of success with the holistic approach to treating a tumor?
So far what I have found is Astragalus, Echinecea and Ashwagandha are the top herb for tumor suppression, lymphatic support and cancer treatment.
Additional herbs are Milk Thistle for the liver and detox. Reishi Mushrooms for immune's and cancer growth inhibitor. Selenium for protecting cell membranes.
On the upside I Kitty is already eating some of the lowest of the low carb food which will help starve the tumor.


Any help and suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
If anybody knows of a predominate site such as this one that is dedicated to cancer treatments I would appreciate a link.

My thanks in advance.
 
I am going through the exact same thing with my cat Mau Mau (although she is not diabetic). Mau Mau is 18. She was diagnosed with a tumor blocking her small and large intestines exactly eight weeks ago today. I contacted an animal communicator, and found out that she wanted to die at home, not via euthanasia. SO, I've been doing what I can to keep her comfortable.

She began vomiting feces, which is when we realized something was really wrong. The vet didn't expect her to last the week, and again, that was eight weeks ago. I do a lot of Reiki with her, which IMO you don't need to know anything about to do- it's merely focusing, putting your hands on them, and praying- at the very least this gives them comfort. The vet gave her a shot of Dex (powerful steroid), she gets watered down moist food with 1/4 tsp. of Miralax mixed in.

When she was first diagnosed, I ran the gamut of trying to find natural ways to cure her tumor, and I know there are answers out there, but some of the remedies I was afraid would make her sicker, i.e. cottage cheese. I tried flax oil, and she wouldn't touch it. I tried spirulina, and she wouldn't touch it. What I gathered from this, other failed attempts, and from what the animal communicator conveyed, is that she knows she's dying, she's ready, and she needs to go through the process as part of her spiritual journey.

She is close- I think she'll go within the next 2-3 days, if not sooner. She no longer eats, I have to give her sub-q fluids, and she sleeps a lot. Her walking is getting unstable, her breath is horrific, but she purrs and purrs when I pet her. The vet gave me a strong pain reliever which she gets twice a day.

There are a lot of encouraging stories on the internet about curing cats holistically, and I know it's possible if the cat is as willing as the human to try. This just wasn't the case with Mau Mau. I'm so lucky to have a vet that understands the path Mau Mau and I have chosen for her death, and together we are doing what we can to ensure she is comfortable and pain free. I suggest discussing your thoughts with your vet- hopefully they are as understanding.
 
Sorry to hear about your little friend kflei.

Kitty's mass appears to be on the outside of the intestines. So far his appetite is good and he is not exhibiting any other symptoms than what I have listed.
He is still purring loudly. So that is something.

Some additional herbal remedies that I have found thus far are
Burdock Root: Liver function.
Withania Somnifera
Mistletoe: Prevents the growth of cancer cells
Cats Claw: Boosts immune system.
Silica:
Tumeric (Curcumin): Stops cancer cells.
 
Thanks for the sentiment.

See what you can find on flax oil- I seem to recall that's a big one, but again, I don't know how that might affect diabetes. I've also read that everything you give them should be organic, and that they should only get at a minimum filtered water, reverse osmosis is best. I would hesitate giving them anything that has dairy, despite the success stories you read regarding it, as cats are so lactose intolerant.
 
Oh Sev, I am so sorry to hear this. You were so diligent in getting him into remission and we were all so thrilled for you.

I have no experience with holistic approaches. We do have people who have done palliative care for cancer kitties. Hopefully one of them will come along with ideas.
 
Don't rule out the use of prednisolone, especially if it will help make Kitty feel better and ease the pain, etc. If the diabetes comes back as a result, you know how to test and what to do. Steroids does have its uses and if you use it, you are doing so knowing the possible side effects and how to handle it.
 
Oh Sev, this news is such sadness. I hope you find some kind of treatments that make Kitty as comfortable as possible.
 
I have to agree with Hillary about not ruling out the prednisolone.

When Tucker was diagnosed with his brain tumor he was already out of remission and taking insulin. We started him on the pred and he immediately got more comfortable, stopped walking in circles and his blood sugar went down, not up. Even if it had gone up I would have rather given him more insulin than have him be in discomfort.

You have a list of herbs and holistic remedies that may or may not work but also may cause your kitty discomfort in having to take them; do they taste bad, are they large or hard to swallow? For me, I wanted to give Tucker the least amount of discomfort and he easily took his pred in a treat and thought it was great. I would not have wanted to give him things that may or may not help, things that might need to time to build up in the system and may not give him the comfort that he needed. Steroids can cause diabetes but they can also bring great comfort when needed.
 
I am hesitant to post this, just because this is not proven (I assume). But, I had a dog with cancer and treated it with Transfer factor and the tumor actually shrunk and disappeared. I actually used it in conjunction with another holistic drug, but I cannot remember the name of it. I will try to look through some old vet records and see if I can find it. Two vets told me there was no help for my dog, so out of despair I went to a holistic vet. He recommended the Transfer factor. After the remarkable change in Shadow's treatment, I revisited the prior vets and they were astounded and at a loss for words. Shadow lived for 8 years longer-- I was intitially told he had six months to live. The cancer never returned. I have no idea if you could use this for a cat, but I don't see why not.

So sorry about Kitty--- good luck in searching for alternative treatments.
 
kse said:
I am hesitant to post this, just because this is not proven (I assume). But, I had a dog with cancer and treated it with Transfer factor and the tumor actually shrunk and disappeared. I actually used it in conjunction with another holistic drug, but I cannot remember the name of it. I will try to look through some old vet records and see if I can find it. Two vets told me there was no help for my dog, so out of despair I went to a holistic vet. He recommended the Transfer factor. After the remarkable change in Shadow's treatment, I revisited the prior vets and they were astounded and at a loss for words. Shadow lived for 8 years longer-- I was intitially told he had six months to live. The cancer never returned. I have no idea if you could use this for a cat, but I don't see why not.

So sorry about Kitty--- good luck in searching for alternative treatments.
Click to expand...

I would appreciate it.

I have seen so far that many of the products out there contain the same ingredients for both cats and dogs.
However I have no idea which products are bogus and which actually work.
I have been reading Suzanne Somers book "Bombshell". I am seeing many of the same herbs and vitamins for human health also are recommended for cats.
Coincidental that I am reading that book and Kitty gets a tumor?
 
I know you mentioned finances are an issue - so this might not help but just putting it out there - my fathers dog had a brain tumor and he took her to a vet who does acupuncture and treats animals with herbs and the tumor shrunk and she lived for about another year.

I would also just like to say for those out there who have spent great time and effort studying the technique of Reiki and worked long hours to perfect their technique and positive outcomes that for many it is not just something you start doing without some contact/instruction with a Reiki master - however, the basic power we all have of laying on of hands and thinking positive thoughts while we try to focus good energy should not be under estimated.

Best of luck to all who are dealing with these very difficult end stages of illness
 
Ellen- no disrespect meant on the Reiki. I realize there is an entire following, and that it is something that goes very deep, while at the same time I think that we as humans have capabilities that lie latent in us, that need no instruction. I do recommend a crash course in Reiki, so that one can at least understand the concept, the frame of mind one needs to be in, and how to create a protective, for want of a better word- aura, around oneself to prevent the absorbing of negativity you are pulling.
 
tuckers mom said:
I have to agree with Hillary about not ruling out the prednisolone.

When Tucker was diagnosed with his brain tumor he was already out of remission and taking insulin. We started him on the pred and he immediately got more comfortable, stopped walking in circles and his blood sugar went down, not up. Even if it had gone up I would have rather given him more insulin than have him be in discomfort.

You have a list of herbs and holistic remedies that may or may not work but also may cause your kitty discomfort in having to take them; do they taste bad, are they large or hard to swallow? For me, I wanted to give Tucker the least amount of discomfort and he easily took his pred in a treat and thought it was great. I would not have wanted to give him things that may or may not help, things that might need to time to build up in the system and may not give him the comfort that he needed. Steroids can cause diabetes but they can also bring great comfort when needed.
Click to expand...

Not sure yet.
I just started researching today.

However Turmeric appears to have no side effects and cats like the taste.

As far as the pred goes. Kitty averages in the 60's for the glucose and the Merrick has 0-2 carbs so perhaps even if there is a raise perhaps it will stay in acceptable ranges.
 
A bit of good news.
I remember something from a conversation with my vet.
Just got off the phone with them.
The clinic also has a Holistic Veterinarian is residence.
 
YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You are so lucky!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
I have an appointment with her on the 18th.
Meanwhile I will put kitty on the preg and start putting curcumin in his food.
 
I signed up on the Yahoo group.
However there does not seem top be much activity there.

Any other suggestions?
 
i'm so sorry to hear about Kitty.

some members, including myself, have used Agaricus Bio to help support the immune system with sick kitties. they make a pet formula as well. although, i've used both the liquid and capsules made for humans. it's just something you may want to look into...

(((hugs)))
 
I too have used Transfer Factor on one of my kitties with squamous cell carcinoma in his mouth. It really was working, but the stress I was causing him to give him the pill was ruining what QOL he had left. I stopped giving him the Transfer Factor and the cancer metastised very quickly.
 
carolyn & jesse said:
I too have used Transfer Factor on one of my kitties with squamous cell carcinoma in his mouth. It really was working, but the stress I was causing him to give him the pill was ruining what QOL he had left. I stopped giving him the Transfer Factor and the cancer metastised very quickly.
Click to expand...

Right now Kitty is still healthy considering.
He takes meds pretty easy. Very laid back cat.
Going to look more deeply into it.
 
Been looking into the raspberry.
Looks to be safe for cats and dogs and has had very good results with humans.

The key appears to make sure you have the entire ellagitannin complex and not just acid portion.

I think I put to much tumeric in Kitty's food. He no like.
 
kse said:
I am hesitant to post this, just because this is not proven (I assume). But, I had a dog with cancer and treated it with Transfer factor and the tumor actually shrunk and disappeared. I actually used it in conjunction with another holistic drug, but I cannot remember the name of it. I will try to look through some old vet records and see if I can find it. Two vets told me there was no help for my dog, so out of despair I went to a holistic vet. He recommended the Transfer factor. After the remarkable change in Shadow's treatment, I revisited the prior vets and they were astounded and at a loss for words. Shadow lived for 8 years longer-- I was intitially told he had six months to live. The cancer never returned. I have no idea if you could use this for a cat, but I don't see why not.

So sorry about Kitty--- good luck in searching for alternative treatments.
Click to expand...

Any luck find the other holistic drug?
 
Anybody have any suggestion on which companies are producing quality supplements?

I see a lot of sites out there and you can never tell which ones are scamming.
 
iHerb carries a variety of brands: NOW Foods and Source Naturals seems like good ones.

Also, The Vitamin Shop (online, and we have one in Columbus, OH) seems to carry decent products.
 
So far so good with the turmeric.
Got him started on liquid astragulas in his food. No problems.

I should have the liquid form of the Meeker Red Raspberry by next week.
Looking to have Transfer Factor Plus on hand in a week.
 
2 bottles of Meeker Red Raspberry complex should be arriving tomorrow.

Will keep everybody posted on the results.
 
Got the product.
First application complete. I dont think kitty likes the flavor.
 
BJM said:
Sev said:
BJM said:
How are _you_ doing with all this?
Click to expand...

Sorry I'm not sure what you mean.
Click to expand...


I mean how are you doing with the stress, ie your general status, as opposed to the cat's.
Click to expand...

I'm doing all right. I was a bit stressed out the day I got the news. It was not something I was expecting.
I just feel bad for kitty. He was happy, running and jumping like a kitten and now nothing.
He is purring all the time and has a good appetite so far. So at least that is good.
 
Sev, I am so sorry to read your news about Kitty. You came so far. I have followed you since the very beginning when you became part of the PZI family. Then I celebrated with you at Kitty's OTJ party. Learning this about Kitty makes me sad.
I truly hope everything you are doing will make Kitty strong & happy. You are doing a great job with Kitty...like always.
Big hug for you :YMHUG: and a soft pat for Kitty cat_pet_icon
 
Guys if you know of any cancer sites for cats provide some links.
The Yahoo groups are proving to be pretty useless to my needs.
Got some very much appreciated support but very little little in the way of help.
 
Hi Sev. I'm sorry about Kitty's diagnosis and understand your frustration with the yahoo groups. I googled and found a couple of sites that might be helpful. This one seemed very comprehensive: http://www.zzcat.com/ This one is selling products, but also seems to have some good info: http://www.vitalityscience.com/v/articl ... Cancer.asp

I have read recently about the use of grape seed extract in slowing down the growth of cancer. You can buy it at health food stores, but I've also seen it online formulated for dogs & cats.

I hope you can find something to keep Kitty healthy for a long time to come.
 
Thanks guys.

Went to the Holistic vet today. She is trained in Chinese medicine.
Basically said I was spot on with what I am doing.
She recommended adding the Transfer factor to the lineup but not to add anything else to the regiment. At this time.
I was going to switch Kitty to every other day for the prednisolone which she suggested as well.
She has other remedies that break down tumors faster. However due to its size she was concerned about its rapid breakdown causing problems.

So right now Kitty is on.
Prednisolone.
Lysine.
Astragalus.
Meeker Red raspberry.
with Transfer Factor plus coming next.

She also agreed with the olive leaf however thought at this point the Transfer Factor would be the better choice and then add the olive leave the regiment later.
She also concurred with my concerns about the flax seed oil possibly causing problems.

I'm hoping to see some positive results. However the tumor is so dam big for a little cat I am not deluding myself.
 
Kitty has taken a turn.

He suddenly wants to go outside again.
I think he knows he doesnt have much time left.

Its so damn sad to watch.
 
Thanks JT.

Almost put him down today.

However Kitty is now getting injections of Stanozolol. An Anobolic steroid and antibiotic combination.
He seems to have gotten a bounce from it. 1 shot every 2 weeks if he lasts that long.
I now have him on Transfer Factor Plus, Meeker Red Raspberry and Astralagus.

I am mixing a solution in an oral syringe. Man he hates it.
 
The good news is his sugar is still cruising at the right level.

I bought an Oral syringe and am applying Astralagus, Meeker Red Raspberry, Transfer Factor Plus and Turmeric all in 1 dose. Twice a day.
I took him in for an anabolic steroid shot of Stanozolol.
 
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