Sherlock's SCC of the jaw

Sherlock's SCC of the Jaw
Meds and Treatment

Saving Sherlock

4-05-05

My 18 year old, cat, Sherlock, had Squamous cell carcinoma in his lower jaw. He lived 8 months and one day from the date I found the tumor on August 4^th, 2004. I treated him with vitamin and herbal therapy.

I am not a professional. I’ve read about supplements then tried them. His story is for information purposes only and is not intended to be veterinary advice. Although this therapy helped Sherlock, I cannot guaranty how effective it will be for your pet. I would like to offer a little hope to those of you who also have a cat with SCC. I can’t offer a cure, but perhaps an extension of you pet’s time left with you. If you do try any of the supplements I used for Sherlock, only introduce one new item at a time. This way you will know if your cat has a bad reaction, so you will know which supplements to avoid. I have been unable to locate an RDA chart for cats so I have no idea what the exact dose should be. I added a few sprinkles of each supplement to an entire can of cat food. I separated the food from the cat food juice. I mixed the oils, herbs and vitamins in the juice to disguise the meds. It had to taste and smell good for Sherlock to eat it. After all the ingredients were mixed into the juice I blended it into the cat food. I put about three or more squirts of colloidal silver in the water dish one or more times a day. Whenever I changed the water I added colloidal silver. Just a note, do not give your cat colloidal silver while giving the cat pharmaceutical antibiotics. I’m not sure why, I just remember reading about it but I can’t find the article. I think it’s to prevent too quick of an overkill of the infection which can cause flu like symptoms. It’s called the herxheimer effect, it’s caused because pathogens are killed quicker than the body can eliminate them.

Saving Sherlock

An awakening adventure of choices

Early October 2004

Sherlock is a beautiful, loving gray and white, long haired, geriatric cat. I’ve had him since college. He’s approximately 18 years old. Fifty or so days ago our vet found a suspicious tumor growing in his jaw during a dental cleaning. On Wednesday 8-4 I had found a small lump on his left cheek by the lower jaw. The next afternoon I tried to take him to the vet. When I got there the place was empty, they had closed at noon. I asked my husband to take him to the vet the next day. He forgot and it was the following Tuesday 8-10 before he made it to the vet. Initially the vet just gave him an antibiotic shot and oral antibiotic drops for home with a scheduled cleaning for Friday. We assumed it was probably just an infected tooth. Even though in hindsight we should have known something more was wrong. His hair was matted in spots and he drooled occasionally and slept more often. But as Sherlock had gotten older this was a common occurrence a couple times a year. We called his illness yuck mouth and we would take him in for a cleaning and it would go away for a few months. He also usually got two or more cortisone shots a year for scabby patches on his body. The first time he had the itchy patches he lost a lot of his hair and looked like something from the movie pet cemetery. A simple shot or two from the vet cleared it up and we knew what to do if it happened again.

Sherlock just seemed to get yucky ailments as he got older; it was just an accepted part of his life. He’s an old man. We’ve always just taken him to the vet and the vet would fix his problems. This time was different. We took him in on Friday 8-13 for his cleaning. When my husband called that evening to see if he was ready to come home, the vet informed him that he had found a tumor and did a biopsy. He said it looked like cancer, but could be just an infection or nothing major. I looked up information on the internet and became convinced that Sherlock had squamous cell carcinoma. The hair matting and drooling are classic signs. A few days later on 8-18 the diagnosis was in. Sherlock has SCC, squamous cell carcinoma.

My vet has given up and accepted defeat. He believes there is nothing to do but let him die. That as long as I put him to sleep before his suffering becomes too unbearable for him, then, I have done my best by him. I can’t accept that. The vet has said this is a very rapid and horrible death and there is nothing I can do to stop it. The rapid part I saw first hand with how quick the tumor was growing larger on Sherlock’s cheek. He said this is such a horrible disease that we will put him to sleep before the cancer kills him.

This is where the story gets interesting because this time it’s up to me to fix his problems because modern medicine has nothing to offer my poor beloved, dying kitty. Although I love him dearly and have the best of intentions, I am not a vet. I have a degree in accounting and one in management and administration but nothing in the sciences. Why does his life have to be in my hands? What if I fail him? Or even worse, what if I accidentally kill him? I am not qualified to play God. I don’t believe in these things, or at least I didn’t use to.

When the vet said it was hopeless, I didn’t want to believe him. I know I can’t save him, but I want Sherlock’s final days or months to be pleasant ones. I had been reading about nutrition and the benefits of supplements in improving my own health before Sherlock got sick. I’d been having some luck with supplements. I was able to wean myself off Nexium and antacids just by taking L-Glutamine and Biotin once a day. With $5 a month in supplements my stomach feels better than it ever did on a $35 co-pay prescription. I am fighting my fatigue and brain fuzz with fish oil, flax oil and Evening of Primrose Oil (EPO) and am feeling more energetic.

I refuse to believe that feeling this tired is just a normal part of aging. Since my body doesn’t do well with pharmaceuticals, I had to find a natural solution. I am just a beginner in natural healing. I liked how the flax, EPO and Fish oil made me feel better, so I starting giving the flax and Fish oil to Sherlock. Within a few days the tumor had quit growing and started shrinking. It didn’t go completely away but it didn’t get any bigger.

I slowed down his cancer simply by accident. I wanted him to feel better and he does. The following is his treatment information.

8-7-04 added to his routine of canned and dry food ½ can of tuna and plain yogurt once a day.

8-9-04 added Fish oil, flaxseed oil and ground flaxseeds to his tuna and plain yogurt.

8-10-04 switched one canned feeding with Hills A/D with flax & Fish oil s and ground flax seeds added.

8-11-04 same but quit putting flaxseeds in food.

8-12-04 tried to feed him cottage cheese with the flax and Fish oils. He didn’t like it very much. His tumor is feeling smaller today.

8-13-04 added evening of primrose oil to the above. Tumor still feels smaller.

8-14-04 same but no EPO

8-15-04 same

8-16-04 same tumor feels smaller

8-17-04 instead of tuna I added his oils to mackerel and sardines. He seemed to like it. We treated him for ear mites since he kept digging at his ears. (Very, very stupid thing to do) The tumor is feeling smaller.

8-18-04 the tumor has grown. I put a couple drops of flax oil in his ears to help counter-act the pesticides from the ear mite meds. Gave flax oil and EPO in milk by eyedropper to make sure he drank it. (At that time I was reading about Johanna Budding’s theories and Flax was king and the only thing I knew to have ‘healing powers’.) Washed sardines & added the oils and milk. He doesn’t seem hungry and slept most of the day.

8-25-04 9 Lives is the only cat food he will eat with the oils added. Added EPO, Fish oil and Milk Thistle to his food. The tumor is pea sized. Made a meow hiss kind of action today. He will meow & then hiss like something is bothering him. Like he was fighting the air. I noticed him doing this a couple times.

8-26-04 EPO, Fish oil and Milk Thistle in his food. AM the tumor felt pea sized. PM tumor is more grape sized. Seems happy, being active. Saw one meow-hiss episode.

8-27-04 AM feeding 9 Lives, Fish oil, EPO, and a small amount of flax oil, PM feeding 9 Lives, Fish oil , EPO & CO Enzyme Q10

8-31-04 doubled the Co Enzyme Q10 to 100mg

9-2-04 same but put coconut oil on his ears and mouth, he started coughing and sneezing shortly afterwards.

9-3-04 added coconut oil to his food. The tumor feels smaller.

9-4-04 His tumor is feeling smaller today. Took Sherlock to the Vet, he was surprised how well Sherlock is doing. He said he couldn’t tell if the cancer was getting any better but it wasn’t getting any worse. He was interested in the treatment I was giving him.

9-5-04 The tumor feels bigger today.

9-6-04 Added Milk Thistle and coconut oil to his food.

9-7-04 Added Milk Thistle, double EPO (2softgels), flax, Fish oil , CO Q10 and coconut oil to two of his meals. Sherlock started coughing and sneezing after eating the supper meal. I took away the rest of the plate. I will discontinue the coconut oil. For his bedtime feeding I gave him Iams with nothing added. He ate the Iams even though there was no oil in it. Lately he prefers to have the oils in his food. He’s been a picky eater lately.

9-8-04 AM feeding added flax, EPO, Fish oil , Milk Thistle and CO Q10.

PM feeding added flax, Fish oil , Milk Thistle and CO Q10.

Bedtime (BT) feeding added EPO, Fish oil and CO Q10.

9-9-04 AM feeding added EPO, Fish oil and CO Q10.

PM feeding added flax, EPO, Fish oil , Milk Thistle and CO Q10. The tumor feels smaller.

9-10-04 AM feeding added flax, EPO, Fish oil , Milk Thistle and CO Q10.

PM feeding added flax, EPO, Fish oil , Milk Thistle and CO Q10. The tumor feels smaller.

BT feeding I added Fish oil to tuna. He ate all of it. He is coughing some tonight.

9-11-04 AM feeding added flax, EPO, Fish oil , Milk Thistle and CO Q10.

PM feeding added EPO, 2 Fish oil softgels and CO Q10.

BT feeding I added Fish oil . The lump feels about the same and he’s acting fine, but he doesn’t want to eat. He ate the BT feeding.

9-12-04 Happy birthday to me, Sherlock is still alive and his tumor feels

smaller. AM feeding added EPO, 2 Fish oil softgels and CO Q10.

PM feeding added EPO, 2 Fish oil softgels and CO Q10. The tumor feels larger this evening.

9-13-04 AM feeding added flax, EPO, Fish oil and CO Q10. He ate most of it. PM feeding added flax, EPO, Fish oil and CO Q10. The tumor feels smaller. He snubbed the supper feeding so I fed him again at 7:18 PM and added flax oil only.

9-14-04 AM feeding added flax, EPO, Fish oil and CO Q10.

PM feeding added flax, EPO, Fish oil and CO Q10. BT feeding added flax oil and Milk Thistle. He woke me up at 3:00am because he was coughing.

9-15-04 AM feeding added flax, EPO, Fish oil , Milk Thistle and CO Q10.

PM feeding added flax, EPO, Fish oil , Milk Thistle and CO Q10. BT feeding I gave him Iams with nothing added.

9-16-04 AM feeding added flax, EPO, Fish oil , Milk Thistle and CO Q10.

PM feeding added flax, EPO, fish oil , Milk Thistle and CO Q10. BT feeding added flax oil and Fish oil .

9-17-04 AM feeding added flax, EPO, Fish oil , Milk Thistle and CO Q10.

PM feeding added flax, EPO, Fish oil , Milk Thistle and CO Q10.

9-18-04 AM feeding added flax, EPO, Fish oil , Milk Thistle and CO Q10.

PM feeding added flax, EPO, Fish oil, Milk Thistle and CO Q10.

9-19-04 AM feeding added flax, EPO, Fish oil and CO Q10.

PM feeding added flax, EPO, Fish oil and CO Q10. Hasn’t wanted to eat much today. I cleaned his mouth and put coconut oil on it to protect his skin.

9-20-04 AM feeding added flax, EPO, Fish oil and CO Q10.

Sherlock's Treatment



	My name is Sue Mifsud and my 18 year old cat, Sherlock, has SCC. He is six months into it and is still eating on his own and grooming himself. I am treating him with vitamin therapy that I created from researching supplements. I am sharing my story in the hope it may help to relieve any unnecessary suffering for other cats with SCC. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my story. I know it is very long so feel free to edit out anything. Since I haven't really read about cats living this long I wasn't sure how important everything is to other readers. Feel free to contact me if you would like additinal information or pictures. Thank you and God Bless, Sue Mifsud

		Sherlock’s Meds As of 3-06-05 Essential fatty acids / Omega 3’s & 6’s 1-Nature Made Fish Oil 1200mg softgel (Kroger) 1tsp-Rexall Organic Flax oil liquid (Wal Mart) 1 tbs-Nutiva Hemp Oil extra virgin liquid (www.globalhempstore.com) 1-Spring Valley Evening of Primrose Oil 1000mg softgel (Wal Mart) 1-Nature’s Resource Evening of Primrose Oil 500mg w/ 30IU Vit E mg softgel (Kroger) ½ to 1tbs Nutiva Hemp Protein (www.globalhempstore.com) All of the above are mixed into one can of cat food 2-3x a day. Vitamins/ supplements Natural Factors Alpha-Lipoic Acid 200 mg capsule ( IHerb.com) Now Sports Arginine 1000 mg & Ornithine 500 mg combo capsule ( IHerb.com) 1/3 softgel-Beta Carotene 25,000 IU softgel (Kroger) I split one softgel between 3 feedings. Rexall Biotin 1500mcg tablet (Wal Mart) 1-daily feeding Nature’s Bounty Chelated Calcium 1,000mg, Magnesium 400 mg, Zinc 25mg (Kroger) Nutra Choice, Chromium Picolinate, 200mcg (Big Lots) Now Co Enzyme Q10 60mg capsule w/200mg Lecithin (Natures Nook) Folic Acid 400mcg USP tablet (Kroger) Rexall L-Glutamine 500mg tablet (Wal Mart) ½ softgel-Natures Bounty Lycopene, 5mg softgel (Kroger) I split one softgel between two feedings Spring Valley Niacin 100mg tablet (Wal Mart) Now Quercetin 800mg with Bromelain 200mg vcaps (Natures Nook) 3 drops –Spring Valley Subligual B Complex drops (Wal Mart) Solar Ray Vitamin C powder 5000 mg (Natures Nook) 1/3 softgel Soy Lecithin 1200mg softgel (Kroger) I split one softgel between 3 feedings. Herbs Nature’s Sunshine Blessed Thistle 325 mg capsule (Grandview Pharmacy) McCormick whole Clove freshly ground Rexall Ginger 550 mg capsule (Wal Mart) Spring Valley Milk Thistle 175 mg capsule (Wal Mart) McCormick Turmeric, I’ll add this to his food if he acts like he’s not wanting to eat. All of the above herbs and vitamins are administered by opening the capsules and putting the contents in Tupperware personal salt & pepper shakers and sprinkling a few shakes of each on the canned cat food 2-3X a day. I use a mortar and pestle to make a powder out of the tablets. Other Colloidal Silver 100ppm (WWW.Earthbornproducts.com) The above is put in the water dishes daily as well as added to the canned cat food 2-3X a day. I also give Sherlock drops in his mouth about every other day or when he smells infected. Y.S. Royal Jelly, pure, raw, fresh (Natures Nook) when I’m feeling daring I will add a little to his food. How I Mix it I separate the food from the cat food juice. I mix the oils, herbs and vitamins in the juice to disguise the meds. It has to taste and smell good for Sherlock to eat it. After all the ingredients are mixed into the juice I blend it into the cat food. I try to leave some of the oil mixture on the outside mound of the cat food. If you do try any of the supplements I am using for Sherlock, only introduce one new item at a time. This way you will know if your cat has a bad reaction to the new supplement. Sherlock’s never really had any bad reactions to any of the supplements I’ve tried on him. However, I kind of think that coconut oil may have made him sneeze. I have since read that too much can cause major problems, so I don’t use it on him now. I have been unable to locate an RDA chart for cats so I have no idea what the exact dose should be. I add a few sprinkles of each supplement to an entire can of cat food. Hint I will make 3 to 6 feedings at a time. I mix one on the plate I’m getting ready to feed him and the other 2 (5) I mix in Glad small mini round containers. I will add the Hemp Protein to the pre-made oils, herbs & vitamin mixture at time of feeding. SCC Kitty Face Wash I add 3 squirts from a 2oz bottle of colloidal silver and a few drops of Vitamin E oil and/or hemp oil to warm water in a disposable bowl. I mix it up and then dip my clean rag in the water and gently wash and clean his face with it. Good Reference Books Beating Cancer with Nutrition, New and Revised, Patrick Quillin, PhD, RD, CNS with Noreen Quillin, CR1998 The Doctor’s Complete Guide to Vitamins and Minerals, Revised Edition, Mary Dan Eades, MD, CR 200 What the above vitamins and supplements are good for Essential fatty acids / Omega 3’s & 6’s a good reference website www.fatsforhealth.com Fish Oil and Evening of Primrose Oil From the new and revised book Beating Cancer with Nutrition by Paul Quillin, Ph.D, RD, CNS, page 54, A special fat in fish, EPA improves tumor kill in hyperthermia and chemotherapy by altering cancer cell membranes for increased vulnerability. EPA increases the ability of adriamycin to kill cultured leukemia cells. Tumors in EPA fed animals are more responsive to Mitomycin C and doxorubicin (chemo drugs). EPA and GLA (evening of primrose oil) were selectively toxic to human tumor cell lines while also enhancing the cytotoxic effects of chemotherapy. From the book the Doctor's Complete Guide to Vitamins and Minerals by Mary Dan Eades, MD, page 168-169, GLA and EPA when taken in the proper ratio improve immune function. Warning to diabetics, fish oil can cause blood sugar fluctuations in some diabetics. Carefully monitor your blood sugar levels and discontinue taking fish oil if your blood sugar becomes difficult to control. Flax oil Flaxseed and flaxseed oil may be indicated in hyperlipidemia, to decrease platelet aggregation, to lower blood pressure, to help prevent heart attacks and stroke, and to ameliorate some of the symptoms of arthritis. There is a suggestion that it may be helpful in some cancers. Flax oil taken with a meal can actually increase the nutritional value of other foods . Research shows that adding flax oil to foods rich in sulfated amino acids, such as cultured dairy products (i.e., yogurt), vegetables of the cabbage family, and animal, seafood, and soy proteins helps the essential fatty acids become incorporated into cell membranes. Mixing flax oil with yogurt helps to emulsify the oil, improving its digestion and metabolism by the body. Flax oil works best in the body when it's taken along with antioxidants, such as vitamins E, carotene, and other nutrients, such as vitamin B6 and magnesium. Hemp Oil High in LA (linoleic acid ) / LNA (alpha-linolenic acid ) (omega 6 and omega 3) which harmonize glands and their hormonal function in the body. Hemp seed oil is the highest of all oils in total essential fatty acids (EFAs) at 80%. It is comprised of 55% linoleic acid (LA, also known as Omega-6), 25% alpha-linolenic acid (LNA, also known as Omega-3) and 1.7% gamma-linolenic acid (GLA, also known as super-Omega 9). Hemp contains up to 2000 ppm of fat soluble chlorophyll. This aids in proper cellular division and helps to detox the body. Hemp is the only vegetable oil to contain vitamin D, which is a hormone that is necessary for the absorption of calcium. Hemp contains over 60 canabinoids. Our immune system has canabinoid receptors in which stimulates our immunoglobulins. Organs require a 4:1 ratio of omega 6 over 3 and our glands require a 5:1 ratio. The brain is the only organ that needs a 1:1 ratio of omega 6 and 3. This makes hemp the best balanced oil in a 3:1 ratio for human consumption. Hemp oil contains terpenes, which are enzymes that prevent the formation of gull stones. Hemp oil contains keytones, which may help some people loose weight by stimulating the use of stored fats as energy. Hemp does not require herbicides, pesticides or fungicides to grow. This durable plant is an excellent organic crop. Hemp Protein Hemp Protein Powder can supply any diet with a vegetarian source of essential fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fibre, chlorophyll and a complete, balanced gluten-free source of the essential amino acids. Almost two-thirds of hemp protein is made up of edestin, a globulin protein found only in hemp seeds. This makes hemp the superior source for this protein in the plant kingdom. Edestin is a type of plant protein that is similar to protein found in the human body, and thus is perfectly suited to aid in meeting the body’s cellular needs such as DNA repair. Since much of hemp’s protein resembles that found in human blood, hemp protein is very easily digested and assimilated. In addition, another one-third of hemp’s protein is albumin, another high quality globulin protein also found in egg whites. Vitamins/ supplements Alpha-Lipoic Acid – Powerful antioxidant that is rapidly absorbed and utilized by the body. It is both fat and water soluble so it is able to protect the entire body from free radicals and other invaders. It enhances the actions and life span of other antioxidants. It plays a role in aerobic metabolism that improves blood flow and increases the amount of oxygen in the body. It may not only prevent but may also reverse nerve damage and peripheral neuropathy caused by diabetes. It removes heavy metals from the body. It also helps regulate blood sugar metabolism. It is deemed to be safe with no serious side effects reported. Arginine Supplemental L-arginine may have anti-atherogenic, antioxidant and immunomodulatory actions. It may also have wound-repair activity. L-Arginine is a nonessential amino acid and one of your immune system's best friends. By increasing the size and productivity of the thymus gland (which manufactures the T-Cells so crucial to your immune system) it can slow the growth of tumors and some cancers. L-Arginine is instrumental in muscle metabolism and gives a hand in maintaining proper nitrogen balance both by transporting and storing it. It also helps getting rid of excess nitrogen. Additionally, L-Arginine assists in healing wounds, it helps getting rid of excess ammonia, and it aids in the secretion of several hormones, including glucagons, insulin, and growth hormone. This amino acid is also instrumental in increasing protein synthesis, which can in turn increase cellular replication. Therefore, L-Arginine may help people with inadequate numbers of certain cells. Also, L-Arginine’s effect on increasing protein synthesis improves wound healing. This effect has been shown in both animals and people. Ornithine L-Ornithine has putative anabolic, immunomodulatory and wound-healing activities. L-Ornithine is synthesized in the body from arginine, and is in turn a precursor to citrulline, proline, and glutamic acid. It is necessary for proper immune-system and liver functions, and also detoxifies ammonia and aids in liver generation. High levels of ornithine have been found in the skin and connective tissue, making it useful in promoting healing and repair of damaged tissue. Beta Carotene – a fat-soluble plant compound, is a member of the carotenoid family. Carotenoids are what provide the red, yellow, orange, and green colors of fruits and vegetables, and more than 500 different types have been identified. The primary dietary carotenoids include beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-cryptoxanthin. Beta carotene is an immune stimulant that neutralizes free radicals. It plays a role in cell communication that determines if a cell will be a good cell or a bad cell. It has been shown to inhibit the growth of human squamous cancer cells in culture. It may also be able to reverse pre-cancerous oral lesions. Beta Carotene is nontoxic. You cannot consume too much beta-carotene, but you can consume too much vitamin A. Biotin a member of the B-vitamin family, is an essential nutrient in human nutrition. It is involved in the biosynthesis of fatty acids, gluconeogenesis, energy production, the metabolism of the branched-chain amino acids (L-leucine, L-isoleucine, L-valine) and the de novo synthesis of purine nucleotides. Recent research indicates that biotin plays a role in gene expression, both at the transcriptional and translational levels, and that it may also play a role in DNA replication. It also plays a major role in enabling the body to use blood sugar (glucose), a major source of energy for body fluids, and helps produce certain enzymes. Interestingly, one notable cause of low biotin levels has been linked to the consumption of a particular food—raw egg whites—over time. Chelated Calcium Calcium has anti-osteoporotic activity. It may also have anticarcinogenic, antihypertensive and hypocholesterolemic activity. Chelated Magnesium Magnesium is involved in over 300 metabolic reactions. It is necessary for every major biological process, including the production of cellular energy and the synthesis of nucleic acids and proteins. It is also important for the electrical stability of cells, the maintenance of membrane integrity, muscle contraction, nerve conduction and the regulation of vascular tone, among other things. Chelated Zinc Zinc may have immunomodulatory activity. It may also have antioxidant activity. Zinc has putative antiviral, fertility-enhancing and retinoprotective activities. Chromium Picolinate There is some evidence that chromium may improve glucose tolerance and may be helpful in some with diabetes. There is preliminary evidence it may have some favorable effects on lipids. Co Enzyme Q10 w/ Lecithin antioxidant that stimulates the heart muscles and stimulates the immune system in several different ways, mainly through higher antibody levels, and greater numbers and/or activities of the cancer fighting macrophages and T-cells. There may be other ways Co-Q10 aids in the fight against cancer that have not yet been isolated. Of course it is best known as an antioxidant. Antioxidants help the body use oxygen more efficiently. Folic Acid / B9 – is an immune stimulant that is necessary for proper cell growth. It functions together with a group of related water-soluble compounds, collectively called folacin, in many body processes. It is critical to cellular division because it is necessary in DNA synthesis. Cells will not divide properly without it, and no cell division means little or no new cell production of hair cells, skin cells, red and white blood cells. It promotes normal growth and development and normal red blood cell formation. It helps maintain the nervous system, intestinal tract, sex organs, white blood cells, and normal patterns of growth. From the book The Doctor's Complete Guide to Vitamins and Minerals, revised Edition, by Mary Dan Eades, MD pages 74-75, Deficiency of either B12 or folic acid causes the same kind of anemia and replacing either one in your diet will correct the anemia. This kind of anemia-one that produces large pale red blood cells-is the most easily identified symptom of vitamin B12 deficiency (also called pernicious anemia). The problem is that anemia is the least severe symptom of pernicious anemia; severe nerve wasting and nerve damage will follow if your body doesn't get some B12. By correcting the anemia with folic acid you could mask the first recognizable sign of Vit B12 deficiency long enough to cause permanent nerve damage. Therefore if you take a dose of folic acid greater than 1 to 2 mg per day, you must be certain that you do not have a deficiency in Vit B12 by having your physician check its level in your blood or by supplementing with B12, preferably in a shot form to preclude any chance of your body not absorbing it. L-Glutamine it's an amino acid that helps heal leaky gut. That's a condition where digested food particles enter your bloodstream and wreak havoc on your immune system. Supplemental L-glutamine may have immunomodulatory, anticatabolic/anabolic and gastrointestinal mucosal-protective actions. It may also have antioxidant activity. Glutamine has been shown to be beneficial when administered in the form of glutamine peptides via TPN in some patients with varying forms of catabolic stress, e.g., some cancer, transplantation, intensive-care, surgical and immune-suppressed patients. Benefits from enteral glutamine supplementation are generally less pronounced, but preliminary significant results have been reported with the use of oral glutamine in very-low-birth-weight infants and in some major trauma patients in whom glutamine seems to strengthen immunity, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract. Glutamine may help protect against some of the side effects of cancer chemotherapy and radiotherapy. L-glutamine is a very versatile amino acid and participates in many reactions in the body. It is important in the regulation of acid-base balance. L-glutamine allows the kidneys to excrete an acid load, protecting the body against acidosis. This is accomplished by the production of ammonia, which binds hydrogen ions, to produce ammonium cations that are excreted in the urine along with chloride anions. Bicarbonate ions are simultaneously released into the bloodstream. L-glutamine helps protect the body against ammonia toxicity by transporting ammonia, in the form of L-glutamine's amide group, from peripheral tissues to visceral organs, where it can be excreted as ammonium by the kidneys or converted to urea by the liver. Those with renal or hepatic failure should exercise caution in the use of supplemental L-glutamine. Lycopene- is a potent antioxidant, immune stimulant and regulator of cancer gene expression. Many of the reported health benefits of lycopene are attributed to its ability to protect cells against oxidative damage. Although there has been less research focused on lycopene compared to other carotenoids, studies suggest that lycopene is a more potent scavenger of oxygen radicals than other major dietary carotenoids. Niacin / B-3 – improves aerobic metabolism. High doses may be able to dissolve the human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) coating that allows the tumor to hide from the immune system by pretending to be a fetus. Niacin is a water-soluble vitamin that participates in more than 50 metabolic functions, all of which are important in the release of energy from carbohydrates. Because of its pivotal role in so many metabolic functions, niacin is vital in supplying energy to, and maintaining the integrity of, all body cells. Niacin also assists in antioxidant and detoxification functions, and the production of sex and adrenal hormones. Niacin deficiency, known as pellagra, not surprisingly affects every cell, and is characterized by dermatitis, diarrhea, and dementia. Quercetin It is a bioflavonoid with unique immune stimulating and anti-neoplastic activity. From the Book Beating Cancer with Nutrition, New & Revised edition, by Patrick Quillin, PhD, pages 201-203: Quercetin has shown the potential to revert a cancerous cell back into a healthy cell (prodifferentiation). It can help the cancer patient in the following ways; Induces apoptosis, or programmed cell death in otherwise immortal cancer cells. Inhibits inflammation, by reducing histamine release. Inhibits tumor cell proliferation. Competes with estrogen for binding sites, thus defusing the damaging effects of estrogen. Helps to inhibit drug resistance in tumor cells. Potent antioxidant May inhibit angiogenesis (making of blood vessels from the tumor). Inhibits capillary fragility which protects connective tissue against breakdown by tumors. Has anti-viral activity. Reduces the stickiness of cells, or aggregation, thus slowing cancer metastasis. Reduces the toxicity and carcinogenic capacity of substances in the body. Yet at the same time may enhance the tumor killing capacity of cisplatin. Helps to eliminate toxic metals through chelation. Increases the anti-neoplastic activity of hyperthermia (heat therapy) on cancer cells. May revert cancer cells back to normal cells (prodifferentiation), possibly by repairing the defective energy mechanism in the cancer cells. Quercetin, at a relatively low concentration, has been shown to inhibit the proliferation of squamous cancer cells. Head and neck squamous cancers in humans are resistant to most medical therapies and have a high rate of tumor recurrence. Quercetin was selectively toxic in both in vitro and in vivo head and neck cancers in a dose dependent fashion. Safety Issues. There has been no demonstrated toxicity of quercetin in humans or animals. Subligual B Complex drops – improves aerobic metabolism. The B vitamins help to maintain the health of the nerves, skin, eyes, hair, liver, and mouth, as well as healthy muscle tone in the gastrointestinal tract and proper brain function. B-complex vitamins also act as coenzymes, helping enzymes to react chemically with other substances, and are involved in energy production. Adequate intake of the B vitamins is very important for elderly people because these nutrients are not as well absorbed as we age. Vitamin C powder – is an antioxidant that protects against free radicals and is an immune stimulant. High doses can be toxic to cancer cells but not healthy cells. Vit C is considered to be extremely safe. Soy Lecithin In addition to lowering moderately elevated blood cholesterol levels, Soy Lecithin is used to relieve symptoms of liver disease such as loss of appetite and a feeling of pressure in the area of the liver. In Asian medicine, the product is considered a remedy for chest fullness, fevers, fidgeting, and headache. Its effectiveness for these problems has not, however, been verified. Herbs Blessed Thistle Blessed Thirstle (Cnicus Benedictus) Blood Purifier - General Tonic - Liver - Lungs - Kidneys - Heart -Tumors. I have used this herbal tincture in combination with a couple of others to treat cancer. Oral tumors in dogs and cats have shrunk and completly dissappeared after 4 to 5 months of herbal treatment with this herb in conjunction with others added to daily meals. Reports of a success with dogs diagnosed with brain tumor that had shrink while on Blessed Thistle caps and natural diet. Treatment took 5 months. For Example: small/med size dog - first month give 1 powder from cap (am & pm) in food or preferably in plain yoghurt or goats milk, then 2nd and 3rd month give 1 cap (pm) Rest on the 4th month. 5th month 1 cap daily. Blessed Thistle Tincture is said to have great power in the purification and circulation of the blood. It strengthens all the principal members of the body, as the brain, the heart, the stomach, the liver, the lungs and the kidney; it is also a preservative against disease. Blessed Thistle is also beneficial for those suffering from hepatitis, inflammation of the liver, or cirrhosis of the liver, and is also recommended for animals exposed to smokers in the family and other pollutants in the workplace/enviroment.. Caution: not to be used with ulcers in stomach or pregnant animals or humans. Information from www.wholisticanimal.com website. Clove (freshly ground) The first recorded use of Cloves is by the Chinese in the first century B.C. Cloves kills intestinal parasites and exhibits broad anti-microbial properties against fungi & bacteria, thus supporting its traditional use as a treatment for diarrhea, intestinal worms, and other digestive ailments. Ginger Ginger (Zingiber officinale) For intestinal cramping and gas, indigestion; will cause sweating in a dry fever with chills.Aids in fighting colds, colitis, digestive disorders, flu & gas. it helps increase the secretion of saliva; is excellent for the circulatory system and helps increase stamina. Ginger acts as an antioxidant and has has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-clotting and pain-killing properties. Beneficial effects on the heart. Ginger has anti-ulcer activity and improves the function of the muscles in the gut while helping to relieve spasm. Ginger is also valued for its warming properties. Uses Ginger is used to treat motion sickness, nausea and vomiting; inflammatory conditions such as arthritis; and to improve digestion. Cautions Large doses on an empty stomach may cause irritation and with long-term use may lead to ulcers. Information from www.wholisticanimal.com website. Milk Thistle Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) St.Milk thistle, which is native to Europe and some parts of the USA, has powerful liver-protecting properties. It prevents damage and improves function. Uses Milk thistle is used to treat liver disease, including cirrhosis and hepatitis. It is also used to treat gallstones and psoriasis. This LIVER Herb is a MUST for ANY animal that have been on Cortisones ANY TIME vaccines or given heartworm drugs or any other toxicdrugs that destroys the pet's liver. Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum seed) & Dandelion together make a good & gentle liver cleanser, detoxifier, and repairer. *Use it for liver or kidney damage, hepatitis(include Echinacea), jaundice, leptospirosis, and parvovirus recovery. It may be helpful in chronic skin disorders, tumors, and cancer. This is a major antioxidant. Pets that have been on a lot of Veterinary drugs - ie Heartworm prevention drug, Vaccinations, deworming drugs, or chemotherapy need this cleansing / repair and protector of the above herbs. DOSADE: DOG - add 3ml herbal extract daily in meals. Information from www.wholisticanimal.com website. Other Colloidal Silver natural antibiotic Royal Jelly Royal jelly may have hypolipidemic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative activities. In Hindsight After Sherlock passed I read an article about potassium deficiency in older cats and the problems and decline it causes. Sherlock was drinking a lot more water and he was peeing more than usual. His litter box habits had also changed. All of these can be symptoms of a potassium deficiency. I just thought he was possibly diabetic. I gave Sherlock a lot of supplements but I was always afraid of potassium. Too much can be deadly… just as too little can be. My vet wasn’t very knowledgeable about supplements so I had no one to turn to for guidance. I chose to error on the side of caution. My biggest fear was that I would accidentally kill him. Had I known more about potassium I would have had him checked for a deficiency. Note: It is not recommended to give cats potassium supplements without the guidance and supervision of your vet. Following is the link for feline potassium information. http://www.sniksnak.com/cathealth/geriatric.html