Sophie has had to deal with degenerative discs in her back almost half her life (she'll turn 14 on October 25th), Cushings disease for around 5 years, and most recently she was diagnosed with liver cancer on September 24th of 2023. We've really stepped up the supplement and food game since her cancer diagnosis. I don't know how long she has left, but I'm so grateful for each day with my heart dog. I wanted to share some of the supplements that have kept her going.
I AM NOT A VET. I have visited many different types of vets over the last year and have learned a lot. Please check with your vet before starting your dog on any supplement or medication. I am hesitant to try anything with my girl and even more hesitant to believe it works. These have worked for Sophie.
Degenerative Discs:
Sophie has been on a mix of supplements for her bad back for awhile. If your dog is dealing with any type of arthritis, I cannot recommend water therapy highly enough. It's truly the fountain of youth for dogs! If you're in the OKC area, contact The Water Bark. If you're in the Denver area, Sophie has just started with The K9 Body Shop and holy cow, it's helped her for all of the hikes we've been going on lately!
Regensa is my favorite and I saw a difference in Sophie within a couple of weeks. She typically rotates every few months because just like our bodies get used to certain meds/dosages, their little bodies do too. She also uses Wuffes and Antinol.
Again, it's the water therapy that is THE biggest game changer. It keeps her muscles strong, gives her energy, and maintains her mobility. I was recently recommended Myos, so I'll update this post after Sophie's body lets me know if it works!
Lastly, if you are in the OKC area, this vet has been vital to Sophie's overall health. She's almost like a dog chiropractor, but her skills go far beyond that. Dr. Rassmussen works wonders on spine, leg, neck, issues, but she helps in a million other ways (including Sophie's liver). She's been a miracle worker for my Sophie girl.
Pain and Comfort (related to the degenerative discs)
Sophie does take a tramadol a day for pain (prescription from vet). I try to avoid giving her more than that especially with her liver cancer. Here are a couple of supplements that have absolutely helped her. How do I know they help? I can tell she feels better within days of starting these; she's more more active, she rubs against the couch (something she does when she is HAPPY and feeling gooooood!), and I can just see it in her eyes.
PEA from Dr. Judy | Sophie takes 1-2 per day with food. (I'd also check out all of the info she gives on her website for any ailment your pet has.)
I went to Mountain Dog Supply in Glenwood Springs and the shop owner has heavily researched everything he stocks. I started Sophie on both Inflapotion and Herbaprin the first day of our trip and she was a happier, more mobile girl within days. I'm hesitant to start any supplement and cautious of their true benefits, but was happily surprised with these! I use the tincture of both and put in Sophie's food. I do have to add bone broth since it doesn't smell great and Sophie's a picky eater. (6 days on, 7th day off. Use as necessary)
CBD from Asher House Wellness | 10 drops in evening in food (I love The Asher House and am happy to support them in any way possible! It's a bonus that they have high quality CBD.)
Old Age
I came across Leap Years when I was researching Wuffes. It was highly recommended by another customer, so we decided to try it. Sophie is more alert since starting it this summer!
For-Til B12 is for neurological health and was prescribed to Sophie by a fantastic holistic vet in Mustang, OK (Dr. McNeill). Sophie gets one at breakfast and one at dinner.
Cushings
Sophie's Cushings has pretty much been a nonissue since diagnosed years ago. Dogs can live with it for MANY years with medication. Sophie takes Vetoryl (Trilostane) prescribed by her vet.
Cancer
Sophie has hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer). She's had two ruptured tumors: one on 9/24/23 then another on 5/17/24. We were told she wouldn't make it both times due to the low red blood cell counts (indicating the internal bleeding). It's been a scary, anxiety-inducing journey, but Sophie has fought hard to be here. This is due to a variety of things: part stubbornness of the breed, part love, part supplements and LOTS of luck. Please do not think your dog is giving up or you didn't love them enough if they pass. That is absolutely not the case-- if love alone could save them, these doggie souls would live so much longer, especially the heart dogs.
Cancer sucks and it is scary; there are also SO many kinds of canine cancer and sometimes a biospy for diagnosing which cancer is simply too dangerous. Sophie had surgery in November of 2023 to remove the first ruptured tumor and it was then we were able to do a biopsy. Another tumor ruptured during surgery, so Sophie was an incredibly lucky dog to be in great care at this time. Please keep in mind every cancer is different and sometimes no matter what you do, the body cannot fight the diease. Here are the things we've learned during her cancer journey:
Yunnan Baiyao, without a doubt in my mind, has saved her life (especially after both ruptures). It's used to stop bleeding, both internally and externally. There are more benefits, so feel free to research and look at their website. Even Blue Pearl has started carrying Yunnan Baiyao and their emergency pills (the little red pills at the center of the pack).
After the second rupture, Sophie's red blood cell count was extremely low. An amazing friend recommended Blood Stimulator, a traditional Chinese medicine, to get those numbers back up (she has a fantastic holistic vet overseas). Thank goodness Sophie was already on Yunnan Baiyao to help clot the ruptured tumor! These two combined to help save her life.
A holistic vet told me that Panacur C, a canine dewormer, has been shown to slow the growth of some cancers. From Sophie's November (maybe October?) ultrasound to the next one in February, the tumors slightly decreased in size. She's been on this since November, so who knows, maybe it does work! It doesn't harm her in any way and it's cheap. I sprinkle this in her dinner three nights a week, then off for four. Another of Sophie's vets told me, "Cancer is only as scary as the space it takes up." If you can slow the growth/spread that helps so much!
Denamarin for overall liver health. One per day one hour before dinner.
If your dog has cancer, it's important to maintain excellent health in all other aspects. A healthy immune system is vital as their body fights cancer. We pour a little of Seven 'Shrooms in Sophie's dinner. I recently learned that some suppliers grow their mushrooms in brown rice. If your dog has cancer, try to avoid any carbs or sugars.
This sounds weird to say, but Sophie's Cushings disease has been a blessing during her cancer diagnosis. You obviously want to keep your dog eating while they fight cancer. The Cushings keeps Sophie hungry (and gives her a potbelly, she's actually a healthy weight). A specialist recommended ONC Care for high calorie and support. To keep Sophie's gut healthy, Sophie takes Proviable-Forte.
We have fed Sophie Farmer's Dog for years. She's a picky eater and used to have tummy issues, but not since starting her on that. We LOVE Farmer's Dog and still give it to her since she enjoys eating it so much. We have added Raw food and treats which have many health benefits. Here are Sophie's favorites:
We love all Primal food since they are a balanced diet: Canine Freeze Dried Nuggets,
Primal Pronto, and Bone Broth for hydration and taste.
Each cancer journey is deeply personal and very different. If you have to go through this with your beloved dog, I am so incredibly sorry. It's not easy; lots of anxiety and questioning every decision comes along with any diagnosis. Please don't give up hope and most of all, go easy on yourself. Your dog is SO lucky to have you as their person and their advocate. Whether you decide to do chemotherapy and/or supplements and/or just let them live their best life because vets give them severe anxiety, well, YOU are the one who knows your dog best and you're making the most loving decisions on their behalf. I think the most important thing is to let them know each day they are so incredibly loved and you are grateful for their unconditional love, companionship, and loyalty throughout the years.
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