Lymphoma (or Lymphatic Cancer) is a cancer originating from a white cell called a lymphocyte that is found in lymphoid tissue. They are beginning to appear in horses following the increasing trend in dogs where this cancer is now prolific...
Although lymphoma is rare in horses, it is now one of the most common cancers of the horse and representing around 1.5-14% of all equine tumours (1).
In dogs this cancer appears to result from a chronic over feeding and an overload of chemicals in commercial dog food along with their complete deprivation of raw and rotting meat and bones so essential to their health.
Hand fed horses are increasingly subject to the same chemical overloads deriving from the pollution of feed by herbicides and pesticides. This, along with the fact that their digestive systems, which were meant to be full continually as they graze pasture most of the day, is now being exposed to concentrated commercial feed and supplements and otherwise left empty of roughage and live plant material.
This modern day distortion of normal feeding habits leave them unable to properly eliminate toxins accumulating in the blood and the lymphatic system and the end result of this can be a breakdown in the immunity within these systems and cancer.
Clinical signs of lymphoma
Signs of cancer in horses can be vague and hard to diagnose until the late stages.
- Weight loss along with loss of appetite
- Elevated heart rate and a high temperature
- Ventral oedema (fluid accumulation on the tummy and limbs)
- Recurrent colic and diarrhoea
McDowells Recommendations
An essential part of the program is the provision of green pick and healthy hay and the cessation of exotic prepared feeds and supplements to further facilitate detoxification.
McDowells products
My Lymphatic Cancer Support formulation contains the following herbal tonics; Bladderack, Elecampane, Wormwood, Dandelion, Fennugreek, Violet Leaves, Garlic, Yarrow, Equisetum, Buchu, Golden Seal and Thuja and is given diluted and mixed with Maritime Pine Extract, cold Rosehips Tea, Softened Fennugreek seeds and fresh Garlic extracted into Molassas.
The Cancer Support mix can be used in conjunction with other alternative medicines or with orthodox medical treatments including radio and chemo therapy, but we strongly encourage owners to honestly disclose these details to all stakeholders.
I expect positive results to show up in terms of reduced swelling and improved vitality within the first four to eight weeks of having your horse on this program and ask that you keep in touch with regular progress reports, once they are on the program.
Note: Maritime Pine Antioxidant given separately is an essential part of this treatment program.
References
