Casey is our chocolate lab/Irish setter mix. In June we noticed a lump on Casey's right front paw. Biopsy showed it to be a spindle cell tumor.
I took him to a canine oncology center in Tampa, who recommended radiation therapy to shrink the tumor and then possible surgery. The side effects of the radiation would require leaving him in the clinic for days at a time for treatment. They could give me no guarantee this would cure the cancer or even extend his life. Their prognosis was that without treatment he would probably have to have an amputation within 3 to 6 months.
Our family vet recommended, and we agreed with him, that watching and waiting was a better option. We didn't want to put him through all that treatment. If his days were numbered, we wanted them to be quality days with us and his brother Jake the Golden Retriever, and Sammy, Socks and Kiwi, his cat brother and sisters.
I then investigated herbal support and this is how I found the McDowell's website. Your recommendation was to begin supplementation with Spindle Cell Support Formula and Maritime Pine Bark anti-oxidant support. I also have added Echinacea capsules to boost immunity.
Casey has been on these supplements ever since, except for a 2 months period when I had stopped them. I wasn't really sure if the supplementation was making a difference...I soon noticed that Casey started licking the foot a lot, as if it was irritating, itching or painful. It also seemed to be growing at a faster rate.
I then realized the supplements must have been helping, and immediately ordered another batch! Within the first week of being back on them, he left the foot completely alone. I can say with absolute certainty these supplements have decreased the irritation (or itching or pain); they have slowed the growth rate of the tumor; and have dramatically increased the quality of his life.
He feels better. He is happier, he plays more, he rolls around and he runs and plays with his brother.
We believe we have been given a gift of quality years with our beloved Casey.
