Natural Pet Care: Treating Cancer

Posted on 25-Aug-2006 at 21:02

I read an interesting article in the September 2006 issue of Body + Soul magazine this week, by Shawn Messonier, D.V.M.  Dr. Messonnier is the author of The Natural Vet's Guide to Preventing and Treating Cancer in Dogs and the author of the article.  I was caught a little off guard by his tone and comments, but also found his frankness to be refreshing at the same time.  Each of us often wants to believe that our doctor or veterinarian can work wonders and cure any ailment we bring before them, and it's especially easy to think this can happen with a pet.  After all, we've gotten their vaccinations and their annual exams and they are pretty low-maintenance (give or take, not counting shedding season).

If you are dealing with health issues, particularly cancer, in your canine, this article is worth a read.  Dr. Messonnier outlines an integrative plan that you should discuss with your own vet with a goal of remission.  His combination of dietary changes, supplements, and chemotherapy was encouraging without being overly optimistic about a disease that many people forget affects pets.  (You can learn more about this at his website, or pick up a copy of Body + Soul for the basics covered in the article.)