Boston – Gastrointestinal, Cancer and Joint Support
Boston is a precious 2 ½ year old desexed male Staffordshire Bull Terrier presented with ongoing gastrointestinal issues (since a pup), weight loss, uncomfortable gait, joint pain, muscle wastage, aggression and depression.
X-Rays, blood tests, digestive tests, faecal cultures/analysis were inconclusive. His appetite was ravenous despite weight loss, vomiting and diarrhoea. He started becoming aggressive and the joint pain was becoming worse. Referral to a specialist was undertaken, Inflammatory Bowel Disease(IBD) was diagnosed and an ultrasound potentially identified a mass (tumour?) in his stomach. He started to develop petit mal seizures and had difficulty regulating his temperature. He was then referred to the Veterinary Specialist Group in Auckland. A brain tumour was diagnosed after an MRI and CAT Scan were undertaken.
As the photo depicts, he was underweight, his muscle mass and constitution were poor for a young dog.
He had already received numerous treatments consisting of antibiotics, steroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, prednisone, digestive enzymes, antacids, anti-nausea medication, worming and flea treatments. Nutraceuticals, including Vitamin C and joint support formulas.
Treatment Goals: To restore system balance, reduce gut inflammation, enhance detoxification, support his body and improve immune system status.
To enhance ambulation and reduce joint pain. To support behavioural problems, help the body cope with cancer and improve his vitality.
Integrative Treatment Plan:
A herbal tincture, containing herbs with anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, antianxiety, tonic, liver protective and gastrointestinal supportive actions was given. Along with stemcell enhancement therapy, vitamin, pre/probiotic, omega 3’s and pain supportive integrative treatments.
I suspect that Boston had been born with a brain tumour, this potentially could have metastasised. The important point to note in this very involved case is that in the inclusion of herbal tinctures and later on the Stem-cell treatment significantly improved Boston’s quality of life. The gastrointestinal symptoms had resolved (over the last 16 months), he gained weight, the aggression and the joint discomfort improved significantly. He was maintained on a combination of conventional and complementary care. The integration of the two treatment modalities gave Boston quality time with his family until the tumour symptoms deteriorated his quality of life. This was rapid and the decision to let him go peacefully was undertaken. In light of all the above, complementary care improved his quality of life significantly which was a heartening and moving experience for all concerned.