Dr Clare Middle BVMS, Dip.Ac.,Dip.Hom.

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Introduction

This treatment has a higher rate of remission than sheep sorrel formula, especially if both are used together. With either herbal treatment, most animals will feel much brighter and better (sometimes better than they did even before they developed cancer).

In the case of mistletoe, about two-thirds of cases show remission or reduction in the tumour size or symptoms.

Another advantage is that results can be better and less expensive than chemotherapy, if the latter is not a highly recommended option for that case. In cases where chemotherapy has a good likelihood of success for remission, then mistletoe can be used as well to try and limit the use of the toxic chemotherapeutic drugs, as mistletoe is non-toxic and actually strengthens the immune system. Most chemotherapeutic drugs are the opposite; they can be toxic and weaken the immune system. Occasionally, total cure can be achieved with chemotherapy if the animal’s immune system can survive the immune suppressing effect of the drugs, so concurrent treatment with natural treatments are more likely to achieve a cure than with chemotherapy alone.

Likewise, sometimes “minimalistic” chemo combined with natural treatments can extend the animal’s life if the natural therapies are not achieving enough of a reduction in clinical signs by themselves.

Practicalities

Mistletoe injections have the disadvantage of needing to be given daily at first, so need to be given by the owner, and they can produce fever and sometimes local injection reactions. While the animal is having the fever, usually for 5 to 10 days, they may be lethargic, not eat well or have swellings at the injection sites. These are not side effects as with conventional drugs, rather it is a stimulation of the animal’s immune system which has rallied to destroy the cancer cells. Research has shown that fever for a few days significantly impairs the growth of cancer cells.

Other factors which reduce cancer cell growth are to reduce carbohydrate in the diet, so animals with cancer should have raw meat and offal, raw bones, vegetables and fruit with vitamin supplementation, but no rice, pasta or other cereal.(Cold pressed flax oil, kelp, cod liver oil, and vitamins C and E are the barest minimum supplements required).

After the fever stage, the injections are given less frequently until only one per month is given as maintainance. The initial frequent injection course can cost about $500 or more if other treatments are used concurrently eg other herbs, homoeopathics etc.

After 7 to 10 days, when the fever is over, it is generally noticeable that the tumour has regressed. If not totally, then other herbs, natural therapies or chemo can be considered to add to the effects of the mistletoe.

In general, mistletoe is a treatment better suited to a younger and stronger animal with cancer, as old or weak animals may find it hard to go through the fever stage. The sheep sorrel formula or other herbs prescribed for the individual animal would be better for the older or weaker patients.

© Clare Middle 2015