Perianal lumps

Question
4 weeks ago, I had a perianal lump removed surgically from my 10 1/2 year old half pug, half chihuahua. I saw his health decline rapidly over the next 2 weeks, when he was then diagnosed with a grade 4 heart murmur, and was put on enalipril, which seems to be doing great with the murmur. However, I have now discovered another tumor at the spot the first one was removed. Does this mean he probably has cancer? Surgery is out for him because of his heart condition now, my vet will not perform it. If he has cancer, I would not put a dog his age thru chemo. Do you have any ideas on how I can help him stay healthy and vibrant? I am not ready to lose him.
Thank you

Answer
Hello Jody -

I apologize for my late response, I wanted to take some time to respond to your concern and not be interrupted with other issues that have come up. Please forgive me.

I agree with your veterinarian, I would not recommend surgery either. Keep an eye on the lump though, sometimes they can grow large and may obstruct the anal opening which can cause constipation.

Lumps or tumors can regrow after this surgery, this is common and your vet should have mentioned that to you after the first sugery. Especially is older and geriatric animals, this can become a common problem. Once a lump is removed, it will grow right back and yes, in the same place as the one that was originally removed. This DOES NOT necessarily mean that your pet has cancer.

Your vet will have to take a biopsy of the lump and have it tested for cancer cell growth. Only then will an accurate diagnosis be made. I would not say that your pet has cancer based on the fact that I do not know your pets past health history, symptoms, other life long conditions and past test results from the removal of the first lumps.

Do not think the worse - if you are seriously concerned have a biopsy done and take it from there. There are many natural remedies that can assist a pet with cancer. I even make a Pet Cancer Tonic that will boost immunity and will aid in decreasing cell tumor growth. If cancer is present, feel free to contact me again and I will be happy to assist you with some natural recommendations to aid your pet's health.

For the meantime, to boost immunity and help in overall good health. You may add a supplement of Garlic powder to your pets food. Garlic is an anti-microbial and will help fight and kill any bacteria or infection present in the system and will aid in retarding cancer cell growth (if necessary). Sprinkle it over your pets food. Dogs love Garlic and your pet should eat it up right away. The only draw back to adding Garlic powder to the food is flatulence, it may be a little stinky but the Garlic is doing its job by pushing any bacteria through the system. Garlic is safe and effective for daily, long term use and will not interfere with any medications like the Enalapril. Garlic is also excellent for circulation and will aid your pets heart condition.

In addition, be sure you are feeding your pet all natural food. I mean, all natural as in no preservatives, by-products, fillers or chemicals. Alot of prescription diets contain by-products and can actually harm your pet over time. I use a brand called Nutro and have saw a good change in my pet's diets and health. Nutro (and other brands) can be purchased at most local pet stores and will run the same cost if not a lot cheaper then most prescription foods. A good healthy diet is essential for older pet, especially those with heart conditions.

I hope this information has helped you and your pet.

If you would like information on natural and herbal remedies for human and animal concerns please contact me at wintersaurora@yahoo.com and I will be happy to assist you. I also offer a catalog of specially formulated herbal remedies which I can send to you as well. My products (like the Pet Cancer Tonic I mentioned above) are also available online at www.localharvest.org.

Thank you and best wishes to you and your pet. Please keep me posted on his condition and contact me anytime if you have further questions or concerns.

Sincerely,
Sharon Hubbs, AHG
Certified Natural Health Consultant & Herbalist