Nasal Cancer Gets My Dog Ben

I am sad to write that I finally had to put my beloved Blue Heeler, Ben, to sleep on Sunday morning October 26. That was about 90 days from the first start of symptoms of nasal cancer (started snorting as though he had a human cold, then mucous discharge with blood about 5 days later). This coincidentally is the median life span of dogs with nasal cancer that don’t get traditional cancer treatment (surgery, radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy).

I unintentionally wasted the first 5 weeks with a local vet who believed he had a fungal infection (Aspergillus), virus, bacterial infection or just an inflammation. He almost killed Ben in the first week with a bad cocktail of anesthetic. Subsequent anaesthetic by another vet and the MRI clinic had no problems with his quick recovery from it afterwards.

This first vet said they needed a rhinoscope to investigate but incorrectly claimed that no one probably had one in Adelaide, South Australia. At the fifth week I decided to do a Google search and found about 4 vets in Adelaide that promoted the use of a rhinoscope.

I then referred Ben’s case to the good doctors at the Adelaide Animal Hospital and within 3 days of the procedure (4 biopsies in Bens turbinate bone area) discovered that he didn’t have fungus, a virus or bacteria but Transitional Cell Carcinoma.

After his MRI on September 19 which showed tumour growth in the left nasal cavity and sinus area, I found out about the Budwig Protocol. I started adding Flax Oil/ Cottage Cheese mix to his food but Ben usually refused to eat it. I did get him to eat various tablets & capsules like antioxidants, Vitamin C, Vitamin B, and Fish Oil by throwing them into his food bowl when he did eat. The trouble with nasal cancer is that it destroys the nasal structures for smelling food. So a dog will quite often refuse to eat simply because he can’t smell anything until he is very hungry.

So treat your dog with supplements and the Budwig Protocol immediately on first signs of symptoms. Don’t wait or delay. This point is crucial as nasal cancer is aggressive, painful and very fatal if left untreated for some time initially.

Two weeks before passing Ben refused to eat 4 days in a row. Then he had about a cup of cooked chicken mince and veggies on the weekend. Then he refused to eat in his final week (6-7 days in a row). Except for me squirting an oral syringe (10ml) of FOCC two times into his mouth twice daily. That was his only nourishment then besides drinking water.

My advice and tip to anyone who owns a dog who starts snorting and has a bloody mucous nasal discharge is this: Assume the worst…..it could most likely be nasal cancer and not fungus or a grass seed as some vets foolishly assume without proper investigation. Get a scan or MRI and biopsy done IMMEDIATELY! I believe a rhinoscope isn’t necessary for this. Start the Budwig protocol and add supplements like Vitamins B, C, antioxidants and fish oil. It really does improve their health and quality of life even if you are too late to reduce and stop the cancer. It’s a damn nasty disease.

Peace and love to all.