Cachexia

Cancer Cachexia: Often referred to as the silent killer as significant changes in carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolisms occur before the clinical signs are detected. Unfortunately, even with adequate nutritional intake, cancer cachexia will result in weight loss, anorexia, fatigue, impaired immune system and a generally poorer response to traditional or non-traditional treatment protocols.

The time to combat cachexia is early and prior to any of the clinical signs. Upon diagnosis, nutritional support becomes a key component in the battle against cancer.

CARBOHYDRATES: Why are simple carbohydrates bad? It has been shown that a diet high in simple carbohydrates contributes to higher levels of lactate and insulin levels. The dog then has to exert extra energy to convert the lactate to glucose. This contributes to an energy gain to the tumor and a loss to the dog. In layman’s terms, simple carbohydrates feed the cancer. Unfortunately, most commercial kibble is high in simple carbohydrates.

FATS: Why are polyunsaturated fatty acids (n3/omega 3) good? Fatty acids do not feed the tumor, yet can still provide energy to the dog. Omega 3s have shown to normalize the elevated blood lactic acid and insulin levels. Omega 3s can have anti-inflammation benefits as well as can support the kidney and the heart. However, it is a fat and must be introduced slowly and some dogs do gain weight. As amputation is a common course of treatment, one must balance the extra weight with the new challenges of being an amputee.

Omega 6s are generally thought to feed the cancer and therefore should be limited. Many believe it is not so much that Omega 6s are bad, but the ratio of Omega 3s to Omega 6s.

PROTEINS: Tumors tend to utilize the body’s protein. It has shown that quality protein and amino acids as part of a cancer diet help support the changes that occur. Since OSA patients also tend to be amputees, the extra muscle changes and build up also need additional quality protein.

FIBER: Daily soluble and insoluble fiber has shown to maintain healthy bowel functionality. Also, both act as stool stabilizers. Pumpkin and Metamucil are commonly used.

WATER: Access to fresh clean water is very important. However, just as important is the quality of the water. It is recommended to test your water source as well as the quality of your pipes. Bottled or filtered water may provide an excellent alternative over tap.

References:

Dr. Gregory Ogilvie: Nutrition and Cancer

Whole Dog Journal: Nov 2003 -Feed the dog, starve the Cancer

B-Naturals: Nutrition for dogs with Cancer

B-Naturals: Diet for dogs with Cancer

B-Naturals: Essential Fatty Acids

Excellent resource for quality dog foods www.dogaware.com

California Veterinary Specialist Homemade version of a Cancer Diet

Prescription Hill’s n/d Based on the 10 year study with Colorado State University and the Morris Foundation Hillspet.com

Innova EVO Low carb, high fat kibble naturapet.com