Dog with Tender, Warm and Enlarged Teat Is Having Difficulty Urinating

June 2, 2013

Hi Robin,

You said that a complete blood panel was done for your 13 year old, intact female Bichon Frise. Was it done after her heat cycle ended in April?

Swollen mammary glands could just be mastitis, but may indicate an underlying cancer or tumor.

A repeat of the blood sample now may show some differences. Also, a mammary mass would not cause a urine obstruction, unless it was a cancer that had metastasized to internal organs or bone.

Ongoing antibiotics are not the solution here. Especially since no urinalysis was even done on the last visit. If you are concerned about her internal organs, and slowness on rising and laying down, you might want to have an x-ray done of her lower back and abdomen. This would show if her abdomen had large masses or a metastasis had occurred to bone, or if she had arthritis.

Here is what I would suggest:

1. Repeat of the blood panel if none was done in May.

2. X-ray of lower back and spine. (specifically a lateral view)

3. Immune system supplements:

1. Missing Link Canine Formula
2. Immuplex from Standard Process
3. OrthoMolecular Specialties, Mega C Powder

4. Give her the homeopathic remedy called, Phytolacca 12C or 30C. One pellet dissolved in 2 OZ dropper bottle, Spring Water. She will need 1/2 dropperful by mouth 3-4 times daily.

5. You will need to stop the antibiotics.

6. NO Vaccinations. You may need to seek the help of a holistic veterinarian to write an exemption form.

7. Instead of the ‘sitz’ baths for her vulva/vaginal area, swab her with a cotton ball soaked in Apple Cider Vinegar, two times daily. In most cases, this will help with any yeast that might be in the skin fold areas.

7. Improve her diet. NO DRY DOG food. See our page on 10 Best Dog Food Options Toy breeds can be very picky.

Another resource for vets knowledgeable in homeopathy is AVH.org.

Please keep us posted by coming back to this page and clicking the ‘click here to add your own comments’ link below.

Take care,
Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

DISCLAIMER: The above should never replace the advice of your local veterinarian, as they have the ability to evaluate your dog in person.

I’m not sure how to write in again with another question- I’ve paid two more times and submitted my question both times and an error window comes up! I’ll put it here:
New Question:
We consulted with another Vet for a second opion. He recommended a needle biopsy- we received the confirmation today that she does have malignant mammary carcinoma. We plan to return to the Vet next week to discuss or plan. Because of her age (13 y/o) and size of tumor surgery probably isn’t an option. She still has a good appetite and can run accross the yard so we aren’t read to say good bye quite yet. Can you recommend anything that would help shrink the tumor? She doesn’t seem to be in pain- although the tumor is tender to the touch. I has increased in size in the last few days as well.

June 8, 2013

Hi Robin,

That is terrible news regarding the biopsy results of the mass as a malignant mammary carcinoma.

You wrote,
“Can you recommend anything that would help shrink the tumor?”

All of the suggestions in my initial response are to help shrink the tumor. I am not sure if you have had a chance to start them.

1. Boost her immune system.

1. Missing Link Canine Formula
2. Immuplex from Standard Process
3. OrthoMolecular Specialties, Mega C Powder

2. Give her the homeopathic remedy called, Phytolacca 12C or 30C. One pellet dissolved in 2 OZ dropper bottle, Spring Water. She will need 1/2 dropperful by mouth 3-4 times daily.

3. You will need to stop the antibiotics.

4. NO Vaccinations. You may need to seek the help of a holistic veterinarian to write an exemption form.

7. Improve her diet. NO DRY DOG food.

Also, sorry about the confusion regarding your second question. You accidentally double paid and your money has now been refunded.

I have also taken into account her other symptoms, and there are some other homeopathic remedies that come up besides the Phytolacca. But as this remedy is very specific for malignant breast tumors, I would like her to start this one first and see her response.

Please keep us posted by coming back to this page and clicking the ‘click here to add your own comments’ link below.

Take care,
Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

DISCLAIMER: The above should never replace the advice of your local veterinarian, as they have the ability to evaluate your dog in person.

Thank you so much for the information. She has been taking the drops for about 4 days now and they do seem to be helping. I just received the Immuplex in the mail today. Is the dose a whole capsule? She weighs 8lbs 7oz. When I receive the Vitamin C powder, what will that dose be? I have been applying Traumeel cream with a drop of Frankincense essential oil to her mammary mass a few times a day. It appears less red, she seems to like it- when I get the tubes out she rolls over like she ready for me to apply it!
Thank you so much for your help.
Robin

June 14, 2013

Hi Robin,

The dose for Immuplex would be 1/2 capsule opened and sprinkled into her food TWO times daily.

The dose for Mega C powder, would be 1/8 tsp in her food TWO times daily. You can increase the amount, but too high a dose may cause loose stool.

I am glad to hear that she seems to be responding to the Phytolacca homeopathic remedy.

Please keep us posted by coming back to this page and clicking the ‘click here to add your own comments’ link below.

Take care,
Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

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Related Pages:
– Canine Tumors (Dog Cancer)
– Dog Warts
– Ask a Vet Online Library – Canine Tumors/Dog Cancer Section

DISCLAIMER: The above should never replace the advice of your local veterinarian, as they have the ability to evaluate your dog in person.