Fine Line

I took Jet off his low dose Prednisone (21/2mg) twice a day.  He has been off of it for about 2 weeks.  Now he is having difficulty getting up in the middle of the night.  I put him back on a low dose again.  I have learned a wealth of information about medicating my dogs from veterinarian friends.  Jet will probably remain on low dose Pred the rest of his life.  I'm sure it has something to do with his Adrenal mass.  Jet has almost died twice; once in 2013 after his initial diagnosis of an Adrenal mass and again, after moving to Sequim.  After his near death experience here, it was suggested that I look into Chinese Herbal medicines for him.  Honestly, I think they have him on the road to his 15th birthday :0)

Jet working sheep in California

I have been asked about what Chinese herbals Jet is taking.  Here you go.  They require a Vet Rx.

Jet is taking Jing Tang's Wei Qi Booster
Clinical Research on Wei Qi Booster

Si Jun Zi Tang is a classical herbal formula and much scientific research has been done on its effects in humans. For example, one study looked at the effects of this formula in gastric carcinoma patients post-surgery.1 Si Jun Zi Tang was administered for nine days, together with enteral nutrition via nasogastric tube. In comparison to patients that received only the enteral nutrition, patients who received Si Jun Zi Tang had increased blood albumin and transferrin levels, with increased numbers of certain T-cell subsets. This showed that Si Jun Zi Tang enhanced both the immune system and nutritional status in these cancer patients. A similar study on patients with malignant gastrointestinal tumors found that administration of Si Jun Zi Tang post-surgically led to increased levels of antibodies (IgA, IgM and IgG), total lymphocytes and interleukin-2 compared to control group patients.2 These researchers concluded that early administration of Si Jun Zi Tang in the post-surgical period reduces post-operative stress and inflammation, and enhances immune function. Another research group studied the effects of Si Jun Zi Tang in a mouse model of aging.3 Mice treated for six weeks with Si Jun Zi Tang had decreased levels of malondialdehyde (a marker of oxidative stress) and increased heart and brain telomerase activity in comparison to mice treated with distilled water only. The researchers therefore concluded that Si Jun Zi Tang antagonizes damage caused by free radicals. 

 Pharmaceutical Evidence for the Effects of Herbs in Wei Qi Booster

Many of the herbs in Wei Qi Booster have been scientifically proven to have anti-inflammatory and anti-neoplastic effects. Dan Shen (Codonopsis) and Dang Gui (Angelica) have been used together to successfully protect mice in experimentally-induced sepsis, through inhibition of a novel cytokine.4 AnotherstudyfoundthatDanShen(Codonopsis)canreduceairwayinflammationinaratmodelofasthma(shownbydecreasedwhite blood cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and decreased interleukin-13 in lung tissue), and synergizes with conventional steroid treatment.5 Together, the combination of Huang Qi (Astragalus) and Dang Gui (Angelica) has been shown to stimulate erythopoetin production in cultured kidney cells, which will therefore benefit anemia.6 These two herbs have also been demonstrated to be effective in treatment of diabetes mellitus, and exert a protective effect against development of diabetic neuropathy in a mouse model.7 Seven compounds with anti-neoplastic activity have been isolated from Ban Zhi Lian (Scutellaria). These compounds have been shown to be cytotoxic to nine human cancer cell lines in laboratory studies,8 and many other studies confirm that this herb induces apoptosis in a variety of types of neoplasia. The anti-neoplastic effects of Bai Hua She She Cao (Oldenlandia) have also been scientifically documented, as this herb has been shown to induce apoptosis in human cancer cell lines.9 Bai Hua She She Cao (Oldenlandia) also has anti-inflammatory effects in models of inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide,10 and in a mouse model of arthritis this herb had anti-inflammatory effects comparable to ibuprofen, but without the side effect of gastric lesions.11 

Jet is also taking Jing tang's Max's Formula
Clinical Research on Max's Formula

Two herbs in Max's Formula, Tian Hua Fan (Trichosanthes) and Xia Ku Cao (Prunella) were used in a three-herb formula to treat a group of human patients with osteoarthritis of the knee, causing pain and decreased mobility.3 After four weeks of treatment there was a significant improvement in the patients' conditions, demonstrated by results of clinical examination and patients' reports, and there were no adverse effects. This is very relevant to the prevention and treatment of cancer, as inflammation has been described as, 'A critical component of tumor progression,'4 and cancer also causes inflammation. Animal studies have shown that Xiao Ku Cao also has a direct effect on cancer. For example, one study proved several beneficial effects in melanoma cases. In this study, Xiao Ku Cao inhibited matrix metalloproteinase enzymes to inhibit tumor growth and stop metastasis of tumor cells to the lungs.5

Pharmaceutical Evidence for Effects of Herbs in Max's Formula
Emodin, a compound isolated from Da Huang (Rheum) has been shown to both prevent proliferation and induce death of neoplastic cells. For example, a study on human hepatocellular carcinoma (a type of liver cancer associated with a poor prognosis and high mortality rate) found that emodin arrested cell multiplication through a variety of effects.6 In another study, emodin from Da Huang was shown to induce apoptosis and also prevent spread of cancer.7 Jie Geng (Platycodon) has anti-cancer effects, inducing apoptosis of human ovarian cancer cells.8 Xia Ku Cao (Prunella) also has anti-cancer effects. Xia Ku Cao has anti-estrogenic activity, reducing proliferation of hormone-responsive neoplastic cells, such as mammary cancer cells.9 Extract of Angelica dahurica (Bai Zhi) has proven anti-inflammatory effects, through a variety of mechanisms.10 

Now Champ just had a slate of labs done for a post 6 month lepto follow up.  Only 2 labs that were mildy elevated were his ALT and GGT.  Alk phos was within normal limits.  My Vet didn't think much about it, and I might not have IF there hadn't been "two" liver enzymes mildly elevated.  So I learned all about Denamarin, a Milk Thistle supplement.  I now have him on it once a day for a month and then will recheck his liver enzymes.

Champ

A little about Denamarin below: (May buy withOUT a Veterinarian Rx)

When liver function is compromised, the exact cause can often be difficult to determine. Supporting the liver, regardless of the cause, is essential to keep it working properly. Administering SAMe (S-Adenosylmethionine), which is found in Denamarin, has been shown to markedly increase liver levels of glutathione, an important compound for liver health formed when SAMe is metabolized. The SAMe in Denamarin has also been shown to help protect liver cells from cell death and may help cell repair and regeneration. Denamarin also helps support your dog's liver through the administration of silybin. Silybin is an active part of an extract from milk thistle, known as silymarin, and has been shown to support liver function by helping maintain a healthy oxidative balance.

While best known for supporting the liver in dogs, Denamarin also has a place in supporting brain health. Research is looking into dog aging and associated decreases in levels of S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) in cerebrospinal fluid, which surrounds the brain. Denamarin provides SAMe in a stabilized form to help with brain health and act as a neuroprotector.

Key Benefits

• Increases glutathione, an important compound for liver health
• Help protect liver cells from cell death
• Help to repair and regenerate cells

Thank goodness, Yoko, Kilt, and Trouble take NO Rx meds (yet).  Or I wouldn't have a cent to my name. :0) 

       Happy Birthday to me and my buddy, Yoko. January 19th I turn 65 and Yoko turns 7.

                                        I love that we have the same birthday.