Augustine Approved

[BC Crazy]

I'm another who has found McDowell Herbal very helpful. I am currently several mixtures on my girl with positive results. They can also inform/help with diet if need be. Excellent service as well.

[Airedaler]

wow, this has gone south pretty fast.

@Airedaler, have you considered having a holistic vet have a look at you dog? I think they specialise in working on boosting immune systems? I have no experience in this though, nor am I a tree hugging chia muncher :D but it sounds like some alternate treatments might be in order or a least worth a shot.

Again, I wish all the best in this difficult time. If you decide to try the AA Super Boost and you don't like it I will buy the remaining off you without hesitation, or someone closer would grab it I am sure.

Other than 2 conventional vet opinions (albeit in the same practice) and Robert McDowell, I am now working with Dr Ann Neville who practices both conventional and Natural Therapies. She is the most caring and knowledgeable Vet I have come across in my 40 year association with dogs. She is totally lost over this problem and has explored many sources to find an answer. I have total confidence in her ability.

JulesP I had not thought about trying to find a group with similar issues, I will look into it. thanks for the suggestion.

The condition, on the surface, should be a relatively simple one to at least control. The problem is that in this case the treatments and options simply are not working and the condition is worsening. The diagnosis is: Multifocal to coalescing, multi nodular pyogranulomateos and panniculitis.

Thank you everyone for your input.

[Mrs Rusty Bucket]

Hi Airedaler

No idea what the diagnosis stated means.

Looks a lot worse than food allergies tho.

I have a friend who walks an Airedale - that has some serious problems with its pancreas. If they stick to the vet-recommended diet - he functions - but has the worst stinkiest sloppiest foul poos ever. If they go off the diet - he is worse. I suspect they're not very dedicated about sticking to the diet and he eats a lot of stuff he shouldn't - mostly found in his back yard.

There is some evidence that (eating) turmeric is good for preventing / reducing the chance of getting some cancers in humans. But I don't know what the active dose is and I really don't like it much. And not sure if it is any good for dogs. Not sure if there is any evidence for turmeric applied externally - helping remove lumps. There are "testimonials" but when I looked up the type of lumps being treated - they would have healed in the same time anyway (ie no better than no treatment).

My Grandmother had pancreatic cancer - and she changed her diet radically and lasted a lot longer than the standard life expectancy ie an amazing 10 years (didn't have time to die). So I think if the dog has a pancreas problem - the right diet (finding it) could help immensely. Ie don't give the pancreas any work to do.

[Sagittarian]

I imagine you will have tried this but thought it worth mentioning in case you haven't. One of our customers with a GSD with ongoing pancreas issues (to start) uses digestive enzymes with good results. It has allowed her to digest a bit more efficiently and settled the bowel.

Sags

:)

[VizslaMomma]

JulesP I had not thought about trying to find a group with similar issues, I will look into it. thanks for the suggestion.

The condition, on the surface, should be a relatively simple one to at least control. The problem is that in this case the treatments and options simply are not working and the condition is worsening. The diagnosis is: Multifocal to coalescing, multi nodular pyogranulomateos and panniculitis.

Thank you everyone for your input.

That's such a worry for you if no progress is happening.

How old is the Airedale and what sex?

Edited May 24, 2014 by VizslaMomma

[JulesP]

Have you tried vitamin E?

[cavNrott]

deleted because my post content was not relative to the issue.

Edited May 25, 2014 by cavNrott

[Mrs Rusty Bucket]

Oops sorry to confuse the issue with an Airedale and pancreas problems.

Multifocal to coalescing, multi nodular pyogranulomateos and panniculitis

seems to be a skin lump problem.

For which AA suggests a topical application of turmeric and coconut something and something - wrapped up so that the dog can't eat it too quickly

There is something on their website and youtube about it. To me it sounds like a topical application of a curry mix (no chilli) so is pretty much edible for humans. Not sure about dogs.

And like I said before - the stuff I looked up - the lumps would have gone away naturally but if you're on to the third opinion and anything is worth a shot...

But if you do decide to try it... can you do us all a favour and take before photos, and keep a diary of how many treatments you do (and what they are - doses etc) and whether or not much gets eaten, and if you do any diet change as well ie as complete as you can, and then post us a weekly update.

If it's as good as AA says - all the lumps will be gone inside a month or so. But I suspect for this problem - that might not happen. Would love to see not just the positive testimonials but the "did nothing noticeable" testimonials, and the "it got worse" testimonials. Because that would be the basis of a proper study. And if there were a lot more positive than others then it might be better than placebo...

[Airedaler]

Mrs Rusty bucker is correct this issue has nothing to do with the pancreas.

Granulomas are an inflammation found in many diseases. It is a collection of immune cells known as macrophages. Granulomas form when the immune system attempts to wall off substances that it perceives as foreign but is unable to eliminate. Such substances include infectious organisms such as bacteria and fungi.

It appears that these are usually from one of two causes, a. infection which is treated with antibiotics or b. can be autoimmune induced which is treated with immune suppressants/cortisone.

Pathology has been inconsistent in this case saying that the cause is probably not infection but may well be! and while they have not ruled out auto immune induced they have not confirmed it either. However, treatment for both forms have been tried as has a change in diet to a more anti inflammatory diet but the condition is getting worse. There have been 3 lumps removed and in each case new ones have come up near those locations in a short time.

One thing that has been definitely confirmed is that they are NOT cancerous. It is now 9 months since this started and it was more contained in the earlier months. Some of the lumps come up and erupt leaving an open area others are unbroken but seem to grow larger. Most are about 3/4 of an inch in diameter the largest being about 2x1"

She has been prodded and poked and needled and scraped and put under GA's to remove lumps and had innumerable tests, all without one complaint from her, and nothing has thrown any light on the problem. I am very reluctant to continue putting her through this saga as she is so miserable most of the time. Vets with 40 years+ experience have not seen anything like it.

She has also been treated with acupuncture and Chinese herbs to no avail. She is almost 9

[JulesP]

Vit E seemed to be the main thing to try with panniculitis, which is why I asked if you had tried that.

[Airedaler]

Vit E seemed to be the main thing to try with panniculitis, which is why I asked if you had tried that.

Sorry Jules, I forgot to answer you on that. No, I have not tried Vit E but will do so. I have some Vit E cream but will get some oil into her diet. Certainly worth a try.

[Yonjuro]

Had a visit to the vets yesterday for a check up with Ronin. The vet who treats quite a few huskies asked me what I feed him as his coat, eyes, teeth and weight were all amazing in his eyes. He said that he might look at recommending the AA and Calendula Tea to some of the dogs he knows with problem itching.

Again, I can't qualify exactly what it is that has seen Ronin's condition so vibrant, but AA Superboost has been a regular part of his diet for 3-4 months now. He also gets half a probiotic capsule for 14 days, then none for 7 days then 14 again.

He gets no junk food or treats that contain suspect ingredients flavours or preservatives. He only gets the occasional Calendula Tea rinse and no shampoo. (Huskies are not a stinky breed though)

This probably won't address Airedalers dogs particular problems but is just my general comment and findings on the AA Superboost product.

[Trisven13]

Anyone who has had children with food intolerances or has looked into food intolerances with their children wouldn't be remotely surprised that some weird hippy shi!t works with dogs too.

Lets face it - if your dog isn't doing well and you've tried a few things how on earth could it hurt to try something else? Sure you might add it to the pile of "crap that didn't work" but better to try it and fail than to wonder if it may have made the difference.

[Airedaler]

Anyone who has had children with food intolerances or has looked into food intolerances with their children wouldn't be remotely surprised that some weird hippy shi!t works with dogs too.

Lets face it - if your dog isn't doing well and you've tried a few things how on earth could it hurt to try something else? Sure you might add it to the pile of "crap that didn't work" but better to try it and fail than to wonder if it may have made the difference.

Absolutely agree with this.

[OSoSwift]

Exactly!

[JulesP]

Anyone who has had children with food intolerances or has looked into food intolerances with their children wouldn't be remotely surprised that some weird hippy shi!t works with dogs too.

Lets face it - if your dog isn't doing well and you've tried a few things how on earth could it hurt to try something else? Sure you might add it to the pile of "crap that didn't work" but better to try it and fail than to wonder if it may have made the difference.

Weird hippy shit can make these things worse too. Speaking from experience of someone that has food allergies. For instance 2 of the ingredients in this formula have caused major issues for me (chia & maca). Maybe that is why I am quite careful now. Vitamins, herbs, minerals can cause harm.

ETA: have had nasty issues with flaxseed too!

Edited May 25, 2014 by JulesP

[Trisven13]

Anyone who has had children with food intolerances or has looked into food intolerances with their children wouldn't be remotely surprised that some weird hippy shi!t works with dogs too.

Lets face it - if your dog isn't doing well and you've tried a few things how on earth could it hurt to try something else? Sure you might add it to the pile of "crap that didn't work" but better to try it and fail than to wonder if it may have made the difference.

Weird hippy shit can make these things worse too. Speaking from experience of someone that has food allergies. For instance 2 of the ingredients in this formula have caused major issues for me (chia & maca). Maybe that is why I am quite careful now. Vitamins, herbs, minerals can cause harm.

ETA: have had nasty issues with flaxseed too!

Yep so obviously trying this particular stuff would be stupid for you personally BUT that doesn't mean that for someone else it won't be very helpful. Same goes for dogs IMO. What helps some will hurt others but if you're at the point where you've tried loads of things without success then I, personally, would try this.

My son has developmental motor dyspraxia - the thing that helped him the most was, when we first went, the most hippy dippy thing I couldn't imagine it could ever help YET within hours there was a marked improvement and within days a huge difference. Due to that personal experience I'm a big fan of trying anything that to the best of your knowledge poses no risk.

[Red Fox]

I've just started using it. One week today. Vulcan has a number of food and environmental allergies. He gets frantically itchy to the point of bleeding when he is at his worst. He was particularly bad a month or so ago, I posted on here about it. AA recommend blending together zucchini, beetroot, carrot, lentils and coconut oil. This veggie purée is combined with the super boost powder and meat of your choice. They do say you could omit the meat and feed the veggie purée and superboost as a vegan diet if your dog has problems with all meat proteins. I understand they sell this prepared at a market but for people who want to try it but can't get to the market their website provides instructions on how to prepare the mix.

Genuine question:

Can someone please explain where the calcium is in this diet given that there is no bone content?

Does the Superboost powder contain calcium (similar to VAN), therefore forming a complete and balanced diet once mixed with the meat and pureed veggies or am I missing something?

[Mrs Rusty Bucket]

where the calcium is in this diet given that there is no bone content

There is some calcium in lentils and in meat products and some other vegies.

I don't feed my dog bones on a regular basis. They get stuck and cause problems - because she doesn't chew them properly.

But she got a boiled egg this morning in its shell - and she ate some of that - though it usually goes straight through unchanged, there is some calcium in that. Most of my dog's calcium comes from dairy (yogurt). Same as me - I don't eat bones either.

[OSoSwift]

You can have adverse reactions to anything, natural, man made and in between! Best is to try and see, if you have an adverse reaction don't try that again, if not give it a go it might just help.