The homeopathic treatment of cancer for animals

The cases below were chosen because the prescriptions were successful, and all had been to a specialist oncologist before coming to homeopathy.

I will outline three methods of cancer prescribing.

1.The Banerji protocol. Dr Banerji has had two articles published in the International Journal of Oncology, on breast cancer and brain cancer respectively. His clinic has treated over 30000 cases of malignant cancer using homeopathy. 21% completely regressed and 23% improved – a 44% 'success' rate. His protocol is freely available on line and explains the remedies to use depending on the type of cancer. This is immediately and easily transferable to veterinary medicine (a).
2. The Ramakrishnan method. Dr Ramakrishnan has also treated thousands of cancer cases with homeopathy. His instruction book is simple, totally applicable to veterinary medicine, and also recommends specific remedies for different types of cancer. He alternates on a weekly basis the chosen remedy with the remedy Carcinosin, which is made from a human breast tumour, and incorporates a method known as plussing (b).
3. Classical homeopathy. Finding the remedy that fits everything about the patient, including the symptoms, personality and history. Serious study is required to attempt this method.

Case one demonstrating the use of Ramakrishnan Method and periodic table analysis. Lymphoma remission in seven months

In February, 2010, Jessie, a ten year old collie, started licking her lips. Examination revealed an area on the right hand side buccal and gingival surface which was red, raised, hard and inflamed. A biopsy diagnosed epitheliotrophic T-cell lymphoma. Specialist oncology practice prescribed interferon therapy followed by chemotherapy, but neither had any curative effect. In desperation Jessie was brought to me, still on 6mg prednisolone every other day. The owner describes her very well: “Jessie is the mother and boss of the pack. She cleans everyone's ears and eyes. She never relaxes and wants to lie by the gate until the entire household of humans and dogs are at home. If anyone in the house is ill or upset she goes and sits by them, and will return repeatedly to check on them. She will fetch the owner if another dog is ill. Out of the house, if any dog is threatening, she will go for it. She will never run away.” 

The main themes in this case are strong responsibility and dominance, which suggest that a remedy from the Gold series is required (c) The excessive mothering suggests a chloride salt. Ramakrishnan finds the best remedy for mouth cancer is Aurum muriaticum (gold chloride) 200C. Jess took this three times daily, alternating weekly with Carcinosin 200C. 

I added Kali chlorosum (potassium chlorate) 200C to the prescription after five months because of an ulcer that developed on the left hand side of the mouth. There was no sign of the tumour after seven months. I continued the homeopathic regime for another 18 months. Jess now has no sign of the lymphoma and is a very well 14y/o. She takes Kali sulph (potassium sulphate) 200C once weekly to help her stiffness.

Case two demonstrating the use of the Banerji protocol. Squamous cell carcinoma remission in six weeks

In February 2012, Bedford, a twelve year old large cross-breed dog developed a mass on the left hand side of his head. He had been sneezing for some time and had mild epistaxis (nose bleeds).  Biopsy and radiography were performed. The maxillary sinus showed a loss of bony architecture and a soft tissue mass. The frontal sinus showed soft tissue density. The biopsy diagnosed squamous cell carcinoma. Tramadol and NSAIDs were prescribed and specialist referral arranged. The report confirmed a 5 cm diameter palpable mass. An MRI or CT scan was advised, with surgery as the best option and potentially palliative radiation. The owner could not afford any of this.

31-6-12: Bedford was brought to me. His story shows the importance of specific stresses in the development of serious disease. This has been known and utilised by homeopaths for 200 years, and is now becoming recognised conventionally. The owner tells the story: “Bedford was my 'first born' and became my world. Then, I had my first son two years ago, who takes my time and energy.  Bedford became very protective of him and goes and checks if he cries. He has become clingier with me. He is like Cary Grant, being strong, calm, stoic, cool, and collected. He doesn't need to be the alpha – he has a stag-like energy. He is regal, like a tame lion. If I cry, he howls and comes close. He is very sensitive to reprimand. If there are raised voices, he is next to me, protecting me.”

The themes in the case appeared to be responsibility and care, which are themes of the Gold series. I again prescribed Aurum muriaticum (gold chloride) 200C tid. As well as mouth tumours, this remedy is known to treat cancer of the nose.

10-7-12: Bedford has deteriorated badly and his tumour grown considerably, as can be seen in the picture. He could not close his eyes completely and was on eye ointment and pain killers. Home euthenasia was discussed.                                                                                                              

29-7-12. Bedford came to me again. I reassessed the prescription. The Gold series had seemed a good choice, but in fact there was no domination in the case. Bedford was a 'tame lion'. The tumour had caused bony destruction, and Banerji recommends the remedy Symphytum for cancer involving the bone. This is a plant from the borage family, and has a colloquial name 'knit-bone', having been used for centuries to help fracture healing. Jan Scholten taught me that the whole borage family can be used in homeopathy, when there is a sense of invasion of one’s space in the family, where one feels one’s role to be diminished and one needs to work hard to be noticed - 'forget-me-not'. Thus, Symphytum seemed an obvious choice and was given in the 200C potency three times daily. The effect was dramatic and immediate, with swift resolution of the tumour, as can be seen from the picture taken one month later. His local practice referred to him as the miracle dog. 

Over the next two years Bedford developed kennel cough signs, some arthritis, and had some seizures.

He was put to sleep due to a seizure at 14, nearly two years after the tumour first appeared.

Case three demonstrating classical homeopathy and the recently understood Lanthanide remedies. Lymphoma of stomach remission within three weeks

In September 2012, Dorothy, a ten year old bull terrier suffered weight loss and vomiting unresponsive to symptomatic treatment. The stools became foul smelling and undigested.

11-12: radiography suggested stomach abnormalities, so a referral was arranged to a specialist oncology and surgery practice. Endoscopy revealed an area of mucosal thickening in mid antrum which protruded into lumen even on full inflation. Biopsies were taken and an epitheliotropic small cell lymphoma was diagnosed. Chemotherapy was suggested to the owner, who preferred to try homeopathy first.

Dorothy was very confident in my surgery. The owner is a dog behaviourist and these are her words: “Dorothy works for me – she is so bright, clever, and intuitive. She can read other dogs and knows what level of authority to use. Being a matriarch, she is great with puppies that are spoiled monsters. She is a natural leader and is the benign top dog in my pack, although she never wanted the job. However, she took it on as none of the others were capable. She is an independent spirit, a free thinking individual. She is obedient if there is a good reason, but she is not a robot without an opinion. She knows her place at the top and has respect from all the dogs. She doesn't need acknowledgement – she knows and is confident in her position.”

Since Dorothy had become ill, she was losing weight despite great hunger. She drank frequently, restlessly paced about at night, and she was seeking more attention from the owner. I asked why she needed attention, and the owner replied: “She wants reassurance because she feels insecure about her health.”

The outstanding mental features were autonomy and confidence. The remedy required would probably be a mineral (d). Dorothy is an evolved character who requires control over her own life. She has no great wish to dominate others, but is inherently powerful. Issues of power and responsibility are features of the Gold series. There is a sub-set of this series known as the Lanthanides. The archetypal essence of these elements is autonomy. I chose Gadolinium, which is in stage 10 of the periodic table(e). 

I also took account of the behavioural changes. Restlessness at night, wanting to be held, and increased frequency of drinking indicate the remedy Arsenicum. I have used Arsenicum effectively in the past in feline intestinal cancer.

I prescribed Gadolinium arsenicosum M bid. Improvement began within days, and she now receives one dose weekly. She has been in full remission for thirteen months.

Conclusion

Homeopathy can be extremely useful in treating cancer. Currently in the UK, due to effective media campaigns, political manoeuvring, and continuous lobbying, homeopathy is 'understood' by vets to be ineffective. However, the vast majority have no knowledge of the subject beyond what they read in the papers. Veterinary funding for homeopathic research is suppressed. 

References  

(a) Homeopathy: Treatment of Cancer with the Banerji Protocols Prasanta Banerji and Pratip Banerji Prasanta Banerji Homeopathic Research Foundation
(b) A Homeopathic Approach to Cancer – Ramakrishnan
(c) Homeopathy and the Elements – Jan Scholten
(d) Insights into Veterinary Homeopathy - Peter Gregory
(e) The Secret Lanthanides - Jan Scholten

Photos: Geoff Johnson