TCVM Research Update: Survival Outcomes of Dogs Treated with Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine
Posted by Dr. Luke on
Survival Outcomes of Dogs with Appendicular Osteosarcoma Treated with Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine: Retrospective Analysis of 7 Cases
Kaori Kanemitsu
Abstract
Canine appendicular osteosarcoma (OSA) is an aggressive, malignant bone tumor of the limbs with high metastatic potential. Even with surgery and chemotherapy, average survival is approximately 52 weeks (1 year) and with surgery only, survival shortens to 26 weeks (6 months). This retrospective case series reports the post-amputation survival outcomes of 8 dogs with appendicular OSA. Four dogs (4/8) were treated with a combination of conventional therapeutics (chemotherapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs/NSAIDS) and traditional Chinese veterinary medicine (TCVM). The TCVM therapy was composed of various combinations of acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, food therapy and Tui-na. Three dogs (3/8) were treated with post-surgical TCVM without conventional therapy. One dog (1/8) received postsurgical chemotherapy (1 round) and NSAIDS. Among the 7 dogs receiving TCVM treatments, the median survival time was 114.4 weeks (ranging from 36.0 to 346.1 weeks). Patients who received conventional treatment and TCVM had greater median survival time (120 weeks) compared to those receiving TCVM treatment only (53 weeks). There were 6 (85.7%) TCVM-treated dogs that survived more than 1 year and 4 (57.1%) that lived more than 2 years after amputation. Based on Wilcoxon signed rank test, the median survival time of TCVM-treated subjects was significantly longer than the expected average survival of 52 weeks/1 year (p = 0.023). The NSAID/chemotherapy (1 round) treated dog survived 11 weeks. The study, while with limited cases, concluded that TCVM treatments might be beneficial to prolong the survival time in OSA dogs after amputation. Randomized controlled trials are warranted to confirm these observations.
Keywords
Citation
Source: Am J Trad Chin Vet Med 2023; 18(2):25-35. DOI: 10.59565/001c.84480
The information mentioned in this article is for education and information only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease and do not replace medical advice. Advice on treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician or trained health care practitioner who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history.
This information and advice published or made available through this website are not intended to replace the services of a physician or a health care professional acting under a physician’s supervision, nor does it constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Each individual’s treatment and/or results may vary based upon the circumstances, the patients’ specific situation, as well as the health care provider’s medical judgment and only after further discussion of the patient’s specific situation, goals, risks, and benefits, and other relevant medical discussions.
Statements made by any person(s) in this article are not intended to substitute for this discussion or evaluation or as a guarantee as to outcomes. Examples of treatment outcomes in this article are not intended to convey and warranty, either express or implied, as to outcomes, promises, or benefits from treatment. Whether to accept any treatment by a patient should be assessed by the patient as to the risks and benefits of such procedures and only after consultation with a health care professional.
The use of this article constitutes acknowledgment and acceptance of these limitations and disclaimers. Further dissemination of this information in this site is prohibited without express written approval from newvita.