Dog with Oral Cancer

[Heritage Essential Oils]

Nicole asks: My 14 year old large mixed breed dog has been diagnosed with an oral cancer. Although it is non-metastatic it is growing and affects his jaw. Eventually it will affect his ability to eat. Surgery for this condition is invasive requiring that part of his jaw be cut out. Due to his age, arthritis, and anxiety issues, I fear this surgery would be too hard on him. Are there any oils you could recommend that might slow/stop the growth of this cancer? The vet admits that the surgery is rough and that due to his age and the (normally) slow nature of this disease that he might die of old age first. Thank you, Nicole

HEO's response:

Hi Nicole,

I'm sure sorry to hear about the diagnosis. For starters, this article by Robert Tisserand may be helpful: 

Frankincense Oil and Cancer in Perspective by Robert Tisserand

"So, if you are looking for a natural substance to help prevent or treat cancer, frankincense oil should not be your first choice. Look instead to turmeric/curcumin, to cannabis/cannabinoids, to garlic/garlic oil, and to frankincense extract, which is sold in capsule form. Following that, I would consider essential oils of cinnamon bark, lemongrass, citronella, turmeric, orange, lemon and bergamot. I have not discussed them all here but these have, in my opinion, a better shot than frankincense oil. Then again, different oils apply to different cancers, and I’m not addressing that here."

The following is from the Animal Desk Reference by Melissa Shelton DVM: "It is important for dogs not to be obese, but to also not become thin while on a regimen. With all supplements, it is important to start with a small amount and gradually increase the amount given as you determine what your individual dog can handle, or what they require."

Single Oil:
Balsam Fir
Copaiba
Frankincense
Grapefruit
Lemon
Orange
Palo Santo
Sandalwood
Tangerine

Blends:
Citrus Blessing
Endurance
Expect
Immunition
Liberate
Manger Gift
Serenity

Strength
White Shield

ORAL:
Frankincense
Endurance

Frankincense is commonly given orally in quite high doses for cancer. Usually, limits on the amount of Frankincense give are placed due to budget constraints and not due to giving "too much." Dogs have consumed extremely high amounts of Frankincense (60 or more drops per day) with no ill effects. Both oils have been given long term. Frankincense is generally given by capsule.

Bone Cancer:
Due to high limonene content, Orange, Lemon or Tangerine are commonly incorporated into many bone cancer regimens. They are given by capsule or petted in.

PETTING:
Apply any essential oil you desire up to twice a day or more.

ADMINISTERING OILS
Shelton writes: "There are exceptions to all rules, and when dealing with urgent or critical situations, I am not one to 'go lightly'. What one needs to remember is that you can give one diluted drop of an essential oil to your dog now, and then if tolerated well, you can give more - even if it is minutes later." (page 18) "Remember, just because you gave your dog a diluted form of a Raindrop Technique at noon today, there is no rule that says you can't repeat it at 5 PM, or repeat it with stronger oils."

"It depends on the dog as to if they will eat essential oils in/on their foods or not."

"Oils can be added to empty gel capsules and given to dogs by mouth. Smaller gel capsules can be found through health food or medical supply stores and pharmacies, and are helpful for use in cats and smaller dogs." (p.39)

"The buccal route refers to absorption of the essential oil throughout the mucous membranes of the cheek or lip area of an animal. Dogs can tolerate drops inside the cheek area fairly well." (p. 39)

"Direct application involves applying drops of oil directly to the skin or fur of an animal often in a 'drop' form. This included neat or diluted oils." (p. 41)

Petting method "involves applying essential oil (Shelton says neat or diluted, but we would suggest to always dilute at 1-3%) to your hands. Your hands are then rubbed together, and a varying amount of essential oil is allowed to remain on your palms. This may vary from completely absorbed (say for a rabbit) to an obviously light coating of oil spread out over your hands. Your hands are then used to pet the animal in question. This technique could also involved petting specific location - such as the knee of a dog." (p. 42)

Tipping the ears involves apply varying amounts of neat or diluted essential oils to your fingertips, and then stroking the animal's ear (Shelton says neat or diluted, but we would suggest to always dilute at 1-3%). "Although it has often been considered a superior location to apply oils due to increased ability for absorption, I do not believe this to be accurate. Many animals' ears are a bit sensitive to touch and to oil application, and as I have seen obvious responses to petting the body surfaces with oils, I have quickly found that I prefer the petting method - as do many of my patients." (p. 42)

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I hope this helps. There was nothing specific to oral cancer.

May all your efforts be blessed,

Linda