Hi Karen,

Welcome to the group. Your story actually happens more than you might
think and gives vets a worse name than they really deserve. I am very glad
you got a second opinion and are trying to treat the problem naturally.

I don't know if the rabies/distemper shot was the cause of the tumors, but
it certainly is not out of the question. Vaccinations cause many serious
side effects. Cats are also more sensitive to vaccines.

I am sure your vet mentioned feeding a high fiber, high quality diet. A
high fiber diet will help clean the colon and prevent rectal problems.





At 06:43 PM 5/30/2004 +0000, you wrote:
>Hi all!My name is Karen. First of all, I want to thank Darlene for
>allowing me to join :-) Being a list owner myself, I totally
>understand having to moderate subscriptions. It is a shame it has
>gotten that bad in the world, but better safe than sorry.
>Anyhoo, I have been on the hunt for lists such as this to help me
>better care for my critters. For the most part, they are healthy. I
>have 1 GSD(Abby) and 2 cats(Sneakers & Annie). They all have their
>unique and adorable(and not so adorable) qualities.
>About 6 weeks ago Abby had infected anal sacs. NEVER had that before.
>The vet, of course, gave her mega antibiotics and had her in for a
>few rechecks. Well, the first 2 visits, I had the son doing all the
>treatment/exams.....then, on the 3rd visit I got the dad and all of a
>sudden he says Abby might have a tumor. Then on the 4th visit she was
>diagnosed with 4 tumors in/around her rectum (1 inside, 3 outside).
>He showed me and they are there, but not big at all.
>Automatically, he said to set up a time to perform surgery to remove
>them and get her started on follow up treatments. It was going to be
>around $600 JUST for the surgery, biopsy and 2 days of treatment. We
>had already spent over $500 on treating her infected anal sacs!!!!!!!!
>So, he said the only alternative was hormone injections to
>*hopefully* at least slow down the tumor growths. He said we had 2
>weeks to make up our minds as he couldn't guarantee the cost or
>treatment plan after than cuz the tumors could change that fast.
>I was beside myself in tears. I just couldn't believe it. Later that
>day, I called the vet to request a written copy of his diagnosis and
>treatment plan, as I had a hard time retaining everything he told me
>and wanted something to refer to so I could research on my own. The
>receptionist said I could pick it up the next day. Then, that
>evening, the vet called me personally and said they don't give
>written reports, only oral reports. ???????? OK, so I had him repeat
>all he told me before and wrote down as much as I could. He seemed
>rather put out and annoyed. I have since switched vets. I found a
>holistic vet about 1 hr. away that came highly recommended by some
>friends that have dealt with him.
>I took her in about 2 weeks ago and said the tumors didn't look that
>bad....he had treated worse successfully. He sent homepathics and
>herbal cleanses for her immune system, lymphatic(?) system and her
>colon. Oh, and MSM lotion to rub on the area to help with inflamation.
>All seems to be working well.....she is spry and energenic again.
>My EX vet wanted me to keep her on antibiotics indefinately. I know
>that would impare her immune system even more. So, I'm thankful I
>have found a holistic vet to treat her naturally. Even if it doesn't
>cure her, it will give her a better quality of life for how ever long
>she lives. She will be 9 on June 17th.
>She had a bout with constipation this past week, but it only lasted a
>day and it was remedied with some mineral oil. She is pooping fine
>now. :-)
>One thing I am curious about.......a few weeks prior to her having
>the infection and tumors, she got her rabies/distemper shots. Could
>this have been a reaction to them? I've read horrible things about
>that sort of thing. I live in PA and we are only required to get
>rabies every 3 yrs. by law. All other shots are optional. But the vet
>and animal organizations put a lot of fear in you by saying there is
>an epidemic of rabies, distemper, heartworm, etc. My EX vet always
>tried to get me to get ALL the shots every year. He wasn't even the
>one to tell me rabies is the only shot required by law and that is
>only every 3 yrs. I had to find out that on my own!
>I know my cats didn't handle them well. Sneakers slept on our bed for
>a good 24 hrs. Annie hid under our trailer for the same amount of
>time and her pupils were HUGE. She acted terrified. She finally
>snapped out of it, but it scared me to death. Poor babies.
>The only shots I get are rabies and sometimes the distemper. I've
>never given them heartworm shots or pills. I have given them flea
>control stuff, but only for about 2 months out of the year.
>Sorry this is so long. Just trying to give as much background as
>possible so maybe the rest of you could offer some advice. I'm always
>open to hear things.....doesn't mean I'll agree, but I'll at least
>listen :-)
>Look forward to "meeting" you all!
>Karen
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>Yahoo! Groups Links
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Darleen E. Rudnick http://www.purelypets.com
Nutritional Pet Consultant, Purely Pets
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