In Loving Memory Of Legend

In loving memory of Legend, our beloved husky who touched the hearts of everyone who knew him. Legend was a true survivor, rescued from Tijuana and against all odds, lived a full and happy life in spite of his severe hip dysplasia, epilepsy and liver cancer diagnoses in Sept 2021.

Over the years, Legend proved to be a true legend indeed. He had a larger-than-life personality and was a friend to all. Legend was always up for an adventure, whether it was a hike in the woods or chasing squirrels at Dana Point Harbor. He was a faithful companion, a loyal friend, and a constant source of joy and comfort.

As Legend grew older, his spirit never dimmed. Even as his health declined, he remained brave and determined. He fought through his challenges with grace and dignity.

Legend may no longer be with us in physical form, but his spirit will always live on. We will never forget the joy he brought into our lives and the memories we shared with him. Rest in peace, dear Legend, and know that you will always be loved and remembered.

Do You Know The Warning Signs?

Do you know the warning signs of cancer? As a general rule, if your pet is acting differently or just a little bit off, especially if you have an older pet, it may not just be “old age”. If caught early, your options to treat your pet’s cancer are better. This is due to a variety of reasons. Surgical removal is usually much more successful before the cancer has metastasized. Pets often respond better to treatments when they are in a stronger, earlier stage. That’s why it is so important to watch for the signs.

One of the most common (and easiest to notice) signs are lumps and bumps. While most are not cancerous, it is always a good idea to check with your vet. Other warning signs of cancer may include:

• Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow
• Sores that do not heal
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Bleeding or discharge from any body opening
• Difficulty breathing, urinating or defecating
• Persistent lameness or stiffness
• Hesitance to exercise or loss of stamina
• Difficulty eating or swallowing

If your dog is diagnosed with cancer, our OncoPet is a great all-purpose cancer vitamin that is well tolerated.

Important Test To Diagnosis Cancer

While we all wish cancer could be diagnosed with a simple test, it just doesn’t work that way. Most cancers aren’t easy to find until they are in a more advanced stage, which can make them harder to treat. That is why it is so important to watch for any signs and contact your vet if you see anything as the earlier cancer is found, the more options you have available.

How is cancer found then? Cancer can occur anywhere on your pet’s body such as the blood, skin, organs and intestines. Pets can have a wide range of symptoms depending upon the location. Blood and urine tests are just the first step and while they may provide clues, there usually isn’t a definitive diagnosis until an exam and other studies are performed. Other studies might include an X-RAY, CT Scan, biopsy and ultrasound.

When pets have cancer, time is of the essence. If you have a senior pet, twice-a-year exams and lab tests can help with early detection. Young pets can get cancer too so if you notice anything unusual, try to contact your veterinarian as soon as you can.

New Cancer Detection Innovations

Are you worried about your dog getting cancer? Of course you are. Do you have an older dog or a breed that has a higher incidence of cancer?

Routine lab tests often don’t detect cancer. In fact, pets can have perfect lab testing and still be dying of cancer because a tumor is growing inside of them. PetDx has developed OncoK9 which is a state-of-the-art early detection blood test that can detect 30 different types of cancer, including the 8 most common types of canine cancer such as lymphoma and mast cell tumors.

How does this test differ from a simple blood test? It uses technology that detects DNA from circulating cancer cells. When pets have a tumor, they emit circulating tumor cells that are currently not detected on a regular blood test.

While we were skeptical at first, we decided to do this test for Legend. He had liver cancer last year and we didn’t want to have to shave his tummy and do another ultrasound which can involve anesthesia. Apparently the OncoK9 test can be especially accurate if the pet has a history of cancer because the cells it detects only occur if there is a tumor present. We were ecstatic when Legend’s test came back negative.

At Ask Ariel we know how important it is to proactively manage your pet’s health care. As many of us have experienced, cancer usually isn’t detected until the pet’s cancer is at an advanced stage. Please talk to your vet about this test. As scary as it is to wait for the results, early detection can save lives.

What Helped Murray?

In 2021, our sweet Murray was suddenly diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma and he had a tumor the size of a honey-dew melon in his abdomen! At age 12, we were told he might not be a candidate for surgery so we were mentally devastated. With an amazing medical team, the tumor (an entire lobe of his liver) and his gallbladder were successfully removed, and Murray is about to have his 13th birthday! In his recovery process, it was hard to determine the root cause of cancer, but tests identified that he has acute Pancreatitis and with his gallbladder also removed, we had to make significant adjustments to his diet! As I was researching his condition, I stumbled into the Ask Ariel website and felt like I found a miracle! Today Murray gets a blend of the K-9 Pancreatitis and Liver Kit as well as Gastro ULC. Overnight, his stool changed dramatically, and he has had more energy than he’d had in the past 2 years! I am so grateful for Ask Ariel’s products and also for the incredible team who always offers thoughtful feedback and support for Murray!! Thank you Ask Ariel!! 

Wendi, CA 

The Importance Of Lab Testing- Legend's Scare

When you have an older pet, every day is truly a gift. We had a little scare with Legend but everything is ok. Older pets should get laboratory testing more frequently even if your pet feels fine. The lab testing and exams provide a baseline so that health issues can be caught early AND so that you can know if something new needs investigating. Since Legend is 13 1/2 we bring him monthly to Dr. Gordon Arch Beach Veterinary Clinic. Legend needs to have a small growth removed next week so we repeated bloodwork. His blood work had been done 3 months before and several new issues cropped up. One was really scary: elevated calcium. Elevated calcium can be related to health issues like kidney disease but most often is a marker of cancer, specifically lymphoma and sometimes anal gland cancer. We are so thankful to Dr. Gordon, as he had a packed schedule the next day, but he squeezed us in for a second more accurate test called ionized calcium which had Legend’s value in the normal range (high end). All I can say is PHEW! I was so glad we had done the lab test 3 months prior as it gave us a baseline. We were able to eliminate other issues quickly because of the other tests and exams. If there had been cancer, we would have been in a much better position to find it quickly as early diagnoses can provide the best prognosis. Thank you all so much for your support. We want to urge you to please get your pets their laboratory testing more frequently. The tests are expensive but they can provide a myriad of information and give you more time with your pet.

For more information and pet health conditions visit askariel.com

Help For Dog Brain Tumors

 

Has your older dog started to have seizures, tilting his head or walking in circles? These are some of the most common symptoms of brain tumors in dogs over 5 years of age. The growth of a brain tumor can create pressure on healthy brain tissue and cause inflammation and other neurological signs. Difficulty walking, loss of balance and decreased awareness are other signs of brain cancer. If you notice any of these signs, please contact your veterinarian right away. They are not just signs of aging.

Happy Paws and Curcumin Complex are natural anti-inflammatory supplements that can help reduce discomfort. Dog Brain Booster is the premier brain health supplement for dogs. It contains phosphatidylserine and Acetyl-L-carnitine to support brain function and muscle movement. Click Here to learn more about dog brain tumors and natural treatment options. 

Melanoma on Dog's Eye

Melanoma Warning---Dogs can get melanoma in very subtle places such as the eye lid, corners of the eye, on paw digits or even in the eye. Catching the melanoma early can (just like with people) prevent the cancer from metastasizing. Above is a picture of Legend, a 4 year old Siberian Husky who developed a melanoma cancerous growth in the corner of his eye.  This was a very unusual place for cancer to grow but it did.  Fortunately, we caught it very early before it had become malignant melanoma which can spread to the mouth.

 If any small growths are found anywhere on your dog or cat, don't assume they are "aging" warts---get them biopsied immediately. What is important to note is that a TINY growth such as melanoma can metastasize from the skin to the entire body quickly. Please watch for all skin growths on yourself and your pets!

If your dog has been diagnosed with cancer or melanoma, there is a lot you can do from a holistic standpoint.  To learn more about symptoms of cancer in dogs, melanoma and holistic treatments, please visit our Cancer Page

Immune Harmony: Supplement to help your cat or dog LIVING with cancer

"Happy New Year! Thank you for keeping our Labrador Stanley well. He just celebrated his 9th Birthday! After his cancer diagnosis in early September, we all wondered if he would be here for Halloween, then Thanksgiving, then Christmas, then his birthday. He has not seen his general vet or specialist since his diagnosis. We attribute his wellness to your products! YOU have BLESSED us immensely! Each time we receive an order from you, somehow Stanley knows "his ladies from California have sent him a package." Our heartfelt gratitude to all of you!"

-Jodi Scanlan Pennsylvania January 2011


Pets with cancer require a special diet. You can learn how to prepare a homemade cancer diet for your pet. Click here for more information.

Immune Harmony

Immune Harmony 60 capsules

This is a fabulous product---very unique and well tolerated by most pets. This product is helpful for all immune conditions and can be used to treat cat and dog cancer in conjunction with chemotherapy and/or prednisone. Rather than overstimulating your pet's immune system, this wonderful product helps the body to rebalance immune function. Thus, you will see improved results over time not instantly as if you were using an antibiotic. It slowly builds in your pet's system and helps them feel better overall. We have many highly allergic pets that were scratching and itching horribly last summer, that now with continued use, are seeing their pets having a much easier time this summer. Immune Harmony does not treat symptoms immediately but over time as the pet's immune function improves, most clients report solid long-term improvement . If your pet has chronic allergy symptoms, a serious immune condition such as cancer or an autoimmune related disorder, research shows that Immune Harmony should be utilized. This is a unique one-of-a-kind product that has been scientifically tested in various world-wide studies. Immune Harmony is the only supplement that offers 300 mg of plant sterols plus powerful antioxidants (Enzogenol®) that protect the body from free radical damage, and an essential fatty acid complex (BiolysateTM) that supports the digestive system and assists in the bioavailability of these health-promoting nutrients.

Dogs and Cats with Cancer—Dogs and cats with cancer have compromised immune systems. If your pet is undergoing chemotherapy, this can also weaken your pet’s immune response. Many oncologists may prefer for you not to use immune stimulants while your pet is undergoing chemotherapy. What makes Immune Harmony so great is that it is an immune modulator, not an immune stimulant. Safe to use for pets with cancer who are undergoing chemotherapy or not. The product works over time to help build the body’s immune response.

How do the ingredients in Immune Harmony help to rebalance and support the immune system? Hundreds of studies performed in the United States and worldwide have found the sterols contained in Immune Harmony to be effective in preventing disease and maintaining health. It is also very safe, since no known toxicity has been found. The research has found beta sitosterol to have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and immunomodulatory properties. Immunomodulatory means to regulate or balance the immune system. If someone has a weak immune system (e.g. cancer), beta sitosterol can activate the T-cells (immune cells that go to the thymus to be activated) and natural killers cells; these cells fight foreign organisms that invade the body and also fight cancerous cells. On the other hand, if the immune system is over active, as is the case with allergies or autoimmune disorders, beta sitosterol can calm down the immune system.

In the area of cancer, scientific studies indicate that beta sitosterol has a powerful inhibitory effect on breast, prostate, and colon cancer. Recent studies provide evidence that increased consumption of polyphenols can reduce the risk of prostate, breast, lung and digestive cancers. In addition to the plant sterols, Immune Harmony includes some beneficial ingredients that enhance the effectiveness of the product, making it especially unique. To learn about the ingredients in Immune Harmony or for more information on the product and how to better treat cancer in your cat or dog please visit our website. Click here for more information.

Stanley, Dog with Cancer Celebrating St. Patrick's Day

Hey all!

Here is Stanley, now celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. Stanley has cancer. He is doing great on his AskAriel supplements, including OncoPet.

Hello to "my California ladies"!

Since I am "Irish" by adoption, I thought you might like this photo. If you have an agent, please let me know. Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!

With all my love,
Stanley O'Scanlan
March 2011

"Happy New Year! Thank you for keeping our Labrador Stanley well. He just celebrated his 9th Birthday! After his cancer diagnosis in early September, we all wondered if he would be here for Halloween, then Thanksgiving, then Christmas, then his birthday.

He has not seen his general vet or specialist since his diagnosis. We attribute his wellness to your products! YOU have BLESSED us immensely! Each time we receive an order from you, somehow Stanley knows "his ladies from California have sent him a package."

Our heartfelt gratitude to all of you!

Jodi Scanlan

Pennsylvania Jan 2011

Tessie's 1 year anniversary of her passing

Today, October 11, is the 1 year passing since Tessie died from hemangiosarcoma. I was so devastated a year ago especially because of all that happened during the last week of her life. Since then many clients have come to me with dogs that have hemangiosarcoma and I always feel an especially deep bond with them as this is such an aggressive, insidious form of cancer. Tessie had such a tragic life as an abused puppy mill dog and it makes me so sad to know this was what took her down.

Tessie brought so much joy into our lives and helped me so much with my practice. She had been abused for most of her life, had no front teeth (metal bits still left) from chewing on her cage. Her story and incredible transformation is seen in this brief video http://www.naturesvariety.com/rotation_video

Tessie had been thrown over a 6 foot fence into the Santa Maria Shelter. She was transported with another dog to Ariel Rescue. I fostered her initially following the death of my beloved Ariel. She had a lot of emotional and aggression issues so it wasn't easy to bond with her. But over time, she became my "copilot" and went everywhere with me. She taught me so much about life and how finding peace. Her greatest joy was sitting out back under the palm tree and cruising through the many bushes and woods by our home. Two days before she died, she was so sick with fluid in her belly (ascites fluid) and fluid had collected around her heart. Still, she marched triumphantly to the top of a wooded hill to say one last goodbye to her playground.

She was such a loyal friend and so brave. We had to have her abdomen drained several times because of the ascites. She went through so much at the end and I am happy to say that on her very last day, she ate for me, took a beautiful walk and then within hours we lost our beautiful girl. Tessie, we will love you forever and miss you everyday. Thank you for coming into our lives--we will never forget you!

Tribute to Nero--K9 Iraq War Hero

Our hearts go out to the Jackson family, whose beloved dog Nero has succumbed to hemangiosarcoma. Dear Nero, a beautiful German Shepherd, served all of us in Iraq for two tours of duty as a bomb squad dog. After he finished serving our country, dear Nero was adopted by the kind Jackson family in Texas who gave him a loving home.

According to his military records, Nero led an active life as a bomb dog in Iraq, helping to save many lives with his intelligence and training, as well as “training” new airmen in the canine program at Lackland Air Force Base. Nero was deployed in 2007 and was spending a wonderful retirement with the Jacksons who cherished him.

The Jacksons, being in the Air Force, had heard Nero was to be released from service and spoke with his handlers about adoption. Nero served his new family with the same loyalty, protection and comfort that he provided all of us as Americans during his tour of duty. He was a great friend and comfort to Grace while Nero's dad was serving in Iraq. He even managed to get along with the cats!

We are so sorry to hear of Nero's passing. Hemangiosarcoma is a very aggressive form of cancer and can be a silent killer. All of us at Ask Ariel extend our heartfelt sentiments during this very difficult time.