Navigating Polar’s Health Journey: Updates on Fenbendazole, Hormone Optimization Discussion, Fasting, and Ivermectin Cream Introduction — January 16, 2025

Introduction:

Disclaimer: This post shares our personal experience with our pet, Polar. It is not medical advice. We are not promoting the use of fenbendazole or any other treatment mentioned here. Always seek professional veterinary advice before altering your pet's treatment.

Polar, our beloved Inu, has been on a unique health journey tackling a perianal tumor with a combination of fenbendazole treatment, a ketogenic diet, and now, the introduction of fasting. At my request, Ivermectin cream (Soolantra) was prescribed off-label today, primarily used for human rosacea but with some anecdotal evidence suggesting potential benefits for skin conditions in pets. Hormone optimization was discussed but has been put on hold due to uncertainties about its efficacy for perianal tumors.

Consideration of Soolantra for Cancer:

Recent testimonials, such as one from Dr. William Makis detailing the case of an 88-year-old farmer using Ivermectin paste for ear cancer, suggest a potential role for topical Ivermectin in treating various skin cancers. However, these anecdotes, while compelling, do not have the scientific validation required for broad recommendations. It’s a topic worth discussing with your veterinarian in the context of your pet’s unique situation. For Polar, given our extensive approach to manage his wound care and combat his cancer, this treatment has been selected as part of his personalized strategy. Notably, while the fenbendazole we use is systemic, targeting cancer cells throughout the body, the Soolantra is locally focused, applied directly to the tumor site for potentially more targeted effects. I do not advocate for this as a universal remedy; rather, it’s an evolving component of Polar’s treatment plan.

Please note, the use of Soolantra in this context is off-label and based on anecdotal evidence. Veterinary consultation is crucial before considering similar treatments for other pets.

Hormone Optimization:

Discussion: We considered hormone treatments like castration or hormone adjustments, but there’s limited conclusive data on how many perianal tumors in dogs resolve with these methods. Given that females can also develop these tumors, we’ve decided to focus on other approaches for now.

Fenbendazole Dosage Update:

Current Status: Polar has successfully tolerated 222mg of fenbendazole for 6 weeks.

Next Steps: We will increase the dosage to:
333mg for 3 days as a transition.
444mg thereafter, if no adverse effects are observed, following the vet’s protocol.

These dosage adjustments are being made under the supervision of our veterinarian. We are not promoting the use of fenbendazole; this is part of Polar's specific treatment plan under professional guidance.

Press Pulse Schedule:

Press Phase: Administer fenbendazole for 3 days to exert pressure on cancer cells.
Pulse (Rest) Phase: Follow with 4 days off to allow the immune system to recover, clean up dead cancer cells, and alleviate stress on the liver.

Theory Behind Press Pulse:

The schedule aims to give the immune system periodic breaks to recover and enhance its function, potentially aiding in clearing out cancer cell debris. The rest period also theoretically supports liver health by reducing the metabolic load.

Fasting and Ivermectin Cream Introduction:

Fasting Introduction:

Polar has been accustomed to eating once every 24 hours.
We plan to introduce:
36-hour fasts post-fenbendazole dosing cycles.
Gradually increase to 48-hour fasts during the later part of the 4-day off period before the next fenbendazole administration.

Why Fasting?

Fasting can potentially enhance the effectiveness of fenbendazole by reducing food-drug interactions and might help in managing the tumor by altering the body’s metabolic state.

Ivermectin Cream (Soolantra) for Polar:

Prescription: At my request, Soolantra was prescribed today. While it’s primarily used for human rosacea, there are anecdotal reports suggesting it might benefit certain skin conditions in pets. Its use for Polar’s condition is off-label, and we’ll closely monitor for any effects.

Diet and Weight Management:

Ketogenic Diet: We’re fine-tuning the ketogenic diet, noting that Polar’s weight has remained stable over the last two months. This stability might allow some leeway in fasting, potentially enabling a return to more normal eating patterns as we see progress, without being complacent.
Appetite: Polar still has a healthy appetite, which is encouraging and shows his resilience.

Monitoring and Health Management:

Close Observation: Monitor for any signs of side effects from both the fenbendazole and the cream, including gastrointestinal issues, lethargy, or skin irritation.
Tumor Management: Regular vet visits for check-ups, potentially including imaging to assess the tumor’s behavior.

Holistic Support:

Consider additional supportive care like immune-boosting supplements, but only with vet approval.
Discuss pain management if needed, to ensure Polar’s comfort throughout this journey.

Community Contribution: If people would like to contribute to this holistic approach with their expertise or knowledge, it’s very much appreciated. Your insights are invaluable in helping the Polar Inu community define a blueprint for Polar and all other canines and pet owners battling their cancer journey with their pets.

Community and Vet Engagement:

Documentation: Keep detailed records of Polar’s response to these treatments for community sharing and vet consultations.
Communication: Maintain an open line with our vet for any adjustments or if new symptoms arise.

Conclusion:

This journey with Polar is about balancing aggressive treatment with his comfort and quality of life. The community’s support, coupled with professional veterinary guidance, is pivotal. We’re cautiously optimistic as we introduce these changes, always prioritizing Polar’s health and well-being. Remember, while alternative treatments can be explored, they should complement, not replace, conventional treatments where these are available. Each pet’s treatment plan is unique, and what works for Polar might not be suitable for another.

Our journey with Polar is unique, and we are sharing it to offer hope and insight, not to prescribe treatment. Any changes to your pet's health regimen should be discussed with your vet.

Join the Journey: Let’s continue to support each other and share insights in our Telegram community as we navigate this path together. If you have expertise or knowledge to share, please join us in this effort. #PolarInu #HealthJourney