Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that tends to occur in older dogs, but it is not a very common cancer. It is not uncommon for tumors to shrink in response to chemotherapy treatment, but it is recommended to simultaneously pursue immune therapy to mitigate side effects. There are numerous cases where immune management using a product called Cordy has successfully controlled cancer in dogs.
If your beloved dog is diagnosed with multiple myeloma, please don’t despair. We have many examples of improvement to share. We hope that these examples can be a source of comfort and hope for you.
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What is Multiple Myeloma in Dogs?
Multiple myeloma is a disease where ‘plasma cells’ in the bone marrow become cancerous. In other words, multiple myeloma is one type of cancer in dogs.
Although not very common, multiple myeloma accounts for about 1% of all cancers in dogs and about 8% of blood-derived tumors.
It often involves lesions in bones such as the spine, back, skull, and limbs, which can lead to fractures. If you notice any abnormalities in your dog’s bones, please visit a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Symptoms of Multiple Myeloma
Aside from a loss of energy and appetite, multiple myeloma can cause neurological disorders, anemia, and a tendency to bleed due to lesions in the bone marrow.
Since it creates lesions in bones, it can also cause bone pain, resulting in limping (such as a dog favoring one leg) or pathological fractures.
Tests may reveal anemia, decreased white blood cells and platelets, hypercalcemia, and sometimes increased blood viscosity (hyperviscosity syndrome).
Special urine tests can detect a specific protein called Bence Jones protein. X-ray examinations may show bone dissolution.
Diagnostic Criteria
Multiple myeloma is diagnosed if two or more of the following criteria are met:
- Plasma cells make up more than 10% of bone marrow cells
- Monoclonal gammopathy is detected
- Bone lesions (bone dissolution) are observed on X-rays
- Bence Jones protein is positive in urine
Other tumors that exhibit “monoclonal gammopathy” include lymphomas and lymphocytic leukemia.
Treatment Methods
Chemotherapy
In multiple myeloma, chemotherapy is the treatment method commonly used. Steroids (prednisolone) and melphalan (Alkeran) are used in combination. The median survival time after chemotherapy using anticancer drugs is reported to be 540 days.
Recently, toceranib (Palladia), a ‘molecularly targeted drug’ with reportedly milder side effects compared to chemotherapy, is also being used.
Other Treatments
In cases where hyperviscosity syndrome or hypercalcemia is observed, fluid therapy may also be conducted.
Improving Prognosis in Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma also occurs in humans, and the goal of anticancer treatment is to slow the progression of the disease. However, anticancer treatment almost invariably comes with side effects.
Even if the tumor shrinks, if the animal is exhausted from the side effects, it cannot be said they maintain a good quality of life.
For older pets or those with decreased physical strength, administering anticancer treatment could worsen their condition and prognosis due to side effects. Similarly, animals that are otherwise healthy and physically robust might experience decreased appetite and lethargy after undergoing anticancer treatment.
When administering anticancer treatment, it is important to properly care for their immune system. In addition to the decline in physical strength and immunity, liver function decline is also a concern, so liver care is also necessary.
At the Cordy Laboratory, we are researching whether administering Cordy can enhance immune strength, reduce side effects, or help animals recover quickly from the damage caused by side effects. Additionally, to address the risk of decreased liver function during anticancer treatment, we believe liver care using Cordy together with domestically produced SPF pig-derived placental extract would be beneficial.
Though the reaction might be uncertain, there is a good possibility that the animal can regain their appetite and strength.
Our laboratory is conducting research to determine whether Cordy can modulate the immune system and show effectiveness against cancer.
Please contact us if you have any questions.
※We are also researching the application of Cordy, a specific type of cordyceps fungus with expected immune-regulating functions, for humans.
