Baxter, a 14-year-old West Highland white terrier, was diagnosed with TCC (transitional cell carcinoma) in the bladder on Sept. 23, 2005. The vet gave him roughly 120 days to live. There was an option of chemo, but without proven results. Another option was for a strong non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, which seemed to help many dogs with TCC.

We decided to start on the NSAID, Peroxicam, but not wanting to give in to the disease or leave it up to the drug manufacturers, I took Baxter to see a holistic vet. He suggested Protocel 23 and told me that many dogs live a year beyond their diagnosis. We then started Baxter on that, as well as the Peroxicam.

After awhile the Peroxicam started causing some intestinal problems and landed Baxter back in the hospital. I had stopped the Protocel at that time too, because I didn't want to aggravate his tummy with more meds. The next day, Kathie (she collects medical records from Protocel users) called and I told her what was happening and that we had stopped the Protocel. She suggested to stick with it and I agreed to try again. Well, almost two years have passed now since Baxter was diagnosed. Thanks to Protocel 23, he is still alive and very, very well. His cancer has not been eliminated but his doctors are all baffled by the extremely slow growth rate of the tumor. TCC is usually extremely aggressive and goes into the prostate and kidneys within that first 120 days after diagnosis. Baxter's kidneys are still free from cancer but his prostate has indeed (unfortunately) enlarged and is most likely affected by the TCC. I am convinced that the Protocel has kept the cancer from growing as fast as it would have otherwise.

Throughout other bouts with stomach upset and bladder infections, I have stopped the Protocel temporarily on such occasions because, again, I didn't want to bombard him with too much medication at any one time, and let's face it. Protocel tastes nasty! Perhaps if I had been more consistent with it during the more difficult days Baxter would be cancer free at this point. But I really can't complain.he is two years into his disease and you wouldn't know he was sick. He is as cute and loveable as ever.

I am so grateful to Kathie and to Protocel for all the extra time with Baxter. He is by far the best dog I have ever had and I can't even think of being without him. Protocel is truly a gift from God.

Cathleen Oushakoff
March 2008