ANNIE'S STORY

Nearly two years after Annie’s owner was told she had two months to live, Annie’s healthier than ever.
Annie is a Bernese Mountain Dog; a breed of dog which has a typical life expectancy of 7-9 years. Her owner, John, adopted her at 2 and from the start provided her with great care - terrific nutrition, exercise, and love.  

In June 2015, John noticed an increase in the stiffness and lameness in Annie’s right shoulder. It had been going on for a few months, but now she had had become a “tripod”. She wouldn’t put weight on her leg and stopped walking around the house. Annie was 9 at the time and, though John was not surprised that she was encountering geriatric issues, this was extreme. He decided to bring Annie to his local veterinarian who took x-rays. The findings were completely unexpected. 

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Annie’s x-ray showed marbling in the bone marrow, a sign of osteosarcoma (an aggressive form of bone cancer). The vet recommended amputation of Annie’s leg. Without this surgery, it was likely the cancer would spread; she was given only 2 months to live. After much thought and consideration, John decided to choose an approach that had worked for him during his prior medical issues – alternative medicine. 
In October 2015, Annie came to MASH with her new diagnosis. Annie started weekly therapies of Ultraviolet Light Therapy (UVBI), subcutaneous ozonated saline, Vitamin B & C shots, and additional dietary supplements. After the 4th treatment, Annie became noticeably different. She was more comfortable standing and was walking around more. Over the next several weeks she continued to progress and within a few months could walk more than a mile a day. ​​

Annie’s x-ray showed marbling in the bone marrow, a sign of osteosarcoma (an aggressive form of bone cancer). The vet recommended amputation of Annie’s leg. Without this surgery, it was likely the cancer would spread; she was given only 2 months to live. After much thought and consideration, John decided to choose an approach that had worked for him during his prior medical issues – alternative medicine. 
In October 2015, Annie came to MASH with her new diagnosis. Annie started weekly therapies of Ultraviolet Light Therapy (UVBI), subcutaneous ozonated saline, Vitamin B & C shots, and additional dietary supplements. After the 4th treatment, Annie became noticeably different. She was more comfortable standing and was walking around more. Over the next several weeks she continued to progress and within a few months could walk more than a mile a day. 

​​In February 2016, John and Annie participated in the annual Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Nashoba Valley (BMDCNV) Winter Walk. He shared Annie’s prognosis and received support and sympathy from his fellow participants. They knew they would likely not see Annie again.
In the fall of 2016, Annie was showing signs of fatigue and her veins were worn from the therapies. MASH tested her hormone levels and the results came back as hypothyroid and cortisol resistant. Annie was prescribed hormone replacement therapy and Chinese herbs. The result was amazing! She lost extra weight she had been carrying for years, her energy level increased, and her vascular health vastly improved. 

John and Annie just completed the 2017 Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Nashoba Valley (BMDCNV) Winter Walk. Participants were astounded to not only see Annie but to see her at 88lbs and with the energy to walk the 2 miles. Some even asked John if he had adopted a new dog. 
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Annie’s story is a powerful one, highlighting the fact there are far more options available for sick pets than many are aware. There is no guarantee of success but having a full toolkit of options greatly increases the chances.

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