Patient: Melody
Age/Sex/Breed: 10 year old German Shepherd
DX: Atypical Bone Lysis/Degenerative Joint Disease
                                                                 
History—“Melody” is a 10 year old German Shepherd presented with an acute lameness of the right carpus (wrist). Her general appearance was that of a chronically ill patient with a very unthrifty, dull hair coat, significant periodontal infection and non-febrile with all other physical findings within normal limits. There was no observed history of trauma. Even slight palpation of the carpus would elicit a bite response from her. The swelling around the wrist was golf ball sized with a nickel-sized area of granulation tissue in the center.
Diagnostics—Radiographs were taken but other diagnostic tests were declined at this time by the owner. The radiographic interpretation revealed an inflammatory reaction and lysis (bone destruction) in the area of the attachment of the medial collateral ligaments. Joint effusion and degenerative changes of the radiocarpal (wrist) joint was noted. These findings suggest both an acute and chronic issue going on in this location. The possibility of tumor growth such as a fibrosarcoma could not be ruled out without biopsy.
Therapy—On 9/19/08  Veterinary Immune Tabs were started along with piroxicam and omega 3 fatty acids.
Follow up—The owners noticed a marked improvement in her appearance within two weeks.
On  10/15/08-- Re-exam one month later showed the general appearance of Melody had improved remarkably! There was a 100% turn around in her activity level and her hair coat had that “show dog” shine & feel. Despite the persistent swelling around her wrist she was completely non painful on examination. At this time the Immune therapy regiment was changed slightly. Prior to this time, Melody was taking the Veterinary Immune Tabs on a daily basis. Now we decreased her to 4 days on and 3 days off.
On 1/26/09-- follow up radiographs revealed no significant progression of the destructive (lytic) changes.  Melody showed no lameness and the owners are thrilled with her recovery.
On 5/21/09--- Doing very well. No lameness or pain on palpation. We’re continuing both the Veterinary Immune Tabs and piroxicam on the 4 days on and 3 days off schedule. Follow up x-rays showed continued remodeling and bone regeneration at the previously identified suspicious bony defect.
Assessment--- What I continue to see in my patients on the Veterinary Immune Tabs is a marked improvement in their overall appearance and health. I feel that the ingredients in this formula not only feed and support optimum immune function but also promote a general well being of the patient. I strongly encourage my clients to use this product as a preventative supplement to promote true overall wellness at any age. I have consistently witnessed very good response in numerous patients with the use of Dr. Ramaekers’ blend of specialized bone and cartilage nutrients. I regularly utilize the Veterinary Immune formula along with traditional anti-arthritic medications to get an enhanced clinical response in my patients.

Attending Veterinarian: Dr. Bob McClung

“The base formula for Vet I Tabs - of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and essential fatty acids - has been developed over 40 years with extensive laboratory analyses . The formula is carefully balanced to address metabolic bone disease in all species” – Dr. Joseph Ramaekers

Patient: Enzo
Age/Sex/Breed: 12 year old male Husky Mix
DX: Sebaceous Epithelioma Intermediate Malignancy

• Prior History--- Enzo is a large Husky cross born in November 1997. The owners adopted Enzo in 2003 and a lot of his prior history is unknown.
• Current History--- He's had a long history of allergic skin disease, high water intake, always panting, soft stools and occasionally gassy. He has moderate oily seborrhea, no active evidence of bacterial skin infections but has periodically been on antibiotics for skin infections.  In the past, some of his symptoms seem to improve with food changes. He has numerous wide spread tumors and nodules on his skin. A mass on his right cheek started to grow and change character recently.
• Diagnostics-- Prior food allergy screens suggested a wheat, corn & turkey  sensitivity. Blood chemistry screens in 2/07 showed some mild azotemia with Leptospirosis screens being negative. He tested strongly positive for the Plechner Syndrome. Biopsy of the right facial skin tumor revealed a Sebaceous Epithelioma (low grade malignancy). This cell type is intermediate between adenomas and carcinomas in their behavior.
• Therapy-- Ramaekers Immune Formula was started on 12/1/08.
• Follow up--- At recheck on 1/6/09, the tumor had shrunken a small amount to 2.5cm X 2.7cm. There was a depression in the central area of the tumor, the borders were becoming irregular and the base was shrinking which allowed a ruler to be slid underneath. These are signs of cell necrosis and tumor regression.
On February 3rd, the mass dimensions are unchanged but there is a  more definitive central depression along with developing large cracks and fissures on the surface indicating ongoing regression.
• Assessment--- I frequently utilize the Ramaekers Immune Formula to shrink skin tumors prior to surgical removal especially if they are located in a difficult to excise location. In Enzo's case, because of other ongoing issues, we're allowing for ongoing tumor regression in hopes of avoiding general anesthesia and surgery to remove the mass. Hopefully in time, we'll be able to use just a local anesthetic and cut off the narrowed tumor base. In the mean time, we are improving his Health and Wellness with the nutritional ingredients in the Ramaekers Immune Formula. Attending Veterinarian: Dr. Bill Burlingame

Patient: Sallie
Age/Sex/Breed: 7 year old Pomeranian Mix
Dx: ISCHEMIC DERMATOPATHY

• History-- Sallie is a 7 year old Pomeranian mix. Sallie was first examined May '07 with a history of chronic ear disease, chronic periodontal disease and constantly licking her paws. Prior vaccine status was recorded as current. She initially responded well to a low dose oral steriod/antihistamine combination medication. Re-examination in December of '07 revealed a progressive otitis externa and generalized itching. A dental prophylaxis and biopsy of the ear flaps was scheduled.
• Diagnostics-- Tissue Biopsy of the ear revealed a condition called Cell Poor Vasculitis. This is an ischemic, immune mediated dermatopathy.
• Therapy-- Pentoxyphylline (Trental) therapy was started 2/08. Initial response was fair. New ulcerated lesions of the feet and face developed. The addition of injected corticosteriods seem to help the dermal inflammatory response.
• Follow up--The pentoxyphylline and corticosteriod were continued with declining response until 12/08 when it was decided to take another course of therapy. At that time we started the Ramaekers Immune Formula along with a hypo-allergenic canned food. Within two weeks she started to show a decrease in the inflammation of the face and ear flaps. The pentoxyphylline had been previously discontinued and the long term corticosteriods were tapered down and stopped.
The most recent exam on 3/10/09 revealed the Sallie is gaining weight, feeling perkier, getting a healthier hair coat and most importantly her extremely painful and irritated, scarred ear flaps are markedly improved without any topical therapy. She still has some mild ongoing itchy dermatitis.
• Assessment-- Using natural immunotherapy is a very safe and often very effective alternative therapy for autoimmune skin conditions.  The focus is to first supply the broad array of nutrients required for proper immune function as supplied with the Ramaekers Formulas then allowing the immune active ingredients to calm or balance an immune system that is out of control. I like to use the Ramaekers Immune Formulas as adjunctive therapy for many types of allergic dermatitis. Attending veterinarian: Dr. Bill Burlingame.

Patient: Choco
Age/Sex/Breed:
Dx: THYROID TUMOR

• Prior History-- Choco had been examined on 3/05/08 at a local veterinary hospital for difficulty swallowing and a mass under the neck. A mass firmly attached to the larynx and measuring approximately 4cm was noted. A excellent diagnostic work up was performed at that time. A fine needle biopsy of the laryngeal mass revealed a thyroid tumor. An oncology consult and/or surgical therapy was declined by the owner due to Choco's age.
• Current History-- Now almost one year later, Choco was presented to me with the ongoing thyroid mass and a lick granuloma on his right paw. The mass now measures 8cm X 5.5cm and is firmly attached to the larynx on 3 sides. The owner was very interested in some natural immune therapy to help his dog.
• Diagnostics-- Prior fine needle aspirates revealed a thyroid tumor.
• Therapy-- We started the Ramaekers Immune formula on January 26th.
• Follow up-- On February 9th the lick granuloma had shrunken some to 2.5cm X 3cm. The thyroid mass had also shrunken down to 7.5cm X 4.5cm in just two weeks!
On the March 9th recheck, the thyroid mass had continued to shrink down to 4.5cm X 3.5cm. This is almost a 50% regression in size in just 7 weeks. The lick granuloma is continuing to soften and feel less inflamed.
• Assessment-- Using the Ramaekers Immune Formula in cases like this gives me some options for therapy that pet owners didn't used to be able to select from for their pets.  They help resolve chronic, previously untreatable conditions while at the same time markedly improving the general Wellness of the patient. I use these supplements in almost all of my geriatric patients. The find the owners are very interested in providing their pets with a natural therapeutic option when other means of therapy are not possible. Attending veterinarian: Dr. Bill Burlingame

Patient: Lilly
Age/Sex/Breed: 8 year old spayed female Beagle Mix
Dx: PEMPHIGUS FOLIACEUS

Lilly presented 11/28/2008 with scabs/ulcers on the pinna of the ear. Lilly received targeted VIT Professional -- 3 tabs to start per day, then tapered off and now on 3 days on/ 4 days off. Attending veterinarian noted about 60% improvement on the edge of the pinna. Now can debride edge of ear withour pain and is dry. Will continue administering with VIT Professional I Tabs.
Attending veterinarian: Dr. Bob McClung

Patient: Pokey
Age/Sex/Breed: 11 year old spayed female Basset Mix
Dx: IDIOPATHIC PANCYTOPENIA

• Prior History-- Pokey has experienced some ongoing  allergic dermatitis.   
• Current History-- Scheduled to have several dermal cysts to be surgically removed.
• Diagnostics-- 2/28/08-- Routine pre-surgical tests (CBC, EKG, Chem Screen) revealed a marked  pancytopenia.
                Rickettsial screen was negative. Bone Marrow biopsies were declined at this time.
                WBC 0.27   RBC 1.47   PLT 38,000 
• Therapy-- Veterinary Immune Formula 1 tab/day, doxycycline 100mg twice daily
• Follow up-- 3/10/08-- Pokey is doing very well. CBC has returned to normal indicating a
healthy bone marrow response to therapy.
                WBC 6.67   RBC 8.77   PLT 478,000
                3/13/08-- Pokey continues to do well. Laser surgical removal of the cysts was performed following  normal                 pre-surgical blood work.
                WBC 6.50   RBC 7.51   PLT 329,000
• Assessment--- a profound bone marrow response is commonly witnessed using the Veterinary Immune Formula for cases of bone marrow dysfunction. Pokey response in less than 2 weeks we found quite amazing and very satisfying for her owners. 
Attending veterinarian: Dr. Bob McClung

Patient: Bear
Age/Sex/Breed: 13 year old M/C Retriever
Dx: FIBROMYXOSARCOMA 

• Prior History--- Spindle cell tumor removed from Left flank in 8/2005. Second surgical excision on 10/2007 of left paralumbar mass determined to be a Myxoid Nerve Sheath tumor. Numerous widespread SQ masses. Prior blood profiles WNL.
• Current History--- Presented at our office for 3rd opinion on tumor growth. Vital signs were WNL. The is a large, multilobulated mass (4 X 3 cm) growing in the left  paralumbar area also numerous, widespread SQ masses. There is a long history of ear disease with some hotspots.
• Diagnostics--- 2/05/08-- Blood profile & U/A WNL. Fine needle aspirates of 15 tumor sites performed. Chest & abdominal x-rays-WNL. All FNAs were either lipomas or sebaceous cysts. The tumor in question was read out as a spindle cell tumor.
• Therapy-- due to the previous history, the Veterinary Immune Formula was started on  2/5/08. We also suggested a consult with a board certified surgeon &/or oncologist.
On 3/28/08 we surgically removed the tumor in the left paralumbar area. A post surgical biopsy revealed a Fibromyxosracoma with a low grade malignancy but did extend to the surgical borders. The surgical site healed properly. Again, the owner declined an oncology consult or radiation therapy.
• Follow up-- on 7/14/08 the left lumbar mass has regrown and measures 8cm X 4.5cm.  At this point we increased the dose of the Veterinary Immune Formula and are following the case. Bear is physically in great condition. We will continue to follow this case and provide updates.
• Assessment-- In a dog with the history of recurrent ear disease and hotspots, I would have definitely started the Veterinary Immune Formula years ago. These types of symptoms are definitely a signal of an immune dysfunctional patient that needs help. In my experience over the past 6 years of using this supplement, I've seen many situations where we have shrunken and/or markedly slowed the progression of tumors. We also tend to have a very positive effect on patients with recurrent infections and allergies of the skin. Regards, Bill Burlingame DVM

Patient: Cleo
Age/Sex/Breed: 9 year old spayed female Greyhound
Dx: LYTIC BONE LESION

On 8/5/2002 Cleo presented with firm swelling of the left front leg. Radiographs revealed a destructive bone lesion – probable osteosarcoma. Cleo began a treatment plan including the administration of Rimadyl and Ramaekers Veterinary Immune products. Cleo was reassessed approximately 3 months later and appeared to be doing very well with only mild limping. Radiographs dated 12/8/2002 revealed that the lytic lesion of the lower radius was shrinking. Follow-up radiographs dated 3/15/2003 indicated progressive healing. Cleo was able to run at full speed and exemplified great physical condition. The treating veterinarian continued to monitor the case and radiographs performed 8/23/2003, 1/2/2004 and 4/17/2004 all showed progressive improvements.
Attending veterinarian: Dr. Bill Burlingame

Patient: Freckles
Age/Sex/Breed: 14 year old female Border Collie
Dx: IATROGENIC CUSHINGS

Freckles was diagnosed with Iatrogenic Cushings Disease from long term prednisone use. Freckles had previously undergone extensive treatments for dermatologic problems – the owners had spent over $8000 and were administering eight medications daily! Freckles discontinued all other medications and began supplementation with Veterinary Immune Tabs. After nine months on Ramaekers Veterinary Immune Products Freckles condition showed significant improvements.
Attending veterinarian: Dr. Joseph Ramaekers

Patient: Mikey
Age/Sex/Breed: 12 year old neutered male Boston Terrrier
Dx: SPLENIC MASS

Mikey presented to the local emergency clinic for evidence of severe pain and inability to climb stairs. Radiographs dated 9/23/2006 revealed mid-spine intervertebral disc disease and a roughly ovoid-shape soft tissue mass in the ventral mid-abdomen, centered slightly to the left of the sagittal midline and likely arising from the caudal body or tail reflection of the spleen. The mass was approximately 7.5 by an estimated 4.8cm in dimension. Wispy soft tissue streaks in the umbilical fat of the ventral abdomen also indicated that the mass was hemorrhaging. An abdominal ultrasound confirmed a spleen mass and exploratory surgery was scheduled for a future date. In the meantime, Mikey began supplementation with Veterinary Immune Tabs on 9/26/2006. A reassessment and radiographs dated 10/25/2006 revealed a dramatic reduction in the volume of the splenic mass -- now approximately 3.0cm in maximum dimension. Due to the tremendous success in shrinking the tumor, the treating veterinarian and owners decided to delay the surgery and continue treatment with Vet I Tabs. In addition, there was noted improvement with respect to the spinal disc disease.
Attending veterinarian: Dr. Bill Burlingame

Lenticular sclerosis (before)

Hair discoloration (before)

After Vet I Tab Tx

Ivan   4/8/2008   WT: 110 lbs

Patient: Zoe
Age/Sex/Breed: 9 year old spayed female Golden Retriever
Dx: MEDIASTINAL AND CRANIAL ABDOMINAL MASSES

At an assessment 10/25/2005, xrays revealed a cranial mediastinum kink in the trachea indicative of a thoracic mass and evidence of a cranial abdominal mass approximately 3-5" wide. Zoe also had an extremely low white blood cell count and was inappetant and lethargic. Zoe had experienced significant weight loss and weighed only 63 lbs -- compared to 76 lbs the previous year. Treatment plan included the administration of Ramaekers Canine Veterinary Immune Products as an immune enhancement supplement to reduce tumor load by up regulating the immune system. Zoe was reevaluated 3/2/2006 -- after one year of taking Ramaekers Canine Veterinary Immune Products xrays showed that Zoe was in cancer remission. In addition, Zoe gained 19 lbs in four months -- increasing from 63 to 82 lbs. Zoe appeared to be in excellent health with noted improvements in activity level, coat and eye appearance.
Attending veterinarian: Dr. Bob McClung

Patient: Troon
Age/Sex/Breed: 9 year old male Australian Shephard
Dx: PEMPHIGUS FOLIACEUS

Troon presented as restless and itching excessively with severe dry crusts and ulcers on the bridge of the nose and hair loss on the rump and groin consistent with pemphigus foliaceus – an immune-mediated skin disease involving inappropriate immunological attack against one of the normal layers of the skin. The treating veterinarian recommended Veterinary Immune Tabs and after roughly 30 days of supplementation, the nasal ulcers had improved dramatically. Troon continued to take Veterinary Immune Tabs and at a reassessment 6 months later Troon’s condition was nearly resolved.
Attending veterinarian: Dr. Joseph Ramaekers

 “With the ability of Vetitabs to assist the body in combating tumor growth in this case it seems to me that this unique supplement should be used as an adjunct to other methods of treating tumors. I know of no other product on the market that can shrink tumors like this product with no side effects!! Used pre-surgically, it could aid in tumor shrinkage and surgical resection. Considering the incidence of cancers in older canines, it seems as though this could be a valuable preventive health & wellness supplement.”
 -- Dr. Bill Burlingame DVM

 BJ

Patient: Solomon
Age/Sex/Breed: 11 year old male Sheltie
Dx: CHONDROSARCOMA markedly slowed the progression of disease for this patient and gained almost 3 extra years of quality life for him

Solomon initially presented for non-weight bearing lameness of the left rear leg on 6/18/2004. An MRI on 6/28/07 revealed a mass measuring 4cm on the left side of the spine extending from the caudal aspect of L6 to the lumbosacral disk space. The mass occupied approximately 1/3 of the vertebral body of L7. The primary bulk of the mass was located in the sacroiliac space. The mass extended through the vertebral foramen at L7-S1 and into the spinal canal. A biopsy on 7/12/2007 revealed a grade I chondrosarcoma. Solomon was prescribed a high dose of Veterinary Immune Tabs as an adjunct to radiation therapy. The treating oncologist estimated survival at less than 1 year. Three years from the initial presentation of symptoms Solomon was doing great and continued to enjoy a high quality of life. Unfortunately, Solomon was recently euthenized due to the size of the tumor. Although, the treatment protocol was not able to reverse the tumor growth it appears that Vet I Tabs may have aided in extending the patient’s life expectancy and maintaining a high quality of life during the final stages of the disease.
Attending veterinarian: Dr. Bill Burlingame

Patient: Riley
Age/Sex/Breed: 4 year old female Yorkshire Terrier                      
Dx: SOFT TISSUE OPACITY MASS LESION

Riley presented 12/21/2007 with chronic coughing, anorexia and listlessness. Initial radiographs revealed severe pneumonia with fluid lines and consolidation of the accessory lung lobe and evidence of a mass or enlarged lesion in the caudal dorsal lung field. More extensive radiographs were performed and submitted for diagnostic evaluation. The radiology report dated 1/28/2008 confirmed relatively extensive changes in the lung parenchyma and the presence of a soft tissue opacity mass lesion in the left caudal lung field most likely associated with chronic active inflammatory processes – infarction, infection, granuloma formation or neoplasia. Riley immediately began a treatment plan with Veterinary Immune Tabs. At a reassessment 2/7/2008, Riley showed marked clinical improvements and radiographs revealed that the caudal lung mass appeared to be clearing. Radiographs dated 4/21//2008 showed significant clearing. Riley’s owners declined further diagnostics due to cost, but Riley continues to take Veterinary Immune Tabs and is doing well.
Attending veterinarian: Dr. Jim Kramer