Treatment of Mammary Tumors in Dogs with Tarantula cubensis Extract

Prof. Dr. Nilgün Gültiken Ondokuz Mayıs University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Departmant of Obstetrics and Gynecology

In homeopathy, the so-called “spider remedies” hold an important place, with Tarantula cubensis being the foremost. Tarantula cubensis extract (TCE) (Theranekron: D6; Richter Pharma, Austria) is produced in accordance with the German Pharmacopoeia (Pharmacopoeia Germanica) and according to the principles of dilution and potentization, which form the basis of homeopathic drug production, in D6 potency. The venom of Tarantula cubensis, belonging to the suborder Mygalomorphae within the class of Arachnida, is mainly used in homeopathy for the treatment of sepsis, painful abscesses, dermatitis, connective tissue, and nervous system diseases. Scientific studies have confirmed that Tarantula cubensis extract has anti-inflammatory, anticancer, resorptive, and regenerative effects.

In canine mammary tumors, its first known effect is inhibiting growth by providing demarcation in the tissue surrounding the tumor. Subsequent studies have shown that, as a clinical finding, it induces regression in benign mammary tumors. In malignant mammary tumors, histopathological examination of the tumor tissue after treatment revealed a decrease in mitotic activity and anti-apoptotic proteins, accompanied by an increase in apoptotic cells. It should be remembered that the goal in cancer treatment is the induction of apoptosis, and TCE is highly effective at this point and, most importantly, causes no side effects. On the other hand, applications in both the preoperative and postoperative periods ensure integrity in treatment. Therefore, for dogs with mammary tumors without organ metastasis, the following treatment protocol is recommended. If the treatment is followed, no new tumor formation occurs for at least 2 years in malignant mammary tumors, either at the incision site or in the other mammary chain.

· 2.5 mL TCE, SC, once a week for three weeks

· Complete unilateral mastectomy between days 7–10 following the third injection

· 2.5 mL TCE, SC, on postoperative days 15 and 30

· 2.5 mL TCE, SC, every three months for life

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