Elli + Dr. Fong
Today we meet a special furry friend named Elli the Norwegian Elkhound. Elli, who very much enjoys keeping tabs on all those raccoons and squirrels out there, recently got some sort-of-scary news. She and her guardian, Tiffany, were told Elli has a tumor in her lung (hence the recent heavy panting and Elli’s desire to stay right by Tiffany’s side all the time).
After finding out the tumor didn’t have any “friends,” Tiffany decided to go the holistic treatment route with Elli for a number of reasons, opting not to undergo surgery at this time. Here begins Elli’s and Tiffany’s SFVS story. We’re still early in the telling of this tale, but we know that Elli is receiving excellent care, enjoying a high quality of life (homemade meals and lots of walks!), and soaking up and sharing all the love she can right now.
In Elli’s own words, a short summary:
My owner called San Francisco Veterinary Specialists and made an appointment with Dr. Fong. … When it became appointment time I knew it for Tiffany doesn’t feed me when we ride in the car. I have motion sickness. So, when my owner didn’t feed me I knew something was up. The drive into the city was new for me so I was not too happy about getting out of the car and going into a place that smelled of other animals. However, this place was bright and full of smiles.
Dr. Fong asked a lot of questions while looking at the x-ray and reading the previous Adobe vet info. Tiffany was answering and writing at the same time. I was on the floor kinda shaking. Dr. Fong examined me and said my coat is very healthy, though my tongue was on the purple side. He also asked how I slept, curled up or stretched out. He created a plan just for me with the primary goal to halt the tumor’s growth for as long as we can and shrinking it at the top of our list. My diet was to change and I was to take Chinese herbs mixed in with my food and tablets twice a day.
My new diet meant no chicken as chicken feeds cancer; we need to remove things that can heat up my body and feed the tumor. So we are giving me food that builds up my immune system and starves the tumor. …
Elli + Tiffany
Now, Tiffany was delighted to hear I could eat ‘people food.’ Like, lima beans, wild rice, duck, pork, mung beans, broccoli, carrots, red chard, squash, etc. Next thing I knew we were at Whole Foods and out she came with a bag of Wellness dry fish meal base and duck jerky. My owner also got on the internet and ordered some special biscuits from Foster & Smith. That nite ‘my personal chef’ cooked up broccoli, wild rice, carrots, squash and pork mixed in with the Wellness dry…heaven! Hey, the quality of my life has been jacked up about tenfold….not a bad way to go out! I feel much better and love eating twice a day. I am breathing a little better though I still have my moments.
My energy is good as the six raccoons sitting on the roof of an old building behind our house were my prime targets. I let them know who was boss even though a stone wall separated us. They were not going to run across the top of the wall while I was outside.
Thank you, Elli, for sharing your story. For more, visit Elli’s blog (!): Embarking on a new path by Elli
SFVS dermatologist 
The September issue of 