I know how scary it is to find a histiocytoma on your dog. You’re not alone!
Instead of opting for a risky surgery or harmful medications, I used a home remedy to cure my dog (pictures below!) and I want to help you do the same!
Below is a step-by-step explanation of how I spent about $5 to safely and healthfully remove a canine histiocytoma, at home.
First, let me save you the trouble of spending money on unnecessary home treatments.
What I Tried That Didn’t Work
Luckily for you, I tried all of the expensive natural treatments that others recommended before I found the one that actually worked.
I’ll tell you what didn’t work so you don’t have to waste money and time like I did!
What Didn’t Work:
- About $100 worth of essential oils (mix).
- Just frankincense essential oil.
- Tea tree oil.
- Witch hazel (inexpensive but not very effective).
My #1 money-saving tip for naturally removing histiocytomas is don’t waste money on essential oils!
You may be thinking “But Whitney, did you use them long enough to know for sure that they wouldn’t work?” It’s possible that they would have worked in time… a long time.
Using natural remedies helps you develop a lot of patience, but you should at least see changes/improvements within a couple of days with a natural remedy. With essential oils I saw none.
On the other hand, within 48 hours of using apple cider vinegar, I saw changes in the canine histiocytoma that I was very happy with.
Success Story: “My puppy (9 months) has a histiocytoma on her shoulder..initially the vet thought it was an ingrown hair..then it was checked to ensure it wasn’t malignant. They wanted to operate which was going to be invasive, traumatic and costy! I have been treated it with acv for 1 week and it has shrunk by over half already!! Amazing! Thanks so so much!” Bernie
5 Stages of the Canine Histiocytoma Regression
There were clear stages of regression with the histiocytoma. If this is your first time healing a histiocytoma naturally then each stage can be frightening so let me explain them in detail so you know what to expect.
Stage #1 of the Canine Histiocytoma Regression
Once I started using apple cider vinegar, the first stage happened within the first couple of days. The color of the histiocytoma started to change. The once light-pink bump got darker.
This was the scariest part of the healing process because at the time I wasn’t sure it was a good sign that the bump was getting darker. I definitely lost sleep those first few nights, worrying about it.
Side Note: I don’t recommend trying a natural remedy so blindly like I did. I was in a tough spot. My lifelong vet who I trusted wholeheartedly had just retired and his replacement was untrustworthy to the point of being guilty of malpractice. Oh, the stories I could tell you! I was ready to take my dogs’ health into my own hands as much as I could so I dove into researching natural preventatives and remedies. Curing the histiocytoma was my first big win and it changed how I approach health (for myself and my dogs), forever!
Stage #2 of the Canine Histiocytoma Regression
The next stage of regression was a reduction in the size of the tumor. The base of the histiocytoma (where it emerged from the skin surface) never got smaller. It was as if it was deflating a bit.
I was so relieved to see this happen! It took about a week to see this change.
Click Here for Before and After Pictures and Full Guide
Click Here for Before and After Pictures and Full Guide
Stage #3 of the Canine Histiocytoma Regression
During this stage of the healing process, the histiocytoma started to dry up. It became dry and crusty in layers.
Whatever you do, don’t try to remove these layers! You don’t want to break the skin and cause an infection.
Stage #4 of the Canine Histiocytoma Regression
Finally, the dried-up histiocytoma began to fall off. It happened a little at a time, like a scab. What was left was a small bald spot on my dog’s tail.
Success!
Stage #5 of the Canine Histiocytoma Regression
It took the hair a few weeks to grow back completely. The skin is a bit raw during this stage to continue to keep an eye on it. A drop of coconut oil where the bump once was will help heal the vulnerable skin.
The bump never returned and he never had another histiocytoma, which is almost always the case.
Success Story: “Our rottie had a histiocytoma looking ‘bubble’ on his eyebrow. Vet said it was necessary to operate but easier said than done! He is an absolute terror with vets and giving him the necessary anaesthetic would be traumatic for everyone involved, especially our dog. We used Apple Cider Vinegar and every day it reduced in size until nothing was left at all. It was an absolute blessing. It did take a couple of months but well worth the persistence. Thank you!” Kellie List
The Process of Healing a Canine Histiocytoma with ACV
Now that you know what to expect during the healing process, I’ll walk you through the steps I took to heal my dog’s canine histiocytoma.
It’s simple and inexpensive!
What You’ll Need
- Apple Cider Vinegar
Only use raw, organic ACV with the mother.
- Band-Aids or Painter’s Tape
You can also use painter’s tape, which is what I used. The reason I used painter’s tape is because I already had some and it stuck to the tail without pulling out a lot of hair when I removed it. Painter’s tape is just sticky enough to stay in place, but also peel off without hurting too badly.
Cotton balls work best but you can also use small pieces of a paper towel.
If your dog’s canine histiocytoma is located in a difficult spot to treat like the shoulder, you may need to use vet wrap instead of a Band-Aid or painter’s tape.
Step-By-Step Process of Healing a Canine Histiocytoma
This process took 2-3 weeks so take a deep breath and prepare to wait. If this is your first time using a natural treatment let me just warn you that it takes patience. This is not an overnight cure.
If this isn’t your first natural remedy rodeo then you know exactly what I’m talking about. Good things take time!
- Trim away long hair.
If you have electric clippers on hand carefully trim as much hair around the area as possible. If the risk of cutting the histiocytoma is too high then skip this part. It’s not an absolute must. It’s mostly to help keep the bandage in place. The more hair in the way, the less it will stick.
- Clear the area.
Give the area a good, careful cleaning to wash away dirt and grime. Apple cider vinegar will naturally disinfect the area so you don’t need to use a separate disinfectant.
- Wet a cotton ball with ACV.
You want to soak the cotton ball then squeeze the excess out. If it’s too wet then it will cause the bandage to fall off. With trial and error, you’ll get the hang of how wet it should be.
- Place the cotton ball on the histiocytoma.
Place the cotton ball directly on the histiocytoma. It should cover the bump completely, on all sides.
- Tape in place.
Use a Band-Aid, painter’s tape or vet wrap to keep the cotton ball in place. Be careful not to wrap it too tightly. The blood flow shouldn’t be restricted at all.
- Repeat daily.
Change the bandage daily or as often as needed. My dogs are very active so I had to change the bandage 1-3 times per day, depending on how dirty it got.
- Use a collar as needed.
As the canine histiocytoma heals it will be itchy to your dog. If you need to, have your dog wear a medical collar/cone during this time. Your number one priority is to keep your dog from making the histiocytoma bleed.
- Let it get air.
Air is also going to help the histiocytoma heal. Each day, between bandages, I would let the bump dry for 20 or so minutes. This step will help it heal much quicker.
Once the histiocytoma dries up and falls off you can stop bandaging the area. Again, this should take 2-3 weeks.
What If You Can’t Bandage the Area?
If the canine histiocytoma is located in an odd spot like your dog’s lip or back and you’re unable to keep it bandaged, 2-3 times a day, place an ACV soaked cotton ball on the area and hold it there for a few minutes. This way will take longer but will still work!
Boost Your Dog’s Immunity at the Same Time
I highly recommend that you also add apple cider vinegar to your dog’s water or meals on a daily basis. ACV has incredible properties that will boost your dog’s immunity and improve their overall health.
Click Here for Before and After Pictures and Full Guide
Does this really work because my dog has one in his right ear and my vet was going to make me spend about 814.000 for surgery and I just wanted to be removed because not because it’s disgusting but I just feel like he’s not too happy that he has it in his ear but I definitely want to know I’m your opinion if you think this would work because I wanna do what best just to get rid of it because it says online it goes away 2 to 3 months but since the 2 to 3 months it got bigger and my vet said not to worry about it but I want to know your honest opinion Please let me know as soon as possible
Hey Rachel! Click this link and read the comments at the bottom from people this has helped! https://whitneyliving.com/healing-your-dog-with-apple-cider-vinegar/
Also, someone emailed me last week and said this: “Hi! I just wanted to say thank you so much for your article on healing a histiocytoma with acv. I’m blown away ..our results are amazing. Thank you thank you thank you!!! The thing was huge and now just waiting for his hair to grow back. So amazing!!!” -Ashley
And just a note: Be VERY careful not to let the ACV drip into the ear. It could cause damage. Best of luck 🙂
My question is since it’s in his ear could I like dab it on like a cotton ball and will it help shrink or should I like put it in his food
I would personally do both if I were treating one of my dogs. Mine get ACV in their food daily, as a health boost.
I have same issue. I’ve been using ACV for a week. Only problem is being on his ear the scab keeps coming off whenever he shakes ! It has deflated but looks nasty every time the scab comes off. Help? How can I stop this cycle so it doesn’t get infected.
If it were my dog I would stop applying ACV until the area dries up and the scab stops coming off. The moisture of the ACV is causing that. Give it a few days without ACV and see what happens. You may find that you don’t have to apply ACV anymore and it’ll heal up on its own with no more additional help. You may also want to put a cone on your dog for a couple of days so he doesn’t scratch. As it heals it will be a bit itchy. Let us know how it goes!
I just wonder you apply the ACV directly? Or mix with water?
ㅡ and also wonder should I need to use that brand of ACV? Or Is it possible I use different brand?
I only use Bragg and don’t recommend anything else. The quality of their ACV is unmatched!
I applied it directly. I didn’t mix with water in this case.
Sorry that I’m just now seeing your question. For some reason I didn’t receive a notification when you submitted the comment. I did not add water.
It really works. My Vizsla has a histiocytoma on her leg. At 4 plus months, it was still getting bigger. I started putting ACV on it 12 days ago and it is flat to the skin and less than half it’s size. Thank you. Thank you Thank you
That’s great to hear! Well done!
Thank you for your post about it working
Hi anyone have the picture of the progress?
Hey Audrey! I’ve gathered progress pictures and added them to a guide. They can be seen here: https://whitneyliving.com/histiocytoma-guide
What ratio do you mix apples, cider, and vinegar?
Hi Rachel! Apple cider vinegar can be purchased. This isn’t a mixture of different parts. It’s a type of vinegar.
Thank you for your detailed steps about treatment. You helped me immensely!!
So happy to hear that, Dona! You’re very welcome!
So over the weekend I found one of these on my dog’s cheek. It really freaked me out.
I used a few things I had around the house that did not have an affect. I thought I would wait a few days before making a vet visit.
In the meantime, I ordered an essential oil spray mix which btw has not arrived yet. Anyway, on Monday I thought I would try apple cider vinegar since I have Braggs on hand. I have been spraying it on straight and I can not believe how the thing is drying up. Today I came across this testimony and I have to say the above pic is exactly what my dog’s scab looks like!
That’s great to hear, Tina! I’m so happy you had success. Apple Cider Vinegar works miracles!
Thank you so much for this recommendation!! The process isn’t fully complete yet, I am in stage 2, but it appears to be working exactly as described!! Natural is always better!! I was just wondering if you kept the ACV cotton ball on through all the steps? Like once it begins to become the black scab did you still put the ACV on it or does that cause it to not scab like it should? Thanks so much.
So glad to hear that Samantha! That’s great! Do what you think is best. When it starts to scab it means that those abnormal cells are dying. It also needs to dry to help the healing. I would take the bandage off for part of the day and see what would happen. If I could tell that being uncovered helped, that’s when I started leaving it off more and more. Let us know how it goes! Best of luck!
Perfect! Thank you so much again! One more question just because it wasn’t mentioned that I saw, when you tried this with your pup was there some white gooey looking stuff as it was deflating that you recall?
I believe there was some bloody-ish discharge that came out of the side of the bump, earlier on before it really started to dry up and get crusty. It wasn’t blood and I can imagine that in some cases it would be more like pus (white and gooey). If it or the skin around it had become inflamed at all or otherwise looked infected I would have called the vet. But I pressed on and it continued to improve. Do call your vet if you have any concerns about the pus.
Again, thank you so much!! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones!!
You’re very welcome! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours! 🙂
my Boston terrier is only 8 months old I just noticed this on the inside left ankle I freaked out. I’m trying to put the vinegar on him he smells it and runs. I put it on him and he licks it off. How do I get this in his food his smell is exceptional he won’t eat his food
You’ll need to get your dog a cone to wear so they don’t lick it. And running off is a behavioral issue. Put a leash on them, make them stay in place without being held down. If they pull away bring them back to you. Do one spray at a time, then praise them for sitting still. They’ll get used to it quickly. I’m saying all of this assuming that they’re not running away in pain. If the ACV is painful to them that’s another story. But so long as they’re just running away because they hate the smell (Who doesn’t? Vinegar is awful smelling.) then continue with the process. If your dog knew what the possible alternative was they’d much prefer the ACV over surgery. 🙂
I’ve just found 3 growths on my 10 year old boxer. They might be histocytoma tumors but I’m unsure. One I am particularly worried about, it is open and bleeding slightly. I have an appointment to take her to the vet today. My question is can ACV work if they have progressed this much? I’m assuming I would need to wrap them until they are no longer open wounds and then use ACV. I would never apply ACV to Amy open wound.
Hi Kristina! Sorry to hear that. You’re absolutely right. The bleeding can be worrisome and ACV does burn if applied to open wounds. I hope the vet visit goes well and you get reassuring news. If they are in fact histiocytomas, no matter their stage I would personally still use the treatment on my dog. Getting a proper diagnosis from your vet will be very helpful.
I have a 1 year old Terrier mix everything I’ve read points to HISTIOCYTOMA but I’m not 100% sure however before it showed up we just took her for her annual check up and it was costly with shots and preventative medication. Should I try this until we’re above to get to the vet? With Covid we are very tight on funds and if this shows signs of improvement and we can avoid over 100 for just a visit it would help… being antibacterial it wouldn’t be harmful right?
Hey Meghan! It’s always best to talk to your vet for their opinion and to get a confirmation that it is in fact a histiocytoma. As much as I love all-natural medicine I also see value in my vet’s feedback 🙂
Hi, my cocker spaniel has liver cancer but seems to have these growths that I think are the ones you have been kindly talking about. They seem to make her itch and they are weeping abit, she had a check up at the vets last week but the vet didn’t seem bothered because of willows cancer.
If I applied Acv would it sting
Many thanks
Mandy
Mandy, I’m so very sorry to hear that. I’ve had experience with the same situation where my vet ignored other health issues because of the fact that my dog had cancer. We have to be their advocates! I applaud you for looking for a solution, despite the cancer and your vet ignoring the issue. I’m guessing that the bumps are weeping because she scratched at them? That’s common. You want to avoid infection, especially since your girl’s immune system is already compromised. I personally would only apply ACV if the skin isn’t broken. Otherwise, yes, it would sting. Keep them clean and let them scab over before you move forward. Are you looking into natural alternatives to chemo?
My dog kept licking his, it is between his front 2 toes. I soaked it in Epsom salts and blotted the paw dry. The bump is partially flattened already but it was still moist when I put on the ACV wrap. Should I instead let it dry out? Can ACV hurt if it’s not dried out yet? Thank you so much for you advice I really hope this works so he doesn’t have to get surgery!
My staffy has one between his 2 toes (like Terena’s dog). It’s day 3, the tumor has gotten smaller but it is bleeding quite a bit. It is in a difficult spot in that he walks on it. Would you continue putting some ACV on a cotton pad to his foot, or have a rest for a day? My vet has spoken of biopsies and the potential need to amputate his toe, so I’m really hoping that this works for him. It’s early days and the tumor has definitely reduced in size.
I’m sorry I’m just now seeing your comment, Alli! Amputate the toe?? My goodness… vets never cease to amaze me. I hope all went well for you!
Wow, your website is amazing. My new puppy had a quick growing lump (went from nothing to HUGE in one week) on her chest at only 11 weeks old. The vet said we should watch it for one or two months, and then they would biopsy, which meant taking off the whole lump to send off. Well, you can imagine that would be surgery and sending off the lump for a biopsy. Super expensive. I found this website and started to apply straight ACV for a couple of days. I saw someone else say to add water, so I put half water half ACV in a little spray bottle on and sprayed it on the lump twice a day. Within ONE week it was down to a pinprick of a dot. Then gone. Cost me pennies to get rid of. Thank you SO much for sharing this treatment!
You’re welcome, Ellen 🙂 Thank you so much for sharing your success story! I’m so happy for you and your puppy!
My 14-year-old beagle is getting new ones periodically. The one on her muzzle near her eye is worrisome. She continually rubs it on walls and carpeting, to try and remove it. So it bleeds, scabs, turns dark, and pieces fall of, only to begin growing new pink ones. Her vet wanted to put her under, and then remove several of them…for $1000. We opted not to, due to her age and anesthesia. I’ll try this method.
Best of luck with this method, Rob!
My Belgian Malinois 11 weeks old, developed a raised bump on her chest that grew very quickly. I started putting ACV mixed with DMSO 50/50 once or twice a day, I just soaked a cotton pad and held it on the bump. This is the 3rd week and it is now darkened and begins to deflate and dry up. I am very happy with the progress. Thank you very much for your advice, Kobra thanks you as well 🐕😊
That’s great news Alison! Thank you for sharing!
My dog has one, under her lips and two above her lips. I couldn’t bandage my lips, so I soaked Bragg ACV on a cotton pad and put it on the cotton tissue area for about 1 minute, would it be better if I did this 3 times a day?
Hi Rachel! Yes, I would do this several times per day on my dog. I recommend checking with your vet first to be sure your dog doesn’t have something else going on like warts.
I am on week three of doing this and have love how much the accuracy of each stage has played out so far with my golden doodle. But for the last couple of weeks it seems we are sick between stage two and three and haven’t seen much change in size. Every five days of so, when I change the dressing the top layer of that has turned black in color and dried up ends up pealing off with the dressing . It has happened three times so far, and each time I have just continued to put ACV on it. His histiocytoma was large, right above his eyebrow. It has deflated as described, but I don’t know how much longer I should be doing the ACV treatments. It is still quite large, just flatter. My concern though is the redness that I am seeing around the histiocytoma. I have been able to keep it at bay, but I was wondering if anyone else has experienced this. Even his ears are red and rashy (likely from wearing a cone 24/7. Should I just keep it up since layers of it are shedding off weekly? Thank you for your help! Also, I should note that I brought him to the vet and they quoted me close to 2K for elective surgery to remove it. So, I am really praying this method works!
Hi Heidi! I’m so glad to hear about all the success you’ve had so far! If he were my dog I’d stop the ACV for a couple of days and let the inflamed skin around the bump get a break. So long as he’s not scratching at it or bumping it, going with no bandage for a couple of days could do it some good. Fresh air is very healing and could be exactly what the skin needs to shed the rest of the histiocytoma. Hope this helps. Wow… $2,000… that’s outrageous! Glad to hear you got a diagnosis from your vet though, so you know exactly what you’re dealing with. Keep us posted on your progress!