Case Study: Lillie – Labrador, 11 Years Old
Date: 8 August 2024
Location: Ross-on-Wye
Guardian: Barbara Whitney
Presenting Concerns
Lillie, an 11-year-old spayed female Labrador, had recently been diagnosed with cancer of the liver and spleen. She had a notably swollen belly, was drinking a lot of water, and had laboured breathing — symptoms that had prompted an emergency vet visit earlier the same day. While internal bleeding was ruled out, her prognosis was uncertain, and the vet agreed her time was limited and she should return home to enjoy her final days surrounded by family.
Despite her diagnosis and laboured breathing, Lillie remained bright and engaged. When I arrived, she walked over to greet me, tail wagging, and was clearly eager to engage.
Self-Selection Session
During the session, Lillie was offered a selection of natural powders and essential oils often chosen by animals with compromised organ function, cancer, suppressed immune system and difficulty breathing.
Key Plant Nutrients Selected by Lillie:
- Spirulina, Barley Grass, Rosehip, Liquorice – all selected with clear interest.
- Nettle and Bladderwrack – selected with moderate interest.
- These powders are often selected by animals who may benefit from additional nutritional/immunity support, especially when appetite or detoxification pathways are suppressed.
Key Essential Oils Selected by Lillie:
- Garlic & Bitter Almond – selected with strong interest
- Thuja – engaged with calmly.
- Peppermint – became very calm and sleepy with peppermint and her laboured breathing became audibly better and less strained
- Carrot Seed & Bergamot – Both explored and selected; these are often chosen by dogs dealing with liver-related issues or systemic imbalance.
Lillie was highly communicative throughout the session. She took time with each oil, offering clear behavioural cues when she had finished with a scent or required more exposure. Her relaxed demeanour and willingness to participate were particularly striking given the severity of her condition earlier that day.
Outcome
Following the session, Barbara reported that Lillie appeared more settled, comfortable, and at ease. Over the coming weeks, additional support sessions were offered by her guardian with the mini bottles of key oils that I had left for them. Despite her terminal diagnosis, Lillie continued to enjoy walks, food, and time with her family.
Barbara later shared that Lillie’s quality of life noticeably improved and, perhaps most surprisingly to both the family and her vet – she lived a further four months beyond what had initially been expected.
Testimonial from Guardian:
‘I can fully endorse the remarkable techniques that Liz utilised whilst ‘treating’ my animals with essential oils and nutritional powders. Liz too a lot of time understanding which oils and powders suited each animal… She also showed me how to apply the same techniques, explaining what each represented in terms of helping the animals with anxiety, pain, relaxation and general health. In particular, Liz assisted in extending the life of my terminal Labrador who was diagnosed with cancer of the spleen/liver and tumours. Liz was able to help her manage her pain and relax and rest on a number of visits, which helped extend her life by an unexpected four months.
– Barbara
