Cancer and Your Dog
Posted: Saturday, April 16, 2011
by Ron Ayalon
Petwebdesigner Inc.
Cancer: most people think of it as a sentence, not a word. Cancer is a common pet health problem: so common, in fact, over half of dogs currently aged ten or older will die of cancer. As scary as it can be, often knowing the facts can help a dog owner avoid panic and make smart choices about prevention and health.
Cancer Basics
Common Canine Cancers
Lymphosarcoma (Lymphoma)
This cancer of the lymphatic system seems to be most often diagnosed in “middle aged” dogs, approximately seven to ten years old. With treatment and if diagnosed early enough, the dog’s life can be extended somewhat, but complete cure and recovery are not common.
Hemangiosarcoma
This is a cancer affecting the cells that make up the blood vessels. Often diagnosed in older dogs and more commonly seen in certain breeds including German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers, prognosis for this cancer is poor due to the difficulty in diagnosing it prior to the rupture of a tumor.
Osteosarcoma
Osteo means bones and this is bone cancer. Large breeds, including Great Danes, Newfies, Rotties, Wolfhounds, and other big dogs are at an increased risk. Early clues to an owner include lameness and pain, which can show up as a hesitancy to exercise, especially in a previously active dog. A very high percentage of these cancers spread to the lungs, so be on the lookout for coughing or trouble breathing as well.
Bone cancers are often aggressive spreaders and fatal.
Mammary Carcinoma
This is canine “breast cancer:” the cancer starts in the mammary glands and is most commonly found in unspayed females. Risk of developing this form of cancer is virtually eliminated by spaying her before she has had her first heat. Early detection is key and this is one of the more treatable cancers in dogs if found early enough.
Mastocytomas (Mast Cell Tumors)
Mast cells are involved in the immune system and found in many organs throughout the body. Mast cell cancers are not found in humans and less is known about them than the other forms listed above.
Signs and Symptoms
Dogs and cats may show some or very few of these signs, depending upon which form of cancer is present. Daily grooming can be a big help in noticing any changes in your dog.
Check for:
- Swellings, thickenings, lumps, or cysts
- Sores, pimples, or “zits” that don’t heal or go away
- Weight loss and/or loss of appetite
- Bleeding from any body opening
- A new odor (some dogs always smell bad!)
- Difficulty eating or swallowing, and/or coughing
- Resisting previously enjoyable exercise
- Lameness, stiffness, or changes in coordination (falling, staggering)
- Difficulty breathing, urinating, or defecating
As scary as it is to read about cancer in all its forms, take heart. As owners we are not completely powerless. And it may not come as much of a surprise, but the more you prevent exposure to carcinogens for your dog, the healthier you are making the environment for yourself and your family as well. Winning, as they say!
- Avoid environmental toxins. Sounds kind of obvious, but it may take some changes in your thinking. The suburbs can be highly poisonous places, what with herbicidal and insecticidal lawn management and chemical warfare against rodents waged. Make all your house and garden decisions after considering the impact on your pets. Educate yourself about risks. You may find that you can save money while you’re at it!
- Watch out for toxic dog products and consider less toxic options. Flea and tick products, shampoos, doggie treats and even dog bedding can have toxic ingredients. Read labels, ask questions, and whenever possible buy local food products that have been minimally processed.
- If you drive with your dog a great deal, consider limiting how much time she spends hanging her head out the car window. Exhaust fumes are highly toxic.
- Don’t smoke. If you do smoke, quit. If you can’t quit, don’t smoke indoors, and don’t smoke in the same room as your pets. Not much is sadder than a dog with lung cancer due to an owner’s addiction. Keep the indoor air in your home as fresh and clean as you can, using houseplants (NONTOXIC ones! And keep them up high to prevent nibbling or knocking them over!), bamboo, open windows if that’s feasible and an air cleaner if it isn’t. Remember, your dog is breathing it all day while you’re at work.
- Vaccinate as necessary but no more than that. Talk with your vet about vaccinating as minimally as possible.
- Spay or neuter your pet. The health benefits go beyond preventing of cancers, as unwanted litters cause great stress, both individual and societal.
- Feed your dog human quality food, but not human food. Spend the money on good food – it sure beats spending it on chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
- Reduce unnecessary stress. Like what? Boredom, lack of stimulation, and lack of training creates stress for a dog. Have clear rules, limits and expectations and offer praise and affection as rewards. A dog that knows the rules and knows how to be good will be less stressed than a dog that is always guessing, getting it wrong, and getting yelled at.
The bottom line: a smart owner can enjoy a happy and healthy dog for a full canine lifetime.
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