Dog Cancer - The Silent Killer

By Geraldine Dimarco


Cancer - a word we all loathe to hear. Unfortunately, it is a very real situation that we encounter not only with people, but also with our pets. While not a lot of people are knowledgeable about dog cancer, studies are underway to help us find effective methods on how to better deal with this disease.

About half of all canine cancer cases are skin related. Cancer concerning the mammary glands account for twenty percent, and the rest are divided to the different systems like the lymphatic, alimentary, reproductive, etc. The cure prescribed for each are dependent on the specific animal?s breed, age, weight and if they have other health conditions that need to be taken into consideration. This article will give you some alternative cancer treatments for dog you can consider.

Cancer is defined as the growth of abnormal tumors in specific parts of the body. Like in people, there are two kinds of tumors: benign and malignant tumors. Benign tumors are cysts that have defined edges, making it fairly simple to remove through surgery. Malignant tumors are the opposite. They spread and have blurry edges, in effect making it more dangerous and impossible to completely take out by surgery.

Radiotherapy is the treatment wherein radiation is used to destroy the cancer cells in damaged tissues so they will not reproduce. The challenge is to give the correct dosage so that the radiation will only affect the cancer cells and not harm the normal cells. To manage this, radiation is given in lower quantities at regular intervals. This will ensure that the cancer cells are dealt with while the normal cells are allowed to recover effectively.

Unlike when done with people, radiation does not give the dog harmful side effects like nausea and vomiting; primarily because of the smaller quantity used. It is estimated to prolong the life of the animal for months instead of just weeks as previously believed. Hyperthermia, another treatment done to kill cancer cells through the employment of high temperature, is used alongside radiation.

Chemotherapy uses drug therapy to disrupt the growth and spread of cancer cells and is frequently used for widespread forms of dog cancer. The levels of the drugs have to be closely monitored because the toxicity it contains may cause infection, heart and bladder problems - generally complicating the canine?s health.

More and more veterinarians are also promoting use of several supplements to prevent and cure cancer. Flaxseed oil and fish oil are potent anti-tumor supplements that not only have shown to reduce tumor size by fifty percent - it has accounted for improved appearance, increased energy and performance for the animal.

Before undertaking any kind of alternative cancer treatments for dog, consult your vet first. Observe any changes in your dog, behavioral or physical. Have regular check-ups so if he does have an illness, it will be detected in the earlier stages. Keep your dog as healthy can be with a good diet, regular exercise and clean living conditions.




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