Cancer and Your Dog

Cancer is one of the most common causes of death in pets, an increasingly common problem of pet health. It often doesn't respond well to the more traditional medical treatments, yet there are a number of at home pet care remedies for cancer.

SIGNS
Signs for you to watch for include, a firm lump that grows and does not go away. Some pets have an increased appetite but continue to lose weight. Others have respiratory problems and may show overall weakness if they are becoming anemic. The most common malignant types of cancer (cancer that spreads) in dogs are lymphoma and mast cell tumors. The most common malignant type diagnosed in cats is lymphoma, often secondary to Feline Leukemia Virus infection.

CAUSES
It is usually a disease of older dogs and cats. It causes over half the deaths of pets 10 years and older. The exact causes of cancer are unclear. Certainly there is a genetic correlation as we are seeing an increased incidence in certain breeds. Golden Retrievers are now the number one breed to be diagnosed with cancer. Boxers are a close second. Environment also plays a big roll with exposure to smog, herbicides, and insecticides being contributing factors. Food is of utmost importance – preservatives and other chemical additives may also cause cancer.
Cancer starts with one or a small group of cells that replicate with no control. It appears that such cells arise in our bodies all the time and we have an assortment of natural mechanisms to destroy these cells before they get out of hand. Sometimes these cancer cells escape our natural mechanisms and cancer develops. It is important to realize that cancer is not contagious and that, as a pet owner, you should not feel that you caused this or brought it on your pet somehow. Many people feel a need to find blame and latch onto the idea that a household cleaner or pesticide was the cause. Cause is not relevant to treatment; further, there is no way to verify cause. It is best to concentrate on treatment. At this time, there is no way to know what caused lymphoma development in a given patient.

SOLUTIONS
KEEP HER EATING. Pets with cancer often have a reduced appetite. It is of utmost importance that they keep eating. Try warming up the food. Add a tasty liquid or broth. Some dogs and cats will respond to the smell of garlic, try adding garlic powder.
FLAVONOIDS. These are compounds in a class of their own. They compose the thousands of structures that give the bright color to fruits and vegetables. They are antioxidants as well as having anti-cancer properties. Omega 3 fatty acids are great anti-inflammatories and have been shown to prevent the spread of cancer. Flax is the best source for dogs: the dose is 1tsp per cup of dog food. For cats, the liquid form is the only option, and they should receive 500mg twice daily of Salmon oil or a supplement such as EFA Caps purchased from your veterinarian. (Click here to buy fatty acids online).
ANTIOXIDIZE. Antioxidants have been shown to slow the growth and spread of some types of cancer. Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Selenium are the most effective. Vitamin C dose: dogs 100mg per 10 lbs of body weight twice daily; cats, 250mg twice daily. Vitamin E dose: dogs and cats 100IU per 10lbs body weight twice daily. Selenium dose: dogs and cats, 25ug per 10lbs twice daily.
STAY POSITIVE. Cancer can be cured and it may happen for your pet. By keeping a positive outlook and giving off good energy you are only helping your pet. I have lost a pet to cancer; I made a point of enjoying every moment we had together.

(c) Andrew Jones, DVM