Over the last month, you have noticed a change in your dog's behavior. He/She wags their tail, but doesn't rush to greet you. Maybe you have noticed they don't run around or play as much. Has he/she lost a few pounds? Chances are you overlooked these signs until you noticed he/she is not eating, then you begin to think back, and the alarm bells go off. You rush him/her to the vet the same day. Tests are run, x-rays are taken, and now you are sitting in an exam room with your faithful companion, wondering how you missed the warning signs.
Cancer in dogs, much like the human equivalent of the disease, is an all too common problem. There are so many types, treatments, grades, stages, and protocols. The pressure to know what is best for your dog is intense and unrelenting.
The medical term for cancer is 'neoplasia'. Neo means 'new', plasia means growth. Combining them you get 'new growth'. The two forms of cancer are Benign and Malignant. Malignant tumors are the biggest worry, as they invade, destroy, and spread through the lymphatic and circulatory systems.
An accurate diagnosis as to the type of cancer your dog has is provided by a pathologist who examines a sample under a microscope. Benign tumors have formed edges, and are easier to identify and remove. Malignant tumors look more like an octopus. The tentacles are difficult to remove without removing healthy tissue. Unless all of it is removed it will likely grow back.
Types of Cancer: Around half of all dog cancer is skin tumors with sixty percent of these being benign. The next most common form of cancer is mammary tumors which account for almost sixty percent of tumors in females with half diagnosed as benign. Only ten percent of tumors in dogs are in the digestive or alimentary system, ten percent in the lymphatic system, five percent in the reproductive system and the remaining five percent are a variety of types.
Some breeds of dogs are more prone to specific types of cancer than others. Large or giant breed dogs are more likely to develop bone cancer. Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Standard Poodles and Giant Schnauzers are more likely to develop hemangiosarcoma or malignant spleen tumors.
Dog Cancer Terminology: The basic terminology veterinarians use to describe cancer can be as confusing as how best to treat it. Terms like Stage, Grade, and Metastasis are daunting to an already scared layperson, but are simply basic descriptions.
STAGE describes how far along, or progressed, a tumor is when examined. An early stage tumor means it is small, singular, and non-invasive where as a late stage tumor is large, there may be multiple sites, and has invaded other parts of the body. GRADE grading a tumor describes how aggressive the cancer is and how quickly it will invade or spread to other parts of the body. The higher the grade (I to IV), the worse the prognosis is for the pet. METASTASIS describes the spread of a cancer i.e. Fidos stomach cancer has metastasized to his lungs.
Dog Cancer Protocols: How you treat your dogs cancer is an important, and often heart wrenching, decision. Although chemotherapy is an option, research the type of cancer your dog has, the prognosis of the disease, and the overall advantages in trying radiation therapy. Second and even third opinions are a vital step in dog cancer treatment and if there is a canine oncologist available in your area, book an appointment for you and your four-legged friend.
It's a scary thought, but statistics suggest that the probable cause of your dogs cancer is in your home! Household cleaners, artifical air fresheners, municipal water, low quality manufactured dog food, pesticides, insecticides, and other toxic substances that are in close proximity to your dog can ALL contribute.
One of your choices is to consult with a veterianarian who specializes in the holistic approach. They view your dog as a whole living, breathing organism. They feel that any illness, including cancer, develops only after your dog's immune system breaks down. Their first goal is to nourish your dogs immune system back to health, while monitoring the disease. They use human grade supplements; vital pet lipids, soil-based probiotics, super pet enzymes, and lithothamneum (sea minerals) to restore immune vitality. These supplements work to replace the cells and tissue that the cancer is consuming. What dog food chocies you make are under a microscope, now, more than ever! Most so called 'natural dog food leaves a lot to be desired. Research natural dog foods on the web so you can make an informed decision. Without proper nutrition and supplementation, the cancer will rob your dog's body of these substances leading to muscle wasting, weight loss, and, eventually, kidney and liver failure.
Literally 80% of your dogs total immune system is located in their intestinal system! The other 20% relies heavily on the digestive system being in balance to provide its' nutritional requirements. You can spend a fortune feeding your dog high-quality organic meats and vegetables, but if his body is not capable of absorbing the nutrients, all that good food is wasted. Literally! The right compliment of supplements not only helps to overcome cancer, they provide your dog with precisely what he/she needs to live the longest, healthiest, and happiest life possible. Isn't that what dog ownership is about? Soil-based probiotics support a healthy intestinal flora, allowing the full impact of those nutrients to be digested and used to help fight the invading cancer.
Most holistically trained vets are well versed in nutrition. While attempting to restore your dogs health through proper nutrition and supplemention is their preference, they will employ conventional therapies if necessary. If you do not have a holistic vet near by, try to find a dog nutritionist who is experienced in cancer therapy. Short of that, all-natural dog cancer protocols are available on line without a prescription! Some holistic vets my be willing to consult with you by phone or email. Basically, you want to incorporate antioxidants, soil-based probiotics, vital pet lipids, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, selenium, and zinc to support your dogs immune system.
Even if your dog is feeling sluggish, make sure he gets fresh air, sunshine, and exercise daily! And make sure you give him/her plenty of love. Encourage him to chase a ball or go for a walk. Depression affects dogs just as it does us. Even a little exercise can help release natural endorphins and alleviate stress.
The good news is that dog cancer is treatable without resorting to radiation or chemo. The internet is a great source of knowledge, but it also contains a lot of disinformation. While you are learning about your choices, make sure you show plenty of attention to your dog. Chances are he/she is scared, but unable to express it.
Cancer in dogs, much like the human equivalent of the disease, is an all too common problem. There are so many types, treatments, grades, stages, and protocols. The pressure to know what is best for your dog is intense and unrelenting.
The medical term for cancer is 'neoplasia'. Neo means 'new', plasia means growth. Combining them you get 'new growth'. The two forms of cancer are Benign and Malignant. Malignant tumors are the biggest worry, as they invade, destroy, and spread through the lymphatic and circulatory systems.
An accurate diagnosis as to the type of cancer your dog has is provided by a pathologist who examines a sample under a microscope. Benign tumors have formed edges, and are easier to identify and remove. Malignant tumors look more like an octopus. The tentacles are difficult to remove without removing healthy tissue. Unless all of it is removed it will likely grow back.
Types of Cancer: Around half of all dog cancer is skin tumors with sixty percent of these being benign. The next most common form of cancer is mammary tumors which account for almost sixty percent of tumors in females with half diagnosed as benign. Only ten percent of tumors in dogs are in the digestive or alimentary system, ten percent in the lymphatic system, five percent in the reproductive system and the remaining five percent are a variety of types.
Some breeds of dogs are more prone to specific types of cancer than others. Large or giant breed dogs are more likely to develop bone cancer. Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Standard Poodles and Giant Schnauzers are more likely to develop hemangiosarcoma or malignant spleen tumors.
Dog Cancer Terminology: The basic terminology veterinarians use to describe cancer can be as confusing as how best to treat it. Terms like Stage, Grade, and Metastasis are daunting to an already scared layperson, but are simply basic descriptions.
STAGE describes how far along, or progressed, a tumor is when examined. An early stage tumor means it is small, singular, and non-invasive where as a late stage tumor is large, there may be multiple sites, and has invaded other parts of the body. GRADE grading a tumor describes how aggressive the cancer is and how quickly it will invade or spread to other parts of the body. The higher the grade (I to IV), the worse the prognosis is for the pet. METASTASIS describes the spread of a cancer i.e. Fidos stomach cancer has metastasized to his lungs.
Dog Cancer Protocols: How you treat your dogs cancer is an important, and often heart wrenching, decision. Although chemotherapy is an option, research the type of cancer your dog has, the prognosis of the disease, and the overall advantages in trying radiation therapy. Second and even third opinions are a vital step in dog cancer treatment and if there is a canine oncologist available in your area, book an appointment for you and your four-legged friend.
It's a scary thought, but statistics suggest that the probable cause of your dogs cancer is in your home! Household cleaners, artifical air fresheners, municipal water, low quality manufactured dog food, pesticides, insecticides, and other toxic substances that are in close proximity to your dog can ALL contribute.
One of your choices is to consult with a veterianarian who specializes in the holistic approach. They view your dog as a whole living, breathing organism. They feel that any illness, including cancer, develops only after your dog's immune system breaks down. Their first goal is to nourish your dogs immune system back to health, while monitoring the disease. They use human grade supplements; vital pet lipids, soil-based probiotics, super pet enzymes, and lithothamneum (sea minerals) to restore immune vitality. These supplements work to replace the cells and tissue that the cancer is consuming. What dog food chocies you make are under a microscope, now, more than ever! Most so called 'natural dog food leaves a lot to be desired. Research natural dog foods on the web so you can make an informed decision. Without proper nutrition and supplementation, the cancer will rob your dog's body of these substances leading to muscle wasting, weight loss, and, eventually, kidney and liver failure.
Literally 80% of your dogs total immune system is located in their intestinal system! The other 20% relies heavily on the digestive system being in balance to provide its' nutritional requirements. You can spend a fortune feeding your dog high-quality organic meats and vegetables, but if his body is not capable of absorbing the nutrients, all that good food is wasted. Literally! The right compliment of supplements not only helps to overcome cancer, they provide your dog with precisely what he/she needs to live the longest, healthiest, and happiest life possible. Isn't that what dog ownership is about? Soil-based probiotics support a healthy intestinal flora, allowing the full impact of those nutrients to be digested and used to help fight the invading cancer.
Most holistically trained vets are well versed in nutrition. While attempting to restore your dogs health through proper nutrition and supplemention is their preference, they will employ conventional therapies if necessary. If you do not have a holistic vet near by, try to find a dog nutritionist who is experienced in cancer therapy. Short of that, all-natural dog cancer protocols are available on line without a prescription! Some holistic vets my be willing to consult with you by phone or email. Basically, you want to incorporate antioxidants, soil-based probiotics, vital pet lipids, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, selenium, and zinc to support your dogs immune system.
Even if your dog is feeling sluggish, make sure he gets fresh air, sunshine, and exercise daily! And make sure you give him/her plenty of love. Encourage him to chase a ball or go for a walk. Depression affects dogs just as it does us. Even a little exercise can help release natural endorphins and alleviate stress.
The good news is that dog cancer is treatable without resorting to radiation or chemo. The internet is a great source of knowledge, but it also contains a lot of disinformation. While you are learning about your choices, make sure you show plenty of attention to your dog. Chances are he/she is scared, but unable to express it.
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