Cancer in Dogs

Cancer in dogs affects the skin, bone, and other organs. Some are slow growing and some progress very rapidly. There are effective treatments for many types of cancers, and research is regularly identifying new ones. Early diagnosis of Cancer in dogs has a significant effect on the success of treatment. Your Labrador Retriever is important to you and your family so any signs of abnormality should be reported to your Vetrinarian immediately.

Keep in mind health care for animals is almost as expensive as health care for us, so pet insurance is a viable option for many pet owners. Pet insurance can offer you that piece of mind that if your pet would become ill, you will be able to afford the appropriate treatments. Surgery and medication for animals are both very expensive and the coverage you obtain can significantly cut those costs.

Check with your Vetrinarian or on the internet for some pet insurance companies. As you may have seen some insurance companies (Safe Auto) are now covering your pets if they are in your car at the time of an accident. You and your pet will be insured if you are injured.

Now on to our topic of Cancer in dogs. It's not only people who are hit by cancer, but pets also. Many dogs, cats and other animals die each year from cancers that may not be treatable or because they were not caught soon enough. Please show your pet how much you love them by scheduling regular visits to the Vet. We will cover many types of Cancer in Dogs here and the symptoms and possible treatments.

This information is just that, "information only". Your Vet is the only person who can really diagnos cancer in dogs and treat your furry friend.

Commandments of Cancer Care

After working with hundreds of pets with cancer, and their owners, Dr. Kathy Mitchener, a veterinary oncologist, has identified three commandments of Cancer Care that are essential in maintaining the quality of life and human-animal bond. Dr. Mitchener has found these commandments will help build an atmosphere of hope for both the pet and pet owner. Cancer in dogs is unfortunately as horrible as it is in humans, so treat your dog as you would any loved one during their time of need.

**Commandment One**

Do Not Let Them Hurt:

Comprehensive pain management is critical to the quality and longevity of life for cancer patients. Research has shown that once an animal is in pain, there is magnification of the pain response. The goal then is to prevent pain, not try to alleviate it once it occurs. Local anesthesia may be helpful in those animals that have localized pain. Pain-relieving medications can be used, including fentanyl patches, which are applied to the skin and slowly release the active ingredient. Oral pain relievers can be of benefit, especially if the pain is mild. If an animal is undergoing surgery, the pain medication should start while the animal is still anesthetized, so as the animal wakes up, the pain reliever is already working.

Proper care of the animal also helps in pain management. The animal should be handled gently. Use orthopedic beds and other devices to make the animal more comfortable and decrease the risk of painful secondary problems such as "bed sores."

**Commandment Two**

Do Not Let Them Vomit:

Nausea and vomiting are actually uncommon problems for animals undergoing chemotherapy. If either one becomes a problem, however, it needs to be managed swiftly. Vomiting animals can quickly become dehydrated and develop electrolyte imbalances. Nauseated and vomiting animals will generally not eat, which brings us to the Third Commandment.

**Commandment Three**

Do Not Let Them Starve:

This is perhaps the most vital of the three. If an animal will not eat, but has a functioning digestive tract, enteral dietary therapy should be used. The first step is to increase the appetite. This may be accomplished by warming the food: serving palatable, aromatic foods; and feeding in a stress-free environment. Medications that stimulate the appetite, such as diazepam (Valium) and cyproheptadine may be used.

If the animal will not eat on his own, a "stomach tube" may be used. Depending upon the animal, the tube may be inserted through the nose and then into the stomach or intestine; or the tube may be placed through an incision in the skin into the esophagus or stomach.

The diet of the animal will need to be tailored individually. The correct diet may not only limit weight loss, but also improve the response to chemotherapy, and decrease the adverse effects of radiation therapy. In general, the diet should:

� Limit the amount of simple carbohydrates

� Contain moderate amounts of highly digestible protein, with possible supplementation of certain amino acids including glutamine, cystine, and arginine

� Include moderate to relatively high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids

In providing care for pets with cancer, the medical management of the cancer is only one part of the goal. Other needs of the pet and owner need to be met to achieve the quality of life they want and deserve.

Cancer in Dogs

Hemangiosarcomas

Lymphoma

Mammary Cancer

Mast Cell Tumors

Bone Cancer

Testicular Tumors

In veterinary medicine, radiation therapy was first attempted at the beginning of the twentieth century. During the last 50 years, large advances have been made. The use of histopathology, MRI, and CAT scans has resulted in accurate diagnosis of the type and location of tumors. New technology has increased the effectiveness and decreased the side effects and risks of radiation therapy.

Radiation Therapy for Dogs

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