Cancer In Dogs

The Basic Symptoms of Canine Cancer

Dogs also do battle with cancer too. Cancer in dogs, while considered rare, are just as fatal as the ones that hit humans. Canine cancers, just like its human counterpart, do not have a single proven cause. A variety of factors can be possible causes of this cancer, such as diet and genes.

 The Basic Symptoms Of Dog Cancer

Unlike humans, dogs cannot bring themselves to the doctor for medical checkups. As a responsible owner, it is important to watch out for symptoms of cancer in dogs:

 * Abnormal swelling that does not subside and continues to grow. This could be a sign of tumor. The dog must undergo biopsy to confirm if it is cancer.

 * Cancer reduced appetite and may consequently bring down the dog's weight.

 * Aside from the appetite, the dogs energy levels can drastically go down. Loss of stamina is a major sign of cancer.

 * The dog will have problems in expelling wastes (urine and feces). Abnormal breathing pattern is also an indicator of cancer.

 * Bleeding, discharge, low-healing wounds and those that do not heal at all are signs of cancer (cancer weakens the immune system of the body, may it be a canine or human body).

What can you do?

There is no sure way of preventing cancer in your dog but a healthy canine lifestyle certainly helps. A healthy, natural diet will not expose the dog to cancer-inducing preservatives. Preparing nutritious homemade dog food can be time-consuming but it will surely pay off.

Of course, vaccines will keep the dogs immune system up but remember to watch out for over dosage. Keep the dogs environment clean and keep it away from harmful pesticides. Just like humans, these guidelines will not guarantee a cancer-free dog. After all, the cancer may be genetic. But an unhealthy canine lifestyle may aggravate it or bring it on earlier.

Treatment Options

There are several treatment options for cancer in dogs that resemble human cancer treatments: radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hyperthermia, and cryosurgery. The first two may be familiar to you. Hyperthermia is normally used as a complement to radiotherapy. It is done by heating an applicator and applying it toward the direction of the tumor. The tumor is heated through microwaves. Cryosurgery is the use of cold chemicals to kill tumors, usually on the skin and mouth.

Cancer in dogs is very painful but treatments can be painful as well, perhaps even more than the actual disease. Dogs may suffer during the duration of the treatment. Administer pain relievers if the veterinarian allows. Be wary if the dogs vomit, gets thirsty and starves. Stabilize their body fluids as much as possible. Limit their intake of simple carbohydrates and feed them with easily digestible proteins. Of course, veer away from highly artificial food.

Cancer in dogs is devastating news but knowledge will definitely control the damage significantly and prevent it from occurring quickly.