Friday, March 29, 2013

Dog Cancer is Not The End Of The World?Things You Can Do For Your Pet

By Geraldine Dimarco


Cancer-- is there a word that strikes more dread than this? It is a very real state that we face not only with people but also with our pets. There is still not as much information as we would like to have regarding dog cancer; but experts continue to study and find the most effective ways to deal with this disease.

Half of all canine cancer cases are skin related, twenty percent are associated with the mammary glands, and the rest is divided to the different systems. The prescribed treatment will depend on each animal?s specifics like age, weight, breed and health issues that need to be considered. You will find in this article a short guide to alternative cancer treatments for dog that is helpful to know about.

Cancers are generally defined by a growth of an abnormal tumor in a particular area of the animal. As you may have already known, there are two kinds of tumors: benign and malignant. Benign tumors are growths that have clear edges. As such, these tumors can be fairly easily removed through surgery. Malignant tumors have no defined edges and usually spread; therefore taking it out entirely through means of surgery is a lot more difficult, if not impossible.

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.

When cancer patient people go through radiation, there are unfavorable side effects. With dogs though, you do not have to worry about the canine experiencing nausea and vomiting. This is primarily because a smaller amount is employed. Moreover, radiation is expected to prolong the animal?s life for several months, and not just a few weeks as some used to think. Hyperthermia is another treatment that uses high temperature to kill cancer cells and is done together with radiation.

Chemotherapy disrupts the development and spread of cancer cells through medication and drugs. It is used for rampant dog cancer. The levels of the drugs amounts must be monitored closely. This is because the toxicity of these chemicals in large quantities, cause heart and bladder problems?complicating the health of the canine.

More veterinarians are also supporting the use of herbal supplements to prevent and cure canine diseases. Flaxseed oil and fish oil are two powerful anti-tumor remedies that not only help in the energy, appearance and performance of the animal?it has been said to reduce tumor size by about fifty percent.

Before you undertake any form of alternative cancer treatments for dog - it is imperative that you consult your vet first for correct diagnosis of the problem. Observe for behavioral and physical changes in your pet. Have him tested often so that any form of sickness may be arrested in the beginning stages. Maintain a nutritional diet, regular exercise and a clean environment to ensure optimal health.




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