Cancer...A Scary Word
The very word conjures up powerful
emotions and feelings. Cancer is perhaps the most devastating of all illnesses
a pet and family can face. As the leading cause of all non-accidental death in
dogs, it is too real of a reality. Almost half of all dogs over 10 years of age
will develop cancer, and it can strike any breed.
Yet a diagnosis of cancer is not
an ending. New treatments are in constant development, and today...new hope does
exist.
Recognizing Cancer
Early diagnosis is the single most
important element for successful cancer treatment and that's why frequent examinations
and preventative measures are so important. The Veterinary Cancer Society has
developed a list of the most common signs of cancer. No matter what it may be,
we can identify and start to treat the Cause. Veterinary medical advances are
occurring daily, and the knowledge about cancer and possible treatments is continuously
expanding.
If your dog displays ANY of these signs, please call us immediately:
- Abnormal swellings that persist or grow
- Sores that do not heal
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Bleeding or Discharge from any body opening.
- Offensive odor
- Difficulty eating or swallowing
- Hesitation to exercise, lack of energy, or
loss of stamina
- Difficulty breathing, urinating, or defecating
- Lameness or persistent stiffness
While many procedures exist for
diagnosing cancer, we utilize Complete Blood Counts (CBC), Biochemistry profiles,
Urinanalysis, aspirates and biopsies, diagnostic imaging
such as x-rays, ultrasound, endoscopies and possibly bone marrow evaluation.
The most common areas of malignant
(spreading, progressively worse) tumors in dogs include the skin, lymphatic tissue,
mammary glands, testes, oral cavity, and skeletal systems. Early spaying and neutering
can significantly decrease the likelihood of mammary or testicular tumors.
Treatment Options
Cancer research is one of the most
rapidly growing fields in both human and veterinary medicine. Treatments exist
today which were only dreams several decades ago. We will discuss the individual
goals of cancer therapy with you.
In general, the goal of therapy
is to achieve a cure or remission (the decrease or absence of symptoms). The primary
methods of treating cancer in the dog include:
- Surgery. The most common of all cancer treatments, surgery is used for localized
or regional tumors. It is one of the most successful of all cancer treatments.
- Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is used to treat the entire body. Several different
chemotherapeutic agents are frequently used today. Some side affects can occur,
but are usually less than those seen with humans.
- Radiation Therapy. Most often performed by university hospitals or specialized
clinics, it is designed for localized tumors. Side effects of this therapy can
be painful.
- Therapies such as Hyperthermia, Immunotherapy, and Photodynamic Therapy are
also performed, but primarily in specialized cancer treatment institutions.
Cancer exerts powerful effects
on a dog's body, actually altering metabolism and creating harmful abnormalities,
even when the tumors are removed surgically or remission is achieved. Cancer also
steals energy from your dog's body, often resulting in cachexia
(wasting away). There are certain foods and vitamins available now to help boost
your dog's health while battling cancer. We'll discuss these options as well.
Improved Quality, not Quantity of Life
Every day you have with your dog
is precious. When your dog, your companion, develops cancer, this time together
seems all the more precious and valuable. The unconditional love our pets have
for us merely begs for us to love and respect them in return. It is not enough
that we help our pet live longer; it is not enough that our pets merely exist.
Our companions deserve a good, happy life. But we cannot prolong the inevitable
for our sake. We need to ease the pain of cancer treatment and share the special
times we have for as long as we can; not just the quiet moments cuddled on the
couch, but the rowdy fun-filled romps. And when the time does come to say goodbye,
our beloved pets always tell us. And it will be okay. Because you will have the
peace of mind that you improved the Quality, not the Quantity, of Life. That is
the greatest, most precious gift we owners can give to our cherished friends.
Cancer.
A scary word. But we CAN bring them
262-886-3337