Cancer - a word we all loathe to hear. Unfortunately, it is a very real situation that we encounter not only with people, but also with our pets. While not a lot of people are knowledgeable about dog cancer, studies are underway to help us find effective methods on how to better 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.
Unlike when done with people, radiation does not give the dog harmful side effects like nausea and vomiting; primarily because of the smaller quantity used. It is estimated to prolong the life of the animal for months instead of just weeks as previously believed. Hyperthermia, another treatment done to kill cancer cells through the employment of high temperature, is used alongside radiation.
Chemotherapy uses drug therapy to disrupt the growth and spread of cancer cells and is frequently used for widespread forms of dog cancer. The levels of the drugs have to be closely monitored because the toxicity it contains may cause infection, heart and bladder problems - generally complicating the canine?s health.
More and more veterinarians are also promoting use of several supplements to prevent and cure cancer. Flaxseed oil and fish oil are potent anti-tumor supplements that not only have shown to reduce tumor size by fifty percent - it has accounted for improved appearance, increased energy and performance for the animal.
Consult with your vet first to confirm his diagnosis before carrying out any type of alternative cancer treatments for dog. Look for changes in their physical or behavioral patterns. Maintain regular check-ups with the vet so that you can stop any sickness in its beginning stages. Ensure the best health for your pet through a clean environment, regular exercise and a good, nutritional diet.
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.
Unlike when done with people, radiation does not give the dog harmful side effects like nausea and vomiting; primarily because of the smaller quantity used. It is estimated to prolong the life of the animal for months instead of just weeks as previously believed. Hyperthermia, another treatment done to kill cancer cells through the employment of high temperature, is used alongside radiation.
Chemotherapy uses drug therapy to disrupt the growth and spread of cancer cells and is frequently used for widespread forms of dog cancer. The levels of the drugs have to be closely monitored because the toxicity it contains may cause infection, heart and bladder problems - generally complicating the canine?s health.
More and more veterinarians are also promoting use of several supplements to prevent and cure cancer. Flaxseed oil and fish oil are potent anti-tumor supplements that not only have shown to reduce tumor size by fifty percent - it has accounted for improved appearance, increased energy and performance for the animal.
Consult with your vet first to confirm his diagnosis before carrying out any type of alternative cancer treatments for dog. Look for changes in their physical or behavioral patterns. Maintain regular check-ups with the vet so that you can stop any sickness in its beginning stages. Ensure the best health for your pet through a clean environment, regular exercise and a good, nutritional diet.
About the Author:
Ensure that your dog does not develop dog cancer before your dog develops this insidious disease. Good quality dog food and plenty of fresh air will go a long way toward preventing canine cancer in your pets. Visit HealthyHappyDogs.com for the lowdown on dog cancer and other pet health concerns.
No comments:
Post a Comment