Canine cancer…can it happen to your dog?
According to Heidi Jeter, Pet Health Article Author for www.pet-health.org, canine cancer is very common an there there are over 100 varieties of canine cancer. Unfortunately, according to the Canine Cancer Campaign, a non-profit organization which is focused on curing canine cancer, one in four dogs will die from the effects of cancer.
As with humans, some breeds of dog may be predisposed to cancer due to hereditary risk factors. Just as some women in families possess the gene which can subject them and their decendants to breast cancer, dogs can pass on similary genetic material. For example, according to the author, Golden retrievers are at a high risk for Lymphoma and cancers of the blood vessels and spleen.
Also, as with humans, certain environmental conditions can contribute to a dog acquiring some type of cancer. Exposure to things like smoke, too much sunlight, radiation, hormones, chemicals and viruses could be contributing factors to a dog’s cancer illness.
My German shepard died of cancer. He had a tumor on his hip and it was malignant. The tumor metasisized and had spread throughout his body. We chose not to subject the dog to treatment, but rather to keep him comfortable until he passed away.
Our second dog, who we had for 8 years began having seizures and according to the vet, it was probably related to a brain tumor. The dog, Geo, did not suffer and lasted only a short time after the diagnosis.
Becasue of the high incidence rate of this disease, I will offer some suggestions on how to perhaps minimize the causes of cancer in your dog!!! Stay tuned to tomorrow’s entry.
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