Surprisingly, cancer in dogs is as prevalent as it is among humans, with bone cancer being at the top of the list. In fact, dogs are eight times more likely to contract Osteosarcoma than any other form of cancer.
Some breeds are more at risk for developing cancers than others, such as Boxers, Bernese Mountain Dog, Flat-Coated Retriever, German Shepherd Dog, Golden Retriever, Rottweiler, and Scottish Terrier. Osteosarcoma prone breeds include the Irish Wolfhound, Greyhound, German Shepherd Dog, Rottweiler, Great Dane, Scottish Deerhound, Great Pyrenees, and Mastiff.
Treating Canine Cancer
Traditional treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation, are used in dogs just as they are in humans. Many dogs that have bone cancer in an affected limb may have to undergo a partial or full amputation. Although traumatic, the dog usually recovers quickly and learns to adapt to the loss of the leg. With proper follow-up treatment, these tripods often go on to live long and happy lives.
There has been significant positive research on diet and immunotherapy, and many owners have begun turning to a more holistic approach in treating their pet. Experts believe that the major focus should be on the role of diet and its ability to boost the immune system of a dog. There have been numerous reported cases of remission or a complete absence of the disease after implementing dietary changes, although this may not be the case for all dogs, especially with aggressive forms of cancer.
The BARF diet is one such diet that has gained popularity among pet owners. Processed and grain based foods are eliminated from the diet and the dog is fed raw meat, bones and fresh vegetables. In combination with this holistic approach, dietary supplements that contain cancer fighting compounds are added to the dog's food.
Cottage cheese combined with flax seed oil is one supplement that many pet owners swear by. The proteins in the cottage cheese bond with chemicals in the flax seed oil making it water soluble so that it is absorbed easily into the blood stream. With both the Barf diet and supplements, many owners have noticed dramatic improvements in the quality of life of their pet.
Signs, Symptoms, & Prevention of Cancer in Dogs
According to the American Veterinary Medicine Association (AMVA), the top ten canine cancer warning signs are:
- Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to 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 or loss of stamina
- Persistent lameness or stiffness
- Difficulty breathing, urinating, or defecating
Any of these symptoms is a good indicator to schedule an appointment with the vet for a checkup.
Due to the relatively short life span of most dogs and the advanced age when most dogs exhibit signs of cancer, the focus is not so much on curing the disease, but in treating its symptoms. Dogs are more likely to succumb to the complications of cancer and not actually the cancer itself. Proper diet, exercise, and regular checkups are an owner's best line of defense until a cure can be found.
Hope on the Horizon for Canines With Cancer
In 2005 scientists announced that the dog genome was deciphered and they have been using it to advance their understanding and treatment of diseases such as cancer. A dog cancer vaccine that inhibits the regrowth of cancer in dogs already diagnosed with the disease has emerged and is currently in the testing stages. In time this cutting-edge technology may reveal the answers to eliminating and preventing cancer in both dog and human.
Additional Resources:
University of California School of Veterinary Medicine
The Institute of Genomic Research (TIGR)
University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine
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