What Should You Do When Your Dog Has a Cancer_

What Should You Do When Your Dog Has a Cancer

Many people believe that cancer is only a disease that affects humans, but unfortunately, it also affects animals and especially dogs. Cancer is the disease that kills most dogs in the world! Unfortunately, there was not much we could do to prevent our dogs from catching the disease in the past, but we must beware – and much! – some signs that can report symptoms of cancer in dogs, and so take immediate action.

Dog Cancer acts on the body of the animal through direct and indirect effects that are more or less rapid.

Tumor expansion is at the origin of a mass effect, particularly noticeable in certain regions such as the brain.

Different substances secreted by the tumor cells such as hormonal hypersecretions also tend to disrupt the functioning of the body.

Types of Dog Cancer

As in the case of humans where there are different types of cancer, it is also possible for dogs to get cancer in a different number of places. The most common types include:

1. Lymphoma or Lymphosarcoma

Lymphoma stands as one of the commonest types of dog cancer, accounting for 20% of all cancer cases in dogs. Today, dogs are many times more likely to develop lymphoma than in humans. This cancer can affect any breed of dog at any age. Some breeds are more prone to be affected, thus indicating a probable genetic component in the development of lymphoma.

2. Hemangiosarcoma

This is cancer that rapidly develops from the endothelial blood vessels. This cancer usually affects older dogs of any race. There is an increase in the rate of susceptibility in breeds such as German shepherds.  The signs are usually not shown until the end of the disease when the dog begins to suffer from severe cases of internal bleeding due to the rupture of cancer.

3. Osteosarcoma

This is the most common version of primary bone cancer in dogs. The front and back limbs of the dog are most often affected, but they can also be found on any bone including the skull or ribs. This cancer is usually associated with the giant dog breed.

4. Breast Carcinoma

Cancers of the mammary glands are the most common cancer seen in unsterilized dogs. They can affect the mammary glands and manifest more aggressively with ulceration or open wounds of the mammary gland and rapid growth of cancer.

5. Melanoma

This cancer is made up of pigmented tumors which could be found on the dog’s body. Melanomas behave differently depending on where in the body they are located. Furthermore, dogs with dark skin are majorly diagnosed with this ailment more frequently.

What are the Symptoms of Cancer?

The symptoms of dog cancer vary according to the type of cancer, but prominent masses of tissue are usually detected, such as lumps that are noticed when the dog is touched, or that are visible to the naked eye. The most common symptoms are:

1. Changes in Excretion Habits

Changes in your dog’s urine or bowel habits – difficulty while urinating, frequent urination, blood in the urine or stool – are all possible signs of cancer.

2. A Cough or Shortness of Breath

A cough or abnormal breathing can be caused by heart disease, lung disease, and also cancer. Cancer can spread to the lungs and cause these symptoms.

3. Changes in Appetite

Dogs do not stop eating without a cause. Although this does not immediately translate into cancer, it is still something you should discuss with your veterinarian. Oral cancers can also cause difficulty or pain when eating or swallowing.

4. Weight Loss 

Cancer comes top among the list of dog ailments that could result in weight loss in a pet. If you discover a case of weight loss in your dog along with other signs on this list, be sure to mention it to your veterinarian.

5. Abnormal Discharges

The veterinarian should check Blood, pus, vomit, diarrhea, or any other substance that is abnormally discharged from any part of your pet’s body. If your dog’s abdomen begins to swell, it could be a pointer to an accumulation of abnormal secretions in the body.

In the end, the symptoms of cancer in dogs are signals produced by the body to tell us that something is wrong and if we catch them quickly, we can improve the health of our animals beforehand, prevent them from getting worse and even save them from a tragic end.

Dog Cancer: Natural Treatment

Within the dog population, it has been proven in recent years, an increase in the appearance of different cancers, with greater and lesser malignancy. Therefore, both conventional medicine and natural medicine try to find natural ways to fight against it. In the case of natural treatment, the following would be required:

1. Vitamins and Minerals

They are a good supplement against cancer when combined with each other, which include:

•    Vitamin A: has powerful anticancer effects.

•    Vitamin C: can inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells, since it can eliminate free radicals. It is used in combination with other antioxidant vitamins and minerals.

•    Vitamin D3: can inhibit cancer growth.

•    Vitamin E: can also inhibit the growth of cancer.

• Selenium has a cytotoxic effect on some cancer cells.

2. Omega 3 Fatty Acids (EPA and DHA)

They can stop cancer growth and metastasis, as well as prevent cachexia.

3. Bioflavonoids

They have an antioxidant, cytotoxic effect against cancer cells and prevent metastasis. It is contained in some foods (grapes, wheat, citrus, currants, etc.) and medicinal plants.

4. Amino Acids

•    Arginine: this can increase the immune function and stop the growth of some cancers.

•    Glutamine: inhibits cancer growth and prevents cachexia.

• Melatonin has cytotoxic effects against cancer cells and is an antioxidant.

5. Phytotherapy

In recent years, new plants have been used to treat cancer in animals, such as:

•    Ginseng (Panax ginseng): decreases cancer growth, and metastasis and improves the immune system.

•    Green tea (Camellia sinensis): inhibits cancer growth. It is also used to prevent cancer.

•    Curcumin (Curcuma longa): to avoid metastasis.

•    Aloe Vera: slows the growth of cancers.

•    Mushrooms: due to their composition in polysaccharides, they have an anticancer and immunostimulant effect. We highlight Sun Mushroom (Agaricus blazei), Wild Mushroom (Cordyceps Sinensis), Turkey Tail Fungus (Coriolus versicolor), Maitake (Grifola frondosa), Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) and Shiitake (Lentinula edodes).

Dog Cancer

Dog Cancer Treatment Cost (approx.)

Treatment  cost varies greatly, and this is determined by:

a. The stage of the cancer

b. The type of cancer

c. The total number of treatments required

d. The age of the dog

An approximate value of its cost goes thus:

  • The diagnosis, prognosis, and discussion of a treatment plan will probably cost $ 200 and over.
  • Surgery to eliminate a cancer tumor in the dog’s body usually cost approximately $ 1,700.
  • A chemotherapy section varies from $ 300 to $ 3,000 and above.
  • Dogs with cancer sometimes require antibiotics or other medications, which usually cost around $ 30 to $ 50.

Dog Cancer: Treatment at Home

Today, some specific medical diets can increase the lifespan, improve the quality of life and heal your dog of cancer when used at home. Some of these include:

1. Protein

There is a kind of “competition” between the dog and cancer to appropriate amino acids. It is therefore advisable to provide the dog with high-quality proteins and amino acids. Two amino acids seem particularly useful in dog cancer treatment are Arginine, which improves the immune system, and glutamine that helps keep the gastrointestinal system healthy. Glutamine also helps fight vomiting and diarrhea that occur during chemotherapy.

Component:

•    Raw chicken with bone and skin

•    Pieces of beef

•    Raw liver (chicken or beef)

•    Fish

•    Raw eggs

2. Fats

Cancer cells cannot use fat as a source of energy. It is therefore advisable to add fats to the diet of a dog suffering from cancer.Omega-3 fatty acids are especially recommended. However, it will limit the intake of omega-6 fatty acids that can promote the development of the tumor.

Component:

•    Chicken

•    Beef

•    Fish

•    Salmon oil

•    Flaxseed oil

3. Vegetables

Vegetables also present themselves as useful tool in fighting dog cancer at home. From studies, it has been observed that some vegetables contain powerful natural anti-inflammatory substances which have shown promising results in the prevention and treatment of cancer. On the one hand, they cut the blood supply of the tumor and on the other hand, kill the cancer cells.

Component:

•    Broccoli

•    Celery

•    Cabbage (red and green)

•    Wild cabbage

•    Green turnips

•    Spinach

Conclusion

Cancers in dogs are an increasingly common ailment today, which is necessary to recognize and treat in time. Fortunately for dog owners, one in two cancers are curable through the appropriate steps as highlighted above. Furthermore, that your dog has cancer does not mean that it has contracted a death spell. Rather, it’s the opposite.

Disclaimer Note:

All information contained in this website is intended for informational purposes only, as I am not a veterinarian. Furthermore, the content of the website should not be understood as an appeal to ignore the instructions or advice that may be issued by your veterinary doctor.

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