All Entries Tagged With: "side effects"

The Therapy Options in Dealing with Dog Cancer

Dog cancer cases are growing fast currently. The good thing about modern medicine is that experts are able to find out ways in treating canine cancer. The options that are available for dog owners and pet lovers are there for you to decide.

One is by Radiation Therapy. It is a process that can shrink the cancer tumor. In addition, it is a cure in stopping the spread of the disease. Another is by surgery and amputation. Be reminded though that surgery can cause trauma to your dog. Before picking any of this two, think ahead of what effects there can be after the process.

Did you know that Radiation therapy has some side effects that may not be good for your pet at all? You need to know that such therapy can cause the ruin of tissues. Sooner, the effects can lead to worse cases like formation of bony sequestra, loss of tears or of eyesight, neurological reactions, non-healing ulcerations, organ dysfunction and retinal lesions. These are going to affect your dog much. And also, the effect of Anesthesia is something quite disturbing too for your pet.

One more thing that you need to think about is the cost of Radiation therapy. Depending on the kind of processes involved, it is said to cost as much as $900 – $3,500. That is really pricey, is it not? What is the worth of spending much and snatching safety from your beloved dog?

For you to get more knowledgeable on what treatment suits the need of your sick dog, reading more about canine cancer can help you save time, money and energy. Doing so can give you idea of what are the pluses and the minuses of a certain cancer treatment. Your decision matters a lot and you need to be ready enough in making a wise choice. The physical pain the process can bring is as wrecking as the emotional and psychological effect to your dog.

How Do I Help Prevent Dog Bone Cancer In My Pet?

Reduction of Risk Factors

While the genetic factor is a threat that is waiting to be triggered to develop Bone Cancer, the best owners can do to lessen the chance of its stimulation is to avoid carcinogens from entering the dog’s body. The less amount of carcinogens there are in the body, the less chances of interrupted cell growth process. As much as possible, products and materials containing carcinogens should be kept away from your dog.

Support

Undergoing surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are not easy feats when your dog is trying to survive the pain of Bone Cancer. During recuperation after the several difficult procedures he has been through, it is very important that you help him fight the side effects.

Treatments of cancer will result in the following aftermaths:

Vomiting and nausea
Diarrhea
Loss of appetite
Non-responsiveness
Difficulty Breathing
Swelling
Hair Loss
Low White Blood Cell Count
Anemia

According to research, dietary intake is a crucial component in surviving cancer. Findings of veterinary oncologist Gregory K. Ogilvie, DVM, diplomate ACVIM (Internal Medicine and Oncology), and professor of Oncology and Internal Medicine at the Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences states that:

Cancer cells readily metabolize carbohydrates, and
Cancer cells are unable to metabolize fats.

Summarizing these findings, it shows that one of the most important factors that will surely help in the recovery of your dog is right nutrition.

Your dog needs your support and care in battling Bone Cancer, and these are some of the ways you can offer them.