Canine Cancer
The one dreaded word that no one wants to hear: Cancer.
In almost every household, at least one individual has been afflicted with this illness or at least knows someone who has. That someone doesn't necessarily have to be a human, and often it is one of our beloved four-legged friends that suffers.
As dog owners, we know that our loyal furry pals already have a limited time with us. If you're lucky, they'll live to eighteen, but the average is often between ten and thirteen. So when we hear that their life might be cut even shorter, it is one of the hardest things we have to endure.
When first diagnosed, the primary feeling is dread, followed by a sense of hope that perhaps, if it's not an aggressive cancer, it won't metastasize and can be contained. That's the best-case scenario.
The worst case is that they have X amount of days, weeks, and months to live. That's when you realize what an impact cancer has. Our cherished, fuzzy family members, who have done nothing but show unconditional love, are now sick, and it's up to us to make their last days as comfortable as possible.
I know firsthand what that is like, as my dog Buddy was diagnosed with osteosarcoma years ago. I had only published my first book about him a few months before. At the time, I had no idea he was sick. He passed away in August of that same year. Feeling more helpless than anything, I wrote a sequel describing that unbearable grief and hopefully providing hope for readers that they, too, can survive after losing a pet. Since Buddy, I've adopted other Golden Retrievers who had also developed cancer of all different kinds. Sadly, goldens are prone to this illness.
If your dog is diagnosed with cancer, sometimes, there are options, and the outcome doesn't need to be dire, depending on the type of cancer, your economic situation, and what you and your family decide upon.
If caught early, sometimes the cancerous mass can be removed with surgery. Be sure to ask your vet if this is an option.
Dogs can receive chemotherapy, which can prolong their lifespan for certain cancers. Unfortunately, my second "Buddy" had lymphoma. Prednisone did shrink the tumors and I opted for chemotherapy. While the tumors shrunk, he had a fatal reaction to the treatment. If you go this route, it's helpful to ask your veterinarian what side effects to look for and what you can do to help your pup should they have a similar reaction.
Sometimes, drugs like prednisone can buy a little time, and with other types of cancers, there are vaccines that have a good success rate at curing it or at least pushing it into remission. Remember that each case is different for each dog. What might work for one dog doesn't necessarily work for the next. Each dog is unique. And, each type of cancer is unique. Some are aggressive, and some can be stopped in their tracks, at least for a while.
What Can You Do?
While there is no surefire way to prevent cancer, you can take some steps to give your dog a fighting chance. Ensure they eat premium dog food with the proper nutrients and feel your dog for bumps regularly. Not only will it give you bonding time with your dog, but it will also make you aware if there is a bump where one never previously existed. If you find one, have your vet look to see if it is cancerous. With luck, it might just be a fatty tumor.
In addition, feel your dog's lymph nodes. Lymphoma appears almost overnight and spreads just as quickly. You might notice the lymph nodes are enlarged on both sides of the neck, right underneath the jawline. They might also enlarged underneath their armpits and groin. While this can sometimes indicate only an infection, it might also be lymphoma. If you catch it early enough, it is one type of cancer that may respond well to chemotherapy.
Although it might seem like common sense, if your dog begins behaving differently, keep a log to determine if medical intervention is necessary. As dog owners, only we know our pup's personality. We see them daily and can usually tell when they are not feeling well. If you suspect something is wrong, a trip to the vet may be necessary. Again, your veterinarian will be able to provide you with all of the pertinent details and the best course of action.
So many discoveries have been made about cancer, and there's still so much more research required. Luckily, some canine cancer research centers devote time and money to finding a cure for this deadly disease. Hopefully, one day, canine cancer will be a thing of the past.
If your dog is diagnosed with cancer, be sure to ask your vet to discuss all viable options. Don't be afraid to ask questions. You know your pet the best, and with proper guidance, you can help decipher the best course of action to make your pet most comfortable and provide the best quality of life during this time.
When making a decision, talk it over with your family members and/or friends. Together you can decide what will keep your pet the most comfortable. We never want to say goodbye, but remember, your dog's quality of life is most important, and you gave them a home full of love.
Thank you for reading and hug your pup! Elizabeth Parker- Author of dog books.
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