Dog Cancer Treatment Options
A diagnosis of cancer in your dog is devastating news and will strike a third of the canine population; but there are dog cancer treatment options available.
You, as a responsible and loving dog owner, will be the first to detect that something is out of character with your pet.
Some other Dog Cancer Treatment Options after symptoms found:
Hard lumps or bumps or abnormal swelling on your dog’s body can indicate cancer.
- An open wound that is not healing properly could also be a sign, as cancer weakens the immune system and slows down the natural healing process.
- Although a loss of appetite can be a symptom of a variety of illness, cancer can also be one of them.
- If your dog is eating normally or wants extra food, yet still is losing weight; this can be sign that cancerous cells are present and active.
- Stiffness in the joints, difficulty walking or getting up is usually associated with arthritis; but don’t ignore the possibility that it can be bone cancer.
- Coughing and/or excessive sneezing can mean that cancer is attacking the respiratory track of your dog. This can occur because dogs will naturally have their nose into things (grass, lawns, garbage, etc.) and could inhale carcinogens (such as, pesticides and herbicides for example).
- Tumors may form in the dogs eyes; be observant of any eye discharge and/or redness.
- Skin cancer is common among canines and it is the type that will go mostly unnoticed because it is not easy to examine the skin under their costs.
- There are just some breeds of dogs that have a greater likelihood of contracting various types of cancer, and should be screened regularly.
If you detect any of the above, contact your Veterinarian immediately to have further tests performed in order to give you peace of mind knowing that your dog does not have cancer and there fore will not have to do any of the dog cancer treatment options listed below. The earlier cancer is identified and treated, the better chance your precious pup having a longer happier life.
Cost of Dog CAncer Treatment options:
Costs will vary greatly depending on the type of cancer, size of dog, geographic location; but on average surgery will start at $500 and radiation treatment can cost $1,000 to $4,000.
There are unforeseen costs that accompany any complication (starting at over $1,500). Don’t forget to include the cost of antibiotics, pain relief meds and hospital stay. It is your choice, but sometimes managing the pain associated with cancer could be the only option.
Traditional Treatment Options
Chemotherapy is an IV administering high dose of medication that is designed to kill cancer cells in dogs (as well as in humans). This treatment is not always the best choice as the drug also will kill healthy cells that are unharmed by cancer.
Radiation is specifically targeted to reduce the size of the tumor and to extend quality of life.
Holistic, herbal and non-traditional treatment options
Arginine is an amino acid and is found in most proteins. This is used to reduce inflammation and give the immune system an extra boost. Some negative side effects can include diarrhea, stomach discomfort and bloating.
Coenzyme Q10 is being intensively researched to provide some relieve to the negative effects of some traditional cancer treatments; protect their heart and also stimulate the immune system to work more effectively.
Artemisinin has successfully killed cancer cells in dogs and humans (in lab studies only so far).
Other supplements, not meant to cure cancer, but may provide your dog with an increase quality of life for the time they have left, these will include: Cat’s Claw, Astragalus, Reishi, Milk Thistle and Echinacea.
Massage and Acupuncture has been known to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, restore the desire to consume food and also reduce depression.
Dietary change is recommended and should consist of low carbohydrates and no extra sugars. Proteins (75%), vegetables and fruits (25%) should be the majority of your dog’s dietary intake.
There are many dog cancer treatment options available, so speak to your Veterinarian and together decide what would be the best course of action to take is.
