Cancer Treatment for Dogs
Cancer in dogs is as common as it is in humans, and affects every area of the body in the same ways. There are more than 100 types of cancer that can affect dogs. It often shows up in the lymph glands. Certain types of cancer are less likely in dogs, such as lung cancer, but all seem like a death sentence. However, according to K-9 Immunity, it isn't usually the cancer that kills; it's a secondary disease caused by the cancer, such as liver or kidney failure. Canine cancer treatment mirrors human cancer treatments. Dog owners must focus on helping their pets get through it by keeping them eating and hydrated.
Surgery
Where lumps are present and can be removed, surgery is usually the first course of treatment.
Chemotherapy
Treatment of cancer cells using chemotherapy can be used following surgery to help get rid of any remaining cancerous cells, or as a stand-alone procedure. Canine lymphoma is the most common type of cancer, usually treated solely with chemotherapy. Chemotherapy attacks the body's cells and destroys the DNA so they can no longer divide. This keeps cancers from spreading, and as the cancer cells die off, since they cannot duplicate, the hope is that they disappear completely. Chemo is not selective and doesn't just destroy bad cells. It attacks all of the body's cells, so the sickness that accompanies chemotherapy is systematic. However, healthy cells regenerate once chemotherapy is ended.
Radiation
Radiation therapy is used alone, or in conjunction with surgery and chemotherapy to combat the spread of cancer cells. It works well on its own to destroy oral, nasal and other facial cancers in dogs.
Alternative Therapy
There are several types of alternative therapies commonly used to either supplement traditional cancer treatment or as a completely alternative means of treatment. Special cancer-oriented diets, acupuncture, holistic herbal remedies, magnetic therapy and touch therapy are a few of the methods employed in canine cancer treatment.
Cost
The total cost of cancer therapy for dogs varies depending on the animal, as well as with each type of cancer.
Care
Along with your veterinarian's treatments, your care will make a huge difference in the success of your dog's cancer care. As in humans, cancer treatments cause difficulty in eating and drinking. Both require active intervention on your part to keep your pet nourished and hydrated. Hair loss and other secondary signs of cancer treatments occur, the same as in humans.
Pain Control
Keeping your dog pain free during her treatment and recovery is of the utmost importance. Your dog's veterinary oncologist will likely prescribe sedatives and pain killers to help keep her comfortable and as pain free as possible.
Tags: cancer cells, cancer treatments, attacks body, attacks body cells, body cells
