Cancer (neoplasia) is a change from normal cells into abnormal
malignant cells i.e. cancers occur when a group of cells start dividing
and replicating in a manner that is uncontrolled by the body's normal
mechanisms, and it can take many forms. Cancers can be benign or
malignant: those that are benign grow at variable speeds and only cause
problems by their presence, by putting pressure on nearby structures or
getting in the way of the movement of a limb. In contrast,
malignant tumours can spread through the body and cause problems
elsewhere. Some involve solid masses,
or tumors, while
others involve the blood or bone marrow in leukemia.
Cancer can occur in the skin, under the skin and affect just about any
location or organ in the body. There are also several types of cancer
that are possible at each location. The signs of cancer vary with the
location and type of cancer. The aggressiveness of the cancer will
depend on the type of cancer, the location and the individual pet.
Cancer can develop
in
virtually any organ or body system. In addition, some cancers spread or
metastasize
to other areas of the body. They can spread to nearby tissues, or
invade
the blood stream or lymphatic system. Cancer commonly metastasizes to
the
lung. The exact symptoms, treatment and prognosis vary with the
specific tumor
type and situation.
While many food supplements and non-medical products claim to help dogs
fight cancer, there is no real evidence behind them. Maximizing a
dogs health in all other regards will help him to fight cancer so
maintain a well balanced diet, exercise wher possible and treat any
other problems quickly. There is some evidence that some dogs
with cancer do best on a highly palatable, high protein, high fat,
lower carbohydrate diet and Hills Pet Nutrition have produced a
neoplasia diet called N/D which may help dogs with cancer.
This summer, remember that your dog is also at risk for skin cancer
from ultraviolet radiation. Short-haired and light-coloured dogs
(and dogs with sparse coats due to a skin disease are at the most risk.
To be safe, use an SPF-30 sun screen on areas not protected by
the dog's coat, including
the tips of the ears, the bridge of the nose and near the eyes.
