May 04

Pets and Cancer
Experts estimate that roughly 380 out of every 100,000 dogs and 156 of every 100,000 cats develop one of this feared group of diseases each year. Pets need people to help keep them perky and playful with the same healthy lifestyle habits—especially good nutrition—that human health requires.

By Lisa James

   If you’re a pet owner, be alert for signs that something may be amiss with your furry friend. Serious signals include abnormal, persistent swellings; nonhealing sores; appetite and weight loss; bleeding or discharge; bad odors; difficulty in eating, breathing or elimination; reluctance to exercise; or persistent lameness.
   “Even if the pet appears healthy, sometimes a veterinarian can detect a problem before it becomes evident,” says Michele Cohen, MS, DVM, Director of Radiation and Medical Oncology at the Center for Specialized Veterinary Care in Westbury, New York. “Several times I have seen pets referred to me because their regular veterinarian discovered an oral mass on routine examination.”
   Except for breast cancer (called mammary cancer in animals) and skin cancer, pets tend to develop different types of cancer than people. While colorectal and lung cancers are among the most common human malignancies, cats and dogs are more prone to lymphoma and abdominal tumors. Unneutered male dogs are susceptible to testicular cancer, and cats can develop tumors after becoming infected with the feline leukemia virus.

Aging Pets
   One reason for more cancer among both humans and their animal companions is the fact that all of us are living longer; the risk of cancer increases with age. According to the American Animal Hospital Association, the life expectancy of dogs has risen by 3 to 7 years since the 1970s (small breeds live longer than larger ones), while life expectancy among cats has increased 6 years since the 1960s.
   “Unfortunately, cancer is fairly common in older cats and dogs,” says Dr. Cohen. “Cancer is the number one cause of disease-related deaths in dogs and cats, with approximately 45% of dogs and 30% of cats dying from cancer.”

Vaccination Quandary
   The presence of such deadly diseases as feline leukemia virus represents a hard choice for cat owners: While vaccinations may protect Fluffy against a number of serious disorders, they may also increase her chances of developing a sarcoma at the injection site.
   Fortunately, yearly vaccinations aren’t always necessary.
   “Owners should speak to their veterinarians about the recommended vaccination protocol [schedule] depending on the status of their cat (indoor, outdoor, multicat household) as well as their local and state law requirements,” Dr. Cohen says. (Most states mandate rabies shots.)
   “There are specific guidelines for where vaccinations should be administered in cats and the types of vaccines that should be given,” she adds. “In certain instances, an antibody level can be obtained through a blood test to determine if the vaccinations need to be re-administered.”
   Your pet’s health is another crucial factor. “I would carefully consider whether the pet is fully healthy or not,” writes Susan Wynn, DVM on AltVetMed.com. She says the presence of conditions such as allergies, inflammatory bowel disease and underactive thyroid indicates illness, “and sick animals should never be vaccinated.”
   Most vaccination-related lumps are not cancerous. If a lump does develop, talk to your veterinarian.

Avoidable Hazards
   Keep your furry friend away from tobacco smoke. “Smoking has been linked to causing cancer in some animals,” says Dr. Cohen. “There is evidence that smoke can increase the risk of nasal tumors in some dogs.” In one study, cats living in the presence of cigarette smoke ran twice the risk of developing lymphoma as cats who lived in smoke-free environments (Am J Epidemiol 2002; 156(3):268-73).
   Have your animal neutered or spayed as early as possible. “Dogs and cats that are spayed prior to their first heat have a significantly decreased risk of developing malignant mammary tumors compared with dogs and cats that are spayed later in life or not at all. Spaying also prevents pyometra, a life-threatening infection of the uterus,” Dr. Cohen says.
   “Neutering male dogs at a young age is also important in preventing testicular tumors. There is some evidence that neutered animals may have decreased risk of developing other tumors.”
   Limit your pal’s sun exposure. Sun-worshipping cats (what other kinds are there?), especially those with white, sparsely furred areas on their heads, are prone to developing cancer on their ear flaps, nose and eyelids. As for Fido, Dr. Cohen notes, “Skin tumors are actually the most common tumors in dogs, accounting for approximately one-third of all tumors in dogs.”
   “As much as possible, limit your dog’s repeated or continuous exposure to environmental agents that are known to be capable of inducing cell mutations that lead to cancer,” say Jan Allegretti and Katy Sommers, DVM, authors of The Complete Holistic Dog Book (Celestial Arts). “These include herbicides (including lawn care products) [and] pesticides.” Use environmentally friendly cleaning products, and keep them away from your pet’s curious nose.
   If fleas hound your friend, “the most natural product available to you is the flea comb,” say Allegretti and Sommers. “Dipping the comb in a bowl of soapy water will drown the fleas and prevent reinfestation.”
   According to Deborah Straw, author of Why Is Cancer Killing Our Pets? (Healing Arts Press), you must take particular care when using flea controls on cats; they are more sensitive to chemicals than dogs.
   Straw says you can try brewer’s yeast along with “raw garlic, zinc and barley grass concentrates,” asking your vet for advice “regarding the proper dosages depending on weight.”

Healthy Mealtimes
   Proper diet is one of the most important—and most controversial—aspects of pet health.
Straw suggests avoiding many commercial foods: “there are rendered, euthanized pets in much of this food,” along with ingredients unfit for human consumption. “Two-thirds of the pet food manufactured in the United States contains added preservatives, according to the Animal Protection Institute.”
   What’s a concerned human to do? Well, you can go the home-cooked route: “When you cook for your dog you know exactly what he’s eating,” say Allegretti and Sommers, who note that homemade meals can also offer your pet a varied menu.
   To design a nutritional diet, consult a vet with a strong dietary background. You should also talk to the vet about supplements that may round out your pet’s diet.
   The other option is a high-quality commercial food. “Generally, premium diets are the best,” says Dr. Wynn. “Organic ingredients are a plus.” Meat (not meat meal, bone meal or animal fat) should be the first ingredient on the label, along with human-grade produce and grains. Allegretti and Sommers suggest feeding your dog brassicas—cabbage, broccoli and their relatives—along with cooked tomatoes “for their natural, anti-cancer effects.”
   Unlike dogs, cats are true carnivores, so cat foods should be more meat-based. Cats also need an amino acid (a protein building block) called taurine, without which they can become quite sick; look for this nutrient on the label.
   In addition, give your pets fresh, pure water. If you wouldn’t drink it, they shouldn’t.
   Besides a nutritious diet, animals also require regular exercise to not only stay healthy but to stay trim and fit.
   With the right nutrition and lifestyle, you can enjoy your pal’s company for years to come.

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