Holistic Cancer Prevention & Care
in Your Pet
Optimal diet
& nutrition (store bought or home made - what is in your pet's food, what should be included to meet their
nutritional requirements, no fillers or by products, types of protein and thier sources, feeding appropriate amounts, and
try to choose natural, quality food)
Clean, purified water
Early spaying
Reduce
indoor air pollution & yard pollution
Minimize electromagnetic radiation
Use a safe, non-toxic flea control program
Minimize stress
Provide adequate exercise
Be aware of vaccinations and medicines
Maintain a strong immune system
The 10 early warning signs
Abnormal swellings that persist or continue
to grow
Sores that do not heal
Weight loss
Loss of appetite
Bleeding or discharge from any body opening
Offensive odor
Difficulty eating or swallowing
Hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina
Persistent
lameness or stiffness
Difficulty breathing, urinating, or defecation
Cancer
is the most common cause of death in dogs in the United States. Cancer is an unrestrained growth of cells that destroy
normal tissue and body parts in that growth. Some cancers are very aggressive and can spread throughout the body (metastasize)
whereas others are slow growing and unlikely to spread throughout the body.
It is only by dispelling the myths
and misperceptions that we can think clearly, make good decisions, and begin to find the hope we need as we fight the battle
against canine cancer.
Gretchen's Canine Cancer Information:
Approximately one in three dogs will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime. Age is not always a factor..it happens
to puppies and middle aged dogs, so stay alert and aware. There are 3 major families of cancers: sarcomas, carcinomas, and discrete (round) cell tumors.
The types of cancers that affect dogs are often very similar to those faced by
humans and include:
· Hemangiosarcoma – An Incurable Tumor
of cells that line blood vessels
· Lymphoma – Cancer of the lymph nodes
·
Melanoma
– Skin Cancer
·
Osteosarcoma
– Bone Cancer
·
Mammary
Tumor – Breast Cancer
· Transition Cell – Bladder Area
·
Anal
Sac Adenocarcinoma – Tumors near rectom
· Mast Cell Tumors – Highly malignant
tumors that form on the skin
Breeds that tend to have a higher incidence of cancer include: Golden Retrievers, Boxers, German Shepherds, Cocker
Spaniels, Flat Coat Retrievers, West Highland White Terriers, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, Schnauzers, Bernese Mountain
Dogs, Great Danes, Greyhounds, Standard Poodles.
Cancer in dogs is generally treated in one of three ways—surgery, radiation
or chemotherapy. Holistic, natural approaches to cancer treatment can be used as a primary method of treatment
while the conventional treatments listed above generally provide the highest likelihood of cure or remission. Holistic
treatments can supplement conventional approaches to minimize side effects and boost the body’s natural healing powers.
Cancer treatment for animals is always focused on providing the animal with the highest possible quality of life for
the longest amount of time possible.
The good news is that thanks to the dedication of countless
researchers and veterinary cancer specialists, cancer treatment for dogs has come a very long way in the past three decades.
Many types of cancer, Not all, can now be helped with conventional treatments- put into remission for longer periods of time
than ever before. Many pet owners without easy access to information about canine cancer, wrongly assume that cancer
is automatically a death sentence and make the choice to euthanize their pets without considering other traditional or holistic
treatment options. Dogs need a chance of achieving remission and maintaining their quality of life for months, or even
years, if diagnosed with cancer. We have to do better for our faithful companions and friends.
Early diagnosis has a significant effect on the success
of treatment.
There are nonprofits that are providing financial assistance...stay tuned for links.
Gretchen's Canine Cancer Awareness
This website is new and will be updated regulary to provide
the information needed to make this an efficient tool for pet owners. We recently lost one of our Goldens suddenly to
cancer and do not want it to happen to you. So stay tuned for discussions boards, information on oncology veterinary, links
to cancer questions, easy to read information, and future fund raisers to provide funds to canine cancer researches so we
can beat this thing. We also need to personalize availabities of cancer resources by state so you can get help and answers
quickly when you need them. If you want to help, we will have contact information available shortly so please use guest book.
Remember you can help at home by taking care of your furbabies and help others through communication of cancer prevention
and healthy living.
