• "A dog has lots of friends because he wags his tail and not his tongue" -Author Unknown
  • "Every boy should have two things: a dog and a mother willing to let him have one." - Anonymous
  • "Whoever said you can't buy happiness forgot little puppies." - Gene Hill
  • A friend is one who knows you and loves you just the same. - Elbert Hubbard
  • "A hug is like a boomerang - you get it back right away." -Bil Keane
  • "A meow massages the heart." - Stuart McMillan
  • "There is more to life than increasing speed." -Mahatma Ghandi
  • "Happiness is where we find it, but rarely where we seek it." - J. Petit Senn
  • "If your horse says no, you either asked the wrong question, or asked the question wrong." - Pat Parelli
  • "There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man." - Winston Churchill
  • "Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole." -Roger Caras
  • "No hour of life is wasted that is spent in the saddle." - Winston Churchill
  • "Agreeable friends - they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms." - George Eliot
  • "To err is human - to forgive, canine."
  • "Money may buy you a fine dog, but only love can make it wag its tail." -Kinky Friedman
  • "Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." - Anatole France
  • "I hope to be the kind of person my dog thinks I am." - Unknown
  • "Horses - if God made anything more beautiful, he kept it for himself." - Author unknown
  • "Are we really sure the purring is coming from the kitty and not from our very own hearts?" - Terri Guillemets
  • "There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face." - Ben Williams

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  10 Common Signs
of Cancer in Pets

1.  Abnormal swellings that continue to grow

2. Sores that do not heal

3. Weight loss

4. Loss of appetite

5. Bleeding or discharge from any body opening

6. Offensive odor

7. Difficulty eating / swallowing

8. Hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina

9. Persistent lameness / stiffness

10. Difficulty breathing, urinating or defecating.

 

 

How often do pets get Cancer?

Unfortunately, cancer is common in pets and the incidence increases with age. Cancer accounts for almost 50% of deaths of pets over the age of 10! Dogs get cancer at approximately the same rate as humans.

The Categories of  Tumors

 Tumors or masses  can be 'benign' or 'malignant'. Malignant tumors equals the term "cancer".The definition of a tumor is the uncontrolled, abnormal growth of cells or tissues in the body.Benign tumors do not grow aggressively, do not invade surrounding tissues and do not spread to other parts of the body.Malignant tumors tend to grow rapidly, invade local tissues and spread (or metastasize) to other parts of the body.

 Types of Cancer

Under the general category of cancer, there are about a hundred specific types, each one involving different body parts and having its own name.Cancer can attack the skin or bones or liver etc. The name of the cancer is connected to the type of organ or cells that are involved. 

 How is Cancer Treated?

There is no single right answer to this question. Every dog and cat is unique and every kind of cancer is different. The types of treatment chosen will depend on the animal's age, general health, type of cancer and other factors.

The three most common cancer treatments are:

  1.  Surgery: Surgical removal of a tumor (when possible). Surgery can be a very effective method to remove or reduce tumors.
  2. Chemotherapy: Chemical medications are used to kill tumor cells.
  3. Radiation therapy: High doses of radiation are aimed directly at the tumor site to shrink or stop its growth. 
dogiv Holistic and Alternative Therapies for Cancer

There have been major advances in holistic therapies for cancer treatment. We offer several comprehensive alternative therapies for cancer. Relevant therapies for specific types of cancer are discussed on an individual patient basis.

 Screening for Cancer

Is there a test to find out if my pet has cancer? Unfortunately, there is not a straightforward test that will screen for all types of cancer.Routine blood work and radiographs can help screen for certain cancers. Skin lumps & bumps should be evaluated & possibly removed.

Protecting Your Pet from Cancer

Identifying cancer early can greatly increase the chance of a full recovery.
Here is a list of ways to keep your pet in good health.

1.  Don't smoke around your pet.
2. Spay or neuter your pet at an early age.
3. Feed high quality nutritious food.
4. Keep your pet at a healthy weight.
5. Go green-use non-toxic cleaners when possible.
6. Keep track of lumps and growths and any changes in size or appearance.
7. Watch for changes in eating and bowel habits.
8. Schedule veterinary exams at least semi-annually.