A mole on the skin's surface can be melanoma cancer in dogs

Cancer is actually an uncontrolled growth of cells resulting from an accumulation of changes in the structure of the genes that control cell division and multiplication. Melanoma is one of the several malignant neoplasms, usually of the skin. The affected cell is mostly melanocytes, a cell in the basal layer of the epidermis that produces melanin under the control of the melanocyte-stimulating hormone. Benign and malignant skin tumors are a common form of canine and feline cancer.

Melanoma cancer in dogs occurs commonly in dark skinned animals, usually in areas under haired skin, as small, dark brown to black lumps. In certain cases they may appear as large flat wrinkled masses. Other areas where melanomas can also appear include mouth, digits and behind the eye. A swelling or increase in size of lymph nodes is the first clinical sign of a malignant melanoma. Although the pigment called melanin is the distinctive characteristic of such tumors, some melanomas may not display a darkly colored pigment.

Malignancy is established with the aid of a microscopic examination. For this purpose a small piece of the tumor is cut off and evaluated. The pathologist then grades the melanoma according to how rapidly the cells are proliferating. This gives an estimate of the likelihood of metastasis.

The best treatment of melanoma is a total excision through surgery. To be on the safer side, the surgeon may remove some of the neighboring tissue as well. If the tumor is confined to a particular area this amounts to a full cure. The excised sample is again sent for histological examination to ascertain whether the entire tumor has been removed or not.

Melanomas can also spread to distant organs in the body. Complete remission in such cases is rare and it affects the long term survival of the dog to a great extent. Once the tumor has metastasized, cancer can start presenting itself as varied symptoms like the symptoms of liver cancer in dogs.

To the relief of dog owners, all moles in the skin are not malignant. It is normal for a dog or a cat to have dark pigmented areas of skin, particularly in the tongue, gum and eyelid tissue. As a general rule small skin tumors tend to be benign and the ones in the mouth toes, fingers or eyes are mostly malignant. Benign melanomas are seen as dark masses up to two inches in diameter. Unless the mole or a lump starts increasing in size, or elevates above the surface of the skin or bleeds, there is no need to worry. Such a condition necessitates an examination of the lump that you may see on the surface of your dog’s skin.

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Causes, symptoms, and prognosis of auto-immune disease in cats

The immune system in a cat’s body has a committed task. It is a complex interconnected system of white blood cells, antibodies and other substances that are released to combat infections and eliminate foreign proteins. On recognition of a foreign invasion, the system releases antibodies which chemically bind with antigens to destroy them.
The important part of the immune system is that it is supposed to recognize foreign substances and respond immediately to destroy them. Unfortunately it does not happen like this always. Certain disorders cause the controlling mechanism of the immune system to fail and it produces antibodies that attack the body’s own tissues. These are known as autoantibodies. The resultant disease is known as an auto-immune disease. Even though it is known that an auto-immune disease is caused by production of these autoantibodies, the underlying causes are complicated and not thoroughly understood. Symptoms of auto-immune diseases vary depending upon the organ or system that has been affected. In certain cases multiple organs and body systems are affected.
Auto-immune diseases occur in both cats and dogs, producing relatively similar symptoms. The auto-immune disease of the blood in cats is rare and often secondary to leukemia. The antibodies disrupt the body’s own red blood cells causing hemolysis, a condition known as auto-immune hemolytic anemia. It may cause jaundice, lethargy, enlargement of lymph nodes and ulcerations in ears, nose, tail and feet. It is often accompanied with a substantial fall in platelet count. Hemolysis can also be drug induced, so a proper diagnosis is a must before proceeding with treatment. If the cat is showing signs of muscle weakness, difficulty in eating and swallowing, and regurgitation, there are chances that auto-antibodies are attacking the acetylcholine receptors on muscles. This can be a sign of a chronic progressive disease characterized by chronic fatigue and muscular weakness, especially in the face and neck, known as Myasthenia gravis.

Another musculoskeletal auto-immune disease in cats may occur in the form of rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis causes extreme disability in the shape of lameness and stiff joints. In its extreme manifestation, a cessation of joint movement can also occur. Where the skin is affected, it causes ulceration in the mucous membranes of the skin, serum discharging lesions, crusts over the ulcers, itchiness and alopecia.

Auto-immune disease may affect multiple organs at the same time. Multiple organ auto-immune disease is common and makes diagnosis extremely difficult. The name itself presupposes presence of multiple symptoms that can be confusing at times, even for the expert veterinarian. There are indications that feline liver disease, such as chronic active hepatitis may have a connection with a malfunctioning immune system.

The complement system in the body is a series of proteins like the antibodies and is named based on the fact that its function complements the antibodies. Complement proteins are manufactured in the liver and sometimes liver disease in dogs and cats may be a harbinger of an immune mediated disease. Consulting your veterinarian is advisable when you see symptoms of liver disease in dogs and cats. Prognosis of most of the auto-immune diseases is generally poor if not treated in the earlier stages. Those affecting the skin usually go into remission on treatment with drugs. Auto-immune hemolytic anemia and auto-immune thrombocytopenia (fall in platelet count in blood) requires aggressive treatment. Myasthenia gravis, the musculoskeletal disorder, has a guarded prognosis with an underlying risk of death.

Home cooked food is the best dog food for liver health and longevity

It is a mad jungle out there when it comes to selling dog food. Seeing the number of brands, the different types of sales pitches adopted by marketers and the fancy names with tongue twisting ingredients printed on labels, it appears the focus is on attracting buyers and grabbing a share of the whopping $ 11 billion pie..

In addition, each manufacturer launches numerous types of pet food under one brand. There are moist, semi moist and dry dog foods. Their use of terminology, like ‘premium’, ‘super-premium’, and ‘gourmet’ are mere nomenclatures since they hardly mean anything. Even though the Food and Drug Administration's Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) regulates what must be printed on the labels. The warnings are all mentioned in small print and therefore do not serve to warn the consumers adequately. Apart from checking the nutritional adequacy and information about the manufacturer, you should focus on the ingredient list. Ethoxyquin is one of the most common preservatives used in dog food. This is used to prevent fats from turning rancid. There is verifiable evidence that there is a connection between Ethoxyquin and the accumulation of protoporphyrin IX and the elevation in liver related enzymes that can ultimately cause liver disease in dogs.

Some times dog owners indulge in over-feeding their dogs under the mistaken belief that the dog is hungry. Even a so called ‘light diet’ can lead to obesity in dogs if the calorie intake is more than recommended. Obesity can directly cause liver and heart conditions, diabetes, arthritis, skin disorders and cancer exposing the dog to a higher risk.

Diet plays an important role in liver health. It is one of the major reasons behind many diseases in cats too, including the feline liver disease. Instead of waiting for symptoms of liver disease in dogs or cats to surface, it is highly recommended that you be proactive and feed your dog with a healthy and nutritional diet to maintain health. A huge majority of commercial foods contain toxins that destroy the immune system and gradually kill your dog as you feed him. Dogs are basically meat eaters. Meat based dog food may appear to be the best to provide the required proportions of proteins and other substances needed by the animal. Manufacturers, however, use synthetic additives and preservatives to increase shelf life, which can be detrimental to the health of your dog.

It is not only the type of food but also the quantity that makes a difference. The age, weight and breed of your pet are key aspects that determine the amount of proteins, carbohydrates and fats that the dog requires every day. The level of activity is another factor for arriving at the calorie intake. Your veterinarian is the best person to suggest where and how to source this information. As much as possible feed your dog home cooked food, raw meat and a natural diet that is free from toxins. The purpose of a natural diet is to boost the immune system and help the liver to regenerate its cells so that it can function to its fullest capacity. A toxin free diet is the key to longevity and liver health.

Steps to recognize the first signs of liver failure in cats

The liver in cats and dogs is more susceptible to liver disease. Its large size indicates its criticality to overall health. It is the industrial powerhouse of the body. From filtering toxins to providing energy to supplying nutrients, it is involved in practically all the biochemical processes that go on in the body.

As and when toxins increase, the liver is called upon to perform beyond its normal capacity, which may lead to liver failure. Initially liver disease manifests as mild symptoms like:

* Vomiting

* Anorexia ( refusal to eat)

* Weight loss.

* Pale gray and soft feces.

* Weakness and lethargy.

The symptoms of liver disease in dogs are almost similar to those of feline liver disease . This similarity exists even in the causes like excess of toxin intake and secondary infections caused due to disease in other organs. However, feline infectious peritonitis, leukemia virus, and feline immunodeficiency virus are few of the cat specific causes.Left untreated, toxins may build up and the disease progresses and presents the following symptoms that may point to liver failure.

* Jaundice

* Seizures.

* Circling

* Fluid retention and a distended stomach.

Liver disease can progress to a stage where treatment may become cumbersome and in certain cases, even impossible. It is advisable that positive steps be taken even on a mild suspicion of liver related symptoms. It is better to call your veterinarian to check as there are possibilities of cat owners misreading the symptoms. After all it is better to make a mistake than risk the life of your cat.

The best way to prevent liver disease is to check what goes in: diet as well as drugs. Some drugs that can potentially increase toxins are:

* Steroidal compounds.

* Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

* Heavy metals: for example mercury from deep sea fish and lead from paint chips.

* Phenobarbital, a barbiturate used as a sedative.

It pays to find alternatives for the drugs that are known to be toxic to the liver. For example, potassium bromide is safer and would work as well as Phenobarbital. Try to seek help from a holistic veterinarian who will not hesitate to make use of natural and safer homeopathic remedies.Even though specific causes of different types of liver disease that ultimately lead to liver failure is not known, obesity in cats is suspected to be one of the primary reasons. Controlling obesity will ultimately lead to effective prevention of liver disease.

Diet plays an important role in preventing liver disease in dogs and cats. Low fat diet rich in antioxidants and easily digestible grains provide a well needed rest to the liver so that it self-heals using its regenerative capacity. Restrict intake of proteins as this will lead to lesser production of ammonia. Change to small but frequent feeding with proteins of high biological value such as eggs and milk products. High fiber diet, ensuring that the cat is not undernourished, also helps in curbing ammonia production.

The most important thing is timely action. Cat owners who are overly concerned about the health of their companion should try to inform themselves of what causes feline liver disease and adhere to liver friendly diet from day one.

The liver in cats and dogs is more susceptible to liver disease. Its large size indicates its criticality to overall health. It is the industrial powerhouse of the body. From filtering toxins to providing energy to supplying nutrients, it is involved in practically all the biochemical processes that go on in the body.

As and when toxins increase, the liver is called upon to perform beyond its normal capacity, which may lead to liver failure. Initially liver disease manifests as mild symptoms like:

* Vomiting

* Anorexia ( refusal to eat)

* Weight loss.

* Pale gray and soft feces.

* Weakness and lethargy.

The symptoms of liver disease in dogs are almost similar to those of feline liver disease . This similarity exists even in the causes like excess of toxin intake and secondary infections caused due to disease in other organs. However, feline infectious peritonitis, leukemia virus, and feline immunodeficiency virus are few of the cat specific causes.Left untreated, toxins may build up and the disease progresses and presents the following symptoms that may point to liver failure.

* Jaundice

* Seizures.

* Circling

* Fluid retention and a distended stomach.

Liver disease can progress to a stage where treatment may become cumbersome and in certain cases, even impossible. It is advisable that positive steps be taken even on a mild suspicion of liver related symptoms. It is better to call your veterinarian to check as there are possibilities of cat owners misreading the symptoms. After all it is better to make a mistake than risk the life of your cat.

The best way to prevent liver disease is to check what goes in: diet as well as drugs. Some drugs that can potentially increase toxins are:

* Steroidal compounds.

* Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

* Heavy metals: for example mercury from deep sea fish and lead from paint chips.

* Phenobarbital, a barbiturate used as a sedative.

It pays to find alternatives for the drugs that are known to be toxic to the liver. For example, potassium bromide is safer and would work as well as Phenobarbital. Try to seek help from a holistic veterinarian who will not hesitate to make use of natural and safer homeopathic remedies.Even though specific causes of different types of liver disease that ultimately lead to liver failure is not known, obesity in cats is suspected to be one of the primary reasons. Controlling obesity will ultimately lead to effective prevention of liver disease.

Diet plays an important role in preventing liver disease in dogs and cats. Low fat diet rich in antioxidants and easily digestible grains provide a well needed rest to the liver so that it self-heals using its regenerative capacity. Restrict intake of proteins as this will lead to lesser production of ammonia. Change to small but frequent feeding with proteins of high biological value such as eggs and milk products. High fiber diet, ensuring that the cat is not undernourished, also helps in curbing ammonia production.

The most important thing is timely action. Cat owners who are overly concerned about the health of their companion should try to inform themselves of what causes feline liver disease and adhere to liver friendly diet from day one.

Antioxidants and immune system vitamins for dogs

While inefficient or over active immune systems can cause diseases, other diseases can also compromise the immune system’s ability to combat diseases. Many times a certain drug used during the course of a treatment negatively affects the immune system, which in turn can be a cause behind the occurrence of another condition.

A dog’s body is capable of fighting minor diseases on its own. Frequent occurrences of skin disorders, allergies, respiratory and eye disorders and other general problems are sure signs of dysfunction of the immune system in pets. It is important to be on guard rather than letting the situation go out of hand. Maintaining the health of the immune system of your pet will not only restrict frequent occurrences of disease but also help in improving chances of survival in the event of a serious disease.

Antioxidants are one of the proven supplements that help in fighting disease. Antioxidants also limit cell damage and thus provide support to the immune system when disease occurs. Vitamins are a group of organic substances that are essential in small quantities to normal metabolism.

Vitamin C and E are specific antioxidants that are normally used as supplements to counter the oxidizing chemicals originating during cell damage. Vitamin C also plays a key role in enhancing the T-cell production for an increased resistance to bacterial and viral infection and allergies. Vitamin E, on the other hand prevents oxidation of Vitamin A, red blood cells and unsaturated fatty acids.

Carotene, an orange compound of an unsaturated hydrocarbon found in many plants is converted into vitamin A in the liver. It is indispensable for a healthy skin, growth, digestion and repair of body tissues and protecting mucous membranes of mouth, nose, throat and lungs for reducing vulnerability to infections.

Bioflavonoids or simply flavonoids, a group of antioxidant chemical compounds widely found often as a pigment in plants, fruits and vegetables, are termed as ‘nature’s biological response modifiers’. They have a strong inbuilt capacity to affect the way the body responds to allergens, viruses and carcinogens. Flavonoids are widely present in plants and protect them from microbes and insects. Diseases like liver disease in dogs or feline liver disease are highly progressive diseases that are also difficult to diagnose and even lead to the death of your pet. Moreover, symptoms of liver disease in dogs and cats are varied and subtle and the disorder is likely to be diagnosed late. It would be unwise to look for vitamin supplements at the time of illness. The preferred approach should be to maintain the health of the immune system for reducing the incidence and severity of diseases in pets.

As much as you can, try to feed a natural diet to your dog. If you must buy commercial pet food gather enough information so that you can understand the contents mentioned on the label so as to be able to avoid those containing chemical preservatives. Chemical preservatives do more harm than the possible benefits of the ingredients. To ensure that your dog is eating the best food, feed a home cooked diet that is rich in Vitamin C, E and A, antioxidants and Omega 3 fatty acids for best possible benefits for immune system. Even though dogs need meat based proteins, a healthy mix of meat and vegetables will go a long way to derive benefits that both vitamins and flavonoids can provide to the immune system.

The signs of diabetes in dogs

Diabetes mellitus or simply diabetes is a common condition in dogs. Howsoever scary it may sound it is not the end of the world for your dog because diabetes in canines is manageable if proper care is taken. Diet, regular monitoring of blood sugar levels and medication are key aspects of adequate care. Diabetes, however, can cause an early death of the dog if it is not treated. High blood sugar levels produce clinical symptoms of diabetes in dogs and cats that can help in early detection. Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels rise due to the inability of pancreas to produce enough insulin to manage glucose (a primary sugar) in the food that the dog ingests. In another situation, cells become resistant to the action of insulin, which also results in a high blood sugar level. If not managed within reasonable time, it leads to abnormally high blood sugar levels, a condition known as hyperglycemia. High blood sugar results when the dog’s body is unable to process and convert glucose to energy for maintaining healthy growth.

The excess glucose in the blood has to go somewhere if it is not used by the body’s systems and it leaks over to the urine. This leads to excessive urination (polyuria). As fluids in the body reduce, the dog feels the need to drink more (polydipsia) to compensate the loss due to excessive urination.

Besides these two most prominent symptoms of diabetes in dogs and cats some of the other symptoms indicative of diabetes are:

* Weight loss

* Poor skin and hair coat

* Frequent bladder infections

On observing these signs, a veterinarian should be consulted at the first opportunity because untreated diabetes can lead to:

* Loss of appetite

* Vomiting

* Diabetic neuropathy, especially weakness in rear legs

* DehydrationLeft untreated, diabetes can progress and cause some life threatening disorders like diabetic acidosis, a condition of abnormally high acidity accompanied by an accumulation of ketone bodies. Some of the other complications arising out of unregulated blood sugar levels include liver and kidney dysfunction and canine blindness.

The cause of diabetes still remains a mystery despite large amounts of research that has been initiated in this area. Chronic inflammation of the pancreas and genetic predisposition are often suspected to be the cause in most of the cases. Breeds like Poodles, Schnauzers, Keeshounds, Cairn Terriers, Dachshunds, Cocker Spaniels and Beagles are more predisposed to developing diabetes.

Once your dog has been diagnosed for diabetes, close monitoring of diet and regular checking of blood sugar levels is necessary. Minor increase in blood sugar can be managed by controlling and regulating diet. Abnormally high levels require insulin injections. Injection of insulin needs to be correlated with the amount, quality and timing of food intake. If you are taking care of your dog at home, make sure you get proper instructions about how and when to inject insulin on your own. Since excess insulin can lead to hypoglycemia or extremely low blood sugar levels, this is another area that you must understand well.

How to deal with a mean cat

Most people bring home a cat or a kitten expecting a friendly cat that will become a companion and lie cozily in the lap. It is unlikely that a cat will be confident enough to adjust easily to a new home and people. However, apart from the initial short period that the cat may take to get used to a new environment, most cats adjust easily in new homes. On the other hand, some cats remain fearful of the new surroundings despite patient efforts of the cat owner. Su situation may be the start of a problem. If the fearful and anxious situation continues you can be sure that you have landed yourself with a stressed and unhappy cat.

A fearful or defensive cat is likely to resort to aggressive behavior like fighting, biting and scratching. Understanding cat behavior is critical to handle an aggressive cat or to stop cat biting behavior. Unlike treating aggressive dog behavior , which requires re-training, handling a mean cat may require a little bit more than that. However, before you try anything it is recommended that you take precautionary measures and trim the cat’s claws. Trimming the claws should actually be a regular practice since the feral wild traits can manifest anytime.It is normal for owners to confuse playful aggression of cats with typical aggression. Cats need to play aggressively to spruce up their survival instincts. Play activities of cats include cautious, exploratory and investigative behaviors. This may appear as aggressive behavior to owners who have other expectations from their cat. Play that looks like aggression may be initiated by the owner or the cat himself. Do not use your hands and feet as toys for the cat. Do not play rough games with him nor indulge in any physical punishment. Cats are not likely to understand the association of the punishment with an act that they have done. On the contrary, they are likely to associate it with the individual who metes out the punishment. Try to divert the cat’s attention and offer toys so that he can play in a manner that is acceptable to you. Although domesticated cats have all their food available at home, they are prone to practice hunting skills.

For some inexplicable reason cats get fed up with petting very quickly. Watch out for signals that resemble predatory behavior and stop the moment you see those shifting eyes, pulled back ears and a twitching tail.Maternal dog aggression seems soft when compared to the maternal aggression of cats. Cats are very protective mothers and therefore it is best never to disturb a cat when she is with her kittens. Such aggression usually dies as the kittens grow up.

Cats are instinctive hunters. If you have small pocket pets at home, keep them out of reach of the cat. A cat may play with a pet canary is equally capable of eating it at a later date. Also, cats are expert predators like tigers and should not be let outside alone. They are likely to like the predatory killing if they get a flavor of it once. Both cats and dogs need a significant amount of socializing while they are young. Cat and dog biting is common among pets that have been weaned away early in life. It does not provide them with enough opportunities to learn to control their aggression.If you have brought a kitten that has not had enough time with siblings, gradual introduction to other cats will slowly but surely teach him that aggression is not acceptable.

Biting puppies - train the pup and yourself

The first ten week period of a newborn puppy’s life is the best time to teach a puppy that biting is not acceptable. And training your puppy to avoid an incidence of dog biting is crucial.

This is especially because biting comes naturally to them and it is the easiest form of dog aggression that he can resort to in situations that induce fear, anxiety and aggression.

And such training is best done before strong adult teeth take the place of small nibbling ones. Curbing aggressive dog behavior among adult dogs is far more difficult than training puppies.While training puppies, always remember that physical punishment does not work. Punishment is tantamount to making the dog more resolute in his behavior and in such cases aggression is likely to become a permanent concern. The approach that you take should clearly indicate to the puppy that you love him but hate the biting habit instead. At the same time you must assume leadership as the dog considers you as part of the pack. Unless he perceives you to be the leader he is likely to let go of aggressive dog behavior easily.

Dogs use their mouth to express themselves. A pup also uses his mouth and his tongue for communication. Encourage licking, although not a compatible dog behavior, by offering treats and praise. Give licking a name so that he remembers the activity the next time. If the puppy uses his teeth on you, make an abrupt startling sound (e.g. OUCH) right in his face. His instincts will tell him that he has to stop. Isolate him for five minutes if you feel that the loud sound did not have an impact. Pick him up after some time and see how he responds now. Continue this till the time you feel that the pup has got the idea of what is acceptable and what not. By the time the pup is six weeks he should have understood that he can use his mouth on you but only for licking. If you have brought an older puppy, you might have to repeat this for some time since he may need more time to adjust to new faces and the new environment.

Expose the puppy to other dogs and humans. The reactions of other puppies and dogs when bitten are likely to make him understand that he should desist from biting. Exposure to humans will remove fear of strangers.Training alone does not inhibit dog biting. It is also necessary that all those who interact with the dog adhere to certain norms that restrict dog biting. Children are prone to unpredictable behaviors. This, more than anything else, puts a dog on his defensive. Keep children away from the puppy till the time you are sure that he is trained. It is pertinent to teach children the manner in which they should approach a puppy or a dog and what specific actions need to be avoided.

* Do not play aggressive or competitive games with the puppy.

* Define the areas that are out of bounds and consistently stick to it.

* Never tap on the head. Instead scratch below the chin.

Biting comes naturally to puppies. In a litter, they play by rolling over and biting each other even before they have developed their teeth. A younger dog can cause more harm with his sharp teeth in spite of the fact that his lower jaw is week. By the time he grows up his teeth may become duller but the strength in his jaws can inflict maximum damage. Teaching young puppies that no teeth can touch human skin or clothes always help in the long term.