The question what causes cancer has been one of the most frustrating questions for scientists involved in cancer research. Despite huge amounts of funding and resource being spent on the subject, there is still an element of doubt behind what causes cancer. At the most we know what the risk factors are because most of the causes carry an element of doubt along with them.
An important risk factor behind the development of lung cancer in humans is cigarette smoking. But cigarette smoking does not cause cancer on its own because there is strong evidence of many heavy smokers who do not develop cancer. Genetic predisposition and a change in genetic messages caused by carcinogens combine to cause cancer. For example, age may be one factor that has been identified. This is because advancing age allows for a series of changes in the body that can lead to the transformation of normal cells into cancerous ones. Risk factors are important in as much as they have the ability to affect genes responsible for normal cell functioning.
In dogs and other pets, risk factors like smoking and other items of human use are of little importance. Most of the factors that increase the risk of feline cancer and cancer in dogs can be classified under two categories:
* Carcinogens - viruses, chemicals and physical carcinogens that can be found in the environment
* There are certain DNA and RNA viruses, normally termed as tumor viruses that have the capacity to pass their own genetic information to the DNA of the cells they infect. It is a complex infection which may involve the virus turning into a cancer causing agent or merge partially with the infected cell.
* There are chemicals that may cause cancer directly or indirectly. Indirect carcinogens need enzymes present in the body to act as catalysts for them to turn carcinogenic. Direct carcinogens, however, are reactive compounds in their own right.
* Physical carcinogens include exposure to radiation: ionized or ultraviolet, fibers like asbestos, and hyperthermia.Genetic Disorders - inherited or acquired.
* A dog may inherit cells carrying genetic material from generation to generation. A gene that suppresses formation of a tumor may get inactivated. On the other hand a gene that causes normal cells to change into cancerous cells may get activated in the sperm or the ovum.
* In some cases cancerous cells develop during mitosis, the process of multiplication of cell by division and are not hereditary in nature. This is an instance of an acquired chromosomal defect where a parent cell passes on the genetic information to the daughter cells that it divides into.
Prediction of cancer is highly improbable. It is ultimately left to the correct reading of signs, such as symptoms of liver cancer in dogs, which can lead to an early detection of this fatal disease. Advancements in treatment therapies for cancer have resulted in many success stories of pet cancer treatment. If it is determined before metastasis affects vital organs, it is possible to extend the life of your dog as well as improve its quality for as long as he lives.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Are there any known holistic treatments for cancer in dogs?
We all know that temporary treatment and relief from cancer in dogs is possible but a permanent cure is not, especially when metastasis has occurred and affected vital organs. Small localized cancers are curable and a dog can live a normal life. Benign tumors do not technically fall under cancer and can be removed surgically without fear unless of course a vital organ is involved.
Treating cancer, including canine and feline cancers with chemotherapeutic drugs is beset with dangers. Most veterinarians are against the use of these drugs since the affects are sometimes worse than the ailment. Mostly veterinarians suggest chemotherapy if the dog owner insists and is adamant to prolong the life of his dog, irrespective of its quality.If you are looking for a better quality of life rather than just adding the number of years, you should look towards a holistic treatment for cancer. A natural approach is devoid of toxicity, has no side effects and attempts to fight cancer cells in a natural way. Success, of course, is not in your hands but you can provide a comfortable life to an already beleaguered animal.
The first step should be to clear the pet’s environment of all potentially carcinogenic materials and chemicals. Change his environment so that there is no contact with harmful pesticides, chemicals and toxic materials. Clean the household where remnants of these tend to accumulate. Throw out the plastic feeding bowl and use ceramic or metal. Start giving filtered water to the dog.
Homoeopathy can do wonders if a remedy is found that meets all the symptoms present in your dog. Such a remedy can prove to be one of the best tools to manage cancer.
There is a strong correlation between nutrition and cancer. Commercial foods available in the market carry preservative and synthetic substances that may be carcinogenic and may cause harm to the process of healthy cell multiplication. Home cooked and organic food is best for your dog’s health. If home food is not an option, opt for health foods for dogs that are available in health stores. Before buying make sure that they do not contain hormones, pesticides or antibiotics.You may also choose to give therapeutic level supplements of antioxidants, Vitamin C and Vitamin A. Many herbs also help in fighting cancer and can be given directly or along with a meal. Discuss with your veterinarian and select a few herbs and natural foods that are rich in zinc, selenium and omega 3 fatty acids. Fish oil or flaxseed oil have anti cancer properties and increase oxygen uptake to cells.
Caring for a dog with cancer requires dog owners to be well-conversed with the minute details of how symptoms of cancer manifest in pets. Cancer tends to remain concealed till a long time.
For example, the symptoms of liver cancer in dogs are vague and are normally ignored or associated with milder conditions. Creating a program for home cancer care will go a long way in curbing the growth of cancer cells. If you can start such a program right from the time you bring your dog home, it may even prevent the dreaded disease.
Treating cancer, including canine and feline cancers with chemotherapeutic drugs is beset with dangers. Most veterinarians are against the use of these drugs since the affects are sometimes worse than the ailment. Mostly veterinarians suggest chemotherapy if the dog owner insists and is adamant to prolong the life of his dog, irrespective of its quality.If you are looking for a better quality of life rather than just adding the number of years, you should look towards a holistic treatment for cancer. A natural approach is devoid of toxicity, has no side effects and attempts to fight cancer cells in a natural way. Success, of course, is not in your hands but you can provide a comfortable life to an already beleaguered animal.
The first step should be to clear the pet’s environment of all potentially carcinogenic materials and chemicals. Change his environment so that there is no contact with harmful pesticides, chemicals and toxic materials. Clean the household where remnants of these tend to accumulate. Throw out the plastic feeding bowl and use ceramic or metal. Start giving filtered water to the dog.
Homoeopathy can do wonders if a remedy is found that meets all the symptoms present in your dog. Such a remedy can prove to be one of the best tools to manage cancer.
There is a strong correlation between nutrition and cancer. Commercial foods available in the market carry preservative and synthetic substances that may be carcinogenic and may cause harm to the process of healthy cell multiplication. Home cooked and organic food is best for your dog’s health. If home food is not an option, opt for health foods for dogs that are available in health stores. Before buying make sure that they do not contain hormones, pesticides or antibiotics.You may also choose to give therapeutic level supplements of antioxidants, Vitamin C and Vitamin A. Many herbs also help in fighting cancer and can be given directly or along with a meal. Discuss with your veterinarian and select a few herbs and natural foods that are rich in zinc, selenium and omega 3 fatty acids. Fish oil or flaxseed oil have anti cancer properties and increase oxygen uptake to cells.
Caring for a dog with cancer requires dog owners to be well-conversed with the minute details of how symptoms of cancer manifest in pets. Cancer tends to remain concealed till a long time.
For example, the symptoms of liver cancer in dogs are vague and are normally ignored or associated with milder conditions. Creating a program for home cancer care will go a long way in curbing the growth of cancer cells. If you can start such a program right from the time you bring your dog home, it may even prevent the dreaded disease.
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