Hopefully you have been going to the
vet for regular checkups or at least feeling for lumps under the legs and the
throat. The first signs of cancer are normally the following although even then, as
in Rocky's case, we didn't know until his annual check-up, as he had shown no signs of anything being wrong.
- Abnormal swellings that persist or grow
- Sores that for some reason don't heal
- Loss of weight and/or loss of appetite
- Bleeding or discharge from any body opening
- Odor
- Difficulty eating and/or swallowing
- Reluctance to exercise or a loss of stamina
- Persistent lameness or stiffness
- Difficulty breathing, urinating or pooping
When the vet first diagnoses your dog with cancer, ask for a recommendation for
a veterinary oncologist, check with people you know who have had similar
experiences and research on-line. Make an appointment with the oncology specialist as
soon as possible. It's best not to wait because the idea is to try to stop the
cancer from spreading or metastisizing. If money is an issue, the first
consultation is usually affordable and is obviously necessary to find out
exactly what is going on. You can also go to some cancer community web-sites
such as www.dogcancercare.com which is a forum for people who's pets have
cancer. They exchange ideas, options and offer support to the dog owners
themselves. Try to remain calm and make a list of all the questions you would
like to have answered such as treatment options, the percentage chance of
remission, how far gone is the cancer, what are the costs etc? Decide what
course of treatment you would like to start with. There are various options
depending on the type of cancer, how far it has advanced and where it is
located. There are both traditional and holistic treatments and some
specialists combine both approaches. If you do adopt an holistic approach too,
make sure that all the vets are informed as to the treatment.
Research
the different foods and supplements that can boost your dog's immune system and
nutritional status to help fight cancer, and discuss it with your vet or oncology
specialist. Feed your dog a diet high in protein and low in sugar and
carbohydrates, because sugar and carbs feed cancer cells. Remember Cancer Loves
Carbs! If you are feeding commercial dog food, choose a high-quality food with
whole ingredients and low to no grain. Avoid dry foods, unless it has a very
low carb content and is grain free.
Observe
your dog's behavior and keep a daily diary if possible. As long as the good
days outnumber the bad ones, you're doing well and it’s important to monitor
their daily routines in case you need to make a change in the treatment.
Cherish
each day with your dog and take things one day at a time. Dogs live in the
moment and we should live it with them.
Lastly
there is going to be some time in the future when you have to make the decision
that no-one wants to make. Please remember that when the quality of life of
your furry friend has deteriorated to the point that they can’t function, then
it’s time to say goodbye. Please don’t extend their lives because you can’t
bear the thought of losing them. The best way of showing your love is to do
what’s right for them!
If you would like to hear an interview about Rocky, please log on below, go to Community Update and scroll to Number 31. Press the back button on your browser to bring you back here.