Cancer and Our Dogs
By Ara Radler
Recently, I have had several basset owners mention to me that deaths due to cancer have been frequent in their dogs, and it seems that they are getting more so all the time. These comments were heart felt because I have lost 3 to cancer in the last 4 years, myself. Another member of our Rescue has lost 5 to cancer in the last 2-1/2 years; and still another has lost 7 of 11 dogs to the dreaded disease. So, I join with others to ask, “Why so many?”
The American Veterinary Medical Association states that 50% of dogs, greater than 10 years old, will develop cancer; and, further that non-spayed females are prone to mammary cancer. [1] Some breeds are more prone to cancer than others, e.g. boxers and golden retrievers. Also, it can be hereditary, sometimes running in canine families. [3]
Despite these few general statistics, cancer is not a reportable disease in pets as yet. No one really knows if canine (and feline) cancer rates are increasing, even though it does seem so. There are no data bases of cancer cases covering large enough populations in sufficient detail to make reliable statements about overall cancer rates in dogs. [2]
In recent years, pets have been living longer; to an age where they develop cancer. People are taking better care of their pets, i.e. leash laws, microchipping, large variety of pet foods and newer vaccines and treatments. Many more pets are kept indoors these days. In past years, many dogs died from common illnesses like distemper and parvo and many died from auto trauma. [4]
Our natural desire is to do whatever is possible to prevent cancer in our pets; but we need to avoid sweeping statements on cancer rates in pets based on personal opinion and observation. In one “study”, the most often cited cause for the “cancer epidemic” was commercial pet food though other supposed carcinogens were mentioned. Other items the study cited to avoid were toxins, herbs, acupuncture, essential oils, energy meds and other alternative treatments. [2] Well, why don’t we just eliminate everything?
Sadly, all we can do now, with the evidence that we do have, is to focus on specific modifiable risk factors and evidence-based methods of treating cancer when it does occur. Today, pets have a better chance of successful treatment for cancer than in the past, thanks to advances in early recognition, diagnosis and treatment. I regret that my findings on this subject are totally inadequate to offer anyone much explanation or hope for the future. We can only take comfort that in this modern world of research and technology that breakthroughs in cancer will come about for us and for our beloved canine companions.
[1] www.avma.org
[2] www.veterinarypracticenews.com |
[3] www.whole-dog-journal.com
[4] pets.webMD.com
