Entries Tagged 'Dog Cancer' ↓

What are transfer factors?

Transfer factors are protein molecules produced by lymphocytes (immune system white blood cells). Their effects on the immune system are to:
- recognise and destroy pathogens (bacteria, fungi and viruses)
- recognise and destroy infected/malignant cells
- slow down overactive immune response, such as autoimmune diseases and allergic reactions

However, the body is unable to produce sufficient tranfer factors when the immune system is suppressed or damaged.

What are K9 Transfer Factor? Continue reading →

Spleen cancer in dogs is a malignant tumor that develops in the spleen. This type of tumor can develop slowly and some dogs may display non-specific (general) symptoms or none at all during the early stages.

Non-Specific Spleen Cancer in Dogs Symptoms

• reduced appetite
•  vomiting
•  lethargy
•  weight loss

Eventually, the tumor ruptures and results in internal hemorrhage. Excessive blood loss can be life-threatening.

Hemangiosarcoma of the spleen in a dog. The tumor is on the left, and normal spleen is on the right.
(By Joel Mills (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/)], via Wikimedia Commons)

Specific Spleen Cancer in Dogs Symptoms Continue reading →

There are 2 types of liver cancer in dogs:
- metastatic
- primary

Metastatic liver cancer in dogs

Metastatic liver cancer is tumor that has spread from other parts of the body. This is the most common type of liver cancer in dogs. Treatment depends on the stage of metastasis. Due to the aggressive nature of this tumor, prognosis is not good.

Continue reading →

Curcumin is a natural yellow compound derived from turmeric. The latter comes from the root of Curcuma Longa plant and is a staple ingredient in curry dishes.

Curcumin has been used in Ayurvedic (Indian) and Chinese medicine for more than 5000 years. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, anti-viral and anti-microbial properties. Hence, it is one of the most promising phytochemicals for fighting a range of diseases. Extensive research has shown curcumin’s therapeutic efficacy against cancer. It is generally safe, even when ingested in large amounts.

(Photo by: Steven Jackson)

Anti-cancer effects of curcumin Continue reading →

K9 Immunity is an immune enhancement supplement for dogs with cancer. It is made from the same pharmaceutical grade immuno-modulating compounds as the human grade Immune-Assist. The latter has been used in human patients for more than 6 years.

Does K9 Immunity work? Continue reading →

Canine malignant mouth cancer can be divided into:
- locally invasive
- metastatic (spread to other parts of the body)

Locally invasive malignant mouth tumors are fibrosarcoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

Metastatic malignant mouth tumors are melanoma and osteosarcoma.

Canine Mouth Cancer – Locally Invasive

1. Fibrosarcoma

Fibrosarcoma often develops on the gums. Although locally invasive (bone invasion), it may spread to the lungs. Oral fibrosarcoma is treated with surgery and/or radiation therapy. The recurrence rate is about 40-65% after surgery.

2. Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Although this tumor usually affects the gum, it can also form on the tongue and tonsils.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue:
- usually invades the bone
- about 5-10% metastatic rate
- often recur following treatment

Squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue and tonsils:
- tend to spread to local lymph nodes and lungs
- high recurrence rate

Oral squamous cell carcinoma is treated with surgery, radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy. Tumors located in the front part of the jaw are easier to treat and have better prognosis.

Canine Mouth Cancer – Metastatic

1. Melanoma

Melanoma is the most common canine mouth cancer. It usually occurs in dogs with dark pigmented oral mucosa and located on the gum. Melanoma is highly metastatic. By the time it is diagnosed, the tumor is likely to have spread to local lymph nodes or lungs.

The conventional canine melanoma treatment is surgery and/or radiation. In January 2010, canine melanoma vaccine ONCEPT gained full approval from USDA for treatment of oral melanoma in dogs. This therapeutic vaccine is used in combination with surgery and/or radiation therapy.

2. Osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma is a malignant bone cancer.

Tumor located in the upper jaw: highly metastatic, prognosis is poor.
Tumor is located in the lower jaw: lower risk of spread, so prognosis is generally better.

Treatment for oral osteosarcoma is surgery and/or chemotherapy

See also: Mouth Cancer in Dogs Symptoms – What to Look Out for
See also: Mouth Cancer in Dogs – Treatment Options

The primary treatment for mouth cancer in dogs is surgery. The tumor and a wide margin of healthy tissue surrounding it are removed. This may involve removing part or whole of the upper or lower jaw. The cosmetic appearance is often good despite removal of large portion of the jaw bone.

Radiation therapy is used when tumor is not completely excised or surgical removal of tumor is not possible. In the latter case, radiation therapy is used as palliative treatment.

Chemotherapy may be recommended for certain oral tumors that metastasise.

Immune modulation therapy such as K9 Immunity, activates the immune system to recognise and destroy cancer cells. Discover how K9 Immunity can help dogs with cancer here –> K9 Immunity – How It Works

Prognosis

Tumors located on the front part of mouth or lower jaw are easier to remove and tend not to spread.

Tumors at the back of the mouth, tongue, tonsils or upper jaw are metastatic and have a poor prognosis.

Mouth cancer in dogs accounts for 6% of all canine cancers. It is the 4th most common cancer in dogs. Oral tumors are either benign or malignant. Benign tumors do not spread and can successfully be removed by surgery. Malignant tumors are locally invasive or tend to metastasise, so they require more aggressive treatment.

(Photo: tanakawho)

Symptoms of Mouth Cancer in Dogs

- lump or mass in the mouth
- facial swelling
- bad breath
- excessive drooling
- difficulty with eating and drinking
- weight loss
- no appetite
- oral bleeding
- displaced or loss of teeth

Diagnosis of Mouth Cancer in Dogs

- visual inspection of lump/mass
- complete blood count, biochemical profile, urinalysis
- fine needle aspirate or biopsy of tumor to determine tumor grade and stage
- oral x-rays or CT scan to determine extent of tumor invasion
- chest x-rays to determine any tumor spread to lungs
- fine needle biopsy of any enlarged lymph node
- analysis of the entire tissue removed by surgery to determine if all tumor has been removed and/or any further treatment required

See also: Mouth Cancer in Dogs Treatment Options

Omega 3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids that are necessary for the health. They cannot be produced by the body and can only be obtained from certain foods and supplements. In human health, they can reduce inflammation and minimise the risks of diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes and athritis.

Omega 3 fatty acids are not only essential for us, but also for our dogs. Some of the benefits are:
- reduce inflammation associated with allergies, athritis and other inflammatory diseases.
- promote skin, coat and joint health
- delay formation and spread of cancer
- promote normal function of bodily systems

Omega 3 and Dog Cancer

Studies have shown positive effects of omega 3 fatty acids on dogs with cancer. They can inhibit tumor growth, delay metastasis and increase the efficacy of cancer treatments (chemotherapy and radiation therapy).

In a study, dogs with lymphoma were treated with chemotherapy and supplemented with fish oil. The omega 3 fatty acids (fish oil) increased disease free interval (remission time) and survival time.

In another study, dogs with malignant nasal tumors underwent radiation therapy and were supplemented with fish oil. It was found that omega fatty acids (fish oil) decreased radiation damage in skin and mucosa. Thus, quality of life was increased in dogs treated with radiation therapy.

A good source of omega 3 fatty acids is high quality fish oil supplement such as K9 Omega. This supplement is specially formulated for dogs and made from cold water fish sources, using oil from salmon, anchovy, herring, sprat and sardines.

Avoid giving cod liver oil as an omega 3 supplement to dogs. This type of fish oil is high in fat soluble vitamins A and D, which are toxic when ingested.

Fish oil has blood thinning effects. If your dog is undergoing surgery, it may be necessary to stop giving it fish oil supplement a number of days prior to and following surgery. Please seek the advice of your vet.

Source:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10760770
http://web.archive.org/web/20011102104126/http://www.cvmbs.colostate.edu/cancercure/nutrition.htm#Energy%20Needs%20of%20the%20Cancer

For dogs with cancer, nutrition plays a crucial role in managing the disease. Certain nutrients have anti-cancer properties or can boost the immune system to fight cancer.

A specialised dog cancer diet can help promote healing, reduce side effects from conventional cancer treatment and
controlling cancer symptoms.

According to Dr.Gregory Ogilvie (vet oncologist),  a dog cancer diet should be “relatively low in simple carbohydrates, with moderate amounts of highly bioavailable proteins as well as soluble and insoluble fiber, and moderate amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids of the n-3 series”.

Carbohydrates
Tumors thrive on glucose (from simple carbs) and use it for energy. By limiting or cutting out simple carbs from your dog’s diet will starve the cancer cells.

Simple carbs include sugars, sweet potatoes, refined grains, carrots, beetroot, fruits

Protein
Tumors compete with the body for protein which is converted into energy. The lack of protein can cause muscle loss, adversely affect immune system, gastrointestinal function and surgical wound healing. Hence, a dog cancer diet should include moderate amounts of high quality protein. Moreover,  dogs are carnivores so they do best by eating protein from animal sources.

Good sources of quality protein: lean beef, chicken, turkey, bison, liver, pork, lamb, venison

Fat
The increased fat breakdown and reduced fat gain are the primary causes of weight loss in dogs with cancer. Since tumor cells do not feed on fat, a dog cancer high in fat can be beneficial as the body utilises fat as a source of energy. Studies have shown that supplementing with omega 3 fatty acids can be highly beneficial for preventing and fighting cancer.

Sources of omega 3: High quality fish oil such as K9 Omega

Fiber
A dog cancer diet high in both soluble and insoluble fiber promotes healthy bowel function and overcomes gastrointestinal problems.

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(Source:

http://web.archive.org/web/20011102104126/http://www.cvmbs.colostate.edu/cancercure/nutrition.htm)