Sunday, December 21, 2008

Alternative Cancer Treatments in Cats

Tuesday, September 09, 2008, 11:04:13 AMGo to full article
It can be very painful for pet owners to see their companion cat suffer from cancer, as well as the side effects of conventional cancer therapy. A concerted awareness campaign is being conducted to highlight the serious side effects of chemotherapy and radiation.

Like any other disease, cancer does not develop without a cause. Although medical science knows very little about what exactly causes cancer, it is suspected that various environmental, dietetic and vaccine-related factors cause cancer in pets. There are even certain drugs used for treating autoimmune diseases in cats that are metabolized by the liver into carcinogenic substances.

The Importance of Alternative Medicine for Tumors in Pets

Tuesday, September 09, 2008, 11:03:24 AMGo to full article
While pursuing longevity for domestic pets, the medial fraternity did not probably bargain for the accompanying risks of cancer, which is mostly seen in older pets. Moreover, as long as we feed an unnatural diet to our pets and abuse the environment, pet owners are likely to continue facing problems with cancer in their pets. Seeing pets die slowly of killer diseases like dog liver cancer and lymphoma in cats is indeed not something that any pet lover would want.

Many of us do not realize that it is natural for animals to resort to 'self-treatment' in the wild. Most of them nibble at things that are actually not their natural diet. It has been seen that this happens only when the animal is not completely healthy, and therefore is actually a means of herbal self-medication. This forms the basis on which herbal and natural medicine for pets is based.

Natural Cures for Canine Liver Cancer

Tuesday, September 09, 2008, 11:02:35 AMGo to full article
Cancer can be explained as a growth or tumor caused by abnormal and uncontrolled cell division. Normally a healthy immune system ensures that such abnormal cell division does not occur. However, a weak immune system may not be able to fight these abnormal cells to maintain normalcy. There is no known complete cure that has been found in conventional or natural medicine, and therefore natural cures are basically about strengthening the immune system and helping the dog's body to combat disease. Besides protection from cancer, natural cures also provide effective support in alleviating symptoms associated with dog cancer.

The liver, involved in numerous bodily functions, is one of the most important organs in the body, and liver cancer in dogs poses a greater threat to the life of almost all dogs. The liver is involved in the detoxification process and practically everything that the dog ingests, including medicines, passes through the organ to be metabolized and filtered. Since the function of the liver is manifold, it receives a dual supply of blood. This makes it more susceptible to secondary cancer (cancer that has metastasized from another part of the body).

Natural Remedies for Urethra Cancer in Dogs

Tuesday, September 09, 2008, 11:01:58 AMGo to full article
Urethral cancer in dogs is a relatively less common cancer than other types in dogs. It is normally seen in older female dogs and should not be confused with a prolapsed urethra or protrusion of the urethral lining. There is no known cause of urethral carcinoma in dogs, but it is suspected that carcinogens in the urine that pass through the system are the major perpetrators.

The urethra can be affected by external carcinogens such as environmental pollutants. Internally, the liver metabolizes everything, including medications that are ingested by the dog. Certain autoimmune medications are not initially carcinogenic, but metabolism converts them into chemicals that tend to cause cancer. There may also be a case of diets containing preservatives and harmful chemicals that metabolize into cancer-causing substances.

Surgical Treatment of Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Dogs

Tuesday, September 09, 2008, 11:00:34 AMGo to full article
Skin cancer is a common occurrence in dogs and cats. Skin cancers include lipomas, mast cell tumors, melanomas, basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer after basal cell carcinoma. The cancer may remain confined to the original site or invade underlying tissues and metastasize to other organs as well.

Carcinoma is a malignant tumor of the squamous epithelium that may also occur in many different organs including the lips, mouth, urinary bladder and lungs. While melanoma in dogs occurs mostly in dark-skinned animals, squamous cell carcinoma is mostly seen in white or light-skinned dogs.

The Importance of Alternative Medicine for Tumors in Pets

Tuesday, September 02, 2008, 10:59:50 AMGo to full article
While pursuing longevity for domestic pets, the medial fraternity did not probably bargain for the accompanying risks of cancer, which is mostly seen in older pets. Moreover, as long as we feed an unnatural diet to our pets and abuse the environment, pet owners are likely to continue facing problems with cancer in their pets. Seeing pets die slowly of killer diseases like dog liver cancer and lymphoma in cats is indeed not something that any pet lover would want.

Many of us do not realize that it is natural for animals to resort to 'self-treatment' in the wild. Most of them nibble at things that are actually not their natural diet. It has been seen that this happens only when the animal is not completely healthy, and therefore is actually a means of herbal self-medication. This forms the basis on which herbal and natural medicine for pets is based.

Feline Mammary Cancer

Tuesday, September 02, 2008, 10:58:55 AMGo to full article
Cancer of the mammary glands is the third most common type of cat cancer, the first two being lymphoma in cats and skin cancer. Most of the time, mammary cancer is malignant, and almost all cases originate from the glandular epithelium. Even male cats can develop mammary carcinoma, and the clinical course that needs to be followed is similar to the one recommended for female cats.

The size of the mammary tumor determines prognosis and survival times. Cats with a tumor less than three cm in size may live up to 21 months after diagnosis, and those with bigger tumors have an average survival time of a year.

Natural Remedies for Dog Cancer

Tuesday, September 02, 2008, 10:57:50 AMGo to full article
During normal functioning, cells of all organs divide and multiply. The old cells die and new ones come up. Sometimes, something goes wrong, and there is an abnormal and uncontrolled division of cells and excessive cell growth. Cells that get out of control are termed as cancerous cells, and these may spread to other organs through the blood stream or the lymphatic system. Cancer is also difficult to detect in its early stages, and the situation is worse in the case of dogs and other pets since symptoms need to be observed extremely carefully.

Despite extensive research, the real cause of this abnormal growth has not been found. A permanent cure for the condition has also not yet been found. However, natural remedies can help in cancer treatment

Holistic Cancer Treatment for Dogs

Tuesday, September 02, 2008, 10:57:07 AMGo to full article
We all know that cancer is a fatal disease, and a permanent cure is not possible, especially in the case of cancer that metastasizes or spreads to other parts of the body. In that event, cancer becomes a multiple problem of the primary organ where it had originated as well as those it has affected after metastasis. Most of the cancers that metastasize ultimately lead to secondary liver cancer in dogs. As the liver is all-important for metabolism and filtering wastes from the body, it is one of those organs whose proper functioning is essential for life.

Benign tumors do not technically fall under the category of cancer and are easily removable, unless they lead to post-surgery complications. For example, some benign tumors can compress neighboring organs or lead to excessive bleeding as in the case of spleen cancer in dogs.

Dog Spleen Cancer

Tuesday, September 02, 2008, 10:56:20 AMGo to full article
A dog can live without a spleen, but the organ plays an important role in recycling old red blood cells. The spleen is a leaf-shaped, elongated organ with long-winding, narrow vessels. When old red blood cells enter the organ, quite a few of them are not able to make it to through the narrow vessels and rupture in the process. The spleen thus recycles the captured iron of these cells to make new red blood cells. The other function that the spleen performs is to bite off cells that have been marked by the immune system, removing red blood cell parasites to restore general cell health. As such, it is involved in the production of cells involved in immune responses.

Dog Nasal Cancer

Tuesday, September 02, 2008, 10:55:43 AMGo to full article
Detecting symptoms and taking action quickly is critical to cancer treatment. Dog cancer is difficult to detect, and certain types of cancers are so aggressive that it may be too late by the time you consult a veterinarian. It is better to be safe than to repent later.

The signs of cancer in dogs differs depending on the location and type of cancer. For example, lesions, sores or wounds that do not heal on any part of the body indicate skin cancer, and chronic nasal discharge may indicate nasal cancer in dogs.

Bladder Cancer in Cats

Tuesday, August 19, 2008, 10:54:12 AMGo to full article
Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), a malignant cancer of the epithelial cells of the bladder lining, is the most common type of bladder cancer in cats. Other less common types of feline cancer that affect the bladder are squamous cell carcinoma (a common form of skin cancer), adenocarcinoma (derived from glandular epithelium) and a highly malignant neoplasm derived from the striated muscle.

The signs of cat cancer when it occurs in the bladder resemble the symptoms of urinary tract infections, making it difficult to detect the condition in its earlier stages. The most common signs are blood in the urine, painful urination, increased frequency in urination, or straining to urinate.

Cancer in Cats

Tuesday, August 19, 2008, 10:52:00 AMGo to full article
Generally, cancer is classified according to the organ or the affected part of the cat's body. In fact, there are four major types of cancers that may occur, irrespective of which organ is affected. 1) Carcinomas, arising out of epithelial tissue of an organ. 2) Sarcomas, arising out of connective tissue. 3) Leukemia, cancer of the blood-forming tissue. Lymphoma in cats is a neoplasm of the lymph tissue. 4) The prevalence of benign or malignant tumors brings about various metabolic changes in a cat's body as it adapts itself and moves into survival mode. The basic change that occurs during this survival mode is that the cat's body starts using nutrients differently to prioritize healing and maintain the immune system.

Gastric and Colon Tumors in Cats

Tuesday, August 19, 2008, 10:50:13 AMGo to full article
Gastrointestinal neoplasm (cancer) in cats and dogs is very rare and contributes to less than 1% of all cancers in pets. Although no specific causes for gastrointestinal tumors have been identified, the feline leukemia virus is believed to lead to gastrointestinal lymphoma in cats. Lymphoma is cancer of the lymph tissues, and was earlier considered to be the most common tumor of the GI tract in cats. Recent reports reveal that adenocarcinoma, malignant neoplasm of the glandular epithelium, may be the most common gastrointestinal tumor in cats.

Colonic lymphomas mostly attack older cats, and are large and diffusely swollen with a surface whose plane sections are all ellipses and circles. Lymphomas usually invade all layers of the colon, and ulceration and metastasis to layers of peritoneum attached to the back wall of the abdominal cavity are common.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Cats

Tuesday, August 19, 2008, 10:49:09 AMGo to full article
Skin cancer is a wide range of cancer that includes tumors and uncontrolled growth of cells in the skin, skin glands, supportive fat, connective tissue and hair follicles. In cats, squamous cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer. As the primary cause is likely due to an overexposure to the sun, outdoor cats are at a higher risk of developing it.

Initially, the cancer starts with a discoloration of the white skin or white patches on the body of cats. The non-pigmented areas turn pink, and later there is a formation of scales that results in hair loss. The commonly affected sites are the nose and ears. These tumors do not generally metastasize, but local lymph nodes may sometimes be affected.

Canine Prostate Cancer

Tuesday, August 19, 2008, 10:48:06 AMGo to full article
Canine prostate cancer is different in some respects and similar in others when compared with prostate cancer in humans. Unlike prostate cancer in humans, which is a slow-progressing condition, canine prostate cancer is a highly aggressive and invasive disease. In many cases, the life expectancy is barely thirty days after diagnosis. On the other hand, it produces symptoms that are similar to prostate cancer in humans and is detected just as late, although the basis of the disease is the same as in humans. However, treatment modalities are largely different and restricted in the case of canine prostate cancer.

Cancer cells in dogs that have prostate cancer metastasize (spread) to other parts of the body like bones, lungs and lymph nodes at a fast speed. An abnormal gait is common in dogs with prostate cancer due to the affect that it has on bones. The prostate gland encircles the urethra, and its enlargement causes difficulty in urination (dysuria). Some dogs may also show symptoms such as a difficulty in passing stools or an inclination to defecate without significant production of feces due to spasms in the anal sphincter.

Types of Dog Tumors

Tuesday, August 19, 2008, 10:45:17 AMGo to full article
Lumps that you see on the skin of your dog are commonly associated with tumors, a term that has become interchangeable with cancer. The reality is that all lumps and bumps are not tumors, and all tumors are not cancerous. Physical examination only reveals the presence of a lump and beyond that everything else is just guess work. Even veterinarians know nothing about them unless they perform a biopsy or examine an aspirate under a microscope.

Sometimes a small anatomically normal sac, especially one containing fluid, is mistaken for a tumor. Cocker Spaniels, for example, are predisposed to develop such sacs known as sebaceous cysts. Caused by the plugging of oil glands in the skin, skin cysts may be comprised of dead cells, sweat or fluid. More often than not, these cysts rupture by themselves and disappear. If irritated or infected, these have to be removed and sent for pathological examination just to be sure about the type of infection. Sebaceous cysts can potentially develop into tumors, medically known as sebaceous adenomas. Adenomas are benign tumors that do not present a major health risk and are easily excised.

Homeopathic Cancer Treatment for Dogs

Tuesday, August 19, 2008, 10:44:31 AMGo to full article
If cancer was treatable with conventional cancer therapies, it would have ceased to be a dreaded disease. The fact, however, is that cancer is as frightening today as it was when it first became known to medical science. The irony is that patients are compelled to submit to therapies that we know are not extremely efficient. In addition, conventional cancer therapies for canines are tantamount to poisoning your dog. These conventional therapies are as fear-inducing as the disease itself. To make matters worse, there is no true freedom of choice because alternative therapies are denied approval due to lack of institutional support.

The fact sheet of cancer in dogs is that canine cancer is basically a disease that has been created due to prolonged captivity. Domestic dogs live much longer than they otherwise would if left in the wild. While advancement in medical science has increased the life expectancy of our pets, we have failed miserably to protect them from the abuses of technological advancement.

Leukemia in Dogs

Tuesday, August 19, 2008, 10:28:10 AMGo to full article

Mast Cell Tumors in Dogs

Tuesday, August 19, 2008, 10:27:28 AMGo to full article
Found throughout the body, mast cells are an important component of the immune system. A mast cell grows from the bone marrow and is a large connective tissue cell that contains histamine, heparin and serotonin, which are released in allergic reactions or in response to injury or inflammation.

A mast cell tumor, also known as mastocytoma, is an accumulation of large amounts of mast cells that resembles a tumor. Malignant mast cell tumors of the skin are common in older dogs and cats. These are very rare in younger animals. Most mast cell tumors are raised lumps on the skin and their appearance is often confused with wart-like nodules, subcutaneous lumps and ulcerated skin masses. On palpation, it feels just like a benign tumor of fatty tissue.

Foods to Support Liver Cancer in Dogs

Tuesday, August 19, 2008, 10:26:41 AMGo to full article
No one knows exactly what causes the cancerous cells in a dog's body to go out of control and form tumors or spread rapidly to other parts of the body. There are always some amounts of cancerous cells in the body, which the body's own defense mechanism is fully capable of handling. It is suspected that genetics and a weak immune system are probably the primary reasons behind dog cancer. Inadequate nutrition, combined with stress, pollution, preservatives, additives and artificial colorings added to commercial foods, can further compromise your dog's immune system.

The liver is involved in numerous bodily functions, including those that help in filtering toxins from the body. As such, liver cancer in dogs is the most common outcome of metastatic cancer that initially attacks other parts of the body and spreads to the liver.

Melanoma in Dogs

Tuesday, August 19, 2008, 10:25:29 AMGo to full article
Melanomas are tumors that arise from melanocytes (skin cells that are responsible for the pigmentation or coloration of the skin), skin cells of the basal skin layer. A common form of skin cancer in dogs, melanomas usually appear as small brownish black lumps just under the skin. Melanomas may also be seen in the mouth, toes and under the eyes, and are usually characterized by the dark-toned pigment. They are generally benign when they are seen in the skin, but in mouth, toe and eyes, they tend to be malignant and capable of metastasizing to other organs.

Skin tumors, both benign and malignant, are common in dogs. A tumor is actually a new mass of tissue that serves no purpose. However, cancerous tumors are capable of spreading to other parts of the body. Sometimes changes occur in the genetic structure (mutations) of the genes that control cell growth (the process of multiplication by division). This leads to the formation of tumors. These changes are very rare and silent, meaning that they do not interfere in the cell's ability to function. But in certain cases, the tumor suppression genes are disabled or the oncogenes (genes that change normal cells to cancerous cells) are activated.

Tips to Improve Immunity: Prevention is Better Than a Cure

Tuesday, August 19, 2008, 10:24:07 AMGo to full article
While your pet may initiate certain behaviors regarding eating habits and exercise, through the evolution of domestication, many of these normal processes fall under the influence of our hands. Therefore, making just a few tweaks in routine may greatly benefit your pet's overall health and well-being.

Stay Safe from the Super Bug

Tuesday, August 19, 2008, 10:16:25 AMGo to full article
While many of us are aware of the worldwide pandemic of deadly 'super-bugs' (also known as strains of bacteria that have mutated and become resistant to conventional antibiotics) that have been affecting hospitals to households, we now have to worry about our pets having the same fate.

In dogs and cats, the bacteria are slightly different than the strains that affect people, which are usually methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA. Animals are likely to contract methicillin-resistant staphylococcus intermedius, or MRSI, but it's overall causing the same problem in which some strains of common bacteria have evolved to resist the antibiotics we normally use to treat it.

How the Canine Respiratory System Works

Monday, August 18, 2008, 8:27:50 AMGo to full article
There is a minor difference between the human and canine respiratory systems. In humans, body temperature is controlled by sweat glands, but dogs need to breathe hard to cool their bodies because they do not have sweat glands. Besides that, dog respiratory problems are treated and managed differently compared to human respiratory issues. The dog respiratory system is comprised of the upper (nasal cavities, nasopharynx, larynx and trachea) and lower respiratory tract (bronchi and lungs).

Cat Flu Virus

Monday, August 18, 2008, 8:27:27 AMGo to full article
Cat flu is the general name given to any feline respiratory disease that is contagious by nature. Cats that have not been vaccinated, older cats and kittens are at a higher risk of developing cat flu. While there are numerous organisms that can cause cat flu, a huge majority of reported cases seem to be due to the feline herpes virus or feline calicivirus. Diagnosis of cat flu is usually presumptive and based on empirical observation of symptoms like sneezing, coughing, ocular and nasal discharge, fever and history of recent exposure. Severity of symptoms also indicates the virus that has most likely caused the infection. The herpes virus tends to produce more severe symptoms than the calicivirus. Laboratory diagnosis is usually complicated and typically does not give definite results, especially in mixed infections. Moreover, the calicivirus normally does not leave traces and may not be seen in cultures of nasal or oropharyngeal swabs.

Cat Throat Problems - Are They Different From Cat Respiratory Diseases?

Monday, August 18, 2008, 8:24:08 AMGo to full article
The throat is the passage to the stomach and lungs, and is closely associated with the cat respiratory system. This is the main reason why throat problems are a bit difficult to differentiate from feline respiratory diseases. Generally speaking, the phrase "throat problem" is used to define hoarseness and difficulty swallowing. In anatomy, the throat is the frontal part of the neck. It consists of the larynx and pharynx. The throat also contains several pharyngeal muscles, blood vessels, the esophagus and the windpipe (trachea). One of the important features of the throat is the epiglottis, a cartilaginous flap that covers the trachea while swallowing.

Curing Cat Colds

Monday, August 18, 2008, 8:23:22 AMGo to full article
Generally, a cold is an inflammation of the nose and throat, characterized by an increased production of mucus. While human colds are usually associated with a change in season, cat colds are independent of seasonality and are usually caused by a virus. The most important thing to note is that a virus must run its course and cannot be killed by drugs. Treating viral infections, especially in the feline respiratory, tract, is therefore futile.

Sneezing Cats

Monday, August 18, 2008, 8:22:33 AMGo to full article
Sneezing is not a good sign in a cat. Cat colds are not similar to the common cold that humans experience. It is one of the primary conditions that cause cats to sneeze. If your pet has had a cold before, you will easily be able to recognize the symptoms. Feline colds also produce symptoms like watery eyes, nasal discharge, coughing and gagging. However, sneezing can also be caused due to other factors that cause more problems than a cat cold.

Bladder Cancer in Dogs

Monday, August 18, 2008, 8:22:08 AMGo to full article
Bladder cancer in dogs is usually malignant, and the most common type is transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). TCC is a cancer that originates in the bladder, kidney or ureters, but the most common site for this type of cancer is the bladder. It arises in the transitional epithelium, the membranous tissue covering these organs. The exact cause of TCC is not totally known, but it is suspected that carcinogens that pass out through the urine lead to development of cancer in the lining of these organs. Since the carcinogens tend to be stored in the bladder along with urine, the bladder is the most affected organ. Some drugs are also known to be metabolized by the liver to produce acrolein, a known human carcinogen. As acrolein is produced in the liver and passed out through the urine, it is also suspected to be one of the causes of urethra and liver cancer in dogs.

Symptoms of Canine Brain Tumor

Monday, August 18, 2008, 8:21:44 AMGo to full article
All types of cancer have a great deal of variance in the clinical signs that they produce. Animal diagnosis is tough since they cannot communicate what they are feeling or describe the various issues with different parts of their body. The diagnosis can only be based on a keen observation of the symptoms and diagnostic tests. The situation is more alarming in the case of canine brain tumors. Though a dog can be afflicted with any form of tumor, a tumor of the brain is most common. This tumor consists of tissue that surrounds and supports neurons in the central nervous system, and meningiomas is a tumor that arises in the meninges which surround the brain and spinal cord.

An Overview of Canine Liver Cancer or Hepatic Cancer

Monday, August 18, 2008, 8:21:17 AMGo to full article
The liver is the most important organ in the body of a dog. It is the central point of almost all activity that goes on in the body, including metabolism of food and drugs, converting food into essential nutrients, and filtering wastes to be excreted out of the body. As such, it is hardly surprising that the liver is the prime target of any type of metastatic cancerous growth. Liver cancer in dogs may be primary or secondary. Primary liver cancer is the one that originates in the liver itself. Cancer that has originated from elsewhere in the body and metastasized (spread) to the liver is known as secondary liver cancer.

Canine Lung Cancer

Monday, August 18, 2008, 8:20:52 AMGo to full article
Lung cancer in dogs is almost always secondary in nature. Cancerous cells spread from other parts of the body to affect the lungs. Primary lung cancer or cancer that originates from the cells of the lungs, airways or bronchioles is rare in cats and dogs, but is relatively more common in dogs as compared to cats. The most common type of primary lung cancer is carcinoma, a malignant tumor derived from the epithelial tissue. It is one of the four major types of cancers. Dogs that are exposed to secondary smoke are at a higher risk, as they live in urban areas. Like most other canine cancers, lung cancer is seen more in older dogs and does not present significant symptoms in its early stages.

Urethral Carcinoma in Dogs

Monday, August 18, 2008, 8:20:28 AMGo to full article
Urethral carcinoma, a type of cancer derived form the epithelial tissue, is mostly seen in middle aged and older female dogs. Urethral prolapse or protrusion of the lining of the tail end of the urethra through the urethral opening is another urethral disease that is often discussed along with urethral carcinoma. Both urethral prolapse and carcinoma are common conditions in English Bulldogs and Boston Terriers. Urethral carcinoma is an idiopathic disease. This means that there are simply no known causes for the disease. The suspected villains are probably the carcinogens that pass out through the urethra. These carcinogens may be external or those produced by the liver on metabolizing certain autoimmune medications. There are two types of urethral cancer that are common - transitional cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma in dogs, both of which relate to the epithelial tissue.

Canine Melanoma

Monday, August 18, 2008, 8:20:03 AMGo to full article
Melanocytes are cells located in the basal layer of the skin's epidermis that produce melanin, the pigment that is found in the skin, eyes and hair. Melanoma is a malignant cancer or tumor of melanocytes. Canine melanoma is a condition of inordinate multiplication of cells that produce pigments. Predominantly seen as skin cancer, it can also affect melanocytes in the bowel and the eye. Canine melanoma is a potentially fatal condition, as it progresses rapidly and leads to multiple tumors once it appears in an organ.

Explore All Canine Cancer Cures Before Considering Euthanasia

Monday, August 18, 2008, 8:19:37 AMGo to full article
A cancer diagnosis is probably the most terrible thing that can happen to your pet. The event can be fairly devastating for you and your family, too. According to a rough estimate, one in four dogs dies of cancer, and an innumerable number suffer from the terrible effects. Dog cancer is a disease of old age and a result of an extended life in captivity. This is because domestic pets tend to live far longer than they otherwise would have in the wild. Cancer in dogs varies from benign tumors to squamous cell carcinoma in dogs to highly aggressive and metastatic cancers like melanomas that can spread and eventually lead to dog liver cancer.

Fundamentals of Caring for Cancer in Dogs

Monday, August 18, 2008, 8:19:07 AMGo to full article
Given that your dog has lived with you and provided you with comfort as a companion, it is your duty to take care of your pet if he is found to be afflicted with a specific disease. The amount of care and companionship that your dog needs may increase, and becomes more important if the disease is terminal in nature. Cancer in dogs is one such disease where detection unfortunately happens in the later stages, rendering treatment almost immaterial and useless. In such cases, love, care and comfort are the three things that you can provide for your dying dog. Even though there are numerous kinds of cancer and each can affect different parts of the dog's body, the basic fundamentals of care for cancer in dogs remains the same. The basic idea is to make the dog's life as comfortable as possible.

Bone Cancer in Dogs

Monday, August 18, 2008, 8:18:30 AMGo to full article
Osteosarcoma is the most common bone cancer in dogs, and in most cases, attacks the femur bone. Sarcoma is usually a malignant tumor that arises from the connective tissue of bones and muscles. Out of the three different types of primary bone cancers seen in dogs, osteosarcoma is not only the most malignant, but also the most metastatic. Primary signs of bone cancer start appearing with mild swelling that refuses to be treated with anti-inflammatory drugs. Later, some elements of lameness may be seen. The lameness becomes more pronounced as the disease progresses. Sometimes the bone is so weakened that the weight of the dog itself can cause a fracture. Bone cancer is very painful and leads to a refusal to eat, and consequently, a significant weight loss is seen in almost all cases.

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Dogs

Monday, August 18, 2008, 8:18:07 AMGo to full article
Literally, leukemia means white ("leuk") blood ("emia"). White blood cells (also known as leukocytes) are actually an important part of the body's defense mechanism, and that is the reason why the WBC count shoots up in cases of infection, allergy and stress. Leukemia is one of the four major types of cancer. Acute lymphoblastic (lymphoblast is an immature leukocyte) or lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) is a malignant neoplasm of blood-forming tissues. It is characterized by an abnormal growth of leukocytes. The blood is flooded with a particular white blood cell. The bone marrow from where the white blood cells are produced is involved in producing cancerous cells rather than producing other blood cells that are necessary for survival.

Emailing: Pet Alternative and Natural Treatment News

 

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Welcome to my Blog!
 
My name is Janelle Nystrom and I am a pet enthusiast. I love cats and dogs, well really I love all animals and from time to time I come across great articles! FREE Information and I just have to let others no about my great finds. With my background people ask me pet health questions pretty often so I try to do what I can to help. I am a long time breeder with hands on experience relative to pet health and well being. I also run an online store where you will find many great natural pet health products.




  • CAT SEIZURES
    By Tess Thompson

    Seizures in animals are a neurological problem that is mostly caused by epilepsy or a brain tumor. Feline epilepsy http://www.nativeremedies.com/petalive/easesure-epilepsy-seizures-treatment.html is the most common cause of seizures in cats. The cat can get confused or bewildered due to the seizures but occurrence of such convulsions does not cause any pain despite the dramatic signs that are displayed. However, if a seizure continues for more than a few minutes, it can lead to hyperthermia (abnormally high body temperature) and trigger another set of problems.

    Cats are more susceptible to Complex Partial Seizures (CPS) than generalized convulsions. Complex Partial Seizures are epileptic attacks that involve greater damage to awareness and consciousness than simple convulsions.

    During the period immediately preceding a seizure, the cat is likely to appear nervous, hide or look for the owner. This normally lasts for a few seconds. During the actual seizure that may last from a couple of seconds to about five minutes, all the muscles in the cats body contract. It is likely that the cat will fall by his side with the head drawn backwards and appear as if a paralytic attack has occurred. Involuntary urination and defecation is common during seizures. If a feline seizure http://www.nativeremedies.com/petalive/easesure-epilepsy-seizures-treatment.html does not get over within five minutes, it is indicative of prolonged epilepsy that is characterized by continuing attacks without intervals of consciousness. This can lead to brain damage and ultimately death.

    Cats continue to behave abnormally even after the seizure is over. During the post seizure period there may be confusion, disorientation, salivation, restlessness or temporary loss of vision. However, the severity of the seizure and the duration of post seizure symptoms are not related to each other.

    If the cat is at ground level there is little chance of the cat hurting himself. Cats, however, like to perch themselves on higher platforms. If you perceive a pre seizure stage, it is important that the cat is prevented from falling down and hurting himself.

    In most cases, there is an underlying cause behind feline seizures. Proper diagnosis is expensive and may take some time before any medicine can be prescribed. When you present a cat that has suffered a seizure to a veterinarian, a battery of tests along with a physical and neurological examination is likely to ensue. The laboratory tests may include one or all of the following to help in understanding whether the episode was actually a seizure and to establish a cause, if one exists.

    - Complete blood count
    - Serum chemistry profile
    - Urinalysis
    - Bile tests
    - Thyroid function tests

    The veterinarian may also ask you to keep a record of future seizure, if any, and note the severity, timing, length and recovery of each seizure along with any changes that may have occurred in the cat’s diet or environment. Despite this, feline seizures continue to baffle most veterinarians. Many episodes of seizures are due to epilepsy and anticonvulsant drugs provide only symptomatic treatment without addressing the underlying cause.

    Word Count: 496
    References:
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epilepsy_in_animals
    http://www.sniksnak.com/cathealth/seizures.html
    http://www.thedogbowl.com/PPF/category_ID/0_135/dogbowl.asp
    http://home.howstuffworks.com/how-to-treat-a-cats-convulsions-seizure.htm