Cancer is a term that tends to disturb most people. So to that end, finding out that your pet dog has been diagnosed with cancer can be heartbreaking and scary for the whole family. However, there are ways to help your pet cope with this tough journey and improve their quality of life for as long as possible.
What is Cancer?
Every living being’s body is made of cells which die naturally and new cells form. But when a cell doesn’t die as planned and instead forms new and abnormal cells at a rapid rate, the cells are then often defined as cancerous cells.
What are the primary causes of cancer?
Heredity plays an important role in cancer. Other causes may be due to lifestyle, exposure to carcinogenic substances, cigarette smoke and fumes for instance. Natural ageing processes and certain diets can also be causes for developing cancer in dogs. Some breeds are more prone to certain types of cancers.
How is cancer diagnosed in dogs?
A diagnosis of cancer is confirmed by various tests such as ultrasound, x-ray and blood tests. One or a combination of tests can be conducted by your vet to confirm the presence of cancer cells or tumors in your pet’s body if this information is sought.
Initial signs of cancer:
Swelling in any part of the body especially the lymph nodes or abdomen are a concerning sign and may need to be checked out. If your pet has difficulty passing urine, bleeding, loss of appetite, weight loss, excess weight gain –these symptoms can also be signs of cancer. Some types of cancer do not show any symptoms until quite late.
Treatment:
Treating a pet dog with cancer depends on the type of cancer and the life choices you want to make for your dog. If there are tumors present that are cancerous, your vet might suggest surgery to remove the tumors. Leaving the tumors may lead to them bursting and can result in internal bleeding and more serious complications but general palliation is also a very viable option. Life expectancy may be similar either way, but the quality of life very different whichever route you choose. If your pet friend is getting on in years and if his/her quality of life is deteriorating, then a more empathetic method of palliative care may need to be considered rather than invasive surgeries or chemotherapy. Take time to talk to your vet and let them assess your pet dog’s quality of life to decide on the type of treatment necessary and the options you have. This might also be the time when you discuss the possibility of saying the final goodbye to your beloved pet as all viable options should be examined equally before making such a big decision.
Types of Cancer:
Tumors in various parts of the body, mouth cancers, lymph nodes, urinary system and bone cancers are the common types of cancer seen in British dogs.
How do you know when it is time to let your pet dog go?
This is always a difficult question to answer. No pet parent would want to see their furry friend suffer in pain. But at the same time, deciding to let your pet go can be an extremely painful decision and a very hard one, especially when deciding the exact time that that should be. We recommend taking your pet to your usual vet to assess their quality of life but then also trust your own instincts. You have been with your pet their whole life, you know when they are hungry, how much they eat usually, what their favourite snack is, you have been with them every day and you know their personality the best of all. You will know if they are lacklustre, displaying different behavior, seem stressed, tired or unusually aggressive.
A pet’s quality of life is evaluated using various factors and these change from one pet to another. The age, breed, size, type of disease, stage of the diagnosed disease and many other elements need to be taken into consideration. Please download our QOL Checker from our website to see how your pet might be rated.
It is the ultimate tough decisionto make when you decide the time has come for your pet to be put peacefully to sleep. Dr Suzen and Vets2Home – Peaceful Pet Goodbyes take utmost care to ensure that your furry friend is comfortable and relaxed throughout our gentle at home two- step euthanasia procedure. First,we discuss a suitable time to come to your home. We also discuss whether you would prefer to have the euthanasia performed in your home or garden or other special requests. On the day, we come to your home and assess your pet’s personality and get them (and you)settled and comfortable,a gentle sedative is administered into the back of their neck that will but your pet slowly and peacefully into deep sleep. The second injection lets your dog pass over the Rainbow Bridge slowly and gently. You can also let us know if you would like to keep your pet yourself for burial or opt for either an individual or group cremation which is performed by our accredited partners, Chestnut Lodge Pet Crematorium in East Grinstead.
We recommend, on the day of letting your pet go, be with your furry friend, make your pet’s favourite meal and have their favourite treats to hand (if they still have an appetite), spend the whole day with them giving them lots of cuddles and make it a memorable, special day for the whole family to treasure and remember, as the very best send-off possible when planned ahead (if possible) and in this way, made so beautiful, peaceful and calm in the comforts of home.