When Petting Your Dog Always Check for Lumps and Bumps

There are very few surprises that will startle you more than discovering a lump or bump on your dog. As your hand wanders over your canine pal in affectionate scratching or petting, your fingers just may chance upon a lump that “was not there before."

It will scare the biscuits out of you ... that nagging "C" word drifting about the back of your mind, your first fear is that your dog might have cancer. Setting in motion your search for an answer as to what this lump is you make a quick trip to the…I hope that lump isn't serious.

"How long has this been here?" the veterinarian asks. "Just found it yesterday, doctor," you respond.

"Let’s see if we can find any others," says the doctor as experienced and sensitive hands work the dog over.  Sure enough, "Here’s another one just like it!" says the doctor as she places your hand right over the small, round, moveable soft mass under the skin of the dog’s flank.

"I think these are what we call Lipomas, just fat deposits under the skin. They are very common and usually present no problems," says the doctor. Your relief at hearing the good news is cut short as the doctor continues …

"However, we honestly do not know what these lumps truly are unless we examine some cells under the microscope. So I’d suggest that we do a simple needle biopsy, place some cells on a slide and send the slides to a veterinary pathologist for a definite diagnosis."

The doctor in this case is being thorough and careful. How true it is that a definitive diagnosis of "what it is" simply cannot be made without microscopic examination of the lump’s cells. A veterinary specialist in pathology is the final authority and judge when it comes to shedding light on these lumps and bumps that we too often find on our canine pals.

The lipoma is one of the most commonly encountered lumps seen by veterinarians during a physical exam. These soft, rounded, non-painful masses, usually present just under the skin but occasionally arising from connective tissues deep between muscles, are generally benign. That is, they stay in one place, do not invade surrounding tissues and do no metastasize to other areas of the body. They grow to a certain size and just sit there in the tissues and behave themselves.

Most lipomas do not have to be removed. Occasionally, though, lipomas will continue to grow into huge fat deposits that are a discomfort to the dog and present a surgical challenge to remove. And even more rarely, some lipomas will be malignant and spread throughout the dog’s body.

IS IT A TUMOR?

And therein lies the true challenge in dealing with lumps and bumps on dogs -- we simply cannot predict with 100% accuracy just what any of these foreigners will do. So we do the best we can by removing them when indicated or keeping a close guard over them so that at the first sign of change they can be removed.

Not every lump or bump on your dog will be a tumor. Some superficial bumps are due simply to plugged oil glands in the skin, called sebaceous cysts. Skin cysts can be composed of dead cells or even sweat or clear fluid; these often rupture on their own, heal, and are never seen again. Others become chronically irritated or infected, and should be removed and then checked by a pathologist just to be sure of what they are. Some breeds, especially the Cocker Spaniel, are prone to developing sebaceous cysts.

And yes, the sebaceous glands in the skin do occasionally develop into tumors called sebaceous adenomas.  According to Richard Dubielzig, DVM, of the University of Wisconsin, School of Veterinary Medicine, "Probably the most commonly biopsied lump from dog skin is a sebaceous adenoma. This does not mean it is the most commonly occurring growth, just that it is most commonly biopsied." Fortunately this type of skin growth rarely presents trouble after being surgically removed.

So how are you to know which lumps and bumps are dangerous and which can be left alone? Truthfully, you are really only guessing without getting the pathologist involved. Most veterinarians take a conservative approach to the common lipomas and remove them if they are growing rapidly or are located in a sensitive area.

However, caution needs to be observed because even the common lipoma has an invasive form called an infiltrative lipoma. For example, when a nasty looking, reddened, rapidly growing mass is detected growing on the gum aggressive action is indicated.  Also, keep in mind that not all lumps and bumps are cancerous, and some are fairly innocent and do not warrant immediate surgery.

Non-cancerous lumps

Cysts, warts, infected hair follicles, hematomas (blood blisters) and others do cause concern and can create discomfort for the dog, though non-cancerous lumps have less health impact than cancerous growths.

Cancerous lumps

Cancerous growths can be either malignant or benign, and occasionally even share characteristics of both.  Malignant lumps tend to spread rapidly and can metastasize to other areas of the body. Benign growths tend to stay in the place of origin and do not metastasize; however they can grow to huge proportions (see such an example of inoperable tumor pictured on the right).

Mammary gland tumors, mast cell tumors, cutaneous lymphosarcoma, malignant melanoma, fibrosarcoma and many other types of tumors with truly scary names command respect and diligent attention on the part of dog owners and veterinarians.

DIAGNOSIS

Below are the most common methods of finding out "what it is" …

Impression Smears

Some ulcerated masses lend themselves to easy cell collection and identification by having a glass microscope slide pressed against the raw surface of the mass. The collected cells are dried and sent to a pathologist for staining and diagnosis. Sometimes the attending veterinarian will be able to make a diagnosis via the smear; otherwise, a specialist in veterinary pathology will be the authority regarding tumor type and stage of malignancy.

Needle Biopsy

Many lumps can be analyzed via a needle biopsy rather than by total excision. A needle biopsy is performed by inserting a sterile needle into the lump, pulling back on the plunger, and "vacuuming" in cells from the lump. The collected cells are smeared onto a glass slide for pathological examination. Usually the patient isn’t even aware of the procedure. Total excision of the mass is attempted if the class of tumor identified warrants surgery.

CT Scans

Superficial lumps and bumps do not require that CT Scans be done, so this procedure is usually reserved for internal organ analysis. If a superficial malignant tumor is diagnosed, however, a CT Scan can be helpful in determining if metastasis to deeper areas of the body has occurred.

Radiography

As with CT Scans, X-ray evaluation is generally reserved for collecting evidence of internal masses. Most lipomas are superficial and reside under the skin or skeletal muscles. There are other lumps that can be palpated by the veterinarian via manual examination; however, the extent and origin of that mass will often be best revealed via CT Scanning.

TREATMENT

Since every type of cell in the body potentially could evolve into cancerous tissue, the types and ferocity of tumors that develop in the dog are numerous and highly varied. Each case needs to be evaluated on its own circumstances and variables. For example, should surgery be done on a 16-year-old dog with what appears to be a 3-inch wide lipoma? Maybe not. Should that same dog have a quarter inch wide, black, nodular mass removed from its lower gum. Probably should! That small growth may be a melanoma that could metastasize to other areas of the dog’s body.

Surgery

An important basic tool in eliminating a nuisance or dangerous lump is to surgically excise it.

Chemotherapy

Chemicals that are highly toxic to rapidly dividing cells make up an important mode of treatment for fast growing tumors. A combination of surgery and radiation/chemotherapy can help the veterinarian gain the upper hand in achieving a cure. Chemotherapy is often employed as an additional precautionary procedure after a mass has been "removed" via surgery.

Radiation

For invasive tumors that do not have well defined borders and for tumors that tend to spread rapidly, radiation therapy can be a lifesaver. Available at most veterinary medical schools and some veterinary specialists in radiology, radiation therapy is appropriate for certain types of tumors. Radiation is often employed in addition to surgical excision.

Experimental

Emerging science such as gene therapy and immunotherapy hold promise for some amazing ways to combat tumors. The future looks promising for these new methods of dealing with tumors.

According to Dr. Dubielzig, the best approach to understanding what to do about a lump or bump on your dog is to be vigilant and treat each situation individually. "In cases where vigilance for tumors is part of the animal’s care, such as in animals where a malignant tumor has been removed and the veterinarian wishes to keep abreast of the stage of disease, then every lump should be submitted for histopathology," Dubielzig said. "In other cases where the clinician is sure of a benign diagnosis such as lipoma or a wart-like skin mass then it might be understandable to use discretion. The clinician also has to take into consideration the risk of surgery compared to the risk of health problems from a particular lump or bump."

  

Take a good surface inventory of your dog today, then at least once a month from now on. If you find any imperfections, take heart in knowing that modern veterinary medicine has some very effective remedies for almost all of these lumps and bumps.

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Top 5 Health Issues in Senior Cats

With advances in veterinary medical care, cats now often live well into their teens and even 20’s.

However, with old age comes age-related health problems. Fortunately, senior cats aren’t left to days full of sickness and pain as they age. With proactive care on your part, your senior cat can live a fulfilling life in their golden years.

Below are a few common health conditions in senior cats that pet parents should keep an eye out for when caring for a senior cat.

To read more on this story, click here: Top 5 Health Issues in Senior Cats

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Study: Beagles Can Detect Lung Cancer With 97 Percent Accuracy

ERIE, Penn. (WJET) – A recent study by the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Pennsylvania shows that beagles are capable of identifying lung cancer in humans with near-perfect precision.

The research, published in The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, indicates that three beagles were 97 percent accurate in distinguishing blood serum samples of patients with malignant lung cancer from healthy control samples. The study was conducted by a team from LECOM’s Bradenton, Florida, campus in collaboration with BioScentDX, which is a canine training and research firm in nearby Myakka City.

To read more on this story, click here: Study: Beagles Can Detect Lung Cancer With 97 Percent Accuracy 



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Meet Bindi, The Cat Who Detected Breast Cancer In Her Owner

Bindi's story was one of the Most Incredible Story category finalists in the National Cat Awards sponsored by Verdo Cat Litter.

Bindi had always been a laid-back, gentle and sweet-natured cat, so when she started acting strangely one day, owner Valerie Lubbock knew something was wrong. Asleep on Valerie's lap, little Bindi, who was adopted from Crawley, Reigate & District Cats Protection, reached up, pushed her paws into her owner's chest and stared at her directly in her face.

It was so out of character it was the incentive Valerie needed to go for that check-up.

Within three weeks, Valerie had been diagnosed with breast cancer and had undergone a life-saving mastectomy.




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Elephants Have An Extra Copy Of The Gene Whose Job It Is To Kill Cancer Cells

They may not be the fastest or the smartest or even the scariest, but when it comes to beating cancer, elephants are the superheroes of the living world.

It's a phenomenon that has baffled scientists since the 1970s. After all, at their size, they should have a much higher rate of the disease. The larger a living thing, the more the cells, and the more the cells, the more chance one of them turns out to be cancerous -- which is why tall people are more vulnerable to the disease than short people and why Marmaduke is much more likely to get cancer than the Taco Bell Chihuahua.

And yet, cancer rates among elephants is less than 5 percent, comparable to the rates in much smaller animals. The lifetime cancer mortality rate for humans is about 20 percent.

So what gives? With all those cells on their body, why are more elephants not stricken by the disease?

Scientists may have found an answer.

In a paper published in the journal Cell Reports Tuesday, researchers from the University of Chicago announced they may have discovered one of the cancer protection mechanisms the pachyderms have evolved to deal with every time a cell may be corrupted.

"What we found is that elephants have an extra copy of the gene whose job it is to kill the cell when there is the kind of stress that causes cancer," said Vincent Lynch, an evolutionary geneticist at the University of Chicago in Illinois and an author of the study.

The fact that this gene was even functional was extraordinary -- it was supposed to be non-functional or "dead". Yet somehow this "zombie" gene, called leukemia inhibitory factor 6 (LIF6), had evolved in elephants to come back from the dead and slay any cell that showed damage to its DNA, thus preventing it from becoming cancerous.

This is the second study that has found the differences in elephant genome that may explain the animal's ability to resist the disease.

In 2015, two teams of scientists -- one led by Lynch from the University of Chicago and the other from the University of Utah -- found in elephants 20 copies of a major cancer-suppressing gene called p53 that helps damaged cells repair themselves or self-destruct when exposed to cancer-causing substances.

Both these discoveries could have implications for the human fight against cancer, Lynch said.

"If we understand the function of this gene and all the other genes that makes elephants cancer-resistant, maybe we'll be able to develop drugs that mimic those functions and then use that to treat people with the disease," he said.

And there's hope that over time, scientists will come upon more such discoveries. Other creatures, such as some types of whales, bats and mole rats, also show unusual resistance to cancer, and they have none of the extra genes found in elephants -- which means they must have evolved their very own cancer protection mechanisms.

But don't cheer yet. Even if Lynch's findings in 2015 and 2018 are replicated and confirmed, there's still a long way to go.

"Developing new drug treatments is a very complex process and it takes decades," Lynch said. "We always hear the news that there is some discovery and that a new treatment based on that discovery is five to 10 years away but it's never five to 10 years. So this is going to be a very long process."

"Of course," he added, "I guess we've been dealing with cancer for billions of years, so you know, a couple of decades isn't that long in the grand scheme of things."

  

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Pet Cancer Awareness Month: How Can You Protect Your Pets?

November is Pet Cancer Awareness month and the perfect opportunity to explore ways we can help protect our best friends.

Did you know that many of the cancers humans get can also affect pets?

It makes sense when you think about it. We share the same environments, are exposed to the same toxins, we share love and companionship as the human-animal bond, and our DNA or genomes are similar. The human genome and canine genome are 90% identical.

Cancer treatments vary depending on the form of cancer. Just like in humans, some dogs and cats can be treated with chemotherapy and others need to undergo amputations. The good news is that experts say 50% of pet cancers are curable if detected in the early stages.

To read more on this story, click here: Pet Cancer Awareness Month: How Can You Protect Your Pets?

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Warning Signs That Your Dog May Have Cancer

There are many symptoms that point to the possibility of dog cancer. Each one of these symptoms can be caused by another condition. However, if you notice your dog having a few of these warning signs at the same time, it's best you bring your dog to a vet for a check-up.

Collapsing

Collapsing is a major warning sign for dogs. This is because dogs are usually active and playful when they are awake. If a dog is always napping or sleeping instead of greeting you when you are near, it is a sign that there is something is out of the ordinary happening. Pay attention to the baseline of activity of your dog so that you will automatically notice when it is collapsing from lethargy.

And don't wait out to see if your dog is fine after some time. The symptoms of collapsing, lethargy, and weakness are usual signs of dog cancer. Bring it to a vet for attention as quick as you can. This is particularly true in the large breed dogs, like the Great Dane or Saint Bernard breeds. Even though they may collapse and seem fine the next time, it could be a sign that there's a tumor of the spleen.

Coughing

It is quite rare for a dog to be cough. Though it can happen if something gets caught in its throat. For example, when it chokes on food or when a piece of fur or dust enters the dogs mouth. Also, some small breed dogs can develop coughs due to problems with their windpipes. We wouldn’t be too concerned if your dog only coughs once or twice every once in a while. Some dogs do that to clear the airways to their lungs.

However, if your dog is coughing continuously throughout the day for a few days in a row, bring your dog to a vet quickly for a checkup. It may be a sign that your dog has developed infections in the airway due to dirt, or grass that it sucked in. There’s also a chance that your dog may have bronchitis or pneumonia. Worst case scenario, your dog might have lung cancer.

Weight Loss

When it comes to dog cancer, weight loss is one of the top symptoms that vets tend to see. Just as sudden weight loss is a big health warning for human beings, it’s a bad sign for dogs as well. It is certainly good practice to weigh your dog on a consistent basis. This will give you a true measure of its weight as opposed to just trying to guess by sight.

The presence of gastrointestinal tumors can cause sudden weight loss in dogs. Dogs stop eating as much as they do because of these gastrointestinal tumors. And even if your dog eats as much as it usually does, it can still lose weight due to cancer. So no matter whether your dog belongs to a big or small dog breed, if you realize that your dog is losing weight either quickly or slowly, bring it to a vet for immediate attention.

Mouth Changes

When it comes to detecting oral cancer, your dog’s mouth offers a lot of clues. Oral tumors can grow quickly and spread around the rest of a dogs body. It is among one of the most challenging cancers to treat, so the earlier you detect it, the better. It is also more common amongst larger dog breeds compared to smaller ones.

Though you may not be as experienced as a vet, there are several tell tale signs that tell you that a dog potentially has cancer. Firstly, you can check for bleeding of the gum. This shouldn’t be too hard to spot, as traces of blood would be left on the ground or on the fur near its mouth. Secondly, look out for any unexplained loss of teeth. A weak gum would leave loose dog teeth and may eventually fall out of the mouth. Also, look out for swollen glands near the neck area. That’s where the lymph nodes of your dog are located.

Nosebleeds

Nosebleeds in dogs are another telltale sign that your dog may have cancer. Though, this cancer symptom is much more alarming for an older dog than it is for a young dog. Sometimes, a nosebleed could instead point to a condition known as coagulopathy. This is a condition where the blood has lost much of its ability to clot and could lead to continuous bleeding. Other times, it could be because there are tumors in the nasal airways that cause the bleeding.

For younger dogs, nosebleeds could occur when the there are foreign objects blocking the nasal airways. It may require surgery to remove those foreign objects. In any case, do bring your dog to a vet immediately if the nosebleed persists for longer than a day. There are a few options to treating nose cancer in dogs, one being radiotherapy. Though it does take quite a bit of time and investment, radiotherapy could well bring the spread of the cancer under control.

  

Diarrhea or Changes in Bathroom Habits

  

Occasionally, your dog may have diarrhea from eating the wrong foods. Dogs sometimes like to scavenge the table or floor for leftover foods and this can cause disease and infections in the intestine. The result is loose excrement. Besides infections from eating the wrong foods causing diarhhea, it could also be caused by dog cancer. Tumors in the intestine could be upsetting its functioning. So, if you find your dog having persistent diarrhea, bring it to a vet immediately. The vet will perform a diagnosis by performing a fecal examination. If not, the diagnosis can be done through either ultrasound examination or colonoscopy.

Vomiting is another cause for concern. Like diarrhea, vomiting could be caused by a dog eating the wrong foods. It could also be caused by intestinal tumors affecting the dog's digestive fuctioning. Another sign of intestinal tumors is if blood is found in a dog's urine or feces.

Discharge

Discharge from your dog’s nose or eyes usually happens when there are foreign objects caught inside. Your dog’s immune system then secretes discharge to protect itself against the foreign objects. Sometimes discharge can also happen because of allergies. Infections could be another reason. The discharge that comes out is usually watery, but when it is a yellow-green color tone it could indicate an infection.

In rare cases, the nasal discharge is a sign of cancer. In this situation, nasal discharge is a symptom of facial tumors, whereas eye discharge is a sign of eye tumors. Monitor the discharge that comes out from your dog’s nose and eyes. If it comes and goes within the day, chances are that the discharge was due to a foreign object or a temporary allergy. However, if there is continuous discharge over several days, bring your dog to a vet immediately to have him checked.

Seizures

Seizures are a neurological condition where there are unusual, uncontrolled spikes of electrical activity in your dog’s brain. Signs of seizure include sudden bursts of activity, like chomping and chewing, shivering, and foaming at the mouth. At times, they lose so much control over their bodies that they can unknowingly poop or pee during a seizure.

The main thing you should do when you see your dog having a seizure is to make sure it is not near any sharp objects or furniture near its head. Then, gently comfort your dog by stroking it’s fur. Never put your hand near its mouth when its having a seizure as it may unknowingly chomp on your hand. Seizures in older dogs may be a strong sign of dog cancer. If you have an older dog, or if you find your dog having constant seizures, bring it to a vet for a diagnosis immediately.

Skin Changes

If you see any lumps or changes on your dog's skin, it could either be benign or cancerous. When you see this, it's best to bring your dog to a vet to check on it. When you pet or touch your dog, take the opportunity to feel for lumps or swelling. You can even schedule in routine checks on its skin.

If you do spot something unusual on your dog's skin, the only way to tell whether it is benign or cancerous is to take a sample. So if you do spot something unusual, bring your dog to a vet quickly. Also take note of sores that don't heal or lesions that cause constant itching on your dog. They too could be a sign that your dog may have cancer. This cancer symptom is more common among older male dogs. So if your dog falls into that category, pay particular attention to its skin.

Weight Gain

If you see your dog rapidly getting bigger, it may be a cause for concern. Just as sudden weight loss may be a sign of cancer, so is sudden unexplained weight gain. Of course, it's important to know when the sudden weight gain is normal and abnormal. Normal causes of sudden weight gain could be a sudden increase in your dogs meal size. Another normal cause of rapid weight gain is if your dog has been under-exercising.

And when assessing its weight, be measure it objectively. Sometimes, our eyes play tricks on us. Your dog may look bigger at certain times of the day, especially after meals. So the best way to objectively know if your dog is suddenly putting on a few pounds is to routinely weigh it. If you do find that your dog has sudden unexplained weight gain, bring it to a vet immediately for a cancer diagnosis.

General Pain or Discomfort

If your dog is in constant pain and discomfort, it’s a sign of potential dog cancer. So how to tell if your dog is in pain? The most obvious indicator of stain is when the dog is vocal about it. If for no telling reason your dog starts to whine, it could be in pain. This is especially true if it whines when you’re near it. It could be trying to communicate it’s in pain to you. Another sign is if it is panting heavily when the weather is not hot or when it did not perform any strenuous exercise. Lastly, your dog could be in pain if you notice that it has lost its appetite to eat. Generally, dogs love to eat and have a good appetite for food.

When you constantly notice these signs that your dog is in pain, it is a cause for concern. Bring your dog to the vet immediately for an expert diagnosis.

Unusual Odors

Dogs are well known for having bad breath. A dog’s bad breath comes from the accumulation of bacteria in its mouth. It could also be due to bad digestion after a meal. But if you consistently smell unusually foul odors from your dog’s nose or mouth, it could be because there are tumors there. Other signs of mouth cancer include continuous drooling, swelling of the gum, and bleeding from the mouth.

Do check with a vet quickly when you notice these signs. An expert diagnosis is needed to ascertain where your dog has tumors in its mouth. Mouth cancer can spread quickly to other parts of the body so early detection does a lot of good.

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Canine Cancer Has Become a Dog Owner's Greatest Fear: Why Cancer Plagues Golden Retrievers

If a golden retriever gives birth, gets stung by a bee or sprayed by a skunk, veterinarians want to know.

Scientists are studying the popular breed to find out why their lifespans have gotten shorter over the years and why cancer is so prevalent.

The Colorado-based Morris Animal Foundation recently got the first lifetime study of 3,000 purebred golden retrievers up and running after signing up the first dogs in 2012. The nonprofit says the review of health conditions and environmental factors facing golden retrievers across the U.S. can help other breeds and even people, because humans carry 95 percent of the same DNA.

"Canine cancer has become a dog owner's greatest fear," said Dr. David Haworth, president and CEO of the foundation, which invested $25 million in the study. "You don't see dogs running loose that much anymore, we don't see a lot of infectious diseases, and the vaccines we have today are very good, so our concerns are warranted."

The vets haven't learned enough yet to improve or prolong the retrievers' lives, but key factors could lie anywhere, said Dr. Michael Lappin, who has 19 patients from Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts, in the study. When he graduated from veterinary school in 1972, golden retrievers lived 16 or 17 years. Today, it's nine or 10 years.

Golden retrievers die of bone cancer, lymphoma and a cancer of the blood vessels more than any other breed in the country.

Lappin plans to get his families together in a few months to see if they have found ways to make life easier for their dogs, especially because the most helpful data about cancer, obesity, diabetes and other chronic conditions won't emerge for six or seven years, researchers say.

Early exams showed 33 percent of the dogs, which are 1 to 5 years old, had skin disease or ear infections; 17 percent had gastrointestinal illnesses; and 11 percent had urinary disease.

The dogs get medication to treat the conditions, but vets can't treat them differently because it would skew the results, Lappin said.

Marla Yetka of Denver says her nearly 2-year-old golden retriever, Snickers, joined the study and has been suffering from skin problems. Yetka uses oatmeal shampoo on her pet, but she's looking forward to talking with other participants about their remedies.

"I have too many friends who have lost goldens," she said. "Is it what we are feeding them, their environments, their breeding?"

Pet owners keep tabs on everything, from a move across country or across town, a change in climate or time zone, new children at home, different food or behavioral changes. Most keep journals so they don't constantly call the vets when their dog gets a thorn in its foot, eats a spider or devours a bunch of bologna if it tears into the groceries.

The vets collect blood, waste, and hair and nail samples annually to test if the dogs get sick, hoping to uncover a common thread or early warning sign among dogs that develop cancer or other diseases.

Doctors also check for changes in temperature, blood pressure, energy, diet, sleeping patterns or other factors that could explain illnesses.

"Everyone involved will feel the burden it will take to be able to say, 'I am playing a role in stopping cancer in these animals I love,'" Haworth said.

So far, seven golden retrievers have died of conditions such as cancer and gastrointestinal problems, and one was hit by a car, Haworth said. Another dropped out when its owner died. The dogs come from every state; about half are male and half are female; and half are fixed and half are not.

Those who brought dogs into the study, including both veterinarians, hope golden retrievers get a shot at the longer life they used to enjoy.

"I'm glad I found the study and feel in some small way, I might make a difference," Yetka said.

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Learn the Signs of Cancer in Pets

Did you know that cancer is the leading cause of death among dogs more than 2 years old?

This is a startling statistic and might be unknown to people who haven’t confronted cancer in a pet. May is designated as Pet Cancer Awareness Month by the American Veterinary Medical Association, and it’s a good time to bone up on the risks and signs of cancer in pets — and to understand current treatment options.

To read more on this story, click here: Learn the Signs of Cancer in Pets FOLLOW US!

Guinness World Record Holder - Beloved Two-Faced Cat Dies of Cancer at Age 15

A cat named Frank and Louie who was born with two faces, two mouths, two noses and three blue eyes has died at the age of 15.

The Telegram of Worcester reports that 'Frankenlouie' died Thursday at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University in North Grafton.

The cat's owner, Marty Stevens, said veterinarians believe the cause of death was cancer.

The cat's owner, Marty Stevens, said veterinarians believe the cause of death was cancer.
Frank and Louie made it into the 2012 edition of Guinness World Records as the longest-surviving member of a group known as Janus cats, named for a Roman god with two faces.

Janus cats almost never survive, and most have congenital defects.
They usually only live a few days.

A breeder brought the rare feline to Stevens, a vet nurse, to be euthanized in September of 1999.

However Stevens, not believing the cat would survive, decided to take him home with her and care for him.

She fed Frankenlouie using tubes in both mouths, soon realizing that only the 'Frank' side was connected to his esophagus.

He did, however, eat enough for two.

Stevens said her cat quickly developed a strong personality and loved to walk around her neighborhood in North Grafton.

"He’s just so affectionate and sweet he usually wins people over," she told The Telegram-Gazette in 2011.

He functioned as a regular cat.

While blind in his center eye, both his outer eyes worked fine, and while he had two noses and mouths, he had only one brain.

Stevens is now understandably devastated to lose her pet of 15 years.

She said her fell quite ill around Thanksgiving and she took him to the Tuffs University clinic.

The vet told her it was best to euthanize him, because he was in quite a lot of pain.

Stevens says once her sadness passes she wouldn't mind looking for another Janus to bring home with her, just like she did with Frankenlouie in 1999.

"I would love to do it again," she said.

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White Moon Will Die a Terrible Death, Together We Can Save Him

Sharing from: Let's Adopt! Global

This is our chance to help a kitty beat cancer. Please continue reading the story of this incredible cat, and at the end, help him by sharing on facebook and twitter!!!

Life can be cruel to a little cat abandoned on the streets.

First, a really bad fracture that noone bothered to treat left him with an impaired use of his left leg… and then, the scorching sun triggered a particularly cruel form of cancer on his white skin: Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

To read more on this story, click here: White Moon Will Die a Terrible Death, Together We Can Save Him

Update:
WHITE MOON'S OPERATION HAS BEEN A SUCCESS!!! HE IS NOW CANCER-FREE!!!
He's already out of surgery and slowly waking up..
After he is recovered he is going to need an extraordinary home.. please write to me on viktor@myletsadopt.com telling me everything about you and your animals.



Please Share!

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This Former Michael Vick Pit Bull Has Cancer, But His New Life Has Been Nothing Short Of Amazing

This is Hector the pit bull, a former Michael Vick dog, who lived the first couple of years of life in hell and the seven after proving -- over and over and over -- that dogs rescued out of fighting deserve the very best this world has to offer.

Sadly, Hector isn't doing very well health-wise. He has cancer, and his prognosis isn't good. But the dog has had quite the journey.

To read more on this story, click here: Former Michael Vick Pit Bull Has Cancer

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Visit my blog! The News Whisperer, An informative blog of what's going on in your world today!
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Lymphoma in Dogs

Canine lymphomas are a diverse group of cancers, and are among the most common cancers diagnosed in dogs. They collectively represent approximately 7-14% of all cancers diagnosed in dogs. There are over 30 described types of canine lymphoma, and these cancers vary tremendously in their behavior. Some progress rapidly and are acutely life-threatening without treatment, while others progress very slowly and are managed as chronic, indolent diseases. Lymphomas may affect any organ in the body, but most commonly originate in lymph nodes, before spreading to other organs such as the spleen, liver, and bone marrow.

What is lymphoma?
The term “lymphoma” describes a diverse group of cancers in dogs that are derived from white blood cells called lymphocytes. Lymphocytes normally function as part of the immune system to protect the body from infection. Although lymphoma can affect virtually any organ in the body, it most commonly arises in organs that function as part of the immune system such as the lymph nodes, spleen, and bone marrow. By far the most common type of lymphoma in the dog is multicentric lymphoma, in which the cancer first becomes apparent in lymph nodes.

Other common lymphomas in dogs include cutaneous lymphoma (lymphoma of the skin), alimentary or gastrointestinal lymphoma (lymphoma of the stomach and/or intestines) and mediastinal lymphoma (lymphoma involving organs within the chest, such as lymph nodes or the thymus gland).

What causes lymphoma in dogs?
Unfortunately, the cause of lymphoma in dogs is not known. Although several possible causes such as viruses, bacteria, chemical exposure, and physical factors such as strong magnetic fields have been investigated, the cause of this cancer remains obscure. Suppression of the immune system is a known risk factor for the development of lymphoma in humans. Evidence for this includes increased rates of lymphoma in humans infected with the HIV virus or are on immune-suppressing drugs following organ transplantation surgery. However, the link between immune suppression and lymphoma in dogs is not clearly established.

How is canine lymphoma diagnosed?
The best way to diagnose lymphoma is to perform a biopsy. A biopsy is a minor surgical procedure to remove a piece of lymph node or other organ affected by cancer. The most common methods for lymph node biopsy are Tru-cut needle biopsy, incisional wedge biopsy, or removal of an entire lymph node (excisional biopsy). The larger the biopsy sample, the better the chance for an accurate diagnosis of lymphoma.

We routine perform biopsy procedures to diagnose canine lymphoma at the Purdue University Veterinary Teaching Hospital (PUVTH). Dogs are placed under heavy sedation or general anesthesia to perform a biopsy. Although discomfort associated with this procedure is typically minimal, we often prescribe oral pain medication afterwards just to be sure your dog is comfortable following the biopsy.

How is canine lymphoma treated?
The most effective therapy for most types of canine lymphoma is chemotherapy. In some cases, surgery or radiation therapy may also be recommended. There are numerous chemotherapy treatment protocols for dogs with multicentric lymphoma. As discussed below, most dogs with lymphoma experience remission of their cancer following treatment, and side effects are usually not severe. Currently, the protocols that achieve the highest rates of remission and longest overall survival times involve combinations of drugs given over several weeks to months. The protocol we use as a “gold standard” for the treatment of canine multicentric lymphoma is a 25-week protocol called UW-25. It is based on a protocol called CHOP that is commonly used to treat lymphoma in humans.

The UW-25 protocol may not be appropriate for all dogs with lymphoma. Different types of lymphoma may be treated with different chemotherapy drugs. For instance, the most effective drug for cutaneous lymphoma is thought to be lomustine (CCNU). The veterinary oncologists and oncology residents at the PUVTH will help you decide on a chemotherapy treatment protocol that is appropriate for your dog.

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Hero Dog Who Lost Snout in Motorcycle Accident Needs Chemotherapy

Kabang, a hero dog that lost her snout saving two young girls in the Philippines, has had her facial reconstruction surgery postponed so that she can undergo treatment for cancer and heartworm, veterinarians at the University of California, Davis said.

Doctors will not be able to close Kabang’s wound until she receives treatment for a vaginal tumor and heartworm.

The hero dog that lost her snout saving two young girls in the Philippines has been diagnosed with cancer.

Kabang's facial reconstruction surgery has been postponed so that she can undergo treatment for an aggressive cancerous tumor and heartworm, veterinarians at the University of California, Davis said.

"We think she has a good prognosis,” Dr. Jane Sykes, an infectious disease specialist at the university's small animal clinic, told the Daily News.

“She is doing great,” she added. “You wouldn’t know that she had these problems based on her behavior.”
Kabang's inspiring story went viral last year after she jumped in front of a speeding motorcycle to protect her owner's daughter and niece.

Though Kabang is missing her snout, she is able to lap up food and water.

The owner's daughter, Dina Bunggal, 9 and her cousin, Princess Diansing, 3, were crossing a busy street in Zamboanga City when the dog appeared out of nowhere to shield them from the oncoming bike, eyewitnesses said at the time.

Kabang's entire upper jaw was torn off during the accident — an injury that had local vets advising she be put to sleep.

But her owner, Rudy Bunggal, refused.

Her story was quickly picked up by local media and gave way to several grassroots campaigns, including that of Karen Kenngott, a critical care nurse from Buffalo, N.Y., who launched Care for Kabang, the Sacramento Bee reported.

Dr. Anton Lim and veterinary medical student Heather Kennedy examine Kabang at UC Davis’ William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital.

Kenngott's online campaign raised more than $20,000 from 22 countries to send the dog to UC Davis' William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, where she underwent a battery of tests that revealed her additional ailments.

Kabang, who gave birth to six puppies April 1, needs to receive chemotherapy to treat the vaginal tumor. She will also receive other treatments for heartworm disease.

It will likely be several months before Kabang is ready to undergo dental surgery and facial reconstruction.

“A lot of the delay is going to be related to the heartworm disease that she has,” Sykes told the Daily News. “We’re keen to treat that before she has the surgery on her face because it means that she has a higher anesthetic risk.”

‘It's so nice for me to see how a little dog like this can touch so many hearts,’ Dr. Jane Sykes, not pictured, said.

UC Davis veterinarians, however, have no plans to replace her missing nose with a prosthetic.

Sykes said Kabang may eventually return to the Philippines.

“She’s a really wonderful dog,” Sykes added. “It’s so nice for me to see how a little dog like this can touch so many hearts.”

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Do You Believe that Some Dogs Can Detect Certain Cancers?

We all know that there are drug sniffing dogs, and bomb sniffing dogs…but do you believe that there are dogs that can sniff out certain cancers?

The National Geographic News says, that ordinary household dogs with only a few weeks of basic "puppy training" learned to accurately distinguish between breath samples of lung- and breast-cancer patients and thy subjects. Please read their story, Dogs Smell Cancer in Patients' Breath, Study Shows.

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) says, that some dogs may be able to detect colon cancer.

A recent report in the medical journal Gut suggests that dogs may be able to help doctors detect colon cancer. Researchers in Fukuoka, Japan, found that one Labrador Retriever was able to sniff out the disease with 99 percent specificity, reports MedPageToday.com.

The canine was able to detect the cancer after smelling stool from patients who had been diagnosed with the disease. The animal was able to pick out the cancerous samples, even when placed side-by-side with healthy fecal matter.

"The study represents the first step towards the development of an early detection system using odor materials from patients with colorectal cancer" the researchers wrote in their report.

Though this latest development may be good news for cancer researchers, the scientists warned that it will take time to train dogs to smell out the disease, and that all breeds of canine may not be able to detect the cancer.

According to the news source, dogs have already shown the potential to smell out melanoma as well as ovarian, breast, lung and bladder cancer.

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