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On March 11, 2000 Rufus, our Husky cross, died of cancer. She was about 11 years old. On October 17, 2000 Nollaig, our Shepherd cross, died of cancer. She was approximately 13 years old. Then on December 12, Gleannan, our Sheltie cross who is almost 15, was diagnosed with cancer. In each case the cancer that attacked our dogs’ bodies was hemangiosarcoma – a form of cancer that originates in the blood vessels. Unfortunately, cancer in companion animals is common.
The word “cancer” frequently evokes feelings of despair, fear and sadness among those whose beloved animal companions are diagnosed with this terrible disease. Besides Rufus and Nollaig, our family has lost two other dear canine companions to cancer -Brandy, a Wirehaired Fox Terrier, and Winston, a Terrier cross.
When an animal companion is diagnosed with cancer, you, your family and your veterinarian discuss how to care for the sick animal. Rufus had surgery and continued living a good life for more than a year after her operation. Nollaig was kept comfortable and she died at home. Eight days after being diagnosed with cancer, Gleannan had a splenectomy in which her spleen and a five pound tumour were removed. Three days later, on December 23, Gleannan came home from the veterinary hospital. Her return home was a Christmas gift that our family will never forget. After recuperating for a few more days, this spirited, older dog was acting like a puppy again attempting to steal food from the counters and running in the fenced-in yard with our other dogs. We don’t know what the future holds for Gleannan, but right now the pretty Sheltie cross is once again enjoying life and we will do what we can to ensure her health and her happiness.
While cancer afflicts many companion animals, there hasn’t been a lot of information readily available for the human guardians of these animals. For those of us fortunate to share our lives with canine and feline family members, it is important to learn about this disease. Two recently published books that are worth reading are Pets Living With Cancer: A Pet Owner’s Resource by Robin Downing, DVM and Why Is Cancer Killing Our Pets? by Deborah Straw.
Pets Living With Cancer: A Pet Owner’s ResourceAccording to Robin Downing, DVM, cancer is common in dogs and cats because our animal companions are living longer. “Because our animal companions enjoy the benefits of better nutrition, better preventive health care, advances in veterinary medicine, and closer family relationships, they are living longer… As animals live longer, we see a greater incidence of the diseases that accompany aging. One important example is the increased risk of developing cancer.”
Dr. Downing provides considerable information on a topic that most people don’t want to talk about. By providing concise, easy-to-understand answers to questions about cancer, Dr. Downing provides the reader with considerable information about this dreaded disease. She also offers hope. According to Dr. Downing, “Cancer remains the most curable of all chronic diseases.” Veterinarians would be wise to have a supply of Pets Living With Cancer: A Pet Owner’s Resource on hand for client’s whose animal companions contract this terrible disease.
Why Is Cancer Killing Our Pets?In Why Is Cancer Killing Our Pets, Straw provides considerable information on the causes of cancer, preventative measures that can be taken as well as some of the cancer treatments available to companion animals – both conventional and alternative.
