How many of us have had dogs with cancer or have known dogs with cancer? I’m guessing most of us have. 1 in 3 dogs get it and early detection is critical for both the treatment and the comfort of your pet. But we aren’t doctors, so how do we know?
Thanks to this reminder from The American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM), my animals are getting an overall body massage today. It’s the perfect way for me to recognize their individual nooks and crannies and gather baseline information while they are healthy. If anything changes in the future, I’ll know to have them looked at by a veterinary professional.
So you missed the 14th? Having first seen this campaign today, I did too. No worries. Start today and set a monthly date you remember, no matter what it is. Your dogs (and cats) will love the spa treatment and it could save your best friend’s life. Spread the word!
Thanks to Kelly Kaliszewski from Wishcuit.com for sharing!
This is an excellent idea. Thanks for passing it on!
Thanks Kim. A small thing we can do to help keep our dogs healthy.
It's those little things that slip my mind most. Of course this makes sense. I'm just grateful for the reminder – well, more like eye-opener.
Great post, Kim. Maggie and I went through an awful experience with Emmett. He had a nerve sheath tumor on his front-right leg. It was the weirdest thing ever: we were watching him give someone a high-five and from across the room, Maggie asked me what was on his leg. It wasn't there one day, and the next it was. Thankfully, we found a skilled surgeon who was able to remove it, get clean edges, and he's been cancer-free for an entire year now. Both of our boys get regular rub downs to look for anything suspicious. Thanks for spreading the word!
John, Emmett is a very lucky boy. Thanks for sharing his story. I remember you and Maggie saying you feared he'd lose the use of his front leg. I can't imagine that horror, although Tim's dog, Jack, went for months battling cancer. He made it through but was 14 and, after a huge fight, passed on. It's always difficult, whether cancer effects a young, spry dog or a special senior. Hugs to Emmett and hurrah for his recovery!
A face book friend's Golden ( a service dog) has been recently diagnosed with oral melanoma at 5 years old. We were devastated to hear the news. I have been a little paranoid, our golden is 8 years old. I recently gave him a big HUG and found a grape size lump on one side of his neck. Brought him to the Vets and they found another lump on his chest. A needle aspiration was done on Friday afternoon and now waiting for Lab results. The Vet commended me on finding this so early, Trying to stay positive and focused on my Boy RUDY!!! Why do Golden's Get Cancer…..or any dog!!
Mary-Beth,
I'm so glad you caught this! I hope you and Rudy hear good news. My neighbor just learned that her dog simply has a fatty deposit that feels pretty awful but is harmless. If that's not the case with your boy, I'm relieved to hear that you'll have an early course of treatment. Positive energy to you both!
As for why this happens, I'm no scientist, but the more I look at kibble ingredients, the more I'm convinced that low quality food, often marketed and labeled as a "healthy" diet, has a great deal to do with it. Fillers, preservatives, all the things that make humans more disease prone are afflicting domestic animals with higher instances of cancer, diabetes and other human diseases while those in the wild are still part of a more natural feeding cycle and healthier for it. The rest is likely environmental as we continue to toxify our water supply with chemicals and concoctions of prescription drugs. Again, just my guess but it seems logical.
Thanks KIM!! I have always had Rudy on Wysong. Rudy is a BIG Golden, but we were scolded last year by Our Vet. Rudy weighed 104lbs I was so embarrassed, they placed him on Science Diet for R/d for weight loss he lost 20lbs in 4 Months. He looks so skinny after a swim, my husband thought it was too much for him to lose. However he is moving around a lot better. In the back on my Mind I think it maybe the science diet food. He has small little tumors on his eyelid and on his gum removed this year. Not sure if this a coincidence or not? Will keep you posted on Rudy's test results:)
Happy Thanksgiving!
Mary-Beth & Rudy
A client of mine who has an adorable 8 year old Golden, Ben was just diagnosed with 2 kinds of cancer which are treatable. I will be sure to pass this along to her. Many thanks for sharing!