Cancer is an indiscriminate condition. Dogs are as prone to cancer as humans, and more prone to certain cancers than humans. The canine cancer patient is at a disadvantage in comparison to the human cancer patient. The canine patient does not understand that the treatments that make him feel so sick are actually to save his life from a condition that would destroy him from the inside.
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Symptoms
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Some forms of canine cancer do not present themselves in visible ways. Canine breast cancer does not typically present itself visually, nor does it change a dog's energy level or diet. Other cancers present themselves in the form of a lump on the body or a sudden decrease in energy levels or appetite. If the dog expresses any changes in behavior you should immediately take him to a veterinarian for an exam. The canine cancer patient may not be showing the signs of immediate trouble, but that does not mean that the danger is not extreme.
Diagnosis
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If the vet finds a mass in the dog, she will conduct a biopsy to determine the type of tumor. In most cases, she will do this while removing the tumor from the dog. Only through the biopsy can the vet diagnose the canine cancer patient with the type and the severity of the cancer. Once the type and severity is determined, treatment can begin.
Treatment
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In most cases, the canine cancer patient will have to undergo chemotherapy and radiation treatments. These treatments are nearly identical to the human treatments of cancer. The dog will receive less harsh radiation and a smaller dosage of chemotherapy. This limits the intestinal damage and the potential for fur loss. The radiation therapy will take place in cancer treatment centers while the veterinarian's office will prescribe the chemotherapy drugs which you can pick up at a local pharmacy.
Support
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The canine cancer patient will not feel well during the cancer treatments. He may refuse to eat or drink. It is up to you to encourage the dog to eat by either hand feeding or placing tempting foods in the bowl. It is also your responsibility to comfort the dog when he is depressed. If the dog is able to engage in light exercise, you should do this, although you should watch for signs of fatigue. A canine cancer patient may be prone to fits of diarrhea or nausea. It is important that you understand and expect this. It is not the dog's fault that he is sick and therefore you should not punish him for any accidents.
Continued Care
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Caring for the canine cancer patient does not end when the dog enters remission. It is important to keep the dog on a high quality dog food and at a healthy weight to prevent the cancer from returning. Remove any other risk factors the veterinarian has identified if possible. Once the dog enters remission, activities such as walks and swimming can resume if the veterinarian has approved it.
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