Having a canine companion diagnosed with cancer can be difficult for any dog owner, but cancer is not always a death sentence. However, the dog owner should understand that several factors can affect their dog's life expectancy.
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Types
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The type of cancer can greatly affect the life expectancy of the dog. Types include stomach or bladder cancer, oral cancer and lymphoma.
Location
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Cancers or tumors that are easily accessible (and thus easily treated or removed) can often lead to a longer life expectancy, just as inaccessible (or inoperable) cancers can decrease the life expectancy.
Treatment
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For some dogs, cancer treatments such as surgical removal, chemotherapy or cryosurgery can increase the canine's life expectancy anywhere from a few weeks up to a few years.
Metastasis
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Cancers that have a high rate of spreading (metastasis) can greatly reduce the overall life expectancy of a dog. Cancers that metastasize often spread into the lungs, bones or the liver, but any cancer has the potential to spread anywhere in the body.
Theories
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Holistic care, such as switching to a diet free of chemicals, pesticides and preservatives, may help prolong the life expectancy of the dog. However, this choice is solely up to the dog owner.
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