Cancer
Dr Jules Wilson MRCVS of the Maunu Rd branch of the Northland Veterinary Group HAS THIS SAY...
We have all been touched by or experienced cancer either first hand or by association. We live in a country where there seems to be little or no ozone protecting us from the harsh ultra violet rays from the sun so we are all at risk from solar induced skin cancer and cataracts.
Of course our pets are exposed to the same cancer-causing agents as ourselves, whether it be sunshine, cigarette smoke, food carcinogens or environmental factors or chemicals.
Cancer research is surging ahead and already many genes that allow cancers to grow (called onco-genes) have been identified and so researchers are now trying to find methods of switching those genes off and/or switching on genes that STOP cancer cells getting out of control. This is an exciting and fast moving field of research. Over the next 10 years the methods of treating cancer will change from the harsh chemotherapy and radiotherapy regimes of today to molecular or gene therapy.
Some breeds or types of pets seem more prone to cancer than others and so we should be more vigilant with them: White-faced & white-eared cats are well known to be very vulnerable to sun-induced cancer. Blacking out the ears with non-toxic permanent black marker pen may reduce the effects of the sun’s uv rays. Also applying factor 30 hypoallergenic sunblock to these cats’ noses and to the pink bellies of our sun-bathing dogs (especially those white bull terriers) will also help.
When you find a small, unusual lump on your pet (especially is he or she is a boxer or “german” or swiss breed) take him along to the vet to be checked out as soon as you are able. Don’t forget that if one year of a dog’s life is equivalent to 7 of ours then waiting 6 months to get a dog’s lump checked is the same as a woman waiting over 3 years to have a lump checked that she has found in her breast. Don’t forget that in women the current rate of CURE for breast cancer is 80% if identified & treated in the early stages.
SO: Slip, slop, slap & wrap over Summer, stop smoking & lay off all those artificially coloured & chemically tampered foods that we seem to love so much.
Plus get those cat & dog vaccines up to date BEFORE going to the kennels/cattery.
Jules
Issue 10
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