An Overview Of Bone Cancer In Dogs

Bone cancer in dogs is recognized as "Osteosarcoma". Any dog can become the victim of this deadly disease. Although many theories have been presented in order to explain the cause of cancer, yet the real cause has not been determined so far. This type of cancer usually occurs in a dog's ankle, hip, shoulder bones, skull, ribs or spine.

The tumor weakens the bone to the point that it can break easily while jumping or even running. It goes without saying that this type of cancer is very aggressive in nature. The best strategy against this vicious disease is awareness amongst the dog owners about it. Secondly, early diagnosis is very crucial. Only timely treatment can save the poor dog.

Causes

The original cause of Osteosarcoma is still unknown yet there are a few factors which may contribute to trigger this disease. Diet always plays a crucial role in determining the health of any animal. Exposure to carcinogenic chemicals, past bone injuries and sex hormones are thought to contribute in triggering the disease.

Symptoms

The most important and common sign of osteosarcoma is frailty and weakness. The weakness spells will continue to occur despite rest and good care. You might spot swelling in the affected leg too. If the cancer has affected the lower jaw, then your dog will show signs of uneasiness in swallowing. These symptoms shouldn't be considered cancer signs, but one can get clue form these and get an appointment from the veterinarian to ensure the health of the dog.

Diagnosis

The basic and most important tests are histopathology and radiography to diagnose osteosarcoma. Bone biopsy poses risks as it can cause damage to the already fragile cancerous bone. It is a painful process as dogs show signs of increased weakness and exhaustion after the procedure.

The diagnosis process also involves blood tests in order to determine the scale and intensity of the disease.

Treatment

Osteosarcoma is being treated with an aggressive treatment because the cancer itself is very aggressive in nature.

The purpose of radiation therapy is to provide relief to pain rather than curing the cancer. It helps in minimizing the symptoms when used in conjunction with pain medications. The procedure involves anesthesia, which may pose some risks to the dog.

Radiation may also cause hair loss, skin redness and dryness, where the radiation has been applied. The veterinarian may suggest to apply a tube to the affected area, and symptoms will vanish.

Three different types of treatments are also applied to eradicate bone cancer in dogs from its roots. It includes surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Although the tumor may be removed completely yet the affected leg remains vulnerable and can break while doing normal activities. So, amputation is also considered a better option as it is less painful procedure where recovery is quite quick.

Amputation saves the dog from a lot of pain and increases the chances of survival manifold. Most dog owners consider it brutal. They forget that it is in the best interest of their dog who will not only recover faster, but also will be able to play around without any difficulty. Amputations in humans hold different meanings than dogs. The dog won't feel the same way as humans feel after losing a limb.

Aftercare

· Dogs should be helped to walk in order to improve recovery.

· Wounds should be checked regularly in order to see any signs of infection.

· In case of swelling or redness, immediately report to the vet.

· Follow the diet plan which has been prescribed by the vet.

Credit: M Shoaib Aslam

How to Keep a Dog in Good Health

Being a dog parent is not easy. One needs to be very careful about the special needs of the dog and offer them proper care and attention. In fact it would not be an exaggeration today that the adopting a dog is akin to being a parent of your child. You have to offer them a happy and healthy life that would not only increase their obesity but also offer them a high standard of life. One thing that you should remember here is that you don't have to adopt the dog only because of its liveliness or charm but also because you want to form a lifelong relationship. So you need to be very careful about physical and mental health of your dog as you are careful about your own child.

Here are a few helpful tips to maintain the health of you dog:

Daily Exercise

Daily exercise is the most important part of a dog's schedule. In fact many pet owners would not like to take their dogs to nearby parks for walking as they are too much worried about the dog being attacked by street dogs. In that case you may use a vehicle to take your dog in a vehicle and park it outside the garden. Then you can take you dog inside the park and allow it to enjoy brisk walking. The obese dogs find it difficult to breather and are at a high risk of developed diabetes.

Diet

Some people treat they dogs as their own family members. However it times they go a bit too far. It is especially true in the case of diet; In fact the dog's biological system and digestion process is distinctly different from human beings. So chocolate can be a treat for your child but for your dog it is a threat. The digestion system of dogs is designed in such a way that they cannot digest certain foods like chocolates, pizza, bread and others. Hence, instead of giving it what it likes the most you should rather offer it something that is most beneficial of its body.

Mental Well-being

The dogs are very sensitive when it comes to psychology. Many people buy dogs, not adopt them. It means that they buy them because of their liveliness instead of forming a genuine relationship. Such dogs are pampered too much in the beginning and later on when the owners are fed up they stop giving much attention to them. Sure, they get the food and water on time. But that is not enough. They also want to get proper care and love. Many such dogs suffer mentally and finally they fall victim to various psychiatric problems. So, it is very important to adopt a dog only of you have enough time to take their proper care.

Even if you buy healthy dog, they might observe that it develops certain kind of health issues in the course of time. In fact when you adopt dogs you change their lifestyle intentionally or unintentionally that may lead to a variety of dog diseases.

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Dog Treats - The Best Time To Treat Them

Pet treats are of great importance. They can be a great asset, when given at the right time. If you find it difficult that your pooch is not following or listening you even after a treat, then there is something wrong with your timing or reason. To help you practice the right time to give it to your pet, here are some guidelines that can solve all of your confusion and aid you in administering the treat easily with all positive results.

When To Give Treats To Your Dogs

Giving treats in between the meals is ideal. Remember never include treats along with dog food. Try to find the liking and taste of your pooch and select a treat that your dog will enjoy. It is also quite helpful when you are training your dog. Also, your treat will not work as an encouraging tool, if you are likely to give it right after the meals. Therefore, ensure to give the treat only in between the meals and not immediately before or after the meals.

One of the best techniques to give treat is to hold it into your hand between the first two fingers and thumb. Then, let your dog sniff through it to find that it is there. The golden role here is: first nose, then mouth and ears! Starting with a dog's nose, is highly rewarding as you are appealing to the most important part of her brain.

Furthermore, as your dog is sniffing and getting interested, slowly lift the treat above nose height and move it gradually over her head and slightly back towards her shoulders. The aim is to make your dog sit on the butts, to lower the shoulders back and lift her head up.

Lift the treat slowly and easily so that your dog's nose follows it in your hand. When your dog jumps at your hand, take it away. Second time, have the treat hand closer to her head. The moment she begins to follow the treat with her nose and eyes along with putting her butt to the floor, say - "sit", calmly and slowly and give her the treat. Say softly as not to disturb your pooch. Also remember, not to overexcite your furry pal as he may lose the lesson in all the chaos.

Well, dog treats are to show the feeling of affection. Given abruptly will not churn out to bring in the desired results. Treats need to be given at the right time for the right reason. If you are not sticking to the rules or consistent when you give a treat to your furry pal, you may just end up confusing your pooch greatly. Ensure to give treat as a reward for a good behavior or for showing affection after a good deed.

It's essential to treat your pet at the time and on the right occasion as this will boost positive behavior in your furry pal.

Credit: Eugene Hix