Natural Pet Animal Hospital answers the most commonly asked questions about Pets and Cancer 1.     What is cancer? Simply stated, cancer is abnormal cell growth.  Because the cells are a natural part of the body, many immune systems fail to recognize abnormal growth as a problem and, therefore, do not eliminate it.  Healthy immune systems are capable of keeping cell growth in check. Holistically thinking, cancer is the ultimate failure of immune function.   2.     What is the difference between a benign tumor and cancer? Benign tumors are usually slow growing masses. Once removed, they do not return. Malignant tumors (cancer) usually invade tissues or organs, causing functional problems.  They are destructive and can metastasize to other areas of the body. 3.     What causes cancer? There is no one single cause of cancer. Often times people ask, “Is it in the food, air, water or soil?” My answer is “yes.” Certainly nutrient-deficient soil grows nutrient-deficient foods. Most animals receive the worst portion of our food supply, the discarded infected grains and carcasses not fit for human consumption.  Converting these waste products into pet food means our pets are raised on a diet of over-processed, inorganic, chemically treated sterile pet food.  Most pet foods are difficult to digest, contain lots of fillers and preservatives, and lack essential enzymes and nutrients that are vital for basic processes to occur in the body.  Over time, the body begins to degenerate and cell replication processes  do not function properly. Animals’ immune systems become so depleted that they fail to recognize disease. The more carcinogens (or cancer-causing substances) an animal is exposed to, the more likely the animal will develop cancer. 4.     What are some of the most common causes of cancer in pets? Heredity. Some breeds are predisposed to certain types of cancer. For instance, Boxers get more cancer than any other breed, rats are predisposed to mammary tumors, grey horses are prone to melanomas, etc. Environment. Some animals are exposed to more toxins than others, including lawn chemicals, chemicals put directly on pets and chemicals ingested in foods. Toxins cause cell damage, which lead to the body producing its own bio-toxins called “free radicals.” These substances cause healthy cells to alter their genetic instructions for normal cell division.  5.     Traditionally, what  are my options for cancer treatment? Traditional cancer therapy revolves around three basic options; burning it out (radiation), cutting it out (surgery) or poisoning it out (chemotherapy). The success of these options ranges from minimal to complete cure, based on where the cancer is, what kind of cancer it is and if it has metastasized. We recommend you see an oncologist to find out what traditional therapy is recommended as well as cost of treatment and prognosis. We also recommend scheduling an appointment with us to find out what alternatives are available. Some clients want to combine traditional treatments, like chemotherapy, with alternative treatments that help reduce side effects and improve overall quality of life. If your pet has cancer, ask to schedule an appointment for a cancer consultation. We will be glad to help you and your pet through this disease.