A cancer is a cell in your
body that has lost its normal control mechanism and now has unregulated
growth. The first step in this process is a change in the cell's
genetic material that allows the cell to become cancerous. This can
be caused by chemicals, viruses, radiation, sunlight, repeated trauma,
chronic parasites or a poor immune system. For example, cats who
live in households with smokers have increased rates of cancer.
There is also a definite genetic component in certain families. This
may occur as a genetically predetermined event where "suppressor
genes" that control normal growth are turned off allowing unregulated
growth or even promoting growth of tumors which can now spread locally or
to other parts of the body.
If your pet has a history of
cancer in its family, a preventative angle may be helpful although most
people do not know their pet's family tree. Most often cancer
appears and must be dealt with at that time. A proper diagnosis
through either cytology or biopsy is extremely helpful in deciding on
treatment and knowing what to expect since there are many different types
of cancer. A referral to a veterinary oncologist is a good first
step and should be offered by your vet if needed.
Whether you are following up
traditional cancer therapy, want additional support or are choosing
alternative modalities due to your pet's age or species, either quality
time or actual regression of cancer may be found.
Diet is one vital
area. Good support through balanced nutrition and energy plus proper
vitamin supplementation can be helpful. Because certain cancers grow
on carbohydrates, a cancer diet has been developed to slow tumor growth!
Biological Response
Modifiers are safe and/or natural substances that stimulate the body's own
natural tumor killing cells or boost the immune system to suppress tumor
growth.
Other therapies may include
herbs such as Pau De Arco or Graviola, Alovera extracts (Aceinannon),
Omega 3 Fatty Acids or N.N.Dimcthyl Glycine to name a few. Again a
proper diagnosis of cancer type may dictate proper treatment; the longer
you wait, the lower the success rate will be especially if cancer has
already spread elsewhere.
On the horizon is Gene
Therapy to alter predestined cancer cells and preventative tumor vaccines
... stay tuned!
The above is a reprint of an article
written by Jack Landess, D.V.M., as a public service. Reprint
permission was obtained from the Florida
Pet Pages.
