What owners should know
By Sam Mazzota
King Syndicate
DEAR PAW’S CORNER: My 11-year-old dog “Jethro” is being treated for cancer. At first, I didn’t pay attention to the little lumps that appeared on his skin, and he seemed healthy otherwise. But at his annual checkup, the vet said the lumps were suspicious. After some tests, Jethro got radiation and then surgery to remove the biggest lumps, and they’re monitoring the others. I just wonder if there was any way I could have prevented this from happening. Could I have noticed something sooner? — Gerald V., Wytheville, Virginia
DEAR GERALD: Don’t beat yourself up too much. You did all the right things for your dog: regular checkups, prompt treatment, and continuing support. I’m very glad to hear that Jethro is on the mend and being monitored.
A cancer diagnosis in a pet is always stressful for the owners. Skin lumps (soft tissue sarcomas) are just one type of cancer. Certain cancers are more prevalent in specific breeds, and no pet is completely free of risk.
Owners often beat themselves up after a diagnosis, wondering if their pet’s food, level of exercise, or weight contributed to them developing cancer. According to the Animal Cancer Foundation, (acfoundation.org) there are no proven diets that prevent cancer in pets.
However, studies have shown that nutritionally supportive diets can help pets already diagnosed with cancer. Many veterinarians recommend a diet higher in protein and healthy fats and lower in carbohydrates to support overall pet health. Avoid raw diets, as bacteria in raw foods can weaken an already compromised immune system.
Continue to keep a close eye on Jethro and work with the veterinarian to spot fast-growing lumps on his skin. Focus on giving him a great quality of life with exercise, a healthy diet, and lots of love.
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