In October, I wrote a column for Veterinary Practice News (VPN) on the question of whether or not cancer is more common in dogs and cats now than it used to be. This is a core argument in the Truth About Pet Cancer propaganda video series I debunked HERE and HERE. The VPN article caught the attention of Dr. Bernadine Cruz, who asked me to visit her podcast to discuss the subject. Enjoy!
The Pet Doctor Podcast- Are we seeing more cancer in pets.
Thanks for the podcast. It helps to know that sometimes these awful things just happen with no rhyme or reason.
I lost a dog to hemangiosarcoma a few years ago. Devastating.
I just finished listening to it. Cancers in pets is not something I am familiar with.
You are so smart!
I would love a post about dealing with pet cancer – the emotional aspects of it makes it hard to remain logical and analytical. I know I’m constantly thinking about if I’m making the right decisions, what else I can do, second guessing, etc. Too many people out there pushing snake oil sort of supplements, treatments, etc. I have yet to purchase the snake oil, but I keep second guessing myself. A post that acknowledges that emotional factor I think would be helpful for those trying to do the best for their pet. I guess I just want a respected professional to reassure me.
Ananda,
I agree. There is so much information and division out “there” on dog cancer causes and treatments it makes the head spin. Our now 13 year old Chihuahua mix is still with us but I’ve been “stuck” with kind of Paralysis through analysis over what or what not to do. Us knowing he had cancer was found in March of 2018, after he spent an overnight at the local veterinary emergency clinic. They found two tumors, one on the liver and one wrapping around the Vena Cava (I think). Anyway the surgeon said she could handle the one on the liver but the other due touts “wrapping” would require a setting such as Cornell or Tufts for the surgery and post op. She said he would also have a 30 to 40% chance of not making it off the operating table. When I followed up with my primary veterinarian she said She agreed with me family that we should take him home and let him live out his days as comfortable as possible. Well I was literally in tears that this befell him tried to figure what I could do. I went on the internet in search of any and all information for “cures”. I bought a book by an owner whose dog had cancer but there was so much advice I quickly put it aside. Then got books from the library. After that I started my own food regimen of a mixture of vegetables, eggs, dog kibble etc. Now with the recent problem of dogs possibly contracting Cardiomyopathy from grain free diets, I’ve quit the kibble and give my own concoction of meat, fish, brown rice, green beans, carrots, oatmeal and biscuit and treats in different sequences. He seems to like it. I’ve also been looking at “Natural” products which are being sold by persons that are not veterinarians but self taught. They are not advocates of large commercially manufactured dog foods and rather believe that the increase in dog cancer is a direct correlation in the ingredients used and processing of them. Out there to are wonder diets used by owners who have cured their dogs. Also veterinarians in Western conventional and alternative medicine that have smaller manufacturing companies which produce raw freeze dried diets. A criticism is that they are exploiting their notoriety for monetary gain, yet independent reviewers find their product to be inline with well balanced, high quality ingredients. So NeKF these folks also have a line of supplements and natural flea and tick preventatives. Some also discourage certain vaccinations as either being over prescribed or needed only once a lifetime. So I find myself skeptical yet wanting to buy any and all products that could slow down the cancer or “cure” my dog. I remain confused, bewildered and driven by despair.
As emotionally difficult it is when we have a pet diagnosed with cancer (or any poor prognosis), I would just say:
Unless your veterinarian and/or specialist has advised and directed you differently, keep doing what you’ve always done – don’t drastically change diet, add supplements, peruse snake-oil and so-called “cures”, you will only drive yourself insane, and if given to your pet, can cause significant harm (or, will do nothing at all except for draining your wallet).
Treat as your vet advises, supplement ONLY as your vet advises based on diagnostics that may necessitate it, stay off the internet and call your vet if/when necessary. You can always seek a second opinion or a specialist’s opinion, none of whom would dare to be treating your pets over the internet!