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What Do You Know About Canine Skin Cancer?

PetSugar — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 03:50:15 -0700

Just because the weather's getting colder in many parts of the country, doesn't mean dog owners can be less concerned with skin cancer. Luckily many cases can be treated successfully when caught early enough so brush up on the facts about the various types of this disease in the quiz below.

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Cancer Deadly to Humans and Wild Animals Alike

PetSugar — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 06:00:18 -0700

It's heartbreaking enough to see your furry friends go through the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, but imagine being a wild animal and not having the medical care or love that a family pet would. Cancer not only affects people and pets, but wild animals as well. A new study conducted by the Wildlife Conservation Society shows that cancer accounts for 10 percent of human deaths, and wild animals are dying from cancer at about the same rate.

And although you may want to wish away these similarities as a natural occurrence, take in this fact first: high levels of a chemical called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are found in the St. Lawrence river system, where beluga whales and many species of fish are frequently found hunting for food. Studies show that this (human-produced) pollutant is the leading cause of intestinal cancer in the beluga whale population. Coincidence? I'm not so sure about that. Although there isn't much you can do to monitor signs of cancer in wild animals from your home, you can keep an eye out for common signs of cancer in your pets!

Ten Common Signs of Cancer in Pets

PetSugar — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 07:00:29 -0700

Did you know that cancer accounts for almost half the deaths of pets over 10 years of age? While I didn't realize this (or that dogs get cancer at roughly the same rate as humans, while cats get fewer cancers), I do believe that using animal-friendly products and high-quality food is essential to our pets' well-being. Because of the dangers of household cleaners, environmental toxins, and chemicals in their foods, it's important to know what symptoms to watch out for - with early detection, cancer can be a treatable disease for furry friends.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the 10 common signs of cancer in small animals are:

Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow
Sores that do not heal
Weight loss

See the rest when you read more.

Loss of appetite
Bleeding or discharge from any body opening
Offensive odor
Difficulty eating or swallowing
Hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina
Persistent lameness or stiffness
Difficulty breathing, urinating, or defecting

Now, you'll probably recognize that some symptoms overlap with other illnesses, but anytime you notice just one of these things, please take your pet to the vet - even though it could be nothing, it could very well be something, too.

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The Scoop: Pet Cancer Awareness Month

PetSugar — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 10:30:11 -0800

Secondhand smoke is dangerous for people and pets, too. According to a study conducted at Tufts College of Veterinary Medicine, kitties face a higher chance of getting certain types of cancer including malignant lymphoma, a cancer that is fatal to three out of four cats within 12 months of developing it. However, simply because of felines natural grooming habits, they also face a great risk of getting mouth cancer. When your pet licks her paw, she is licking up the cancer-causing carcinogens that accumulate on her fur. The study found that more kitties get squamous-cell carcinoma if they live in smoking environments versus those residing in a smoke-free home. The cats are not the only pets in danger, exposure to secondhand smoke can also result in nasal and lung cancer in dogs – pups noses have a greater surface area to be exposed to carcinogens and a shorter nasal passage that allows more carcinogens to reach their lungs. If you're still trying to quit smoking, make sure you don't light up around your pets!

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Sleepypod Blossoms Pink for Breast Cancer

PetSugar — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 10:20:08 -0700

I've said it before, and I'll say it again – Sleepypods are travel time chic! In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, they've just released this new “Blossom Pink” Sleepypod.

In addition to being a fab color, 15 percent of profits from sales of the style will be donated to breast cancer awareness and research charities. Although the donations began in October, they will be ongoing and not limited to just this month. Check out a list of retailers near you or contact Sleepypod to order directly for your lil pets.

RIP, Gibson: World's Tallest Dog Loses His Cancer Battle

PetSugar — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 10:05:39 -0700

Gibson (the Guinness Record holder for the world's tallest dog) was diagnosed with bone cancer back in April and, sadly, he recently lost his battle with the disease. The beautiful Harlequin was undergoing chemotherapy and, when he needed to have his front right paw amputated, his owner started Three Paws For the Cause to raise awareness about canine cancer.

Gibson's vet, Dr. Peter Walsh said:

Last week Gibson began having trouble using his back legs. X-rays showed that the cancer had spread to his spine and his lungs. Ms. Hall made the very difficult decision based on her concern and love for Gibson to have him humanely euthanized. Gibson died peacefully in the loving arms of Ms. Hall.

See a classic video of Gibson showing off his tallness and generally being cute when you read more.

Source: Guinness World Records

Give the Dog a Loofa

PetSugar — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 09:30:05 -0700

Think pink and choose special edition Pink Loofa Dog for Breast Cancer this month. These dog and cat toys typically come in different colors and sizes and are über-popular with your pets! Choosing this one has an additional bonus; in an effort to aid Breast Cancer Awareness, Multipet has chosen to donate a percentage of proceeds to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. A minimum of 85 percent of all funds raised by this foundation goes to breast cancer research grants and awareness programs. Same squeaker your pet loves, new packaging, and great message – we're sold!

What's Your Take: Cici the Pink Poodle vs. Boulder City Code?

PetSugar — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 00:30:00 -0700

In a situation you certainly don't hear about everyday, this woman was recently fined for coloring her pet poodle pink to help raise awareness for breast cancer . . . after ignoring several warnings, she now faces a $1,000 charge. Joy Douglas is a salon owner herself and maintains that she has not only done this for four years, she isn't using dye, but instead natural beet juice to create that rosy hue on her pet and raise awareness for an important issue. While Cici doesn't seem any worse for the wear, it turns out her owner's violating the city's code: "No person shall dye or color live fowl, rabbits, or any other animals." "Cici is being stripped of her civic duty," Douglas said. "And I don't plan to take it sitting down." Regardless of your opinion of dyeing animals in theory, do you think this case should be dismissed or is she guilty as charged?

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Remembering Socks: Former First Cat Dies

PetSugar — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 19:22:42 -0800

You may recognize this feline as a former "first pet" - Socks joined the Clinton family for both terms in the White House. After they left in early 2001, the kitty took up residence in Hollywood, MD, with Bill Clinton's secretary, Betty Currie. The cat was nearly 18 and battling lung cancer when Currie confirmed Socks's death this evening, saying that she was "heartbroken." Follow Socks's story and start this slideshow of his big moments during the DC years. We'll miss you!

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Breaking News: 2008 World's Ugliest Dog Loses Cancer Battle

PetSugar — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 13:58:25 -0800

When I met Gus up close and personal moments after he won the title of 2008 World's Ugliest Dog back in June, it was clear he had gone through a lot. This 9-year-old rescued pooch endured radiation, surgery on a malignant tumor, and a leg amputation from his skin cancer – and what I remember most from my chat with his super-sweet owners was that the pup had a fondness for pizza . . . yum!

Now, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but sadly he just passed away. RIP, Gus!

I wanted to honor this pooch's big win in a gallery of photos so check them out when you read more.

View 7 Photos ›

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