Cancer

How Common is Cancer?
Cancer is common in pet animals, and the rate increases with age. Dogs get cancer at roughly the same rate as humans, while cats get fewer cancers. Cancer accounts for almost half of the deaths of pets over 10 years of age.

How is it Diagnosed?
Strong circumstantial evidence of cancer can be attained from x-rays, ultrasound, blood tests, the physical appearance of the cancer, or the physical signs caused by the cancer. Most cancers, however, will require a biopsy (removal of a piece of tissue) for confirmation.

Is Cancer Preventable?
Some cancer, such as breast cancer, is largely preventable with early spaying. Unfortunately, the cause of most cancers is not known and therefore prevention is difficult.

Common Signs of Cancer in Pets

· Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow

· Sores that do not heal

· Weight loss

· Loss of appetite

· Bleeding or discharge from any body opening

· Offensive odor

· Difficulty eating or swallowing

· Hesitance to exercise or loss of stamina

· Persistent lameness or stiffness

· Difficulty breathing, urinating, or defecating

Many of the above signs are also seen with non-cancerous conditions but still warrant prompt attention by your veterinarian to determine the cause. Cancer is frequently treatable, and early diagnosis will aid your veterinarian in delivering the best care possible.

Hewitt Veterinary Hospital Welcomes…

Elizabeth Daily joins us as a receptionist. She and her husband Terry moved here from Houston. Elizabeth was doing some fostering for the Waco Humane Society prior to working with us.  Elizabeth and Terry are parents of a Dachshund named Lola and a Siamese named Sua Lek (Thai for little tiger).  Elizabeth is a real joy and a wonderful addition to the ladies up front.

Come by and welcome Elizabeth!

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FELINE LEUKEMIA

What is Feline Leukemia? Feline leukemia is a virus that is considered the most important infectious disease agent producing fatal illness in cats.  The virus belongs to a family known as the retrovirus.  It is related to other fatal viruses such as FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus) and HIV (human immunodeficiency virus).  The virus is shed in saliva and tears.  It can also be present in the urine and feces of infected animals.  This means that cat-to-cat contact such as sharing food and water bowls or grooming behaviors can be a source of disease transmission. Kittens and young cats are most at risk.

What are the signs of feline leukemia? Common symptoms produced by the feline leukemia virus include depression, weight loss, decreased appetite, diarrhea or constipation, enlarged lymph nodes, respiratory distress, or excessive drinking and urination.  Cancer occurs in some cats that are infected with leukemia.  This virus also interferes with a cat’s natural ability to ward off other diseases and makes the cat very susceptible to picking up other infections.

How is feline leukemia diagnosed? There are some blood tests that can be run to determine if a cat has come in contact with the virus.  One test typically can be run in your veterinarian’s office and is very sensitive to any exposure to the virus. 

Is there a cure? No.  There is currently no cure for an infected cat.  There is a vaccine to aid in the protection from feline leukemia.  The vaccine is as safe as other commonly used feline vaccines.  The vaccines are reasonably effective in preventing persistent feline leukemia infection.  No vaccine is 100 percent effective, but the immune response produced by these vaccines will protect most exposed cats from becoming infected with the virus.

Kittens should be tested then vaccinated twice starting at about 8-10 weeks of age with a second vaccine given 3 weeks later.  Cats should receive annual vaccination boosters at the discretion of the veterinarian.

 

A PET'S TEN COMMANDMENTS.........

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.

3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.

4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.

5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.

7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.

9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.

10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.

2008

~Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them.

Life would be a much duller, less joyful experience without God's critters