Question: Hi, I just lost my baby boy Rottie to cancer. There were NO warning signs. On the third day after he was not feeling well, I took him to the veterinarian. After an X-ray, she said he was loaded with cancer. It was all through him. What could have done this? She said he only had about two weeks to live, maybe.
She suggested putting him down. I took his sister yesterday for a Senior Panel, and I am praying everything comes back OK. This is my first experience with cancer. It came so quickly, with no signs at all. How can I protect my other dogs? — Pat
Answer: I am sorry that you have recently lost your Rottie. I know suddenly losing a pet with no warning signs or symptoms can be devastating. I know you are worried about your other dog, and I am assuming that she is the littermate of your first. You are correct to be vigilant in having her evaluated frequently.
The Senior Panel that you mentioned is a good first start. This is usually a series of blood tests that assess the overall metabolic health of the body. For example, a Senior Panel will evaluate for abnormalities in liver enzymes, kidneys values, proteins, calcium levels and electrolytes. A CBC is usually a part of the evaluation, too. A CBC is a blood tests that evaluates the type and number of white blood cells and also assesses for anemia or low platelets.
A very common misconception regarding these blood tests is that the tests are able to test specifically for cancer. These tests do not test specifically for cancer. They are an overall health screening. If there are abnormalities detected on this type of test, then further testing is generally indicated to further investigate the abnormality.
In middle-aged to older canine and feline patients it is a good idea to have a wellness screening performed every six months. A wellness screening would consist of a thorough physical examination performed by your veterinarian as well as screening blood tests. Remember that six months for a canine or feline patient is equivalent to 3-5 years for a dog or cat.
As our pets get older, many things can change in a six month period of time. Also important as our pets age are chest radiographs. Radiographs of the thoracic cavity are used to screen for cardiovascular issues, pulmonary disease, or cancer. Other imaging tests would include abdominal radiographs and an abdominal ultrasound. These types of imaging tests are used to fully evaluate the abdominal organs, and check for masses, enlargements, or other abnormalities.
The most important aspect of the evaluation in older pets is a good, general physical examination, followed by blood and imaging tests. I think that you have taken the best first step to further evaluate your other dog. Please continue to do this every six months.
Dr. Correa
Board Certified in Oncology
Animal Cancer Care Clinic
www.AnimalCancerCareClinic.com
Read more articles by Dr. Correa | Ask her a question
Source: http://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/pawshere/2010/12/09/why-did-rottie-get-so-much-cancer-so-quickly/
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