Question: In the past two years, I’ve lost three pets to lymphoma: a 14-year-old cat, a 12-year-old dog, and just now a 12-year-old cat. I realize they were all old and that lymphoma is a common type of cancer, but I’m concerned about how close together the three diagnoses and deaths were, especially because I still have one more pet, a 4-year-old dog.
Should I be worried that there might be something wrong with my home? Could my pets’ cancer have been caused by their environment?
Answer: I am certainly sorry about the loss of your three pets in the last two years, and I understand your concern that an environmental carcinogen may have led to the development of cancer in your pets. This is a question that comes up often in my clinical practice.
As you have already mentioned, your pets were older and lymphoma is a common disease that is seen in older patients. The likelihood that the deaths of your pets are related is very low.
There has not yet been a specific environmental contaminant that has been identified as a clear cause for lymphoma in pets. Remember, too, that there are species differences that exist between canine and feline patients, and the reasons that these two species develop lymphoma can be different.
There are some studies that have demonstrated a higher incidence of lymphoma in feline patients exposed to cigarette smoke. There have also been studies relating exposure to environmental toxins like paints and paint thinners to lymphoma in dogs. At the current time, though, there is no concrete answer.
Since you have experienced the heartbreak of losing pets to cancer, I would recommend that you continue to monitor your 4-year-old dog with wellness examinations two to three times per year. The earlier diseases are caught and managed the better the final outcome. I wish you well.
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/2011/02/11/could-pet-cancers-in-one-house-be-related/
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