Having a canine companion diagnosed with cancer can be difficult for any dog owner, but cancer is not always a death sentence. However, the dog owner should understand that several factors can affect their dog's life expectancy.
The type of cancer can greatly affect the life expectancy of the dog. Types include stomach or bladder cancer, oral cancer and lymphoma.
Cancers or tumors that are easily accessible (and thus easily treated or removed) can often lead to a longer life expectancy, just as inaccessible (or inoperable) cancers can decrease the life expectancy.
For some dogs, cancer treatments such as surgical removal, chemotherapy or cryosurgery can increase the canine's life expectancy anywhere from a few weeks up to a few years.
Cancers that have a high rate of spreading (metastasis) can greatly reduce the overall life expectancy of a dog. Cancers that metastasize often spread into the lungs, bones or the liver, but any cancer has the potential to spread anywhere in the body.
Holistic care, such as switching to a diet free of chemicals, pesticides and preservatives, may help prolong the life expectancy of the dog. However, this choice is solely up to the dog owner.
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Frédéric DUPONT
Liver Cancer Facts
One million people. That is the number of deaths worldwide caused by liver cancer each year. In 2008, it was estimated that...
Stage Four Cancer Life Expectancy
When someone is diagnosed with cancer of any type, the doctor usually provides a numerical stage number. Stage 1 is the least...
Prognosis for Stage IV Bladder Cancer
When it comes to determining how likely it is that your bladder cancer will be cured, a lot depends on the stage...
Symptoms a Pet Is Dying
Caring for an aging or sick pet can be a stressful experience for you as well as for your beloved companion. The...
What to Expect With Canine Bladder Cancer
Just like humans, dogs and other animals are easily susceptible to all different types of cancer. Canine bladder cancer, although rare, is...
Life Expectancy for Stage Four Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is one of the most deadly and aggressive cancers. Unlike some cancers, major breakthroughs in treatment and improvements in survival...
Dog Breeds With the Shortest Lifespan
Large dog breeds usually have shorter lifespans than small breeds, due to health conditions that may occur in large breeds. While small...