The very word itself conjures up powerful emotions and feelings. Cancer is perhaps the most devastating of all illnesses a pet and its family faces. As the leading cause of non-accidental death in dogs, it is a reality. Almost half of all dogs over 10 years of age will develop cancer, and it strikes all breeds. Yet, a diagnosis of cancer is not an ending. New treatments are in constant development, and today new hopes exist.

Today as a result of nutrition research and innovative technical breakthroughs, traditional cancer treatment also includes specialized nutrition therapy. Nutrition therapy using Hill's prescription Diet canine n/d pet food is proven through clinical studies to help dogs undergoing cancer therapy live longer, better lives.

Recognizing Cancer

Early diagnosis is the single most important element for successful cancer treatment and that's why frequent veterinary examinations are so important. The Veterinary Cancer Society developed a list of the most common signs of cancer. If your dog displays any of the following signs, consult your veterinarian immediately: abnormal swellings that persist or grow, sores that do not heal, weight loss, loss of appetite, bleeding or discharge from any body opening, offensive odor, difficulty eating or swallowing, hesitation to exercise, lack of energy, or loss of stamina, lameness or persistent stiffness, difficulty breathing, urinating or defecating.

Remember that if your dog displays any of these signs, your veterinarian is your best resource you and your pet have for identifying the cause and treating the cause-no matter what that may be. Veterinary medical advances are occurring daily, and our knowledge about cancer is increasing. While many procedures exist for diagnosing cancer, your veterinarian may utilize tests such as complete blood count, biochemistry profiles, urinalysis, aspirates and biopsies, diagnostic imaging such as x-rays, ultrasounds, endoscopy and bone marrow evaluation among others.

The most common areas of malignant (spreading progressively worse) tumors in dogs include the skin, lymphatic tissue, mammary glands, testes, oral cavity and skeletal system. Early spaying or neutering of your dog may significantly decrease the likelihood of mammary or testicular tumors.

Treatment Options

Cancer research is one of the most rapidly growing fields in both human and veterinary medicine. Treatments exist today which were only dreams several decades ago. Discuss the goals with your veterinarian. In general, the goal of therapy is to achieve a cure or remission (a decrease of absence symptoms). The primary methods of treatment of cancer in the dog include:

Surgery:
The most common treatment, surgery is used for localized or regional tumors. It is one of the most successful of all cancer treatments.

Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy is used to treat the entire body. Several chemotherapeutic agents are frequently used. Some side effects can occur, but are usually less than those seen in humans.

Radiation Therapy:
Radiation therapy is most often performed by university hospitals or specialized clinics. It is designed for localized tumors.

Other therapies (Hypothermia, Inmunotherapy, and Photodynamic Therapy)- also performed primarily in specialized cancer treatment institutions.

Cancer exerts powerful effects on a dog's body, actually altering metabolism and creating harmful abnormalities even when the tumor is removed surgically or remission is achieved. Cancer also steals energy from the dog's body, often resulting in cachexia (wasting away).

Hill's Prescription Diet Canine n/d therapeutic food is a revolutionary innovation in the battle against cancer. It actually helps reverse the harmful metabolic effects of the cancer and improves the ability of the dog's natural defenses to work in conjunction with other treatments to fight cancer.

Through a patented formula, Prescription Diet Canine n/d actually works to starve the tumor by robbing cancer cells of their preferred nutrients. It also works to offset the painful side effects that can accompany cancer treatment, such as radiation sores. Further is clinically proven to increase survival time and improve the quality of life of dogs undergoing cancer treatment. Today, Hill's offer hope through a therapeutic food which science has proven to help you, your veterinarian and your dog fight cancer.

-For more information call: 1-888-K9-CANCER or visit our website www.hillspet.com

-Randy Shimkus is a consulting veterinarian for Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. He graduated from the University of Illinois in 1987 and does relief veterinary work in the Pembroke Pines, Florida area. He is licensed to practice medicine in Illinois, Missouri, and Florida.