Labradors are popular for their detection and working abilities. They are widely used by people like police as assistance dogs in the United States, Australia and many other countries. But how can they be of service to people when they are sick?
Lots of people around the world died because of cancer. Cancer causes death not just in humans but in dogs as well. Cancer is now considered as the leading cause of deaths in dogs especially the older ones.
Cancer is an immune dysfunction disease. It is a condition wherein the dog's immune system fails to function properly. Cells in your dog's body can possibly encounter error in replication. These errors are then increased because of toxins, radiation, congenital disease and age.
Errors in replication may not lead to serious problem only if the dog's immune system recognizes and destroy the abnormal cells. But if the immune system failed to detect the existence of that abnormal cell, what will happen is that the abnormal cell will replicate itself. The tumor will continue replication but may not be evident in the first few days or even months of the growth. But the tumor continues growing until such time that it is large enough for veterinarians to detect.
Cancer can be detected through various tests however some symptoms are evident. These symptoms include bloated abdomen, presence of blood or mucous in the feces or urine, constipation, diarrhea, difficulty in urinating or defecating and sudden loss of weight.
Many people become hopeless once cancer is diagnosed. It is because of the fact that there is still no specific drug known to completely kill the tumor and treat cancer. There are some methods used to alleviate the problem however. These methods are surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, essential in reducing tumors. Ways to combat cancer is not only limited to reducing tumors. The most effective solution is to trigger the dog's immune system to respond. Overcoming cancer is at greater risk when the recognition response is triggered.
Cancer is caused by the combined effects of genetics, physical and chemical carcinogens. Breeders should be careful in selecting breeds to be included in the breeding process. It is important to choose only the healthy ones to lessen health problems in dogs. Dog owners and care takers should also be careful with the dog foods. Check the contents of the foods you are giving your dog because some commercial dog foods contain cancer-causing chemicals.
