Mesothelioma Cancer In Dogs
Mesothelioma is a relatively new form of cancer that affects both humans and their pets. It's caused when the mesothelium is contaminated by asbestos.
If you own a dog and it's showing signs of any of the following then you need to take it to a vet to be tested for "meso" cancer. If your dog:
- shows signs of pain in its abdomen
- is breathing with difficulty, seems to be in pain when breathing or is short of breath
- has breaths that are very rapid
- has a persistent cough
- doesn't want to go for any exercise
- has a lot of difficulty moving
(As a rule, although they do have many and varied health problems, English Bulldogs are not a high risk group for this form of cancer.)
What Causes Mesothelioma In Dogs?
Current thinking is that it's caused by exactly the same things as the human version; inhaling or ingesting asbestos particles.
The main difference between humans and dogs though is that as well as breathing in the particles when they're sniffing around, dogs lick them up. This could be from the ground or it could be on the clothes of their owners who are exposed to asbestos at work.
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Definition
The mesothelium is a membrane that helps to keep important organs safe, protected and in their proper places without restricting their functions.
When a victim inhales tiny asbestos particles they get stuck in the mesothelium tissues. Because they're foreign particles the body immediately begins to fight against them. The toxic nature of asbestos means that it poisons the body and forms a tumor. The tumor can be anywhere in the body.
Sometimes the exposure is at home. Many older homes were built before the strict regulations that are now in place controlling the use of asbestos.
Bricks, drywall or insulation in older buildings can all contain it. When the buildings are remodeled the asbestos gets into the dust and air and can contaminate the food and air around.
It's not just remodeling that disturbs the asbestos particles. As the materials age they deteriorate and release fibers into the air. Dogs (and people) inhale the fibers, which in turn causes damage to their body's cells and can lead to cancer.
If dogs are allowed to run around the neighborhood on their own they can also come into contact with asbestos. If there's a construction site, particularly where old buildings are being worked on, a factory using asbestos products or a shipyard then your dog could be exposed to asbestos fibers and particles.
If you think that your dog may be suffering from canine mesothelioma then your pet needs to go to the vet to have tests and get treatment if it's needed. The earlier things are diagnosed the better the prognosis.
You may find that your regular vet doesn't have experience with this form of cancer but you can also contact cancer treatment centers for help in locating a veterinarian who is familiar with "meso" treatment for dogs.
There is more information on these sites:
www.mesotheliomatreatmentcenters.org/ (Opens in new window)
www.vetinfo.com (Opens in new window)
