Dogs
and cats are living longer. Veterinarians credit routine health care and
leash laws. Yet, as your pet's life expectancy increases, so does its risk
of cancer. Now, pets are getting a fighting chance against the disease.
UCLA became a new friend for pets and their owners as the university's
Department of Radiation Oncology and local veterinarians joined forces
to opened a "pet" radiation center to combat a rise in both cat and canine
cancer cases. Like today's owners, pets are living longer, increasing their
risk for the disease.
According to a recent press
release from the VCA West Lost Angeles Animal Hospital, cancer is
the number one cause of death in dogs, and it's right up there with kidney
disease as the number one cause of death in cats.
The mouth, nose and
skin are high-risk areas. In dogs,
skin cancer is often found on
the underbelly or inside back legs. For cats
, the nose, ears and
eyelids are at risk for skin cancer.
Other signs owners should
look for. A change in appetite, Decreased energy, Sneezing or
coughing, Changes in a wart or mole, Unusual lumps.
VCA owns and operates
a nationwide network of 168 animal hospitals in 26 states and veterinary
diagnostic laboratories that service more than 12,000 animal hospitals
nationwide. VCA also has a nationwide network of more than 80 specialists,
including neurologists, cardiologists and oncologists. Pet owners
interested in setting up appointments or consultations for their cats or
dogs should call (310) 473-2951. VCA West Los Angeles Animal
Hospital, 1818 S. Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025
UCLA's Department
of Radiation Oncology
VCA West LosAngeles
Animal Hospital
Rainbows Bridge is aware of the increasing number of pets with cancer. They have provided this area of Rainbows Bridge to offer you support and information.