Canine Cancer

I have been working as a Oncology Technician for the last year, and have found a whole new

appreciation for vet medicine. It has had some very hard times and some amazing opportunities. One thing I have really learned is that all the owners of pets diagnosed with cancer want as much information as they can. They want to make the best decision for their pet and the best way to do that is with information. The Internet can be a scary place, especially when looking up things like cancer. I found a web site that has a lot of good information it is www.caninecancer.com I pulled some information from it called Cancer101 I thought it might help with some of the basic questions. Most importantly talk to your Vet.

www.caninecancer.com
What is Cancer?Dog cancer, like human cancer, is the uncontrolled growth of cells on or within the
body. Although there are many types of cancer, they all start because of
out-of-control growth of abnormal cells. Normal body cells grow, divide, and die in an
orderly fashion. During the early years of a dog's life, normal cells divide more rapidly
until the dog becomes an adult. After that, cells in most parts of the body divide only
to replace worn-out or dying cells and to repair injuries. Because cancer cells
continue to grow and divide, they are different from normal cells. Instead of dying,
they outlive normal cells and continue to form new abnormal cells.

Cancer cells develop because of damage to DNA. This substance is in every cell and
directs all activities. Most of the time when DNA becomes damaged the body is able
to repair it. In cancer cells, the damaged DNA is not repaired. Dogs can inherit
damaged DNA, which accounts for inherited cancers. More often, though, a dog's
DNA becomes damaged by exposure to something in the environment, like smoke,
pesticides or other carcinogens.

Cancerous tumors can spread to other parts of the body where they begin to grow
and replace normal tissue. This process is called metastasis. For example, breast
cancer that spreads to the liver is still called breast cancer, not liver cancer.
Regardless of where a cancer may spread, however, it is always named for the place
it began.

Not all tumors are cancerous. Benign (noncancerous) tumors do not spread
(metastasize) to other parts of the body and, with very rare exceptions, are not life
threatening.
Different types of cancer can behave very differently. For example, bone cancer and breast cancer are very different diseases.
They grow at different rates and respond to different treatments. That is why dogs with cancer need treatment that is aimed at
their particular kind of cancer.

Cancer rates increase in dogs with age. It is the leading cause of death in dogs over 10 years.
DiagnosisIf cancer is suspected in your dog, a veterinarian may order x-rays, blood tests, ultrasounds. A biopsy (the removal of a piece
of tissue) is frequently performed for confirmation that cancer exists and to determine the level of severity from benign to
aggressively malignant (called grading).

PreventionWe do not know how dogs get cancer most of the time. There are many types of cancer and many possible causes of cancer
(chemicals in our environment, sun exposure, assorted viruses and infections). There are important genetic factors as well.
Feeding your dog a healthy diet and keeping them away from known carcinogens will help. Spaying or neutering your dog will
also reduce their risk for developing certain cancers.

TreatmentEach diagnosis of cancer requires individual care and treatment planning. Conventional treatment may include a combination
of treatment therapies such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, cryosurgery (freezing), hyperthermia (heating) or
immunotherapy.
Once diagnosed, your veterinarian will discuss the best treatment option(s) for your dog. In some instances, your veterinarian
may refer you to a board-certified oncologist (cancer specialist) depending upon the recommended course of treatment. It
never hurts to get a second opinion and to research clinical trials for which you dog may be eligible.

PrognosisTreatment success depends upon the type and extent of the cancer, as well as the aggressiveness of therapy. Some cancers
can be cured and almost all patients can be helped to some degree.

Another critical point is to understand exactly what is meant when data on efficacy of treatment is presented. Useful terms
include:

Median - this is used in the context of survival, a median survival of three months means that 50% of the animals are alive at
three months, but 50% have died. It does not give you any information of the range of survival of individuals from within the
group. For example, individual animals may have survived for only a day to several years. A median survival is very useful to
allow comparison between different types of treatment.

Survival means just that: how long an animal stayed alive, usually from time of diagnosis, but it could also mean from time of
treatment, or from time the owner first noticed signs of a problem. It does not give you any information on what the animal's
quality of life was during that time.

Progression free survival is the time the animal survived without progression of the clinical signs. This gives you a better idea
of the quality of life.

Common Cancer TermsCancer: any malignant, cellular tumor; cancers are divided into two broad categories of carcinoma and sarcomas.

Neoplasm: an abnormal new growth of tissue in animals or plants; a tumor

Tumor: 1.) a swelling; a cardinal sign of inflammation. 2.) neoplasm: a new growth of tissue in which cell multiplication is
uncontrolled and progressive.

Benign tumor: one lacking the properties of invasion and metastasis and showing a lesser degree of abnormal cellularity than
do malignant tumors. These are usually surrounded by a fibrous capsule.

Malignant tumor: has the properties of invasion and metastasis and displays cells with widely varying characteristics

Carcinoma: a malignant growth made up of epithelial cells tending to infiltrate surrounding tissues and gives rise to
metastases.

Sarcoma: a malignant tumor originating from connective tissue or blood or lymphatic tissues.

Metastasize: spread throughout the body, of cancer cells

Growth: can refer to any kind of an abnormal increase in size of tissue

Lump: can be a growth or fluid filled cyst or any structure raising above the normal surface of a tissue plane.

Fear of loud noises.....How to help your pet

Many dogs and cats are scared of  loud noises like thunder, fireworks etc. Problems associated with fear of loud noises are destruction and escaping. They will often cause damage to themselves and the home out of fear. These behavior issues that many refer to it as can effect the pets home life to the point that people are forced to re-home them or they become very injured or spend most their life in a cage. I know most people don't want this to happen to their pets. I found some great websites with really good information that can help you. There are different ways to deal with it, it is best to find the one that works best for you and your pet. I also have heard good things about a product called the thundershirt it will help with your pets anxiety.

http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/dogs/tips/fear_thunder_loud_noises.html

http://www.webvet.com/main/2008/10/13/how-calm-dog-scared-loud-noises
http://www.thundershirt.com/?gclid=CIy8-reF9bMCFUjZQgodiGQABQ

Making a Disaster Plan for your Pet

With the latest disaster Hurricane Sandy, I thought it would be a good idea to find some information about how people can prepare for a disaster with their pets. I read a lot of stories about people who would not leave their homes because they did not want to leave their pets behind. But what a lot of people don't know is that there are many resource's that will help with your pets during a disaster and you don't have to leave them behind. It is always best to be prepared. Here are some links for some great advice on how to be prepared.

http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/animal_rescue/tips/pets-disaster.html

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/disaster-preparedness/

http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/petprotect.asp

National Vet Tech Week

It is national vet tech week, and I wanted to make sure I commented on how amazing the vet technician I have been honored to work with are. Vet technician are such a important part of the field. They are not only important to the pets but also to the clients. You can ask any technician and they will tell you that the reason the picked this job. They will tell you because of a love of animals. I know many of us have spent long hours away from family and loved ones, because of how important our jobs are to us.

Veterinary technicians perform their duties under the supervision of veterinarians, but the location where the work takes place can vary dramatically. Small, private practices, 24-hour pet hospitals, regional animal shelters and independent laboratories are just a few of the common workplaces. Vet techs also help at animal research facilities, zoos, racetracks, boarding kennels and rescue agencies. Most employers focus their practices on either small animals or large animals.

Laboratory

• Collect blood, stool, urine or tissue samples for testing
• Perform laboratory tests, such as urinalysis, heartworm in
  spections, feline leukemia tests and blood counts
• Take and develop x-rays

Surgical

• Sterilize instruments and equipment
• Assist with dental procedures
• Prepare animals for surgery
• Administer anesthesia to animals
• Euthanize seriously injured or ill animals

Examination and Treatment

• Ask probing questions about the reason for the visit
• Record case history, weight, temperature and other details
• Restrain and stabilize animals during examination and treatment
• Trim nails, express anal glands, remove sutures and perform other routine procedures
• Administer medications, vaccines, and treatments prescribed by a veterinarian
• Provide basic education on animal care, nutrition and medical conditions
• Teach clients how to administer medicines at home
• Recommend products for optimal wellness, such as vitamins, supplements, dental cleaning, flea control, geriatric care and dietary measures

Office Management

• Maintain animal records and billing information
• Prepare and label medications to be sent home with the patient
• Clean and organize examination rooms
• Order, organize, label and restock supplies and pet foods
• Feed, walk and bathe animals when applicable
• Train new employees

Customer Service and Reception

• Answer phones
• Schedule appointments
• Greet customers
• Prepare invoices
• Discharge patients
• Follow up with clients

Essential Skills and Qualities

A veterinary technician job description typically lists the physical duties that must be performed, but technicians also need to hold certain personality traits. Some of the most important characteristics are listed below.

Good communicator: Vet techs must work with a variety of animal owners, doctors and office staff. Each person must be kept informed in a way that is clear and meaningful. Technicians must also be able to demonstrate compassion in situations that are stressful and frustrating.

Detail-oriented: Vet techs work with details every day, from symptoms and animal behaviors to diagnostic test results and medicine dosages. Workers must stay focused and organized in order to avoid mistakes.

Animal lover: The most successful vet techs are passionate about the animals they see on a daily basis. At the same time, they must be able to control their emotions, especially during times of distress or death.

Working Conditions

Helping sick and injured animals all day can be exhausting, both physically and mentally. Veterinary technicians typically work long hours, including evenings and weekends, and at least some overtime. They risk bites, scratches or other injuries when restraining, examining or cleaning animals. They may also encounter diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans. While dogs and cats are the most common patients, vet techs should be prepared to handle birds, mice, rats, cattle, sheep, pigs and horses.

Education and Licensing

In order to become a veterinary technician, individuals must complete at least an associate’s degree in veterinary technology. Employers prefer technicians who have studied under a program approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Technician licensing is administered by individual states. The most common certification exam is the Veterinary Technician National Examination. People working in animal research facilities may also complete optional certificates from the American Association for Laboratory Science.

With the right qualifications, virtually anyone can take advantage of the rise in veterinary technician jobs. The role can also develop into promotional opportunities, such as technologist, supervisor or eventually veterinarian.

I hope everyone either in the field or not. Stops and thanks a technician this week for everything they do.

http://www.vettechguide.org/veterinary-technician-job-description/

Grieving and Pet Loss

I made this today at work to help some of our clients going through the loss of a pet. I know this can be one of the hardest things someone can go through. I hope the information helps anyone who might be needing it.

Grieving and Pet Loss

What Can I Expect to Feel?

Different people experience grief in different ways. Besides your sorrow and loss, you may also experience the following emotions:

• Guilt may occur if you feel responsible for your pet's death-the "if only I had been more careful" syndrome. It is pointless and often erroneous to burden yourself with guilt for the accident or illness that claimed your pet's life, and only makes it more difficult to resolve your grief.
• Denial makes it difficult to accept that your pet is really gone. It's hard to imagine that your pet won't greet you when you come home, or that it doesn't need its evening meal. Some pet owners carry this to extremes, and fear their pet is still alive and suffering somewhere. Others find it hard to get a new pet for fear of being "disloyal" to the old.
• Anger may be directed at the illness that killed your pet, the driver of the speeding car, the veterinarian who "failed" to save its life. Sometimes it is justified, but when carried to extremes, it distracts you from the important task of resolving your grief.
• Depression is a natural consequence of grief, but can leave you powerless to cope with your feelings. Extreme depression robs you of motivation and energy, causing you to dwell upon your sorrow.

 What can I do about my feelings?

The most important step you can take is to be honest about your feelings. Don't deny your pain, or your feelings of anger and guilt. Only by examining and coming to terms with your feelings can you begin to work through them.

You have a right to feel pain and grief! Someone you loved has died, and you feel alone and bereaved. You have a right to feel anger and guilt, as well. Acknowledge your feelings first, then ask yourself whether the circumstances actually justify them.

Locking away grief doesn't make it go away. Express it. Cry, scream, pound the floor, talk it out. Do what helps you the most. Don't try to avoid grief by not thinking about your pet; instead, reminisce about the good times. This will help you understand what your pet's loss actually means to you.

Some find it helpful to express their feelings and memories in poems, stories, or letters to the pet. Other strategies including rearranging your schedule to fill in the times you would have spent with your pet; preparing a memorial such as a photo collage; and talking to others about your loss.

 Who can I talk to?

If your family or friends love pets, they'll understand what you're going through. Don't hide your feelings in a misguided effort to appear strong and calm! Working through your feelings with another person is one of the best ways to put them in perspective and find ways to handle them. Find someone you can talk to about how much the pet meant to you and how much you miss it-someone you feel comfortable crying and grieving with.

If you don't have family or friends who understand, or if you need more help, ask your veterinarian or humane association to recommend a pet loss counselor or support group. Check with your church or hospital for grief counseling. Remember, your grief is genuine and deserving of support.

http://www.pet-loss.net/

Memorialize Your Pet

International Star Registry.  Name a star in memory of your pet.  Call (800) 282-3333 for cost and details.

Make a donation in your pet’s name to an animal organization.  For instance, your local animal  shelter, The Morris Animal Foundation, or World Wildlife Fund.

Help your children write a poem about your pet.

Phone numbers and website for grief support:

http://www.petloss.com/

www.ourpals.com/ourpals

Pet loss & Grief Counseling: Becky Andrews, MS, CPCI (801) 447-6000/Cell (801) 259-3883 (Utah)

Puppy Mills......

I came across a article today that I wanted to share, it hits on a subject that I feel very strong about. Puppy Mills and Back Yard Breeder. These two things are so wrong in so many way, the horrible and cruel ways that the animals are treated and cared for or should I say not cared for. Not enough people are informed of what these places are really like. And trust me coming from someone who has been there after a place like this has been shut down and helped with the clean up and rescue, it is something that we all should try and see stops. I hope this article can help educate others. Please read.
http://www.petmd.com/news/care-safety/nws_dg_Mass_production_of_pedigree_pets

Housebreaking...Oh what fun it is.

Housebreaking a new puppy or even a older rescued dog is not always the funniest or easiest thing to do. I have found that crate training is the best, it is how I trained all my dogs. I think it works the best and is the safest. There are a lot of benefits to crate training, the one I think is the best is that when you leave your pet home alone for a period of time you don't need to worry about them getting into  things that might possibly harm them and they are safe and happy until you get home. You will find that if you crate train properly that you dog will love its crate and spend time in it even when not asked. Not only is crate training safe and a good way to housebreak your dog, but it is also a good way to travel with your pet. I found 2 website one is the basic of how to crate train and the other is how to pick the right crate for your dog.

http://www.foundanimals.org/pet-care/ask-experts/crate-training-and-housebreaking
http://mia-carter.suite101.com/how-to-select-a-dog-crate-a64950