There ?? s bad enough when your loved one is diagnosed with mesothelioma, but you do ?? t expect that your pet can develop the same rare cancer.
Unlike many health conditions, mesothelioma is not only unique to humans. Even though he ?? s rare pets in the family ?? including cats and dogs ?? are at risk of developing cancer related to asbestos-aggressive.
A multicenter Italian study in 08 involved private three animals (two dogs and a cat) a diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma. The small cohort underlines the rarity of the disease in domestic animals.
The researchers found that ?? like humans, animals can not be cured of malignant mesothelioma. As in humans with malignant mesothelioma down-staging at diagnosis, surgical excision may be performed only rarely pets.??
Because the surgery is usually not an option for the most pet owners it ?? s important to learn how to avoid exposing your pet to asbestos.
Furry Loved Ones Keeping your Safe
most owners will do for their pets. Whether ?? s buying new toys or pay for an expensive vet bill, our pets are part of the family, and we take care of our families. This means ensuring that your pets are safe so ?? s harm.
Similar to pet owners refrain from letting their animals eat chocolate, it is important for owners to keep their pets away from asbestos. Just like people, animals have the same reason to fear exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma, a cancer caused by exposure to asbestos in the air affects most similar mammals.
How animals can be exposed to asbestos?
The most common way the animals are exposed to asbestos is through secondary exposure. When an owner brings home asbestos on their clothes or skin, animals can breathe or ingest microscopic fibers licking.
Pets, like humans, can also be exposed to asbestos during renovation or DIY projects. Millions of old houses contain elements of asbestos content such as insulation, fireproofing or gypsum. When these sites are disturbed, asbestos fibers are released into the air waiting to be inhaled or ingested.
outdoor animals are at risk of exposure to construction sites or any asbestos abatement undergoing building.
Who is at risk
Mesothelioma usually results after prolonged exposure to asbestos, so pets with owners in a field related to asbestos are more likely to be diagnosed with mesothelioma
- Species:. Dogs are more likely to be affected than cats
- Breed: Irish Setter, Bouvier des Flandres and German shepherds are the most likely to develop mesothelioma canine
- Age: Dogs .. older are affected more often; the average onset of canine mesothelioma eight years due to the long latency period, but there have been confirmed cases in dogs as young as seven weeks and as old as 15 years.
Types and Symptoms of Canine and Feline mesothelioma
There are several types of mesothelioma that can be found in a variety of pets.
- pleural mesothelioma affects the pleura or lining of the lungs.
- peritoneal mesothelioma target mesothelial lining of the abdomen, known as the peritoneum.
- Pericardial mesothelioma affects the outer lining of the heart.
- testicular mesothelioma affects the lining of the testicles.
in most cases, the symptoms will not show until the late stages of the disease, but they have is so similar to humans. The most common symptoms include:
- respiratory distress: Painful, difficult breathing, abnormal breath or rapid breath
- Cough
- Difficulty moving or the aversion to exercise
- abdominal discomfort
- sleep problems or stupor
- Muffled heart, lung and abdominal sounds
- enlarged scrotum
- Vomiting
What should you do if your pet has mesothelioma?
the first thing you need to do is to take your pet to the vet. At this point, your veterinarian will perform a complete physical examination. It is important to mention any exposure to possible asbestos.
As with humans, chest and abdominal X-rays are the most important diagnostic tools for mesothelioma, but a biopsy will be required for an official diagnosis of cancer.
at this point, your veterinarian will guide you through the process of choosing the right treatment option. These options include surgery and chemotherapy.
Back home, if your pet has difficulty breathing, it is important to limit the activity of your ?? s pet by taking shorter walks, indulge in sweet and recreation offering a quiet space away from children and other pets for the rest.
Keep your pet away from asbestos is the number one way to prevent mesothelioma.
