Cbd Oil For Dogs With Tumors
Pet owners are deeply concerned about the health of their dogs and cats. And yes, just like people, pets can have diseases too—and yes, they can get tumors as well. When it comes to the treatment of this health problem, most pet owners rely on conventional drugs. It cannot be denied, however, that natural alternatives are becoming more popular as of late. (DISCLAIMER: Natural alternatives should not be used to replace treatment recommended by your pets doctor. Please consult with your vet for direct medical advice.)
But, what exactly is a tumor?
What are Tumors in Dogs and Cats?
Tumors are an abnormal mass of tissue that is caused by an abnormal growth of cells. Just like a tumor in human body, it can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). If the tumor is malignant, it will spread uncontrollably. It will also press the surrounding tissue, which may lead to discomfort and even death.
What are the Different Types of Tumors?
One of the common tumors among pets is the mast cell tumor. It is also a common form of skin cancer among dogs, but it can grow in other parts of a pet’s body.
Mast cell tumors (MCT) can affect any canine breed, but there are those more likely to develop such growths. These are Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Boston Terriers, Boxers, and Pugs. Although pugs are most likely to acquire this kind of tumor, it is often only benign and rarely causes death.
MCT can feel soft and firm and can be easily diagnosed with fine needle aspiration or FNA.
Another type of tumor in dogs is lipoma which is usually benign. It consists of excess fatty tissue and grows under the skin of the trunk, axillary region, and groin. It can likewise manifest between muscle tissue, mostly commonly in the hind limb.
Tumors can also develop in the anal glands of a dog. This is known as anal gland adenocarcinoma, and is a rare type of tumor but aggressive in nature. That is why rectal exams are an important part of your pet’s physical examination.
Both dogs and cats may develop renal tumors. Ryan Veterinary Hospital (University of Pennsylvania) published a study about these tumors. They have discovered that most cases are seen in older pets. Renal tumors may affect other parts of a pet’s body such as the intestine, lymph nodes, and lungs.
Aside from that, dogs and cats aren’t immune to tumor development in the bones. These tumors may either be primary or secondary. Primary ones arise directly from the bone, while secondary tumors spread from the nearby body part.
And lastly, pets can get brain tumors as well. This kind of growth is hard to detect because it resembles the symptoms of an ear infection.
How Can You Prevent Pet Tumors?
The first thing that you can do to prevent tumors is to have your pets neutered. Also called spaying when done on female pets, this procedure removes the ovaries and uterus, preventing tumors from occurring in those areas. Tumor development in the testicles may likewise be avoided through neutering (or castrating, to be more specific).
The next thing you need to do is to keep your canine or feline companions away from toxins. Injections should be minimized as well, especially if you’re caring for a cat. Tumors in cats are sometimes found in areas where vaccinations were carried out. Of course, this isn’t something you can decide on your own—discuss it with your pet’s veterinarian.
Lastly, to further lower your pet’s chances of developing tumors, you should carefully evaluate his or her diet. A diet that is 50% meat and 40%-50% non-starchy vegetable or whole grains is recommended for dogs. For cats, a diet of 80% meat and 20% non-starchy vegetable is often ideal. It is also essential to add fish oil in their diet because it is rich in Omega 3.
What are the Symptoms of Pet Tumors?
For pets with kidney tumor, the most evident sign is blood in the urine. The animal will experience nausea and abdominal pain. Lethargy and significant weight loss may also be seen.
As for pets with bone tumors, the first and most noticeable sign is lameness and swelling of the affected bone. Other signs include difficulty eating for those with tumors in the jaw. Dogs and cats with vertebral tumor will experience seizures, and the ones with rib tumors will have trouble breathing.
Brain tumors have their own set of symptoms. These include seizures, abnormal behavior, vision loss, changes in food and water intake, head and neck pain, restlessness, lost of balance, and nausea.
There are also intermediate and advance symptoms of brain tumor in pets. Intermediate symptoms include depression, difficulty swallowing, changes in voice, increased thirst, and restlessness at night. Meanwhile, advanced symptoms include abnormal aggression, increased sleeping, and shaking.
Are There Natural Remedies for Pet Tumors?
While conventional drugs are often recommended for tumor management, there are options available to pet owners who wish to go a natural route. Here are a few good examples of these natural remedies:
Vitamins A and D
Vitamin A excels in fighting off free radicals, which serve a key role in the formation of tumors. Vitamin D, on the other hand, makes it easier for cells to undergo apoptosis. Tumors mainly continue to grow since apoptosis fails to occur.
Inositol hexaphosphate (IP6)
Although it has a name that makes it seem synthetic, IP6 is actually a naturally occurring compound and can be found in food. Available in supplement form, IP6 supports the immune system while slowing down tumor development.
Cannabidiol (CBD)
CBD is a non-psychoactive compound derived from hemp, and has proven potency when it comes to easing pain and anxiety. It is also among the safest options for both dogs and cats suffering from tumor development.
CBD works well with conventional medication, in a way making them more potent. Add to that the compound’s potential benefits on appetite and the immune system, and it’s no surprise why many consider it as the best natural remedy available.
How much CBD Oil should be given to Pets?
There is no generally accepted dosing guideline, but the most common recommendation is 0.2 mg/ml for every pound of a dog’s weight. Therefore, if your dog weighs 2 pounds, you should give 0.4 mg/ml of CBD oil.
As for cats, a daily dose of 1mg should suffice, assuming that they fall within or are near the average feline weight (approximately 10 pounds). This dose may be gradually increased up to 2mg daily depending on the effects.
Regardless of these recommendations though, it is a must to discuss this matter at length with a veterinarian. It’s only with the help of a licensed professional that you will manage to find the ideal dose for your pet.
References:
https://petcureoncology.com/brain-cancer-in-cats/
https://vetspecialists.com/mast-cell-tumors-in-dogs-and-cats-canine-and-feline-mct/
https://www.acvs.org/small-animal/bone-tumors
https://www.amcny.org/blog/2016/11/10/preventing-cancer-in-your-pet#
https://www.onlynaturalpet.com/blogs/holistic-healthcare-library/holistic-cancer-prevention-for-pets
https://www.petmd.com/dog/slideshows/10-most-common-types-cancers-dogs