ABSTRACT
Dog's might be the most loyal friend of humans in today's world. They are naturally loving and passionate. Bond between humans and dogs has been very strong since centuries. Dogs play with us, sleep with us, guard our house from trespassers and stay loyal with us. So, we can consider dogs as the most good or loyal friend of humans. But under bad circumstances, dogs get attacked by cancer of skin which affects their health and daily activities. In this article, we will discuss skin cancer in dogs and how one can manage this with Ayurvedic treatment.
INTRODUCTION
Skin cancer in dogs can be defined as the uncontrolled and abnormal growth of cells at the surface of skin in dogs. Similar to human beings, a type of skin cancer in dogs i.e. malignant melanoma can affect the pigmented cells called melanocytes. Usually in dogs, benign tumors develop in melanocytomas which are pigmented cells that don't metastasize. Some types of dog skin cancer including mast cell tumors and dog melanomas can be severe if remain untreated at the correct time.
Most of the time, skin cancer remains unknown to the owners because a large portion of the dog's skin is covered with hairs. These hairs help the dogs to get protection from the harmful sun rays which can also develop the skin cancer in them. But all dogs have certain areas where the hairs are very less or absent for giving protection to the sensitive skin from the sun rays. For example, the area around the ears and the nose.
TYPES OF DOG SKIN CANCER
Skin cancer in dogs is classified into several categories. Let's discuss major three types:
1. Malignant melanoma
In this type of dog skin cancer, mainly the melanocytes are affected which are pigmented cells. Benign tumors begin to develop in the pigmented cells that don't metastasize. These cells are also known as melanocytomas. Malignant melanoma can also affect the parts of dog skin which have hairs. Mostly it occurs in the mouth or mucous membranes and can grow fast and gets spread into other organs such as the liver and the lungs.
The exact cause of malignant melanoma is not known, but genetic factors and extreme licking on the same spot of the skin may develop skin cancer.
2. Squamous cell carcinoma
This type of dog skin cancer is very common and mostly caused by extreme exposure to the harmful sun rays. That is why dogs with light skin, or without hairs are at increased risk of developing this cancer. Researchers observe that there may be a connective link between development of squamous cell tumors and papilloma virus in several dogs. Undergoing this type of cancer can also affect the lungs and interferes with their normal functioning.
3. Mast cell tumors
This type is also very common in dog skin cancer and affects many dogs. Basically, mast cells are used to release histamine which is a chemical responsible to cause symptoms of allergy such as itching and irritation in humans as well as in dogs. In mast cell tumors, tumors are developed in mast cells and can grow in any part of a dog's skin or internal organs also. The most common affected areas of mast cell tumors are chest, lower abdomen and the limbs.
Other two types of dog skin cancer are Fibrosarcoma and Histiocytic cell tumor.
CAUSES
The exact cause of dog skin cancer is still unknown. But scientists believe that the following factors may cause skin cancer in dogs:
- Extreme exposure to sun
- Hormone abnormalities
- Infections from certain viruses
- Genetic factors
- Exposure to harmful toxic substances
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Signs and symptoms of skin cancer vary depending on the type and location of the cancer. But some major symptoms are:
- Presence of hard lump of gray, red, black or brown colored on the skin
- Pain sensation when touching the lumps
- Extremely fast growth of tumors
- Firm, raised wart like blemishes
- Some growths are slow and rubbery
- Difficulty in walking
- Change in behavior of dog
COMPLICATIONS
Several complications may rise when the dog is suffering through skin cancer, which are:
- If tumors develop in the feet of the dog, then he must have difficulty in walking.
- Inflammation due to skin cancer may put the dog in painful condition.
- Dog's activities are decreased and they become less capable of doing their work which is guarding your house.
DIAGNOSIS
Take your dog to the veterinarian doctor for diagnosis. Firstly, he may do a physical examination of the dog to check for a tumor. The procedures for which the doctor goes are:
- First needle aspiration: In this process, a sample of cells in the affected area is taken with the help of a sterilized needle which gets inserted into the affected area. Then the sample is sent to the laboratory for analysis.
- Biopsy: In biopsy, the part of mass is removed from the lump and further processed to the laboratory for examination.
- X-ray: An image of the affected area is taken by doing X-ray. This image will give an idea to the doctor if any tissue mass is present beneath the skin.
TREATMENT
There is no exact treatment of dog skin cancer in modern science. Chemotherapies, radiation therapies, surgeries are done to the dogs, which is not a safer or permanent treatment. Undergoing these treatment methods will raise several other side-effects as well as develop the tumor again after some time. So, it is not wise to go with modern science for the treatment of cancer in your dog.
Ayurveda can provide a better quality life to your dog and can act as an effective treatment for cancer in your dog. All medicines of the Ayurveda system are made up of pure extracts of natural herbs. By following the basic principles of Ayurvedic literature, PLANET AYURVEDA has formulated some remedies for managing the cancer condition in your dog. All medicines of Planet Ayurveda are prepared under the guidance of MD Ayurvedic Doctors team which strongly resists the use of preservatives, chemicals, colors, starch, binder or any synthetic material in these medicines. Thus, all medicines of Planet Ayurveda are totally natural and safer for consumption by any living being. To help your dog for getting relief, use the following given wonderful Ayurvedic medicines.
HERBAL REMEDIES BY PLANET AYURVEDA
- Gandhak Rasayan
- Manjishtha Capsules
- Kaishore Guggul
- Kamdudha Ras
- Mahashankh Vati
- Dermoplan Syrup
- Tea Tree Aloe Vera Soap
- Jatyadi Oil
- Nirgundi Oil
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
1. GANDHAK RASAYAN
Planet Ayurveda's Gandhak rasayan tablets consist of pure extract of Shuddha gandhak ( Purified sulphur) which is very helpful in maintaining health of the skin and removing toxins gathered on the skin or other body parts. Gandhak rasayan tablets are beneficial to treat infections, relieve inflammation, itching and reduce the growth of cancer cells in the condition of skin cancer in dogs.
Dosage: Mix 2 tablets twice in a day with dog food.
2. MANJISHTHA CAPSULES
Manjistha ( Rubia cordifolia) is the main ingredient of Manjishtha capsules. These capsules contain anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties due to which they are beneficial in reducing inflammation, and preventing infection. Use of these capsules is very advantageous in managing the inflammation in the tumor and preventing growth of cancer cells.
Dosage: Mix 1 capsule twice in a day with dog food.
3. KAISHORE GUGGUL
Standardized extract of Amalaki ( Emblica officinalis), Giloy ( Tinospora cordifolia), Guggul ( Commiphora mukul), Haritaki ( Terminalia chebula), etc are used to formulate these capsules. In dog's skin cancer, these capsules will provide relief from pain, inflammation, and excrete out harmful toxins from the body.
Dosage: 2 tablets two times a day mixed with dog food.
4. KAMDUDHA RAS
Kamdudha ras plain tablets made in the house of Planet Ayurveda consists of standardized extract of Mukta pishti (Pearl fine processed powder), Abhrak bhasma (Silica bhasma), Swarna gairika (Purified red ochre), etc. All herbs consumed in kamdudha ras plain are rich in antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and adaptogenic properties. These tablets help in relieving inflammation, flushing out free radicals from the body, and maintaining healthy skin of the dog.
Dosage: Mix 2 tablets twice a day with dog food.
5. MAHASHANKH VATI
It is a herbo-mineral formulation formulated in Planet Ayurveda's manufacturing unit by using a blend mixture of some wonderful herbs and ingredients such as Pippali ( Piper longum), Maricha ( Piper nigrum), Saindhava lavana (Rock salt), Vida lavana (Black salt), etc. These tablets are very advantageous in maintaining healthy pH levels, strengthening immunity, and improving hunger.
Dosage: Mix 2 tablets two times a day with dog food.
6. DERMO PLAN SYRUP
Dermoplan syrup is manufactured by Planet Ayurveda with the best quality extract of herbs like Chopchini (Smilax china), Giloy ( Tinospora cordifolia), Neem ( Azadirachta indica), Manjistha ( Rubia cordifolia), etc. These herbs are very powerful in getting relief to a great extent from skin cancer. Using this syrup will purify your blood, maintain healthy skin, and treat skin lesions.
Dosage: Add 2 teaspoons twice daily in dog food.
7. TEA TREE ALOE VERA SOAP
Tea tree aloe vera soap contains extract of herbs which are very good for skin tissues and cells. Some herbs of this soap are Palm oil ( Elaeis guineensis), Cotton seed oil ( Cocos nucifera), Tea tree oil ( Melaleuca alternifolia), Castor oil ( Ricinus communis) and many others. Daily usage of this soap will heal the wounds, and maintain healthy skin.
Dosage: Bath your dog with this soap daily.
8. JATYADI OIL
Neem ( Azadirachta indica), Patola patra ( Stereospermum chelonoides), Chameli ( Jasminum officinale), Turmeric ( Curcuma longa) and many other herbs are formulated in this oil. This oil has an outstanding capacity of healing wounds, injuries and providing healthy skin.
Dosage: Mix Jatyadi oil with Nirgundi oil. Apply gently on the wound or ulcer with cotton.
9. NIRGUNDI OIL
Nirgundi oil is processed with standardized extracts of Tila oil ( Sesamum indicum), Kalihari ( Gloriosa superba), Nirgundi ( Vitex negundo), Manjistha ( Rubia cordifolia) and Haridra ( Curcuma longa) herbs. These herbs possess the antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties which make it an effective medicine for reducing inflammation and treating ulcers.
Dosage: Mix Nirgundi oil with Jatyadi oil. Apply gently on the affected area.
CONCLUSION
It's obvious that you must undergo pressure or anxiety if your dog is suffering through skin cancer. But instead of worrying, give the above prescribed medicines to the dog by mixing it in his food. These herbal medicines will surely give relief from the cancer condition to your dog. Also make sure to visit a veterinarian doctor for regular checkups of your dog. In case of any query kindly visit www.PlanetAyurveda.com