Abstract
Your loyal companion might suffer from diseases just like human beings and sometimes the disease can be life-threatening. So it is necessary to look after them and check for any abnormal growth or lumps under their fur or hair. However not every lump is cancerous but through tests for any of them is necessary to rule out cancer. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in dogs. For the successful recovery of your dog, it is necessary to find out about the disease at the initial stages and proper treatment of it. In this article, we will learn about skin cancer in dogs, its causes, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, and herbal treatment.
Introduction
Usually, the dogs are covered with hair which prevents them from sun damage but sun damage is not responsible for all kinds of skin cancers. However, sun damage is a cause in some cases. The areas of the dog's skin which are barely covered or lightly covered with hair are more prone to get cancerous growths. Nose and ears are more susceptible to get it. Many growths on the dog's skin are lipomas which are the accumulated fat tissue. A consulting veterinarian is the best way to get help for your dog and save his life. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer found in dogs so the chances of occurrence should not be overlooked.
Causes
There can be various causes of skin cancer in dogs, just like humans.
- Genetics play the main role in the occurrence of skin cancer in dogs
- Excessive sun exposure
- Exposure to the chemicals and other dangerous substances present in the environment
- Abnormalities in the hormones
- Infection from certain viruses
Types of Skin Cancer Found In Dogs
Just like there are many different layers of skin in dogs, similarly, there are different types of skin cancers as well which can affect dogs. The distinct tumor can tumors can develop from each layer and can convert into cancer. The common types of cancer found in dogs are:
- Malignant melanoma
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Mast cell tumors
- Fibrosarcoma
- Histiocytic cell tumor
Signs and Symptoms
Signs and symptoms depend upon the location of the tumor and type of the cancer. Some of the common signs and symptoms are:
- A hard lump can be seen on the skin which can be brown, black, red, or gray in color
- Sometimes these cancerous lumps can be painful
- Some of the tumors can ulcerate and grow faster
- Some growths are rubbery and slow-growing
Diagnosis
Diagnosis will be made by your dog's veterinarian. The first physical examination is done in which cancer is suspected and then the diagnosis is confirmed by fine-needle aspiration where cells small sample is taken or through biopsy where a small portion of diseased tissue is taken and tested.
Treatment
Treatment and prognosis of the disease depend upon the type of cancer your dog is suffering from, location, severity, and stage of cancer. Some of them only required surgery and can be removed easily while others may need chemotherapy or radiotherapy along with the surgery. Once the diagnosis is confirmed by your dog's veterinarian, he will be referring your pet to the veterinary oncologist who will start the treatment.
Ayurveda can help your dog get a better quality of life and can act as a supportive treatment very naturally when he is suffering from the disease as well as the side effects of the radiation therapies given to him. Chemotherapy or radiotherapy both have many side effects which can be overcome with the help of Ayurveda as well as its herbs will help in eliminating the disease as well.
Herbal Remedies by Planet Ayurveda
Planet Ayurveda is a herbal pharmaceutical company that offers numerous therapeutic medicinal supplements to treat and manage the diseases and maintain health. All the herbal products produced here are purely natural, herbal, and vegetarian they do not contain any type of chemicals, additives, dye, colors, or fillers. This quality increases the effectiveness and safety of these herbal remedies as compared to the other similar herbal supplements present in the market. For Skincare of dogs also Planet Ayurveda offers a combination of herbal remedies to manage the condition naturally.
Product list:
1.Gandhak Rasayan
2. Manjishtha Capsule
3. Kaishore Guggul
4. Kamdudha Ras Plain
5. Mahashankh Vati
6. Dermoplan Syrup
7. Tea Tree Soap
8. Jatyadi Oil
9. Nirgundi Oil
Product Description:
1. Gandhak Rasayan
Shuddh gandhak (Purified sulphur) is the main ingredient of the Gandhak rasayan tablets. These tablets help in maintaining healthy skin and eliminate any type of toxin accumulated in the skin and other parts of the body. Here in skin cancer of dogs, Gandhak rasayan can help to prevent and treating infection in the growth, relieves itching, and gives a better skin condition.
Dosage - 2 tablets twice daily mixed in the dog food
2. Manjishtha Capsule
Standardized extract of Manjishtha ( Rubia cordifolia) is used to prepare these herbal capsules that help in relieving the inflammation and also act as antibacterial and antimicrobial preventing infection. Manjishtha capsules help in treating the inflammation in the tumor and also treat or prevent it from further infection.
Dosage- 1 capsule twice daily mixed in the dog food
3. Kaishore Guggul
Kaishore guggul is known since the old times for its ability to treat skin conditions owing to its medicinal properties. These tablets are the herbal blend of Amalaki ( Emblica Officinalis), Bibhitaki ( Terminalia bellerica), Haritaki ( Terminalia chebula), Guggul ( Commiphora Mukul), Giloy ( Tinospora cordifolia), etc. In skin cancer of dogs, Kaishore guggul will help in relieving inflammation, pain, and clears the toxins from the skin maintaining healthy skin.
Dosage- 2 tablets twice daily mixed in the dog food
4. Kamdudha Ras Plain
It is a herbo-mineral formulation prepared from Mukta pishti (Pearl fine processed powder), Praval pishti (Coral fine processed powder), Shankha bhasma (Conch shell in the incinerated form), etc. Kamdudha ras plain tablets possess therapeutic properties like anti-inflammatory, adaptogenic, and antioxidant which helps in relieving inflammation and eliminates the free radicals from the body that causes oxidative damage to the body and may result in cancer.
Dosage- 2 tablets twice daily mixed in the dog food
5. Mahashankh Vati
Mahashankh vati is also a herbo-mineral blend of amazing herbs and minerals like Vida lavana (Black Salt), Sauvarchala Lavana (Sochal salt), Saindhava lavana (Rock salt), Pippali (Piper longum), Shunthi ( Zingiber Officinalis), Maricha ( Piper nigrum),, etc. It helps in improving appetite, enhances immunity, and maintains a healthy pH level of the body.
Dosage- 2 tablets twice daily mixed in the dog food
6. Dermoplan Syrup
Powerful herbs present in Dermoplan syrup helps in managing Skin cancer in dogs to a certain extent. Herbs like Manjishtha ( Rubia cordifolia), Giloy ( Tinospora cordifolia), Chopchini ( Smilax china), Neem ( Azadirachta indica), Haridra ( Curcuma longa), etc. are used in the preparation of this herbal syrup. Dermoplan syrup helps in purifying the blood, act as an anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial treats skin lesion, and maintain healthy skin.
Dosage- 2 teaspoons twice daily mixed in dog food
Apply locally:
7. Tea tree Aloe vera soap
This herbal soap is manufactured as per the basic principles of Ayurveda under the supervision of MD Ayurveda doctors. Regular use of this soap helps in relieving the inflammation and helps to heal the wound present in skin cancer of the dogs.
Direction- Use it from giving a bath to your dog regularly
8. Jatyadi oil
Jatyadi oil is an amazing wound healer that is prepared from herbs like Chameli ( Jasminum officinale), Neem ( Azadirachta indica), Patola Patra ( Stereospermum chelonoides), Turmeric ( Curcuma longa), etc. Application of jatyadi oil helps in healing ulcers of skin cancer in dogs and maintaining healthy skin.
Direction- Apply locally with cotton gently on the wound or ulcer
9. Nirgundi oil
The anti-inflammatory and antitoxin activity of Nirgundi oil makes it the choice of remedy for skin cancer in dogs. Regular application of nirgundi oil helps in relieving inflammation, healing the ulcer or wound, and prevent it from infection.
Direction- Apply locally with cotton gently on the affected area, You can also mix both, nirgundi and jatyadi oil at once and apply it to the affected area.
Conclusion
Skin cancer affecting dogs can instill you with fear and anxiety but don't worry and keep a regular check on your pet's health. Do self-examination of his skin every now and then and on noticing anything abnormal consult your veterinary doctor as soon as possible. Proper care and timely action can save your dog's life!
