Because I have Boxers - and cancer can be common in this breed, but it can come up with Yorkies as well, so I added the article I found at the following link:
http://www.petsdoc.com/html/askthevet/askthevetquestions/boxerdogsandcancer.html
Question:
I have a 4 year old male boxer - our Vet took a sample of a small bug bite on his stomach and said it had l to 2 mast cells in the sample - they said we should have the area removed with a 2 inch radius - is this really necessary as he already had a tumor removed 11 months ago that was a grade l with Mast cells. If this area is removed - is there anything that can be given to him to prevent any further growths in the future, i.e. medication, food, herbs anything as I fear that they will want to take many more chunks out of my dog to control these mast cells- which I understand are common in boxers. Also is this similar to basil cells found in humans.
Answer:
Mast cells are normal in all dogs. These cells produce histamine in response to irritation, such as insect bites. A pathologist expects to find mast cells at the site of a bug bite. Cancers are more common in Boxers than most other breeds of dogs.
Mast cell tumors are abnormal growths of the cells, as with all cancers. It is always wise to remove suspected cancers with a wide margin, to decrease the likelihood of leaving any cancer cells behind. Dogs known to have had cancer should be fed good wholesome food, with little or no preservatives.
Certain vitamin supplementation may or may not be beneficial, depending on the completeness of the diet. I prefer to recommend specific diets and supplementations on a case by case basis, for all dogs and cancers are different. In general though, vitamin C is safe to supplement and beneficial to the immune system which fights cancers. One to two grams daily of active Vitamin C is a good start. Vitamin E is also beneficial for any disease involving the skin. Overdosing Vitamin E is detrimental, so care should be taken in dosing this vitamin. Most top brand dog foods have the appropriate amount of Vitamin E, and thus do not warrant supplementation.
The best protocol of dogs recovering from prior cancers is to feed natural, wholesome, top name dog food. Avoid treats that may contain excessive preservatives and additives. Avoid excessive sunlight (obviously, too much sunlight can kill, however sunlight provides vitamin D which aids in the prevention of cancer, so I only agree with this comment to a certain extent – Fawn). Check your dog regularly for funny growths, and have your veterinarian examine at least annually. Such exams may include chest x-rays and blood panels.
http://www.petsdoc.com/html/askthevet/askthevetquestions/boxerdogsandcancer.html
Question:
I have a 4 year old male boxer - our Vet took a sample of a small bug bite on his stomach and said it had l to 2 mast cells in the sample - they said we should have the area removed with a 2 inch radius - is this really necessary as he already had a tumor removed 11 months ago that was a grade l with Mast cells. If this area is removed - is there anything that can be given to him to prevent any further growths in the future, i.e. medication, food, herbs anything as I fear that they will want to take many more chunks out of my dog to control these mast cells- which I understand are common in boxers. Also is this similar to basil cells found in humans.
Answer:
Mast cells are normal in all dogs. These cells produce histamine in response to irritation, such as insect bites. A pathologist expects to find mast cells at the site of a bug bite. Cancers are more common in Boxers than most other breeds of dogs.
Mast cell tumors are abnormal growths of the cells, as with all cancers. It is always wise to remove suspected cancers with a wide margin, to decrease the likelihood of leaving any cancer cells behind. Dogs known to have had cancer should be fed good wholesome food, with little or no preservatives.
Certain vitamin supplementation may or may not be beneficial, depending on the completeness of the diet. I prefer to recommend specific diets and supplementations on a case by case basis, for all dogs and cancers are different. In general though, vitamin C is safe to supplement and beneficial to the immune system which fights cancers. One to two grams daily of active Vitamin C is a good start. Vitamin E is also beneficial for any disease involving the skin. Overdosing Vitamin E is detrimental, so care should be taken in dosing this vitamin. Most top brand dog foods have the appropriate amount of Vitamin E, and thus do not warrant supplementation.
The best protocol of dogs recovering from prior cancers is to feed natural, wholesome, top name dog food. Avoid treats that may contain excessive preservatives and additives. Avoid excessive sunlight (obviously, too much sunlight can kill, however sunlight provides vitamin D which aids in the prevention of cancer, so I only agree with this comment to a certain extent – Fawn). Check your dog regularly for funny growths, and have your veterinarian examine at least annually. Such exams may include chest x-rays and blood panels.
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