Cancer in Pets

Health can be considered as the optimum functioning of the cells in the body. It includes having unrestricted flow of oxygen, nerve impulses and nutrients into and out of the cells. Our cells and those of our pets must absorb and eliminate properly. Any breakdown of this function can eventually lead to abnormal cellular duplication, known as cancer.

Cancer cells start as immature, persistently dividing cells that do not fulfill their natural functions. These cells invade surrounding tissue and rob neighboring healthy cells of their essential nutrients. Cancer cells are capable of migrating and planting themselves in any part of the body, resulting in abnormal growth or tumors. Cancers are categorized according to the type of tissue from which they originate.

There is growing evidence among scientists that cancer arises as the result of chronic, low-grade inflammation. In many cases, inflammation drives the cancer to spread until it becomes incurable. Unlike normal cells that use a number of fuels, cancer cells are almost completely dependent on glucose for survival. 

Our pets are constantly being exposed to toxic substances, from the impure food they eat, polluted water they drink, toxic chemicals in the air and on the ground, and even from the medications they receive; any of these can begin as an irritation, that causes inflammation, and, ultimately, turns into cancer.

To maintain a healthy pet, you must make consistent healthful choices for them. Dogs and cats need  regular exercise and adequate sunshine. You should feed them fresh, unprocessed food, including raw meat and bones. They should drink only spring, distilled or other pure water. Limit the medications they receive, including vaccinations. By eliminating the number of toxins your pet comes in contact with, and by increasing their daily intake of antioxidants, amino acids and certain other phytonutrients, you can help protect your pet from the ravages of this dreaded disease.

Studies have found that large amounts of omega-6 oils in the diet can increase the formation of cancer-causing agents. This seems to happen when vegetable oils are hydrogenated to make them into solid shortening. The common vegetable oils: corn, safflower, sunflower, peanut, canola and soybean, promote inflammation and have been shown to encourage the development, growth, and spread of cancer. Other food additives that promote cancer development are processed sugars, nitrites, caseinate, aspartate, MSG, and other sources of glutamate.

Glutamates are used because they enhance the taste of foods. Unfortunately, they also enhance the growth of cancers and stimulate tumor invasion. Glutamates are known to trigger inflammation in a number of tissues. Studies confirm that a few doses of MSG cause inflammation that can last a lifetime in our pets.

Nitrates are substance found in high amounts in processed meats that have been known for decades to be cancer-causing agents.  Diets that cause obesity in a dog or a cat can be a significant contributing factor to various forms of cancer.

Bacterial and viral infections, if prolonged, can induce cancer.  Every time an animal is sick with a virus or bacteria, an explosion of free radicals is generated. Free radicals are chemicals produced by the body when it is exposed to harmful substances such as radiation, food and drink contaminants, rancid fats and air pollution, herbicides, industrial chemicals, certain toxic metals, and, prolonged stress.  

As our pets age, their bodies become more and more inflamed. Those with the greatest inflammation are at the greatest risk of cancer. Scientists estimate that dogs and cats are exposed to literally tons of free radicals in a lifetime. The presence of a dangerous number of free radicals can alter the way in which cells code genetic material. Changes in protein structure can occur as a result of errors in protein synthesis. The pet’s immune system then regards this altered protein as a foreign substance and tries to destroy it. The formation of mutated proteins can eventually damage the immune system and lead to leukemia and other types of cancer, as well as to many other diseases.

In addition to damaging genetic material, free radicals can destroy the protective cell membranes. Over time, the body produces more free radicals than it does scavengers (antioxidants). Antioxidants neutralize free radicals by binding to their free electrons.

NuVet Plus is a leading pet supplement that contains an exceptional number of natural antioxidants, including beta-carotene, vitamins C and E, B-complex: the minerals selenium and zinc and the hormone melatonin. These help to detoxify and protect by destroying free radicals. Other key substances found in NuVet Plus are also very effective: arginine inhibits the growth of tumors. Vitamin K protect against certain carcinogens. Folic acid prevents breaks in cancer-related chromosomes.

NuVet Plus contains shark cartilage, an amazing substance that, in addition to being a potent anti-inflammatory agent, has a unique chemistry that can shrink tumors in dogs and cats. Shark cartilage has active components that suppress the blood supply to tumors and cut off the source of their nourishment. (This natural product found in NuVet Plus is derived from a renewable fishing industry and does not threatened protected species of sharks; nor is it a byproduct of the infamous “shark fin soup” trade practice.)

Another key NuVet Plus ingredient, alfalfa, is one of the most nutritious foods known. The calcium, chlorophyll, carotene, and vitamin K content make alfalfa and important nutritional supplement, and it has antibacterial and antitumoral properties.

Pine Bark (Pycnogenol), in NuVet Plus, is one of the most powerful antioxidants known.  Its natural blend of bioflavenoids reduces inflammation and oxidative damage to the cells and vital tissues. Una De Gato (Cat’s Claw) is an herb in NuVet that has amazing healing properties that can aid cancer victims.

One needs to be aware of the warning signs that cancer may be present in your dog or cat. These are:  an unusual bleeding or discharge, an appearance of a lump or swelling, a sore that does not heal, hoarseness or cough, indigestion or difficulty in swallowing food, and a change in stool or urinating habits. Symptoms and their severity will vary with the type and location of the cancer.

For the treatment of cancerous growths or tumors, the veterinarian will use surgery, radiation, and certain drugs.  Surgical operations remove the original growth and any secondary ones. Drugs, although unable to completely cure cancer, are used to reduce the growth or to delay the appearance of secondary growths. Radiation is often used to destroy cancer cells and to prevent them from spreading. There are side effects to an animal when these methods are used, but they can be lessened when the pet is given certain nutrients. Chemotherapy and radiation treatment can cause vomiting and diarrhea so it is important to begin vitamin therapy several days before the treatment starts. 

The stress of cancer increases the need for vitamins C and B-complex. X-rays and other radiation treatments suppress the immune system and destroy vitamins A, C, E, K, and B-complex, as well as omega fatty acids. As malignant tissues are being destroyed, harmful by-products are created, and the liver is unable to neutralize these substances if there are not present sufficient amounts of vitamins C and E, protein, and the amino acid, methionine. Vitamin E can prevent radiation burns, reduce scarring and relieve pain.

NuVet Plus is a precise combination of human-grade natural vitamins, balanced minerals, antioxidants, enzymes, bioflavonoids and amino acids proven to combat the ravages of free radicals and to provide immune system support for your animal. This supplement is water-soluble and proven effective for puppies and kittens as well as senior dogs and cats. NuVet Plus Canine and NuVet Plus Feline are prepared in an FDA pharmaceutical laboratory, employing a cold-process method and following manufacturing standards that insure the highest quality and bioavailability. You can reach NuVet Labs online at www.nuvet.com, or by calling (800) 474-7044.