Why is cancer killing our pets? How you can protect and treat your animal companion - Book Review - Review

Alternative Medicine Review, Sept, 2001 by Kathleen Head

Why is Cancer Killing Our Pets? How You Can Protect and Treat your Animal Companion

Deborah Straw

Healing Arts Press

One Park Street, Rochester, VT 05767. www.InnerTraditions.com ISBN 0-89281-926-X; soft cover; 244 pgs; $14.95

According to a recent survey, cancer is the number one killer of dogs and cats -- the cause of death in approximately 25 percent of our companion animals. In Why is Cancer Killing Our Pets?, Deborah Straw addresses both conventional and alternative approaches to cancer. While not a veterinarian herself, she interviewed dozens of experts and credits the information accordingly. In the introductory chapters she discusses the rising cancer rates seen among animals, the types of cancer most often observed in both dogs and cats, and tendencies of particular breeds. In addition to dogs and cats, the author also discusses cancer of other small animals including ferrets, guinea pigs, and rabbits.

As with humans, environmental toxicity is a cause of cancer in animals as well. The author discusses some of these concerns, including pesticides, toxic cleaning supplies, air pollution, excess sun exposure, second-hand smoke, flea-control products, and vaccinations. As Straw points out, even toys can be dangerous, using as an example the rawhide chews many dogs are so fond of; the hides are preserved and cured with chemicals that can be carcinogenic.

The author points out that one of the most important exogenous etiological factors for cancer is what we feed out pets. Did you know that a majority of commercially available pet foods contain carcinogenic preservatives, including some such as ethoxyquin which is listed as a hazardous chemical by OSHA and pesticide by the USDA? These are just some of the important facts the author provides in her book.

The last half of the book is dedicated to therapeutics. Straw first discusses conventional approaches and some of the pros and cons -- having interviewed several veterinarians with diverging views. An introduction to various alternative therapies follows, allowing the reader a sense of the options available, including the Hoxsey herbal treatment and other botanicals, medicinal mushrooms, homeopathy, nutritional supplementation, and acupuncture.

While the title indicates cancer is killing our pets, the book contains valuable information that may help prevent cancer and save the life of a furry loved one -- a good resource for those interested in creating the healthiest environment possible for their four-legged companions.