Question:
My 7-year-old Rhodesian ridgeback died of liver cancer. Surely she was too young to die so soon. She was fed top-quality dog food and was on regular heartworm (Interceptor) and flea-control (Program) medicine every month. What do you think could have caused the cancer?.
G.L., Washington, DC Jul 24, 2005
Answer:
Many factors are involved in the development of various kinds of cancer, notably genetic susceptibility, stress, diet, prior infection and exposure to toxins in the environment and in food. (More toxic metals are allegedly present in commercial pet foods than in home-prepared diets.)I am especially concerned that many veterinarians are advising monthly "preventive" flea control drugs for dogs and cats who could be at risk from long-term treatment, especially if their immune systems are already compromised.