Pet- cancer threat dogs Punjab
LUDHIANA: Cancer in Punjab now threatens a big number of pet animals as well.
The number rose so alarmingly that even experts didn’t see it coming. The analysis by Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU) here is grim. “Till two years ago, we would receive 60 to 70 cases of cancer among pets a year, which has increased to 200,” said Dr NK Sood, senior pathologist and in charge of the diagnostic centre at the university.
“Definitely, cancer among pets has increased but more cases have also come to light because of greater awareness among owners,” said Dr Sood. Dog is the most cancer-prone pet in the state, and every year, the GADVASU hospital treats nearly 70 canines of the disease. Cow, buffalo, horse, and other pets are also affected.
“Pets, especially dogs, share the environment, food, and water of their human masters. Moreover, dog has almost the same hematology (clinical references) and chemistry as man, and so is prone to the diseases of its owner group,” said Dr BV Kamal Kumar, assistant professor in the university and in charge of the India government programme of early detection of tumor in dogs by examining their blood samples.
Mammary-gland tumor is the most common cancer in dogs, with the university alone treating almost 50 cases of the kind. Cancer in pets can be cured to a great extent, if detected early, say experts. “In India, however, we don’t take our pets to routine check-up and, sometimes, don’t even take their illnesses seriously,” said a veterinary doctor.
Mammary-gland cancer hits dogs, especially the breeds that are heavy, aged between 7 and 15. The GADVASU laboratory here is a world-class facility to detect cancer. Pet cancer cases are spread across the entire state and the university is working out the exact number.