Our Pets and Cancer

Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients,  August, 2001  by Rita M. Reynolds

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

by Deborah Straw

Healing Arts Press, 2000. Softcover, $14.95, 244pp,

Many animals have graced my home in Virginia over the past 22 years. Some stay a long time, living out their full lives; others succumb to illness before they are nine. More often than not, the cause of death is cancer -- an alarming and disturbing situation, in my opinion. Yes, it is true that with vastly improved veterinary care, animals live longer now. In addition, better knowlege of animal medicine allows a clearer understanding of what makes our companions ill, and what carries them out of our lives. Yet, without question, cancer seems to increasingly be the cause of death. Why? And is there anything we can do to change the statistics?

Deborah Straw, author of Natural Wonders of the Florida Keys, helps us with both questions in her newest book -- Why is Cancer Killing Our Pets? For anyone who shares their life with a companion animal, or is concerned about the increase of cancer in the overall population of both animals and people, this is a book that needs to be read carefully and talked about often. Along with traditional and alternative health manuals, Why Is Cancer Killing Our Pets belongs in the home - and on the veterinary hospital reference shelf.

The author, while not a veterinarian herself, is a meticulous researcher. Her book provides essential information about the different kinds of cancer, and which animals are prone to them. It covers possible causes of cancer such as food additives, inoculations, environmental factors, and substances one would not normally think of. These include Amyl acetate found in furniture polish. There are also concerns about rawhide chews for dogs. Straw writes, "Some of the residues found in poorly processed animal hides are lead, arsenic, mercury, chromium salts, and formaldehyde." Smoked products for dogs are also potentially lethal, and "plastic chew toys are made of petrochemical polymers such as polyurethane and nylon."

There are a few books on the market with excellent suggestions for the prevention of cancer, and for working with the condition once an animal has it. But Straw's book is the first to bring together much needed and encouraging information, in depth, in one reference volume. She covers both conventional medicine and alternative techniques. From chemotherapy to flower remedies, the possibilities are impressive -- and encouraging. For while such therapies as radiation can play an important role in the possible reversal or at least remission of a cancer, Straw gives equal voice to the emerging and valid fields of energy medicine, vitamin therapy, and homeopathy. She offers detailed notes, glossary, bibliography, index, and resource sections, including many web sites.

While The subject of cancer is a difficult one to face, this book is very reader friendly. It is, in fact, a pleasure to read, because it brings to light an often shrouded and avoided subject. Finally, thanks to Deborah Straw, we, and our animal companions, have a better chance in the battle with cancer.

Rita Reynolds is the author of Blessing The Bridge, What Animals Teach Us About Death, Dying, and Beyond. NewSage Press, 2001.

COPYRIGHT 2001 The Townsend Letter Group
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning