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05/17/2007 Prostate Cancer…..not just a human disease
“Most of us assume prostate problems are solely a human affliction, but they can also affect our canine companions…” (Mark Newkirk, VMD).
In this latest article in the June/July issue of Animal Wellness Magazine, Mark Newkirk, VMD discusses the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments for prostate cancer, a disease typically found in humans.
He starts by explaining one of the most common conditions found in dogs is hyperplasia, an enlargement of the prostate, but the second most common and serious condition is prostate cancer. Castration can treat dogs with hyperplasia, but it does not prevent the onset of prostate cancer.
Newkirk shares that diagnosis of such a condition is made by x-ray tests, digital palpitation, biopsy and ultrasound if the dog is showing signs of straining, pain on defecation and constipation, weight loss, and difficulty or pain while urinating, with a possibility of blood in the urine.
Even though many treatments, such as surgery or radiation do not cure the conditions, Newkirk offers alternative therapies to help treat and prolong the lives of our companions. Saw Palmetto can help the prostate. “It works by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone and has anti-estrogenic activity” (Newkirk). Homeopathic remedies such as BHI Heel Prostate and BHI Inflammation can help treat hyperplasia, but not prostate cancer. Nosode Therapy can “affect a patient’s inherited susceptibility to specific diseases” (Newkirk), but it is not a cure.
Newkirk explains that you can significantly reduce your pet’s risk of these conditions by keeping their immune systems strong and feeding a high quality diet. Similarly to humans, you can also prevent illness in your pet by providing them with a healthy, stress-free environment where they get adequate exercise and low exposure to environmental toxins.
Mark Newkirk, VMD. Prostate Cancer…not just a human disease. Animal Wellness Magazine. June/July 2007, pgs. 82-83.
Additional Comments by Nature’s Logic: A recent study published by The U. S. National Cancer Institute (NCI) is titled, “Heavy Multivitamin Use May Raise Prostate Cancer Risk”. The entire article can be found at:
Victoria Stevens, a society epidemiologist and lead author of the report, states NCI’s overall position and advice about multivitamins is “the society has already advised against them -- not just for prostate cancer, but in general”.
"We have our standard guidelines that don't really recommend the use of multivitamin supplements," Stevens said. "We feel that the best way for people to get their vitamins is through natural food sources…………."
Nature’s Logic, therefore, might be helpful as part of a nutritional feeding protocol to help prevent prostate cancer in dogs. Nature’s Logic is the only all natural pet food that adds no chemically synthesized vitamins, minerals, or amino acids into any of its products. All nutrients, including vitamins and minerals in Nature’s Logic products, come from safe whole foods as recommended to humans by The U.S. National Cancer Institute.
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