Cats found to offer support to breast cancer patients

(ARA) - Women facing breast cancer report that their cats rank among the most important of the many loyal, loving and understanding supporters they rely on to help them through their treatment. In fact, cats rank alongside parents and siblings as an important source of daily support, according to a recent survey.

Studies show that an important emotional connection exists between pets and their owners. During times of stress or illness, the bond between a pet and owner can be particularly strong. Missy Fish is undeniable proof of this.

Fish, a two-time breast cancer survivor, leaned on the companionship of her two cats, Phoebe and Jack, during her treatments.

"They were the perfect companions when I needed them most,” Fish says. “They were silent sources of strength and empowerment.”

Fish is far from the only breast cancer survivor to attest to the power of her cat. A recent Purina Cat Chow national survey of breast cancer survivors with cats underscores this important emotional connection and relationship.

The survey found that 84 percent of women battling breast cancer said their cat had a calming effect on them during their treatment. Cats also provided daily support to the patient, according to 76 percent of survivors surveyed.

Dr. Karen Sueda, a Diplomate at the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists, says that cats are perceptive to their owner's needs during an illness.

“Whether pet owners are fighting a disease such as breast cancer or going through a rough period in life such as job loss or financial stress, their cats often display intuitive behaviors of knowing when they need extra love and support," says Sueda.

Inspired by one cancer survivor’s touching story of the role her cat played during her battle with cancer, Purina Cat Chow is doing its part to help the fight against breast cancer. This year, in a partnership with Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Purina Cat Chow will donate more than $200,000 to the cause and will raise awareness for breast cancer through the Purina Cat Chow Connected for the Cause campaign.

“We have heard countless stories from breast cancer patients and survivors of how they have been emotionally supported by their cats,” says Katy Laciny, Purina Cat Chow's assistant brand manager. “Purina Cat Chow’s Connected for the Cause campaign honors this exceptional relationship and invites consumers to help us raise awareness and increase support for Susan G. Komen for the Cure so that a cure can be found.”

Susan G. Komen for the Cure is the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. The organization has invested $1.3 billion toward ending breast cancer, becoming the world’s largest source of non-profit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer.

Visit www.catchow.com/pink to hear survivor stories, read about the unique connection between survivors and their cats and share photos of support. For every picture uploaded, Purina Cat Chow will donate an additional $1 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure up to $10,000.

The Purina Cat Chow Connected for the Cause campaign culminates this October with limited-edition pink bags at grocery, mass and pet retailers nationwide in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Products featuring pink bags include Purina Cat Chow Complete Formula and Purina Cat Chow Indoor Formula, both available in 3.5 pound and 16 pound bags.

For more information on the Purina Cat Chow Connected for the Cause campaign, go to www.catchow.com/pink.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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FDA: First Drug to Treat Cancer in Dogs Approved

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today announced the approval of Palladia (toceranib phosphate), the first drug developed specifically for the treatment of cancer in dogs.

Palladia is approved to treat canine cutaneous (skin-based) mast cell tumors, a type of cancer responsible for about 1 out of 5 cases of canine skin tumors. The drug is approved to treat the tumors with or without regional lymph node involvement.

All cancer drugs now used in veterinary medicine originally were developed for use in humans and are not approved for use in animals. Cancer treatments used in animals are used in an “extra-label” manner as allowed by the Animal Medicinal Drug Use Clarification Act of 1994.

"This cancer drug approval for dogs is an important step forward for veterinary medicine," said Bernadette Dunham, D.V.M., Ph.D., director of FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine. "Prior to this approval, veterinarians had to rely on human oncology drugs, without knowledge of how safe or effective they would be for dogs. Today's approval offers dog owners, in consultation with their veterinarian, an option for treatment of their dog's cancer."

While canine mast cell tumors often appear small and insignificant, they can be a very serious form of cancer in dogs. Some mast cell tumors are easily removed without the development of any further problems, while others can lead to life threatening disease.

Palladia is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor and works in two ways: by killing tumor cells and by cutting off the blood supply to the tumor. In a clinical trial, Palladia showed a statistically significant difference in tumor shrinkage when compared with an inactive substance (placebo).

The most common side effects associated with Palladia are diarrhea, decrease or loss of appetite, lameness, weight loss, and blood in the stool.

Palladia is manufactured by Pfizer Animal Health Inc., New York City.

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Canine Cancer #1 Fear of Dog Lovers, Web Exclusive by Morris Animal Foundation Provides News on Latest Breakthroughs - Crucial Facts for Dog Owners

/PRNewswire/ -- Dog owners and lovers in the United States view canine cancer as the greatest health threat to their beloved pets. They are correct. One in four dogs die of cancer. Cancer is the number one cause of death in dogs over the age of 2.

Morris Animal Foundation (MAF) has posted on its Web site, www.MorrisAnimalFoundation.org, a canine cancer exclusive of special interest to dog owners and dog lovers everywhere. The MAF canine cancer Web exclusive features information and insight from two of the world's leading colleges of veterinary medicine and canine cancer research centers, Colorado State University and Cornell University. View the presentation at: www.MorrisAnimalFoundation.org/ccexclusive. The MAF exclusive includes a question and answer session conducted by three veterinary oncologists from the Colorado State University Animal Cancer Center - the largest facility of its kind in the world. Questions have been submitted from owners whose dogs are suffering from cancer, animal lovers, as well as dog breeders, boarding kennel managers and others.

The Web presentation also includes canine cancer facts and updates from the Sprecher Institute for Comparative Cancer Research at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. This prestigious institute is at the forefront of research benefiting both animals and humans. Links are provided to Cornell's "Pet Owner's Guide to Cancer" and other cancer educational sites.

Also at the MAF canine cancer presentation Web page are links to many of the leading veterinary and canine cancer centers in the United States and the United Kingdom. Dog owners/lovers can learn about and access the excellent resources closest to their home.

MAF launched an unprecedented global campaign to raise funds to cure canine cancer in the next 10 to 20 years, and while seeking the ultimate cure, will develop more effective treatments for dogs suffering from cancer today. MAF is funding canine cancer research at many of the top veterinary colleges in the world. Learn more about the campaign at www.CureCanineCancer.org.

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Did You Know? Cancer Is As Common In Pets As In Humans

(NAPSI)-Many people don't realize that cancer is the leading cause of disease-related death in pets and that proper veterinary care can help ensure your pets get the treatment they need.

Pets develop the same types of cancers as people. Dogs, for example, are 35 times more likely to develop skin cancer than humans, four times more likely to get breast cancer, eight times more likely to succumb to bone cancer and twice as likely to develop leukemia. Insurance claims show lymphosarcoma and skin cancer as the most common pet cancers.

"Dog and cat owners should take their pets in for annual checkups," Dr. Carol McConnell, of Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI) suggests. "Clinical signs of cancer can present themselves in dogs and cats at a very rapid rate."

Cancer causes almost half the deaths of pets more than 10 years old. Here are some signs to watch for:

• A growing lump or a sore that doesn't heal

• Discharge or bleeding

• Your pet is losing weight despite eating normally

• Going more than a day or two without eating

• Difficulty in chewing or swallowing

• Any unusually bad smell coming from your pet

• Tiring easily and unwillingness to exercise.

If you're attuned to your pet's needs and ordinary behavior, you may be able to spot changes that indicate problems. However, in many cases, the signs are difficult to detect. Only a veterinarian can diagnose cancer, so regular preventive examinations are important.

If cancer is diagnosed in your pet, there is hope. Due to rapid advances in veterinary medicine, early detection of cancer in pets can be battled with some success. Sophisticated treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy and surgical procedures that were once only performed on humans are now available for pets, too.

These procedures may become expensive, but cancer treatment costs can be affordable with financial assistance for pets in the form of medical insurance.

Medical plans from VPI, for example, reimburse for the testing and treatment of common cancers. Pet owners can also purchase a special Cancer Rider as an add-on to their base policy. This plan increases the cancer benefits, resulting in a substantial amount in reimbursement after a claim is filed. Early pet insurance enrollment is important, since pre-existing medical conditions are not eligible for coverage.

VPI reports that cancer claims are the fourth-highest type of feline claim and sixth-highest type of canine claim that pet owners submit. To help in the fight against pet cancer, VPI encourages pet owners to contribute to a special cause. Pet owners can display their support by purchasing a limited-edition Pet Cancer Awareness dog collar adorned with lavender ribbons; all profits from sales go directly to the Animal Cancer Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to pet and human cancer research. Visit www.petinsurance.com/cancer to order yours today.

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