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Mesothelioma is a crippling cancer caused by exposure to asbestos, even for a short time. Although the disease itself is not contagious, second-hand exposure to asbestos brought home on clothes is afflicting pets. The MAACenter is creating awareness of this diease and helping veterinarians help their patients.
Of course, the disease may manifest itself differently in animals than it does in humans. For example, in a human body, asbestos fibers lodge in the pleura and remain dormant for anywhere from 20 to about 50 years, with symptoms eventually emerging several decades after exposure. With dogs, the average age of onset is 8 years old, though mesothelioma has been diagnosed in both younger and older dogs.
Veterinarians who've studied dogs with mesothelioma have also come to the conclusion that exposure to other toxic materials may also increase the risk of the animal developing mesothelioma. Those substances include pentachlorophenol, often used as an herbicide, algaecide, defoliant, wood preservative, germicide, or fungicide.
Studies have shown that Bouvier des Flandres, Irish Setters, and German Shepherds are at greatest risk for tumor development and the disease is more common in male than in female dogs.
Mesothelioma in a dog or other animal most often occurs in the pleura, the lining that surrounds the lung. Rare cases have been found in the pericardium (lining of the heart) and the peritoneum (lining of the abdominal cavity).
Dogs exhibit similar symptoms to those of humans. Most symptoms are observable about a month before diagnosis is made. Shortness of breath is the most prevalent symptom and usually noticed after exercise. Pulmonary effusion--fluid around the lungs--is also a common symptom in both humans and dogs. A cough may be present, as well as abdominal discomfort, resulting in the inability to eat. The animal's sleep patterns may also be affected due to intense pain or breathing difficulties.
Meosthelioma in Pets - Information on Asbestos and
it's effect on Pets. Cat and Dog Mesothelioma information from Asbestos
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