Law firms have bombarded TV viewers with advertisements asking if they have been exposed to asbestos or have been diagnosed with a mesothelioma. Of course, the lawyers are looking for clients who have had exposure to asbestos or have developed a mesothelioma.
It is not generally known, but dogs and once in a great while cats can develop a mesothelioma.
QUESTION: What is a mesothelioma?
ANSWER: After inhaling asbestos fibers, a dog's normal mesothelium cells of the lungs become malignant. This is called a mesothelioma or lung cancer. The lining cells of the abdominal cavity and heart also develop this type of cancer.
QUESTION: Exposure to asbestos is the cause of mesothelioma. What are the commercial sources of asbestos that are considered dangerous?
ANSWER: The dust that is produced by household insulation, Zonolite, would be an example. Dogs are exposed to high levels of asbestos dust when they play or hunt in or around old buildings that are being torn down. These dogs can carry the asbestos dust on their feet or fur back to their home and expose their owners. However, an owner can bring home asbestos dust that the family dog can inhale. Sometimes a dog's owner does not realize the danger until the dog shows symptoms.
QUESTION: How long does it take for mesothelioma symptoms to show up in a human or a dog?
ANSWER: According to Asbestos.com, for humans, mesothelioma may take anywhere from 15-50 years to develop. Pets, which live much shorter lives than their human companions, contract the disease much quicker. For example, the average onset for dogs is 8 years old, though the illness has been detected in younger and older dogs. Studies have shown that certain breeds are more susceptible to developing mesothelioma, such as German shepherds, Irish setters and Bouvier des Flandres. Evidence also reveals male dogs are more likely to develop mesothelioma than female dogs.
Pets exhibit similar mesothelioma symptoms to those of humans. Symptoms include shortness of breath, coughing and fluid around the lungs as well as abdominal pain, which may result in a lack of appetite. Due to increased pain or pulmonary ailments, difficulty in exercising may occur, and the pet's sleeping patterns may change.
QUESTION: What is the treatment for mesothelioma in dogs?
ANSWER: If a veterinarian receives a firm diagnosis, he or she will probably suggest euthanasia. The treatment is tough on the dog and not successful. To make the dog more comfortable, fluid can be withdrawn from the lung cavity at regular intervals as the condition progresses.
Mary Ellen Gorham is a Pullman pet fancier who writes a weekly column.
