Cancer in boxers???

[danelle]

I have done research on the breed before we bought Creed, but I'm still perplexed as to why boxers get cancer so ofter? In collies you run risk of eye anonomalie and some hip displaysia, but other than that, you don't hear about cancer as much. Any ideas as to what makes them more prone?:(
Danelle

 

[JulieM]

Basically, it all comes down to genetics. Many people (myself inlcuded) feel that the predisposition to cancer is genetic, though environment/diet/vaccination protocol play a large role in whether the dog ever actually develops the disease or not. Or, it could be that Boxers in general have weaker immune systems (again genetic) and so are more susceptible to developing the disease.

It should also be noted, however, that while Boxers are more prone to cancer than most breeds, they also respond to treatment better than most breeds.

 

[danelle]

I would agree that diet and environment would have a lot to do with it, genetics too, but vaccinations? I've never heard of that??

 

[JulieM]

Vaccinations cause sarcomas, this is very prevalent in cats. Vaccinations have been shown to create autoimmune bodies, which lead to autoimmune diseases (some cancers may be considered autoimmune diseases). Vaccinations weaken the immune system. Vaccinations also contain adjuvants like mercury which may cause cancer in and of themselves.

There are a few posts on vaccination decisions in the forums that might help explain this better - I'm a bit tired right now so I'm probably being short in my answers (everyone who knows me is breathing a huge sigh of relief )

 

[danelle]

I appreciate all your information. How often do you suggest them getting their vaccinations? Other than like rabies & parvo. I don't want to take any chances and with as much knowledge that you have of this subject, I might as well pick your brain if you don't mind

Danelle

 

[JulieM]

Ummmmm.....never.

Rabies is required by law so of course I can't legally advise against that (actually, since I'm not a vet, maybe I can, I'll have to find out).

Of course, this assumes that you are also providing them the opportunity for vibrant good health - a natural raw food diet, fresh clean (non-chemical-laden) water, fresh air and sunlight, ample exercise, no toxins, mental stimulation, love. They are all part of the whole picture, none less important than the other.

I know many breeders who have not vaccinated their dogs - for anything - for decades, and have not had the diseases that others vaccinate for (and sometimes still get!).

If you feel you must vaccinate, there are some protocols that are less dangerous than the standard bombardment practiced by most vets today. (Did you know, when you consider that puppy shots are combos of 5 to 7 vaccinations in one shot, the 'typical' puppy has received an average of 24 vaccinations by the time they are 4 months old? Scary.) The one I'm most inclined to follow if I vaccinate puppies is Dr. Martin Goldstein's, which is one distemper vaccination at 11 weeks (never before) and then a couple of weeks later, parvo. (These are distemper *only* and parvo *only*, not the combo-cocktails most vets give.) Then rabies as required by law. That's it, ever. And actually, I would probably give the first shot at 14-16 weeks, based on reasearch from the University of Wisconsin:

http://www.ivis.org/advances/Infect...er_frm.asp?LA=1

Dr. Jean Dodds, who has done a lot of reasearch on autoimmune disease, has a vaccination protocol here:

http://www.ighawaii.com/naturally/doddsvac.html

Even if you feel you must vaccinate as often as the vets say to, please at least follow the Colorado State Vaccination Protocol (UCDavis has the same protocol)
http://www.cvmbs.colostate.edu/vth/savp2.html

Yearly boosters are not recommended and not needed. Even the vet schools are coming around to this. Kirk's Current Veterinary Therapy (an "essential" reference book for vets) speaks out against yearly boosters. The only reason for a vet to insist on them is money.

Here are some previous threads:http://www.boxerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=6296
http://www.boxerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3336

 

[danelle]

WOW! I totally agree on everything you just said. I often wondered how effective these "cocktail shots" would be. The biggest problem I had with my Collies was worms. Another dog came into our yard and deposited whip worms. Of course I didn't know this until it was too late. They were so difficult to get rid of. I had read that they can live several months, even years in your grass:(

Thanks again for all your information Sounds to me like Creed will not be getting any boo-boos for a while!

 

[JulieM]

Coarsely ground pumpkin seeds can help to get rid of worms - they "scour" the intestines and scrape the worms off. I think this is true for whipworms as well. There are other natural wormers like Black Walnut.

Of course, a vibrantly healthy dog would not be affected by worms anyway (same for fleas & ticks - health is unattractive to these parasites!)

 

[danelle]

My sable merle collie female is the one I noticed the whipworms in. But she has an extra sensitive system. My male however did not show any signs of the whips. He had carried a few eggs in his fecal matter, but nothing like Megan. And when I bred these two I watched over her and made sure she had the utmost care. I fed her Purina One Puppy formula during her pregnancy and it was a great litter. 9 puppies total, very healthy with no runts.
Fleas, well that's a different story. They seem to congregate in our yard. I can't treat the yard because Creed loves to eat everything in his path, so that's the next hurdle. :eek:

Danelle

 

[brent]

Hi

Someone made the comment about feeding their dog a raw diet for cancer prevention. Ive heard other people discuss raw diets vs dog food. Which is best? Ive heard people say that a good dog food without preseveratives is the best because they get a balanced nutrition etc...but I am not sure. Any comments?