Is There a Cancer Vaccine for Dogs?

A vaccine for dogs is now available to treat a certain type of cancer. This vaccine has been reported to increase survival chances for dogs with oral cancer, also called melanoma. It's the first vaccine of its kind to be approved and can be included among other recommendations for treatment of this disease. Initial trials report that it may extend the life of a dog by months or years, depending upon the success rate and progression of the cancer. Recovery and prevention are optimal when all of the initial cancer is successfully removed first with surgery or other treatments.

Canine Melanoma Vaccine

The canine melanoma vaccine for dogs was created to treat this form of skin cancer that tends to be very aggressive in dogs. The vaccine is made up of dog melanoma cells which are grown in a laboratory and then treated in a way to prevent them from further growth and division, the event which leads to tumors. A special DNA is inserted into the cells which causes stimulation of the immune system to fight specifically against further growth of melanoma cells. Dogs that have been given the vaccine have been shown to live an average of twice as long after developing melanoma as dogs that did not receive vaccination. The dosage is designed to be initially administered every two weeks for a period of two months (or four doses). A booster shot every six months thereafter is recommended.

Melanoma Treatment Options

The canine melanoma vaccine for dogs is just one of many treatment options available for dogs that contract this disease. Before vaccination, it's imperative to completely remove any cancerous tumors in the mouth or in other areas, such as between the toes or under the nail beds. Tumors may be difficult to remove, but vaccine success rates depend heavily upon complete removal of the initial cancer. Melanoma can also be treated with radiation and chemotherapy, and this vaccine for dogs offers just one more option to consider for your dog's future well being. Not all dogs that receive the vaccination will benefit or show positive results, but the dogs that do respond positively may experience great benefit and extension of life expectancy. For example, a dog that's given a few months to live after diagnosis may respond positively to the vaccine and live for up to a year or longer with no recurring symptoms of the disease.

Considerations

Due to the controversy surrounding any type of vaccine for dogs, there are a number of considerations that you must keep in mind before making your decision. For dogs that have many other health problems, in addition to melanoma or oral cancer, this vaccine may not be of benefit. Some dogs are susceptible to vaccine allergy which can lead to additional problems that can become life-threatening. Proper research can help you decide if your dog is a good candidate for the canine melanoma vaccine for dogs, and can also uncover non-traditional and alternative methods of treatment for this type of cancer.

 

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