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Article: Dear Dr. Fox: My 7-year-old ...
- Article from:
- The Washington Post
- Article date:
- July 26, 2005
- Author:
CopyrightThis material is published under license from the Washington Post. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Washington Post. (Hide copyright information)
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Dear Dr. Fox:
My 7-year-old Rhodesian ridgeback died of liver cancer. Surely she
was too young to die so soon. She was fed top-quality dog food and
was on regular heartworm (Interceptor) and flea-control (Program)
medicine every month. What do you think could have caused the cancer?
G.L., Washington
Many factors are involved in the development of various kinds of
cancer, notably genetic susceptibility, stress, diet, prior infection
and exposure to toxins in the environment and in food. (More toxic
metals are allegedly present in commercial pet foods than in home-
prepared diets.)
I am especially concerned that many veterinarians are advising
monthly "preventive" flea control drugs for dogs ...