New Posts New Posts RSS Feed - Dogs Detecting Cancer
  FAQ FAQ  Forum Search   Events   Register Register  Login Login

Dogs Detecting Cancer

 Post Reply Post Reply
Author
2kidzmom View Drop Down
Newbie
Newbie
Avatar

Joined: Jun 20 2007
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 22
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 2kidzmom Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Dogs Detecting Cancer
    Posted: Jul 19 2007 at 6:12am

I'm sure that most people have heard of the research on dogs being able to sense health issues such as seizures and cancer.  I have always found this interesting but had not really given it much thought.  

I just got my kids a chihuahua puppy this Christmas, and he is 9 months old now (and soooo CUTE!!).  Anyway, I keep trying to ignore this fact, but whenever I hold him, he sniffs my breast at the exact spot of my lumpectomy scar and I have to admit that this does give me a little twinge of worry at times. 
 
I know it sounds SILLY Embarrassed and I'm probably just being paranoid, but has anyone ever heard of anything similar? 
 
 
Back to Top
Vicki G View Drop Down
Groupie
Groupie
Avatar

Joined: Jul 06 2007
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 48
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Vicki G Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jul 19 2007 at 8:42am
Hi,

I don't think you're being silly at all!

When I was toward the end of chemo I went to pick up my daughter from a friends house. They have a HUGE Lab. That dog jumped right up on me and would NOT stop sniffing my "bad boob". I was freaked out for a month! He never did it again after that day.

I recently got a new Beagle (a hound dog). She sniffs everything but has never stopped and paid extra attention to my breast. Phew!!

Maybe they can sense some sort of after-surgery smell or something. Don't let it scare you.

Take care,

Vicki
Lb Lumpectomy, IDC, Stage 2, Grade 3, 1+ node, 4 x A/C, 4 x Taxol, 33 x Rads. NED almost 4 yrs.
Los Angeles, Ca.
Back to Top
trip2 View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: Jun 03 2007
Location: Under Palm Tree
Status: Offline
Points: 8549
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote trip2 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jul 20 2007 at 3:10am
I have read reports of this and find it interesting too.  Vicki may be right and they can sense some sort of after-surgery smell or meds that you are on.
 
Since I've started treatments again my little dog has become very protective of me, she is so spoiled and stays with me all the time but has now begun to growl at hubby. lol  I think she knows something is going on w/my health.
Stage 2 2003
Stage 1 2007
BRCA 1+
Back to Top
Trawler Gal View Drop Down
Newbie
Newbie
Avatar

Joined: Jul 20 2007
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 1
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Trawler Gal Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jul 20 2007 at 10:00pm
I know for a fact that not only dogs but cats can.  Both my service dog and my orange tabby smelled the area where the tumor was before it was removed.  The cat would smell the area the curl up as close as possible to it and start purring and taking his paw and ever so lightly tapping my breast as if to say "it be OK mom"  since removal they will at times sniff the area but really are not like they were before tumor removal.
 
The dog has always smelled my breath to see how I was feeling as I have 2 forms of arthritis.  He can tell if I'm in pain and even of I have taken my meds.  Animals are really more intelligent then most of us give them credit.
Back to Top
cg--- View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: Jul 20 2007
Location: Canada
Status: Offline
Points: 1379
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote cg--- Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jul 21 2007 at 5:19am
No, it is not silly.  I have two Chihuahuas (the smartest, most loyal, stubborn characters I have ever loved).   My one (Pepe) very interestingly sniffed the breast they found cancer.   After the surgery, he sniffed the area and now he gives me a kiss on the cheek, and I did not want to say anything to anyone because it was almost like he was trying to tell me he was happy they found the cancer.  I had cysts for 10 years and it was a total shock that the 3 x 2 cm  breast cancer was discovered.  Apparently, the surgeon said "it was hidden".  I digress....but Chihuahuas are amazing creatures.  I have a German Shepherd 110 pounds and have always had this breed.   But, there is nothing more amazing than Chihuahuas!
Back to Top
trip2 View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: Jun 03 2007
Location: Under Palm Tree
Status: Offline
Points: 8549
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote trip2 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jul 21 2007 at 7:45am
Hi Trawler Gal, welcome to our group!
 
When you have time would you please vote in our polls?  We're trying to gather information from the women within this board to give us some idea to start with anyway.
 
Please jump in with any questions or thoughts and hope you'll feel comfortable.
 
 
Stage 2 2003
Stage 1 2007
BRCA 1+
Back to Top
trip2 View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: Jun 03 2007
Location: Under Palm Tree
Status: Offline
Points: 8549
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote trip2 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jul 21 2007 at 7:46am
Ahh love the cat and dog stories ladies!
Stage 2 2003
Stage 1 2007
BRCA 1+
Back to Top
lablover View Drop Down
Newbie
Newbie


Joined: Jul 29 2007
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 4
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote lablover Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jul 29 2007 at 11:40am
I raise lab puppies for Guiding Eyes for the Blind ( sorry but over pinked)
so did something else!
 
My newest lab pup has been interested in my "bad" bood side (had bilateral mast) but the side that has had infections and the tumor..she sniffs everyday.
 
she has also been very attentive to me when I haven't felt good.
Once recently after an infection bout..I was lying down on the bed..and she jumped up and laid down next tome and kissed me (she has been taught to NEVER jump on furniture..something that is strickly enforced by GEB)
 
So...I truly believe they know.
 
xo
K


Edited by lablover - Jul 29 2007 at 11:43am
Back to Top
 Post Reply Post Reply
  Share Topic   

Forum Jump Forum Permissions View Drop Down

Forum Software by Web Wiz Forums® version 12.01
Copyright ©2001-2018 Web Wiz Ltd.