Dogs Detecting Cancer
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URL: http://forum.tnbcfoundation.org/forum_posts.asp?TID=140
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Topic: Dogs Detecting Cancer
Posted By: 2kidzmom
Subject: Dogs Detecting Cancer
Date Posted: Jul 19 2007 at 6:12am
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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
 and I'm probably just being paranoid, but has anyone ever heard of anything similar? |
Replies:
Posted By: Vicki G
Date Posted: Jul 19 2007 at 8:42am
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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. |
Posted By: trip2
Date Posted: Jul 20 2007 at 3:10am
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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+ |
Posted By: Trawler Gal
Date Posted: Jul 20 2007 at 10:00pm
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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.
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Posted By: cg---
Date 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! |
Posted By: trip2
Date Posted: Jul 21 2007 at 7:45am
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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+ |
Posted By: trip2
Date Posted: Jul 21 2007 at 7:46am
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Ahh love the cat and dog stories ladies! ------------- Stage 2 2003 Stage 1 2007 BRCA 1+ |
Posted By: lablover
Date Posted: Jul 29 2007 at 11:40am
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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
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