Sugar Rub!
Tallulah
Check your pets for breast cancer
Tallulah was a beautiful little kitty who lived in San Diego, CA. She was diagnosed with feline mammary gland cancer at the age of 9. Her mom took her to the vet right away and did everything she could for her, but sadly, Tallulah only lived 13 months after her diagnosis.
Her mom's heart was broken when her beloved Tallulah crossed to the Rainbow Bridge. She could not let Tallulah's death be without purpose, so she made it her mission to spread the word that that pets get breast cancer through her "Kitty Breast Cancer Awareness" program.
Because of Tallulah and her mom, Mama J knew that cats get breast cancer.
"Cats can get breast cancer?"
Mama J wishes she had a nickel for every time she's heard that question. She would be able to fund a lot of research and help others whose pets have been diagnosed with this insidious disease. What concerns her most, is that quite often, the people who ask that question are pet owners.
While animal mammary gland cancer (breast cancer) occurs most frequently in dogs and cats, it has been reported in rabbits, cows, horses and even sea lions. As with humans, males and females are both affected and there are many different types of mammary gland tumors. Not all tumors are malignant, however, there is no way to know that without consulting an expert. So, if you detect a lump or bump on one of your beloved pets, contact your veterinarian immediately. Early detection is important!
Spay Your Pets Early
Mammary gland cancer is likely to occur in 1 out of 4000 cats and it is the third most common cancer in cats. It is the most common cancer in unspayed dogs.
The single most important thing you can do to prevent mammary gland cancer is to spay your cat or dog prior to her first heat cycle. There is a strong correlation between early spaying and a reduction in the incidence of mammary tumors in animals.
Sadly, there are many pets who miss that window of opportunity and have to deal with the reality of this horrible disease. Feline mammary gland cancer is very aggressive and 80% - 90% of the tumors are malignant. For dogs the malignancy rate is lower, around 50%.
Very little research has been done to develop effective treatments for feline mammary gland cancer. That’s why funding research is part of the Sugar Rub! mission.