Mesothelioma in Dogs and Other Pets

Are pets affected by asbestos? Can they also develop mesothelioma from asbestos exposure? The answer to both of these questions is a reluctant "yes." Dogs and cats are animals just as humans are, and as such, they are also adversely affected by exposure to asbestos. According to veterinarians, both dogs and cats can develop mesothelioma cancer from inhaling asbestos fibers. Just like humans, pets have mesothelial cells within the lining of their lungs, heart, and abdomen. Bearing the same structure and function in pets as in humans, these cells are damaged by asbestos fibers and can turn cancerous over time.

For humans, mesothelioma may take anywhere from 15 to 50 years to develop. But for pets, which live much shorter lives than their human companions, contract the disease much quicker. For example, the average onset for dogs is 8 years old - though the illness has been detected in younger and older dogs. More common in dogs than in cats, studies have shown that certain breeds are more susceptible to developing mesothelioma, such as German shepherds, Irish setters, and Bouvier des Flandres. Evidence also reveals male dogs are more likely to develop mesothelioma than female dogs.

Despite some differences, mesothelioma in pets heavily resembles mesothelioma in humans. Like humans, mesothelioma in pets most commonly develops in the pleura, the internal lining that surrounds the lungs. Although rare, cases have been recorded in the peritoneum, which lines the abdominal cavity, and the pericardium, which lines the heart.

Pets also exhibit similar mesothelioma symptoms to those of humans. Symptoms include shortness of breath, coughing, pulmonary effusion (fluid around the lungs), as well as abdominal pain, which may result in a lack of desire to eat. Due to increased pain or pulmonary ailments, difficulty exercising may occur, and the pet's sleeping patterns may change as well.

If you notice any of these symptoms in your pet, and have reason to believe your pet may have been exposed to asbestos, it is best to see a veterinarian. Typically x-rays, CT scans, ultrasounds, or various biochemical tests are used by veterinarians to diagnose the disease. Upon diagnosis, a veterinarian may advise a range of treatments, such as thoracentesis (removal of fluid around the lungs), chemotherapy, or palliative treatments to alleviate pain. Unfortunately, due to the high cost of treatment and the extreme low probability that treatment will help, veterinarians may recommend euthanasia in many cases.

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