Asbestos Exposure Risks and Your Pets

As early as 1930s, researchers became aware that pets are indeed susceptible to developing asbestos-related diseases. In 1931, researcher N.H. Schuster confirmed a dog serving as a "ratter" for 10 years in an asbestos factory in London had contracted asbestosis. Decades of evidence indicates an increase in risk for pets belonging to individuals who work in occupations that expose workers to asbestos. In fact, mesothelioma in dogs has been found to be statistically related to the exposure of their owners. This means individuals who work in such occupations are bringing asbestos fibers home on their clothes and shoes, which can lead to second-hand exposure in family, friends, and pets.

Veterinarians report cats and dogs, as well as other animals, can develop asbestos-related diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma. Like their human companions, pets also have mesothelial cells within the lining of their lungs, heart, and abdomen. Exhibiting the same structure and function in pets as in humans, mesothelial cells are damaged by asbestos fibers and can turn cancerous with time. Though it takes anywhere between 15 and 50 years for mesothelioma to develop in humans, since pets have a shorter life they contract the disease much quicker.

Exposure

Pets most commonly come in contact with asbestos through contamination of their owners. But, just like humans, pets can also be exposed to naturally occurring asbestos (which is only a threat if asbestos fibers are released into the air), as well as by entering contaminated sites (such as old mines or partially demolished older buildings).

Symptoms

Many of the mesothelioma symptoms felt by humans are also found in pets. In most cases, symptoms are noticeable approximately one month before diagnosis. These symptoms may include shortness of breath, coughing, pulmonary effusion (fluid around the lungs), or abdominal pain (which may hinder appetite). Increased pain or pulmonary ailments may lead to difficulty in exercising, and may also disrupt the pet's sleeping patterns.

Diagnosis

If your pet is exhibiting any of these symptoms, and you believe your pet may have come in contact with asbestos, it is best to seek the advice of a veterinarian. Make sure to mention the possibility of asbestos exposure to your vet, as far fewer invasive and expensive tests may be required when considering this important fact. If your vet suspects an asbestos-related disease may be causing your pet's aliments, he or she may then perform a variety of tests. Most often, x-rays, CT scans, ultrasounds, or various biochemical tests are used by veterinarians to diagnose disease.

Treatment

Upon diagnosis of an asbestos-induced illness, a veterinarian may recommend a variety of treatment options. As in humans, both curative and palliative treatments are available, such as thoracentesis (which removes the fluid around the lungs), chemotherapy, and treatments to alleviate pain. Because of the nature of asbestos-related illnesses such as asbestos cancer, surgery is usually not an option. In most cases, intracavitary chemotherapy (where chemo drugs are implanted into the affected area) is the preferred method of curative treatment for pets.

Unfortunately, most of the tests and treatments available to diagnose and treat asbestos-induced disease in pets are very expensive. Due to the high cost of treatment and the extremely low probability that treatment will in fact help, veterinarians may recommend euthanasia, as the pet will likely suffer a great deal from an asbestos-related illness.

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