Ask Dr. Elizabette Cohen a pet question.

There is a new treatment for malignant melanoma in dogs. First you need to remove the entire cancer surigcally or with radiation (if you cannot surgically remove the tumor). Next a board-certified oncologist (cancer specialist) starts weekly vaccines. This treatment has prolonged the life of many dogs and is a promissing new treatment. As far as feline lymphoma, chemotherapy seems to work well provided that the cancer has not progressed too far. What kind of lymphoma does your cat have? Is it the intestinal kind? The reason that I am asking is because prognosis and treatment choices can vary depending on where the lymphoma is. I look forward ot hearing back from you and I am happy to help you with your cat any way that I can. Sincerely, Dr. Elizabette Cohen

Sadly, my dear Siamese has succumbed to her lymphoma as it had spread to her kidneys and the only course of treatment was aggressive chemo, which I would/could not put her through. Her cancer had spread from an abdominal tumor, a lung tumor and finally went to her kidneys. Animal Emergency in West Caldwell, NJ did all they could and I bless them. Thank you for responding. Virginia

I am so sorry for your loss. It is so difficult when we lose our beloved pets. Please accept my deepest sympathy. Find comfort in knowing you gave your Siamese a warm, safe and LOVING home. Sheis at peace and will live on forever within your heart. Sincerely, Dr. Elizabette Cohen

I have been listening to your show ..and I would love to bring my pets to you! Where are you practicing?

Feel free to call me @ 631-920-2785 anytime. I practice in New York and I would love to take care of your pets! Sincerely, Dr. Elizabette Cohen

A few weeks ago I caught the tail end of one of your radio broadcasts. I heard the word cranberries but not whether they were bad or ok for pets. There is a new dry CATfood on the market with cranberries listed as an ingredient. I would like to know ifcranberries are safe for CATS?

Cranberries are OK to add to any diet especially if there is a urinary tract problem where the urine has too high a pH ( is basic). Cranberries can acidify urine. In other words, adding cranberries to any diet can help lower the pH of the urine. A pH of 7 is neutral. This the the pH of water. Below 7 is acidic and above 7 is alkaline. Adding cranberries to any diet would help dissolve crystals and stones in the bladder made up of triple phosphate (struvite) or magnesium phosphate. If there isn't a urinary tract problem then there is no need for cranberries to be added to the diet, but I don't think they would hurt your cat. Good luck! Sincerely, Dr. Elizabette Cohen