This state takes cancer seriously, even for animals

Kerala is known to use innovation in politics as well as techniques in the medical front. They are also ardent animal lovers. Since an alarming increase of cancer cases among domestic animals were reported, the Kerala Animal Husbandry Department has opened an diagnostic oncology centre for its early detection and research.

The research from the unique centre, functioning at the state-run Chief Disease Investigation Office (CDIO) in Palode near Thiruvananthapuram for the past one year, has revealed that the deadly disease prevails among a majority of pet animals, including cattle, dogs and cats.

Functioning under the Pathology Division of CDIO, the oncology unit carries out the cytology and biopsy of tumor samples sent from veterinary hospitals across the state and gives advice and information for treatment.

As in the case of humans, cancer cases are also on the rise among pet animals, says Dr Nandakumar of the Pathology Division, CDIO. At the diagnostic unit, experts study the animal tumors, diagnose whether the lump is cancerous or not, identify the type of cancer and give advice for chemotherapy and other treatment to be carried out, he said.

The veterinary expert said that the centre has modern and advanced diagnostic facilities to identify all aspects of the disease.

“As in the case of humans, we cannot point out any particular reason for increase of cancer cases among animals. Among dogs, it is most prevalent among high breeds like Labrador or Alsatian. But it is comparatively lower among local, nondescript dogs,” he said.

Director of Animal Husbandry Dr N N Sasi said various projects in coordination with the Regional Cancer Centre (RCC) here are progressing in this regard.

“There are also plans to carry out research on whether the disease in pet animals has an adverse impact among human beings in any way through their frequent interaction, “he said.

CDIO, the state’s referral laboratory for animals, is established to control and coordinate the disease diagnostic activities of the animal husbandry sector in the entire southern state.