Friday, April 17, 2009

More on Asbestos

Other Mesotheliomas

While the great majority of mesotheliomas are in either the pleura or the peritoneum, malignant mesotheliomas sometimes occur in other parts of the body, including the testicles (a variety of peritoneal mesothelioma) and the heart (a variety of pleural mesothelioma.) These are also caused by exposure to asbestos fibers.

Benign pleural diseases

There is much confusion about the different types of benign (or non-cancerous) pleural diseases, mainly because different researchers and doctors use different words to describe the same things, or the same words to describe different things.

This is a discussion about pleural diseases that are related to asbestos exposure, are not malignant (like mesothelioma), and exist only in the pleura. They can be divided into three groups: plaques, thickening, and effusions.

Pleural plaques are small, hard, plate-like surfaces on the pleura, similar to arteriosclerosis in coronary arteries. They are caused by asbestos fibers that invade the pleura from the lungs. Medical researchers do not fully understand the underlying processes of why asbestos fibers cause plaques to develop.

Plaques rarely make breathing difficult and by themselves are seldom disabling. Rather, they are "markers" that indicate previous exposure to asbestos: they can help to confirm the cause of other diseases that might otherwise not be understood to be asbestos-related. However, a person who has plaques should be vigilant about his or her health. He or she may be at higher risk for developing other asbestos-related diseases and should therefore advise his or her doctor about this asbestos exposure.

Pleural thickening is a diffuse fibrosis in the pleura. Asbestos fibers that move from the lung to the pleura cause the pleura to thicken and a widespread fibrosis can develop. Researchers do not understand the underlying processes by which asbestos fibers cause fibrosis.

This thickening can restrict the lungs' ability to expand and contract, and therefore make breathing difficult. Like plaques, thickening is evidence of exposure to asbestos and it places people at higher risk of developing other more serious chest diseases.

An asbestos-related benign pleural effusion refers to a build-up of fluid in the pleural space of a person who was exposed to asbestos and who does not have any other disease that might cause a pleural effusion (such as mesothelioma.) Some effusions cause chest pains, but many do not cause any symptoms. This type of benign pleural effusion is treatable, and it should also alert the person to be especially vigilant about his or her respiratory health.

Most people with pleural plaques, effusions and/or thickening do not have any symptoms. They can be diagnosed using chest x-rays and CT scans.

Silicosis

Silica is the second most common mineral in earth�s crust and is a major component of sand, rock and mineral ore. When a worker inhales the crystalline dust, it may start a chain reaction that leads to silicosis, a life-threatening inflammation of the lungs.

Those industries that pose the greatest potential risk for worker exposure to silica are construction, mining, manufacturing and agriculture. Sandblasters, foundry workers and quarry workers are among those most often affected.

Unfortunately, there is no treatment for silicosis. Those who suffer from the condition experience a lifetime of severe breathing problems and in many cases, develop tuberculosis.

Asbestos

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
For other uses, see Asbestos (disambiguation).
Asbestos is a naturally occurring silicate mineral with long, thin fibrous crystals. The word asbestos (ἄσβεστος) is derived from a Greek adjective meaning inextinguishable. The Greeks termed asbestos the miracle mineral because of its soft and pliant properties, as well as its ability to withstand heat.

Asbestos is toxic. The inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause serious illnesses, including malignant mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis (also called pneumoconiosis). Since the mid 1980s, many uses of asbestos have been banned in several countries.

Asbestos became increasingly popular among manufacturers and builders in the late 19th century because of its resistance to heat, electricity and chemical damage, its sound absorption and tensile strength. When asbestos is used for its resistance to fire or heat, the fibers are often mixed with cement or woven into fabric or mats. Asbestos was used in some products for its heat resistance, and in the past was used on electric oven and hotplate wiring for its electrical insulation at elevated temperature, and in buildings for its flame-retardant and insulating properties, tensile strength, flexibility, and resistance to chemicals.

Treatment option overview

How malignant mesothelioma is treated

There are treatments for all patients with malignant mesothelioma. Three kinds of treatment are used:

  • Surgery (taking out the cancer).
  • Radiation therapy (using high-dose x-rays or other high-energy rays to kill cancer cells).
  • Chemotherapy (using drugs to fight the cancer).
  • Drug : Alimta recently approved by FDA

Surgery is a common treatment of malignant mesothelioma. The doctor may remove part of the lining of the chest or abdomen and some of the tissue around it. Depending on how far the cancer has spread, a lung also may be removed in an operation called a pneumonectomy. Sometimes part of the diaphragm, the muscle below the lungs that helps with breathing, is also removed.

Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may come from a machine outside the body (external radiation therapy) or from putting materials that produce radiation (radioisotopes) through thin plastic tubes in the area where the cancer cells are found (internal radiation therapy).

If fluid has collected in the chest or abdomen, the doctor may drain the fluid out of the body by putting a needle into the chest or abdomen and using gentle suction to remove the fluid. If fluid is removed from the chest, this is called thoracentesis. If fluid is removed from the abdomen, this is called paracentesis. The doctor may also put drugs through a tube into the chest to prevent more fluid from accumulating.

Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be taken by pill, or it may be put into the body by a needle in the vein or muscle. Chemotherapy is called a systemic treatment because the drug enters the bloodstream, travels through the body, and can kill cancer cells throughout the body. In mesothelioma, chemotherapy may be put directly into the chest (intrapleural chemotherapy).

Intraoperative photodynamic therapy is a new type of treatment that uses special drugs and light to kill cancer cells during surgery. A drug that makes cancer cells more sensitive to light is injected into a vein several days before surgery. During surgery to remove as much of the cancer as possible, a special light is used to shine on the pleura. This treatment is being studied for early stages of mesothelioma in the chest.

Treatment by stage

Treatment depends on where the cancer is, how far it has spread, and the patient�s age and general health.

Standard treatment may be considered because of its effectiveness in patients in past studies, or participation in a clinical trial may be considered. Not all patients are cured with standard therapy and some standard treatments may have more side effects than are desired. For these reasons, clinical trials are designed to find better ways to treat cancer patients and are based on the most up-to-date information. Clinical trials are ongoing in many parts of the country for many patients with malignant mesothelioma. To learn more about clinical trials, call the Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237); TTY at 1-800-332-8615.

Treatment by stage

Localized Malignant Mesothelioma (Stage I)

If the cancer is only in one place in the chest or abdomen, treatment will probably be surgery to remove part of the pleura and some of the tissue around it.

If the cancer is found in a larger part of the pleura, treatment may be one of the following:

  1. Surgery to remove the pleura and the tissue near it to relieve symptoms, with or without radiation therapy after surgery.
  2. Surgery to remove sections of the pleura, the lung, part of the diaphragm, and part of the lining around the heart.
  3. External beam radiation therapy to relieve symptoms.
  4. A clinical trial of surgery followed by chemotherapy given inside the chest.
  5. A clinical trial of surgery, radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy.

Advanced Malignant Mesothelioma (Stages II, III, and IV)

Treatment may be one of the following:

  1. Draining of fluid in the chest or abdomen (thoracentesis or paracentesis) to reduce discomfort. Drugs also may be put into the chest or abdomen to prevent further collection of fluid.
  2. Surgery to relieve symptoms.
  3. Radiation therapy to relieve symptoms.
  4. Chemotherapy.
  5. A clinical trial of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
  6. Chemotherapy given in the chest or abdomen.

Recurrent Malignant Mesothelioma

Treatment depends on many factors, including where the cancer came back and what treatment the patient received before. Clinical trials are testing new treatments.

Stage Explanation

Stages of malignant mesothelioma

Once malignant mesothelioma is found, more tests will be done to find out if cancer cells have spread to other parts of the body. This is called staging. A doctor needs to know the stage of the cancer to plan treatment. The following stages are used for malignant mesothelioma.

Localized malignant mesothelioma

Stage I

The cancer is found in the lining of the chest cavity near the lung and heart or in the diaphragm or the lung.

Advanced malignant mesothelioma

Stage II

The cancer has spread beyond the lining of the chest to lymph nodes in the chest.

Stage III

Cancer has spread into the chest wall, center of the chest, heart, through the diaphragm, or abdominal lining, and in some cases into nearby lymph nodes.

Stage IV

Cancer has spread to distant organs or tissues.

Recurrent malignant mesothelioma

Recurrent disease means that the cancer has come back (recurred) after it has been treated. It may come back in the lining of the chest or abdomen or in another part of the body.

What is malignant mesothelioma?

Malignant mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, is a disease in which cancer (malignant) cells are found in the sac lining the chest (the pleura) or abdomen (the peritoneum). Most people with malignant mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they breathed asbestos.

A doctor should be seen if a person has shortness of breath, pain in the chest, or pain or swelling in the abdomen. If there are symptoms, the doctor may order an x-ray of the chest or abdomen.

The doctor may look inside the chest cavity with a special instrument called a thoracoscope. A cut will be made through the chest wall and the thoracoscope will be put into the chest between two ribs. This test, called thoracoscopy, is usually done in the hospital. Before the test, the patient will be given a local anesthetic (a drug that causes a loss of feeling for a short period of time). Some pressure may be felt, but usually there is no pain.

The doctor may also look inside the abdomen (peritoneoscopy) with a special tool called a peritoneoscope. The peritoneoscope is put into an opening made in the abdomen. This test is also usually done in the hospital. Before the test is done, a local anesthetic will be given.

If tissue that is not normal is found, the doctor will need to cut out a small piece and have it looked at under a microscope to see if there are any cancer cells. This is called a biopsy. Biopsies are usually done during the thoracoscopy or peritoneoscopy.

The chance of recovery (prognosis) depends on the size of the cancer, where the cancer is, how far the cancer has spread, how the cancer cells look under the microscope, how the cancer responds to treatment, and the patient's age.

Friday, April 10, 2009

Ex-Deutsche site worker: Boss said no to asbestos gear

By ETHAN ROUEN and ALISON GENDAR
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITERS

August 27th 2007 - Haz-mat specialist Helen Rocos says it was the last straw in a long list of hazards when she quit her job at the former Deutsche Bank building because her boss demanded she remove her asbestos mask.

Haz-mat specialist Helen Rocos says it was the last straw in a long list of hazards when she quit her job at the former Deutsche Bank building because her boss demanded she remove her asbestos mask.
An asbestos worker at the former Deutsche Bank building told the Daily News she quit her job at the unsafe, underprotected site after her boss berated her for wearing an asbestos mask to protect herself.

Helen Rocos was one of a handful of handpicked workers chosen for the lucrative job of searching for human bone fragments amid gravel on the roof of the toxic 130 Liberty St. in spring 2006.

She said she and other employees were assured the roof had been cleaned of asbestos, so they wore ordinary work clothes as they shoveled stones and pawed through the roof debris to find the remains of those killed on 9/11.

"They told us they got rid of the asbestos, but as I'm digging, I'm thinking, 'How did they magically get rid of the asbestos, but still leave all this healthy dirt behind?'" said Rocos, 57, a tough-talking certified asbestos handler with haz-mat training.

After lunch the first day, Rocos came back to work wearing an asbestos mask. She said her Bovis Lend Lease supervisor was furious.

"He yelled, 'Helen! Take that mask off your face! You are spooking everybody, spooking the people from the medical examiner's office!'" Rocos recalled.

Staff from the medical examiner's office was overseeing the bone search as TV helicopters circled overhead filming the dust plumes.

"I said, 'No!' I said I doubted they could clean the asbestos on the roof and leave all this other dirt untouched. You had people picking through the dirt for bones, then getting up and eating a Dunkin' Donut, licking their fingers," she said. "It was insane."

When she balked at taking off her mask, the Bovis supervisor called her a "loudmouth" and a "troublemaker" in front of the rest of the crew, though he later suggested she wear a cloth mask as a compromise, she said.

At $300 a day, the pay was good, but Rocos said there were problems at the "black hole" even before the first bone fragments surfaced.

Her pay stubs from the John Galt Corp., a subcontractor hired by Bovis to oversee asbestos cleanup and demolition, show she worked from March 26, 2006, to April 22, 2006.

When she and other workers were cleaning asbestos inside the building, they couldn't wash up sometimes because decontamination units lacked water, she said. Live power lines snaked across floors where asbestos was being removed. Simple things like working toilets could not be found.

The fight over the mask was the last straw, she said, so she quit. Days later, by the end of April, the Environmental Protection Agency had suspended the search for bone fragments because the roof was "not properly cleaned" and asbestos particles were discovered in the dust, officials said.

The companies that ran the cleanup have remained mum since two firefighters died in a fire that ripped through the ravaged tower nine days ago.

Jeff Melofchik, a safety supervisor for Bovis, was out of town, a family member said.

Mitch Alvo, a project supervisor for Galt, said to a reporter who came to his home: "Who the f--k are you? I'm contractually obligated not to speak to the press. I would love to speak to the press. I would have loved to speak to the press for the last year and a half, but I can't."

Rocos said their buck-passing is the least of their sins.

"Those bosses, those ... sons of guns were too greedy or lazy or callous to care. They broke rules left and right. Their time is over," she said.

agendar@nydailynews.com

With Mike Jaccarino

Source: mesothelioma-lung-cancer.org

Mesothelioma

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos. In this disease, malignant cells develop in the mesothelium, a protective lining that covers most of the body's internal organs. Its most common site is the pleura (outer lining of the lungs and internal chest wall), but it may also occur in the peritoneum (the lining of the abdominal cavity), the heart,[1] the pericardium (a sac that surrounds the heart) or tunica vaginalis.

Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles, or they have been exposed to asbestos dust and fiber in other ways. Washing the clothes of a family member who worked with asbestos can also put a person at risk for developing mesothelioma.[2] Unlike lung cancer, there is no association between mesothelioma and smoking, but smoking greatly increases risk of other asbestos induced cancer.[3] Compensation via asbestos funds or lawsuits is an important issue in mesothelioma (see asbestos and the law).

The symptoms of mesothelioma include shortness of breath due to pleural effusion (fluid between the lung and the chest wall) or chest wall pain, and general symptoms such as weight loss. The diagnosis may be suspected with chest X-ray and CT scan, and is confirmed with a biopsy (tissue sample) and microscopic examination. A thoracoscopy (inserting a tube with a camera into the chest) can be used to take biopsies. It allows the introduction of substances such as talc to obliterate the pleural space (called pleurodesis), which prevents more fluid from accumulating and pressing on the lung. Despite treatment with chemotherapy, radiation therapy or sometimes surgery, the disease carries a poor prognosis. Research about screening tests for the early detection of mesothelioma is ongoing.

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

University of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma

Source: Youtube

Doctor Explains Mesothelioma Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

Symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma

Once trapped in the body, asbestos fibers cause cancerous cells to divide abnormally, resulting in the thickening of the pleural membrane layers and mesothelial cells, causing build-up of fluid (called pleural effusion). The fluid begins to put pressure on the lungs and the respiratory system in general, preventing normal breathing. Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are largely caused by these developments and may include the following:

    Pleural mesothelioma specifically develops in the pleural lining of the lungs.
  • Persistent dry or raspy cough
  • Coughing up blood (hemoptysis)
  • Difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia)
  • Shortness of breath that occurs even when at rest (dyspnea)
  • Persistent pain in the chest or rib area, or painful breathing
  • Development of lumps under the skin on the chest
  • Night sweats or fever
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Fatigue
Source: asbestos.com

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of mesothelioma, a rare cancer that develops in the mesothelial cells that make up the mesothelium, a membrane that lines many of the body’s organs and cavities. In the case of pleural mesothelioma, the cancer develops in the lining of the lungs, called the pleura or pleural membrane.

Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Succeptablility by Country.

The pleura is comprised of two layers which provide support and protection for the lungs and chest cavity. The outer layer, or the parietal layer, lines the entire chest cavity and the diaphragm. The inner layer, or visceral layer, covers the lungs. Pleural mesothelioma typically develops in one layer, but can metastasize, or spread, to the other layer.

Like all mesothelioma cancers, pleural mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure and develops when the toxic asbestos fibers become trapped in the spaces between the mesothelial cells.


Source: asbestos.com

Types of Mesothelioma


There are five known types of mesothelioma. Four of these are malignant cancers, and one is a benign condition.

Pleural Mesothelioma: This type of mesothelioma develops in the lining of the lungs, known as the pleura. It is the most common form of malignant mesothelioma, with around 70 percent of cases being pleural in origin.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma: This form of mesothelioma develops in the lining of the abdominal cavity, known as the peritoneal membrane. Approximately 25 percent of mesothelioma cases are of this type.

Pericardial Mesothelioma: This form of mesothelioma develops in the lining of the heart, known as the pericardium. About 5 percent of all mesothelioma cases are pericardial.


Once asbestos is inhaled it can effect many of the bodys different organs including the throat, lungs, stomach, heart and testicles.


Testicular Mesothelioma: This is the rarest type of malignant mesothelioma; to date, there have been less than 100 recorded cases. Testicular mesothelioma develops in the tunica vaginalis of the testicles.

Benign Mesothelioma: The benign form of mesothelioma most commonly develops in the pleura. This is the only form of mesothelioma for which full cure and recovery is a probable outcome, though it may be a precursor of future asbestos-related problems.

Source: asbestos.com

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a naturally-occurring fibrous substance that was widely used in the twentieth century in a number of different industries. Popular because of its durability, fire resistance, and insulating properties, it was regularly used in the manufacture of several thousand different products, up until the time that asbestos warnings were issued in the mid-1970s. It is estimated that approximately 80 to 90 percent of mesothelioma cases are caused by asbestos exposure.

The exact way in which asbestos causes mesothelioma is not well understood though doctors and researchers have put forth many hypotheses. What is apparent, however, is that any length of exposure to asbestos can be hazardous and may result in the development of asbestos-related diseases later in life.

Source: asbestos.com

Mesothelioma Causes & Steps After a Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that develops in the mesothelial cells that lines many organs and body cavities. The mesothelium (composed of mesothelial cells) is the membrane that lines three of the body's cavities, and depending on what cavity it lines it is given a specific name: the thoracic cavity (pleura), abdominal cavity (peritoneum), and the heart sac (pericardium).
The mesothelium that covers the internal organs is called the visceral mesothelium, while the layer that covers the body wall is called parietal mesothelium.

Mesothelium tissue also surrounds the male internal reproductive organs and covers the internal reproductive organs in women.

Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer of the mesothelium, in which cells of the mesothelium become abnormal and divide uncontrollably and without order. They can invade and damage nearby tissues and organs. Most cases of mesothelioma begin in the thoracic cavity (pleura) or the abdominal cavity (peritoneum).

Approximately 2,000 to 3,000 cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed each year in the United States, comprising around 3 percent of all cancer diagnoses. This cancer occurs about four times more frequently in men than in women. All forms of mesothelioma, except for benign mesothelioma, are invariably fatal. The prognosis for mesothelioma is almost always poor and most studies report a median survival of less than one year, but the prognosis really depends on how early the cancer is diagnosed and how aggressively it is treated.

After a mesothelioma patient learns of their diagnosis, the next step is often exploring applicable treatment options to create the best treatment plan possible. Treatment options range from surgery to chemotherapy and we offer information about the various types of treatment available to patients. To help you learn more about these options, we provide an informational packet to interested patients and their loved ones at the top, right of this page.

Source: asbestos.com

Malignant Mesothelioma

Malignant Mesothelioma

Malignant Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the thin cell wall lining of the body's internal organs and structures. This lining is known as the mesothelium. Malignant mesothelioma has three known varieties. They are malignant pleural mesothelioma, malignant pericardial mesothelioma, and malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the pleura, the lung's lining. Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs in the peritoneum, the abdominal cavity wall. And pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the lining of the hearth, known as the pericardium.

What Causes Malignant Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is known only to be caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a nature, yet toxic mineral that was used commonly in heavy industry. Microscopic asbestos fibers enter the body through the lung or ingestion. Once inside, the durable fibers are unable to be broken down or expelled by the body, causing a harmful inflammation and scarring of the mesothelium. This scarring lays the groundwork mesothelioma and other respiratory conditions, such as asbestosis.

How is Malignant Mesothelioma Treated?

Malignant mesothelioma prognoses are poor, as often the disease will be diagnosed in its later stages after symptoms have appeared. However, there are several treatment options for the management of the cancer. Among these are chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical resection. Chemotherapeutic and radiation therapy methods are more likely but surgery is often an option for those whose disease is diagnosed early enough.

How is Malignant Mesothelioma diagnosed?

Malignant Mesothelioma will typically be suspected if the patient complains of chest pain, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, chronic cough, or difficulty swallowing. While any of these could indicate mesothelioma, they are also associated with many other respiratory conditions so further diagnostic procedures are typically warranted. These may include imaging scans, such as computer topography or magnetic resonance imaging. A diagnostic biopsy is also required for cancer specialist to examine the behavior of these cells before a diagnosis is determined.

What options of patients of Malignant Mesothelioma have?

Patients of malignant mesothelioma or any other asbestos related health complications may be eligible for compensation if they were wrongfully exposed. All those seeking further information should fill out the brief contact form on this page to receive a mesothelioma and asbestos information packet detailing treatment and legal options.

Source: mesothelioma.com

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that occurs in the thin cell walls which surround the abdominal cavity, known as the peritoneum. Other types of mesothelioma include malignant pleural mesothelioma, occurring in the cell wall surrounding the lungs, and malignant pericardial mesothelioma, which occurs in the pericardial lining of the hearth. Peritoneal mesothelioma is the second rarest form of the disease and accounts for approximately 20% of all mesothelioma cases each year.

What Causes Peritoneal Mesothelioma?

Peritoneal mesothelioma is known only to be caused by exposure to asbestos, a microscopic natural fiber that was used heavily in industry. Asbestos is said to reach the abdominal wall by one of two methods. The first is through ingested asbestos fibers which are processed through digestion and become lodged in peritoneum. These other method is through the lungs and lymph nodes, by inhaled asbestos fibers. Mesothelioma of the pleura is also known to metastasize directly into the abdominal cavity if its spread is not slowed.

How is Peritoneal Mesothelioma Treated?

Prognosis of mesothelioma patients is poor, and peritoneal mesothelioma patients are no exception. Most peritoneal treatment regimens for patients include palliative methods such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. However, if the disease is diagnosed in its earlier stages, patients may be eligible for surgical resection of the disease, which could potentially add years to initial prognoses.

How is Peritoneal Mesothelioma Diagnosed?

Physicians may suspect peritoneal mesothelioma if the patient complains of stomach, chest, or abdominal pain. Suspicious hernias may actually be a pleural effusion caused by peritoneal tumor growth. Misdiagnosis is common and patients will likely undergo multiple imaging scans and a diagnostic biopsy before an official diagnosis is made.

What are a patient's options?

Patients of peritoneal mesothelioma may be eligible for financial compensation if they exposed to asbestos. Industrial exposures were common and those exposed have collected compensation to finance high treatment costs. For additional information on your legal rights of mesothelioma please fill out the brief contact form on this page.

Source: mesothelioma.com

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that occurs in the thin cell walls which surround the abdominal cavity, known as the peritoneum. Other types of mesothelioma include malignant pleural mesothelioma, occurring in the cell wall surrounding the lungs, and malignant pericardial mesothelioma, which occurs in the pericardial lining of the hearth. Peritoneal mesothelioma is the second rarest form of the disease and accounts for approximately 20% of all mesothelioma cases each year.

What Causes Peritoneal Mesothelioma?

Peritoneal mesothelioma is known only to be caused by exposure to asbestos, a microscopic natural fiber that was used heavily in industry. Asbestos is said to reach the abdominal wall by one of two methods. The first is through ingested asbestos fibers which are processed through digestion and become lodged in peritoneum. These other method is through the lungs and lymph nodes, by inhaled asbestos fibers. Mesothelioma of the pleura is also known to metastasize directly into the abdominal cavity if its spread is not slowed.

How is Peritoneal Mesothelioma Treated?

Prognosis of mesothelioma patients is poor, and peritoneal mesothelioma patients are no exception. Most peritoneal treatment regimens for patients include palliative methods such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. However, if the disease is diagnosed in its earlier stages, patients may be eligible for surgical resection of the disease, which could potentially add years to initial prognoses.

How is Peritoneal Mesothelioma Diagnosed?

Physicians may suspect peritoneal mesothelioma if the patient complains of stomach, chest, or abdominal pain. Suspicious hernias may actually be a pleural effusion caused by peritoneal tumor growth. Misdiagnosis is common and patients will likely undergo multiple imaging scans and a diagnostic biopsy before an official diagnosis is made.

What are a patient's options?

Patients of peritoneal mesothelioma may be eligible for financial compensation if they exposed to asbestos. Industrial exposures were common and those exposed have collected compensation to finance high treatment costs. For additional information on your legal rights of mesothelioma please fill out the brief contact form on this page.

Source: mesothelioma.com

Pericardial Mesothelioma

Pericardial Mesothelioma

Malignant pericardial mesothelioma is a type of cancer that originates in the mesothelium, a thin wall of cells that surround the body's organs and internal body structures. Pericardial mesothelioma originates in the lining of the heart. Other locales of the disease are malignant pleural mesothelioma, which occurs in the lining of the lungs and malignant peritoneal mesothelioma, which occurs in the abdomen wall. Pericardial mesothelioma is the rarest of these malignancies and accounts for only an estimated 10 percent of all mesothelioma incidences annually.

What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma is known only to be caused by exposure to asbestos, a naturally occurring but toxic mineral that was used in industrial capacities. While the precise route by which microscopic asbestos fibers reaches the pericardial lining is not known, physicians surmise that inhaled asbestos fibers are absorbed into the bloodstream and become entangled in the heart's lining as the blood processes through the heart. Mesothelioma occurring in other parts of the body, such as in the pleura or peritoneum, can also metastasize to the pericardial lining.

How is Pericardial Mesothelioma Treated?

Prognoses are poor in cases of pericardial mesothelioma, just as nearly all mesothelioma cases are. However, several treatment options exist to help patients manage the disease and maintain comfort. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are the most likely treatment options for patients of this disease. Surgery is typically not an option because of the local of the disease and the risk of grave damage to the tumor area.

How is Pericardial Mesothelioma Diagnosed?

Physicians will often suspect pericardial mesothelioma if the patient has trouble breathing, shortness of breath, or chest pain. A comprehensive diagnostic and biopsy process will be undergone through use of multiple body imaging scans.

What a Patient's Options?

Patients of pericardial mesothelioma may be eligible for financial compensation if they were wrongly exposed to asbestos. Anyone who worked with asbestos products is potentially at-risk and should fill out the brief form on this page to receive additional treatment and legal information.

Source: Mesothelioma.com

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural disease is often seen in people who have been exposed to high levels of asbestos on the job. It sometimes takes 10 years or more for changes to appear that are indicative of pleural disease which affects the thin membrane layer in the chest. These differences can include a thickening or calcification of the pleural lining and is usually diagnosed as pleural plaques, pleural thickening and pleural calcification.

In most instances, pleural disease is not considered fatal but it does have the ability to impair lung function and it does confirm that a person has sustained significant asbestos exposure and could be at a higher risk for developing more severe asbestos cancer. If you have been diagnosed with pleural disease it is important to preserve your legal rights.

However, pleural plaques can lay the groundwork for mesothelioma, which is an extremely aggressive cancer known only to be caused by asbestos exposure. Pleural mesothelioma originates in the pleura but quickly spreads to the outer chest wall, abdomen, and heart. Mesothelioma is typically fatal within 1 year of diagnosis. However, early recognition of risk factors, like asbestos exposure will typically lead to early detection of the cancer. Those whose disease is discovered early enough will likely be much more eligible life-sustaining and bettering treatments. Mesothelioma patients who receive an early diagnosis may be eligible for surgical resection of the cancer, which can extend life years beyond that of typical mesothelioma patients.

Other treatments are available for mesothelioma, including traditional radiotherapy and chemotherapeutic methods which can ease symptoms of the disease and make the cancer much more manageable.
Don't Let Time Get in the Way!

Don't let time prevent you from taking legal action. Every state establishes set timeframes for filing lawsuits for an asbestos related injury. These timeframes are also known as the state statutes of limitation. The deadlines established in the statutes are fixed so it is important to consult with a legal professional soon after the onset of an asbestos related illness to determine what, if any action may be appropriate.

Source: Mesothelioma.com

Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos exposure is the single known cause of mesothelioma. Inhaled or ingested asbestos fibers may cause an inflammation of internal tissue and disrupt organ function which leads to the development of the disease. Asbestos products were used extensively throughout the 20th century in a wide variety of applications. Many of these products were responsible for asbestos exposure sustained by both the individuals who manufactured the products as well as those who used them at commercial and industrial jobsites including shipyards, refineries, power plants, steel plants and more. Several asbestos companies continued to produce these products even after they were known to be hazardous and harmful to workers and their families. Those who have become sick because of exposure to these products may now be eligible for financial compensation if they were wrongfully exposed.

Asbestos was also used at many New York jobsites including Ground Zero and the former World Trade Center site. Common asbestos exposure sites in New York include the Brooklyn Navy Yard, Todd Shipyard, and the Con Edison power plant in New York City.

Mesothelioma Treatment

A Patient's Options

Once an individual has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, the next step is to discuss mesothelioma treatment options with his/her physician. Recent scientific research has produced significant breakthroughs with regard to treatment protocols for mesothelioma patients and more options are now available for managing the disease and supporting improved quality of life. Newly diagnosed patients always have many questions about the treatment options that would be most effective for them, including questions about new treatment therapies like Alimta and Cisplatin and other chemotherapy drugs. In addition to these newer drugs that are being used to treat asbestos cancer, mesothelioma patients also have a number of "conventional" treatment options to consider, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery. Clinical trials and experimental treatments are still other options that some mesothelioma patients may be eligible to participate in. Our site features a comprehensive mesothelioma cancer treatment section that includes important information for patients and families. We've included resources on top mesothelioma doctors such as Dr. Sugarbaker, as well as a comprehensive list of questions that you may wish to discuss with your personal physician when preparing a treatment plan. We are always providing new and informative resources regarding mesothelioma treatment including: Clinical Trials, conventional treatments, experimental therapies, and more. Check back often for the most recent advances in mesothelioma treatments.

Mesothelioma

What is it?

Malignant mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that occurs in the thin layer of cells lining the body's internal organs, known as the mesothelium. There are three recognized types of mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form of the disease, accounting for roughly 70% of cases, and occurs in the lining of the lung known as the pleura. Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs in the lining of the abdominal cavity, known as the peritoneum and pericardial mesothelioma originates in the pericardium, which lines the heart. The only recognized cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos, though other factors such as smoking can make the disease more or less likely in some individuals. Industrial laborers were widely subjected to asbestos exposure on the job, as the material was widely used throughout the 20th century. Few of these workers knew they were being exposed to asbestos, however, despite the fact that many manufacturers were aware the material was hazardous. In most cases, mesothelioma symptoms will not appear in an individual exposed to asbestos until many years after the exposure has occurred. Those who believe they may have been exposed to asbestos should fill out our form to receive a free mesothelioma information packet, detailing treatment options, emerging therapies, and jobsite exposure information.

Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that develops in the lining around the lungs (the “pleura”), abdomen (the “peritoneum”), or heart (the “pericardium”). Mesothelioma is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos. In contrast, lung cancer refers to a malignancy of the lung itself.

This section is not intended as a tool for self-diagnosis, nor is it intended to be a substitute for consulting with a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of mesothelioma. This section is merely designed to help you learn about mesothelioma.

Pleural mesothelioma and lung cancer are both serious illnesses, but they are not the same. Pleural mesothelioma – sometimes called “asbestos lung cancer” – is really not a form of lung cancer, but a cancer of the lining that surrounds the lung.

A main difference between lung cancer and mesothelioma is that lung cancer is in the tissue of the lung. By contrast, pleural mesothelioma occurs in the lining around the lung.

Smoking is often considered a primary cause of lung cancer, while asbestos exposure is considered a primary cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure may also be associated with lung cancer. Smoking is not linked to mesothelioma, however. Those exposed to asbestos and who smoke are as much as 90 times more likely to be develop lung cancer than those who don’t smoke.

Sunday, April 5, 2009

A Cat's Stamp of Approval


Source: YTB

Toxoplasmosis & Pregnancy

When the pregnant cat owner first encounters this word while leafing through a book about mothers-to-be, she feels a stab in the pit of her stomach. Reading on only increases her feelings of dread: "A pregnant woman can get it from a cat... She can pass it on to her developing baby... It can cause birth defects." While there is a reason for concern, there's no need to panic, say veterinarians and gynecologists.
"Doctors used to say the woman should get rid of the cat, but that's totally unnecessary," says Dr. Michael Davidson, associate professor of companion animal and special species medicine at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine. The only way a woman can get toxoplasmosis from a cat is through direct contact with its feces, which most people try to avoid anyway! A few simple precautions are all that's needed to prevent exposure to this parasite during pregnancy.
Some 80 percent of domestic cats are exposed to toxoplasmosis during their lives, usually as a result of eating a mouse, mole, squirrel or other infected prey. Some cats show no symptoms; others get diarrhea or become listless. Occasionally, pneumonia or eye inflammation occurs. Indoor cats in rodent-free homes may never be exposed.
As many as 60 percent of humans also become exposed, usually after handling cat feces either in a litter box or garden, says Dr. Davidson. Chances are, most cat owners who have lived with felines for any length of time have already been exposed to toxoplasmosis. Like cats, people generally show no symptoms or appear to have only a mild "flu." Although a person shows no symptoms, he or she still produces an antibody, thus building up immunity.
"If you have been exposed to toxoplasmosis and produced an antibody, you're pretty well protected," says Dr. John Botti, director of maternal-fetal medicine at Penn State University College of Medicine. If a woman is exposed to the parasite for the first time during pregnancy, though, the effects that it will have on her and the baby depend on how far along she is in the pregnancy. During the first three months, it is unlikely that a woman will pass the parasite on to her developing fetus. If toxoplasmosis is transmitted to the baby during this time, however, the chances are greatest that the baby will develop a major health problem. Conversely, a woman in her third trimester of pregnancy is most likely to pass on toxoplasmosis to her baby, but the parasite is least likely to cause serious birth defects.
Statistics show that of the 4 million babies born in the United States each year, only 1,200 suffer any effects from toxoplasmosis. Most of these babies have only mild problems, such as a rash or an eye infection. Nonetheless, the parasite can cause grave damage to a growing fetus. In rare instances, babies have developed hydrocephalus (a condition in which the brain swells), mental retardation and anemia.
To eliminate the risk of exposure to toxoplasmosis, pregnant cat owners should avoid handling the litter box by having someone else perform the task, or simply wear gloves when cleaning it, and washing hands thoroughly afterwards. This also applies to gardening, especially if outdoor cats frequent the area. "Just use common sense," Dr. Davidson advises. As an added precaution, he recommends that the litter box be changed daily because, once the organism is shed, it takes at least 24 hours for it to become transmissible to humans. Interestingly, cats can only shed the organism in their feces one time during their lives - just after they have been exposed for the first time. And, Dr. Davidson says, "It's unlikely they'll shed it during a woman's pregnancy."
A simple blood test can determine if a person has ever been exposed to toxoplasmosis. Unfortunately, it cannot specify when exposure occurred, so it's a good idea for a woman to be tested before becoming pregnant. If she has been exposed she will know for sure it was prior to her pregnancy.
Toxoplasmosis should be taken seriously, but it's no reason for pregnant women to get rid or even avoid their cats. During pregnancy, a woman has days when she feels apprehensive about the future or stressed about her weight gain or fearful of the impending delivery. The perfect remedy - and one that is completely safe - may be to curl up on the sofa with a feline friend.
Source: i-love-cats.com

Products For Flea Control

Fleas can be a major problem for cat owners. Not only are these tiny creatures a nuisance, they are also the cause of many diseases such as flea anemia, flea bite dermatitis, and tapeworm infestation. Therefore, strict flea control is a necessary step in the health care of any cat. The eradication of fleas from our animals and our homes necessitates the use of products containing insecticides, either in the form of a mousses, spot-ons, oral suspensions, powders or spray mists. While there are many safe insecticide products available for use on cats, caution must be used as cats are generally more sensitive to most insecticides. Cat owners should be extremely careful when using flea products on or around their cats. Products should be used strictly according to their label directions.
The following are some guidelines for cat owners to follow when choosing and applying a flea control product:
Never use insecticides on very young kittens, pregnant queens, debilitated, or elderly cats without consulting your veterinarian. With such cats, you may want to consider avoiding the use of some insecticides directly on your pet. Instead, you could comb the fleas off the cat with a flea comb then submerge the fleas in a small container of soapy water. This would also be a good alternative for cats who love being groomed but who violently refuse baths or the application of a spray.
Before using ANY product on your cat, read the label instructions completely. If you do not completely understand the instructions, you should contact the manufacturer or your veterinarian for clarification. Observe the species and age requirements listed on the label. NEVER use a product labeled "for use on dogs only" on your cats. Cats react very differently than dogs to some insecticides. Some dog products can be deadly to cats, even in tiny amounts.
Use caution when using products that contain organophosphates in your house or on your cat. Cats are more sensitive to organophosphate insecticides than most other animals. Currently, there are few flea products in the United States labeled for use on cats that contain organophosphates as an active ingredient. The few that can be used on cats contain a small concentration of organophosphate. However, many household sprays and products that are specifically labeled "for use on dogs only" are widely available. Again, avoid these dog products! In some cases, exposed cats can start showing signs within hours. Symptoms would include drooling, depression, labored breathing, weakness, and convulsions. Without prompt and proper treatment, many exposures could lead to the animal's death. With appropriate treatment by a veterinarian, the survival chances are much higher.
NEVER use flea control products that contain "permethrin" on your cats, unless they are specifically labeled for use on cats. There are some products that are labeled for use on cats that contain small concentrations of permethrin, usually less than 0.1%. When used according to the label instructions, these can be used safely in cats. However, there are many permethrin products available over the counter for use on "dogs only." These contain high concentrations (45-60% ) of permethrin insecticide. These permethrin products have a good range of safety when used on dogs, but, even a few drops of concentrated permethrin could be lethal to cats. The reason for this species difference is yet unknown. Exposed cats can develop uncontrollable seizures within hours of concentrated permethrin application. Some may tremor for several days. The fatality rate of untreated cats exposed to such products is very high. Proper treatment by a veterinarian can often prevent death.
Always use caution when using shampoos, sprays, topical spot-ons, or mousse near your cat's eyes, ears, and genitalia. Inactive ingredients can cause irritation to these sensitive tissues. When using a fogger or a home premise spray, make sure to remove all cats from the house for the time period specified on the container. Food and water bowls should be removed from the area also. Allow time for the product to dry completely before returning your cats to your home. Open windows or use fans to "air out" the household before returning your cats to the treated area. Strong fumes can be irritating to your cat's eyes and upper respiratory system. If you are uncertain about the usage of any household product, contact the product's manufacturer or your veterinarian to explain the directions BEFORE use of the product.
Insect growth regulators like lufenuron, methoprene, and pyriproxyfen can be used in combination or alone with flea control products. They can help break the flea life cycle by inhibiting flea maturation. Growth regulators have minimal adverse effects and can improve the efficacy when used in combination with adult flea insecticides.
Just because a product is labeled to be a "natural" product does not mean that the product is completely safe. Many such "natural" products can be harmful when used inappropriately on cats. For example, d-limonene and linalool are citrus extracts that are used as flea control agents. Though they are natural products, they still can have serious side effects if used on sensitive cats or if used improperly.
Observe your cat closely after using flea products. If your cat exhibits unusual behavior, or becomes depressed, weak, or uncoordinated you should seek veterinary advice.
Once again, read the label. This could save the life of your cat!
Source: http://www.i-love-cats.com/Health/flea.htm

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Cat Food Recall

Looking for cat food recall information? The I-Love-Cats.com Cat Food Recall has vital information on the huge cat food recall of 2007 including:
What Cat Foods Have Been Recalled?
Which Cat Foods Are Safe?
What Is The FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) Doing About It?
Cat Food Recall News & Updates
How To Report A Complaint If Your Cat Gets Sick
Download the Cat Food Recall
With all the scary news about contaminated cat food and pets dying - why take a chance? Now you can have all the facts right on your own computer. This should eliminate a lot of your worries about your cat's safety.
Screenshot of the Cat Food Recall:


Download the Cat Food Recall

Source: i-love-cats.com

Life’s Abundance Premium Health Food For Cats

Life’s Abundance foods are veterinarian-formulated with select ingredients help your cat achieve optimum health. We use a “fast-cook” process at low temperatures to help preserve the nutritional value of each and every wholesome ingredient. And we maintain strict inventory controls to ensure the quality and safety of our foods.
Life’s Abundance foods are made with the finest ingredients, including …
A proprietary blend of vitamins and minerals
High-quality protein from chicken and catfish meals for strong muscles
An antioxidant system including vitamins A, C and E.
Omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin and a shiny coat.
Calcium and phosphorus for healthy teeth and strong bones
Dietary fiber to help maintain a healthy digestive tract.
Since we use only wholesome ingredient, this formula contains …
No artificial flavors
No artificial colors
No corn or corn gluten
No wheat or wheat gluten
Life’s Abundance delivers concentrated nutrition in every bowl.
A balanced blend of calcium and phosphorous to support growing and aging bones.
Optimal protein levels for growing kittens and adults.
Unique blend of antioxidants that support cats throughout their life cycle.
Choose Life’s Abundance for your cat because a recipe for a better life is more than meeting minimum requirements.

buy link: http://www.healthypetnet.com/HealthyPetNet/Catalog/ProductDetail.aspx?realname=40010204&cat=0&hdr=&Ath=False&ProductID=405006(Pet_Base)

Our Cats


"A cat's eyes are windows enabling us to see into another world." - Irish Legend
Our cats are special and we are committed to providing our soulful friends with natural foods made with the freshest ingredients, effective nutritional solutions and supplements, treats with a healthy purpose and luxurious pet care products created to beautify and pamper your feline.

Commercial Cat Food

Major brand-name commercial dry cat food manufacturers often use primarily grain-based ingredients like corn and rice with meat by-products or animal digest making up the meat ingredients. Some manufacturers offer 'premium', 'natural' or 'holistic' formulas that are by-product free and contains less or no grains. Grain-free dry diets still contain carbohydrates, from sources such as potato or tapioca as the starch in those ingredients is needed to allow the kibble to hold its shape. Cats have no metabolic need for carbohydrates as the feline system prefers to create glucose from protein.
Veterinarian Recommended All Natural Cat Food
Dry cat food is generally made by extrusion cooking under high heat and pressure. It may can be sprayed with fat to increase palatability and other ingredients to complete its composition. Cat owners often prefer dry cat food due to the convenience and price. Besides usually being significantly cheaper, dried cat food can also be left out for the cat to eat at will over the course of several days; whereas, canned or raw cat food spoils or becomes unappetizing after several hours. Dry cat food is recommended by some based on the idea that cats break apart dry foods with their teeth, which causes the food to scrape off dental calculus (like brushing their teeth).Cat owners and veterinarians who recommend a diet consisting largely or entirely of canned, homemade or raw cat food point to higher water content of such food and the increased total water consumption in comparison to a dry food diet as an important health benefit. Wet cat food also generally contains significantly less grain and other carbohydrate material, although many are made with fish ingredients. Canned cat foods in pop-top containers may play a role in the development of hyperthyroidism in cats. In general, canned, homemade, or raw cat foods are thought to either help treat or noticeably reduce the likelihood of numerous health issues including urinary tract disorders, diabetes, chronic renal failure, constipation, and obesity.

Cat Food Recipes Cookbook

Cats not only survived but thrived on the Cat Food Recipes which came from the human table for thousands of years. Finding free natural home made cat food recipes is not easy. It is only in the last hundred years that we have we been led to believe that cats can not survive without packaged cat food. We are told that it would be harmful if we were to give them the scraps from our own home cooked meals.
New! Download all these Cat Food Recipes FREE in the Cat Food Recipes Cookbook!
You also may display any of these Cat Food Recipes on your website, but you will need to include the author information at the bottom of each recipe or else you will be violating our usage and federal copyright laws. Enjoy all the free cat food recipes!
Beef & Veggie Broth
Better Than Grass Salad
Canadian Cat Relish
Cat Cheese Please
Cat Cookies
Cat Crackers
Cat Crunchies
Cat Jelly
Cat Wraps
Chicken & Pasta Stew
Chicken & Sardines
Chicken Cheeseburgers
Chicken Stir Fry
Chicken Soup
Cookies For Cats
Crispy Trout Dinner
Fabulous Fishballs
Feline Feast
Feline Hash
Feline Weight Loss
Fish Pudding
Food For Finicky Felines
Kitty Birthday Treats
Kitty Pudding
Ham It Up Cat Treats
Healthy Cat Meal
Home Cooked Kitty Meal
Infant Kitten Formula
Kedgeree
Kipper Supreme
Kitten Delights
Kitten Milk
Kitties Favorite Treats
Kitty Biscuits
Kitty Breakfast
Kitty Catnip Cookies
Kitty Cookies
Kitty Heaven
Kitty Kisses
Kitty Roll Ups
Kitty Tacos
Liver Cookies
Mackerel Cat Munchies
Mackerel Magic
Meaty Oats
Meowsli
Mini Cat Cakes
Mouseburger Bites
Natural Crunchy Cat Treats
No Fui Tofui
Potatoes Au Feline
Salmon Mouse Mousse
Sardine Heaven
Sardine Soup
Sauteed Liver
Sassy Cat's Special Dinner
Sassy Cat's Tuna Pops
Super Salmon Pate
Treats For Older Cats
Tuna Patties
Tuna Pops
Tuna Treats
Tutti Frutti
You Gotta Have Sole
Your Kitties Kibbles

Cat Training Tips

There are many different ways to train your cat. Here are a few cat training tips that might help you succeed. You never want to use force or hit your cat as a punishment. The cat will only become confused, and eventually it could cause the cat to fear you. Cats only learn by experience. If your cat has never used a litter pan before, they will not know what to do when the time comes. When you bring your cat home for the first time, you should immediately place them in the litter pan. Cats are very curious creatures and may want to check out their surroundings instead. Do not force them to stay in the litter pan, as this could make them associate the litter pan with a bad place. Let them freely roam around your house for about 15-20 minutes. If they do have an accident do not punish them, as they do not know where to go at first. Always watch your cat to observe signs that they need to go to the bathroom. When you think your cat needs to go, you should simply pick them up and place them in the litter pan. After awhile, your cat should learn what the litter pan is for.Cat training tips can teach you how to discipline your cat also. You should never give your cat attention when they meow constantly. The cat will start to think if they meow you will give them what they want. So if the cat wakes you up in the middle of the night, and you feed them, you are basically praising them for waking you up. Cats are confused very easily and little mistakes made like this could end up as bad habits for the cat.You can get cat training tips from your local veterinarian, online, and at the library. Always research the technique you use first. Make sure it is safe and effective for your cat. Never use techniques that involve hitting or abuse. Always be sure to have cat toys and something for the cat to scratch on. If you do not have any make some. A bored cat will always be a mischievous cat.
Source: cattrainingtips.net

Friday, April 3, 2009

Cat Toilet Training

Cat toilet training is a very important process, and there are several different things you can do to toilet train your cat. No one wants a home full of the smell of cat urine and feces, and toilet training is important in preventing this. Cats can be trained to use the bathroom outside, in a litter box, on the toilet, and in a specific area. Cats are very intelligent animals who are naturally both clean and curious. If your cat is litter box trained you will notice that your pet always covers up the spot in the box where they went to the bathroom. If you want to train your cat to use the bathroom outside it may be a good idea to put a cat door in your home, so the animal can come in and go out as the need arises.Cat toilet training using a toilet is possible, as some cat animal stars have shown, but this can be very difficult, even impossible with some cats, and professional help should be sought if you have no experience with this sort of training. It is much easier to train a cat to use a litter box or the outdoors. Many cats will stop using the litter box, and start using the outside, if the litter box becomes dirty or stinks. When you first bring your new cat home, the first thing you should do is to place the cat in the bathroom spot, no matter what or where that is. If your cat wanders off, just supervise until you think the cat has to go to the bathroom, then place it back into the spot to use.Cat toilet training is important, but just like any training only positive reinforcement should be used, and hitting or punishment should never be used. This will just cause confusion and fear in your cat, and may make the problem worse instead. Patience is important in any training, and it will pay off in the long run. Be consistent and enjoy your new pet, using play to help end any training sessions. This will help develop trust and friendship between the two of you, and increase the odds of effective training. 

Source: cattrainingtips.net

Cat Door Training

Cat door training is training your cat to use a cat door, which is a small wooden or metal door which fits into an outside door of your home. This door is on hinges, which can swing in and out, which allows your cat to go out and come in as they please without having to wait for you to open the door. With this type of training, the cat uses the bathroom outside, and they use the cat door to do this. It may take a little time to train a cat to use this door, but patience is critical, and eventually your cat will be trained. Cat doors offer many benefits, and the biggest is no messy litter boxes or smells in the home. The cat does all their business outside, which makes them much neater and more convenient.Cat door training should always be started as soon as possible after you get your cat. The cat door must be installed, but most of these products come with easy self install instructions and hardware, making them a snap to put in. Freedom is very important to a cat, and cats are curious as well. A cat door will make your cat feel more independent, and give them a better and fuller life. If your cat goes outside, however, it is important that you put a collar with bells on the cat, to warn any wildlife and small animals that it is coming. Cats are natural predators, and they will hunt and kill whether it is needed or not. Training your cat to use the cat door will increase the odds of predatory behavior by the cat to other animals, and bells will give all animals close by a chance by warning them that your cat is coming towards them.Cat door training may take a little while to accomplish completely, but once your cat gets the hang of using the cat door, your life will become much simpler. Until this happens, it is important not to have any negative reaction to the mistakes which may occur. This training will allow your cat to have the independence they desire, while allowing you peace of mind that your pet can use the potty outside whether you are home or not. 

Source: cattrainingtip

Cat Potty Training

Cat potty training is an important part of helping your cat learn where to use the bathroom, and where not to. Cats are very smart animals, and it usually does not take long for them to catch on that they are expected to use a certain spot or area for these needs. Simply placing your cat in the designated bathroom area for a few times when they seem to need it, and lots of praise and treats when they go. This is the most effective method to use for any type of training with your cat. Potty training for your cat should not be stressful or scary. Do not ever try to force your cat to stay in a litter box, as this will cause emotional issues with the cat using it. The cat will avoid the litter box if this is done, and potty training for your cat could be set back.Cat potty training should be started as soon as possible after you bring the cat home. Give your cat the freedom to explore their new home, but at the first sign of an urge to go, you should gently pick up your cat and put them in their potty place. Potty training your cat can also be done with your cat going outside to the bathroom. If this is true in your case, a cat or doggy door can be invaluable for freedom of movement for your cat to use the bathroom. Being able to get out to use the bathroom as needed will help your cat learn quickly and eliminate any accidents. Effective potty training for your cat can keep your home looking and smelling great. Make sure the litter box stays clean, if one is used, or your cat might refuse to use it.Cat potty training is normally very simple and straight forward, and help is rarely needed. If there are problems that persist you should consult your veterinarian, because the cat could have a medical problem, like a bladder or kidney infection, that needs treatment before the accidents will stop. Any medical problems will delay potty training for your cat, and this should not be pushed while under treatment because the cat may not have the ability to control themselves.

Cat Litter Training

Cat litter training is a very vital process in your cat's life. Cats and kittens generally pick up on using the litter pan from the very start. Cats are very clean animals, however, and they may stop using the litter pan if you do not keep it clean. Before you start training your cat or kitten to use the litter pan, you will have to place it somewhere in the house which will be easy for them to find and use. Now you can gently pick up the cat or kitten, and place them in the litter pan to show them where it will be. Never force them to stay in the pan, because this could result in them thinking the pan is for punishment. Cats are very curious so they might start scratching around, which is normal. If the cat uses the litter pan make sure to praise them and give them a lot of attention.A lot of the times cat litter training problems can occur because of mistakes made early on in the training process. There are many different ways you can retrain your cat to use the litter pan, instead of closets and unpopulated areas of the house, but not one way works for everyone. You will simply just have to try every solution you can until the cat learns. Older cats can be harder to litter train, because their old habits are very hard to break. Once a cat learns that something is ok, they're still going to do it until taught otherwise.During the duration of your cat litter training you will never want to hit or use force to punish the cat. If your cat or kitten does have an accident you should never punish them. This could cause the cat to start going in other places. When you do catch the cat, never hit them, simply point to the mess and say no. After that you should pick up the mess and place it in the litter pan to show the cat that this is where it should go. Always use positive reinforcement during training in order to get the best results. 
Source: cattrainingtips.net

Cat House Training

Cat house training is an important part of owning a cat. If you acquire a cat and do not do any house training, in no time your house will smell like cat urine and feces, which is not pleasant. It is important that this training occurs as soon as possible after you get your pet. House training does not have to be difficult, if you know a few tips. As soon as you bring your new pet home, make sure that you show them where you expect them to go to the bathroom. Gently pick them up and put them in the designated area if you are using a litter box or other inside device. A cat door is another option for the cat's bathroom needs, and this option is very convenient and offers other benefits as well. One of these is the elimination of the need to empty a full litter box. Instead the cat goes outside through the door.Cat house training should only be done using methods that involve positive reinforcement. It is never acceptable to use any method which causes fear or pain to your pet. The only lesson that this accomplishes is to teach your cat that you are to be feared and are unpredictable. This can greatly damage the bond that develops between the two of you. It is also very important to never punish or discipline for any accidents. These may occur, especially at the beginning of training. Treats and rewards should be used for deeds done well and mistakes should be ignored. It is crucial that if an accident occurs, it is thoroughly cleaned and the smell completely eliminated. If not your pet may think that this is the designated spot for this, and may use this area even more frequently.Cat house training involves a few accidents at first, and these should always be blotted with paper towels if it is urine. Next scrub the area with dish soap and water, then blot dry with more paper towels. If the smell still lingers, put a couple of drops of pure vanilla extract on the spot, and this should mask any remaining scent. It is important to cover the smell of urine, because some cats may spray their own urine to mark their territory if they smell it.


Source: http://www.cattrainingtips.net/cat-house-training.html

Cat Adjuster Training

Cat adjuster training is training to become qualified to be a certified catastrophic claims adjuster. This training is critical for anyone who wants to work in the insurance industry or who want to work as a claims adjuster after catastrophes happen. When Hurricane Rita hit, thousands of people waited months simply because a certified cat adjuster could not be found due to the sheer number of homes, cars, and personal property that was damaged or destroyed. This training is the first step to becoming a licensed cat adjuster, and this could mean a great opportunity for your future.Cat adjuster training gives you the knowledge you need to do the job of a cat adjuster efficiently and correctly. Any time a catastrophe hits in a state which you are licensed in, you can be ready for the job, armed with the knowledge and experience to help people in their worst moments. Losing a home, property, and other things during a catastrophic event can be devastating, and waiting for a cat claims adjuster is necessary before the people can start to rebuild their lives and try to replace what was lost due to damage. There is a shortage of these adjusters, so they are in very high demand. This means that there are numerous jobs available for a cat adjuster, but no professional who can take them.Cat adjuster training can help you find your way to a brighter future. This position involves helping people, some of whom have lost every thing that they own and only have the clothes that they are wearing. Compassion is a good thing to have for anyone who is thinking about this training. These adjusters have to have a license in each state that they practice in, and a state exam must be passed before you can do business as a cat adjuster in that state. The profit potential as a cat adjuster is unlimited, and many of these professionals only work for a few months out of the year, during hurricane season or tornado season, for example, and they make enough money during these months to live all year long. 

Source: cattrainingtips

Cat Clicker Training

Cat clicker training is one method of cat training which can be very helpful when trying to teach your new pet anything. Clicker training works by using a clicker, a small wooden box that makes a clicking sound, to train the cat. When the cat is performing the desired action, the clicker is clicked, and afterwards a treat is given. Unlike just giving a treat, clicker training has the animal associate the clicker with the treat given afterwards. This is called operant conditioning, and it will continue to work as long as the clicker is clicked and then the treat is given after the act. The cat will associate the click sound as the reward, not the treat. Clicker training has been used to train almost every species of animal, even whales and rats.Cat clicker training only requires three things, unlike many other training methods. The first thing you will need is a clicker, which can be found at any pet supply store, and a lot of other stores, in their pet department, as well. The second thing needed is a cat, which you either already have or will be getting shortly, obviously. The last thing you need to clicker train your cat is treats, and lots of them. Small tidbits are best, so that your cat only gets a little treat, because clicker training requires these very frequently. If the treats are large your cat may overeat during training. Clicker training uses positive reinforcement so that your cat learns quickly what is expected, and wants to comply to receive the reward, which is the click sound.Cat clicker training is very effective, and this method is used by animal experts and professionals everywhere to train their own animals. This training is also commonly used with dogs, horses, and many other types of animal. All pet owners want a well behaved pet, and clicker training will do this in a way that is positive and helps, rather than hinders, you to build a strong and trusting relationship with your cat that benefits you both. After all, this is what owning a pet is all about, and clicker training can help achieve this.

Adult Cat Training

Adult cat training can be important if you have an adult cat that needs to be retrained because of inefficient training, or a cat that has never received any training at all. When training an adult cat, many of the same guidelines are used as those for training a young cat, and you should remember never to hit your cat no matter how mad or upset you get. Yelling or physically punishing your cat for any behavior problems can actually make the behavior worse instead of better. Positive reinforcement should always be used, and this involves praise, attention, and small cat treats for a job well done. Using these methods will help to train your cat much faster and more efficiently.Adult cat training does not have to be difficult, and older cats can learn through training, but it may take a little longer. The first step before beginning any cat training is to take your pet to the vet, to rule out any medical or physical conditions which could be the cause of the problems. This is important, as some conditions will actually cause behavior problems, and these problems will continue until the condition is treated. Adult cat training requires patience and self control, and there are different ways to train your cat that can be effective when housebreaking an adult cat. If the adult cat has never been litter or potty trained your house will soon begin to reek if something is not done. Cat door training, as well as installing the cat door, may help with this problem, by allowing the cat to go outside whenever the need arises. This method also has the benefit of not requiring any cleaning.Adult cat training may take longer to accomplish then kitten training does, but an adult cat may also not be as destructive with chewing or clawing on furniture and other household items. Any behavior problem with a cat, no matter what age they are, can be efficiently and effectively dealt with through cat training that uses positive reinforcement. Your cat needs training to help them understand what is expected of them, and how they should respond in specific situations. 

Source: cattrainingtips

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Cat Litter Training

Cat litter training is a very vital process in your cat's life. Cats and kittens generally pick up on using the litter pan from the very start. Cats are very clean animals, however, and they may stop using the litter pan if you do not keep it clean. Before you start training your cat or kitten to use the litter pan, you will have to place it somewhere in the house which will be easy for them to find and use. Now you can gently pick up the cat or kitten, and place them in the litter pan to show them where it will be. Never force them to stay in the pan, because this could result in them thinking the pan is for punishment. Cats are very curious so they might start scratching around, which is normal. If the cat uses the litter pan make sure to praise them and give them a lot of attention.A lot of the times cat litter training problems can occur because of mistakes made early on in the training process. There are many different ways you can retrain your cat to use the litter pan, instead of closets and unpopulated areas of the house, but not one way works for everyone. You will simply just have to try every solution you can until the cat learns. Older cats can be harder to litter train, because their old habits are very hard to break. Once a cat learns that something is ok, they're still going to do it until taught otherwise.During the duration of your cat litter training you will never want to hit or use force to punish the cat. If your cat or kitten does have an accident you should never punish them. This could cause the cat to start going in other places. When you do catch the cat, never hit them, simply point to the mess and say no. After that you should pick up the mess and place it in the litter pan to show the cat that this is where it should go. Always use positive reinforcement during training in order to get the best results.
Source: cattrainingtips.net

Cat House Training

Cat house training is an important part of owning a cat. If you acquire a cat and do not do any house training, in no time your house will smell like cat urine and feces, which is not pleasant. It is important that this training occurs as soon as possible after you get your pet. House training does not have to be difficult, if you know a few tips. As soon as you bring your new pet home, make sure that you show them where you expect them to go to the bathroom. Gently pick them up and put them in the designated area if you are using a litter box or other inside device. A cat door is another option for the cat's bathroom needs, and this option is very convenient and offers other benefits as well. One of these is the elimination of the need to empty a full litter box. Instead the cat goes outside through the door.Cat house training should only be done using methods that involve positive reinforcement. It is never acceptable to use any method which causes fear or pain to your pet. The only lesson that this accomplishes is to teach your cat that you are to be feared and are unpredictable. This can greatly damage the bond that develops between the two of you. It is also very important to never punish or discipline for any accidents. These may occur, especially at the beginning of training. Treats and rewards should be used for deeds done well and mistakes should be ignored. It is crucial that if an accident occurs, it is thoroughly cleaned and the smell completely eliminated. If not your pet may think that this is the designated spot for this, and may use this area even more frequently.Cat house training involves a few accidents at first, and these should always be blotted with paper towels if it is urine. Next scrub the area with dish soap and water, then blot dry with more paper towels. If the smell still lingers, put a couple of drops of pure vanilla extract on the spot, and this should mask any remaining scent. It is important to cover the smell of urine, because some cats may spray their own urine to mark their territory if they smell it.

Cat Adjuster Training

Cat adjuster training is training to become qualified to be a certified catastrophic claims adjuster. This training is critical for anyone who wants to work in the insurance industry or who want to work as a claims adjuster after catastrophes happen. When Hurricane Rita hit, thousands of people waited months simply because a certified cat adjuster could not be found due to the sheer number of homes, cars, and personal property that was damaged or destroyed. This training is the first step to becoming a licensed cat adjuster, and this could mean a great opportunity for your future.Cat adjuster training gives you the knowledge you need to do the job of a cat adjuster efficiently and correctly. Any time a catastrophe hits in a state which you are licensed in, you can be ready for the job, armed with the knowledge and experience to help people in their worst moments. Losing a home, property, and other things during a catastrophic event can be devastating, and waiting for a cat claims adjuster is necessary before the people can start to rebuild their lives and try to replace what was lost due to damage. There is a shortage of these adjusters, so they are in very high demand. This means that there are numerous jobs available for a cat adjuster, but no professional who can take them.Cat adjuster training can help you find your way to a brighter future. This position involves helping people, some of whom have lost every thing that they own and only have the clothes that they are wearing. Compassion is a good thing to have for anyone who is thinking about this training. These adjusters have to have a license in each state that they practice in, and a state exam must be passed before you can do business as a cat adjuster in that state. The profit potential as a cat adjuster is unlimited, and many of these professionals only work for a few months out of the year, during hurricane season or tornado season, for example, and they make enough money during these months to live all year long.
Source: cattrainingtips