Tanjung Jara Beach, located in Dungun, Terengganu on Malaysia's east coast, isa stunning, tranquil stretch of golden sand facing the South China Sea. It is most famous for its pristine, serene environment, primarily managed by the luxuryTanjong Jara Resort, which offers a romantic, 17th-century Malay palace-styled getaway, ideal for relaxing, swimming, and experiencing nature.
Key Features and Activities:
Secluded Beachfront:Known for its quiet, uncrowded atmosphere with, soft sand and palm trees.
Tanjong Jara Resort:A luxury, award-winning resort that spans the beach, designed to reflect local culture with wooden structures.
Activities:The area is popular for snorkeling, diving (specifically to nearby Tenggol Island), and visiting the resort's own turtle hatchery.
Dining & Relaxation:Offers romantic beach dining under the stars and an award-winning spa,Spa Village Tanjong Jara.
Location:Located at Batu 8, Off Jalan Dungun, easily accessed from Dungun town.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to enjoy Tanjung Jara beach is generally betweenMarch and September, during the dry season on the east coast, to avoid the monsoon season which brings rough seas.
A mobile sugarcane juice-vending machine often referred to as “desi jugaad” in India. It uses a roller system powered by a generator to crush sugarcane and extract juice in public spaces. Street vending.
"Why did you consult the vet?" I asked. "Harold had a big swollen left
front paw. He kept licking it till it bleed profusely! However, he has
good recovery after treatment."
"The vet said my 8-year-old male Basset Hound has diabetes and prostate cancer." Mrs Wellington WhatsApp video-called me and her brother in Singapore on 28 April 2026. She was very worried. She lived in Navi Mumbai in Mumbai, India ."Please let me know what did the three reports of blood tests say?"
"The 3 reports showed that your dog had high cholesterol level, no liver and kidney diseases and no blood infection from the bacterial infection in the paw," I told her.
"How's his appetite?" I asked Mrs Wellington who treats her Basset Hound as family. "Does he drink and pee more than normal?"
She WhatsApp me. "My dog is born lazy...good appetite...shits twice daily during his walks...drinks lots of water and peeing according but the 38 degrees heat here is generally miserable..."
"Dogs at 8 years of age are usually sedentary at home," I had seen this
behaviour in most Senior dogs who are well cared for in homes avoiding
the stressful heat outdoors. "You will need a second opinion if you are
worried about diabetes and prostate problems in Harold."
"Your vet has no laboratory evidence to substantiate his diagnosis. His three reports are irrelevant."
"I am in agreement with you," Mrs Wellington replied. "Is the vet hoping to generate more revenue for his practice?" I could see Mrs Wellington's eyebrows raised upwards. "He needs to make more money now that prices of goods and services have shot up after the U.S-Israeli-Iran war in March 2026!"
"I will advise seeking a second opinion from another practice." I said. A vet must practise evidence-based medicine to arrive at a diagnosis of diabetes and prostate problems. Evidence include:
DIABETES
Blood Glucose Test:A blood sample is taken to check for persistent hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).
Urinalysis:Tests for glucose in the urine (a healthy dog shouldn't have any)
PROSTATE CANCER
Diagnosing prostate cancer in dogs involvesa combination of rectal exams, diagnostic imaging (ultrasound/X-rays), and tissue sampling to confirm malignancy
STOCK PHOTOS FOR SALE: www.shutterstock.com/g/toapayohvets
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Diagnostic Testing by a Veterinarian
Blood Glucose Test:A blood sample is taken to check for persistent hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).
Urinalysis:Tests for glucose in the urine (a healthy dog shouldn't have any)
Diagnosing prostate cancer in dogs involvesa combination of rectal exams, diagnostic imaging (ultrasound/X-rays), and tissue sampling to confirm malignancy
Advice: Second opinion from another vet clinic. The vet did not practise evidence-based medicine. Evidence includes
fasting blood glucose tests for diabetes, blood and urine tests,
ultrasound and X-rays for prostate problems. However, his paw infection
treatment was satisfactory (Gemini AI generated video).
Checking a dog for diabetes involves monitoring for symptoms like excessive thirst, increased urination, weight loss, and high energy-appetite changes. Veterinarians diagnose it throughblood tests (high blood glucose) and urinalysis. At-home monitoring uses a pet-specific glucometer to measure blood sugar from the ear or lip, targeting levels around 200 mg/dL or lower, as discussed onCaninsulin.
Signs of Canine Diabetes If your dog displays these signs, they should see a vet for testing:
Excessive thirst(polydipsia).
Frequent urination(polyuria).
Unexplained weight lossor, sometimes, obesity.
Increased hunger(polyphagia).
Cloudy eyes(cataracts) or sudden vision changes.
Lethargyor weakness, particularly in the hind legs.
Diagnostic Testing by a Veterinarian
Blood Glucose Test:A blood sample is taken to check for persistent hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).
Urinalysis:Tests for glucose in the urine (a healthy dog shouldn't have any).
Fructosamine Test:Measures average blood sugar over 2-3 weeks to confirm if high blood sugar is chronic or just due to stress.
At-Home Monitoring If your dog is diagnosed, you can monitor their glucose at home:
Use a Glucometer:Use a, handheld, pet-specific glucometer and test strips to measure blood sugar.
Collect Sample:Use a sterile lancet to prick the edge of the earflap (pinna), the inside of the lip, or a callous.
Test Blood:Place the small drop of blood onto the test strip, as instructed by the glucometer manual.
Record Results:Log the results, including time of day, to identify trends and share with your veterinarian.
Target Readings:While normal blood glucose is 80–120 mg/dL, diabetic dogs are often managed at higher levels, with the highest reading of the day aimed around 200 mg/dL.
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Diagnosing prostate cancer in dogs involvesa combination of rectal exams, diagnostic imaging (ultrasound/X-rays), and tissue sampling to confirm malignancy. Key methods include checking for an irregular, fixed, or enlarged prostate, particularly in neutered dogs, using abdominal ultrasound to visualize the gland's structure, and performing a needle biopsy (FNA) or fluid wash for cytology.
Key Diagnostic Procedures
Physical & Rectal Examination:A veterinarian will palpate the prostate gland to check for enlargement, asymmetry, pain, or hardening.
Abdominal Ultrasound:Crucial for imaging, this determines the internal structure of the prostate. Cancer often shows as an irregularly shaped, heterogeneous gland.
Urinalysisand Culture:Urine tests often show blood, white blood cells, and sometimes cancerous cells. A culture is used to rule out infections, which have similar symptoms.
Prostatic Tissue Samples (Biopsy/FNA):Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) or traumatic catheterization collects cells for a pathologist to confirm diagnosis.
Radiographs(X-rays):Chest and abdominal x-rays check for metastasis (spread) to lungs or bones.
BRAF Gene Mutation Test:This specialized test can detect certain mutations in urine samples that indicate prostate or bladder cancer.
Key Factors & Indicators
Neutered Status:An enlarged prostate in aneutereddog is a high-risk indicator for cancer, whereas benign enlargement (BPH) is common in intact dogs.
Symptoms:Look for persistent straining to urinate (dysuria), blood in urine (hematuria), constipation, and stiff movement in the rear legs.
Prostate Mineralization:Visible mineral deposits on X-rays or ultrasound within the prostate in a neutered dog are highly suspicious for neoplasia.
Prostate cancer in dogs is often aggressive and diagnosed at an advanced stage. Early detection is difficult because symptoms often mimic chronic prostatitis or urinary tract infections.