What if my pet has cancer?
Unfortunately cancer is exceedingly common in our pets. This is in large part due to significant advances in veterinary care and our ability to diagnose these conditions. We know that a positive cancer diagnosis can be difficult, emotional, and confusing. Treatment can vary from surgery, to referral level intervention such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, to palliative care to help keep your pet comfortable. Our staff is here to offer our complete support throughout your pet’s treatment, and help your family through this trying period.
Because cancer is quite prevalent among elderly dogs and cats, early detection is critical in effective treatment planning, and prompt discovery can increase survival rates. Because our pet's lives are so brief compared to ours, the course of disease can be quite accelerated. Tumors can grow in a period of weeks, and can often progress significantly before they are diagnosed.
Symptoms that possibly indicate cancer in pets:
Diagnosing cancer
Just as in people, diagnosing cancer in our pets can be quite complicated. Sometimes a tumor is visible, and we are able to use a needle to get a sample for diagnostic testing. In other cases the cancer is internal, which may require xrays, ultrasound, or more advanced imaging such as CT scan or MRI to further evaluate. If operable, surgical removal and biopsy may be recommended.
Treating cancer
The most common cancer treatment methods include surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation therapy. Depending on your pet’s circumstances, one or multiple treatment modalities might be indicated for their specific diagnosis. If your pet requires treatment beyond what we offer in-house, we will refer you to a veterinary oncologist that we are in close contact with. There is also an option for telemedicine consultations with a specialist for some specific types of cancer.
Stelfonta is a new modality specifically for Mast call Tumors that is now being offered. Check the following website for more information: https://stelfonta.com
If your pet's condition is not treatable, or you elect not to treat due to age or other conditions, we can offer palliative care to relieve pain and anxiety for as long as that is possible.
If you have any questions, please contact us. We will try to answer any questions, or refer you to a specialist who can further meet your needs.