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Compassionate Cancer Care
 Unfortunately, cancer is a common problem in older pets, just as it is in humans. What we call "cancer" is not a single disease, but the term includes dozens of different types of tumors, each one having its own typical course and treatment options. Too often a diagnosis of cancer is so devastating that it is hard to focus on all of the things that can be done to treat the disease. Pet owners often express concerns about putting their pet through cancer treatment: "Won't he be in pain?", "Will he get sick from chemotherapy?", "Is he strong enough for surgery?", or "I don't want him to suffer". Your veterinarian can discuss all of these issues, but at Chambers Creek Veterinary Hospital we are commited to keeping our cancer patients comfortable and avoiding nausea or pain during treatment. Quality of life is our top priority, and most clients are very happy to have more quality time with their "cancer survivor".
Diagnosis is the first step. Biopsy and histopathology (examination of tissue samples by a pathologist) is usually required to find out what type of cells the tumor grew from so that treatment decisions can be made. Each type of cancer behaves differently and thus requires a different type of treatment.
Treatment may include surgery, medications (chemotherapy or other drugs), radiation, immunotherapy (stimulation of the immune system to fight the cancer cells), or "palliative therapy" (treatment that doesn't fight the tumor itself, but improves the pet's quality of life and controls symptoms). Your veterinarian can help you formulate a treatment plan based on the needs of you and your pet.
Chemotherapy may be suggested. Unlike humans, most dogs and cats tolerate cancer drugs well, and rarely lose hair or act ill otherwise. If nausea is a problem with a particular drug, state-of-the-art anti-nausea medications can be very effective.
Diet may play an important part in fighting certain types of cancer, especially Lymphoma (lymph cell cancer). Special diets have been designed to "starve" tumor cells while feeding normal cells have been developed, and your veterinarian may suggest one of these foods. Sometimes pets lose their appetite due to cancer or cancer treatment, and a special diet can entice your pet to resume their normal appetite.
Pain Control is important, especially in tumors of the bone or mouth areas. Fortunately there are a wide variety of medications that work in different ways, and these medications are often combined to reduce inflammation, dull the pain sensation, and decrease the brain's perception of pain. Acupuncture or other alternative modalities may also be recommended to treat pain. Our goal is to ensure our cancer patients are truly comfortable and happy.
Above all, close communication with your doctor is critical. We will work with you every step of the way to ensure that both you and your pet are comfortable with the treatment process. Successful cancer treatment depends on realistic expectations, attention to the details of the pet's well-being, and a willingness to adjust the treatment to the patient. Compassionate cancer care can provide a better quality of life and sometimes additional precious time with your loved one.
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