First of all, remember that if your cat
or dog is diagnosed with cancer, you
should not let hope be the first casualty of
the disease. Many different types of cancers
are found in dogs and cats (and other animals,
as well), just as they are in humans.
If you would consider treatment for your
pet for diseases of the heart, kidneys, liver,
or hormones, then you should consider it
for cancer.
How to Watch Out for Cancer
You know your pet better than anyone
(including your veterinarian). While you
groom your dog or cat, make note of any
odd bumps or lumps. Draw a simple map
of the locations so you can point them out.
Since many cancers are internal, be alert to
changes in your pet’s behavior, including
eating and drinking habits, lameness, or
eliminations, as well as general appearance.
Also, many cancers may be discovered because
of vague symptoms, such as tiredness.
It is very important that ALL masses
be examined by your veterinarian. At a
minimum, a fine needle aspirate should be
performed on any mass found on or below
the skin. This is done by using a small,
thin needle to gently suction cells from
the lump. The collected cells are examined
under a microscope by your veterinarian or
a pathologist. If cancer is diagnosed, then
discussion and treatment planning can
begin. If a clear diagnosis is not obtained,
a biopsy should be performed. Other, less
obvious signs may require more intense
diagnostics, such as ultrasounds, x-rays,
and blood tests.
Cancer, oh my!
Cancers vary a lot from patient to patient.
It is okay to go to the Internet, but
remember that some websites are better
than others. Your veterinarian may also
suggest a specialist. Dr. Janet Peterson, a
board-certified veterinary oncologist in
Annapolis, Maryland, says, “You need to
be your pet’s best advocate, but you need
to have the best information to do this.”
Board-certified veterinary oncologists are
available in many locations across the
country.
Making decisions!
Find out if there is more than one option
for treating your pet’s cancer. Options
may range from palliative (keeping your
pet comfortable) to intensive (surgery plus
radiation therapy plus chemotherapy or another
type of therapy). Treatment decisions
are also influenced by your pet’s personality
and your personal and family situation. The
correct decision is the one that is right for
you and your pet, and often may require a
second opinion.
For some pet owners, success can be a
good quality of life for their pet. Our pets
do not worry about the future. Good days
are simply good days to them. We want
them to be comfortable, to be loved, and
to be our companions. Despite a diagnosis
of cancer, these goals can often be achieved.
