How do we treat cancer?
In conventional veterinary medicine, three of the primary methods used to treat cancer are surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, either separately or in combination. There are also newer options, including certain immunotherapies, depending on the type of cancer.
In my service, I also look at supportive factors such as the patient's diet, overall health, and quality of life. These can be considered alongside the cancer treatment plan, but they don't replace treatment recommended by a veterinary oncologist.
When I assess a patient, I look at basic lifestyle and health factors, including diet and nutritional status. I may also discuss complementary therapies with the owner. It's important to recognize that approaches such as high-dose vitamin C, ozone therapy, biofeedback, Rife frequency treatments, homeopathy, and herbs have not all been established as effective treatments for cancer in dogs. Any complementary approach should be discussed with the veterinary oncology team so it doesn't interfere with appropriate cancer treatment.
Will my dog need surgery?
They may. From a conventional standpoint, if it's an accessible cancer, such as a mass on the external part of the body or a mass that a surgeon can safely access, surgery may be recommended to remove the tumor or reduce the amount of tumor present. Whether surgery is appropriate depends on the type, location, and extent of the cancer and the patient's overall condition.
In some cases, cryosurgery may also be an option for certain tumors. That's something that needs to be evaluated based on the individual tumor. Surgery may be necessary in some cases but not in all cases, so the treatment plan needs to be tailored to the patient.
Will chemotherapy be necessary?
That depends on the type and stage of cancer and the treatment plan recommended for your dog. I do see patients who are also working with a veterinary oncologist or internist and receiving chemotherapy. In those cases, I focus on supporting the patient's overall health and quality of life alongside the oncology care they're receiving.
If your dog is undergoing chemotherapy, any supplements, herbs, or complementary treatments should be discussed with the veterinary oncology team because they may interact with cancer treatment or other medications.
Is cancer treatment painful?
That depends on the type of cancer treatment. If we do a procedure such as cryosurgery or surgical removal of a mass, we need to consider discomfort during and after the procedure and provide appropriate anesthesia and pain management.
Chemotherapy and radiation can also have side effects, although those effects vary depending on the treatment and the individual patient. Managing comfort and quality of life should be an important part of the cancer treatment plan.
Will cancer treatment have long-term effects on my dog's health?
Cancer treatments can have short- or long-term side effects, depending on the treatment being used, the type of cancer, and the individual patient. Chemotherapy and radiation are designed to treat cancer while veterinary teams monitor patients for potential adverse effects.
When I'm working with a cancer patient, I also focus on supporting overall health and quality of life. Any complementary care needs to be coordinated with the patient's primary veterinarian or veterinary oncologist.
How can I manage my dog's cancer pain?
That's a great question because many cancers can be quite uncomfortable, especially bone cancers, although other types of cancer can cause discomfort as well. Pain management is a very important part of caring for a dog with cancer.
There are different medications and supportive approaches that veterinarians may use depending on the patient and the type of pain. I may also discuss complementary approaches as part of supportive care, but these shouldn't replace appropriate veterinary pain medication when it's needed. The goal is to keep the patient as comfortable as possible and maintain quality of life.
What is the success rate for treating cancer in dogs?
That is highly dependent on a number of different factors. The type of cancer makes a big difference. How far advanced that cancer is makes a huge difference. The patient's overall health and other medical conditions can also affect treatment options and prognosis.
The starting point when a patient is diagnosed with cancer can influence how that patient does. If the patient has other chronic disease processes and fairly advanced cancer, it may be more difficult to prolong life and maintain overall health, regardless of the treatment approach.
One of the things that I strive for, regardless of how much more time we get with that patient, is to have a patient who is enjoying that time, able to interact with their owners, and able to maintain a good quality of life.
What are the side effects of cancer treatment in dogs?
With surgery, the patient needs time to recover, and there can be risks and side effects associated with the procedure and anesthesia. With chemotherapy and radiation, there are also potential side effects that depend on the specific treatment, dose, and individual patient.
Veterinary oncology teams plan and monitor these treatments carefully to balance treating the cancer with maintaining the patient's health and quality of life. If complementary therapies are being considered, they should also be discussed with the veterinary team because even supplements, herbs, and other products can have side effects or interact with medications.
When should I consider euthanasia for a dog with cancer?
That's a difficult question for me to answer for the client. I try to avoid simply telling a client that it's time. What I do tell them, however, is to observe their pet closely and pay attention to their quality of life. With the responsibility that we have for our animals, we also have a responsibility to relieve pain and suffering when it becomes overwhelming for them.
The things I tell owners to watch for include whether their pet is eating, participating in activities they normally enjoy, interacting with the family, and having more good days than bad days. If they're no longer eating well, they're losing weight, they're not very active or engaged, or they're having more bad days than good, it's important to talk with your veterinarian about their comfort and quality of life. Together, you can discuss when euthanasia may be the most compassionate option.
What does it mean for my dog to be in remission?
Remission generally means that the signs of cancer have decreased significantly or are no longer detectable based on the way the disease is being monitored. It doesn't necessarily mean that every cancer cell is gone or that the cancer can't return.
The likelihood of recurrence depends on the type of cancer, its stage, the treatment response, and other individual factors. Your veterinary oncology team can explain what remission means for your dog's particular diagnosis and what type of follow-up monitoring is recommended.
What should I do if my dog's cancer progresses or recurs?
If your dog's cancer progresses or recurs, contact your veterinarian or veterinary oncologist so the cancer can be reassessed. What happens next depends on the type of cancer, previous treatment, your dog's overall condition, and the goals you have for their care.
For some patients, additional cancer treatment may be appropriate. For others, the focus may shift toward controlling symptoms and maintaining comfort and quality of life. The important thing is to reassess the situation promptly and make decisions based on what is appropriate for that individual patient.
From the happy years to the hardest moments, we are here for you and your pet. If you need support or would like to discuss your options, we want you to feel informed and comfortable every step of the way.