Dear Dr. Dog: I care for two dogs and have a lot of friends with canine pals as well. We hear so much these days about dogs being diagnosed with cancer. As a pet owner, what do I need to know about canine cancer, from what to look out for to what to do if one of my pups is diagnosed?
As a veterinary oncologist, I talk with pet owners about cancer in dogs and cats every day. Here are some of the most important pieces of information I share.
Cancer is a serious disease that does indeed affect many dogs. Estimates show that half of all dogs will face cancer in their lifetimes. And cancer is the cause of nearly half the deaths of older dogs (10 years and up), according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. Remember that some dog breeds are more susceptible to developing cancer. See www.curecaninecancer.org/why_help.html for a list of breeds and common cancer types they are prone to.
Early detection is vital to survival and successful treatment. You should routinely examine your pet for any physical abnormalities and monitor behavioral changes. Don’t ignore: new masses or lumps, non-healing sores, sudden bad breath, weight loss, increased water consumption, changes in breathing, increased hiding, changes in appetite, or any bleeding or discharge from any place on your pet’s body. These signs and others are not inevitable in “old age” – they can be early clues that a serious but treatable illness is starting in your pet.
Not all skin masses are benign. Mast cell tumors are the most common skin tumors in dogs, and these malignant tumors can look like any number of benign conditions. Any masses on your pet need to be checked by your family veterinarian using cytology or a biopsy. Palpation of a mass will not tell you or your vet if the mass is benign or malignant. Cytology can be as simple as introducing a small needle into the mass and looking at the cells under the microscope, which often can be done in your vet’s office.
Spaying reduces your female pet’s risk of certain cancers, especially mammary (breast) cancer in females. Spaying female dogs before their second heat cycle reduces their risk of having mammary cancer in their lifetime to less than 1 percent. Once dogs have had two heat cycles, the risk of developing this type of cancer increases substantially. Remember the first heat cycle is often “silent,” so spaying by the age of 5 to 6 months is recommended. (Newer studies show similar benefits in female cats.)
Cancer is complicated. Get a referral to an expert in the field. Veterinary oncologists are veterinarians with three or more years of advanced training in the oncology field following veterinary school. Veterinary oncologists work in veterinary specialty hospitals with other specialists and can explain your pet’s cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment options.
Chemotherapy isn’t just for humans anymore. Chemotherapy extends and improves the lives of cats and dogs every day. The side effects that affect humans adversely, such as hair loss and excessive vomiting, are not seen in most pets. The most common cancer in both dogs and cats, lymphoma, is treated with chemotherapy, leading to extended survivals with an excellent quality of life in many cases.
Untreated cancer can hurt! Pets are very good at hiding pain from us: Dogs and cats in pain rarely cry out. Instead, they show more subtle signs, such as withdrawing from us, more restlessness at night, trouble sleeping or excessive sleeping, or poor appetite. Appropriate pain control can dramatically improve the quality of life of veterinary cancer patients. Integrative medicine, such as acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, can also help reduce pain, reduce side effects of both chemotherapy and cancer, and keep patients strong and at home. Cancer in pets is a chronic disease just like in humans. Pets live with cancer, and this life can be very good in most cases with supportive care in addition to cancer treatment.
The Internet can be a good source of information, but it is also a source of unreliable information and promises of quick cures. Informative and reliable websites about veterinary cancer include: www.csuanimalcancercenter.org and www.acvim.org (see the animal owners section for fact sheets on oncology). Your family veterinarian and local veterinary oncologist are also great resources about cancer in our pets.
Many of the advanced techniques used to diagnose and treat people with cancer are also available for pets today. Advanced techniques, including advanced imaging, testing the DNA of tumors, tumor vaccination, and therapies targeting tumor cells are used by veterinary oncologists for accurate diagnosis and to help pets achieve long-term survivals with a good quality of life.
Pet owners with pets affected by cancer are not alone. Pets are diagnosed with cancer every day, and their human companions need to share and talk about their experiences. In the Bay Area, there are several support groups for people whose pets are affected by cancer. Ask your veterinarian for suggestions. There are also a number of online support groups; search “canine cancer support groups” to find options. Finally, grief counseling services are offered by telephone at several veterinary schools. A list of resources for people in need of support can be found at www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/ccah/petloss_resources.cfm.
Most importantly, remember that your canine companion relies on you for his wellness; trust your instincts as a loving caretaker and don’t sweep any suspicious symptoms under the rug. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can help your beloved pet feel good and live well for all his remaining years.
Kathy Andres, DVM, DACVIM, is a veterinary oncologist at VCA San Francisco Veterinary Specialists (www.sfvs.net). Her highest priority for patients is improving their quality of life by managing pain and discomfort during treatment. She shares her home life with her young daughter, Isabel, and various furry family members.
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