For this hour, another fantastic post from the multi-talented Patrick Mahaney, who in addition to his work on his own site and Teddy Hilton is also now blogging at petMD! Thank you for sharing this great post, Patrick!
This article appeared on petMD as part of Dr Mahaney’s The Daily Vet series. The photo is of Quinn, one of my patients who valiantly fought his cancer battle but has since passed on (see Memorial for Quinn the Border Collie Mix).
Cancer. The Big C. The Crab. Regardless of the referential term, the suspected or confirmed diagnosis is life altering for pets and their human owners. The daily routines we share with our pets take on new meaning as the question, “How much time do we have left?” continuously lingers. Speculation regarding the perceived cost, finances, and time involved in treating a pet’s cancer carries additional weight on our already stressed psyche.
For people, the cancer diagnosis causes a mixed bag of emotions, including fear, regret, depression, determination and more. This emotional roller coaster isn’t necessarily experienced by pets, as they may be blissfully unaware of the existence of their disease. Unlike people, pets are also blind to the logistical intricacies, (“How much time will I lose from my ball squeaking duties?”) the societal implications (“What will my friends at the dog park think?”), and financial strains (“Let’s fund-raise with a home-prepared dog treat bake sale!”) of their cancer treatment.
The good news is that due to the numerous therapeutic options available today, pets overcoming cancer and surviving longer. Cancer treatment has evolved to the degree that your pet’s condition may be resolved or well managed with surgery, radiation, medication, or other remedies. As a holistic veterinarian, the “other remedies” are where I focus my energies when consulting on nutritionally bio-available whole food diets and treats, prescribing immune system enhancing supplements and stagnation clearing Chinese herbs, and relieving pain through acupressure and acupuncture.
Although animals and humans share some of the same cancer diagnoses, our pets cannot directly verbalize their health concerns. As the primary guardians of our pets‘ health, we must recognize clinical signs of illness and immediately pursue veterinary evaluation.
I am fortunate to work with the esteemed team of veterinary oncologists at the Veterinary Cancer Group (VCG) in Culver City (Los Angeles), CA. Along with providing cutting-edge cancer treatment to pets, VCG educates people on early illness recognition through their 10 Warning Signs of Cancer in Dogs & Cats.
1. Persistent change in appetite and/or water intake
2. A lump that is enlarging, changing, or waxing and waning in size
3. Progressive weight loss or weight gain
4. Non-healing sore or infection, such as persistent nail bed infection
5. Abnormal odor
6. Persistent or recurring lameness
7. Chronic vomiting or diarrhea
8. Persistent or recurring cough
9. Unexplained bleeding or discharge
10. Difficulty swallowing, breathing, urinating, or defecating
Through my work with VCG oncologists, I have learned so much about the complicated nature of veterinary cancer care. Besides patient treatment, VCG veterinarians have the additional responsibility of navigating the turbulent emotions and financial capabilities of the pet-loving family. Having witnessed the dedication to their craft and to their clients on an ongoing basis, I am giving the VCG oncologists the opportunity to share their views on the current state of cancer treatment for pets:
Mona Rosenberg DVM, Diplomate ACVIM (Oncology), owner, CEO, and Chief of Staff of VCG
“When treating cancer, there is hope for your pet. Pursuing a consultation with a board certified veterinary oncologist will provide you with perspective on the best options available.”
Mary Davis, DVM (Practice Limited to Oncology)
“Veterinary oncology is moving in some exciting new directions. With new advances in treatment options, pets are living longer with a better quality of life while receiving treatments.”
Jared Lyons DVM, Diplomate ACVR (Radiation Oncology)
“Cancer is not a death sentence. With the variety of therapies available to pet owners today, we are able to overcome obstacles that were previously insurmountable.”<
Brigitte Tam-Coleman, DVM (Practice Limited to Oncology)
“There are options for treatment and maintaining patient comfort even when chemotherapy or radiation are not pursued.”
Avanelle Turner, DVM Diplomate ACVIM (Oncology)
“Many different types of cancers are similar to chronic diseases. Like liver, kidney, or heart disease, we manage these conditions (versus curing them), while still providing a good quality of life.”
As cliche as it sounds, projecting positivity and embracing the opportunity to enjoy every moment with your pet is good for everyone involved in the disease management process. With the guidance of a support system (veterinarians, family, friends, etc.), pet caretakers must face companion animal illness with an educated sense of realism as to the possible outcomes.
Even if an absolute cure cannot be achieved, we owe it to our animal companions to provide the best quality of life possible (see Quality of Life Scale). Providing the best care for a severely ill pet may even mean electively discontinuing treatment and pursuing euthanasia. Regardless of the presence of cancer, ending a pet’s life is an inevitable decision for which we must be prepared.
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Copyright of this article (2011) is owned by Dr. Patrick Mahaney, Veterinarian and Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist. Republishing any portion of this article must first be authorized by Dr. Patrick Mahaney. Requests for republishing must be approved by Dr. Patrick Mahaney and received in written format.
Always heartbreaking to hear of animals lost, but the advances in medicine can give us all hope.
This post actually brought tears to my eyes because of my own personal experience. In November of 2005, my very beloved Bichon, Bailey started drinking excess water and was diagnosed with cancer. I am so thankful that I knew enough about her routine and habits that I noticed the extra water drinking early on. I am also thankful that I had (and still have) an incredible support group in my family, friends, and colleagues at work. They were my sounding boards for how to deal with Bailey’s health and I am convinced they guided me to make the right decisions. Lastly, I’m very thankful for my veterinarian and everyone in her clinic. Every one of them gave me strength and empathy to do what had to be done, and I have no words to express my gratitude for my veterinarian. She helped me find the path that focused on Bailey’s quality of life. And she constantly talked me off the ledge of despair when there were set backs.
Finally, Dr. Patrick is so right when he speaks of a positive attitude and embracing the opportunity to enjoy every moment with your pet. After surgery, we elected not to do chemo and radiation in order to maintain Bailey’s quality of life. The oncologist told us she would live for 6 months. I determined that I would make that the best 6 months of her life and spoiled her rotten. She lived for another 4 years!
thanks for sharing information 🙂
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