Dogs and cats with cancer

Research has shown over two-thirds of all American households include at least one dog and/or cat. Like humans, dogs and cats are also susceptible to various kinds of cancer.

Cancerous tumors are those made up of aggressive cells that are characterized by persistent, excessive and disorganized cell growth. They take over an area of tissue and then spread or “metastasize” to other areas or organs of the body. This spreading then creates a secondary point of attack.

The incidence of tumors in dogs is twice that seen in humans. Oddly enough, tumors in cats only occur HALF as often. Anytime a pet is known or even thought to have cancer, the owner should arrange a visit with a veterinarian that is qualified to work in oncology. Experienced veterinary oncologists will be able to offer you the best information, care instructions and treatment options.

These treatment options can include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and photodynamic therapy. Any of these may be used alone or in any combination. Some of the more commonly used terms in dealing with cancer are:

Tumor-A tumor is a lump or swelling that may or may not be cancerous.

Benign-Benign tumors are ones that do not spread into other parts or organs of the body. They often have normal growth characteristics and can be removed surgically. Although these are not aggressive tumors, they can cause serious problems if they become so large the press up against the various organs of the body.

Malignant- Malignant tumors are those that have rapid, irregular growth characteristics. They can invade normal tissue and spread into the lymph system or liver and lungs. Once it has spread, new tumors can grow at these sites as well. If untreated, it will prove fatal to the pet.

Metastasis – This is the process in which a tumor spreads into other parts of the body.

Oncology – Oncology is the study of tumors, their biological behavior and treatment options.

Remission – This refers to a decrease in the size of the tumor.

The modern treatment options that are available to dogs and cats can result in a remission time that lasts for quite some time and vastly improves the quality of the pet’s life. Again, that is the REMISSION TIME! Many forms of cancers that occur in dogs and cats will inevitably return at a later date.

There are various types of tumors seen in dogs and cats. The following is a list of the most common ones and most reliable treatment options:

Lymphoma (lymph tissue tumor) – Chemotherapy

Mast Cell Tumors – Chemotherapy and surgery. Radiation treatment may also be necessary

Fibrosarcomas (tumors of the fibrous tissue) – Surgery is usually the first option. After it is finished, the oncologist may recommend chemotherapy or radiation.

Oral (mouth) Cancers – Surgery

Mammary (breast) Tumors – Surgery with or without chemotherapy

Osteosarcomas (bone) – Surgery with chemotherapy.

Skin Tumors – Surgery that may be followed up by radiation or chemotherapy.

Your pet may have side effects to certain types of treatment and your veterinarian should warn you of these before you begin treatment. Surgery will of course have the incision site that must heal, pain and possibly some bleeding in the area. In most cases the incision will be healed within about fourteen days.

Chemotherapy – Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are pretty common side effects. Other possibilities include lethargy, lack of appetite, fever and possibly a decrease in the pet’s white blood cells. Most cancers can’t be traced to any one cause. Preventative steps can be taken to lower the pet’s risk of cancer though. Spaying a female dog before its first heat cycle greatly reduces the risk of mammary tumors. Limiting the use of pesticides, flea dips, drops or sprays on dogs and cat can often lower the risk of liver cancer.

For more information concerning cancer in dogs, contact your local veterinarian. Most will have handouts to read or videos that can be watched in the office.