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Bunbury, WA
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Cancer in Pets
The most important first step is to get a diagnosis as to what the tumour actually is. Different types of tumours behave in different ways - some tumours and cysts are very obvious and easy to identify but others will need to have samples taken and for these to be examined under a microscope. This can sometimes be done in our clinic with a fine needle used to harvest some cells but often a biopsy sample needs to be sent off to a lab for definitive diagnosis. Treatent can mean surgery to remove the offending lump and, in the majority of cases, this is curative. It may also mean the use of drugs to kill off the tumour if it has spread to other places in the body or if surgery has not been able to remove all of the lump. This is called chemotherapy. Most people have known friends or family who have had chemotherapy and for whom it has been very debilitating. Animals,fortunately, tolerate chemotherapy much better than people. They do not lose their hair and are generally very bright and happy throughout their treatment. These pets are treated as out-patients and do not require hospitalisation. The most stressful part for most animals is getting blood samples taken. Chemotherapy is widely used by veterinary practices these days including Blair Street Veterinary Hospital. In a Vetnosis survey of clinics conducted in 2008, 98% of respondents reported that they used chemotherapy in small animal practice and it has become fairly standard medicine. However, it should be noted that there is no “cure for cancer” yet. Chemotherapy, at best, will not cure cancer but, like in people, will lead to the cancer going into remission. This means a time of good health and quality of life before the cancer comes back again. The most common indication for chemotherapy, is in treating Canine Lymphomas. Other types of tumour can be treated but these are much less common and generally response rates are poorer. Below is a list of the common tumour types for which it is worthwhile to treat with chemotherapy and how long the average remission time is. A second course, after the first has failed, can be done but generally gives much poorer results. In summary, chemotherapy can be a very worthwhile treatment option. Remember, cancer is a word not a sentence!! Canine Lymphoma
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Finding a lump on your pet can be one of the most stressful discoveries for a much loved companion. While the majority of lumps turn out to be benign, no lump - no matter how small - should ever be ignored. The sooner action is taken, the less chance there is for a cancer to spread and the easier it is to remove whilst it is small. You should NEVER take a “wait and see” attitude in regard to lumps.
