Cancer Treatment

Depending upon the grade, stage and type of cancer, there could be one or a combination of treatment options.  Multiple treatment options that combine surgery, radiation and chemotherapy are the rule rather than the exception.  This is because the treatment of cancer in animals has become as sophisticated and successful as the treatment of cancer in humans.

Three basic methods of treatment exist when dealing with cancer in dogs and cats. 

One is medical management where targeted drugs are used that either have an inhibiting effect on tumor growth or actually effect the death of cancer cells. 

Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is used to treat cancer at the tumor site, as well as the cancer that may have spread through the body.  Most chemotherapeutic drugs act directly on cancer cells, preventing them from maturing or reproducing.   Unlike humans, the side effects of chemotherapy in pets are relatively mild.  Doses of drugs and treatment schedules are calculated to minimize discomfort to the pet, while providing the most effective defense against the cancer.  As a result, most people are surprised at how well their pets feel while undergoing chemotherapy.   The goal is to slow the growth of cancer cells, while producing minimal negative effects on normal cells.  If your pet requires a plan of chemotherapy, your veterinarian will most likely bring in a specialist (an oncologist) to develop the plan of attack and administer the treatments.  In addition to the latest and best medical treatments, an oncologist will provide the specialized equipment and supervision that your pet needs.

Surgery
Another method is surgery that attempts to excise the tumor.  Some surgical procedures effect a total cure if all the cancer cells are removed.  In other surgical procedures, where total excision is not feasible, surgery can help to reduce the amount of tumor load in the patient.  Follow-up surgery to an initial procedure may also be helpful in controlling the advancement of cancer growth. 
Surgery is the oldest form of cancer therapy and has been responsible for the cure of more patients than any other treatment.  This great success is mainly due to the development of new surgical techniques combined with chemotherapy and radiation for a total plan of treatment for your pet’s cancer.

Radiation Therapy
The third method of treating tumors in dogs and cats is through the use of radiation therapy.  This sophisticated and complex technique is usually done by Specialists in Veterinary Radiology. 

Therapeutic radiation has been used to help restore the health and well-being of pets with cancer for decades.  As with all cancer therapies, quality of life and freedom from any discomfort is a priority.  Like surgery, radiation is a regional treatment.  It is usually given to the tumor site and two or three inches of “normal” surrounding tissue.  In order to minimize the side effects, small dosages of radiation are administered over several weeks.  The radiation therapist will determine the appropriate dosage and number of treatments to ensure the best outcome possible.  Here too, your veterinarian will most likely bring in a specialist (an oncologist) to develop the plan of attack and administer the treatments.

survive long term if the cancer has metastasized or is of a type that does not respond to targeted therapy.  Each case must be evaluated on its own because no two cancer patients are exactly alike.

When Your Pet is Sick
When your companion animal is diagnosed with a serious or terminal illness, you may feel a variety of emotions that are often overwhelming. Some people experience shock, disbelief, confusion, fear, sadness, anger, guilt, or helplessness. These emotions are normal and understandable responses to the realization that your special friend is ill.

When you are overwhelmed, it can be very hard to act and behave in ways you normally do. People who are feeling overwhelmed often report that they cannot think straight or feel like they are in a fog. Everyday activities can seem difficult, and your body might feel out of sorts (tightness in chest, headaches, appetite changes, and sleep disturbances). In the days and weeks to come, you will likely face stressful situations and tough decisions. Here are a few strategies that may assist you:

Write things down. When you are given a lot of medical information and you have a lot of questions, it is hard to remember everything. Listing your questions and concerns may help you to keep things straight. Discuss your concerns with your veterinarian.
Seek support. Talk to others who understand the relationship you have with your pet. Being with others who know what your pet means to you can be helpful. Talk to family members or others who may want to be involved in deciding your pet's care. For families with children, it is very important to include children in discussions and decision-making about the treatment and care of your animal.

Think about quality of life. You know your pet best and are the expert on what makes a quality life for him or her. Different animals have different personalities and tolerances. You know what these are. Think ahead of time about what is important for you and your pet and write these down.
We also encourage you to think about pain versus suffering. Pain is a physical sensation and can be evaluated and medicated by you and your veterinarian. Suffering is more difficult to define and can include such things as: inability to engage in daily routines, inability to interact with you, and inability to do the things that make your pet "who he or she is". These issues are important to address and are different for every animal and owner. There are no "wrong" answers here. Because you love your pet and want to do what is best for him or her, your instincts are important and should be explored. Spend time with your companion animal. Think about the weeks or months ahead and decide what will be important to you.

Take care of yourself. Helping a loved one through a serious or terminal illness is very stressful and tiring. You may focus so much of your energy on your pet that you neglect yourself and your health. Long-term neglect can lead to additional stress and can even result in you becoming ill. Monitor your own reactions and assure that you are caring for yourself as well as your animal.

Find support in friends, family members, pet loss counselors and support groups.

© Argus Institute for Families and Veterinary Medicine
Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital