Cancer is commonly diagnosed in pets just as in humans. Veterinary oncology is a specialized field of veterinary medicine focused on diagnosing and treating cancer in animals. As veterinary medicine advances, oncologists are improving cancer treatments and giving many pets precious extra time with their families.
What is Veterinary Oncology?
Veterinary oncology involves the comprehensive medical care and management of pets diagnosed with cancerous tumors or other neoplastic diseases. Board-certified veterinary oncologists have extensive training in all aspects of cancer treatment including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and integrative medicine. Their goal is to prolong and enhance the quality of life for pets suffering from cancer through early detection, accurate diagnosis, and state-of-the-art treatment plans tailored to each individual patient.
Common Cancers Seen in Pets
Certain types of cancer are more frequently diagnosed in dogs and cats than others. For dogs, the most common cancers seen by veterinary oncologists include lymphoma, mast cell tumors, melanoma, osteosarcoma, and hemangiosarcoma. In cats, the leading cancers are lymphoma, mammary cancers, squamous cell carcinoma, and injection site sarcomas. Early detection is especially important for highly malignant cancers like osteosarcoma and hemangiosarcoma which have decreased survival times if not caught in the early stages.
Surgical Oncology Techniques
Surgery is commonly the first line of treatment for localized solid tumors in pets. Veterinary surgeons specializing in oncology utilize techniques such as wide surgical excision margins, limb sparing surgeries, mandatory lymph node biopsies or removals, and reconstructive surgeries. They aim to remove all visible cancer cells while preserving organ and limb function whenever possible. Pre-surgical chemotherapy or radiation may be recommended to shrink large tumors prior to surgical removal.
Adjuvant Therapies for Cancer
In addition to surgery, veterinary oncologists also incorporate other treatment modalities like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy depending on the cancer type and stage. Chemotherapy utilizes anticancer medications to treat widespread cancer or prevent future metastasis. Common chemo drugs include lomustine, doxorubicin, carboplatin, and cyclophosphamide. Radiation therapy delivers precise, high-dose radiation beams to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors while minimizing effects on surrounding healthy tissues. Immunotherapy helps stimulate the immune system to better recognize and attack cancer cells.
Integrative Cancer Treatment
A holistic approach to care that includes lifestyle modifications, herbal remedies, acupuncture, nutritional supplementation, and physical therapy is becoming increasingly popular. Integrative therapies are utilized alongside conventional treatments to help side effects, boost quality of life, and possibly enhance response rates. Stress reduction, physical activity, herbs that target specific tumor types, omega fatty acids, antioxidants, and targeted supplements aim to support patients’ strength, appetite, mobility and wellness during their cancer journey.
Monitoring and Long-term Care
Veterinary oncologists maintain close communication with pet parents throughout treatment and into remission or palliative care. Follow-up exams, lab work, and imaging tests monitor response and check for recurrence. As with human oncology, cancer management becomes chronic rather than cured for many pets. The goal shifts to early detection of new primaries or metastases and optimizing quality of life through ongoing treatment if needed or supportive care. End-of-life choices, pain control, and euthanasia services are also important parts of veterinary oncology.
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