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Dogs With Cancer

by ASDFASC 2021. 12. 30.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reviews drugs for safety and effectiveness for humans and animals. Today, pets live longer because of preventive healthcare and the ability to diagnose and treat cancer early in the diagnosis. Therefore, the need for better cancer treatments for your dog has increased. 

According to the FDA, cancer accounts for almost half of the deaths of pets over the last ten years. Some believe that dogs get cancer at roughly the same rate as humans. 

Pet owners with dogs diagnosed with cancer experience anxiety for their dog's life and hope for an effective treatment. After all, their dog is a member of their family.

The good news is that there are support groups for pet owners who are coping with their dog's cancer diagnosis and can lend an ear. They can help with your fear, isolation, and worry. Typically, your veterinarian will be able to give you resources to help manage your anxiety.

Cancer in pets is common. An aging dog's immune system weakens, allowing cancer cells to grow and proliferate just as they do in humans. According to the Veterinary Cancer Society, cancer is the leading cause of death in 47% of dogs over the age of ten.

There are more than 100 types of cancers in dogs, but mast cell tumors are considered the most common. Many times, cancer is diagnosed in aging animals, but some breeds are more susceptible than others.  

Warning Signs of Your Dog with Cancer

  • A visible or palpable lump or bump
  • A non-healing wound
  • Any kind of swelling
  • Abnormal bleeding
  • Any changes in eating, drinking, peeing, pooping, or sleeping
  • Lethargy
  • Irritability

Cancer is a disease of uncontrolled cell growth in your dog's body. Each cancer type behaves differently, and some forms of cancer can spread to other areas of the body. They can be found in places far away from the original tumor site because cancer cells can enter the dog's blood and lymph systems and be carried to other organs.

There are many hopeful cancer treatments for your dog, and Fenbendazole for dogs with cancer may be one treatment option. A board-certified veterinary oncologist can help you choose the best treatment option for your dog.

It is crucial for you to understand the treatment process, the disease process your dog is experiencing, and what the future holds for both you and your dog. It is recommended that you educate yourself on the terms discussed so, do a little reading before meeting with the veterinary oncologist. Also, bring a notebook because notes can be a helpful way to understand the treatment, help with remembering what was said, and help with any questions you should remember to ask.

In order for your veterinary oncologist to better understand the extent of your dog's cancer, they may order tests that can help determine your dog's prognosis.

Tests ordered for your dog's cancer include:

  • Blood tests – Complete Blood Count and Chemistry Profile
  • Urinalysis
  • X-ray's, Ultrasound's, MRI's, Cat Scans, and Nuclear Imaging tests
  • Tissue aspirate
  • Biopsy
  • Bone Marrow biopsy
  • Endoscopy

After the testing is complete, it's time to talk about treatment options. Treatment options depend on tumor type, tumor size, and tumor location. Your oncologist will recommend the best option for you and your dog. Newer treatments such as Fenbendazole for dogs with cancer may be the best option.

If the tumor has metastasized (spread) to other parts of your dog's body, it may not be curable. When this is the case, palliation or comfort measures will be the best option. 

Remember the dog

Keep your dog's quality of life in mind when deciding on the best treatment option. Show empathy and think about your dog's happiest moments. Ask yourself if this is the way your dog would want to live out the rest of their life, not being able to enjoy their happiest times.

Your financial viability may be a determining factor when choosing to treat your dog's cancer. Medical care for dogs can be costly. Hopefully, you have pet insurance, but if you don't, there are several options available that can help you pay for your dog's health care.

Finally, continue to be hopeful but realistic. Your dog needs you, and you need your dog, so keep in mind, your dog's cancer treatment can be successful and not too distressing for your dog. A cancer diagnosis of your dog doesn't mean the dog's life is over.