Oncology + Chemotherapy

Around 1 in 4 dogs will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives, and nearly half of all dogs over the age of 10 will face this challenge. Dogs develop cancer at a similar rate to humans, though there’s less information available on the rates at which cats get cancer. Some types of cancer, like lymphoma, are actually more common in cats than in dogs. 

Early detection and treatment can make a big difference!

Veterinary oncology is the field of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in dogs and cats. Just like in humans, pets can develop cancer at any age, but the good news is that thanks to advancements in early detection, diagnosis, and treatment, pets today have a much better chance of successful treatment than ever before.

Cancer occurs when cells or tissues in the body grow abnormally and uncontrollably, forming what’s called a tumor or neoplasm. These tumors can be benign or malignant. Benign tumors grow slowly and typically stay in one area without spreading, while malignant tumors can grow quickly, invade nearby tissues, and even spread to other parts of the body. Early intervention is key to giving your pet the best chance for treatment and recovery.

A consultation with a VSP Internist may be needed if you notice any of these signs in your pet:

• ​ Abdominal swelling
  
•  Bleeding from the mouth, nose or other body openings
  
•  Difficulty breathing 
  
•  Difficulty eating 
  
•  Lumps, bumps or discolored skin
  
•  Non-healing wounds
  
•  Persistent diarrhea or vomiting
  
•  Sudden changes in weight
  
•  Unexplained swelling, heat, pain or lameness
  
•  Visible mass/tumor

Cancer in pets is often suspected based on their medical history and physical exam. To help identify the type of tumor, we can perform a procedure called cytology, where we gently withdraw a few cells from a mass and examine them under a microscope. This can quickly give us important information and help confirm a diagnosis for certain types of cancer. For some tumors, we may need to do a biopsy, which involves taking a small tissue sample to closely examine under a microscope. This helps us determine if the tumor is benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

In some cases, we may need to perform staging to see if the cancer has spread. Knowing if a tumor has spread helps guide treatment decisions and gives us a clearer understanding of the prognosis. Staging might involve lab work and sometimes additional cytology or biopsies from other tissues, like lymph nodes. We may also recommend imaging tests such as X-rays or ultrasounds of the chest or abdomen.

For a more detailed picture, advanced imaging techniques like CT scans, can provide important information about the tumor’s location and assist in planning the best treatment options.

Just like humans, pets can develop cancer (neoplasia) that affects nearly any organ or tissue in their body. The symptoms your pet might show will depend on the type of tissue involved and how advanced the condition is. We’re here to guide you through every step of the process to ensure your pet gets the best possible care.

Many signs of cancer in pets can also be linked to other non-cancerous conditions, but it’s important to have a veterinarian assess your pet as soon as possible to determine the cause. Early detection of cancer is key to providing the best care and treatment options for your pet.

Treatment plans for cancer vary depending on the type of cancer and may include one or more therapies such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, cryosurgery (freezing), or immunotherapy. It’s reassuring to know that pets often handle chemotherapy better than people, with 85% of pets experiencing few or no noticeable side effects.

​For pets with advanced cancer, pain management and comfort care (palliative care) are essential to maintain quality of life. At VSP, our Interventional Service also offers minimally invasive treatments for urinary cancers, which can help relieve obstructions caused by the cancer and improve your pet’s comfort.

Examples of some of these ​interventional treatments include:

•  Urethral Stenting
  
•  Ureteral Stenting
  
•  Transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT)

Once your pet’s diagnosis is confirmed, a VSP Internist will discuss the best treatment options for your pet, as well as the potential risks and side effects of each. Some types of tumors can be cured, while others may only be managed to slow their spread and help your pet live as comfortably as possible for as long as possible. The success of treatment for tumors depends on:

1. Stage – how large the tumor is and how far it has spread in the body

2. Type – this helps predict how well your pet may respond to treatment, and how likely the tumor is to spread or affect other areas
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Treatment success depends on the type of tumor, how far it has spread, and the available treatment options. While there’s no way to predict exactly how your pet will respond, many pets with cancer can have successful outcomes. Benign tumors are typically easier to treat, and catching them early can lead to the best results. Even though benign tumors don’t spread, they can still cause serious issues. For example, a benign brain tumor may press on brain tissue, which can be dangerous. While some tumors, especially more aggressive cancers, can’t be completely cured, treatment can still help improve your pet’s quality of life and give you more time together.

If your pet has been diagnosed with cancer and you’d like to explore treatment options with a specialist, you can schedule an appointment with our Internal ​Medicine team HERE.

If your pet is facing an emergency related to cancer, such as symptoms of lymphoma or leukemia, our VSP Urgent Care service is here to assist you. Our experienced Urgent Care team is ready to provide immediate attention and work alongside our specialists to assess your pet’s condition. Following the initial evaluation, we will coordinate any necessary follow-up care with our Internal Medicine experts to ensure your pet receives the best possible treatment.

​ We are committed to providing comprehensive emergency care every step of the way.