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One of the most devastating, yet common diagnoses in both human and veterinary medicine is the diagnosis of cancer. While many types of cancer or tumors can be benign, such as common fatty lumps in pets known as lymphomas, warts, cysts, and skin tags, many other lumps both externally and internally can indeed sometime be malignant. When such masses or lumps are noted on exam or laboratory testing, it is often helpful for the veterinarian to try and obtain a diagnosis so that an appropriate treatment plan can be instituted. |
While many times a needle aspirate and evaluation of the cells under the microscope (known as cytology) can yield a diagnosis, other times an excisional or surgical biopsy of the tissue is needed by your veterinarian. Depending upon the diagnosis, some tumors can be left alone, while others need more aggressive surgical treatment, chemotherapy and/or radiation, depending upon the tumor type. In recent years there have been tremendous advances in veterinary cancer therapy, both in terms of chemo and radiation therapy, as well as even now stem cell or gene therapy in veterinary medicine recently available for some diseases. Holistic veterinary medicine is also an option, including nutritional supplements, Western and Chinese herbs, acupuncture, and homeopathic remedies.
Dietary therapy is also very important in the management of many types of cancers. For conventional therapy, I usually recommend a consultation with a cancer specialist known as an oncologist, while for holistic veterinary medicine, I would also seek out a well trained holistic veterinarian in one of the above areas, whether as part of an integrative cancer approach or those interested in a more strictly holistic approach. No matter which approach is taken, with time, patience, and commitment, many pets diagnosed with cancer can indeed live long lives and in some cases even cured, depending upon the cancer type.
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One Comment
Yes treatment of hyperthyroid cats will be determined by age and overall health. Most common option is drug called methimazole or tapazole, while best option in my opinion is radioactive iodine for cure of condition. Surgery is least preferred.
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Kathy Short Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 7:33 am
loved the artical. we have a 18yr. old yellow lab who we’ve had since he was a puppy. I don’t think he was 8wks. old when we got him. he has cancer it’s a huge lump (size of a soft ball) on his left back leg. he has gotten growths over the years they are not cancer and do not bother at all. he is on pain meds. that really do help him I guess my question is can we try the vacine or let it go do to his age. our vet said he is to old for surgery to remove the back leg. and he would not make it thru chemo. any suggestion.. Thank You for taking time out to read this.
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Dr. Michael Dym, VMD veterinarian Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 12:05 pm
I think palliative pain management by your local vet is best way to go in pet this age. Would not do any other therapies or vaccines at this time.
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