Dr Rod's Healthy Pet Tip

My Pet Has Cancer
 
If your pet has been diagnosed with cancer you are probably shocked and possibly devastated by this news. “Why my pet?” “How did this happen?” “What did I do wrong” Did you know that cancer is the number one natural cause of death in geriatric cats and dogs, and it accounts for nearly 50 percent of pet deaths each year? This may be no real consolation but it does mean you are not alone.  Although cancer is the leading cause of death in geriatric patients, it also is the most treatable disease when compared with life-limiting diseases like congestive heart failure, renal failure, and diabetes. The Foundation works with an educated and dedicated veterinary team at Brisbane Veterinary Specialist Centre (BVSC) and all at BVSC compassionately care for cancer patients.


You are at the heart of this team. As your pet's primary care giver, you are in the best position to know and meet your pet's needs. Your first task is to get the best veterinary advice possible. Your own veterinarian will be able to help. Ask your Vet if there is a benefit to your pet to get specialists involved and see if you vet thinks that referral may be a good option for you and your pet. Referral is not always necessary or may not be possible for you because of your location. Your Vet, however, can call the specialists at BVSC for advice. At BVSC our staff and specialists are experienced in cancer care. We are committed to working with you. Compassionate care requires that steps to ensure that your pet is as free as possible from the adverse effects that may be associated with cancer and cancer treatment. A lot can be done to minimize and even eliminate pain and nausea for instance.
        
Here are some hints for helping you get the information you need to be an effective advocate for your pet’s cancer treatment:

• Write things down: Write down questions you may have before each visit. Take notes during all discussions with the veterinary health care team about your pet's disease or treatment options. Recite information back to ensure that you understand completely.
• Seek support: Bring a friend or spouse with you when come.   
• Include the whole family: All discussions about your pet should involve everyone who loves your pet, including your children. Allow everyone to ask questions and express their opinions.
• Ask for printed materials or information: Obtain resources to help you understand your pet's disease and treatment options.
• Understand there are no incorrect decisions: Do not worry about what other people will think about your decisions. You know your pet better than anyone else in the world. Once you have gathered the information you need, listen to your heart and you will make the right choices.

Some questions to discuss...
About your pet's cancer and treatment:

• What is the name of my pet's tumour?
• Is the tumour benign or malignant?
• How often does this type of tumour metastasize (spread to other parts of the body)?
• If left untreated, what will the cancer likely do to my pet?
• What diagnostic tests do we need to perform to determine the location and extent of the cancer (i.e., the stage of the disease)?
• What are all the treatment options and what are the costs, side effects, time involved, and effectiveness of each treatment?

About your pet's pain management:

• Is my pet in any discomfort?
• How do you treat cancer pain?
• Is pain management important here?
• What happens if the pain is not relieved with the usual treatment?
• Is severe pain considered an emergency here?
• Who do I call after hours?
• How much am I involved in the plan?
• Will I receive directions in writing?
• Who will teach me about the plan to alleviate discomfort?
• Who can help when you are away?
• What happens if the pain does not go away?
• Who will show me how to give medication to my pet?

About ensuring your pet does not have an upset stomach:

• How will I know if my pet has an upset stomach?
• What can be done to prevent nausea and vomiting, especially relating to cancer therapy?
• When should I call for help if my pet is nauseated or is vomiting?
• Who should I call?
• What can be done if my pet is experiencing nausea and vomiting?
• What can we do to enhance appetite and to ensure a good level of nutrition?

A diagnosis of cancer often brings with it some overwhelming emotions, including a sense of loss of control, and a sense of hopelessness. We understand these feelings and our team can support you and treat your pet with compassion. At BVSC there is a grief councillor who can work with you and you family to help you through difficult times. The Australian Animal Cancer Foundation is about helping treat animals with cancer compassionately while supporting owners and empowering them and welcoming them as a team member. By treating animals with cancer this gives us the possibility to make our knowledge grow and consolidate and to enable us to better treat animals and people with cancer while providing the very best care possible.