Pet Cancer Treatment Options
Which Pet Cancer Treatment Option Is Right For My Dog Or Cat?
As veterinary medicine advances and better technology is made available, pet cancer treatments are more effective than ever. In an increasing number of cases, it is potentially even curable.
Does that mean that every dog or cat’s cancer can be cured? Unfortunately, no. Factors such as tumor type, size, and location combine with variables like early detection and treatment options to dictate what a realistic outcome looks like for each individual patient. And every patient is different.
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The Most Common Pet Cancer Treatments
If your pet is diagnosed with cancer, the choices can seem overwhelming. Depending on the specific type of cancer a pet has, treatment may include the following, either alone or in combination:
- Surgery
Surgery is often the first line of treatment when localized cancer can be removed completely. The best-case scenario will always involve having the patient in one room and the tumor in another. In situations where the prospect of total removal is uncertain, however, the decision becomes more difficult. - Chemotherapy
Powerful drugs are used to destroy or damage cancer cells, particularly blood-cell cancers such as lymphoma and leukemia, and cancers that have spread (metastasized) or are likely to. It may be given orally (pills), intravenously, or directly into a tumor. Fortunately, dogs and cats generally tolerate chemotherapy much better than human patients. - Stereotactic Radiation (SRS/SRT)
This advanced form of radiation therapy is a standard of care for many human oncology patients because of its remarkable precision. A higher dose of radiation can be delivered directly to the tumor with an unprecedented level of accuracy, sparing the surrounding healthy tissue to the extent possible. For most patients, the end result is greater damage to the tumor with fewer/less severe side effects over fewer radiation treatment sessions. SRS/SRT is a non-surgical procedure that requires only 1-3 treatments, an 80-95% reduction in both treatment sessions and anesthetic events compared to conventional radiation therapy. It can even be used to treat some cancers previously considered untreatable in sensitive areas of the body such as the brain, spine or lungs. - Conventional Radiation Therapy (CFRT)
Conventionally fractionated radiation therapy (CFRT) uses targeted radiation to shrink or destroy cancers that cannot be safely or completely removed by surgery alone. It can also be utilized in conjunction with, or in place of, chemotherapy, or delivered following surgery if the initial procedure is unable to completely remove cancer. CFRT is typically administered in 15-21 treatment sessions over 3-7 weeks. Pets will need to be anesthetized to ensure they remain still during each session. - Palliative Care (PRT)
Sometimes pet owners opt not to treat cancer for a number of reasons, particularly if remission is not realistic. In this case, palliative care—which includes pain management—can be used to increase a pet’s comfort and quality of life. Typically delivered in weekly low-dose radiation treatments over 3-6 weeks, the goal is to relieve symptoms such as pain, bleeding and decreased mobility. Read our paper on pet owner experiences with palliative radiation therapy for pets. - Immunotherapy
A biological therapy that involves the use of antibodies to boost the body’s natural defenses by either stimulating the immune system to fight the cancer cells or by counteracting signals produced by cancer cells that suppress the immune system. - Cryotherapy
The use of cold temperatures to kill cells. It is best suited for small, superficial tumors and is commonly used in areas such as the skin, eyelids, oral cavity, and peri-anal region. - Radioactive Iodine I-131
Hyperthyroidism is one of the most common endocrine disorders diagnosed in cats. It can be treated surgically, medically or with radioactive iodine therapy (I-131). Most cats (90-95%) will have a benign, functional thyroid adenoma (tumor) that produces excessive thyroid hormone but has no risk of metastasis. A very small percentage of cats will have a thyroid carcinoma. Treatment with I-131 is the only option to treat the dysfunctional thyroid tissue with minimal impact on normal tissue.
Payment Support
Our client care representatives can help you understand all fees and payment options relating to your pet’s cancer treatment. They are also available to assist with submitting claims for insurance or to apply for financing. Many pet insurance companies provide coverage for cancer care, although the policy must be in place before a cancer diagnosis is made. The PetCure Oncology national network also offers financing options through CareCredit.