How Cancer Can Affect Your Pet
Sadly, our pets can be affected by cancer just like we can.
Finding out your pet has cancer can be devastating for pet owners, as well as for your beloved cat or dog. However, the good news is that there are now several veterinary treatment options available, depending on your pet’s condition.
If you’ve recently received news that your pet has been diagnosed with cancer, you may need advice and practical information about what to do next. Below, we’ve outlined some of the treatment options available for your cat or dog, including information on how specialist veterinarians can assist you and your pet.
Treatment Options for Animals with Cancer
If your cat or dog is diagnosed with cancer, it’s important to seek professional veterinarian treatment from an experienced team of specialists. Your pet can receive medical attention from internal medicine specialists, specialist surgeons and emergency and critical care vets, to provide treatment for all types of cancer and give them their best chance.
Generally, after diagnosing the type of cancer your pet has, your vet will decide on the best option for ongoing care – chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery or alternative forms of care. The type of cancer your pet has will usually be diagnosed via biopsy. Prognosis varies depending on a number of factors, such as:
- The stage of disease
- How your pet feels (e.g. loss of appetite, lethargy, weight loss)
- Your pet’s response to therapy
- Other health aliments
The most essential part of cancer treatment is ensuring you and your pet maintain the best quality of life possible. Every case is different, and therefore each treatment plan will be personalised to suit your pet’s needs.
Detecting Cancer in Pets Early On
One of the most important aspects of cancer treatment is detecting the disease early on. This is why it’s so important for pet owners to be aware of their dog or cat’s general behavioural patterns and routines.
In this way, any changes (whether sudden or gradual) to their actions or behaviours can be noted and investigated as a potential symptom of ill health or disease. Unusual bumps or sores on your pet shouldn’t be taken lightly and may be indicative of underlying cancer or disease.
If you ever have concerns over lumps, bumps or sores, or any changes in your pet’s behaviour, it’s best to get them checked by your vet as soon as possible. An early detection is better than a late one.
Specialist Cancer Care for Sydney Pets
Sydney’s Eastside Veterinary Emergency and Specialists is equipped for specialty services such as cancer medications and treatment. We also have specialist surgeons who can operate to remove skin cancer in animals as well as many other forms of cancer.
The Eastside clinic’s veterinary team, including our internal medicine specialists, specialist surgeons and emergency and critical care vets, work alongside your primary care vet to provide treatment for all types of cancer.
For more information about making an appointment with a cancer specialist at Eastside Veterinary clinic, look through the appointment information, including referrals and specialist appointments. If your pet requires emergency care, please seek professional veterinarian assistance immediately. No appointments are needed for emergency situations.