treatment options for extending the lives of beloved companion animals. Holistic Pet Vet Clinic in Tigard, OR has seen many success stories with their furry patients. “There is a place for all types of modalities,” says Laurie Austin, clinic manager, “including chemo and radiation, for animal cancer. Our approach to cancer is an excellent adjunct to conventional chemo and radiation treatments. We can help the patient be more comfortable and enable their body to handle (to a much greater degree) the intensity and discomfort of those extreme modalities.” The best prevention? Maintaining a healthy weight, well-balanced nutrition, regular exercise and exams, and — depending on the age and breed of your pet — even semi-annual veterinary visits. Dr. Freeman recommends all pets over age 10 have bi-annual blood work and thorough physical exams.
While symptoms may vary or even be scarce until a cancer has become more advanced, early warning signs that call for immediate action include:
• Abnormal swelling that persists and continues to grow • Sores that do not heal • Unexplained weight loss • Loss of appetite • Bleeding or discharge from any body opening • Offensive odor and/or chronic bad breath • Difficulty eating or swallowing • Hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina • Persistent lameness or stiffness • Difficulty breathing, urinating or defecating Unlike dogs and cats that can show symptoms in early stages,
rabbits and birds may not show signs until the disease has spread. Therefore, any change in behavior, eating patterns or repeated diarrhea, vomiting or fatigue should prompt an instant visit to your veterinarian. Early detection is key. The earlier a tumor is diagnosed, the better the chances for effective treatment and even a cure. Because some types of cancer are not detected easily, any sign that your pet is “just not feeling right” should be taken seriously. Vigilant pet parents and veterinarians have saved pets by addressing growths or other subtle changes as soon as they noticed them. Freeman, who has practiced oncology at The Veterinary Cancer Referral Center for seven years, says she finds the work rewarding for a couple reasons: one, being able to manage the disease and quality of life in her patients; and two, providing owners with a better
understanding of the disease and helping them be proactive by providing explanations of what could happen. “I like to make it less scary for them by letting them know what to expect and what they can do. Dealing with cancer is often an emotional and difficult time for a pet owner. “Most people when they hear cancer, they have no hope, and the ability to give them a degree of hope is rewarding.” says Freeman. Working to make way for even greater hope, many organizations are working toward goodness and hope through research, developing better treatments, and eventually a cure. Many of these organizations were born from broken hearts. Like phoenixes rising from the ashes, founders’ stories often tell of an animal taken too soon, and a human being unwilling to let the story end there. Continued on Page 24
Spot Magazine | December 2010
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