Questions To Ask Your Veterinarian
About your pet's cancer and treatment:
What is the name of my pet's tumor? Is the tumor benign or malignant? How often does this type of tumor 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?
Click Here To Read About Questions To Ask Regarding Pain Management
About your pet's nutrition:
Is there anything special my pet should eat? How much should my pet eat? What if my pet refuses to eat? When should appetite stimulants be used? What is assisted tube feeding? Is it true that we do not want my pet to lose weight? Can we prevent loss of appetite by preventing dehydration, nausea and discomfort?
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. When facing the diagnosis of cancer in a beloved pet, you may feel the responsibility of making important life-changing decisions for someone who relies totally on your judgment. Your pet not only shares your home, your life and your experiences, but also your heart. This loved one depends on you to provide the best possible care. And extending a patient's good quality of life is the best reason to treat cancer.
PREV STEPNEXT STEP
RELATED ARTICLES
The word cancer is as dark and empty as the disease it defines. A cancer diagnosis often brings feelings of overwhelming fear, a loss of control, and most devastating of all, a loss of hope. This can occur regardless of whether the patient is a friend, family member or a precious pet. When we face the diagnosis of cancer in a beloved pet it is even more difficult, for we must make important and life changing decisions for our animal friends that rely totally on our own judgments for their well-being. These animals not only share our homes, our
Jan 01, 2012
Components of Health and Wellness Programs by Age (<1 Year of Age, 1-7 Years of Age, >7 Years of Age). For animals <1 Year of Age: -Preadoption counseling to select breeds and lines with a reduced risk of cancer and to meet the needs of the adopting family. -Behavioral counseling and suggestions regarding obedience classes. -A complete History. -A complete physical examination. Read more!
Components of Health and Wellness Programs by Age (<1 Year of Age, 1-7 Years of Age, >7 Years of Age). For animals <1 Year of Age: -Preadoption counseling to select breeds and lines with a reduced risk of cancer and to meet the needs of the adopting family. -Behavioral counseling and suggestions regarding obedience classes. -A complete History. -A complete physical examination. Read more!
There is almost no other time in your life and the life of your pet more difficult in every respect than during the last moments of living. Regardless of how much preparation, whether you have had substantial time or not, the decision to euthanize your precious friend will not be easy. Throughout the entire life of your pet you have been watchful and concerned about quality of life; at this crisis moment or transition period, quality and dignity of life become prominent concerns again. Quality and dignity can only be achieved if you work as a
The word cancer is as dark and empty as the disease it defines. A cancer diagnosis often brings feelings of overwhelming fear, a loss of control, and most devastating of all, a loss of hope. This can occur regardless of whether the patient is a friend, family member or a precious pet. When we face the diagnosis of cancer in a beloved pet it is even more difficult, for we must make important and life changing decisions for our animal friends that rely totally on our own judgments for their well-being. These animals not only share our homes, our
Staging, Grading: Imagine defeating an enemy you did not know. What is the threat? What are the tools to defeat this enemy? This is exactly what your veterinarian is thinking when he or she considers staging or grading the cancer: Understanding where the cancer is in the body, the name of the cancer and the degree of aggressiveness. By understanding the enemy, we can defeat it. • Each tumor is different and unique. Each one must first be given a name; this is only possible with a biopsy or cytology (a test that helps determine the type ..
