Cancer: the disease draped in the color black. To many, the word cancer, like the color black, conveys a sense of darkness - and hopelessness. This is true regardless of whether the patient is a human family member or a precious pet. In addition, all the terminology of cancer and its treatment conjures up images of horror and fear for those faced with making difficult decisions. Why in the world would anyone wish to talk about, consider or much less treat cancer?
Why Treat Cancer?
There are many reasons why cancer care is becoming more common. The first is the prevalence. Cancer is the number one natural cause of death in geriatric cats and dogs, according to a study by the Morris Animal Foundation. It accounts for almost 50 percent of the deaths of older dogs and almost an equal number of cats annually. While it's the most prevalent cause of death in geriatric patients, it is also the most curable of all geriatric diseases. Other geriatric diseases such as heart disease, kidney disease and diabetes mellitus are treatable, but rarely, if ever, curable. Cancer, on the other hand, is potentially curable in many forms, and may also be manageable with appropriate understanding and therapy.
In addition, our clients at California Veterinary Specialists are constantly exposed to newspaper and magazine articles, television and radio reports, and more recently, access to the Internet, that have highlighted amazing stories about dramatic new cures for cancer and the many possibilities for advances yet to come. Angiostatin, endostatin, herceptin, gene therapy, metalloproteinase inhibitors, laser surgery and steriotactically delivered radiation therapy have become topics of daily conversation among our clients. These caring and committed patients hear about these amazing advances in cancer care for people, and then turn to their veterinarian for the same potential for cure and control for their family pet. Finally, cancer is the number one health concern of all pet owners. About 40 percent of our patients at Angel Care, regardless of the age of their pet, are worried about cancer. This is a phenomenal percentage, and tremendous potential for practice growth, not only in cancer care and treatment, but also prevention.
Perhaps the best reason to think about caring for the cancer patient is the most difficult to completely explain. Our Angel Care patients who are willing to seek out treatment for their pet with cancer are perhaps the most bonded and caring. These precious family members have often shared a decade or more of experiences and are the beings who have offered unconditional love through triumphs and tragedies. These caregivers truly love their animals and are willing to make great sacrifices to care for them, and preserve, even if for a short time, that wondrous relationship we call "the bond." When we as veterinarians allow ourselves to work with these kinds of people and their pets, we are afforded the privilege and honor of touching the heart of who we are. We become a part of that which drew us to be veterinarians and we experience the joy and magic of the relationship between people and pets.
Information on the different treatments and their benefits are listed below in the related articles section of this page.
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