A veterinary oncologist can offer treatment options to lessen or stop a pet’s pain and suffering from cancer, and even cure it. They receive extra training and use similar technologies to treat humans. Their research can also benefit people with cancer.
One of the most disturbing pieces of information a pet owner can receive is that their dog or cat has cancer. In recent decades, a cancer diagnosis meant putting your furry companion to sleep or putting him down. However, a veterinary oncologist can offer the pet owner the opportunity to lessen or even stop the animal’s pain and suffering and prolong the period of survival. In addition, there are many cases where the veterinary oncologist can completely treat and cure the animal’s cancer. As a result, it’s important to understand what a veterinary oncologist does for all pet owners.
Nearly 50% of dogs over the age of ten die from cancer. This is an alarming and traumatic rate. However, current research into pet cancer, understanding the role of the veterinary oncologist, and knowledge about available options can be quite encouraging for those who receive this diagnosis for their four-legged companion.
Oncology is a specialized field in veterinary medicine. Consequently, those who choose to pursue a career as a veterinary oncologist receive several extra years of training compared to a general practitioner veterinarian. However, she will know the latest information about cancer, be up-to-date on the best treatments available, and screen and treat hundreds of animals diagnosed with cancer annually.
Among the duties of a veterinary oncologist is the examination of pets previously diagnosed with cancer or that the pet’s owners or general practitioner veterinarians suspect may have cancer. Often, she will review previously completed tests or suggest additional tests for the animal. Depending on the pet owner’s needs, he may care for the pet with cancer or may assist the general practitioner by sharing knowledge, techniques, or even participating as needed in surgeries and chemotherapy.
When treating animals with cancer, many of the same technologies are used in treating humans with cancer. For example, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiotherapy and photodynamic therapy are all possible scenarios for treating cancer in animals. Each method has pros and cons for a pet and an experienced oncologist should be able to write a report and explain the details of each method. In addition, she must be able to document the best and least expensive treatment for the animal – for owners who cannot afford expensive procedures.
A veterinary oncologist can also benefit people with their research. For example, osteosarcoma is a form of bone cancer that is quite prevalent in dogs; however, it is only found in a small amount of people – between 10 and 20 years old. Before the research, people with osteosarcoma were forced to amputate the affected limb; however, this is no longer the case because of research completed by teams of veterinary oncologists.
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