Cancer Treatment

A cancer diagnosis doesn’t have to be devastating when you’ve got the right team in your corner.

Many pet owners are surprised to learn that cancer is among the most common medical conditions that can affect companion animals – particularly those that are over the age of 10. And while certain breeds may be more genetically predisposed to developing cancer, it’s a disease that can affect just about any pet at any time. The team at Best Friends Animal Clinic is experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide variety of cancers.

Some of the signs that may indicate the presence of cancer include, but are not limited to:

• Lumps or bumps, on or beneath the skin
• Decreased appetite
• Sudden weight loss
• Lethargy
• Pain
• Difficulty urinating or defecating
• Coughing
• Changes in mood or personality
• Unusual behavior

Diagnostics

As your four-legged family member grows older, even if there are no outward signs of a problem, it’s important that you bring them in for routine screenings. At Best Friends Animal Clinic, we recommend doing this every 6 – 12 months. This allows us to run detailed diagnostic tests which help us determine whether there is anything present that we should be concerned about. As with humans, the earlier we are able to diagnose and treat cancer in pets, the better the chances of a positive outcome.

Cancer Treatment Options

There are a number of different ways to address cancer in companion animals. The path we choose will ultimately depend on your pet’s specific situation. For instance, age and current health status, as well as the type of cancer and how much it has progressed, all play a role. We will work with you to discuss your options and help you make the best decision for your family. Our primary goal will always be to help your loved one maintain the highest quality of life for as many years as possible. 

A few of the different cancer treatment options available at Best Friends Animal Clinic include:

Cancer Vaccinations

Cancer cells are able to grow and spread primarily due to the immune system failing to recognize that they are abnormal. This allows them to continue to metastasize. Immunotherapy is a cutting-edge treatment option for pets with cancer. This personalized vaccination uses existing cancerous cells to awaken the immune system and alert it that those cells are harmful. As a result, the immune system then recognizes and begins attacking cancer cells within the body, preventing them from spreading further.

SanaWave

SanaWave is a radiofrequency therapy that can be effective in treating various types of cancers, including solid tumors and blood cancers. This innovative technology uses special radio frequency waves to safely and painlessly generate heat within the targeted area. The result is a fever, which alerts the immune system of the presence of cancerous cells so that it can respond accordingly. What’s more, the oscillating radio frequencies also help to remove toxins, free radicals and other debris from the body, thereby decreasing inflammation.

Neoplasene

Neoplasene is a natural cancer treatment that is derived from the active ingredients of the bloodroot herb. It can be administered three different ways: topically, in pill form, or by injection. Neoplasene treatments have been proven to be successful in a number of documented cases, particularly those involving tumors of the skin, such as mast cell tumors, mammary tumors, fiborsarcomas and more. Neoplasene should only be administered under the guidance of an experienced veterinary professional.

Nutrition

Nutrition plays a pivotal role in providing pets with the greatest quality of life. For pets that have been diagnosed with cancer, helping them maintain adequate nutritional levels is essential. For instance, it’s not uncommon for a dog undergoing cancer treatment to experience hyporexia (decreased appetite) or anorexia (no appetite). Our team is experienced in developing customized diet plans that address the specific needs of each patient. 

Whichever course of action you choose to take, we want you to know that we understand how difficult this time is for you and your family and that you’re not alone. At any point, should a question or concern cross your mind, we encourage you to give us a call so we can talk it through. Whatever the outcome, the team at Best Friends Animal Clinic will be there to partner with you, every step of the way.