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Approach to the companion animal cancer patient: current therapies

02 February 2017
Clinical
16 mins read
02 February 2017
Volume 8 · Issue 1

Abstract

As one of the most treatable of all the chronic diseases, a diagnosis of cancer ultimately leads to a discussion of treatment options, including therapy directed at the cancer as well as any associated pain or other clinical signs, including paraneoplastic disease, and any comorbidity. The goal of treatment is to achieve as good a quality of life as possible for as long as possible. Given that curative-intent definitive treatment is not always an option, palliative treatment is available and can make the animal comfortable during the latter part of life. The aim of this article is to describe the various cancer therapies available, focusing on the role the veterinary nurse can play in facilitating communication between owner and veterinary surgeon about treatment options and quality of life of the animal.

Veterinary oncology is a rapidly growing field with cancer being such a common diagnosis in small animal practice and owners increasingly willing to choose treatment for their pets. The goal of treatment is to achieve as good a quality of life as possible, for as long as possible, rather than to achieve a cure. With this goal in mind, outcomes can be good as diagnostic and treatment options continue to improve and become more widely available. Where definitive treatment is not an option, palliative treatment is available and can make the animal comfortable during the latter part of life. This is the second in a series of articles aimed to provide information for veterinary nurses (VN) involved in the care of companion animal cancer patients. The first article focused on the pre-treatment phase of care — diagnosis and staging. The aim of this article is to describe the various cancer therapies available, focusing on the role a VN can play in facilitating communication between owner and veterinary surgeon (VS) about treatment options and quality of life of the animal. It has been said that cancer is ‘the most treatable’ of all chronic diseases (Moore and Frimberger, 2010). During the past decade, there have been many advances in the treatment of cancer in pets. The traditional modalities (surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy) are still the mainstay of treatment although there are several new treatment modalities now becoming more commonly available and used in small animal practice.

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cancer
treatment
therapy
cats
dogs