What Are the Best Treatment Options for Dogs With Cancer?

Posted by Petdirect on 19th Nov 2024

A cancer diagnosis can be a difficult moment for any pet owner. Yet, as veterinary medicine advances, more effective treatment options are available to help manage the disease and improve a dog's quality of life. This guide will provide an overview of the best treatment options, how they work, and the factors to consider in making the best choice for your dog's health and comfort.

Overview of Canine Cancer Treatment Options

The most suitable treatment for a dog with cancer depends on various factors, including the type, location, and stage of cancer, as well as the dog’s overall health and age. Treatment options generally fall into the following categories:

Surgery
Chemotherapy
Radiation therapy
Targeted therapy
Immunotherapy
Palliative care

Each approach has unique benefits, and a veterinary oncologist can help tailor the best treatment plan to meet your dog’s individual needs.

1. Surgical Options

Surgery is often the first step for treating solid tumours, like mast cell tumours or benign growths. The goal is to remove as much cancerous tissue as possible and ideally eliminate the tumour entirely. For cancers that haven’t spread, surgery alone may offer a complete cure.

When is Surgery Recommended?

For accessible, localised tumours that haven’t metastasised (spread).
If the dog is healthy enough to recover from anaesthesia and surgery.

In cases where a tumour has spread or is in a complex location, surgery might be combined with other treatments for better control over the cancer.

Considerations for Pet Owners:

After surgery, watch for any signs of infection or complications, such as swelling or redness.
Follow your vet’s advice for post-operative care, including any required follow-up visits.
Be mindful of your dog’s comfort and restrict strenuous activity during recovery.

2. Chemotherapy for Dogs

Chemotherapy is commonly used for cancers with a higher risk of spreading, such as lymphoma. This treatment utilises drugs to slow or stop cancer cell growth throughout the body, either through oral medications or injections administered over several weeks.

When is Chemotherapy Recommended?

For cancers such as lymphoma or leukaemia that spread quickly.
After surgery if cancer cells remain, or if the tumour has spread.
To shrink tumours prior to surgery or prevent recurrence afterward.

What to Expect: Unlike humans, dogs generally experience fewer side effects from chemotherapy. When side effects do occur, they’re usually mild, with some dogs experiencing temporary tiredness, reduced appetite, or mild digestive upset. Veterinarians adjust dosages to make chemotherapy as tolerable as possible.

Considerations for Pet Owners:

Prepare a quiet, comfortable resting place for your dog post-treatment.
Offer smaller, easily digestible meals if your dog seems nauseated.
Maintain regular follow-ups with your vet to monitor how your dog is responding to treatment.

3. Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy targets and destroys cancer cells within a specific area, making it ideal for treating tumours that are difficult to remove surgically or located near delicate structures. The therapy uses controlled doses of radiation to minimise damage to healthy cells.

When is Radiation Therapy Recommended?

For tumours in locations that make surgery risky, such as nasal or brain tumours.
When cancer is localised and has not spread widely.
As a follow-up after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells.

What to Expect: Radiation treatments are typically scheduled over several weeks to allow healthy cells to recover. Side effects are generally limited to the area being treated and may include skin irritation, hair loss, or discomfort at the treatment site.

Considerations for Pet Owners:

Follow any specific aftercare instructions from your veterinarian, especially regarding skin care.
Provide additional comfort and monitor the treated area for any signs of irritation.
Schedule regular check-ups to assess your dog’s response and healing process.

4. Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy is a newer advancement in cancer treatment that focuses specifically on molecular markers or genes within cancer cells. Unlike chemotherapy, which affects the entire body, targeted therapies aim to block the pathways that cancer cells use to grow and multiply, reducing potential side effects.

When is Targeted Therapy Recommended?

For cancers with identifiable molecular markers.
When traditional treatments are not effective or have high risks.
Frequently used for specific tumour types, such as mast cell tumours.

Considerations for Pet Owners:

Targeted therapy typically involves regular oral medications and may require ongoing monitoring.
Periodic blood tests or other diagnostics may be necessary to evaluate effectiveness and safety.
Targeted therapies are very specific, so consulting a veterinary oncologist is essential to determine if they are a suitable choice for your dog’s condition.

5. Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy boosts the body’s immune system to identify and attack cancer cells. It’s a developing field in veterinary oncology, showing promise particularly in treating cancers like melanoma. Immunotherapy may be less invasive and can sometimes be used alongside other treatments.

When is Immunotherapy Recommended?

For cancers like melanoma that respond well to immune-based treatments.
When traditional therapies are unsuitable for health reasons.
Often as a complementary therapy to reduce the need for chemotherapy or radiation.

Considerations for Pet Owners:

Immunotherapy may involve injections or oral medications.
Routine vet visits will help assess response to treatment and adjust as needed.
Immunotherapy is an evolving option, so an in-depth discussion with a veterinary oncologist can provide insight into its potential benefits for your dog.

6. Palliative Care and Quality of Life

When cancer is advanced or untreatable, palliative care focuses on enhancing quality of life rather than curing the disease. The aim is to manage pain, adjust the diet for easier digestion, and provide comfort to reduce the symptoms of cancer.

When is Palliative Care Recommended?

When treatment options are no longer effective or suitable.
For older dogs or those unable to tolerate aggressive treatments.
When the main priority is keeping your dog comfortable and pain-free.

Considerations for Pet Owners:

Work with your vet to create a pain management plan, which may include medications or natural supplements.
Adapt your dog’s diet to provide nutrition while minimising digestive discomfort.
Engage in gentle, enjoyable activities that support emotional well-being.

Making the Best Decision for Your Dog

Choosing a treatment plan for a dog with cancer is a personal decision that requires balancing treatment benefits, quality of life, and costs. Veterinary oncologists are trained to guide pet owners through this process, helping to create a personalised treatment plan based on your dog’s unique needs.

Things to Keep in Mind:

Regular check-ups are essential to monitor progress and make adjustments.
Observe your dog’s comfort and emotional well-being throughout the treatment process.
Consider your dog’s personality, energy levels, and overall tolerance when deciding on treatment approaches.

While a cancer diagnosis is challenging, understanding your treatment options can help to make the best choices for your dog’s health and happiness. With the right care, support from your veterinarian, and a compassionate approach, you can help maximise your dog’s comfort and quality of life during this time.