Pet Vet Articles (Published Weekly in the Northern Territory News)

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Cancer
Dr Stephen Cutter B.V.Sc(hons)

Cancer. The very word strikes fear in even the bravest souls. Unfortunately it is common and I see pets with some form of cancer everyday. We all have a fear of this disease. Many owners will put off a trip to the vet when they see a lump on their pet, thinking that there is no treatment available. For many people they assume that death is the only possible outcome. If you are worried that your pet might have cancer don’t put your head in the sand. Get it checked, your pet depends on you to look after them.

Fundamentally cancers are when a normal part of tissue (a cell) makes a mistake and as a result grows and behaves wrong. The normal inhibition and rules that govern the tissues behavior are ignored and it may spread and replace normal tissue.

Cancer is such a wide and variable collection of diseases it is hard to give any general advice. Cancers can range from benign and essentially harmless to rapid and devastatingly malignant and every variation between. All sorts of signs can be caused by cancer. (depending on the organs affected by the cancer) so diagnosing it can be a challenge.

Every cancer is different. So every case requires careful consideration and care. Many cancers are benign and once properly assessed by the vet can be safely left. Many others can be removed by surgery. While still others require Chemotherapy, radiotherapy or a combination of them. Cancer really demands a battle - and commitment on the part of the owner. Not all battles are won, but we definitely draw or win a lot more than we used to. It’s a fight that is usually worth fighting.

If your pet is diagnosed with this dreadful disease, then don't fear. Get to your local vet and get an accurate diagnosis and formulate a battle plan. The sooner treatments starts the better the chances.

Copyright © 2005-2013 Dr Stephen M Cutter
May not be reproduced without written permission from the author.