“Cancer in man’s best friend”
An article by Dr. Blake Marcum
Did you know that animals get cancer? As technology in veterinary medicine advances, we are seeing increasing numbers of pets who are diagnosed with cancer. Fortunately, options for treatments have increased allowing us to treat many of these animals. Treatments for cancer, similar to humans, can involve surgery, chemotherapy, or ra...diation. For example, lymphoma, a cancer of the lymph nodes, is a systemic disease that often responds well to chemotherapy; but sarcomas, which are tumors of the connective tissues, may have a better response to surgery or radiation. Unlike their human counterparts, treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy are incredibly well tolerated in dogs and cats. This allows us to prolong the lives of our patients without compromising their quality of life.
As human medicine has evolved, chemotherapy has become much more accessible and affordable. Previously, an owner would have to travel to the nearest metropolitan area or veterinary teaching hospital to find an oncologist to treat their dog or cat. Today, with increasing awareness of chemotherapy and the safety of the products, many general practitioners are able to provide chemotherapy to their clients. At Capitol Illini in Springfield, IL, we are able to provide treatment for patients for the more common diseases like lymphoma and mast cell tumors with the convenience of treating locally; but we also have options to send patients to nearby teaching hospitals at the University of Illinois and the University of Missouri for advanced or rare cases when needed.
For years animals have been used as models for many diseases, and this is true for cancer as well. Clinical trials with animals for treatments have not only benefited veterinary medicine, but also human medicine, because many of these cancers have similarities across various species. These studies have allowed for advancements that may save human lives in the future.
It is important to know that even if an animal is diagnosed with cancer – it does not have to be a death sentence. There may be options for treatment, and if we keep an open mind, maybe one day we can find a cure.
Blake A. Marcum, DVM
Capitol Illini Veterinary Services
Springfield, IL
Did you know that animals get cancer? As technology in veterinary medicine advances, we are seeing increasing numbers of pets who are diagnosed with cancer. Fortunately, options for treatments have increased allowing us to treat many of these animals. Treatments for cancer, similar to humans, can involve surgery, chemotherapy, or ra...diation. For example, lymphoma, a cancer of the lymph nodes, is a systemic disease that often responds well to chemotherapy; but sarcomas, which are tumors of the connective tissues, may have a better response to surgery or radiation. Unlike their human counterparts, treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy are incredibly well tolerated in dogs and cats. This allows us to prolong the lives of our patients without compromising their quality of life.
As human medicine has evolved, chemotherapy has become much more accessible and affordable. Previously, an owner would have to travel to the nearest metropolitan area or veterinary teaching hospital to find an oncologist to treat their dog or cat. Today, with increasing awareness of chemotherapy and the safety of the products, many general practitioners are able to provide chemotherapy to their clients. At Capitol Illini in Springfield, IL, we are able to provide treatment for patients for the more common diseases like lymphoma and mast cell tumors with the convenience of treating locally; but we also have options to send patients to nearby teaching hospitals at the University of Illinois and the University of Missouri for advanced or rare cases when needed.
For years animals have been used as models for many diseases, and this is true for cancer as well. Clinical trials with animals for treatments have not only benefited veterinary medicine, but also human medicine, because many of these cancers have similarities across various species. These studies have allowed for advancements that may save human lives in the future.
It is important to know that even if an animal is diagnosed with cancer – it does not have to be a death sentence. There may be options for treatment, and if we keep an open mind, maybe one day we can find a cure.
Blake A. Marcum, DVM
Capitol Illini Veterinary Services
Springfield, IL
