Understanding Leukemia
Hearing a cancer diagnosis for your pet can be scary and confusing. Therefore, understanding the terms and the science behind various types of cancer can go a long way in creating HOPE and an ability to make informed decisions about treatment options. In this blog, we will be discussing leukemia, which is a cancer that attacks the immune system’s white blood cells.
When the various types of cells within the immune system begin to divide out of control, they become leukemia. Traditionally, this type of cancer is located in the bone marrow or blood and results in the overproduction of white blood cells. The bone marrow is unable to produce healthy cells due to the presence of the cancerous cells overcrowding the marrow.
Credentials Matter
In addition to completing four years at a veterinary medical school to become DMVs, our Veterinary Oncology Specialists (Diplomates) – the largest team of oncology specialists in the nation – have completed an additional four to six years of education and experiences to establish expertise in distinct areas of oncology. Most of our doctors are “board-certified,” which requires extensive training and course caseload, published research, at least one year of internship experience, and three to five years of hospital residency focusing on a specific specialty. A rigorous exam must be passed for certification. These professionals have then reached the pinnacle of veterinarian achievement in training and are considered “Diplomates” as recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association Board of Veterinary Specialties.
Veterinary Cancer Society FAQs for Pet Owners
The following are excerpts from the Veterinary Cancer Society, a nonprofit organization
that “provides educational opportunities to enhance the practice of veterinary oncology, and to inspire scientific and professional interactions by connecting those who have a shared interest in oncology.”
What are the most common types of cancers in dogs? How many dogs typically get cancer?
One in four dogs will be diagnosed with cancer, and it’s the leading cause of death in pets who are beyond middle age.
Understanding Radiation Therapy
Dr. Stephanie Correa explains how the sophisticated radiation machine works to treat cancer.
Radiation therapy has been used in veterinary medicine since the beginning of the 20th Century, according to the Animal Cancer Foundation, but in recent years the advancement of the technology has led to more successful outcomes and reduced side effects.
At Animal Cancer Care Clinic, we offer a variety of radiation treatment options and provide each of our clients with an Optimal OUTCOMES Care Guide, specifically created for each individual pet’s unique situation.
How a Proven Therapy for Fighting Human Cancers is Helping Dogs With Cancer
Over the past decade immunotherapy, where the power of the immune system is harnessed to target and destroy cancer, has become an effective and increasingly common treatment approach for some types of human cancers. Now, this method is becoming more available for fighting cancers in pets. The final webinar in the ACCC Summer Series, “How to Navigate Through the Cancer Diagnosis,” featured Laura Greene, DVM, DACVIM Senior Professional Services Veterinarian, for Merck Animal Health. Her presentation to primary care veterinarians, “Immune Checkpoint Inhibition:
ACCC Oncologist Explains Blood Cancers in Dogs
Hemangiosarcoma (HSA), a malignant tumor of the cells that line blood vessels, was the topic of ACCC’s Summer Webinar offered to primary care vets across Florida and the country. ACCC’s own Ashlyn Williams, DVM, Practice Limited to Oncology, delivered the presentation and provided insights valuable to dog owners who want to learn more about this type of cancer, including its causes, treatment options, and promising emerging discoveries.
Dr. Williams explained that this form of cancer is often highly malignant but depends on how the disease presents itself and where it is located.
Advancements in Cancer Diagnostics and Treatment
Dr. Carrissa Wood, DVM, Practice Limited to Oncology, who treats pets in our Central Florida locations, recently presented “Demystifying Cancer Diagnostics” to nearly 100 primary care veterinarians throughout Florida in the second segment of the virtual summer series, “How to Navigate through the Cancer Diagnosis.”
As part of the constantly evolving field of veterinary oncology and the all-too-common long wait times for pet owners to see specialists, Dr. Wood outlined a number of new and traditional diagnostic tools and provided a peek into cutting-edge options, including genomics and precision medicine.
You Diagnosed a Pet with Cancer: How Do You Break the News?
By Evan Sones, DVM, MS, DACVIM
Breaking the news about a cancer diagnosis has been discussed for many years as it relates to humans, although little literature exists on the topic for pets. However, based on my own personal experience, delivering this bad news can be just as devastating to clients. How these conversations are handled can play an impactful role in how pet owners deal with the situation, make decisions about their beloved family member, and view their future journey.
