“There is no one-size-fits-all approach to cancer care in pets—each decision depends on the individual animal and situation.”
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This is a really hard dilemma, and one I help clients with every day as a mobile vet.
What do you do when you find out your pet has cancer? Do you go for chemotherapy or surgery and try to extend life so you can share every precious moment with your pet? Or do you decide that limited intervention is the best option and opt to keep your pet comfortable until the time is right to let go?
The answer is not simple. There’s no black and white formula for every pet and every family. Here are some principles I use to guide my clients – I hope you find them useful when you’re facing these difficult decisions.
The first thing I do is help you to understand as much as possible about the cancer. Knowledge is power and helps you make a good decision.
In most cases, we have gathered information through tests and we know what we are dealing with. So, for example, we know the average life expectancy of patients with the same condition, how the disease will affect the patient and, importantly, whether surgery or chemotherapy has any realistic chance of curing the disease or significantly extending the patient’s life, and the impact these will have on the patient.
We also have a chat about your pet’s overall health. The decision to operate on a tumour will be influenced by whether your pet is otherwise fit and well or not. Other factors like your financial circumstances, are also very important.
When I am considering if it is right to do something invasive like surgery I want to be as confident as I can be that I will extend good quality life for the patient in my care. So if I see a fit middle-aged dog with a cancer that we have a good chance of removing completely through surgery, chances are I’ll recommend the operation. After all he’ll likely recover from the op in a day or two and go on to have a long and happy life. But in an elderly dog with a concurrent major heart problem we might opt not to operate on the same tumour because of the potential serious risk associated with these other diseases, and also the significantly decreased life expectancy that may be present.
“The focus of treatment is always to balance extending life with maintaining a good quality of life.”
My approach to chemotherapy is similar to that of surgery with regard to the decision to proceed. In veterinary medicine, the approach to chemotherapy is different to that in humans. The individual human suffering from cancer will consent to the various chemotherapy options understanding the total impact this may have on him or her. We usually treat with the highest possible chemotherapy doses in the hope of complete remission or even cure, and we are prepared to suffer the terrible side effects, sometimes life threatening in themselves, in doing so.
The human paradigm is typically to prolong life at all costs. Nowadays this philosophy is being intensely scrutinized which could be the subject of a whole entire other blog. Because our pets are wholly dependent on us and cannot consent to this degree of suffering in order to potentially be cured, we cannot humanely put them through it. So the philosophy in veterinary cancer treatment is to use the highest possible chemo dose that will result in the lowest potential side effects balancing the best outcome possible for the patient with these restrictions in place. And so for this reason, in many cases chemotherapy is less effective in dogs and cats than in humans, with shorter remission times. There are certain cancers where we see great results, but for some cancers, chemotherapy has a genuine risk of making your pet feel really unwell without significantly extending their life.
It comes down to balance. If there’s a treatment with limited side effects that will extend life significantly then I’m happy to recommend it. But if the drugs are just going to make my patient feel bad and not significantly improve the outcome, I find it hard to recommend that as an option.
In many cases where pets are elderly or the cancer is incurable, veterinary cancer care involves keeping a patient comfortable and helping them to enjoy a good quality of life for as long as possible. This might mean that we use supportive drugs like painkillers and antibiotics to treat secondary infections and offer you advice and support on the best way to care for your pet.
You might also like to have a look at my blog on deciding on the right time to let go and our page about euthanasia at home.
Key Takeaways
- There is no single right answer for cancer treatment
Decisions depend on the type of cancer, your pet’s health and your individual circumstances. - Understanding the diagnosis is the first step
Clear information about prognosis and treatment options helps guide decisions. - Treatment decisions focus on quality of life
The goal is to balance extending life with maintaining comfort and well-being. - Supportive care is often appropriate
In many cases, managing pain and comfort is the most suitable approach.
In-Home Services
In-home care forms the foundation of how we treat and manage your pet’s health. Most conditions can be assessed, treated, and monitored in a familiar environment where pets are calmer and easier to handle. Available to residents of Sydney’s inner city, Inner West, Eastern Suburbs and the Lower North Shore.
Testimonials
Debby Ross
First visit from Ari and Ellie and it went beyond all expectations. They were so genuinely interested in my two cats. Of course I couldn’t stop talking about them but they clearly were not bored. Did excellent health checks and vaccinations – was an absolute pleasure and I would totally recommend them to anybody. So fabulous having no stress of lugging…
Daniel Birchall
Elle’s exceptionally professional, warm, and helpful phone manner, together with Dr Ari’s prompt arrival, gentle approach with Hudson, and clear, thorough medical explanations and recommendations, immediately put my mind at ease. The high level of care and professionalism demonstrated confirmed that contacting VETaround was the right decision.
Amanda Yeates
Ari is the best vet ever. His home visits are incredible. Such a great service to not have to put your beloved pets in the stressful situation of a car. Or around sick pets in a waiting area. My cats LOVE HIM. Ollie my male cat NEVER comes out of hiding when visitors come over. With Ari, he not only came out, let him weigh him, have his check up done…
Charmaine Caffrey
I was very pleased with the ladies from VETaround Mobile vet. Professional, polite and very knowledgeable. Certainly eased my mind about my cat 🐈 would recommend them to anyone needing good veterinary care for their pet. We all know just how important our four legged friends are!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I decide on cancer treatment for my pet?
The decision depends on factors such as the type of cancer, expected outcomes and your pet’s overall health. Your vet will help you understand whether treatments like surgery or chemotherapy are likely to improve the quality of life. Each case is assessed individually.
Is chemotherapy safe for pets with cancer?
Chemotherapy is used differently in pets compared to humans. The goal is to use doses that minimise side effects while still providing benefit. In some cases, it can help extend life, but results vary depending on the cancer type.
When is surgery recommended for cancer in pets?
Surgery may be recommended if there is a good chance of removing the tumour and improving long-term outcomes. This is more likely in pets that are otherwise healthy and able to recover well. Other health conditions may affect whether surgery is appropriate.
What if cancer treatment is not the right option for my pet?
In some cases, especially with older pets or advanced disease, supportive care may be the best approach. This focuses on keeping your pet comfortable and maintaining quality of life. Pain relief and the management of secondary issues are often part of this care.
Does cancer treatment always extend a pet’s life?
Not always. Some treatments may offer limited benefit or come with side effects that affect your pet’s well-being. Decisions are made by weighing the likely outcomes against the impact on quality of life.
What factors influence cancer treatment decisions in pets?
Key factors include your pet’s age, general health and the type of cancer diagnosed. Financial considerations and your ability to manage treatment are also important. These elements are considered together when deciding the best approach.