How Can I Prevent My Cat from Getting Cancer from Vaccination?
Vaccination is a medical procedure that should be undertaken with the same thoughtful consideration as any other medical procedure in veterinary practice. Continue…
Are Mast Cell Tumors Common In Dogs?
Mast cell tumors (MCT) in dogs are very common, accounting for approximately 20% of all skin tumors in dogs. For most dogs, the underlying cause promoting the development of the tumor is not known. Continue…
Should I Treat My Pet Who Was Diagnosed with Cancer?
What Should I Do If My Pet Is Diagnosed With Cancer? Continue…
How Do I Decide If I Need To Find a Surgical Specialist?
Your veterinary medical “team” should be made up of you, the general practice veterinarian the AVH Board certified veterinary homeopath (CVH), and a specialist when needed.
Difficult surgical cases may be best managed by a specialist. When a referral is indicated, your veterinary homeopath will discuss this process you.
The ACVS’s (surgical Board) five questions to ask your vet before your pet has a surgical procedure:
- “How often does your vet perform this surgery?
- Does the surgery require special equipment and is it readily available?
- Does my pet’s surgery require a specialist?
- What should I expect the outcome of the surgery to be?
- What follow-up care is necessary?”
And I would add a sixth and seventh questions:
- Which anesthetic protocol will be used?
- Will my pet be monitored closely by trained personnel (other than the surgeon) both during and after surgical anesthesia?
Diagnosis and Treatment of Osteochondritis Dessicans (OCD)
Osteochondrosis dessicans (OCD) is a condition of abnormal cartilage growth seen in rapidly growing dogs. Its exact cause is not fully understood but genetics and over nutrition appears to contribute. Continue…
Why Did My Dog Get an Infection in Her Uterus (pyometra) after Being in Heat (estrus)?
Pyometra is an infection of the uterus in dogs and cats causing a variety of clinical and pathological signs related to genital and systemic disease. Continue…
Should My Pet with Cancer Have Surgery?
There are many ways to treat cancer including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. Among these, surgery is the oldest and most commonly used form of therapy. Continue…
Feline Mammary (Breast) Tumors
Mammary cancer is the third most common cancer in cats. The average age of affected cats is 10-11 years of age. Almost 90% of feline mammary tumors are malignant, meaning they have the potential to spread to other portions of the body. The most common sites of spread are regional lymph nodes and the lungs. Malignant mammary tumors in cats tend to metastasize rapidly. Around 10% of feline mammary tumors are benign, meaning they will not spread except by local growth. To date, surgical excision at the earliest possible opportunity is the most effective therapy for any mammary tumor. If the tumor is benign, complete surgical excision is curative. If the tumor is malignant, post-surgical treatment with chemotherapy, immunotherapy or radiation therapy may be warranted. These options will be discussed with you by the medical oncologist following surgery, if appropriate.
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