Frequently Asked Questions about Cancer in Pets

Common questions regarding caring for your pet with cancer.

Companion Animal

Side Effects of Chemotherapy in Animals Question What side effects could I expect my dog to have from chemotherapy? When do they start and how long will they last? Are there medications to treat these or make them not as bad? Erika Krick, VMD, DACVIM Veterinary Medical Oncologist, University of Pennsylvania, responds: Answer The most common side effects of chemotherapy in dogs
How Animals Tolerate Cancer Treatments Question How do dogs tolerate cancer treatment? Do they get sick like people do? Erika Krick, VMD, DACVIM Veterinary Medical Oncologist, University of Pennsylvania, responds: Answer Dogs tend to tolerate cancer treatments (surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy) relatively well compared to people, but they can certainly still have side
Clinical Trials for Animals with Cancer Question Are there clinical trials for pets with cancer? If so, how do you find them? Erika Krick, VMD, DACVIM Veterinary Medical Oncologist, University of Pennsylvania, responds: Answer There are multiple ongoing clinical trials for pets with cancer. You can go to the Veterinary Cancer Society website at vetcancersociety.org for more
Can All Animals Get Cancer? Question Can all animals get cancer- like snakes, turtles, etc? We don't have your "usual" pets! Erika Krick, VMD, DACVIM Veterinary Medical Oncologist, University of Pennsylvania, responds: Answer Many different types of animals get cancer, including reptiles, birds, etc. This question and answer was part of the OncoLink Brown Bag Chat
Cancer Prevention Research in Animals Question Is there any research into cancer prevention in animals? Erika Krick, VMD, DACVIM Veterinary Medical Oncologist, University of Pennsylvania, responds: Answer Most research related to cancer in veterinary patients focuses on cancer causes and treatment, not prevention yet. Currently there is no specific recommendation to prevent cancer
The Role of Hormones in the Development of Mast Cell Tumors in Animals Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," I was wondering if any research has been done on the effects of hormones like estrogen on keeping dog Mast Cell Tumors (MCT) in check? I know it may just be coincidence, but my Rhodesian ridgeback had one MCT for 3 yrs, and after she was spayed, developed 4 more within the next year (which have been
Low Platelet Counts in Animals Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," Can you please tell me what kind of cancers in animals often lead to a drop in platelet counts and how that can that be treated? Also, do cancer treatments for such cancers lead to drop in platelet counts due to their effects on the bone marrow? Lili Duda, VMD, Editor of the OncoLink
Heredity of animal cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I lost my dog to cancer. I would like to get another dog from the same breeder. I am unsure how much of a role genetics plays into the likelihood that a dog will develop cancer. I know there is no guarantee of a completely healthy dog (regardless of the breed) but I also do not want to set myself up for another loss
Companion Animals and Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," Do you have any statistics as to how many companion animals are diagnosed with cancer in their life time? What treatments are used? And, what is average cost of treatment? Thank you. Lili Duda, VMD, Editor of the OncoLink Veterinary Oncology Section Menu, responds:
Traveling with a Companion Animal with Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," I have a question. My parents have a cat that has cancer of the liver. She is currently getting chemotherapy once every 3 weeks. They are going to be traveling around the country in an R.V. soon with the cat. They are trying to figure out how to make sure the cat receives her chemo treatments as needed.
Radiation Schedule in Companion Animals Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I have an 8 year-old labrador who was recently diagnosed with a mast cell tumor. The surgeon removed all that he could, but could not remove all of it. I am taking her for radiation therapy next week. The more I read about it, most physicians would give her radiation 3 days a week. This particular vet will give