Palliative Treatment of Cancer Pain

Palliation is any form of medical care or treatment that focuses on reducing the severity of disease symptoms, rather than striving to halt, delay, or reverse progression of the disease itself or provide a cure. The goal is to prevent and relieve suffering and to improve quality of life. Successful palliation utilizes options ranging from anti-pain medications to dietary management and may include the usage of low dosage radiation and chemotherapy as well. By utilizing low dosages, the risk for side effects are minimized while maintaining the positive, short term, benefits of the treatments. To be successful multiple methods will often need to be incorporated. Every pet is unique. Through careful discussion with your veterinarian and close monitoring most palliative goals can be successfully met.