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Pet Cancer 101
Some of the most common questions about pet cancer answered.

Cancer in pets is more treatable than ever before.

If your pet has a bump or lump that’s pea-sized or larger, is painful or seems to be changing in shape or size in any way, it should be checked out by your veterinarian. Early detection and treatment are key for the best outcome.
VCA veterinary oncologist Barbara Kitchell, DVM, DACVIM, talks about types of cancers commonly found in pets.
VCA veterinary medical oncologist Zachary Wright, DVM, DACVIM, explains how perceptions of "success" can vary among people and veterinary oncologists will discuss prognoses with pet owners and manage expectations of quality of life.
VCA veterinary radiation oncologist Meagan Sowders, DVM, MS, DACVR/RO, addresses the question of whether anything in the pet's lifestyle could have caused their cancer. It is very rare to find links to the causes of cancer in dogs, and it's not related to anything the owner did or didn't do.
VCA veterinary oncologist David Proulx, MSpVM, DACVIM, DACVR, explains how cancer can affect animals of any age, however is more likely as they get older.
VCA veterinary radiation oncologist Jennifer Schutte DVM, DACVR, discusses how older pets are more at risk for cancer as they age and the Pet Cancer Care team must determine the best therapy in order to prioritize quality of life over simply prolonging life.
VCA veterinary medical oncologist Zachary Wright, DVM, DACVIM, talks about mast cell tumors, the most common type of cancer in dogs. Surgery is the most common treatment, although the veterinary oncologist may recommend other treatment options based on each individual dog's profile.
VCA veterinary medical oncologist Cecilia Lopez, DVM, DACVIM, explains how cats and dogs can have different types of cancer that are unique to their species. Also due to their different physiology and metabolisms, they can have very different reactions and resistance to cancer and treatment.
VCA veterinary surgeon Seth Bleakley MVB, MS, DACVS-SA, MRCVS, CCRT, explains how animal anesthesia provides pain management and care. This includes pre-medication, injections, gaseous, epidural and local anesthesia, as well as post-treatment oral medication for pain management.
VCA veterinary medical and radiation oncologist, David Proulx, MSpVM, DACVIM, DACVR, explains how radiation therapy is like a concentrated x-ray, and does not involve any radioactivity. Once the radiation beam is turned off, there is no residual radiation and the patient is not radioactive.
VCA veterinary medical oncologist Sarah Rippy, DVM, MS, DACVIM, explains how a raw diet can be dangerous for pets with cancer, especially those undergoing chemotherapy.
What are the most common types of pet cancer?
Are treatment outcomes the same for every pet with cancer?
Why does my dog have cancer?
Does cancer affect older animals?
Are older pets more at risk for cancer?
Are mast cell tumors in dogs common?
How is cancer different between dogs and cats?
What is the difference between human and pet anesthesia?
Will radiation therapy make my pet radioactive?
Is a raw diet safe for my pet?
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