Let’s face it, cancer is a very scary and very ugly word. Although not a fun topic for discussion, the reality is that cancer happens in our pets just like it happens in humans. Years ago there were not many treatments for cancer in pets, but advances in cancer therapies in animals have progressed at the same rate as they have in humans. It is true that there are still some cancers that are always fatal and yet there are many that can be sent into remission and even cured.

Cancer therapy is so sophisticated that there are board certified specialists in veterinary oncology to treat pets. There are also many board certified internal medicine veterinarians who are highly skilled and qualified to treat cancers in pets.

For those cancers that respond well to drugs and radiation, sophisticated protocols have been developed to maximize the success of treatment and minimize the side effects. Although cancer is one of the leading causes of death in older animals, it is also more successfully treated than, say, kidney disease or heart failure.

A big advantage for pets is that they don’t usually have the very unpleasant side effects of treatment that humans do—and they hardly ever lose their hair. It is true that some pets react badly to some cancer drugs, but that’s a very low percentage. Dogs and cats don’t have to deal with the psychological problems that we do when diagnosed with cancer. They just don’t think about it.

If your pet is diagnosed with cancer consider all of your options. Discuss it with your veterinarian and if he or she advises that you see a specialist, do it. Cancer treatment is not inexpensive and a specialist will outline for you the course of treatment, the costs, the side effects and the prognosis.