Page 16 - ACT Paws and Hooves - Spring 2025
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CANCER IN PETS
Your questions answered by Rachel McCormack,
RVC Oncology Veterinary Nurse
We understand that it can be a Is cancer treatable What are the side effects
worrying time when a pet is in cats and dogs and of cancer treatment in
diagnosed with cancer. The RVC’s how is it treated? cats and dogs?
Oncology Veterinary Nurse, Rachel Most cancers in dogs and cats The side effects can vary depending
McCormack, shares answers to the are treatable, but only rarely on the treatment. For pets receiving
questions her team are asked most. is treatment curative. chemotherapy, we try to minimise
the side effects, though it can be
We aim to maintain an excellent
Is cancer in my cat or quality of life for our patients, with difficult to predict how each patient
dog like cancer limited side effects. Patients will will react. You may notice vomiting,
diarrhoea, and/or a loss in appetite
in people? receive chemotherapy, surgery, if their gastrointestinal system is
radiotherapy, or a combination of
Dogs and cats can get a lot of those treatments to achieve this. affected. Pets do not typically lose
cancers that we see in humans, Treatment can range from weekly to their fur, but the texture may change,
but the way we treat the cancer monthly, and can last for three to six and you may notice that they lose
is less aggressive. months, though this is dependent some whiskers.
The aim when treating our on the type of cancer and the How can I help my cat
patients is to ensure an excellent patient’s individual needs. In
quality of life and to prolong it, advanced cases we sometimes or dog if they have been
where possible. choose palliative treatment, making diagnosed with cancer?
the patient comfortable and slowing You may be asked to administer
down tumour progression as much medications at home, which can
as we can. include chemotherapy drugs,
supportive medication (such as pain
killers) and prophylactic drugs –
such as anti-sickness medications.
We advise to treat your pet as
normal and allow them to carry
on their usual daily routines.
How can owners make
the ‘right’ decision when
deciding on treatment?
Each patient’s cancer and
owner’s circumstances are different,
so it is essential that cancer-related
decisions are individualised.
Aria The quality of life for our patients is
Read her story always our priority and any decision
on page 7 will be guided by their best interests.
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For over 30 years, the RVC
Animal Care Trust has improved
animal health by funding hospital
equipment, research, and future
veterinary professionals.
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