Dear Spring Oaks’ Family:

The October topic of the month is Cancer Awareness

The word “cancer” evokes many emotions: fear, sadness, hopelessness.  Fortunately, new medicines and techniques in both people and animals are prolonging survival times and sometimes even curing cancer.

One of the keys to treating cancer is early diagnosis.  As part of the comprehensive physical examination that Dr. Alshouse and I perform, we look for evidence of possible cancer.  We feel the lymph nodes to make sure they are not enlarged.  We look for any new lumps or bumps on the skin or under the skin.  We feel the abdomen for any organ enlargements.  We listen to the lungs for abnormal breathing that could indicate the presence of tumors.  And, we look in the eyes, ears, and mouth for any growths.  If we have findings of concern, we may make additional recommendations for further evaluation such as radiographs, bloodwork, needle aspirates, or biopsies.

There are new treatments for cancer being developed all the time.  Within the past few years a vaccine has been developed to prevent malignant melanoma of the mouth from reoccurring following surgical removal.  A new type of medication is currently being used for mast cell tumors which are of high grade or not able to be surgically removed.  Chemotherapy protocols have been developed to give animals with multi-centric lymphoma on average a year in remission.  New limb sparing techniques are being perfected for large dogs with osteosarcoma.   If your pet has been diagnosed with cancer, Dr. Alshouse and I may recommend referral to Affiliated Veterinary Specialists, the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, or Southeast Veterinary Oncology so you may take advantage of some of these new advances in cancer treatment.

There are many types of cancer which can be loosely grouped into epithelial tumors (from skin and glands), mesenchymal tumors (from bone, cartilage, muscle, connective tissue, and blood vessels) and round cell tumors (lymphoma, plasma cell tumors, mast cell tumors, histiocytomas, and transmissible venereal tumors).  The tumor type will determine whether the cancer needs to be treated by surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy or a combination.  It also helps us provide you with a prognosis of how well we expect your pet to do with treatment.  Most of the time we need a needle or tissue biopsy to determine what type of cancer your pet has.

Our goal is to work with you to make sure your pet has a good quality of life.  We understand that treating a pet with cancer can be a very emotionally and financially difficult but just because your pet has cancer does not mean all hope is gone. 

If you have any further questions, are worried your pet might have cancer, or have found a lump or growth on your pet you would like us to evaluate, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Alshouse or myself.

Sincerely,

Dr. Jim Jackson