Cancer.  A small word representing a nasty disease that will touch most of us in our lifetime.  Years ago, pets were kept outside and they lived however long they lived. You didn’t really hear much about cancer in pets and treatment wasn’t readily available, so euthanasia was the recommended course of treatment.  How times have changed. Today, our pets are better cared for and are living longer than ever before – cats average 15 years of life while dogs are averaging 12 years – plus treatment for major health issues has and will continue to improve.  

What does this mean for pet parents?  For starters, being prepared for old-age or major health issues like cancer is paramount. Spaying or neutering pets in early adulthood can help prevent certain cancers from forming.  Other routine care, such as dental cleanings, is necessary to maintain good health. And, regular check-ups and blood panels create benchmarks that allow your veterinarian to track internal changes in your pet.  So, when was the last time your pet went in for a complete physical? Keep in mind that dogs, cats, and other domesticated species age far more quickly than humans. Missing an annual exam means your pet has gone 5 to 7 years without medical or dental care.  Imagine how much can change in that time span – imagine going that long without care for something painful or potentially life-threatening!  

If you are given a cancer diagnosis for your pet, what’s next?  Talk to your veterinarian about all the options available. Ask the hard questions including the average survival time for their type of cancer, both with and without treatment.  Speak to a veterinary cancer specialist regarding cutting edge procedures. And, listen carefully to your own feelings. Some pet parents may object to putting a pet through surgery or chemotherapy if that treatment will only increase life by a matter of months.  They may choose palliative care over aggressive treatment, and that’s okay. Some may choose immediate euthanasia to prevent their pets from suffering. Others will want to do everything in their power to increase their pet’s life, even if it’s not in the pet’s best interest.  Every situation is unique, and this is when having trust in your veterinary provider comes into play.

Cancer cases are tough.  Whenever an application for cancer treatment comes into HHF, my gut reaction is to want to help because I know what that person is going through. In the end, though, we have to look at survival statistics and funding.  A tumor that can be excised is one thing, but an internal cancer, in Harley’s case hemangiosarcoma, are tough to treat and offer a limited prognosis. Ultimately, our pets communicate their wishes to us, even if we don’t know enough to listen.  Harley was ready to let go far earlier than we were, and when her suffering outweighed quality of life, it was time to say goodbye regardless of our desire for just a bit more time.   

For more information on breeds that are prone to cancer, as well as other pet safety tips, please visit https://www.harleys-hopefoundation.org/petcareandsafety.html.