Dog Cancer Answers

Vomiting can be caused by a variety of things, ranging from eating garbage to a serious illness. It can also be a side effect of chemotherapy treatment. In most cases, vomiting once isn’t a big concern. If the dog vomits multiple times within a single day, vomits for several days in a row, or has other symptoms of illness in addition to the vomiting, it’s time to seek veterinary care. Dr. Nancy discusses several different treatment options depending on the underlying cause of your dog’s vomiting. Cerenia (maropitant) is great for preventing nausea, while some over-the-counter antacids can co...

Integrative oncologists Dr. Kendra Pope and Dr. Trina Hazzah discuss the current state of integrative and holistic oncology for dogs and their hopes for the future. Topics include: The shift in veterinary medicine toward a more integrative approach; The need for education of vets on dosing and using cannabis (and ongoing legalization issues); Clinical trials to prove effectiveness of integrative therapies; The value of real-world evidence; Herbal treatments; And genetic testing for tumors. Visit https://dogcanceranswers.com to read the full transcript. About Today’s Guest, Dr. Trina Hazzah: Trina Hazzah completed veterinary school at Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Me...

Getting a cancer diagnosis is devastating. We’ve been there, and we know how overwhelming this time can be. In this episode we’ve compiled all of the best resources that we have available to help you help your dog fight cancer. Learn more about: The Dog Cancer Survival Guide; Dog Cancer News, a three-times-a-week newsletter; Dog Cancer Blog, a treasure trove of articles on dog cancer that is constantly being updated; Dog Cancer Support, where you can share your story with other dog lovers who understand; Our list of Full Spectrum veterinarians recommended by our readers and listeners We are...

Shaking and trembling in dogs have many causes… most of which have nothing to do with health! Some potential causes of shaking and trembling include cold, anxiety, pain, neurological disorders, some immune disorders and electrolyte imbalances. Dr. Nancy Reese goes over how to figure out what is causing your dog to shake and quiver, and when to seek veterinary attention. Related Links: How to Know if Your Dog is in Pain About Today’s Guest, Dr. Nancy Reese: Dr. Nancy Reese is a small animal veterinarian with over 30 years of clinical experience taking care of cats and dogs and other critte...

Three veterinary oncologists discuss how Laverdia works and where it might fit into treatment plans for dogs with lymphoma. Links Mentioned in Today’s Show: Anivive Lifesciences - Laverdia Anivive Lifesciences – Clinical Trials How Laverdia Works video Veterinary Cooperative Oncology Group-Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (VCOG-CTCAE v2) following investigational therapy in dogs and cats Conditional Approval Explained: A Resource for Veterinarians About Today’s Guest, Dr. David Bruyette: Dr. David Bruyette received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Missouri. Subsequently, he completed an internship at Purdue University and residency in internal medicine at the University of Califo...

The only thing worse than your dog having diarrhea is your dog having bloody diarrhea. Nasty! The good news is, one episode of bloody stool is not usually anything to worry about, and cancer is not a common cause. If your dog’s stool has blood in it or is black (a sign of bleeding in the stomach or small intestines), let your vet know. If it only happens once your dog may not need treatment, but this way your vet can put a note in your dog’s record about when these things happen. Bloody stool is a concern if...

Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) is the most common bladder cancer in dogs. While there is no cure, Dr. Nancy Reese does consider this cancer to be treatable and you can dramatically improve your dog’s comfort and quality of life with medications. TCC can also be diagnosed with a special urine test, which is much easier to do and less stressful for your dog than a surgical biopsy (not to mention less expensive!). As the cancer progresses, it can become uncomfortable and may even obstruct the bladder and prevent the dog from urinating. About 50% of cases will eventually spread to ot...

Losing a beloved dog is always hard, but it can be even more heartbreaking during the holiday season. But while we as humans put a lot of value in specific dates and times, our dogs do not. Your dog will not mind if you celebrate a favorite holiday with him a few weeks early because his health is failing – after all, every day spent with you is a holiday to him. You are not alone if you have had to say goodbye to a dear pet during the holiday season. The short, cold days take their toll on sick and el...

Bleeding can be a minor inconvenience or a medical emergency. Dr. Nancy Reese recommends methods to stop minor bleeding at home as well as how to bandage a more serious wound to control bleeding on your way to the veterinary hospital. Most bleeding in dogs is due to trauma, from cutting a paw on a rock to being hit by a car. The easiest way to stop bleeding is to prevent it from happening in the first place! Keep your dog on a leash when outside near roads or in the woods, and limit interactions with wildlife and unfamiliar dogs...

Your dog made it through surgery without any issues… now what? Veterinary technician Kate Basedow has the answers. In this episode we cover: What to expect the night after your dog’s surgery Tips to get your dog to eat What the incision and surrounding area will look like as it heals Restricted activity When to be concerned The next 10-21 days will be annoying at points as you walk your dog on a leash and make sure she is wearing her cone, but it is important to stay the course so that your dog can heal up properly. We prom...

Your dog having surgery can be stressful and knowing what to expect on the day of your dog’s surgery can give you peace of mind. Veterinary technician Kate Basedow goes over what a typical surgery day looks like, as well as what to bring with you when you drop off your dog … and when to expect a phone call with an update. Set yourself and your dog up for success by remembering NOT to feed your dog breakfast before surgery and by arriving on time to the vet’s office. Factor in some time for paperwork, and if your dog ha...

Taking your dog in for surgery – no matter how "small” -- is stressful. But there are things you can do ahead of time to reduce anxiety and upset for both you AND your dog. To make sure your dog is ready, get bloodwork ahead of time and any x-rays that your veterinarian recommends to check for heart problems and other important medical issues. To make sure that YOU are ready, make sure that you: - Know when your dog is last allowed to eat before surgery (and stick to it) - Know what time to drop your dog off - Have an...

Dr. Jerry Klein, the Chief Veterinary Officer of the American Kennel Club, joins us today to discuss things to look for when choosing a breeder to increase the odds of having a healthy puppy. All dogs can carry genes for health problems, so health testing is critical for dogs of any breed or mix that are being bred. If seeking a purebred dog, visit the AKC “parent club” website for that breed to learn about common health concerns in the breed and find resources to connect you to a breeder or a breed rescue group. The Canine Health Information Center is a...

In this week’s episode Dr. Nancy discusses the herb artemisinin: what it is, what it has been able to do in the lab, and how to discuss adding it to your dog’s treatment plan with your vet. Artemisinin has shown promise in studies as an adjunctive treatment for a variety of cancers, including bone cancer. It targets several of the hallmarks of cancer, has potential to help destroy cancer cells, and may also make cells more sensitive to chemotherapy. There is still work to be done on dosing, as artemisinin has a short half-life which can make it chal...

Today’s episode touches on the challenge of diagnosing cancer, and then dives into diet-related dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). In 2018 the FDA reported an increase in DCM in dogs that do not fit the typical profile for breeds predisposed to this heart condition, and a correlation with grain-free, boutique diets that are high in legumes. Research is still ongoing to find out exactly why these diets are associated with DCM in dogs. Dr. Nancy Reese, Dr. Kendra Pope, and vet tech Kate Basedow weigh in on the different factors you need to consider when choosing what to feed your dog. Links Men...

When your dog is diagnosed with cancer, you have lots of information to process and lots of decisions to make. What is the prognosis? Can the tumor be removed with surgery? Will chemotherapy or radiation help to extend your dog’s life, and are they worth the cost, both financially, physically and emotionally? And how are you going to pay for this? According to Dr. Demian Dressler’s Dog Cancer Coping Guide, dog lovers tend to fall into three personality categories when addressing these concerns and making treatment decisions: ·        A for Action ·        B for Balance ·        C for Comfort As a Type C owner, you put comfort f...

When your dog is diagnosed with cancer, you have lots of information to process and lots of decisions to make. What is the prognosis? Can the tumor be removed with surgery? Will chemotherapy or radiation help to extend your dog’s life, and are they worth the cost, both financially, physically and emotionally? And how are you going to pay for this? According to Dr. Demian Dressler’s Dog Cancer Coping Guide, dog lovers tend to fall into three personality categories when addressing these concerns and making treatment decisions: ·        A for Action ·        B for Balance ·        C for Comfort As a Type B owner, you want to balan...

When your dog is diagnosed with cancer, you have lots of information to process and lots of decisions to make. What is the prognosis? Can the tumor be removed with surgery? Will chemotherapy or radiation help to extend your dog’s life, and are they worth the cost, both financially, physically and emotionally? And how are you going to pay for this? According to Dr. Demian Dressler’s Dog Cancer Coping Guide, dog lovers tend to fall into three personality categories when addressing these concerns and making treatment decisions: ·        A for Action ·        B for Balance ·        C for Comfort You have determined that you are a Type...

What is your priority when choosing treatment options for your dog with cancer? Whether you are an Action-oriented go-getter, Comfort-first caretaker, or someone who likes to Balance all of your options, your personality type impacts how you approach these important decisions. According to Dr. Demian Dressler’s Dog Cancer Coping Guide, dog lovers tend to fall into three personality categories when addressing these concerns and making treatment decisions: ·        A for Action is determined to help his or her dog through treatment side effects to hopefully achieve remission ·        B for Balance generally want minimal side effects or really good odds of success. ·        C...

We've been helping folks fight dog cancer since 2008, and over the years we’ve seen dozens of fads come and go. There’s always a new "cure” being touted. The ones that actually DO help tend to stick around. So here we are in 2021, and the latest internet sensational promise we see is a “protocol” that uses Benadryl and Tagamet to “cure” dog cancers. All dog cancers, is the story. Is that a true story, or a hopeful wish? Dr. Nancy Reese, our chief medical editor and resident epidemiologist/veterinarian, turns her big brain to the topic to help us understand why...

Today’s episode is a monster – a full hour with Dr. Demian Dressler, author of The Dog Cancer Survival Guide focused on supplements for dog cancer. Dr. Dressler touches on the hallmarks of cancer, and then reviews supplements that counteract them. He talks about supporting normal and natural apoptosis (also known as cell suicide). He also talks about immune compromise, inflammation, the importance of gut health and the microbiome, and bone marrow suppression. He also makes recommendations specific to dogs undergoing chemotherapy, to protect from side effects. Also discussed: homeopathy, homotoxicology, antioxidants, and whole herb extracts. Supplements discussed include: Apocaps, Colo...

When is a dog too old for surgery? Dr. Nancy advises John, parent to a 13-year-old Jack Russell Terrier, about whether to go ahead with surgery for his dog. There are some specific questions she’d ask BEFORE making the decision. Today’s episode is sponsored by the book The Dog Cancer Survival Guide written by Dr. Demian Dressler and Dr. Sue Ettinger. Links Mentioned in Today’s Show: The Dog Cancer Survival Guide: Full Spectrum Treatments to Optimize Your Dog’s Life Quality and Longevity by Dr. Demian Dressler and Dr. Susan Ettinger. Here’s an episode about appetite stimulants a...

So, Debra’s dog really perked up on colostrum. Is this her imagination? Dr. Nancy Reese, our chief medical editor, answers this and more. It turns out that colostrum is not snake oil – it’s very helpful, for energy and even some anti-cancer effects. Today’s episode is sponsored by the book The Dog Cancer Survival Guide written by Dr. Demian Dressler and Dr. Sue Ettinger. Links Mentioned in Today’s Show: The Dog Cancer Survival Guide: Full Spectrum Treatments to Optimize Your Dog’s Life Quality and Longevity by Dr. Demian Dressler and Dr. Susan Ettinger. Helpful Resources and Related Links: ...

There are some specific questions you should find out from your veterinarian before you decide to use cold laser therapy for your dog. Dr. Dressler goes over the factors that should influence your decision about whether cold laser helps or hurts your dog’s specific tumor. Dr. Demian Dressler is the author of today’s sponsor, The Dog Cancer Survival Guide: Full Spectrum Treatments to Optimize Your Dog’s Life Quality and Longevity. Links and Things Mentioned in Today’s Show: The Dog Cancer Survival Guide: Full Spectrum Treatments to Optimize Your Dog’s Life Quality and Longevity by Dr. Demian Dress...

Many oncologists are skeptical of integrative medicine, even though pet parents REALLY want to use it. Kendra Pope is no skeptic. She’s a board-certified oncologist who practices in Red Bank, New Jersey. She uses oncology, but also acupuncture, herbs, and nutrition to fight dog cancer. Her results speak for themselves. She joins us to discuss the treatments she uses in her own practice that she learned about AFTER her oncology training. Whether you’re interested in treatments they’re using in Europe (and not here), like mistletoe, how to feed your dog, or how to put together your team, this i...

Renee’s dog has mesothelioma, and she’s got a nagging question. Why did it take so long for her veterinarian to get the diagnosis right? Dr. Dressler explains why some cancers – especially rare ones like mesothelioma – can take longer to diagnosis. He also outlines a treatment plan to start with for mesothelioma using his Full Spectrum approach to cancer care. Dr. Demian Dressler is the author of today’s sponsor, The Dog Cancer Survival Guide: Full Spectrum Treatments to Optimize Your Dog’s Life Quality and Longevity. Links and Things Mentioned in Today’s Show: The Dog Cancer Survival Guide: Full Spe...

The Morris Animal Foundation has been around for over 70 years. They are the leader in researching not just dog health, but cats and wild animals, as well. Over three thousand dogs have participated in their Golden Retriever Lifetime Study. It’s the largest, most comprehensive canine health study in the U.S. What are they looking for? Answers. Why do so many Goldens get cancer? And do these factors affect other dogs, as well? With comprehensive health exams, samples, and questionnaires, they are researching the following questions: ·        What nutritional factors might lead to dog cancer? ·        What environmental factors might lead to dog cancer? ·    ...

When you can’t afford surgery for your dog, have to pay vet bills with money you don’t have, or can’t afford to go to the vet at all, it feels awful. And others can judge you, making everything worse. So what do you do if you can’t afford – or don’t want to spend your money on – dog cancer treatments? Molly Jacobson joins us to discuss outside-the-box financial help … and also how to handle the difficult conversations around paying for dog cancer. Molly Jacobson is the editor of our podcast sponsor, the book The Dog Cancer Survival Guide...

It’s Memorial Day, the day when Americans honor servicemembers who never made it out of their uniforms. So we’re taking a break from our regular schedule to bring you the astonishing story of a true War Hero, Sgt. Stubby. JT Doyle crafted this story while an intern here at Dog Podcast Network. He tells Sgt. Stubby’s story with the help of author Ann Bausum. Sgt. Stubby is a perfect example of why we all love dogs so much. He was a true American Hero, and we honor his service. Read his obituary printed by the New York Times...

Dr. Dressler fields in a Listener Line call from Betsy about her dog Remy. Poor Remy came into her life as a senior rescue right at the start of the pandemic ... and now he has prostate cancer. Was his late-life neuter partly to blame? Also, can she use EverPup alongside the other supplements in the dog cancer diet? Dr. Demian Dressler is the author of today’s sponsor, The Dog Cancer Survival Guide: Full Spectrum Treatments to Optimize Your Dog’s Life Quality and Longevity. Links and Things Mentioned in Today’s Show: The Dog Cancer Survival Guide: Full Spectrum Treatmen...

There are multiple clinical trials going on for dogs with cancer right now. Are they worth enrolling in? What if you don’t live near a big university? How do you start researching clinical trials? What should you ask your veterinarian? What should you ask the researchers? What are the things you need to know you would never think to ask? Dr. Trina Hazzah, an integrative oncologist in the Los Angeles area, dishes the dirt on clinical trials. A fascinating and enlightening episode. Today’s show is sponsored by The Dog Cancer Survival Guide: Full Spectrum Treatments to Optimize Your Dog’s...

Dr. Trina Hazzah, integrative oncologist, is concerned about loss of appetite. When a dog won’t eat, it’s a sign that something is wrong … but what? It could be any number of things. And the cause of the appetite loss is important. Because if you treat the wrong thing, your dog will still refuse to eat. Dr. Trina walks us through some of the probable causes … and the best ways to treat them using the full spectrum of pharmaceuticals, supplements, and foods. Today’s show is sponsored by The Dog Cancer Survival Guide: Full Spectrum Treatments to Optimize Your Dog’s Life...

Is dog testicles haven’t dropped, is that a risk for future cancer? If the veterinarian can’t find dog testicles when they neuter … should we keep looking? It’s a conundrum for Kim from Sequim, our caller for today’s Question and Answer episode. Dr. Trina Hazzah, integrative oncologist, solves it for her. Also discussed: early spay and neuter and possible increased cancer risk. Today’s show is sponsored by The Dog Cancer Survival Guide: Full Spectrum Treatments to Optimize Your Dog’s Life Quality and Longevity by Dr. Demian Dressler and Dr. Susan Ettinger. Links Mentioned in Today’s Show:  Spay Neut...

Sharon calls in to our Listener Line with a question. Her corgi’s getting closer to the prognosis timeframe the surgeon predicted. Now he’s gagging a few times a day. Is this the cancer coming back, or invading his lungs? If he’s not eligible for more surgery, what can she do at home? Dr. Trina Hazzah, integrative oncologist, helps Sharon understand what could be going on with her boy. She makes a couple of very specific recommendations that Sharon can try right away to relieve symptoms. She also makes a referral to a veterinarian in Sharon’s area who migh...

Susan calls in with a question about the dog cancer diet. Can it be used with a dog with pancreatitis? Or is it too high in fat? Dr. Nancy Reese, our chief medical editor, outlines the general modifications she would make to the dog cancer diet – and what she would be sure to add as a fat source. It’s good news, because you can do it in alignment with the dog cancer diet. Note: remember that any advice we offer on this show is general advice and does NOT apply to every dog. If you have any questions about what...

Our grandmothers used to say “go to bed and stay there,” whenever someone got sick. Medical science is now saying that was better than good advice. It may be the best advice we can take. And it also applies to our dogs, maybe especially our dogs with cancer. In today’s show, Dr. Dressler talks about melatonin, the powerful hormone that pumps out when we are sleeping in total darkness. A lack of melatonin is associated with cancer development, and it’s really important for cancer treatment. Dr. Dressler talks about why this hormone is so important, and how to boost it...

A reader asks why his veterinarian didn’t wait for a biopsy before suggesting amputation for his dog’s cancer. Dr. Demian Dressler explains why that probably was. The discussion that ensues covers a wide range of topics related to osteosarcoma and other bone cancers. This plain-language episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to hear the hard truths about bone cancer, how it arises, how it’s treated, and why it’s so painful. And there’s hope, too – because relieving pain is possible, and that helps so much. Longevity is absolutely possible, especially when we actively address quality of life. Dr...

Nessa was surprised by how quickly her dog passed during euthanasia. She felt unprepared and sad that she didn’t get more time to hold her and say goodbye. Nessa is very kind, so she left a message on our listener line. Her question: can you describe the process, so others will be more prepared than I was? And … was my experience typical? Dr. Nancy Reese, our chief medical editor, joins us for this sensitive discussion. With compassion and love, she describes the process of euthanasia both in the hospital and in the home. By the end of this short epis...

If your dog is in pain, they yelp. Right? Wrong! Most often they just don’t “talk” about their pain. So how do we know if our best friend is OK? Dr. Demian Dressler joins us to discuss the many signs of pain. Some are subtle, and some you have to seek out. A must-listen episode for any dog lover! Dr. Demian Dressler is the author of today’s sponsor, The Dog Cancer Survival Guide: Full Spectrum Treatments to Optimize Your Dog’s Life Quality and Longevity. Links and Things Mentioned in Today’s Show: The Dog Cancer Survival Guide: Full Spectrum...

Kelly in Houston has three dogs. One has lymphoma and is on the CHOP protocol. Naturally, Kelly wants to prevent her other two from getting cancer in the future. One of her dogs has severe skin allergies, and the only thing that is keeping her from scratching is a drug called Apoquel. But now, Kelly is reading that it might cause cancer! What to do?? Dr. Nancy Reese, our chief medical editor, joins us to discuss Apoquel, the pros and pitfalls, and possible alternatives to try. Another pragmatic and useful Question and Answer episode for any dog lover who is...