Dog Cancer Answers

Dr. Charlotte Hacker discusses the complex genetics behind why dogs get cancer. Despite common beliefs, larger animals like elephants and blue whales rarely get cancer due to high levels of tumor suppressor genes like p53. Unfortunately, dogs' genetic makeup, influenced by rapid, human-directed breeding practices, makes them particularly susceptible to cancer.  

Dr. Hacker explains the role of DNA, mutations, proto-oncogenes, and tumor suppressor genes in cancer development. She emphasizes variability across breeds, hereditary and spontaneous mutations, and environmental factors like UV light. Preventive measures for genetic and spontaneous mutations in dogs, common cancer-related genes in different breeds, an...

Meet Tara Diehl and Dr. Katie Berlin and soak in hope and love as they discuss the inspiring story of Dunbar, Tara’s 12-year-old dog diagnosed with primary undifferentiated pulmonary carcinoma. From the initial harrowing diagnosis to numerous treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, and the promising effects of Palladia, Dunbar's story is a testament to hope, resilience, and the power of a dedicated dog mom … and dog insurance!

The discussion highlights the importance of pet insurance, holistic care approaches, and the invaluable bond between pets, their owners, and veterinary teams.

Your...

Dr. Doug Thamm discusses the development and use of Tanovea, a drug for treating lymphoma in dogs. He explains the drug's origins, initially researched as a human cancer therapeutic in collaboration with Gilead Sciences, and its transition to veterinary use.  

Dr. Thamm provides insights into Tanovea’s application, dosage, and effectiveness compared to the CHOP protocol, as well as its potential side effects and other possible uses in different cancer types like multiple myeloma. The episode also delves into related immunotherapy research and personal reflections from Dr. Thamm, a double cancer survivor, on his career choice in vete...

Dr. Narda Robinson dives into the usage of cannabis for dogs with cancer, including:  

The discussion also highlights the importance of product quality, potential herb-drug interactions, environmental considerations, and the legal constraints veterinarians face.  

Dr. Narda Robinson shares her insights on when and how to use cannabis products effectively, including the importance of combining them with other integrative modalities for the well-being of the dog. 

Your Voice Matters!  

If you have a question for our te...

Dr. Narda Robinson, a human doctor AND a veterinarian, discusses the history and medicinal applications of CBD and THC, particularly in veterinary medicine. Focusing on her pioneering work at Colorado State University, she shares insights into the challenges and benefits of researching cannabis for canine health. 

Topics covered:  

Your Voice Matter...

If you’re looking at using THC and/or CBD with your dog, the choices can be confusing. Is CBD from hemp the same as from marijuana? Do you want full spectrum? Is THC the same as CBD? What’s cannabis, exactly??? 

Licensed veterinary technician and science writer Kate Basedow joins us to go over the key terms you’ll hear when it comes to CBD. In addition to safety, she explains why a Certificates of Analysis (COA) for quality assurance in CBD products for dogs might be important … and ventures into the endocannabinoid system's...

Dr. Jessica Tartof explores the benefits of Chinese herbs, vitamin A, vitamin D, and various mushrooms like turkey tail and Myco-Forte. Dr. Tartof explains how testing guides her recommendations and why trusted supplement brands are essential. Tune in to learn how these supplements can help your dog fight cancer!

Key Takeaways: 

Recorded in late 2022 and aired in 2023, Molly Jacobson speaks with Dr. Joanne Tuohy about an innovative cancer treatment for dogs: High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU). Learn how this technology works, its potential benefits, and its current role in veterinary clinical trials. Dr. Tuohy explains how HIFU targets tumors with precision sound waves to destroy cancer cells. Bonus: it potentially relieves pain and stimulates the immune system to attack any tumor cells that are left! If you’re interested in cutting-edge treatments and clinical trials for your dog, this episode is a must-listen. 

Key Topics Covered: 

Meet John Mcleish, a devoted dog lover who shares his journey with Lilli, his 12-year-old Cocker Spaniel diagnosed with adenocarcinoma. His heartfelt story begins with navigating her cancer treatment during the global pandemic—which presented unique challenges—from limited veterinary access to tough decisions about chemotherapy and surgery. 

John opens up about: 

Dr. Kristen Lester has taken a unique journey as a general practitioner offering chemotherapy to dogs. Dr. Lester shares the inspiring cancer story of her "heart dog" Sue, the challenges of cancer treatment, and why she believes GPs can play a vital role in oncology. From safety protocols to overcoming the lack of local specialists, this episode is packed with insights for dog lovers and veterinarians alike. 

What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 

Dr. Alex Ubell and Molly Jacobson dive deep into the benefits and potential risks of feeding venison to dogs. Learn why venison is an excellent high-protein, low-fat option for dogs with cancer, overweight dogs, or those needing novel proteins. 

Topics include: 

Dr. Narda Robinson dives into the science behind acupuncture for dogs with cancer. She explains how it works on the nervous system, dispels common myths, and highlights its benefits for managing pain, nausea, and inflammation. Dr. Robinson also offers advice for dog parents on choosing a scientifically trained acupuncturist and tips for using massage to help your dog at home.

Topics Discussed: 

Dr. Brooke Britton joins James Jacobson to demystify the mitotic index—a critical factor in understanding your dog’s cancer diagnosis. Learn how this number, derived from a tumor biopsy, influences treatment decisions and prognosis for various types of dog cancers like mast cell tumors, soft tissue sarcomas, and melanomas. Dr. Britton shares her expertise in interpreting pathology reports and navigating the nuances of cancer care for your beloved pet.

Topics Covered: 

In this in-depth expose, veterinary oncology technician specialist Jenny Fisher joins Molly Jacobson to explain the ins and outs of radiation therapy for dogs with cancer. Whether you're fearful as you consider radiation for your dog or just curious about how it works, this episode provides invaluable insights. 

Topics Covered: 

When your dog is diagnosed with cancer, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. Should you trust the first opinion? Could your veterinarian have made a mistake? Dr. David Vail, an experienced veterinary oncologist, shares why second opinions are crucial when dealing with a cancer diagnosis. 

Dr. Vail explains how general practitioners and specialists work together, what to ask when seeking a second opinion, and why it’s okay to advocate for your dog’s care. He also highlights the nuances of cancer diagnoses and the importance of understanding your dog’s unique condition to make the best treatment...

Nasal tumors in dogs can cause distressing nosebleeds, as listener Holly shares about her senior dog. In this episode, Molly Jacobson and veterinary oncologist Dr. Brooke Britton discuss why nose tumors bleed, what owners can do during an emergency, and when to seek veterinary care. Dr. Britton explains the fragile nature of blood vessels in nasal tumors, how bone destruction contributes to bleeding, and the potential risks of trying to stop a nosebleed at home. She also highlights when advanced care, like surgical intervention or radiation therapy, may be needed. If your dog has a nasal tumor or frequent...

Dr. Brooke Britton decodes dog cancer diagnosis! The veterinary oncologist explains the critical role of staging and grading in understanding AND treating dog cancer. Discover what staging and grading mean, how they differ, and why these assessments are essential to tailoring your dog’s treatment plan.

Dr. Britton dives into:

Dr. Brooke Britton, veterinary oncologist, answers a listener's question about their dog's large mammary tumor and whether waiting a week for surgery is too long. Dr. Britton discusses the complexities of surgery for large tumors, alternative treatment options, and ways to manage your dog's comfort while waiting for surgery.

Episode Highlights

Key Takeaways

Recorded just before the holiday season, this episode is packed with inspiration and tips to make every day a celebration of your dog’s life. Whether your dog is young, old, healthy, or dealing with cancer, you’ll find actionable ideas to brighten their days—and yours.

Dr. Narda Robinson, an osteopath (for humans), veterinarian, and integrative medicine researcher, joins us to talk about healing dogs with massage therapy. It’s not just petting! Massage for dogs has many benefits and can alleviate pain.

Dr. Robinson thinks we should all be helping our dogs every day with massage. She emphasizes the difference between simple petting and therapeutic massage, the role of myofascia, and how to identify and relieve pain. The conversation covers the lack of formal training in massage for veterinarians, the potential for hands-on learning, and how techniques such as effleurage, petrissage, and co...

A caller wonders if treating early with oral melanoma in dogs helps with outcomes. Dr. Brooke Britton says yes, this aggressive cancer can develop rapidly, but early detection and treatment can make a significant difference. Learn about the latest treatments, including surgery and the innovative melanoma vaccine, and how they can improve outcomes for dogs with this diagnosis.

👉 This episode is packed with helpful insights for any dog lover!

Your Voice Matters!

If you have a question for our team, or if you want to share your own hopeful dog cancer story, we wan...

Ultrasounds are a non-invasive way to diagnose and monitor various conditions in dogs. In this episode of Dog Cancer Answers, Dr. Adrienne Anderson explains what ultrasound is, how it works, what happens during an ultrasound appointment, and why it’s such a valuable diagnostic tool.

Learn about when ultrasounds are recommended, how much they cost, and what to expect during the process—all in plain, relatable terms. Plus, discover how ultrasounds can guide additional procedures like biopsies and fluid sampling.

👉 This episode is packed with helpful insights for any dog lover!

Your Voice Matters...

Barbara from Vermont is seeing a new veterinarian, and they want to perform surgery to remove her dog’s TCC. Is it a viable option for her 13-year-old dog who has been on NSAIDs? Dr. Britton unpacks the complexities of bladder cancer treatment, especially the risks and benefits of surgery, and explains why non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like piroxicam are often used to manage this disease.

Your Voice Matters!

If you have a question for our team, or if you want to share your own hopeful dog cancer story, we want to hear from you! Go...

Host Molly Jacobson speaks with Dr. Lauren Barrow, a veterinarian who sees cancer in her patients and a mother whose son has a brain tumor. Are vets just after your money? She has some sage insights to offer!

Dr. Barrow offers heartfelt and compassionate advice for pet parents trying to make the best decisions for their dogs while dealing with financial limitations. Whether you're struggling to afford treatments or feeling guilt over cancer's impact on your family, this episode offers encouragement and practical tips to help you move forward with grace.

Key Takeaways:

Let’s dive into early cancer detection strategies for dogs with veterinary oncologist Dr. Brooke Britton. We discuss common cancers like anal gland cancer and lymphoma, share practical guidelines for screening, and emphasize the crucial role of pet owners and veterinarians in detecting cancer early. Looking to stay ahead of serious health issues? This is a must-watch.

Topics Covered:

Host Molly Jacobson interviews Dr. Dani McVety, founder of Lap of Love, a nationwide veterinary hospice and in-home euthanasia service. In this long conversation, the veterinary hospice expert and the dog mom explore tough and important decisions dog lovers face in terrible, heart-wrenching moments. Dr. McVety offers compassionate guidance on what to expect during the euthanasia process. If you're wondering about the right time to make end-of-life decisions for your beloved dog, this episode offers comfort, understanding, and practical advice.

Your Voice Matters!

If you have a question for our team, or if you want...

Veterinary oncologist Dr. Brooke Britton answers a listener's question about a 10-year-old Golden Retriever diagnosed with an anal gland tumor. The dog recently underwent a CT scan and they saw a small tumor in the stomach lining and an enlarged lymph node. Is it spread? Or a new type of cancer? Dr. Britton discusses possible scenarios, the limitations of different diagnostic techniques, and considerations when deciding on invasive procedures. She also explains incidental findings, the metastatic process, anesthesia risks in older dogs, and the importance of ongoing monitoring and informed decision-making. If you’re dealing with a dog facing mu...

Jenny Fisher, an experienced Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) specializing in oncology, shares tales of hope and inspiration, plus insight into the critical roles that vet techs play in the care and treatment of dogs with cancer. From the day-to-day responsibilities of veterinary technicians to emotional and physical demands, Jenny opens up about what it's really like to work in a veterinary oncology team.

She also shares a heartwarming story about Bear, a Labrador who beat the odds thanks to cancer treatment and a dedicated veterinary team.

Key Topics Discussed:

Dr. Lauren Barrow answers a listener question from Gloria in Florida. Gloria's dog was recently diagnosed with transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), and she is seeking advice on how to support her dog beyond the prescribed medication, piroxicam. Dr. Barrow shares her insights and offers general information on how to detect bladder cancer early on.

Key Topics Covered:

Originally recorded in 2022, this episode features Dr. Lauren Trepanier from the University of Wisconsin, revealing her groundbreaking research into the link between environmental pollution and dog cancer.

Key Topics:

Dr. Mary Gardner, co-founder of Lap of Love, explains the critical distinctions between geriatric, palliative, and hospice care for dogs.

Key Topics:

Dr. Charlotte Hacker, a wildlife biologist, has some worrying news about the chemicals commonly found in plastics, such as BPA and phthalates. These and other harsh chemicals in plastics are known to disrupt endocrine systems in both humans and dogs.

From developmental issues to cancer, Dr. Hacker outlines the risks associated with plastic exposure and gives practical advice on how to reduce your dog's contact with harmful plastics.

Topics Covered:

When cancer makes your dog’s body its home, changes occur. Sometimes those changes are deep in the body, undetectable. But others show up as lethargy, weight loss, digestive upset, and, sometimes, physical lumps and bumps you can feel.

Dr. David Vail, a veterinary oncologist at the University of Wisconsin, joins us to discuss the early warning signs of dog cancer. Every time we catch cancer early, we improve the potential for a positive outcome!

Key Takeaways:

Today we dive deep into the world of veterinary nutrition with Dr. Lindsey Bullen, one of the few board-certified veterinary nutritionists in private practice.

The right diet can make a significant difference in managing your dog’s cancer and overall health. Dr. Bullen shares her insights on home-cooked diets, the importance of diagnostics, cancer-specific dietary needs, and much more.

Quotes:

"Every single pet presents a puzzle, even if they have the same disease state." - Dr. Lindsey Bullen

"Maintaining appetite and ensuring proper nutrition is critical for dogs with cancer." - Dr...

Surgery is stressful, but after it’s over … it gets worse. You have a lot of things to do at home! Knowing what to expect and how to manage the healing and recovery process makes a difference. Join host James Jacobson and Kate Basedow, a seasoned veterinary technician, for an in-depth discussion of how to help your dog heal comfortably and quickly.

This is part three of a three-part series on canine surgery.

Part 1: Dog Surgery Pre-Op Checklist for Dog Owners https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWHnMNzc5HA

Part 2: Dog Surgery Recovery Guid...

Host James Jacobson is joined by Kate Basedow, a seasoned veterinary technician with extensive experience assisting with dog surgery. She’s got terrific insights into how you can optimize your dog’s experience on their big day.

This is part two of a three-part series on canine surgery.

Part 1: Dog Surgery Pre-Op Checklist for Dog Owners https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWHnMNzc5HA

Key Points Covered:

·        Why No Breakfast Is Safer

·        How to Be Prepared AND On Time

·        Why You’ll See So Many Shaved Areas

·        Safety and Privacy...

Host James Jacobson is joined by Kate Basedow, a seasoned veterinary technician with extensive experience in preparing dogs for surgery. Kate shares essential tips on how to ensure the best possible outcome on your dog’s big day. Whether you're facing a routine procedure or a complex operation, Kate's insights will help you feel more confident and prepared.

This is part one of a three-part series on canine surgery.

Key Points Covered:

·        Importance and benefits of pre-anesthetic blood work.

·        Tips on preparing your dog for surgery, including bathing and purchasing protective gear.

·       ...

Veterinary oncologist and DogCancer.com contributor Dr. Megan Duffy joins James Jacobson to discuss how to get the most out of that expensive specialist consult. Whether you are planning on pursuing treatments or not, there are ways to maximize your consult.

Key Points Discussed

·        Expect a Lengthy Visit: Oncology appointments can take at least an hour due to the detailed discussions about your pet's diagnosis, treatment options, and overall care plan.

·        Bring Medical Records: Ensure you have a copy of your pet's medical records and any imaging results, even if your oncologist’s office has already r...

Molly Jacobson discusses how to recognize the signs that your beloved dog might be in the last months, weeks, or days of their life.

Articles about the end of life:

https://www.dogcancer.com/articles/hospice-and-end-of-life/signs-your-dog-is-dying/

https://www.dogcancer.com/perspectives/hospice-and-end-of-life/warning-signs-dog-is-dying/

Signs Often Seen Starting in the Last Months of Life:

1.     Weight Loss, see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFPUYZtPJ_8

2.     Loss of Appetite, see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWVfBhf4gD0A, and: https://www.dogcancer.com/articles/side-effects/dog-not-eating/

3.     Dehydration is...

Host James Jacobson sits down with Dr. Jules Benson to discuss the latest innovation in dog health care, the Pet Health Zone. A frequent guest and valued contributor, Dr. Benson shares how this new tool leverages vast amounts of data from Nationwide, the largest pet health insurance company in the U.S., to provide dog owners with valuable insights into their pets' health risks.

They explore the benefits of this tool, how it simplifies complex medical information, and the role of pet health insurance in enhancing care for our furry friends.

Key Topics Covered: