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Chemotherapy & Cancer Care

A cancer diagnosis doesn’t have to be devastating when you’ve got the right team in your corner. 

Many pet owners are surprised to learn that cancer is among the most common medical conditions that can affect companion animals – particularly those that are over the age of 10. And while certain species and breeds may be more genetically predisposed to developing cancer, it’s a disease that can affect just about any pet at any time. The team at Makawao Veterinary Clinic is experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide variety of cancers.

Some of the signs that may indicate the presence of cancer include, but are not limited to: 
  • Lumps or bumps, on or beneath the skin 
  • Decreased appetite 
  • Sudden weight loss 
  • Lethargy 
  • Pain 
  • Difficulty urinating or defecating 
  • Coughing 
  • Changes in mood or personality 
  • Unusual behavior 

Diagnostics

As your four-legged family member grows older, even if there are no outward signs of a problem, it’s important that you bring them in for routine screenings. Comprehensive diagnostic tests help us determine whether there is anything present that we should be concerned about. As with humans, the earlier we can diagnose and treat cancer in pets, the better the chances of a positive outcome. 

Chemotherapy & Immunotherapy

At Makawao Veterinary Clinic, we offer chemotherapy for certain cancer types in dogs, cats, and horses. We also are excited to offer immunotherapy, which can be used independently, or in combination with chemotherapy in the form of a vaccine. 

Immunotherapy uses your pet’s own immune system to fight and destroy cancer cells. A healthy immune system recognizes and destroys abnormal cells on a daily basis. This is commonly used with certain cancers in humans and has also shown promise with use in animals. 

Surgical Removal & Biopsy

A biopsy is a common procedure often performed to diagnose certain cancers and dermatological issues. The doctor will perform the biopsy and submit the tissue sample obtained to a veterinary pathologist for interpretation.   

Surgery is one of the most commonly used techniques to treat pet cancer. The first surgical procedure is the best chance to achieve complete surgical removal of cancer.  

Prior to recommending surgery, however, knowledge of tumor type and an associated prognosis is necessary. Bloodwork and other biological samples may be required as well as advanced diagnostic imaging such as PET/ MRI, CT, and ultrasound to determine the size of the tumor(s).  Surgery may also include specialized surgical techniques such as thoracoscopy, laparoscopy, endoscopy, and other procedures, such as palliative stenting. 

Whichever course of action you choose to take, we want you to know that we understand how difficult this time is for you and your family and that you’re not alone. At any point, should a question or concern cross your mind, we encourage you to give us a call so we can talk it through. Whatever the outcome, the team at Makawao Veterinary Clinic will be there to partner with you, every step of the way.