Staging, Grading: 

Imagine defeating an enemy you did not know. What is the threat? What are the tools to defeat this enemy? This is exactly what your veterinarian is thinking when he or she considers staging or grading the cancer: Understanding where the cancer is in the body, the name of the cancer and the degree of aggressiveness. By understanding the enemy, we can defeat it.

• Each tumor is different and unique. Each one must firstbe given a name; this is only possible with a biopsy orcytology (a test that helps determine the type of tumor).Once the tumor type is named and where appropriate,given a grade (description of how aggressive it is) by an experienced, highly trained histopathologist, we can thenbegin to defeat it.

• The “stage” of cancer is the determination of the extentof the disease within the body. A thorough physical examination,blood tests, radiotherapy (X-rays) and ultrasound are oftenused, among other tests, to find the location of the cancer.• Quality of life is our first and greatest goal. By understandingthe location, extent and grade of the cancer we can maximizequality of life.

Saying Goodbye

There is almost no other time in your life and the life of your pet more difficult in every respect than during the last moments of living. Regardless of how much preparation, whether you have had substantial time or not, the decision to euthanize your precious friend will not be easy. Throughout the entire life of your pet you have been watchful and concerned about quality of life; at this crisis moment or transition period, quality and dignity of life become prominent concerns again. Quality and dignity can only be achieved if you work as a

Where To Begin

Cancer is the number one natural cause of death in geriatric cats and dogs, and it accounts for nearly 50 percent of pet deaths each year. Although cancer is the leading cause of death in geriatric patients, it's also the most treatable disease when compared with life-limiting diseases like congestive heart failure, renal failure and diabetes. An educated and dedicated veterinary health care team is essential to compassionately care for cancer patients. Compassionate care of your pet can only be accomplished with a team, and you are the cente

Health & Wellness Recommendations by Age

Jan 01, 2012
Components of Health and Wellness Programs by Age (<1 Year of Age, 1-7 Years of Age, >7 Years of Age). For animals <1 Year of Age: -Preadoption counseling to select breeds and lines with a reduced risk of cancer and to meet the needs of the adopting family. -Behavioral counseling and suggestions regarding obedience classes. -A complete History. -A complete physical examination. Read more!

Clinical Trials & Treatments

The word cancer is as dark and empty as the disease it defines. A cancer diagnosis often brings feelings of overwhelming fear, a loss of control, and most devastating of all, a loss of hope. This can occur regardless of whether the patient is a friend, family member or a precious pet. When we face the diagnosis of cancer in a beloved pet it is even more difficult, for we must make important and life changing decisions for our animal friends that rely totally on our own judgments for their well-being. These animals not only share our homes, our

Cancer Diet

Jan 23, 2012
Homemade Canine Cancer Food The following recipe is a balanced, homemade formula for dogs with cancer. It approximates Canine n/d ® , a canned dietetic dog food. The following recipe will make three days worth of food for a 25-30 pound dog.