Oncology

Oral tumors in cats present a challenge. These tumors are usually noticed only at very advanced stages.

Chemotherapy can cause adverse effects in veterinary cancer patients.

Malignant melanoma is the most common oral tumor in the dog.

Use of energy (photons) or energized particles (electrons, protons, neutrons) to kill cancer cells.

Mast cells are normal inflammatory cells that are produced in the bone marrow and mature in connective or mucosal tissues.

It is not often that one is able to bear witness to a sea change. The veterinary community has, in my opinion, seen one with the development of the melanoma vaccine. This unique form of therapy, a DNA-based vaccine, would justify my opinion, but the successful collaboration between veterinary oncologists, human oncologists and the pharmaceutical industry also serve to mark this event as extraordinary.

Whether I'm helping pets heal or helping their owners say goodbye, my job in veterinary oncology brings special patients and their families into my life who remind me why I love pets-and my work.

An 8-year-old 46.3-lb (21-kg) female spayed mixed-breed dog was referred to the Purdue University Veterinary Teaching Hospital for evaluation of lethargy, inappetence, weight loss, and alopecia of several months' duration.

The goal of this article is to describe the common histologic variants, clinical signs, biologic behavior, and newest options for early diagnosis and effective treatment of primary lung tumors in dogs and cats.

Dr. Christine Olver discusses how iron deficiency is identified and treated in dogs as well as when practitioners should perform cytologic exams.

Osteosarcoma is a common cancer to see in larger, middle-aged to older dogs. One of the challenges in treating these patients is pain management. Amputation effectively relieves bone pain and is the standard of care for patients, but may not be an option for all dogs.

Baton Rouge, La. - Herpes virus is the next recruit in the war on cancer.

Although anal-sac tumors make up only 2 percent of all cutaneous neoplasms in dogs, they comprise a significant portion of the referrals to veterinary surgeons and oncologists.

While this was a relatively small study (nine dogs were treated with LDC), this paper suggests that LDC may be an effective alternative to MTD chemotherapy in dogs with hemangiosarcoma.

Los Angeles - 10/22/07 - Literally 'racing' for the cure, a $30-million canine cancer campaign logo adorned the hood of a vehicle participating in the biggest race of the year for NASCAR.

Fort Collins, Colo. - Colorado State University (CSU) announced it will build its second supercluster, this one for cancer research and treatment, along with NeoTREX, an embedded business enterprise dedicated to speeding the transition of cancer research from the academic world to the global marketplace.

Employing different alkylating agents is seen in the design of rescue protocols for lymphoma dogs. oneeded

Canine histiocytic proliferative diseases represent a range of disorders with different pathologic features as well as clinical behavior.

Denver, Colo. - 6/12/07 - The Morris Animal Foundation (MAF) released a Canine Cancer Campaign (CCC) poster to help veterinarians educate their clients about cancer risks in dogs.

The oral cavity is a common site for neoplasia in cats, accounting for about 10% of all feline tumors.

Denver, Colo. ? 5/30/07 ? Following the launch of its Canine Cancer Campaign, Morris Animal Foundation (MAF) released a special issue of its quarterly publication, AnimalNews, highlighting cancer in companion animals.

About 45% to 65% of hypercalcemic dogs and 10% to 30% of hypercalcemic cats have underlying neoplasia.

It is well known that the first attempt at surgery is the one most likely to provide control and/or "cure" of the tumor.

Practitioners, says this veterinary oncologist, must be not only clinically competent but also caring and compassionate. "A good veterinarian is like a ball of wax-he or she can be shaped to the different circumstances and needs of the patient and pet owner."

Most oncologists perform staging in cancer patients to help determine treatment options and prognosis.