After adopting Canute, a young Great Dane, Lori Guzewich noticed something unusual in his mouth. As a veterinary receptionist, she recognized it was important to have it examined. Fortunately, the vet determined it was just a harmless polyp.

A year later, the polyp persisted and began emitting a terrible smell. When Guzewich returned to the veterinarian, she learned it was fibrosarcoma, a malignant tumor. The vet recommended taking Canute to LSU Pet Med, a veterinary teaching hospital at Louisiana State University.

“He’s just a baby, and he deserves a long life,” Guzewich stated. Living in Crestview, Florida, she and her spouse rented an Airbnb to alternate caring for Canute during his treatment in Louisiana.

Now, the two-year-old rescue is on the mend and, aside from some burns on his face from radiation, is “doing fantastic,” said Guzewich. During November, which is Pet Cancer Awareness Month, her message to other pet owners is to consult a vet if anything seems wrong, seek a second opinion if necessary, and discuss treatment options without rushing to dismiss them due to costs.

Dr. Jayme Looper, a veterinary radiation oncologist at LSU Vet Med, explained that pet cancer treatment often mirrors that of humans, involving surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation.

However, she pointed out a key difference: “Our primary aim for animals isn’t necessarily to cure them. Our focus is to enhance their quality of life.”

While cancer treatments can be challenging and painful for people, they often understand the need to endure for a greater purpose. Animals, however, cannot express their suffering.

“Pets can’t communicate their pain,” Looper noted. “Thus, we strive to ensure that treatments do not make them feel worse. We work hard to mitigate side effects since they lack an understanding of what’s going on.”

Many pet owners face financial challenges, especially since not everyone has pet insurance. Treatment costs can be daunting.

“Many procedures can be pricey,” acknowledged Looper, although often less so than human treatments. Veterinarians discuss various options with owners while considering the owners’ goals for their pet’s treatment.

“It’s crucial to understand that there’s a range of care available,” said Looper. Options like palliative care, surgical intervention, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and close monitoring are all viable for pet owners.

Additionally, financial support exists, including low-interest financing and assistance from charitable organizations like Petco Love Care.

As with humans, aging pets are more prone to cancer, though younger animals can also be affected.

However, since pets usually cannot report how they’re feeling, it’s essential for owners to watch for signs that indicate health issues, including:

• enlarging or changing lumps and bumps;
• unusual fatigue or disinterest in play or exercise;
• rapid weight fluctuations;
• changes in urination or defecation habits;
• unexpected bleeding or discharge; and
• shifts in eating habits, mood, or behavior.

Lymphoma, bone cancers, and mast cell tumors are the most prevalent in canines and felines, Looper mentioned, and any breed can be diagnosed with cancer, including mixed breeds. Approximately 50% of dogs that reach age 10 will face a cancer diagnosis.

“This reflects the excellent care they receive,” Looper remarked. “They live longer, resulting in more frequent diagnoses.”

Recent progress in cancer treatments for humans is also beneficial for pets, incorporating methods like immunotherapy and more precise radiation therapy. The latter helps reduce side effects while effectively addressing tumors.

“It’s much gentler on the animals, resulting in fewer treatment sessions,” Looper explained. This translates to shorter radiation cycles, reduced necessity for anesthesia, and even lower overall expenses.

Looper shared that she frequently hears from pet owners who have faced cancer in their human family members. Many of them struggle with the thought of subjecting their pet to such challenging treatments. “However, we prioritize quality of life and strive to make it easier for pet owners to make the best choices for their furry friends,” she added.

“Our goal is for every day to be a good day for their pet.”