Nowadays our companion animals are living longer thanks to better health care, increased nutrition and living mainly indoors.  Cancer is, in most cases, an old age disease and with pets living longer now veterinarians are seeing an increase of cases.

How common?

Approximately 50% of dogs and 35% of cats will develop cancer but it is not an automatic death sentence.  Most cancers in pets are tumors either inside the skin or just below the skin and can be cured by surgery alone.  For other types of cancer chemotherapy or radiation may be needed.

Why treat cancer in pets?

Well, we treat because we can.  There are many diseases in pets that are not curable but we treat like: kidney disease, heart problems and diabetes just to name a few.   Even in cases where it is not likely to be cured we can treat to extend lifespan while preserving excellent quality of life.  Millions of pets in the US have been treated for cancer. 

Oncology 

Oncology is becoming the fastest growing specialty in veterinary medicine. Even though cancer is common in pets it is often treatable.  Many pets live happily for years after their cancer diagnosis.  Since pets are living longer there is a good chance your pet may develop one or more types of cancer.  If this should happen our knowledgeable staff will carefully discuss the diagnosis and possible treatment options you have.  Veterinary oncologists are available to provide expert care and recommendations to you and your regular veterinarian.  There are several referral specialists around the Twin Cities that Dr. Carlos uses including the University of Minnesota.