Sue Ettinger, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology), Tarrytown, New York
VeterinaryTeamBrief.com
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2017 | PEER REVIEWED
Ana M. Cilursu, MD, lost three Rottweilers in a row to bone cancer.
The first dog, Hessa, had chondrosarcoma. She was not a candidate for surgery, and the tumor was quite aggressive.
The second and third dogs, Roddy and Maxine, had osteosarcoma. Both had amputations. Roddy started chemotherapy but developed lung metastases and a malignant pleural effusion several months into the treatment. Maxine did not have chemotherapy and developed spinal metastases three months after the amputation.
Lymphoma is a collection of cancers arising from the malignant transformation of lymphocytes. The common origin is lymphoreticular cells, even though lymphoma clinically is a diverse group of neoplasms. Lymphoma is one of the most common canine cancers, accounting for 7% to 24% of all canine tumors and 85% of hematopoietic tumors.1
The cause of lymphoma is largely unknown and multifactorial. Genetics can play a role, and chromosomal aberrations have been found.1 Dogs with previous immune-mediated thrombocytopenia have been associated with increased risk.2 Whether immunosuppressive medications can increase risk to dogs is unclear. Environmental causes have also been documented.1
Dogs of any age, gender, and breed can be affected with lymphoma, although affected dogs are typically middle-aged to older.1
Genetic predispositions have been noted in pedigrees of bull mastiffs, otter hounds, rottweilers, and Scottish terriers, pointing to a heritable risk.1 Several breeds, including golden retrievers, boxers, basset hounds, Saint Bernards, Scottish terriers, Airedales, Labrador retrievers, bulldogs, and poodles, are reported to be at increased risk.
Cutaneous and subcutaneous masses are very common in companion animal practice, and some veterinarians have become accustomed to monitoring growths that are small or slow growing and postponing surgery until the mass becomes larger.
Clinical Insights is a series of articles by Dr. Sue Ettinger, head of the Oncology Department at Animal Specialty & Emergency Center in Wappinger Falls, New York. Dr. Ettinger’s mission is to promote awareness and education about cancer in pets. In these articles, she will combine her expertise in oncology with her experiences in practice to detail how clinicians can better care for cancer patients.
“Are you sure?” I replied when I found out. Tears rolled down my face. This had never happened in my career. How could I tell Tanner’s family? I could not believe this was happening.
It’s one of the hardest parts of my jobs as a veterinary cancer specialist. Clients who want to treat their dog or cat but cannot afford it. Treating cancer in pets can be really expensive. I always try to present a range of treatment options at a variety of costs. I am used negotiating which diagnostics might not be needed before we start treatment. I am used to discussing plan B, plan C and sometimes plan D for treatment. And then sometimes the no treatment option is picked because everything else too expensive. And even though I am used to it, it can be heartwrenching.
Learn more about Dr Sue's early cancer detection program at WhyWaitAspirate.com
On The Pet Cancer Vet Dr Sue Ettinger takes pre-arranged calls from pet owners with a dog or cat with cancer to give information, support and hope. Click here to listen on The Radio Pet Lady Network.