Pets need specialists too, but many pet owners are not aware we exist for dogs and cats. I am thrilled to recently be nominated to join the Marketing & Communications Committee (MCC) for the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.
The MCC plays a prominent role in promoting veterinary specialists to pet owners and the public. This is one of my passions, along with raising cancer awareness and promoting early detection. I am honored to serve on this committee.
My mission is to raise cancer awareness and promote early detection in dogs and cats. That’s why I am launching a campaign called See Something, Do Something with the help of VCA Hospitals and my colleagues.
What is See Something Do Something (SSDS)?
“See Something Do Something” is a set of guidelines for you and your veterinarian to help identify the best management strategy for skin and subcutaneous masses in dogs and cats.
See Something: When a skin mass is the size of pea or larger or has been present for 1 month,
Do Something: Aspirate or biopsy, and treat appropriately!
Why am I doing this? Many dogs and cats have lumps and bumps. But not all of these masses are malignant (cancerous) tumors. In fact, most tumors are benign (not cancer). Masses must be sampled and evaluated under a microscope to determine what they are. The sooner we determine whether a mass is cancerous and should be removed, the better for your pet. Most skin and subcutaneous (under the skin) tumors can be cured when diagnosed early when masses are small.
Early detection saves lives.
Take Myles. (Oh, how I love Myles!)
He was diagnosed with lymphoma last April. His family chose single agent doxorubicin – a good alternative to multi-agent CHOP protocol. So remember there are treatment options – please discuss options with an oncologist. Even if you decide not to treat, make an informed decision. Live longer, live well!
Amazing day with an amazing crew! Last week, I was part of the filming of a documentary that will feature my patient Paul Newman. It’s called My Friend: Changing the Journey. The documentary is the work of an inspiring organization called CLEAR – Canine Lymphoma Education Awareness and Research. It was an honor to be part of this and I love the opportunity to educate pet owners that lymphoma is treatable and there are options. Live longer, live well!
PetsPage VetPro Dr. Susan Ettinger, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology), “Dr Sue Cancer Vet” Proposes National Standard of Care Cancer Guidelines – “Bumps and Lumps – See Something, Do Something” to Educate Veterinarians and Pet Owners
PetsPage VetPro Dr. Susan Ettinger, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology), “Dr Sue Cancer Vet” has proposed a set of national standard of care guidelines for diagnosing and treating superficial skin and subcutaneous (below the skin) masses or tumors in dogs and cats to the Veterinary Cancer Society. The initiative is called “Bumps and Lumps – See something, Do something.” Read more…
Outlook Television to Produce PetsPage Educational Documentary on Veterinary Medicine Specialists for Public Television
Karen Bostick, creator and CEO of PetsPage.com announced today that Outlook Television, which produces educational programming for Public Television, will produce a PetsPage educational documentary to help bring awareness of veterinary medicine specialists. The program will begin airing on PBS stations in all 50 states in early 2014. Read more…
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.
COVID-19 & Thanksgiving 2020
2020 continues to challenge us. And now Covid has hit our family 🦠 But there is still so much to be thankful for. #thanksgiving
🎥 Sneak peek for my latest vlog 🎥
Cancer Treatments For Oral Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma In Cats
🖥 You can watch the full video on YouTube
youtu.be/9b72zZ3A91I
Feline oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common cancer in the mouth in cats. This is a challenging cancer to find early and treat. In this vlog, I discuss treatment options including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, and why I often focuses on supportive options instead, such as pain management and nutritional support.
In case you missed it be sure to check out vlog 125 on YouTube too where I give you an overview of oral SCC and covers causes, symptoms, and recommended diagnostics.
Just when I want to get so frustrated about 2020 - the pandemic, the way our lives have changed, plans events vacations and times with friends and family canceled - I have a good moment.
“Hi Joe. It’s Dr Sue and I have nothing but good news to report.”
I know he’s in his SUV anxiously waiting. Bailey Is 10 months out since diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma. Hers was in the caudal abdomen near her bladder. She completed IV doxorubicin and now is on metronomic low dose oral chemotherapy. She had her staging tests (chest X-rays and ultrasound) to make sure the cancer has not come back or spread. I know how nervous dad is waiting alone outside.
Visceral hemangiosarcoma (in the organs) is tough. With surgery and chemotherapy, the median survival times for the ones in the spleen (the most common location) is about 6 to 9 months. Little is known about her exact location but I was anxious too as I pulled up her X-rays on the screen and get her ultrasound report.
Nothing but good news, I repeated to Joe. (Confirmed by the radiologist too.)
I like to bring Bailey out myself. The look on dad’s face is makes my heart happy,
A little bit of good news in a very tough year. A good moment. And something to be thankful for. #kickcancersbutt
🎥 Sneak peek for my latest vlog 🎥
Cat Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
🖥 You can watch the full video on YouTube
youtu.be/1J3cQt8ClEU
Feline oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common cancer in the mouth in cats. This is a challenging cancer to find early and treat. In this vlog, Dr Sue gives you an overview of oral SCC and covers:
✅ causes
✅ symtoms
✅ tests and diagnostics
Come back for the next vlog where Dr Sue discusses treatment and supportive options. Do not forget to subscribe so you do not miss it.
