Pet Owner Resources
DR. SUE HAS COMPILED SOME OF HER MOST USEFUL ARTICLES, TIPS AND MORE.
FAQ ABOUT CHEMOTHERAPY IN PETS
In veterinary oncology, chemotherapy is often recommended to control a pet’s cancer, prolong survival and maintain a good or even excellent quality of life. What risks should clients know about, and what can they expect during the process? This client handout contains insights from Dr. Sue Ettinger, or “Dr. Sue Cancer Vet,” as her clients call her.
HELPING A PET THROUGH CHEMO AT HOME
The good news? 80% of pets have little to no side effects from chemotherapy treatment. And of the 15 to 20% that do, they are often not severe. So, whew. Still, being prepared for any signs of illness or side effects goes a long way to reassuring clients after a cancer diagnosis. Use this handout, developed by oncologist Sue Ettinger, DVM, DACVIM, to help walk clients through how to care for their pet before, during and after chemotherapy.
FAQ ABOUT METRONOMIC CHEMOTHERAPY
Metronomic chemotherapy is becoming a common way to treat some forms of cancer in dogs and cats. To help inform pet owners about this form of treatment.
THE DOG CANCER SURVIVAL GUIDE
If your dog has cancer, you need this book. No matter what you’ve heard, there are always steps you can take to help your dog fight (and even beat) cancer.
Dr Sue’s Facebook Feed
I’m SO EXCITED because....I got the keys to my NEW HOUSE! 🏡
Before I move forward with educational posts, I had to back up, reflect for a moment, and bring you up to speed with what’s been going on in my life.
The last few months have been a blur; I’m surprised I’ve been able to show up on Instagram as much as I have. (Because you’re such a priority, I make sure not to let this get pushed to the end of the to-do list. 😊)
So far this year, there have been so many lectures, eight states, one other country, lots of traveling, online webinars from home, and of course, my job treating patients, all while moving into my just-built townhome with everything I want and have worked so hard for in my career. Oh, and I just celebrated my 50th birthday. 🎉
Psst. House tour coming soon 🤩
Personally, there’s been some truly challenging moments, but like I tell my clients in hard times, you just have to move forward and try to focus on the positives and celebrate the wins.
I’m so happy to feel like I’m settling in, life is calming down, my amazing boys are at camp, it’s summertime, AND I’ve crossed 20K on my Ig community!! 🥳🥳🥳
There’s so much to be grateful for, and all of your engagement, encouragement, and support are close to the top of the list. (And thankful to my family, friends, and pups who have helped me through this time.)
What’s one good thing that’s happened to you lately? Let’s have a feel-good Friday to kick off the holiday weekend.
My client got the news no pet owner wants to get..."Less than two months after I adopted Maya, I received the news that her mammary cancer had not only returned but had metastasized to her lung. 😢
Getting bad news about your pet's health is scary, and a new cancer diagnosis felt like my worst nightmare come to life.
Dr. Ettinger provides a level of care that is special and unique in so many ways, but the one I appreciate the most is her radiating positivity.
While Dr. Sue has unparalleled knowledge in the field of veterinary oncology, her warmth, kindness, and passion for what she does got us through it all."
Maya, an adorable, full-of-life 8 year old, 10 lb. Shih Tzu mix, had two grade 2 mammary simple tumors (tubular carcinoma), one grade 1 mammary simple tumor (tubular carcinoma), and three adenomas we completely excised through surgery.
She came to me when 2 months later a mass was found in her lungs on chest X-rays. A CT scan confirmed she had a solitary left lung nodule. In my opinion, it was more likely a primary lung cancer and surgery was recommended. (Metastatic cancer is typically going to be more than 1 mass, especially when we do CT scan.)
But after surgery, the biopsy report confirmed the lung mass was metastatic mammary cancer. I then recommended a six month chemotherapy protocol to prevent more spread to the lungs.
Maya has graduated chemo and is now doing considerably well, enjoying walks with mom and her puppachinos just as she did pre-diagnosis. Recent chest X-rays confirm she is in remission. 🎉
Cancer is terrible, but I'm always grateful to be able to offer comfort and support to the families of the patients I treat.
Wish Maya a warm #kickingcancersbutt congratulations in the comments! 🥳
And I tell her: "Someone has to pay the bills around here." 🤷🏼♀️⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
To date, I've spoken at over 100 conferences. Being a speaker, and getting to meet veterinarians around the world, is one of the highlights of my career.
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I began going on the road speaking at conferences for pet oncology in 2015. Plus I attend conferences so I can keep learning and stay up to date. There's nothing like it, and it helps me to see where the rest of the industry is at with studies, experiences, and medical advancements. I love teaching, connecting, and being able to talk to so many of you in person.
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The Q&As at the end of each lecture are so insightful, and I love every minute! If I haven't met you yet, I hope I get the chance to at an upcoming event.
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And as far as Penelope... I told her she'll be okay and gave her a treat...like she always is, she piped down. LOL
If you ever needed a reason to quit smoking 🚬 - here's a big one! If you're an indoor smoker and own a cat, you could be increasing your cats risk of cancer.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Were you surprised by this statistic? Lmk in the comments!
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