Cancer Treatment Options

• Cancer is the term used for a collective group of diseases that cause abnormal cellular growth. Because cancer isn't one disease, there isn't one treatment that works with all forms of cancer, so it's important to talk to your veterinarian what forms of treatment may be available for your dog's particular type of cancer.
  In many cases, veterinarians may opt for more than one treatment to ensure that they eliminate the cancer or the entire tumor.
  
  

Surgery

• The most common method of treating cancer is surgery, that is, removing the cancer from the animal. If the veterinarian can completely remove the cancer before it spreads to other parts of the body or through the bloodstream, then it can cure the animal.
  New methods of surgery may prove useful in many situations. Cryosurgery uses cold to kill cancerous cells by freezing them. Hyperthermia uses radio frequency waves or microwaves to kill cancers with heat. Another type of surgery is done through photodynamic therapy where the veterinarian injects light-sensitive substance in the tumor or cancer and then uses laser to activate it. The substance helps create free radicals that destroy the cancerous cells.
  
  

Radiation

• Radiation therapy is used for both treatment to cure cancer and also to relieve pain. High dosages of radiation are directed in a small area to treat the cancer. The radiation dose is aimed at killing the cancer cells.
  
  

Chemotherapy

• Chemotherapy is using chemicals and medications to kill the cancer. Chemotherapy in dogs is usually much less severe than in people because smaller dosages are used. Different medications and different schedules are tailored to the animal and its particular cancer.
  
  

Cancer Vaccines

• A newer and exciting therapy involves using cancer vaccines to treat pets. Veterinary oncologists are working with human oncologists to create cancer vaccines that supercharge the immune system and causes it to recognize the cancer as an invader and fight it. While these are still in the experimental stages, you may be able to find a veterinarian who works with a university study to try cancer vaccines on your dog.
  
  

Holistic

• Some people opt for holistic medicine when treating their dog. If you wish to go the holistic route, look for a veterinarian who specializes in both holistic and conventional medicine. In most cases using both holistic and conventional methods of treatment is the safest route to ensure your dog has the best chance for survival.