At Animal Clinic of Sterling Heights, we understand that a diagnosis of cancer in your pet can seem overwhelming, but we are here for you every step of the way. Thanks to the many advances of modern medicine, we can treat cancer in ways never before thought possible and, in some cases, eradicate it or comfortably extend your pet’s life.
Many factors come into play when developing a treatment plan for a pet with cancer, such as tumor size, type, and location, as well as how advanced the cancer is. Every pet is different, and we always help you choose the most compassionate, realistic treatment option for their unique condition.
- Mast Cell Tumor
- Lymphoma
- Surgery – the first line of defense when cancer is localized and able to be removed entirely
- Chemotherapy – powerful drugs which destroy cancer at the cellular level given orally, intravenously, or directly into a tumor; it is especially useful in treating blood-cell cancers like lymphoma and leukemia, as well as cancers that have metastasized and are thus unable to be surgically removed
- Stereotactic Radiation (SRS/SRT) – a highly advanced and incredibly advanced non-surgical radiation therapy that targets the tumor at a submillimeter level, sparing the tissue surrounding it; has very few side effects and generally requires only 1-3 treatments
- Conventional Radiation (CFRT) – targeted radiation therapy that can shrink or destroy cancerous tumors and sometimes used in conjunction with chemotherapy; usually administered in 15-21 sessions over 3-7 weeks
- Radioactive Iodine I-131 – specifically used in cases of thyroid tumors causing hyperthyroidism
- Immunotherapy – biological therapy that uses antibodies to stimulate your pet’s immune system to either fight off the cancerous cells
- Cryotherapy – a cold therapy that literally freezes the tumor; used for superficial cancerous tumors in areas such as the skin, eyelids, and oral cavity
- Palliative Care – mostly consists of pain management delivered in consistent low doses for when curative treatment is not an option or when a pet owner opts not to treat the cancer for a number of reasons; it will help keep your pet comfortable and improve their quality of life
Whichever option will be best for your pet ultimately depends on many individual factors, and we know it is not a decision that can be made lightly. We strive to ensure all our clients are well-informed about their pets’ diagnoses and the scope thereof. We are a compassionate practice and will always work with you however we can to provide the best care for your pet.
If you have questions about treatment for your pet’s cancer or would like to schedule an appointment, please call our office today at (586) 939-4020.