What can be more frightening to a pet owner than a diagnosis of cancer in his or her dog or cat? Veterinary medicine has made great advancements in cancer treatment and many pets live in health and comfort for years after a diagnosis of cancer.
Every animal is unique, as is every type of cancer—your True Care veterinary professionals will create a personalized treatment plan for your pet based on a variety of factors, such as age, general condition, and your wants and needs. We will provide you with enough information to make knowledgeable decisions about your pet’s treatment options, and we will support and guide you every step of the way. With True Care, you are never alone in following through with whatever decision is right for your pet and your family.
Cancer Treatments for Pets
There are three standard options for cancer treatment in pets:
- Surgery
We will remove a tumor from a pet’s body if it can be done without damaging other tissue; this will not be done if the cancer is large enough to endanger the animal, if the cancer has spread, or if the animal is too weak to survive anesthesia. - Chemotherapy
The patient is given toxic chemicals, usually intravenously, that are intended to kill the out’of’control, rapidly reproducing cancer cells without damaging healthy cells. - Radiation therapy
High doses of radiation are aimed directly at the tumor to shrink it or arrest its growth in a completely painless procedure.
The good news is, animals often respond well to chemotherapy and radiation, usually without severe side effects such as nausea and hair loss.
Complementary therapies may be used in combination with one or more of the standard protocols, such as nutraceuticals, homeopathic compounds, or pain management techniques.
The Family of a Pet Cancer Patient Talks About Dr. Tullio:
“I am writing to highly recommend the services of Dr. Tom Tullio. Several years ago, my cat and loving companion, Shamroc, became very ill with spinal cord cancer and kidney disease. I was devastated beyond words.”
“I thought for certain that I would have to euthanize my precious Shamroc at that time. Nevertheless, Dr. Tullio thought that he could help Shamroc. With a change of diet, and some extra fluids and nutrients, he was able to turn her condition around, and we enjoyed almost another year together. When Shamroc’s condition began to deteriorate again, Dr. Tullio was a great source of moral support for me, in constant touch by phone monitoring her condition and just being there for me. He was so loving, gentle, and understanding. Although I am greatly saddened by our loss, I take comfort knowing that with the help of Dr. Tullio, Shamroc received the best care possible.”
“I was thoroughly impressed with Dr. Tullio’s hard work, skill, devotion to his practice and, above all, compassion toward Shamroc and my family. I hope he never loses the enthusiasm he so obviously exhibits for the care of our four-legged friends. Given all of his wonderful traits, it is no wonder that his relatively new practice appears booming!” —Mieke