Dog Cancer Answers – Details, episodes & analysis

When cancer makes your dog’s body its home, changes occur. Sometimes those changes are deep in the body, undetectable. But others show up as lethargy, weight loss, digestive upset, and, sometimes, physical lumps and bumps you can feel. Dr. David Vail, a veterinary oncologist at the University of Wisconsin, joins us to discuss the early warning signs of dog cancer. Every time we catch cancer early, we improve the potential for a positive outcome! Key Takeaways: Importance of Early Detection: Catching cancer early equals more effective treatment and better outcomes. Monitoring Lumps and Bumps: Regularly check, measure, and document any lumps or bumps on your dog. Track and Record Symptoms: Keep detailed records of any changes in your dog’s health, including photos and measurements of abnormalities. Investigate Non-Specific Symptoms: Signs like weight loss, lethargy, or abnormal odors could indicate a serious issue and should be evaluated by a vet. Routine Check-Ups Matter: Ensure your dog, especially as they age, has regular veterinary exams to catch any potential health concerns early. Caution with New Screening Tests: While promising, newer tests like liquid biopsies are still being developed and should be considered carefully. Emergency Care Guidance: Know when symptoms like difficulty breathing or persistent vomiting warrant immediate veterinary attention. Related Resources: Find a board-certified veterinary oncologist on the Vet Specialists website: https://www.vetspecialists.com/find-a-specialist Join our Facebook support group at https://www.dogcancer.com/support Your Voice Matters! If you have a question for our team, or if you want to share your own hopeful dog cancer story, we want to hear from you! Go to https://www.dogcancer.com/ask to submit your question or story, or call our Listener Line at +1 808-868-3200 to leave a question. Related Videos:            How AI is helping detect cancer early: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEM_t_-rkKQ A urine test for dog cancer detection: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFxo_ZsedG0 Dog Cancer detection guidelines: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7OWo7DyOis&t=1s Related Links: The symptoms of cancer in dogs article: https://www.dogcancer.com/articles/diagnosis-and-medical-procedures/symptoms-of-cancer-in-dogs/ Our article on why dog cancer isn’t often caught early: https://www.dogcancer.com/articles/diagnosis-and-medical-procedures/dog-cancer-isnt-caught-early/ An overview of the process veterinarians use to diagnose cancer in dogs: https://www.dogcancer.com/articles/diagnosis-and-medical-procedures/dog-cancer-diagnosis/ Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction from Molly Jacobson 01:15 - The Five Most Dangerous Words 02:30 - Early Detection and Curative Treatments 03:45 - Documenting Lumps and Bumps 05:15 - When to Visit the Vet 06:15 - Other Early Warning Signs 08:00 - Trust Your Gut and Veterinarian’s Intuition 10:00 - Differential Diagnoses 11:00 - Emergency vs. Regular Vet Visits 12:30 - Balancing Care Decisions 14:00 - New Early Detection Tools 16:00 - Limitations of Current Screening Tests 18:00 - Liquid Biopsies and Future Prospects 20:00 - Routine Veterinary Care 21:30 - Routine Imaging Tests 22:15 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts 23:00 - Molly’s Closing Remarks 23:10 - Podcast Outro Get to know Dr. David Vail, veterinary oncologist: https://www.dogcancer.com/people/david-vail-dvm-ms-dip-acvim-oncology/ For more details, articles, podcast episodes, and quality education, go to the episode page: https://www.dogcancer.com/podcast/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we dive deep into the world of veterinary nutrition with Dr. Lindsey Bullen, one of the few board-certified veterinary nutritionists in private practice. The right diet can make a significant difference in managing your dog’s cancer and overall health. Dr. Bullen shares her insights on home-cooked diets, the importance of diagnostics, cancer-specific dietary needs, and much more. Quotes: "Every single pet presents a puzzle, even if they have the same disease state." - Dr. Lindsey Bullen "Maintaining appetite and ensuring proper nutrition is critical for dogs with cancer." - Dr. Lindsey Bullen Related Resources: Find a board-certified veterinary nutritionist on the Vet Specialists website: https://www.vetspecialists.com/find-a-specialist Join our Facebook support group at https://www.dogcancer.com/support Your Voice Matters! If you have a question for our team, or if you want to share your own hopeful dog cancer story, we want to hear from you! Go to https://www.dogcancer.com/ask to submit your question or story, or call our Listener Line at +1 808-868-3200 to leave a question. Related Videos:            A keto diet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfHTQEn8hC8 The best and worst foods for dogs with cancer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAgObIOhEMg Can I prevent dog cancer with diet? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSYvdvyG6Vk Foods that help fight and prevent cancer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gLCvvwSwjg What to feed a dog with cancer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aitN0v9Uu4A Fight cancer through the gut: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbZFyCvriN8 Related Links: What does a veterinary nutritionist actually DO? https://www.dogcancer.com/articles/diet-and-lifestyle/veterinary-nutritionists/ Reduce Cancer Risk Using Food: https://www.dogcancer.com/articles/causes-and-prevention/how-to-reduce-cancer-risk-using-food/ Guidelines for a Dog Cancer Diet: https://www.dogcancer.com/articles/diet-and-lifestyle/dog-cancer-diet/  Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction from Molly Jacobson 02:30 - Welcome Dr. Lindsay Bullen 04:30 - Cooking for Dogs: Perspectives and Considerations 06:00 - The Origins of Veterinary Nutrition as a Specialty 08:00 - Research in Performance Animals and Nutrition 09:00 - The Importance of Individualized Pet Nutrition 10:30 - Why Veterinary Nutrition Training is Lacking 11:30 - Encouraging More Nutrition Training in Veterinary Schools 12:30 - The Nutritionist's Role: When and How to Consult One 13:30 - The Challenges of Accessing Veterinary Nutritionists 15:00 - The Intake Process 16:30 - Blood Work and Urinalysis 18:00 - Reviewing Medical Records for Nutritional Planning 20:00 - Dietary History and Food Allergies 23:00 - Identifying and Managing Pet Allergies 24:30 - Dog Cancer Diets: Factors and Recommendations 26:00 - Examples: Managing Hemangiosarcoma and Lymphoma 28:00 - Importance of Protein, Fat, and Carbohydrates in Cancer Diets 30:00 - Cachexia and Its Impact on Appetite 32:00 - Using Drugs and Appetite Stimulants 33:30 - Enhancing the Deliciousness Factor in Dog Food 35:00 - Flexibility and Preferences 37:00 - Balancing Quality of Life and Nutrition 38:00 - Considerations for Home-Cooked Diets 40:00 - Challenges of Preparing Home-Cooked Diets 41:00 - Carbohydrates in Dog Diets: Myths and Facts 43:00 - The Role of Carbohydrates in Cancer Diets 44:00 - Future Discussions: Preventing Cancer with Diet 45:00 - Final Tips Get to know Dr. Lindsey Bullen, veterinary nutritionist: https://www.dogcancer.com/people/lindsey-bullen-dvm-dacvim-nutrition/ For more details, articles, podcast episodes, and quality education, go to the episode page: https://www.dogcancer.com/podcast/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we explore the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on veterinary medicine, focusing mainly on cancer research and treatment. Our guest, Dr. Kelly Diehl, Senior Scientific Programs and Communications Adviser at Morris Animal Foundation, shares her insights on how AI is changing the game in diagnosing and managing diseases in dogs. What You'll Learn: How the Morris Animal Foundation has been pioneering veterinary research since 2008. Insights into the groundbreaking Golden Retriever Lifetime Study and its implications for cancer research. The role of AI in detecting and researching cancers in dogs, including lymphoma. New initiatives and advancements in AI that could lead to early detection and more effective treatments for canine cancers. The interdisciplinary approach to veterinary research, involving experts from fields not traditionally associated with veterinary science. The future potential of AI in regular veterinary practices and its benefits for pet health and welfare. Join our Facebook support group at https://www.dogcancer.com/support Your Voice Matters! If you have a question for our team, or if you want to share your own hopeful dog cancer story, we want to hear from you! Go to https://www.dogcancer.com/ask to submit your question or story, or call our Listener Line at 808-868-3200 to leave a question. Related Videos:            Morris Animal Foundation with Janet Kane-Patterson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEvFhsC_TyY Pollution and Dog Cancer with Dr. Lauren Trepanier (funded by Morris Animal Foundation): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vlsa6Rrr-8s A wonderful “true tail” from a Golden Retriever Lifetime Study participant, Indy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDOvg8R9Ack Related Links: Visit the Morris Animal Foundation website: Morris Animal Foundation Learn more about the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 00:15 - Overview of artificial intelligence in veterinary medicine and its impact on dog cancer. 00:51 - James Jacobson greets Dr. Kelly Diehl of the Morris Animal Foundation and the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study. 01:54 - How artificial intelligence is used in veterinary medicine. 06:51 - Cross-Disciplinary Research: grants and research from non-veterinary sources. 09:08 - AI's Role in Cancer Detection: using radiology and blood work to detect patterns. 12:18 - International Collaboration: how veterinary practices in different countries use AI to track diseases and identify patterns. 14:11 - Big Data and Cancer Research: Dr. Diehl’s insights into how big data is being used to find cancer risk factors. 24:14 - Golden Retriever Lifetime Study: its progress and the challenges involved in a long-term study. 27:41 - Funding and Scientific Integrity: how funding sources impacts research, plus the importance of scientific integrity and independence. 29:14 - Collaboration in Veterinary Research: the collegial nature of the veterinary research community. 33:07 - The Selection Process for Grants: the challenges in selecting and funding worthy grants, given the limited budget and high demand. 36:08 - Tangible Outcomes for Dog Cancer Research: how the Morris Animal Foundation has benefited dog owners dealing with cancer. 39:24 - Revisiting Past Research with AI: the potential for using AI to re-evaluate past research and find new insights in existing data. 46:25 - Crystal Ball: Dr. Diehl shares her perspective on the future of AI in veterinary medicine and how it might influence cancer treatment in dogs. 48:39 - Closing Remarks and Medical Disclaimer -- Get to know Dr. Kelly Diehl: https://www.dogcancer.com/people/kelly-diehl-dvm/ For more details, articles, podcast episodes, and quality education go to the episode page: https://www.dogcancer.com/podcast/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Veterinary oncologist Craig Clifford loves clinical trials. Why? Because they give him early access to some of the newest treatments and therapies, and provide cutting-edge care to patients at a decreased cost - or even completely free. Dr. Clifford goes over how to find clinical trials and how to evaluate if a particular trial is the right fit for you, from covered expenses to how placebos are used and how many follow-up visits will be needed. The information and results gathered from clinical studies help to get treatments and medications fully approved, making them accessible to more of our beloved dogs. Links Mentioned in Today’s Show: AVMA Animal Health Studies Database Related Links: Veterinary Cancer Society Clinical Trials Database BluePearl Specialty & Emergency Pet Hospital Clinical Studies Ethos Veterinary Health Clinical Studies VCA Animal Hospitals Clinical Studies About Today’s Guest, Dr. Craig Clifford: Dr. Craig Clifford is a graduate of Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine and received an MS degree in Animal Science/Virology from the University of Delaware. After completing an internship and a medical oncology residency at the University of Pennsylvania, he became a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Oncology) in 2003. He is a medical oncologist and director of Clinical Studies at Blue Pearl Malvern in Pennsylvania. He is active in clinical research within a referral setting and serves as an advisory board member with both industry and non-profit foundations. He is a renowned oncologist who has authored/co-authored over 70 papers and book chapters. He is a frequent lecturer at major veterinary meetings in the USA and abroad. Dr. Clifford is a member of the VCA Pet Cancer Care Alliance Committee and has served on the VCS executive board, ACVIM Exam Rating Committee, Residency Training and Credentials Committee, Oncology Pathology Working Group, Co-chair of the Standards of Excellence in Residency Education Task Force and an Examiner for the Australian Scientist’s Oncology Specialty Exam. LinkedIn profile Other Links: If you would like to ask a dog cancer related question for one of our expert veterinarians to answer on a future Q&A episode, call our Listener Line at 808-868-3200. Dog Cancer News is a free weekly newsletter that contains useful information designed to help your dog with cancer. To sign up, please visit DogCancerNews.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dog lovers frequently wonder if there is a more natural option that could be used instead of pharmaceuticals to treat their dogs. The answer is… sometimes! Bam Bam has elevated calcium levels in his blood, and his human wants to know if she can swap out some of his medications. Dr. Nancy Reese breaks down how the medications prednisone, Lasix, and Palladia work and why they might have been chosen to be part of the treatment plan, as well as some natural options that might work to help out a bit. Although a pharmaceutical may be just what your pet needs for the best results, there are often natural remedies that can help to support conventional treatments. About Today’s Guest, Dr. Nancy Reese: Dr. Nancy Reese is a small animal veterinarian with over 30 years of clinical experience taking care of cats and dogs and other critters in the Sierra Nevada foothills. She is also a perpetual student and researcher, as evidenced by her many degrees. In addition to her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of California, Davis, she earned a Masters in Preventive Veterinary Medicine at UC Davis and then a Ph.D. in Epidemiology at UC Davis. If you string all her letters out after her name it looks like this: Nancy Reese, DVM, MPVM, PhD. In her spare time, she volunteers to help evacuate and shelter animals caught up in disasters, and she’s currently training to help in human search and rescue efforts. Dr. Reese lives in a log cabin with her husband, her 13-year-old golden retriever, and her two 13-year-old cats. Her hobbies include boosting the quality of life and longevity for all animals in her care, hiking, travelling, and cross-country skiing. Oh, and lots of dog walking.  degree from the University of California at Davis before earning his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University. Other Links: If you would like to ask a dog cancer related question for one of our expert veterinarians to answer on a future Q&A episode, call our Listener Line at 808-868-3200. Dog Cancer News is a free weekly newsletter that contains useful information designed to help your dog with cancer. To sign up, please visit DogCancerNews.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

That first oncology consult can be overwhelming. Veterinary oncologist Megan Duffy says to expect the consult to take an hour or more – and most of that time is talking over your dog’s case and your treatment options. This is YOUR time to ask all of the questions you have about your dog’s diagnosis and treatment plan. Once you have an appointment scheduled, ask all of the veterinary offices that your dog has been to in the past two years to send your dog’s records to the oncologist. Sending all records, bloodwork results, x-rays, and other imaging ahead of time will give the oncologist time to review your dog’s case before your appointment so he or she is up to speed. To make sure you are prepared, do just a little bit of research on the type of cancer your dog has before the appointment – Dr. Duffy recommends sticking with veterinary sites and not going too far down the rabbit hole. She also recommends what things to bring with you and think about before your appointment – check out our checklist, available on Dog Cancer Answers Dot Com. And remember – you don’t have to make any final decisions during the first consult. This is your time to get all of the details so you can digest and make the best choice for you and your dog. Links Mentioned in Today’s Show: Veterinary Partner by VIN - https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/ About Today’s Guest, Dr. Megan Duffy: Dr. Megan Duffy earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Michigan State University, then completed internships at University of Prince Edward Island and North Carolina State University, followed by earning her MS in Veterinary Science from Washington State University while also completing a residency in veterinary medical oncology. She is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Oncology). Her clinical and research interests include relapsed lymphoma, feline injection site sarcomas, canine osteosarcoma, and pain management/palliative care. Dr. Duffy enjoys giving continuing education lectures for her peers and has written several journal articles and a book chapter. Dr. Duffy is currently a practicing oncologist at BluePearl Pet Hospital Eden Prairie, MN. Other Links: If you would like to ask a dog cancer related question for one of our expert veterinarians to answer on a future Q&A episode, call our Listener Line at 808-868-3200. Dog Cancer News is a free weekly newsletter that contains useful information designed to help your dog with cancer. To sign up, please visit DogCancerNews.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If your dog has died or just doesn’t need a particular medication any more, you might find yourself with some extra pills. Keeping them around the house isn’t ideal due to risks to kids and pets, but what CAN you do with them? Dr. Nancy Reese discusses why flushing leftover meds is not a good idea, and offers advice on finding a local drug takeback program or asking your veterinarian to dispose of more dangerous medications, such as oral chemotherapy drugs, for you. She also goes over the legal issues with donating medications, and the safety concerns of giving one pet’s medication to a different pet. About Today’s Guest, Dr. Nancy Reese: Dr. Nancy Reese is a small animal veterinarian with over 30 years of clinical experience taking care of cats and dogs and other critters in the Sierra Nevada foothills. She is also a perpetual student and researcher, as evidenced by her many degrees. In addition to her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of California, Davis, she earned a Masters in Preventive Veterinary Medicine at UC Davis and then a Ph.D. in Epidemiology at UC Davis. If you string all her letters out after her name it looks like this: Nancy Reese, DVM, MPVM, PhD. In her spare time, she volunteers to help evacuate and shelter animals caught up in disasters, and she’s currently training to help in human search and rescue efforts. Dr. Reese lives in a log cabin with her husband, her 13-year-old golden retriever, and her two 13-year-old cats. Her hobbies include boosting the quality of life and longevity for all animals in her care, hiking, travelling, and cross-country skiing. Oh, and lots of dog walking.  degree from the University of California at Davis before earning his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University. Other Links: If you would like to ask a dog cancer related question for one of our expert veterinarians to answer on a future Q&A episode, call our Listener Line at 808-868-3200. Dog Cancer News is a free weekly newsletter that contains useful information designed to help your dog with cancer. To sign up, please visit DogCancerNews.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oral Melanoma is one of the more aggressive cancers in dogs. The gold standard of treatment for this cancer is radiation to shrink the tumor, followed by the canine melanoma vaccine to train the dog’s immune system to attack the cancer cells. But what do you do when this treatment fails? Dr. Nancy Reese discusses the typical treatment progression for oral melanoma, as well as some additional therapies that might be beneficial for added support. Related Links: DogCancerDiet.com About Today’s Guest, Dr. Nancy Reese: Dr. Nancy Reese is a small animal veterinarian with over 30 years of clinical experience taking care of cats and dogs and other critters in the Sierra Nevada foothills. She is also a perpetual student and researcher, as evidenced by her many degrees. In addition to her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of California, Davis, she earned a Masters in Preventive Veterinary Medicine at UC Davis and then a Ph.D. in Epidemiology at UC Davis. If you string all her letters out after her name it looks like this: Nancy Reese, DVM, MPVM, PhD. In her spare time, she volunteers to help evacuate and shelter animals caught up in disasters, and she’s currently training to help in human search and rescue efforts. Dr. Reese lives in a log cabin with her husband, her 13-year-old golden retriever, and her two 13-year-old cats. Her hobbies include boosting the quality of life and longevity for all animals in her care, hiking, travelling, and cross-country skiing. Oh, and lots of dog walking.  degree from the University of California at Davis before earning his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University. Other Links: If you would like to ask a dog cancer related question for one of our expert veterinarians to answer on a future Q&A episode, call our Listener Line at 808-868-3200. Dog Cancer News is a free weekly newsletter that contains useful information designed to help your dog with cancer. To sign up, please visit DogCancerNews.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FETCH a Cure was founded by Mike Holland, Tonie Stevens, and Ryan Traylor after Mike’s dog was diagnosed with osteosarcoma back in 2006. At that time there were few resources for dog cancer in the Richmond, VA area. Since its humble beginnings as a back-room operation in a catering business, FETCH a Cure now provides continuing education opportunities for veterinarians, funding for dog cancer treatment within the Virginia-Maryland-DC area, and has even bought a building that now hosts both a veterinary oncology practice complete with a radiation room and a separate holistic veterinary practice. One of the things that makes FETCH unique is that the organization asks that owners who benefit from their cancer treatment funding volunteer their time to help other dogs and owners get the assistance they need. Volunteering could consist of helping out at an event, hosting a fundraiser, or even delivering pamphlets to veterinary practices to spread the word. FETCH a Cure currently only serves the Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC area of the US, but they are looking to expand. They also have support groups that are open to dog lovers anywhere. Links & Resources Mentioned in Today’s Show:  FETCH a Cure – fetchacure.org Holiday Bone Treats Steel Dog Project Pixie’s Pen Pals Pet Cancer Support Group Pet Loss Support Group About Today’s Guest, Joanne Silverman: Joanne Silverman is the Executive Director of the non-profit organization FETCH a Cure. She began her tenure in 2008 during the early stages of FETCH's development. Since then, she has proudly grown FETCH a Cure into a regional organization while adding much needed programs to further aid the community. She lives in Richmond, Virginia with her daughter Emma, her dog Jack, and her cat Molly. Other Links: If you would like to ask a dog cancer related question for one of our expert veterinarians to answer on a future Q&A episode, call our Listener Line at 808-868-3200. Dog Cancer News is a free weekly newsletter that contains useful information designed to help your dog with cancer. To sign up, please visit DogCancerNews.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vomiting can be caused by a variety of things, ranging from eating garbage to a serious illness. It can also be a side effect of chemotherapy treatment. In most cases, vomiting once isn’t a big concern. If the dog vomits multiple times within a single day, vomits for several days in a row, or has other symptoms of illness in addition to the vomiting, it’s time to seek veterinary care. Dr. Nancy discusses several different treatment options depending on the underlying cause of your dog’s vomiting. Cerenia (maropitant) is great for preventing nausea, while some over-the-counter antacids can combat stomach acid overproduction. And making sure your dog stays hydrated is always a good step for health! About Today’s Guest, Dr. Nancy Reese: Dr. Nancy Reese is a small animal veterinarian with over 30 years of clinical experience taking care of cats and dogs and other critters in the Sierra Nevada foothills. She is also a perpetual student and researcher, as evidenced by her many degrees. In addition to her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of California, Davis, she earned a Masters in Preventive Veterinary Medicine at UC Davis and then a Ph.D. in Epidemiology at UC Davis. If you string all her letters out after her name it looks like this: Nancy Reese, DVM, MPVM, PhD. In her spare time, she volunteers to help evacuate and shelter animals caught up in disasters, and she’s currently training to help in human search and rescue efforts. Dr. Reese lives in a log cabin with her husband, her 13-year-old golden retriever, and her two 13-year-old cats. Her hobbies include boosting the quality of life and longevity for all animals in her care, hiking, travelling, and cross-country skiing. Oh, and lots of dog walking.  degree from the University of California at Davis before earning his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University. Other Links: If you would like to ask a dog cancer related question for one of our expert veterinarians to answer on a future Q&A episode, call our Listener Line at 808-868-3200. Dog Cancer News is a free weekly newsletter that contains useful information designed to help your dog with cancer. To sign up, please visit DogCancerNews.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices