Dear Christopher Cat
We just learned that our wonderful Cleo has cancer. Where can we learn more about cancer in animals?
Christopher Responds
Four to six million pets are diagnosed with cancer every year.
Veterinarians are treating cancer with greater success these days, so what was once a death sentence is becoming – for some pets, at least – a chronic disease that can be managed, like diabetes or heart disease.
My golden retriever brother Murphy lived comfortably with it for well over a year.
Your best source of information about Cleo’s cancer is your own veterinarian. Ask for a referral to a veterinary oncologist if you would like a second opinion about your options and her prognosis.
The Perseus Foundation publishes a detailed handbook titled Diagnosis: Cancer – A Resource Guide for Pet Owners. To read the book, visit www.perseusfoundation.org or call the foundation at 651-278-8982.
The Veterinary Cancer Society’s Web site is a good source of information on cancer. Go to www.vetcancersociety.orgfor links to related sites and clinical trials that might help Cleo.
Another good online resource, www.vetmedcenter.com, provides information on specific types of cancer.
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