{"id":7160,"date":"2022-07-13T14:11:28","date_gmt":"2022-07-13T14:11:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aercmn.com\/?p=7160"},"modified":"2022-07-13T14:11:28","modified_gmt":"2022-07-13T14:11:28","slug":"debunking-pet-cancer-myths","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/debunking-pet-cancer-myths\/","title":{"rendered":"Debunking Pet Cancer Myths"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-7167 aligncenter\" src=\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Untitled-design-76.png\" alt=\"pet cancer, cancer in pets, pet cancer myths, veterinary oncology veterinary oncologist, board-certified veterinary oncologist, AERC Oncology Service, Animal Emergency &amp; Referral Center of Minnesota, understanding cancer in pets \" width=\"800\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Untitled-design-76.png 800w, https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Untitled-design-76-768x384.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span class=\"TextRun Highlight SCXW110331540 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW110331540 BCX8\" data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\" data-ccp-charstyle-defn=\"{&quot;ObjectId&quot;:&quot;2a7fab35-a9c9-4fb6-a164-f495992a2872|55&quot;,&quot;ClassId&quot;:1073872969,&quot;Properties&quot;:[469775450,&quot;normaltextrun&quot;,201340122,&quot;1&quot;,134233614,&quot;true&quot;,469778129,&quot;normaltextrun&quot;,335572020,&quot;1&quot;,469778324,&quot;Default Paragraph Font&quot;]}\">Cancer. <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW110331540 BCX8\" data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">This topic can be sensitive, as well as confusing and frightening. Additionally, there are many misconceptions and misunderstandings about cancer in pets. Back in April 2022, <\/span><\/span><a class=\"Hyperlink SCXW110331540 BCX8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/briana-keller\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"TextRun Highlight Underlined SCXW110331540 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW110331540 BCX8\" data-ccp-charstyle=\"Hyperlink\">Dr. Keller<\/span><\/span><\/a><span class=\"TextRun Highlight SCXW110331540 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW110331540 BCX8\" data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">, one of <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW110331540 BCX8\" data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">our<\/span> <\/span><a class=\"Hyperlink SCXW110331540 BCX8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/veterinary-services\/oncology-and-chemotherapy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"TextRun Highlight Underlined SCXW110331540 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW110331540 BCX8\" data-ccp-charstyle=\"Hyperlink\">Oncology Service<\/span><\/span><\/a><span class=\"TextRun Highlight SCXW110331540 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW110331540 BCX8\" data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u2019s <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW110331540 BCX8\" data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">board-certified veterinary oncologists, joined us on Facebook Live to discuss these common myths and provide an idea of what <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW110331540 BCX8\" data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">it\u2019s<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW110331540 BCX8\" data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\"> like to have a pet with cancer. <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW110331540 BCX8\" data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">Not only is Dr. Keller an oncologist, <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW110331540 BCX8\" data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">she\u2019s<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW110331540 BCX8\" data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\"> also a certified hospice and palliative care veterinarian. And she knows what <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW110331540 BCX8\" data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">it\u2019s<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW110331540 BCX8\" data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\"> like to have a pet with cancer \u2013 as she lost her very own \u201cheart dog\u201d in Summer 2021 to multiple myeloma. For more in-depth information and more on Dr. Keller\u2019s personal experience, watch the replay of the video below. For a review of the most common cancer myths discussed in the video and a summary of Dr. Keller\u2019s responses, read beneath the video!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" style=\"border: none; overflow: hidden;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/plugins\/video.php?height=314&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Faercmn%2Fvideos%2F519201779599952%2F&amp;show_text=false&amp;width=560&amp;t=0\" width=\"560\" height=\"314\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h4><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Myth: Lumps and bumps, especially in older pets, are almost certainly cancer. It\u2019s better not to know and therefore, not to seek veterinary attention.\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">The Truth:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\"> Not all lumps and bumps are cancerous. There are benign lumps and bumps, and there are malignant (cancerous) lumps and bumps. The only way to discover if a lump or bump is cancerous or benign is through an examination of the cells. Your veterinarian can collect a sample of cells via a fine needle aspirate or a biopsy. Then, the cells are reviewed microscopically \u2013 either by your veterinarian, a pathologist, or both.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">In some cases, lumps and bumps can be safely monitored and will never affect the pet. Others can be treated with assorted options, depending on the final diagnosis. Despite the potential outcome, it\u2019s recommended to have every lump or bump examined so you can make an educated decision as to the next best step for your pet.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Myth: If my pet had a cancerous lump or bump, I would know! My pet would be acting sick or not eating &#8211; there would be something I would notice!<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Truth:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> In general, Cancer is what happens when the body\u2019s own cells start dividing out of control. Usually, many factors contribute to that development, but since cancer is the body\u2019s own cells, there may not be a lot of symptoms at first. More aggressive cancers may cause symptoms sooner, but often, how a pet is feeling does not reflect whether a lump or bump is cancerous. There are also internal masses that don\u2019t cause any symptoms and are detected in other ways. Overall, how your pet is feeling doesn\u2019t say anything about whether they have cancer. Which is both good and bad \u2013 bad because further testing is needed, but good because if a pet has cancer and feels well, that is an immediate sign you\u2019re not going to lose them right away.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-7168 aligncenter\" src=\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Untitled-design-77.png\" alt=\"pet cancer, cancer in pets, pet cancer myths, veterinary oncology veterinary oncologist, board-certified veterinary oncologist, AERC Oncology Service, Animal Emergency &amp; Referral Center of Minnesota, understanding cancer in pets \" width=\"800\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Untitled-design-77.png 800w, https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Untitled-design-77-768x384.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<h4><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Myth: Chemotherapy is the only treatment option for a pet with cancer.\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Truth:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Cancer is not one single disease \u2013 there are many, many different types. Some cancers respond well to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/chemotherapy-and-quality-of-life-in-dogs-and-cats\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">chemotherapy<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, but some don\u2019t. Depending on your pet\u2019s cancer type, where it is, and other factors, other treatment options (I.e., surgery or radiation therapy) may be better. For pet owners not interested in aggressive treatment, there are palliative care and medical management options. The goal in these cases is to treat clinical signs and maximize quality of life. Ultimately, there are many different options that can be discussed and individualized based on your pet\u2019s cancer, your pet in general, and your goals.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Myth: Like humans, pets will get sick, lose their hair, and have trouble with chemo.<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Truth:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Fortunately, pets do not have the same experience with chemo as humans! Often, the chemotherapy goal with humans is to cure the cancer or extend the patient\u2019s life as much as possible. But for pets, who have shorter lifespans, the primary goal is to give them the best quality of life and the secondary goal is to extend their life. Pets should look and feel good during treatment. If the owner reports that the pet is not feeling well, the chemotherapy protocol is adjusted by modifying the dose of drugs, delaying treatment for a little bit, or changing to a different drug.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Potential side effects in pets include:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Gastrointestinal upset &#8211; but all patients are given medications for nausea and diarrhea, and these are adjusted as needed.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Thinning of their hair coat &#8211; especially in long coated breeds like Poodle and Doodles. It&#8217;s a cosmetic thing, and the pets don\u2019t usually seem to mind.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:773,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Lower healthy blood cells which may put the pet at risk of getting an infection. Regular bloodwork helps monitor any blood cell abnormalities.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">While chemotherapy may not be side-effect free, carefully monitoring, preventing, and managing those side effects prevent the chemo from negatively affecting the pet\u2019s quality of life. Multiple clinical studies that surveyed owners of pets on chemotherapy reported that 80-90% of these owners would choose chemo for their pets again.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-7166 aligncenter\" src=\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Untitled-design-78.png\" alt=\"pet cancer, cancer in pets, pet cancer myths, veterinary oncology veterinary oncologist, board-certified veterinary oncologist, AERC Oncology Service, Animal Emergency &amp; Referral Center of Minnesota, understanding cancer in pets \" width=\"800\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Untitled-design-78.png 800w, https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Untitled-design-78-768x384.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Myth: A cancer diagnosis means immediate euthanasia to prevent suffering.\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Truth:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> No one wants your pet to suffer, neither you nor your veterinary team, and your pet can still have a good quality of life after a cancer diagnosis. Your veterinary team will help educate you on your pet\u2019s cancer, treatment options, what to expect, and a prognosis so when it is time, you can give your pet the best possible death.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It can be very emotional to think about your pet\u2019s death, but we recommend considering when it will be time to choose <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/pet-euthanasia-making-the-difficult-decision\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">euthanasia<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> before you\u2019re ready to say goodbye. That way, you can make clearer, more rational decisions regarding your pet\u2019s quality of life. We recommend using a tool like these:\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Five Favorite Things Rule<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Make a list of your pet\u2019s five favorite things or pastimes.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Example: My cat always lies on this spot in the windowsill. My other cats don\u2019t do that, but I know it\u2019s her favorite spot.<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Example: My dog\u2019s favorite toy is his moose stuffy \u2013 he plays with it the most!<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">When you notice your pet isn\u2019t doing at least three of the five things on your list, it may be time to consider euthanasia. Why three out of five? If we wait until they\u2019re not doing anything on the list, it\u2019s likely that our pet may be experiencing significant suffering.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Quality of Life Scale<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Use a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/for-pet-owners\/resources\/pet-loss-support\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Quality of Life Scale<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> to assign your pet a number based on a list of categories such as eating, comfort, pain, and so on. Be honest. Calculate the sum and review the recommendations for that number.<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It\u2019s best to do these scales regularly because most cancers don\u2019t cause a consistent and steady decline. That way, you can differentiate between the first bad day after a great week <\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">or<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> a bad day at the bottom of a weeklong steady decline.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Myth: My pet will let me know when it is time to consider euthanasia.<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Truth: <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Consider that yo<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ur pet is bonded to you, and they don\u2019t want to leave you. Pets don\u2019t like showing their human when they\u2019re not feeling well. In these situations, you will have the burden of responsibility of making that decision for your pet. It\u2019s like a parent-child relationship, and while it hurts to have to make these tough decisions, it may become necessary to make that call for your pet.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Know that there\u2019s never a perfect time to say goodbye to your pet. Some clients may think in hindsight that they said goodbye too soon. But just as many (if not more) think they waited too long. If your pet has a disease that is eventually going to make them feel even worse, consider that saying goodbye with their first bad day can be an incredibly loving and selfless thing to do. It\u2019s a way of saying \u201cI will never let you feel any worse than you feel right now.\u201d It\u2019s never wrong to say goodbye.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">When you say goodbye on your own terms, you can let your pet enjoy the best day! For Dr. Keller, one of her favorite memories from her dog\u2019s last day was letting her eat cheeseburgers and pizza! Dr. Keller was glad her dog felt well enough to eat and enjoy a goodbye meal before saying goodbye.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-7164 aligncenter\" src=\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Untitled-design-80.png\" alt=\"pet cancer, cancer in pets, pet cancer myths, veterinary oncology veterinary oncologist, board-certified veterinary oncologist, AERC Oncology Service, Animal Emergency &amp; Referral Center of Minnesota, understanding cancer in pets \" width=\"800\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Untitled-design-80.png 800w, https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Untitled-design-80-768x384.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you have questions or concerns about your pet\u2019s lump or bump, cancer, treatment options, or euthanasia, contact your family veterinarian. For those interested in visiting a board-certified veterinary oncologist, ask your family veterinarian for a referral to our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/veterinary-services\/oncology-and-chemotherapy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Oncology Service:<\/span><\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/briana-keller\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Dr. Keller<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/sam-keepman-dvm-mph\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Dr. Keepman<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. If you are concerned about your pet\u2019s condition and cannot wait for an appointment, ask your family veterinarian to contact Dr. Keller or Dr. Keepman to assess your pet\u2019s case. Without examining a pet in-person, our oncologists cannot give advice directly to you, but they are able to consult with your family veterinarian. Learn more about our Oncology Service <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/veterinary-services\/oncology-and-chemotherapy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">here<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<em>More Reading:<\/em><\/span><\/b><em>\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"5\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/chemotherapy-and-quality-of-life-in-dogs-and-cats\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Chemotherapy and Quality of Life in Dogs and Cats<\/a>\u00a0<\/em><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"5\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/early-detection-of-cancer-in-dogs-and-cats-five-things-pet-owners-can-do\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Early Detection of Cancer in Dogs and Cats: 5 Things Pet Owners Can Do<\/a>\u00a0<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Content provided by <\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/briana-keller\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Briana Keller, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology), cHPV<\/span><\/i><\/a><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. <\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-7102 aligncenter\" src=\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Fast-Track-Triage-for-Clients-Facebook-Post-Instagram-Post.png\" alt=\"Animal Emergency &amp; Referral Center of Minnesota, Fast Track Triage, color-coded triage system, pet emergency, Twin Cities emergency vet, Minnesota emergency vet, Saint Paul emergency vet, Oakdale emergency vet\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Fast-Track-Triage-for-Clients-Facebook-Post-Instagram-Post.png 1080w, https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Fast-Track-Triage-for-Clients-Facebook-Post-Instagram-Post-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Fast-Track-Triage-for-Clients-Facebook-Post-Instagram-Post-768x768.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><a data-pin-do=\"embedPin\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/pin\/386676318018257062\/\"><\/a><br \/>\n<script async defer src=\"\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/js\/pinit.js\"><\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Cancer. This topic can be sensitive, as well as confusing and frightening. Additionally, there are many misconceptions and misunderstandings about cancer in pets. Back in April 2022, Dr. Keller, one of our Oncology Service\u2019s board-certified veterinary oncologists, joined us on Facebook Live to discuss these common myths and provide an idea of what it\u2019s like [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":7169,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[18],"tags":[1695,17,1696,1255,796,802,1697,1698,1699],"class_list":["post-7160","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","tag-aerc-oncology-service","tag-animal-emergency-referral-center-of-minnesota","tag-board-certified-veterinary-oncologist","tag-cancer-in-pets","tag-chemotherapy","tag-pet-cancer","tag-pet-cancer-myths","tag-understanding-cancer-in-pets","tag-veterinary-oncology-veterinary-oncologist"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Debunking Pet Cancer Myths<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Dr. Keller, a veterinary oncologist, debunks common myths about cancer in pets &amp; 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