Q: Help, I've just found out my dog has cancer!
Q: Help, I've just found out my dog has cancer! Should I treat it by taking it to the vets or to a specialist?
A: Speak to your veterinary surgeon about this - it very much depends on the type of cancer and whether your vets have the experience and the facilities to treat it themselves.
Some cancers can be cured surgically, but may need quite extensive and/or advanced surgical procedures. There are many excellent surgeons in general practice who are very capable of performing these procedures, and of looking after your pet post-operatively.
Some cancers are treated with chemotherapy and again there are many excellent clinicians in general practice who have the experience and knowledge to perform these treatments and treat any complications which may arise. Some cancers are treated with radiation therapy, which will need to be carried out by specialists.
There are a number of advantages to seeking referral to a specialist. Some cancers are rare or very difficult to achieve good results with and a specialist is going to have more experience and knowledge about treatment options in these cases. Specialist centres usually have surgeons as well as internal medicine specialists on staff, so if both surgery and follow-up chemo are needed it can all be done at the same facility. Specialty centres usually offer 24-hour care, which few general practices can achieve, so if there are any complications your pet can be treated promptly. Also specialists are usually at the cutting-edge of new research and can sometimes offer new treatments which are not yet available in general practice.
Discuss the various options with your vets. They will be able to explain the best course of treatment for your dog's type of cancer and also advise you on whether best results can be achieved at their own practice, or whether a referral to a specialist would be a better option. Good luck with your dog, and I do hope the treatment is successful!
If you have a question for Dr. Dalya simply send it through to drdalya@petside.co.uk
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