ORLANDO, Fla. (Ivanhoe Newswire) — Half of all dogs over the age of ten will develop cancer in their lifetime. Dogs get cancer at about the same rate as humans, and although the treatment sounds like that of their human counterparts, surgery, chemo and radiation, the cure rate is just about 20 percent. Now, breakthrough technology is helping dogs beat the odds, and may even impact how cancer is treated in humans.
Anthony Douglas, Lincoln’s owner commented, “Every mischievous thing he can possibly do. He still does.”
9-year-old Lincoln didn’t miss a step after losing his front leg to cancer last year. But it was what doctors found during a routine follow-up exam that worried his parents.
Monisha Seth, Lincoln’s other owner says, “There’s 250 milliliters of fluid in his lungs.”
A mass was blocking one of the major veins that drains his heart and it was located in a very difficult place to treat with radiation, until now.
The veterinary oncology team at the University of Florida began treating their furry cancer patients with the Varient Edge – precise radiation technology that’s on par, if not better than, equipment used in top human hospitals.
“It’s going to increase our ability to treat tumors that are near important structures in the body that we’re trying not to harm.” stated Christopher Adin, DMV, Small Animal Clinical Services, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine.
The machine can adjust in real time to motion happening inside the body.
Doctor Adin says, “It actually has the ability to know when the patient is breathing and to move with it.”
Lincoln was treated on four consecutive Fridays with radiation administered precisely to the tumor without damaging any surrounding tissue.
And now, Lincoln’s tumor is shrinking and may possibly even disappear.
Seth explains, “A human would probably suffer, you know, struggle with it, but he’s just been so, you know, stoic and energetic.”
Doctors hope this new technology will allow them to treat more animals that they never could have before. University of Florida is one of only three veterinary colleges in the country to own the Varient Edge. Monisha says the treatments for Lincoln not including follow up, cost her about $4,000.
Contributors to this news report include: Marsha Lewis, Producer; Roque Correa, Editor and Videographer
Sources:
https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/petcare/cancer-pets
CUTTING EDGE LINEAR ACCELERATOR KILLS CANCER IN DOGS
REPORT #2977
BACKGROUND: Food and Drug Administration veterinarian Lisa Troutman says: The warning signs of cancer in dogs are similar to those in people: a lump or bump, a wound that doesn’t heal, any kind of swelling, abnormal bleeding. But generally, a pet owner should keep an eye out for what Troutman calls “the basics —changes in the normal functions of eating, drinking, peeing, pooping and sleeping —and contact their veterinarian if they have concerns. “Emotional state, such as being withdrawn and irritable, can be another sign,” she says. Both general veterinary practitioners and veterinary oncologists, as well as other specialists, treat cancer in cats and dogs. In general, veterinary practitioners work with veterinary oncologists to provide the diagnosis and the follow-up care for the pet during treatment, which may include blood work and imaging to monitor the animal’s progress.
(Source: https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/my-dog-has-cancer-what-do-i-need-know)
THE STUDY: Approximately 1 in 4 dogs will, at some stage in their life, develop neoplasia. Neoplasia is the uncontrolled, abnormal growth of cells or tissues in the body. Almost half of dogs over the age of 10 will develop cancer. Dogs get cancer at roughly the same rate as humans, while there is less information about the rate of cancer in cats. Some cancers, such as lymphoma, are more common in cats than in dogs. Unfortunately, the cause of most neoplastic diseases is not known and, therefore, prevention is difficult. There is evidence that secondhand smoke increases the risk of some cancers in dogs and cats. Spaying reduces the risk of mammary cancer in dogs. Half of all breast neoplasms in dogs and greater than 85 percent of all breast neoplasms in cats are malignant, and spaying female pets before 12 months of age reduces this risk. Neutering eliminates the risk of testicular cancer. Conversely, there is evidence that spaying, and neutering can increase the risk of certain other cancers. Genetic predisposition to some cancers in certain breeds or breeding lines has also been reported.
NEW REGULATIONS: A newer linear accelerator, or LINAC, is even more accurate and safe for treating animal patients with cancer. With the new machine, radiation can be better directed to the tumor, while protecting surrounding healthy tissues. And because the dose rate can be moderated, it reduces treatment time for your animal. Using the linear accelerator, radiation oncologist can create radiation beams that are shaped to the aim at the pet’s tumor while avoiding as much normal tissue as possible. It delivers high-energy x-rays to a particular part of the body and can be used to treat any part of the body. Treatment is usually given over several sessions, and each session may take 15 to 30 minutes or sometimes longer.
(Source: https://www.matthews.carolinavet.com/site/specialties/radiation-oncology, https://giving.vetmed.wsu.edu/VTH/LINAC#:~:text=A%20newer%20linear%20accelerator%2C%20or,treatment%20time%20for%20your%20animal.)
* For More Information, Contact: Sarah Carey
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