DEALING WITH CANCER

Cancer is perhaps the most frightening diagnosis one can receive in today's world. Whether it be yourself, a close friend 
or relative or a beloved pet, this diagnosis is very difficult to absorb. For this reason our hospital has developed a special 
cancer program that is designed to help you and your pet throughout this difficult time. Our doctors and staff are committed 
to ease this burden and provide you all the finest support and medical attention currently available.

Cancer is a disease which results from an unregulated growth of abnormal cells. These cells grow without control, have 
no purpose and often have a devastating effect on the remainder of the body. Cells are the basic building blocks of the body, 
and vary in form and function depending on which type of tissue or organ of the body from which they derive. Thus, there 
are literally dozens of different types of cancer. Each cancer type causes different symptoms and requires a different type of 
treatment. In addition, each patient's cancer will respond individually to the type of treatment selected.

Treatment for a given patient with cancer depends on a number of things. First the type of cancer is determined by a 
procedure called cytology or biopsy. Once the cancer is identified it is important to determine how much cancer is present 
within the body. Before a treatment plan is formulated, the general health of the patient is determined. Finally, all this 
information is compiled by our doctors and options for treatment are presented to the guardian of the animal. At this time 
questions and concerns should be expressed and a thoughtful decision can be made.

Surgical removal of a cancer is probably the single most important treatment tool available in cancer medicine. Prior to 
the surgery, one of our doctors will discuss the procedure with you if this is an option for treatment of your pet's cancer. 
Following surgery, you will be instructed regarding aftercare and recovery.

Depending on the type of cancer, chemotherapy may be a recommended treatment. This is the case for certain cancer 
types that do not respond to surgical removal or that have spread or may spread to other areas of the body (metastasize). 
Chemotherapy is the use of powerful drugs to fight cancer. These drugs may be given as intravenous injections, injections in 
the skin or muscle, injections directly into the cancer, or may be taken orally as tablets or capsules. Chemotherapy 
treatments for cancer in humans originated in the 1940's and by the 1970's many of these same chemotherapy drugs were 
being used on pets for cancer treatments. Newer and better drugs, as well as more sophisticated ways of using some of the 
older drugs, have made treatment of cancer a much more hopeful option. Also newer ancillary drugs and methods of giving 
chemotherapy have been developed which have reduced or eliminated some of the most feared side effects of chemotherapy. 
An individualized schedule and treatment plan will be developed for you pet by our doctors. Our greatest concern is the 
physical welfare for you pet. Chemotherapy protocols are designed to first maintain the highest quality of life with the least 
amount of side effects while allowing the greatest potential for elimination of the cancer. The type of chemotherapy side 
effects is a result of the specific drugs that your pet receives.


	As your pet goes through cancer treatment you will probably have many questions and concerns. Please do not 
hesitate to vocalize these. Our staff social worker, Pam Pinkall, will stay in contact with you throughout your pet's 
treatment to help support you.

Regardless of the kind of cancer your pet has, the type of treatment you and your family select, or if you decide not to 
treat your pet, our hospital staff and doctors are here to support you and your pet during this stressful time. We will provide 
care to you and your pet without judging the nature of your decisions. Our goal for each pet is the longest and the happiest 
life possible.

We thank you for your care and concern for your pet, and appreciate the opportunity to serve you during this time.

Dr. Carolyn McCutcheon
Park Avenue Animal Hospital
3734 Park Avenue
Memphis, Tennessee 38111
(901) 458-0863