Prednisolone (or prednisone) is a corticosteroid, while piroxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Both medications have anti-inflammatory properties, but which one is best for pets with cancer? This is a common question asked by many vets, and the answer depends on the individual needs of the pet at the time. Here are some answers to some ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ to guide you in your decision.  Prednisolone When can I use prednisolone? Prednisolone can be used in any sick pet from cancer. Anti-inflammatory dosages can reduce the inflammatory cytokine ..read more

   What is skin cancer? Skin cancer (also called skin tumours or skin neoplasms) are common in dog and cats. Skin cancer accounts for around 25 to 45% of all cancers in dogs, and about 20 to 30% of all cancers in cats. Skin cancer can be benign, where they do not invade nearby tissue or spread to other parts of the body (i.e. metastasis). However, they can be malignant, where they can potentially invade nearby tissue, and spread to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, lungs, or internal organs. The majority of skin cancer in dogs are benign (57.5 to 80%). Conversely, th ..read more

   Have you recently diagnosed lymphoma in a dog? Has the client declined chemotherapy or is undecided?  The Pet Oncologist and Veterinary Specialist Services, in partnership with PharmAust Ltd, are enrolling dogs with B-cell lymphoma in a clinical trial investigating a novel oral cancer medication. All diagnostic and treatment costs are covered in this study, with the initial consultation cost borne by the client. Participants are enrolled in the trial for a month. Phase I & II clinical trials have shown that this drug is safe and leads to clinical benefit in dogs wi ..read more

    Yes, that’s right. If you are a veterinary student, you can access all my online educational material for free. If you are an intern or first-year graduate, you can access all my online educational material for 50% off. I am incredibly passionate about educating others about cancer in animals. Particularly vet students who struggle financially getting through vet school and interns who work long hours with minimal pay. All you have to do is: Subscribe to my newsletter - ‘click here’. If you are a student, please email me your full name, email, university, start and end date ..read more

    Brain tumours are uncommon in dogs but should be suspected in any middle-aged or older dog with acute or progressive brain dysfunction. What is the prognosis, and what are the treatment options? First, let's start with some information about brain tumours in dogs. Brain tumours may present a primary tumour or metastasis (i.e. cancer spread). The most common primary brain tumour is a meningioma, followed by glioma. Other less common brain tumours include choroid plexus tumours, ependymomas, lymphoma, gliomatosis cerebri and histiocytic sarcoma. Secondary brain tumours (i.e. metas ..read more

    In a recent study of 82 dogs with appendicular (i.e. limb) osteosarcoma, treatment with a combination of chemotherapy and stereotactic radiation therapy (12 Gray daily radiation therapy treatment over three consecutive days) was associated with improved survival. The median (average) survival time was 1.1 years, which is similar to dogs treated with amputation followed by chemotherapy. In contrast, conventional palliative radiation therapy plus chemotherapy was associated with a median survival time of five months. In other studies, conventional palliative radiation therapy alon ..read more

   Is my pet in pain? How can I recognise pain and discomfort?  Pain is a debilitating and unpleasant feeling that can cause emotional distress to pets and their owners. It is important to recognise pain so you can intervene early rather than waiting for your pet to show signs of discomfort. This is particularly important in cats who are excellent at hiding their pain, and thus, can suffer pain in silence. Dogs are pack animals, so are more likely to vocalise their pain and discomfort. But some dogs can be stoic and also hide their pain. Pets communicate mainly through bod ..read more

    The decision to euthanise a beloved pet is not easy. Concerns about your pet’s quality of life and dignity are important. Therefore, it is important that you work with your veterinary health care team to ensure they understand your concerns and that your wishes are honoured. You must be given complete and accurate information to make an informed decision. Although your veterinarian may recommend humane euthanasia, you need to know that the decision to say goodbye is personal and that you are the ultimate decision-maker. What is euthanasia? Euthanasia is the medical procedure of ..read more

    Oral squamous cell carcinoma is the most common oral cancer in cats. What is the prognosis, and what are the treatment options?  First, let's start with some information about oral squamous cell carcinoma in cats. Oral squamous cell carcinoma typically affects older cats (median age of 9 to 11 years). There is no apparent sex predilection. Most cases occur in domestic shorthair cats; however, this is likely to reflect the popularity of this breed rather than true breed predisposition.    Cats typically present with a proliferative oral mass or ulceration lesion th ..read more

    Transitional cell carcinoma (also called urothelial carcinoma) is the most common cancer of the urinary tract in dogs, that can affect the bladder and prostate. Diagnosis is usually confirmed with a biopsy (tissue sample) and sometimes cytology (fine-needle aspirate sample). However, biopsies and cytology may lead to seeding of cancer cells, where the cancer cells track along where the biopsy or needle tracts have entered in the body. The Cadet BRAF test is a non-invasive, highly sensitive and specific test that can detect urothelial carcinoma in dogs at an early stage ..read more