One friend’s experience with Medical Oncology
A cancer diagnosis can be a scary time for both owners and pets, but it wasn’t about to stop a dog like 5-year-old Oliver.
Oliver is a gorgeous Gordon Setter who visited his local vet feeling pretty flat and unwell. A blood test showed the reason behind Oliver’s sickness – he had a very high calcium level and low platelets.
An X-Ray of his chest showed Oliver had a huge mass in the space between his lungs (called the mediastinum). Samples confirmed it was a type of cancer called Lymphoma and Oliver was sent straight to SASH’s Oncology department for treatment.
Lymphoma is a common type of cancer in dogs and can occur anywhere in the body. Oliver’s particular type was just confined to his chest and if left untreated, could cause problems with his breathing and heart.
The positive? Lymphoma is very responsive to treatment with chemotherapy and surgery is rarely needed. Not only that, but while the word ‘chemotherapy’ can sound terrifying, the treatments for Lymphoma hardly ever make pets feel sick. They are often a combination of injections and tablets prescribed by the SASH team, whose aim is to have your pet back to their normal, happy self as soon as possible.
The team at SASH have enjoyed seeing Oliver’s progress and making sure an endless supply of belly rubs and liver treats are waiting for him at his fortnightly chemotherapy visits. Since starting his treatment, X-Rays show Oliver’s tumour is shrinking, and he is already back to romping non-stop with his sister at home. His owners are thrilled to have their playful, mischievous dog back, and although the vets and nurses at SASH will miss his cuddles and cheeky attitude, they also can’t wait to see this survivor back at 100%.
“Oliver enjoys endless belly rubs and liver treats, before, during and after his chemotherapy treatment and on his recent repeat x-rays of his chest his tumour is shrinking!”
Dr Veronika Langova
