Dog Cancer Answers

Caller Debbie has gotten her dog with lymphoma through chemo, and he is in remission. But she has some questions after someone recommended that she put her dog on ivermectin as a follow-up to chemo. Oncologist Brooke Britton weighs in with the issues with the limited research on ivermectin and cancer, plus the very real risks of giving this drug for extended periods of time or at high doses. Related Links: What to Know About Lymphoma podcast episode Tanovea: The First FDA-Approved Dog Lymphoma Treatment podcast episode Monepantel: A Future Treatment for Dog Lymphoma podcast episode Chapters: 0:00 Start 2:31 Ivermectin Not Helpful for Lymphoma 5:12 High Doses Are Toxic 11:21 Repurposing Drugs 13:08 MDR1 Mutation 13:41 Ivermectin is Not Appropriate for Dog Cancer About Today’s Guest, Dr. Brooke Britton: Brooke Britton completed her residency training in Medical Oncology at the University of Pennsylvania in 2012, and has been in clinical practice in the NYC and Jersey Shore area since that time. She helmed the Brooklyn and Downtown arms of the Oncology Department for BluePearl Veterinary Partners in New York for the past 9 years, and was an active participant in house officer training and clinical trials during her tenure there. She currently serves as a private consultant and maintains an independent clinical practice. Dr. Britton has lectured nationally and authored several peer-reviewed articles. She has particular interest in hematologic malignancies and the metastatic cascade. LinkedIn Other Links: If you would like to ask a dog cancer related question for one of our expert veterinarians to answer on a future Q&A episode, call our Listener Line at 808-868-3200.  Dog Cancer News is a free weekly newsletter that contains useful information designed to help your dog with cancer. To sign up, please visit DogCancerNews.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kim Peri is a Golden Retriever lover with a passion for philanthropy and paying it forward. Dr. Mike Lappin is a veterinarian with Goldens and determination to better the health of his breed. How did they meet? Because of Indy the Golden, and an Eagles concert. Listen in to hear what it is like to be involved in the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study as a dog lover and as a veterinarian, as well as some of the things that we have learned so far. The study is ongoing – originally it was going to end when 500 of the enrolled Goldens had been diagnosed with cancer, but it has now been extended to follow all of the enrolled Goldens for their entire lives. Unfortunately, Indy is one of the Golden Heroes who died of cancer. But the blood work and surveys that he and the other Goldens have contributed are giving researchers lots of information to identify environmental and genetic risk factors for cancer. Links Mentioned in Today’s Show: Morris Animal Foundation’s Dog Cancer Research podcast episode: https://www.dogcancer.com/podcast/trials-and-research/morris-animal-foundations-dog-cancer-research-dr-janet-patterson-kane-deep-dive/ Golden Retriever Lifetime Study: https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/golden-retriever-lifetime-study Golden Retriever DNA Repository: https://grca.org/about-the-breed/health-research/dna-repository/ OFA DNA Repository: https://ofa.org/about/dna-repository/ The Golden Retriever Foundation: https://goldenretrieverfoundation.org/GRF/ Canine Valley Fever Project: http://www.caninevalleyfeverproject.com/ PetDx Clinical Studies: https://petdx.com/clinical-studies/ Related Links: What to Know About Lymphoma podcast episode Pollution and Cancer in Dogs podcast episode AKC Canine Health Foundation Funds Dog Cancer Research podcast episode A Blood Test for Dog Cancer? Meet OncoK9 podcast episode About Today’s Guest, Kimberly Peri: I grew up in a NW suburb of Chicago, IL and I have lived in Phoenix, AZ for about 24 years. I have been owned by Golden Retrievers for almost 30 years. Until recently, all of my Goldens have been from rescue organizations. I am very active and compete in many competitive performance sports with my dogs such as conformation, dock diving, scent work, fast CAT, and surfing.  I am a Senior Risk Manager for a large financial services firm. I am studying to become an Animal Accupressure Practitioner and will finish my studies in 2023, and I am a certified Level 2 Reiki Practioner. I have a deep passion for animals and philanthropy. I am the former President of the Valle del Sol Golden Retriever Club in Phoenix, AZ. LinkedIn About Today’s Guest, Dr. Mike Lappin: Graduated Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, June 1972. Private Small Animal (Dog & Cat) Practice: 1972 to present. Yes, that is 50 years! Have served on Board of Directors: Golden Retriever Foundation Have served on Board of Directors: Yankee Golden Retriever Club Have been Veterinarian enrolled in Morris Animal Foundation’s Golden Retriever Lifetime Study since the beginning of the study, and also have a Hero, Isaac #64, enrolled. Married and currently owned by four Golden Retrievers, their ages are 9 months to 11 years. Currently training two dogs in Canine Nosework, in multiple venues. LinkedIn Other Links: If you would like to ask a dog cancer related question for one of our expert veterinarians to answer on a future Q&A episode, call our Listener Line at 808-868-3200.  Dog Cancer News is a free weekly newsletter that contains useful information designed to help your dog with cancer. To sign up, please visit DogCancerNews.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mast cell tumors are fairly common in dogs. These tumors develop from mast cells, a type of immune cell that contains little packets or granules of histamine and other chemicals. Normally, these granules release in response to something like an insect bite. But when mast cells turn cancerous, the histamine release can quickly get out of control. This is called a degranulation event. Veterinary oncologist Brooke Britton joins us once again to explain why dogs get degranulation events, how to recognize that one is happening, and what can be done to help your dog. The good news? Medicine cabinet standbys like Benadryl can provide relief from the awful itching and irritation. Listen in to learn more, including the role that allergies may play in mast cell tumors. Related Links: Exam Room Series: Mast Cell Tumors podcast episode Tagamet and Benadryl for Dogs podcast episode An Oncologist’s Thoughts on Diet article Chapters: 0:00 Start 1:20 What A Degranulation Event Is 7:45 Benadryl 8:50 Signs of Degranulation Event 12:05 Role of Allergies 19:53 No Good Way to Prevent Mast Cell Tumors 21:08 Tagamet and Benadryl 26:12 Low Histamine Diets About Today’s Guest, Dr. Brooke Britton: Brooke Britton completed her residency training in Medical Oncology at the University of Pennsylvania in 2012, and has been in clinical practice in the NYC and Jersey Shore area since that time. She helmed the Brooklyn and Downtown arms of the Oncology Department for BluePearl Veterinary Partners in New York for the past 9 years, and was an active participant in house officer training and clinical trials during her tenure there. She currently serves as a private consultant and maintains an independent clinical practice. Dr. Britton has lectured nationally and authored several peer-reviewed articles. She has particular interest in hematologic malignancies and the metastatic cascade. LinkedIn Other Links: If you would like to ask a dog cancer related question for one of our expert veterinarians to answer on a future Q&A episode, call our Listener Line at 808-868-3200.  Dog Cancer News is a free weekly newsletter that contains useful information designed to help your dog with cancer. To sign up, please visit DogCancerNews.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A lump was first found in one of Lilli’s anal glands in early 2020, right as the world shut down due to the COVID pandemic. Despite many challenges and a few setbacks, her person John was determined to get Lilli the best care possible and to choose a treatment plan that felt right for Lilli. Listen in to hear how John navigated the difficulties of getting veterinary care in the UK during a worldwide pandemic, and how he found the perfect veterinary care team that was the right fit for both him and Lilli. And best of all, hear how Lilli is still chasing her ball three years later. Links Mentioned in Today’s Show: Dog Cancer Survival Guide https://dogcancerbook.com/ Apocaps https://apocaps.com/ Related Links: How to Find the Best Vet for Your Dog article Anal Sac Cancer in Dogs article Anal Tumor Surgery in Older Dogs podcast episode Chapters: 0:00 Start 5:40 Cancer Returns and Second Surgery 10:35 Referral Hospital Experience 17:21 Decisions About Chemo and Radiation 21:13 Lilli’s Management Plan 28:21 Taking Care of Yourself 33:45 Medicinal Mushrooms and Apocaps About Today’s Guest, John Mcleish: John has been an animal lover for many many years since he was a child. People think he’s mad because of the love and dedication he has for pets. He’s been in several industries over the years. His most recent business was in the pet industry with the company Herbal Paws which he has recently sold on. His next venture is pretty simple: he’s about to start a dog walking business home in Northampton UK. He is looking forward to this so much and is a self-proclaimed “big soft-hearted person” when it comes to animals. Other Links: If you would like to ask a dog cancer related question for one of our expert veterinarians to answer on a future Q&A episode, call our Listener Line at 808-868-3200.  Dog Cancer News is a free weekly newsletter that contains useful information designed to help your dog with cancer. To sign up, please visit DogCancerNews.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dog cancer is scary, but it’s manageable as long as you have information and hope. That’s what this podcast offers: hope, options, and trustworthy information so that you can make confident decisions you won’t regret later. Listen to leading veterinarians on the front lines of cancer care answer your questions. No time wasted on rambling episodes: these are short and cover one topic at a time. We’ve been podcasting about dog cancer since 2010. In hundreds of Dog Cancer Answers episodes you’ll find advice, insight, and wisdom about all things dog cancer. Produced by DogCancer.com in association with our friends at Dog Podcast Network and produced to the highest quality standards, because you matter, and your dog deserves the best. Other Links: If you would like to ask a dog cancer related question for one of our expert veterinarians to answer on a future Q&A episode, call our Listener Line at 808-868-3200. Dog Cancer News is a free weekly newsletter that contains useful information designed to help your dog with cancer. To sign up, please visit DogCancerNews.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you live in Australia, New Zealand, or Texas, your dog might be eligible to join a clinical trial studying the drug monepantel. Monepantel was originally developed as a sheep dewormer, but a scientist in Australia discovered that it killed cancer cell lines in the lab. Now, monepantel is being studied as a treatment for B-cell lymphoma in dogs, cancer in humans, and motor neuron disease in humans. Dr. Kim Agnew, the principal investigator on the dog lymphoma study, explains how this drug works and what results they are seeing, as well as the path to full approval. While monepantel is not going to take the place of chemotherapy, it does show promise to help slow progression of lymphoma and preserve the dogs’ quality of life for up to seven months. Listen in to learn more, and see if this clinical trial might be a good fit for your dog! Links Mentioned in Today’s Show: PharmAust Dog Lymphoma Clinical Trial: https://www.pharmaust.com/petdogtrial/ Related Links: What to Know About Lymphoma podcast episode Dog Cancer Research: About Clinical Trials for Dog Cancer article Choosing the Right Clinical Trial for Your Dog podcast episode Chapters: 0:00 Start 1:46 Repurposing Drugs 5:04 How It Works 8:54 Not a Replacement for Chemo 11:41 Lymphoma Clinical Trials 17:29 Stable Disease 21:52 Monepantel with Pred 24:40 Ivermectin and Other Repurposed Drugs 28:05 Side Effects 33:40 Approval Process and Study Enrollment About Today’s Guest, Dr. Kim Agnew: Rural upbringing in New Zealand lead to a passion for livestock health and productivity which progressed to Biochemistry followed by Veterinary Science qualifications at Massey University. Dr. Agnew has significant veterinary practical experience with 10 years in a large practice in South Auckland followed by a 20 year career at Elanco Animal Health which allowed for exposure to a wide range of life science aspects. Dr. Agnew has played a role in the development of novel veterinary products with a focus on topical parasiticides for sheep and cattle and oral and water delivered ionophore products for cattle. Expansion of his role to Australia lead to an area of real passion - team building. Leading the combined research and regulatory teams since 2007, followed by leadership of a global R&D hub based in Sydney allowed him to build teams that team members wanted to stay in. LinkedIn Other Links: If you would like to ask a dog cancer related question for one of our expert veterinarians to answer on a future Q&A episode, call our Listener Line at 808-868-3200.  Dog Cancer News is a free weekly newsletter that contains useful information designed to help your dog with cancer. To sign up, please visit DogCancerNews.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As a Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner, Tasha McNerney knows her way around pain detection and control. And she says pain control and prevention is so much more than just the pills that your vet gives you when you pick your dog up after surgery. Whether your dog is having a minor procedure to remove a small lump or a painful thoracotomy or amputation, pain control starts before the surgery. Some vets will send medications for you to give before coming in that help to calm your dog or provide pain relief. The drugs used to premedicate your dog before anesthesia often have pain-relieving properties as well. After the surgery, your vet WILL want you to give those pain meds for a couple days, but she will also encourage you to feed a nutritious diet to support healing and may give instructions to ice or massage painful areas. For longer-lasting pain, therapies such as laser, acupuncture, home exercises, and other non-pharmacological techniques may be employed. Tasha explains all of these things, as well as how to recognize signs of pain that indicate your dog needs extra support. Links Mentioned in Today’s Show: Passive Range of Motion (PROM) video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKECEsYJ0r0 International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management: https://ivapm.org/ Related Links: Cold Laser Therapy for Dogs: Does It Work? podcast episode Therapy After Leg Amputation for Dog podcast episode How Does PEMF Therapy Help Dogs with Cancer? podcast episode Pain Management PLUS: Natural Pain Relief for Dogs article Signs Your Dog is in Pain podcast episode Chapters: 0:00 Start 4:30 Effects of Chronic Pain 8:35 Give the Pain Meds 12:11 Preemptive Pain Control 15:32 Signs of Pain 18:16 Nutrition and Healing 25:31 Physical Rehabilitation 29:02 At-Home Pain Relief 32:04 Recovery Times 33:31 Painful Surgeries 37:15 Tasha’s Favorite Pain Control 40:43 Not All About Drugs About Today’s Guest, Tasha McNerney VTS: Tasha is a Certified Veterinary Technician form Glenside, PA. She is also a Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner and works closely with the IVAPM to educate the public about animal pain awareness. Tasha became a Veterinary Technician Specialist in anesthesia in 2015. Tasha loves to lecture on various anesthesia and pain management topics around the globe and was recently named the VMX 2020 Speaker of the Year for veterinary technicians. Tasha travels across the U.S. to consult with veterinary hospitals on best anesthesia practices. Tasha has authored numerous articles on anesthesia and analgesia topics for veterinary professionals and pet parents. In her spare time Tasha enjoys reading, spending time with her husband and son, and recording the Veterinary Anesthesia Nerds Podcast. LinkedIn TikTok Other Links: If you would like to ask a dog cancer related question for one of our expert veterinarians to answer on a future Q&A episode, call our Listener Line at 808-868-3200. Dog Cancer News is a free weekly newsletter that contains useful information designed to help your dog with cancer. To sign up, please visit DogCancerNews.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dog prostate cancer can be missed because early symptoms look like simple UTIs, but when Renée Michael felt something was wrong with her beloved Roscoe, she didn’t wait. A full veterinary workup at Louisiana State University revealed prostate cancer. Over the next 21 months, Renée learned a ton about the treatment options from prostate cancer, the value of having both an oncologist and a holistic vet on the care team, and how she could support Roscoe’s wellbeing at home with diet and supplements. In this episode Renée shares some of her insights into anti-inflammatory foods and immune support supplements that she feels Roscoe, as well as recipes for some of his favorite treats. She also talks about the work that she has done to promote dog prostate cancer awareness and help other dog lovers get an early diagnosis and support their dogs throughout treatment. Links Mentioned in Today’s Show: Dogs with Prostate Cancer support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1522248491239039/?ref=share_group_link Roscoe’s 21 Month Cancer Journey ebook with recipes: https://www.dogcancer.com/roscoe/ Chapters: 0:00 Start 1:46 Intuition and Diagnosis 4:01 Treatment During COVID 8:03 Diet 11:09 Prostate Cancer and UTIs 14:09 No Raw Meat 18:37 Piroxicam Side Effects 22:24 Cognitive Decline 24:52 Poor Appetite 28:40 Multimodal Integrative Treatment 33:11 Canine Prostate Cancer Awareness and Support 36:22 Early Diagnosis 41:44 Renee’s Top Advice About Today’s Guest, Renée Michael: Renée is a Retired Basset Hound Mom. Her Sweet Roscoe adopted her on Mother’s Day 2011 when he was approximately 3 years old. He was her goofy clown when things were good and her rock when her life fell apart. At the end of Feb 2020 he was diagnosed with prostate cancer so Renée started researching everything she could. They did SRT radiation but she’s against chemo so foods and supplements were her main focus. She worked closely with the awesome TCVM vet at LSU who taught her a lot, and said Renée even taught her some things. Roscoe gave her 21 months before looking into her eyes on November 12, 2021 and saying “Mom I can’t go on any more.”  Some people encouraged Renée to write a treat book (being a Basset Hound Roscoe LOVED his treats and she was inspired by her late husband Mike when she came up with Roscoe’s treats). The treat book morphed into Roscoe’s Cancer Journey, a free pdf, that is now hopefully helping many many pups and their parents. Other Links: If you would like to ask a dog cancer related question for one of our expert veterinarians to answer on a future Q&A episode, call our Listener Line at 808-868-3200. Dog Cancer News is a free weekly newsletter that contains useful information designed to help your dog with cancer. To sign up, please visit DogCancerNews.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nationwide Pet Insurance has released several white papers looking at trends in dog cancer diagnoses. In this episode, Dr. Jules Benson explains their paper “About the Size of It: Scaling Canine Cancer Risk.” First they looked at the likelihood of developing cancer based on the size of the dog, and found that it appears larger dogs are at higher risk. They then looked at some of the most common cancer types in dogs, and the trend remained consistent with one exception, mammary cancer. They also looked at how size affected how old dogs were when they were diagnosed. Dr. Benson explains that this data does not mean that large dogs will get cancer and small dogs won’t. Instead, this data helps us to know which dogs are at the most risk of different cancers, as well as when we should start being concerned about signs that appear. This work can help veterinarians and owners to catch cancer earlier, increasing the chance of successful treatment. Links Mentioned in Today’s Show: About the Size of It white paper: https://www.petinsurance.com/veterinarians/research/ click Canine Cancer and scroll down for full paper 2019 AAHA Canine Life Stage Guidelines https://www.aaha.org/aaha-guidelines/life-stage-canine-2019/life-stage-canine-2019/ Nationwide Dog Cancer Study and Breeds at Risk podcast episode https://www.dogcancer.com/podcast/types-of-dog-cancer/nationwide-dog-cancer-study-and-breeds-at-risk-dr-jules-benson/ Chapters: 0:00 Start 3:51 Defining Size Categories 8:02 Focusing on Mixes 13:01 Peto’s Paradox 18:05 Relative Risk 23:08 The Magic of Jack Russell Terriers 24:47 Specific Cancers and Body Size 27:41 Size and Age of Onset 31:21 Personalizing Data 32:08 Obesity 33:57 Size and Age of Onset Part 2 39:01 Scientific Process 41:02 Lymphatic Cancer 43:09 Mammary Cancer 45:30 The Takeaways 48:13 ADR About Today’s Guest, Dr. Jules Benson: Dr. Jules Benson is an experienced executive in the animal health field. Before coming to Nationwide’s pet health insurance unit, he was on the start-up team of a pet health company, and then assisted other veterinary and medical companies as an executive specializing in healthcare marketing and strategy. A licensed veterinarian, Dr. Benson is a graduate of the University of Liverpool’s school of veterinary medicine. He has been active in conservation efforts in Africa, and he worked in clinical practice before moving into the pet health industry as a leader. He can speak with insight and experience on animal health industry trends, start-ups, innovation and strategic planning and, of course, on veterinary medicine. LinkedIn Other Links: If you would like to ask a dog cancer related question for one of our expert veterinarians to answer on a future Q&A episode, call our Listener Line at 808-868-3200. Dog Cancer News is a free weekly newsletter that contains useful information designed to help your dog with cancer. To sign up, please visit DogCancerNews.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Although there are many romantic ideas about where acupuncture comes from and how it works, the truth is rooted in science and anatomy. Acupuncture is the practice of applying tiny needles or pressure to specific areas to stimulate nerves and tissue to get a desired effect. Dr. Narda Robinson is both a human doctor and a veterinarian, and she literally wrote the book on acupuncture points and what they do in the human body. In this episode she explains how and why acupuncture works, as well as the specific ways that it can benefit dogs with cancer. Short on time? Jump to about minute 42 to catch Narda’s rapid-fire mythbusting. Links Mentioned in Today’s Show: CuraCore Find a Practitioner https://curacore.org/vet/find-a-practitioner/ American Academy of Medical Acupuncture https://medicalacupuncture.org/ Narda’s Books: https://curacore.org/vet/bookstore/ Chapters: 0:00 Start 2:56 Acupuncture is Science 6:08 The Nervous System 10:41 Placement Matters 14:47 Anti-Nausea Point 16:59 Nerve Stimulation 17:51 Trigger Points 20:06 Getting Started 23:52 Realities of Acupuncture and Cancer 29:46 Helping Radiation Side Effects 33:12 Side Effects 34:59 Integrative Medicine 37:12 The Needles 39:11 Mistranslations 42:14 Acupuncture Myths 46:08 When to Avoid Acupuncture About Today’s Guest, Dr. Narda Robinson: Narda G. Robinson, DO, DVM, MS, FAAMA, is a leading authority on scientific integrative medicine from a One Health perspective. She served as faculty at the Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (1997-2016) and currently leads CURACORE VET and CURACORE MED as founder and CEO. A prominent influencer on scientific integrative medicine in both veterinary and human medicine, Dr. Robinson has cultivated her expertise for over 20 years of teaching, practicing, and research. She directs onsite and online programs on medical acupuncture, medical massage, photomedicine, botanical therapy, and integrative rehabilitation. In June 2022, she founded the organization, SIVMA, i.e., the Scientific Integrative Veterinary Medical Association, to expand learning and research opportunities for practitioners across the globe. LinkedIn Other Links: If you would like to ask a dog cancer related question for one of our expert veterinarians to answer on a future Q&A episode, call our Listener Line at 808-868-3200. Dog Cancer News is a free weekly newsletter that contains useful information designed to help your dog with cancer. To sign up, please visit DogCancerNews.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine is one of the few locations in the world studying histotripsy, also known as high-intensity focused ultrasound or HIFU. This non-invasive therapy uses powerful sound waves to, well, basically disintegrate tumors. It may sound crazy, but it’s a real thing, and there are even clinical trials in humans ongoing in Spain. Dr. Joanne Tuohy explains the method and the current studies that she is involved with. Current work is focused on osteosarcoma (bone cancer) and soft tissue sarcoma, but they are hoping to expand to other solid tumors in the future. While we don’t yet know all of the answers and HIFU is far from being considered standard of care for dog cancer, dogs with bone cancer or soft tissue sarcoma may be eligible to participate in clinical trials and receive this therapy. Links Mentioned in Today’s Show: Histotripsy for treatment of canine appendicular osteosarcoma clinical trial: https://vetmed.vt.edu/clinical-trials/current-studies/histotripsy-osteo.html Evaluating the ablative and biomechanical effects of complete tumor histotripsy ablation in canine osteosarcoma clinical trial: https://vetmed.vt.edu/clinical-trials/current-studies/histotripsy-osteo-no-amputation.html High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) ablation as single modality treatment for canine subcutaneous tumors clinical trial: https://vetmed.vt.edu/clinical-trials/current-studies/hifu-sts.html HeEV: Histotripsy-enabled Extracellular Vesicle characterization in canine soft tissue sarcoma patients clinical trial: https://vetmed.vt.edu/clinical-trials/current-studies/heev-histotropsy-sts.html Chapters: 0:00 Start 1:53 HIFU vs Diagnostic Ultrasound 8:08 Safety 13:49 Non-Thermal HIFU or Histotripsy 16:42 Potential Immune System Effects 19:53 Light Anesthesia 23:54 Pain Relief 26:46 Cancer Types 30:37 Aftercare 31:55 Clinical Trial Setup 36:49 In the Future 38:34 Dr. Tuohy’s Top Advice About Today’s Guest, Dr. Joanne Tuohy: Dr. Tuohy is a veterinary surgical oncologist and immunologist. She believes in the strength of a One Health approach to comparative oncology research to benefit both veterinary and human patients with cancer. The overall goal of her research is to improve cancer outcomes for veterinary and human patients via tumor ablation and immunotherapy, especially for patients with osteosarcoma. Specifically, her research team investigates the use of two non-thermal tumor ablation techniques – histotripsy and high-frequency irreversible electroporation (H-FIRE). Her research focuses on developing histotripsy as a tumor ablation modality for the primary tumor in osteosarcoma, and on developing H-FIRE as a tumor ablation modality for metastatic tumors in osteosarcoma. Additionally, her research also evaluates the immune response after histotripsy and H-FIRE ablation of tumors. Her research team utilizes veterinary clinical trials, preclinical models, and in-vitro systems to explore the ablative and immunomodulatory effects of histotripsy and H-FIRE. Virginia-Maryland College of Vet Med Other Links If you would like to ask a dog cancer related question for one of our expert veterinarians to answer on a future Q&A episode, call our Listener Line at 808-868-3200. Dog Cancer News is a free weekly newsletter that contains useful information designed to help your dog with cancer. To sign up, please visit DogCancerNews.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Buddy was diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma, Laura and Richard were devastated. Even worse, he did very poorly after his first chemo treatment. With chemotherapy now off the table, they changed tactics and focused on general wellbeing and quality of life. A year and a half later, Buddy is still thriving! Listen in to hear the full story, along with a discussion of median survival times and how you can approach your dog’s cancer journey one step at a time. Chapters: 0:00 Start 5:10 Trouble with Chemo 6:51 Diet Changes 9:04 Adding a Puppy 12:11 Follow Up Scans 14:26 Quality of Life 16:21 Treats and Cooking 18:42 Laura’s Top Advice 20:18 Median Survival Time About Today’s Guest, Laura Gillespie: Laura is a yoga teacher in Glasgow in Scotland. She worked full time until 2021, when she decided to leave to teach yoga and work her own hours, partly because Buddy had just been diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma and she and her partner didn’t know how long they would have with him. Now that they have two dogs, the house is never quiet. The dogs go most places with Laura - to her friends’ houses, in the car to shops, the bathroom floor when she’s in the shower, and of course, to the pub. Instagram Other Links: If you would like to ask a dog cancer related question for one of our expert veterinarians to answer on a future Q&A episode, call our Listener Line at 808-868-3200. Dog Cancer News is a free weekly newsletter that contains useful information designed to help your dog with cancer. To sign up, please visit DogCancerNews.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Lauren Barrow is a veterinarian, dog lover, and mom to a child who had cancer. This gives her a unique perspective on the challenges of giving and receiving a cancer diagnosis, as well as the stress of making treatment decisions. Dog cancer has the extra challenge that most veterinary care has to be paid for up front, as even the few dogs that have pet health insurance are likely covered by plans that reimburse later. Even if you are strapped for cash, you have options. Take some time to process your dog’s diagnosis before making any decisions, and work with your veterinarian to figure out the option that best meets your dog’s needs while also fitting your budget. Remember: you can’t control or fix everything, and this isn’t your fault. No one is perfect and we live in an imperfect world. Do what you can, and give yourself permission to forgive what you can’t do. Links Mentioned in Today’s Show: Not One More Vet https://www.nomv.org/ Chapters: 0:00 Start 4:13 Give Yourself Grace 10:04 Vets and Money 13:27 Giving a Cancer Diagnosis 15:12 Discussing Finances 20:05 Actually I Do Have Questions! 22:59 Specialists and General Practitioners About Today’s Guest, Dr. Lauren Barrow: Dr. Lauren Barrow is a small animal general practice veterinarian with a special interest in comparative oncology - the study of cancer in animals and people and how the advancement of cancer treatments can benefit both. She earned her DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) in 2012 from Colorado State University, home of the Flint Animal Cancer Center, a leader in comparative oncology research. As a general practitioner, Dr. Barrow is on the front lines, helping families navigate cancer diagnosis and management, coordinating with oncologists when needed, assisting in making end of life decisions, and is often the first to diagnose cancer in the family dog. As the mother of a cancer survivor, Dr. Barrow has a unique perspective on the relationship between human and animal cancer and its effect on the entire family. Other Links: If you would like to ask a dog cancer related question for one of our expert veterinarians to answer on a future Q&A episode, call our Listener Line at 808-868-3200. Dog Cancer News is a free weekly newsletter that contains useful information designed to help your dog with cancer. To sign up, please visit DogCancerNews.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tasha McNerney is a Veterinary Technician Specialist in anesthesia, and she’s sharing all the details on what your dog’s veterinary care team does to keep your dog safe, the things that can go wrong while under anesthesia, and what you can do to prepare your dog beforehand. One of her best tips for dog lovers feeling anxious about an anesthetic event? Talk to your dog’s veterinary team. Ask about what training and credentials your state requires for someone to do anesthesia, as well as how the staff monitor dogs while under anesthesia and during recovery. Vets and vet techs all understand that you love and are worried about your dog, and hearing the protocols in place can help to ease your mind. Listen in to learn about the different types of anesthesia and some of the different drugs that your vet will use to keep your dog calm and pain-free. Links Mentioned in Today’s Show: How ASA scores help make anesthesia safer for your pet patients https://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/how-asa-scores-help-make-anesthesia-safer-for-your-pet-patients/ Chapters: 0:00 Start 2:32 Anesthesia Risks 9:53 Hypotension, Hypoventilation, Hypothermia 12:50 Before Your Dog Goes Under Anesthesia 17:17 Techs Who Do Anesthesia 21:13 Types of Anesthesia 23:47 Pain Control and Unaware 27:03 Reversible Anesthesia 29:06 Injectable Anesthetics 30:50 Recovery 36:50 Home Care 40:14 No Breakfast Before Surgery 42:14 Dogs Who Struggle with Anesthesia 44:17 Dog Cancer Anesthesia 47:00 Tasha’s #1 Tip About Today’s Guest, Tasha McNerney VTS: Tasha is a Certified Veterinary Technician from Glenside, PA. She is also a Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner and works closely with the IVAPM to educate the public about animal pain awareness. Tasha became a Veterinary Technician Specialist in anesthesia in 2015. Tasha loves to lecture on various anesthesia and pain management topics around the globe and was recently named the VMX 2020 Speaker of the Year for veterinary technicians. Tasha travels across the U.S. to consult with veterinary hospitals on best anesthesia practices. Tasha has authored numerous articles on anesthesia and analgesia topics for veterinary professionals and pet parents. In her spare time Tasha enjoys reading, spending time with her husband and son, and recording the Veterinary Anesthesia Nerds Podcast. LinkedIn TikTok Other Links: If you would like to ask a dog cancer related question for one of our expert veterinarians to answer on a future Q&A episode, call our Listener Line at 808-868-3200. Dog Cancer News is a free weekly newsletter that contains useful information designed to help your dog with cancer. To sign up, please visit DogCancerNews.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tesoro was diagnosed with fibrosarcoma in Feb. of 2017 when he was 6.5 years old. Diana and Tesoro’s cancer fight lasted two years and cost $60,000. It was a journey with ups and downs, struggles and victories. Their fight was filled with love, laughter, and tears. It was a journey which unfortunately many other dog owners will travel. What lessons did she learn? What advice can she give? Diana hopes that the story of Tesoro’s fight as a Cancer Warrior can help others. Listen in to hear the full story, from the treatments that Tesoro received to their amazing experience with Trupanion… and a little bit about designer cones of shame. Links Mentioned in Today’s Show: Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America https://www.bmdca.org/ SAGE Veterinary Centers https://www.sagecenters.com/ Trupanion Pet Insurance https://trupanion.com/ Berner-Garde Foundation http://www.bernergarde.org/home/ Torigen Pharmaceuticals https://www.torigen.com/ Chapters: 0:00 Start 2:26 Bernese Mountain Dogs 5:28 Tesoro’s Diagnosis 9:53 Surgery 13:38 Radiation 14:32 The Cone of Shame 17:05 Obedience Training and Trials 19:46 Cancer Returns 21:34 Diet 22:19 Adding Holistic Vet 24:44 Torigen 28:03 Quality of Life During Treatment 31:23 Pet Health Insurance 33:31 Marco the Tibetan Spaniel 36:15 Berner-Garde 39:46 Euthanasia and Grief 43:34 Diana’s Top Advice About Today’s Guest, Diana Gerba: Diana Gerba is a video producer and project manager by trade and has owned Bernese Mountain Dogs for over 30 years. She’s a member of the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America, The Northern California Bernese Mountain Dog Club, and spearheaded the BMD Histio Action Therapeutic Task Force. Her last Berner boy, Tesoro was a Champion, a Versatility dog with both Draft and Obedience titles, and her loved companion. Diana also belongs to the Tibetan Spaniel Club of America. Her current little Tibbie, Marco, has taken her on an amazing adventure into the upper echelons of the fancy as he was number three owner handled Tibetan Spaniel for two years in a row, was awarded at both the National Dog Show in Philadelphia, AKC National in Orlando, and Westminster.  Diana is a person of action. In 2010 she lost Donato, a 6 month old Berner pup to a Death Cap Mushroom. Rather than keep the pain inside, she started a blog Mushrooms911 which has become Donato’s legacy and her mission to spread a warning about the danger of mushroom toxicity. Over 36,000 people have gone to her blog and she has handed out over 70,000 Mushroom Alert Cards. Now she’d like to share Tesoro’s cancer journey with the hope that it can help others. Mushrooms911 LinkedIn Other Links: If you would like to ask a dog cancer related question for one of our expert veterinarians to answer on a future Q&A episode, call our Listener Line at 808-868-3200. Dog Cancer News is a free weekly newsletter that contains useful information designed to help your dog with cancer. To sign up, please visit DogCancerNews.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices