Dog Cancer Answers

Lap of Love is a company dedicated to hospice care and home euthanasia for ill pets. Founder Dr. Dani McVety shares her insight on how to talk to your vet about hospice care for your dog, the “four budgets” that you need to consider when deciding whether or not to pursue euthanasia for your dog, and what to expect during a euthanasia appointment. She also has an amazing alternative to the dreaded agony of trying to figure out the exact Right Time. Instead, she has found that there is a window of time. Listen in to learn more. Links Mentioned in Today’s Show: Lap of Love Dog Cancer Support Lap of Love Grief Resources About Today’s Guest, Dr. Dani McVety: Dr. Dani McVety founded Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice just 3 months after graduation from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. Now an Inc 5000 company, and 8 time recipient of the Gator 100 award, Lap of Love visits over 100,000 families a year, with a nationwide network of over 400 passionate doctors and a full time interdisciplinary support staff. Their team is dedicated to making the end of life experience for pets, and the people that love them, as dignified and peaceful as possible.  Dr. McVety has become widely known among veterinary students nationally and internationally for her ability to authentically share her personal struggles through veterinary school. Her underlying message is one of accountability, hard work, and a focus on entrepreneurism.  Dr. McVety and Lap of Love have been featured on numerous local, national, and professional media outlets including the New York Times, Washington Post, Entrepreneur Magazine, Huffington Post, and many more. She is proud to be a Gator and is the youngest recipient of both the UF CVM's Distinguished Young Alumni Award (2013) and the Florida Veterinary Medical Association's President's Award (2014). She was honored to also receive the Tampa Bay Up and Comer’s 40 under 40 Hall of Fame award and the Pet Industry Woman of the Year in 2017 and has most recently received the AVMA’s 2022 Bustad Companion Animal Veterinarian of the Year Award! With a home base and business headquarters in Tampa, FL, Dr. McVety’s most prized moments occur at home, with her husband Dominic, and children Baron, Collins, Lion, and Maverick. Her non-human kids include dogs, Blitzen and Grace, and horses, Bianca and Waffles. 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

Mitotic index is one of the many complicated-sounding medical terms that may be thrown at you after your dog is diagnosed with cancer. At its most basic, mitotic index is the count of how many cells in your dog’s tumor are actively dividing, or reproducing. But what does this mean for you and your dog? Dr. Britton breaks down how mitotic index can help determine the prognosis for your dog, as well as which cancers it is most significant for. The aggressive potential of some cancers is closely linked to the mitotic index, while others can still be treated successfully even if the mitotic index is sky-high. Listen in to learn about the nuances of mitotic index, how to get it for your dog’s tumor, and when it is most important to know this number before you make treatment decisions. Links Mentioned in Today’s Show: National Human Genome Research Institute article on mitosis with images and video 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

What’s the difference between a vet and a vet nutritionist? Both have an in-depth knowledge of the diseases that can affect our dogs, but nutritionists focus on food as the basis of their treatment plans. Dr. Bullen explains how every patient is a puzzle with unique nutritional needs, and how she uses chemistry, math, and both patient and owner preferences to come up with solutions that can help dogs feel better and live healthier lives. We are very excited to have Dr. Bullen as a guest on the show, as veterinary nutritionists are few and far between! She shares many tips from her experiences, including the diagnostic tests that are most helpful when formulating a custom diet, how to get a sick dog to eat, and when to enlist the help of a nutritionist. And of course, we ask her what SHE looks for when recommending a diet for one of her patients with cancer. Links Mentioned in Today’s Show: Entyce American College of Veterinary Nutrition Directory VetScoop About Today’s Guest, Dr. Lindsey Bullen: Dr. Lindsey Bullen earned her BA in Chemistry and BS in Zoology in 2007. She remained at NC State for her post-baccalaureate training where she received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2012, completed a medical and surgical internship in 2013, a residency in 2016, and a fellowship in 2017. Following board-certification in veterinary nutrition, in 2017 Lindsey created the Clinical Nutrition Service at the Veterinary Specialty Hospital of the Carolinas. 2022 brings new opportunities as Dr. Bullen is actively creating a Clinical Nutrition Service at Friendship Hospital for Animals in the DC area. Dr. Bullen is particularly interested in clinical nutrition application, specifically: critical care, multi-disease state, and assisted feeding. Though she is no longer in academia, Dr. Bullen brings experience and a strong passion for teaching. And when she is not actively working in clinics or speaking at conferences, Dr. Bullen acts as an industry advisor and consultant through her company, Bullen Veterinary Consulting, PLLC. Lindsey grew up in a small town near Asheville, North Carolina. Though not quite a full native of this beautiful state, she is happy to still call it home. She currently lives in Apex with her husband, Nathan, and their two boys, 6-year-old, Arthur and 3-year-old, Rowan. 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

Finding something that works is the first priority of every dog lover who has a dog with cancer. Dr. Mitsie Vargas knows exactly how you feel, both as a pet owner herself and a veterinarian, parent, and daughter. Her experiences with her own pets and family members – as well as a chance event in vet school – have led her to incorporate natural and alternative therapies alongside the more classical cancer treatments from Western medicine. Listen to her story and some of the therapies that she has had success treating her canine cancer patients, ranging from Chinese herbs to acupuncture and beyond. Links Mentioned in the Episode: Chi University International Veterinary Acupuncture Society American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture About Today’s Guest, Dr. Mitsie Vargas: Dr. Mitsie Vargas graduated from Tuskegee University in 1994. In 1996 she established her AAHA hospital which evolved into an integrative practice. She is a Certified Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) Practitioner and certified in Veterinary Medical Manipulation, Canine Rehabilitation, and Veterinary Balance Method Acupuncture. She is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture and holds a Master’s degree in TCVM from Chi University. Dr. Vargas is an author, bilingual lecturer, and teacher for Chi University of USA, Peru, and Costa Rica. She was named America’s Favorite Veterinarian in 2015 and Florida’s Veterinarian of the Year in 2018. She shares her passion for TCVM on her podcast The Pet Healer. She lives in Winter Haven, FL with her husband, two daughters, and a menagerie of pets. The Pet Healer Podcast: www.osahvets.com/podcast 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

Bone marrow transplants, also called total body radiation, are a fairly common procedure in human cancer treatment. Dogs can benefit from this procedure too! And the results are thrilling – about 30% of treated dogs are considered completely cured. Dr. Steven Suter, the leading expert on bone marrow transplants in dogs, explains everything that goes into this procedure – and we mean everything. There are many steps and processes that have to be completed both to make sure that your dog is a good candidate for a bone marrow transplant and then to complete the transplant itself. In this episode you will learn what needs to happen before a bone marrow transplant – from chemotherapy to achieve remission to finding a donor match – as well as the process and aftercare for the procedure. Bone marrow transplants are not the right fit for every dog or family, but this is a fascinating option to have available. Links Mentioned in Today’s Show: North Carolina State University Bone Marrow Transplant Unit Bellingham Veterinary Nationwide Pet Insurance PetPartners Pet Insurance About Today’s Guest, Dr. Steven Suter: As a clinician/scientist with training in veterinary oncology and molecular biology, I have been focused on canine oncology research for over 17 years. To this end, I have been utilizing a variety of genomics techniques to 1) understand the molecular underpinnings of canine lymphoma, 2) develop novel therapeutics against this heterogenous group of diseases, and 3) understand the development of chemotherapy resistance. In addition, I’ve also concentrated on the development and characterization of appropriate reagents to study canine lymphoma to help determine the relevance of these diseases when compared to human lymphomas. On the clinical side, I've been convinced, based on a wealth of data in human medical journals, that bone marrow transplantation can cure a population of dogs with B- and T-cell lymphoma. To this end I founded and am the Medical Director of the worlds’ only canine apheresis and bone marrow transplantation unit. 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

Lymphoma in dogs is very responsive to chemotherapy, but it also often relapses. Each time a dog comes out of remission, the cancer often gets harder to beat. Because of this, researchers are constantly looking for new treatments that can either get long-lasting results from the start or be used to beat back the cancer in those difficult cases. Meet rabacfosadine, known by the brand name Tanovea. This drug is an injectable chemotherapeutic that just became the first ever FDA-approved treatment for lymphoma in dogs. Dr. Douglas Thamm, an oncologist at Colorado State University, has been working with Tanovea through most of its existence, and tells us all about how this drug came to be, how it works, and what we know so far about when it is most useful. Links Mentioned in Today’s Show: T-CHOP NAÏVE CANINE LYMPHOMA STUDY at Colorado State Clinical Trials at University of Wisconsin Clinical Trials at Oregon State University About Today’s Guest, Dr. Doug Thamm: Dr. Thamm is the Barbara Cox Anthony Professor of Oncology and Director of Clinical Research at the Colorado State University Flint Animal Cancer Center. He is also a member of the Developmental Therapeutics Section of the University of Colorado Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Program at Colorado State University. He has authored over 170 peer-reviewed publications and 20 book chapters in veterinary and basic cancer research, is Co-Editor for the most recent edition of the textbook Withrow and MacEwen’s Small Animal Clinical Oncology, and is Co-Editor-In-Chief of the journal Veterinary and Comparative Oncology. His clinical and research interests include novel targeted therapies for animal and human cancer and ways to integrate these therapies with existing treatment. 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

SearchLight DNA is a test offered by the company Vidium Animal Health. This test sequences the genome of a dog’s tumor, and then compares that genotype to a database of mutations known to be associated with cancer… and the treatments that target them. The best part? SearchLight DNA can be done with a simple fine needle aspirate, no surgical biopsy required. The team at Vidium is made up of oncologists, genomic scientists, and pathologists who all work together on each case. This diverse team emphasizes the importance of using multiple strategies to treat cancer. Listen in to learn more about SearchLight DNA and how it can be used alongside histopathology to determine the best treatment plan for your dog. Links Mentioned in Today’s Show: SearchLight DNA Vidium Animal Health About Today’s Guest, Dr. Esther Chon: Esther Chon received her DVM from the University of California, Davis and became Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Oncology) after completing her residency in medical oncology at the University of Wisconsin (UW)-Madison. She did a post-doctoral research fellowship and spent time as a clinical instructor at UW-Madison before joining private practice. As a veterinary medical oncologist, she has helped many beloved pets through their cancer journey and holds each patient close to her heart. Currently, Dr. Chon serves as the head of veterinary affairs at Vidium Animal Health, with the goal of making a global impact on how we care for pets with cancer. In this position, she uses her veterinary oncology experience to make precision medicine a reality in veterinary medicine. Vidium's newest diagnostic offering is a best-in-class specialty pathology service, providing both histopathology and cytology. Our team combines deep expertise in cancer pathology with genomic diagnostics to provide unparalleled advanced cancer diagnostic evaluation for your patients. The leaders of Vidium's specialty pathology team include: Dr. Barb Powers, Dr. Jeffrey Edwards, and Dr. Derick Whitley. Contact our pathology team to learn how we can provide comprehensive diagnostics to help improve outcomes for your patients. 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

While working in an oncology specialty center, Dr. Rachel Venable kept feeling like there were patients she couldn’t reach – or rather, that couldn’t get to her. So she decided to start her own business, doing oncology consults online. Telemedicine laws can vary state to state, but most states allow teleconsulting. Your vet probably already uses one type of teleconsulting: sending x-rays out to a radiologist to review. The radiologist never examines the pet in person, but communicates with the veterinarian and works with them as a team. Dr. Venable uses this model for her consulting, but takes it one step further by doing a video call where she reviews the case with both the veterinarian and the owner. Links Mentioned in Today’s Show: PetCancerCareConsulting.com https://www.facebook.com/PetCancerCareConsulting Facebook page https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-venable-11a038210/ LinkedIn page https://www.instagram.com/petcancercareconsulting/ Instagram page About Today’s Guest, Dr. Rachel Venable: Dr. Venable is Board Certified as a medical oncologist from the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. Dr. Venable has always been surrounded by animals growing up on a farm in the Midwest. She obtained her veterinary degree from the University of Missouri and graduated cum laude. After veterinary school, Dr. Venable pursued further training as a small animal intern at the University of Georgia. She then completed her 3 year medical oncology residency at the world renowned Colorado State Flint Animal Cancer Center. During her residency, she achieved a master’s degree and studied new cancer therapies and clinical trials. She continues to seek out clinical trials and cutting edge therapies for her patients. Dr. Venable has authored numerous publications and has been a speaker on local and national levels. She is the founder of Pet Cancer Care Consulting an innovative teleconsulting service which consults with the family vet and pet owner together to give personalized responses and needed information to make an informed decision on treatments. She is also a VIN consultant and was an adjunct professor of veterinary oncology at Midwestern University. Her oncology philosophy is one of a team-based approach with the family and referring veterinarians for compassionate, individualized care, and optimal quality of life for cancer patients and their families. Dr. Venable enjoys the outdoors and being on the trail with her wonderful husband and their young daughters. Service opportunities are important to them as they volunteer in the local community, church, and abroad as her husband works for a non-profit building schools in the developing world. Together they go on projects all over the globe with Be The Change Volunteers. 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. Stephanie Culler and the rest of her team have been studying differences in the gut microbiome of healthy people and people with cancer to find biomarkers that can detect or predict cancer development. After all, the gut plays a key role in the immune system So where do dogs come in? Dogs and humans share 60-80% of their gut microbiome with humans! Because of this combined with dogs’ shorter lifespans, it is much easier and more efficient to study and develop therapeutics for the microbiome in dogs first. So Dr. Culler expanded their research to include both healthy dogs and dogs with cancer. Both humans and dogs will benefit from this research. But she still needs poop samples from more dogs with cancer! Links Mentioned in Today’s Show: Persephone Biosciences Poop for the Cure (contact them to donate dog poop!) Designing microbiome therapeutics to help cure cancer TEDx talk About Today’s Guest, Dr. Stephanie Culler: Stephanie Culler, Ph.D., is the co-founder and CEO of Persephone Biosciences, a business taking a novel approach to improving the efficacy of current cancer therapies and vaccines, leveraging the systemic impact of the gut microbiome on the human immune system. Persephone’s technology platform is based on collecting and analyzing gut microbiota samples from thousands of healthy and diseased patients, then using machine learning in conjunction with systems biology tools to understand the impact of gut microbes on patient prognosis. The results are used to design novel immunotherapies and companion diagnostics for diseases of unmet needs. Dr. Culler is a graduate of the prestigious Y Combinator accelerator and has spoken at TEDx San Diego. Prior to establishing Persephone Biosciences, she was a senior scientist at Genomatica, where she developed and applied synthetic biology tools toward the engineering of microorganisms as biocatalysts for the commercial production of sustainable chemicals. She received her Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the California Institute of Technology under the mentorship of Prof. Christina Smolke and has over sixteen publications and patents on synthetic biology and microbial based technologies. 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

Caller Bevan has a dog with mast cell tumors, and his vet recommended giving vitamin E as part of their treatment plan. Vitamin E is an antioxidant, which protects cells from damage. Chemotherapy is a pro-oxidant, with the intent to damage cells – specifically, cancer cells. Dr. Nancy Reese explains how these conflicting mechanisms of action can be problematic in some cases, but coexist peacefully in other, as well as why your vet might recommend giving vitamin E in the first place. About Today’s Guest, Dr. Nancy Reese: Dr. Nancy Reese is a small animal veterinarian with over 30 years of clinical experience taking care of cats and dogs and other critters in the Sierra Nevada foothills. She is also a perpetual student and researcher, as evidenced by her many degrees. In addition to her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of California, Davis, she earned a Masters in Preventive Veterinary Medicine at UC Davis and then a Ph.D. in Epidemiology at UC Davis. If you string all her letters out after her name it looks like this: Nancy Reese, DVM, MPVM, PhD. In her spare time, she volunteers to help evacuate and shelter animals caught up in disasters, and she’s currently training to help in human search and rescue efforts. Dr. Reese lives in a log cabin with her husband, her 13-year-old golden retriever, and her two 13-year-old cats. Her hobbies include boosting the quality of life and longevity for all animals in her care, hiking, travelling, and cross-country skiing. Oh, and lots of dog walking.  degree from the University of California at Davis before earning his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University. 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

Veterinary oncologist Megan Duffy joins us to explain and ins and outs of dog cancer economics. A consult with an oncologist can run a couple hundred dollars… but that money gets you the full attention of an expert who focuses on dog cancer and has reviewed your dog’s individual case ahead of time. The oncologist should also be giving you a rundown of different treatment options to help you figure out the option that will give your dog the most benefit while still staying within your budget. Big takeaways? 1. Be honest about your budget so the oncologist can tailor treatment plans for you. 2. Ask about follow-up care and what that might cost. 3. Your vet does not take your treatment choice personally – it needs to be the option that YOU are comfortable with. 4. It is okay to choose a less expensive treatment option. 5. Dr. Duffy has tips for things you can do to save a little money during chemotherapy without cutting corners for your dog’s care. About Today’s Guest, Dr. Megan Duffy: Dr. Megan Duffy earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Michigan State University, then completed internships at University of Prince Edward Island and North Carolina State University, followed by earning her MS in Veterinary Science from Washington State University while also completing a residency in veterinary medical oncology. She is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Oncology). Her clinical and research interests include relapsed lymphoma, feline injection site sarcomas, canine osteosarcoma, and pain management/palliative care. Dr. Duffy enjoys giving continuing education lectures for her peers and has written several journal articles and a book chapter. Dr. Duffy is currently a practicing oncologist at BluePearl Pet Hospital Eden Prairie, MN. 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

Caller John just got a new Sheltie puppy, and he asks a question that many dog lovers have wondered about: can he protect his puppy from cancer by feeding him a particular diet? There is no simple answer. Feeding a quality diet with minimal dietary carcinogens and added vegetables can help to keep the body healthy, but there are many other factors that come into play to cause a case of cancer. Dr. Nancy discusses some of the things to consider when choosing what to feed your dog, along with the limitations that prevent diet from being a silver bullet to prevent cancer. Links Mentioned in Today’s Show: BalanceIt.com Related Links: DogCancerDiet.com About Today’s Guest, Dr. Nancy Reese: Dr. Nancy Reese is a small animal veterinarian with over 30 years of clinical experience taking care of cats and dogs and other critters in the Sierra Nevada foothills. She is also a perpetual student and researcher, as evidenced by her many degrees. In addition to her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of California, Davis, she earned a Masters in Preventive Veterinary Medicine at UC Davis and then a Ph.D. in Epidemiology at UC Davis. If you string all her letters out after her name it looks like this: Nancy Reese, DVM, MPVM, PhD. In her spare time, she volunteers to help evacuate and shelter animals caught up in disasters, and she’s currently training to help in human search and rescue efforts. Dr. Reese lives in a log cabin with her husband, her 13-year-old golden retriever, and her two 13-year-old cats. Her hobbies include boosting the quality of life and longevity for all animals in her care, hiking, travelling, and cross-country skiing. Oh, and lots of dog walking.  degree from the University of California at Davis before earning his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University. 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

Veterinary oncologist Craig Clifford loves clinical trials. Why? Because they give him early access to some of the newest treatments and therapies, and provide cutting-edge care to patients at a decreased cost - or even completely free. Dr. Clifford goes over how to find clinical trials and how to evaluate if a particular trial is the right fit for you, from covered expenses to how placebos are used and how many follow-up visits will be needed. The information and results gathered from clinical studies help to get treatments and medications fully approved, making them accessible to more of our beloved dogs. Links Mentioned in Today’s Show: AVMA Animal Health Studies Database Related Links: Veterinary Cancer Society Clinical Trials Database BluePearl Specialty & Emergency Pet Hospital Clinical Studies Ethos Veterinary Health Clinical Studies VCA Animal Hospitals Clinical Studies About Today’s Guest, Dr. Craig Clifford: Dr. Craig Clifford is a graduate of Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine and received an MS degree in Animal Science/Virology from the University of Delaware. After completing an internship and a medical oncology residency at the University of Pennsylvania, he became a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Oncology) in 2003. He is a medical oncologist and director of Clinical Studies at Blue Pearl Malvern in Pennsylvania. He is active in clinical research within a referral setting and serves as an advisory board member with both industry and non-profit foundations. He is a renowned oncologist who has authored/co-authored over 70 papers and book chapters. He is a frequent lecturer at major veterinary meetings in the USA and abroad. Dr. Clifford is a member of the VCA Pet Cancer Care Alliance Committee and has served on the VCS executive board, ACVIM Exam Rating Committee, Residency Training and Credentials Committee, Oncology Pathology Working Group, Co-chair of the Standards of Excellence in Residency Education Task Force and an Examiner for the Australian Scientist’s Oncology Specialty Exam. LinkedIn profile 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 lovers frequently wonder if there is a more natural option that could be used instead of pharmaceuticals to treat their dogs. The answer is… sometimes! Bam Bam has elevated calcium levels in his blood, and his human wants to know if she can swap out some of his medications. Dr. Nancy Reese breaks down how the medications prednisone, Lasix, and Palladia work and why they might have been chosen to be part of the treatment plan, as well as some natural options that might work to help out a bit. Although a pharmaceutical may be just what your pet needs for the best results, there are often natural remedies that can help to support conventional treatments. About Today’s Guest, Dr. Nancy Reese: Dr. Nancy Reese is a small animal veterinarian with over 30 years of clinical experience taking care of cats and dogs and other critters in the Sierra Nevada foothills. She is also a perpetual student and researcher, as evidenced by her many degrees. In addition to her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of California, Davis, she earned a Masters in Preventive Veterinary Medicine at UC Davis and then a Ph.D. in Epidemiology at UC Davis. If you string all her letters out after her name it looks like this: Nancy Reese, DVM, MPVM, PhD. In her spare time, she volunteers to help evacuate and shelter animals caught up in disasters, and she’s currently training to help in human search and rescue efforts. Dr. Reese lives in a log cabin with her husband, her 13-year-old golden retriever, and her two 13-year-old cats. Her hobbies include boosting the quality of life and longevity for all animals in her care, hiking, travelling, and cross-country skiing. Oh, and lots of dog walking.  degree from the University of California at Davis before earning his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University. 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

That first oncology consult can be overwhelming. Veterinary oncologist Megan Duffy says to expect the consult to take an hour or more – and most of that time is talking over your dog’s case and your treatment options. This is YOUR time to ask all of the questions you have about your dog’s diagnosis and treatment plan. Once you have an appointment scheduled, ask all of the veterinary offices that your dog has been to in the past two years to send your dog’s records to the oncologist. Sending all records, bloodwork results, x-rays, and other imaging ahead of time will give the oncologist time to review your dog’s case before your appointment so he or she is up to speed. To make sure you are prepared, do just a little bit of research on the type of cancer your dog has before the appointment – Dr. Duffy recommends sticking with veterinary sites and not going too far down the rabbit hole. She also recommends what things to bring with you and think about before your appointment – check out our checklist, available on Dog Cancer Answers Dot Com. And remember – you don’t have to make any final decisions during the first consult. This is your time to get all of the details so you can digest and make the best choice for you and your dog. Links Mentioned in Today’s Show: Veterinary Partner by VIN - https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/ About Today’s Guest, Dr. Megan Duffy: Dr. Megan Duffy earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Michigan State University, then completed internships at University of Prince Edward Island and North Carolina State University, followed by earning her MS in Veterinary Science from Washington State University while also completing a residency in veterinary medical oncology. She is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Oncology). Her clinical and research interests include relapsed lymphoma, feline injection site sarcomas, canine osteosarcoma, and pain management/palliative care. Dr. Duffy enjoys giving continuing education lectures for her peers and has written several journal articles and a book chapter. Dr. Duffy is currently a practicing oncologist at BluePearl Pet Hospital Eden Prairie, MN. 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