How New Cancer Treatments Are Changing the Game for Pets
Conventional and Alternative Treatments
Cancer is becoming a leading cause of death in our dogs and cats, and unfortunately, the incidence is on the rise. While new conventional treatments are emerging, there’s also a growing interest in alternative options that are proving effective, including the use of cannabinoids. If you’re dealing with a pet diagnosed with cancer, this article will guide you through both traditional and alternative treatment options.
The Role of Cannabinoids in Pet Cancer Treatment
Cannabinoids, the medicinal ingredients found in the cannabis plant, are showing promising results in helping pets with cancer. These compounds can inhibit cancer spread, allow the immune system to recognize cancer cells, and even trigger apoptosis (cancer cell death). I highly recommend considering cannabinoids if your pet is fighting cancer. Not only do they have potential anti-cancer benefits, but they also offer pain relief—something that is often needed during cancer treatment.
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Dr. Jones’ Ultimate CBD Formula for Dogs and Cats
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New Conventional Treatments for Pet Cancer
As veterinary medicine continues to advance, new conventional cancer treatments are providing hope for pets and their owners. Cutting-edge therapies such as targeted chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and precision radiation techniques are helping to improve survival rates while reducing side effects.
Liquid Biopsy
A new, non-invasive test called liquid biopsy is making it possible to detect cancer in pets before clinical signs even appear. This simple blood test analyzes cell-free DNA for mutations, providing an early indication of cancer.
Targeted Therapy
Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which targets all rapidly dividing cells (including healthy ones), targeted therapy is focused on specific molecular targets linked to cancer. This makes it less toxic to healthy cells. Examples of targeted therapies available for pets include Palladia and Verdinexor:
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Palladia is used to treat various cancers in dogs, including mast cell tumors and carcinomas. It’s primarily used for tumors that are severe and non-surgical. While effective, Palladia can cause side effects like gastrointestinal issues in both dogs and cats.
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Verdinexor is a new therapy for lymphoma in dogs, blocking tumor suppressor proteins and helping the immune system fight cancer. While it shows promise, it can cause side effects like anorexia and vomiting, so close monitoring is necessary.
Tanovea
This drug is designed to treat canine lymphoma, and clinical studies have shown that 77% of dogs with lymphoma respond positively to it. However, side effects like diarrhea, weight loss, and decreased white blood cell counts can occur.
STELFONTA®
STELFONTA® is an intratumoral injection used to treat non-metastatic mast cell tumors in dogs. This treatment targets the cancer directly, reducing the need for more invasive procedures.
Precision Radiation Therapy
Techniques like stereotactic radiation therapy (SRT) and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) allow veterinarians to target tumors precisely, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. This is especially beneficial for tumors located in sensitive areas like the brain or spine, where surgery may not be an option.
Immunotherapy: Boosting the Body’s Natural Defenses
Immunotherapy is an exciting field of cancer treatment that aims to boost the pet’s immune system to fight the cancer itself. While cancer cells can often evade detection by the immune system, immunotherapy helps the body recognize and target those cells more effectively.
A promising new cancer vaccine for dogs has been developed, showing an increase in survival rates from 35% to 60%. This vaccine has been especially beneficial for dogs with cancers like colorectal cancer, breast cancer, and osteosarcoma.
CAR T-Cell Therapy for Dogs
One of the most groundbreaking treatments being explored is CAR T-cell therapy, which uses the body’s immune system and modified white blood cells to fight cancer. CSU recently launched a trial for dogs with metastatic osteosarcoma to test the effectiveness of this treatment.
Consider Both Conventional and Alternative Treatments
The treatment of cancer in pets requires a holistic approach, combining both conventional therapies and alternative treatments. If surgery is an option for your pet, it’s worth pursuing. However, integrating cannabinoids can also be highly beneficial, as they have documented anti-cancer properties and fewer side effects compared to many conventional treatments.
If your pet is battling cancer, I encourage you to explore both the traditional treatments available and the alternative options like cannabinoids. The combination of the right therapies could give your pet the best chance at a better quality of life.
Final Thoughts
Cancer is a complex, multi-faceted disease, and while there’s no single cure-all, we can still take steps to minimize risks and offer our pets the best possible care. The key lies in being thoughtful and strategic about the treatments we choose—whether it’s conventional cancer therapies or the natural healing power of cannabinoids. In my own experience, combining both approaches can make a meaningful difference in your pet’s quality of life.
Looking back at my beloved old dog, Hoochie—who was truly the best companion I could have asked for—it breaks my heart that he passed away from cancer. But his journey taught me a lot about the importance of exploring all available options to support our pets through tough times. I truly believe that with the right care, we can help our pets live their healthiest, happiest lives, even when cancer becomes part of the picture.
By choosing a comprehensive treatment plan that includes both modern medicine and natural remedies like cannabinoids, we’re giving our pets the best chance to fight and heal. And that’s what truly matters in the end.
Dr. Jones’ Ultimate CBD Formula for Dogs and Cats and Dr. Jones’ Ultimate Cannabinoid Blend for Dogs and Cats are great places to start if you’re considering an alternative treatment plan for your pet. Plus, we’re currently offering a 35% discount on the Ultimate Cannabinoid Blend, but hurry—it’s only available until tomorrow!
Thank you for reading, and I truly hope that your pets remain healthy and cancer-free. However, if cancer ever becomes part of their journey, don’t hesitate to explore all your options for their care and well-being.
