The science behind pet cancer cure and prevention is constantly changing. This month, we spoke with Dr. Adam Bentley, a new graduate of the University of Saskatchewan’s Veterinary Medicine program now working at VCA Canada, to ask him about what he has learned about pet cancer from his recent education and how that has translated to his practice.

Q: As a new veterinary doctor, what have you learned about the incidence of pet cancer? Are there certain kinds that occur more than others?

A: The incidence of cancer is going to vary with the type of cancer that is looked at and the individuals themselves. For example, it is typically known that approximately 25% of intact female dogs will develop mammary cancer at some point in their life. A study published in 2008 in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine which had data taken from the Animal Tumour Registry, in Genoa, Italy, identified incidence rates for different types of cancer. In female dogs the cancers with the highest incidence are mammary cancer and multicentric lymphoma. While in male dogs, the highest incidences were found for multicentric lymphoma and the non-descript category of skin cancers. Overall, cancer was identified as having a different range of incidence in both females and in males; the range is related to the age range of the data (< 3 years to > 9-11 years). The most common cancer in cats is lymphoma, which presents differently than the canine form, and can be related to Feline Leukemia Virus.

Q: Have you heard of any new breakthroughs in the treatment of pet cancer?

A: One of the newest treatments is Stereotactic Radiation Therapy (SRT), which reduces the number of radiation treatments that the animal is required to undergo down to three. It can even be employed in half body radiation treatments for some diseases that may have a more generalized presentation, such as multicentric lymphoma in canines. However, SRT and traditional radiation is not something that works on every type of cancer and it is best to consult with your local veterinarian and veterinary oncologist to determine the most appropriate treatment protocol.

Q: What can Pet Guardians do to aid in the prevention of pet cancer?

A: …[S]tudies have shown that if a female dog is spayed prior to their first heat cycle have only a 0.5% chance of developing mammary cancer. This probability increases to 8% if spayed after their first heat, and again to 26% if spayed after their second heat; there is no difference in probability for subsequent heat cycles.

The most important thing pet owners can do is be aware of new lumps and bumps on their pets, along with paying attention to their pet’s overall health. Any new masses that are discovered should be examined by a veterinarian and the appropriate sampling should be pursued. Additionally, any change in personality, energy level or appetite should be investigated in age of animal even for non-cancerous disease. Early detection can often lead to a better prognosis for the patient.

Thank you Dr. Bentley for sharing your insight with us! Would you like to find out more about how to prevent pet cancer? Check out our blog post ‘Prevention and better treatment options are still key to fighting animal cancer’.