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May 15 2025

Treating Cancer in Pets: What You Need to Know After a Diagnosis

Home » News » Treating Cancer In Pets What You Need To Know After A Diagnosis

Your pet has cancer.

Those words can knock the breath out of you. You’re likely feeling overwhelmed, scared, and unsure of what comes next. But take a deep breath—there are options and there is support.

This guide walks you through what happens after a cancer diagnosis, from treatment options to how to choose the right path for your pet.

First, Make Sure the Diagnosis Is Complete

Before deciding on treatment, it’s critical that your vet or veterinary oncologist (veterinary cancer specialist) has done full staging and grading:

Grading tells you how aggressive the cancer is.
Staging shows whether it has spread.

This process helps you understand your pet’s prognosis and which treatments make the most sense. If your vet hasn’t completed this step, ask about it. It’s essential for building the right plan.

What Are Your Treatment Options?

Here’s a quick overview of the most common treatments:

Surgery

Used to remove tumors when the cancer hasn’t spread.

Good for: Localized cancers.
Things to know: Recovery time varies; may be curative if done early.

Chemotherapy

Used to kill cancer cells throughout the body.

Good for: Blood cancers or cancers that have spread.
Things to know: Pets tolerate chemo much better than people — most have mild or no side effects.

Radiation therapy

Targets tumours in tricky areas (e.g., brain, nose).

Good for: Tumors that can’t be surgically removed.
Things to know: Requires multiple visits and anaesthesia.

Immunotherapy and newer options

Emerging treatments, such as cancer vaccines, may be offered in select cases.

Palliative care

Focuses on comfort rather than cure. Think pain management, appetite support, and quality time.

Good for: Advanced cases or when aggressive treatment isn’t the best option for the pet.
Things to know: This is a compassionate, valid option.

How Do You Choose the Right Path?

There’s no “right” answer. The best treatment plan depends on:

Your pet’s age, overall health, and cancer type
Expected outcomes and side effects
Cost and logistics
Your personal values and what matters most to you

Talk honestly with your vet. You can also get a second opinion from a veterinary oncologist if you’re unsure.

What Will Treatment Look Like?

Most pets do better than you might expect. Side effects from treatment are typically mild; the goal is always to preserve or improve quality of life.

What to expect:

Mild nausea or tiredness after chemo
Healing time after surgery
Fatigue or skin irritation with radiation

Ask your vet what signs to watch for and how to keep your pet comfortable at home.

Take Care of Yourself, Too

You’re making tough decisions, and that can take a toll. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s okay to ask for help. Resources are available:

Support groups (local and online)
Financial aid programs
Vet clinics with in-house social workers

The Bottom Line

You’re not alone and you’re not expected to have all the answers. Whether you choose surgery, chemo, palliative care, or something in between, you’re doing your best for your pet—and that’s enough.

LifeLearn News

Note: This article, written by LifeLearn Animal Health (LifeLearn Inc.) is licensed to this practice for the personal use of our clients. Any copying, printing or further distribution is prohibited without the express written permission of Lifelearn. Please note that the news information presented here is NOT a substitute for a proper consultation and/or clinical examination of your pet by a veterinarian.

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