Barbara from Vermont is seeing a new veterinarian, and they want to perform surgery to remove her dog’s TCC. Is it a viable option for her 13-year-old dog who has been on NSAIDs? Dr. Britton unpacks the complexities of bladder cancer treatment, especially the risks and benefits of surgery, and explains why non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSA…

Host Molly Jacobson speaks with Dr. Lauren Barrow, a veterinarian who sees cancer in her patients and a mother whose son has a brain tumor. Are vets just after your money? She has some sage insights to offer! Dr. Barrow offers heartfelt and compassionate advice for pet parents trying to make the best decisions for their dogs while dealing with fina…

Let’s dive into early cancer detection strategies for dogs with veterinary oncologist Dr. Brooke Britton. We discuss common cancers like anal gland cancer and lymphoma, share practical guidelines for screening, and emphasize the crucial role of pet owners and veterinarians in detecting cancer early. Looking to stay ahead of serious health issues? T…

Host Molly Jacobson interviews Dr. Dani McVety, founder of Lap of Love, a nationwide veterinary hospice and in-home euthanasia service. In this long conversation, the veterinary hospice expert and the dog mom explore tough and important decisions dog lovers face in terrible, heart-wrenching moments. Dr. McVety offers compassionate guidance on what …

Veterinary oncologist Dr. Brooke Britton answers a listener's question about a 10-year-old Golden Retriever diagnosed with an anal gland tumor. The dog recently underwent a CT scan and they saw a small tumor in the stomach lining and an enlarged lymph node. Is it spread? Or a new type of cancer? Dr. Britton discusses possible scenarios, the limitat…

Jenny Fisher, an experienced Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) specializing in oncology, shares tales of hope and inspiration, plus insight into the critical roles that vet techs play in the care and treatment of dogs with cancer. From the day-to-day responsibilities of veterinary technicians to emotional and physical demands, Jenny opens up a…

Dr. Lauren Barrow answers a listener question from Gloria in Florida. Gloria's dog was recently diagnosed with transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), and she is seeking advice on how to support her dog beyond the prescribed medication, piroxicam. Dr. Barrow shares her insights and offers general information on how to detect bladder cancer early on. Key…

Originally recorded in 2022, this episode features Dr. Lauren Trepanier from the University of Wisconsin, revealing her groundbreaking research into the link between environmental pollution and dog cancer. Key Topics: Environmental Pollutants and Cancer in Dogs: Dr. Trepanier’s research links pollutants such as ozone, benzene, trichloroethylene, an…

Dr. Mary Gardner, co-founder of Lap of Love, explains the critical distinctions between geriatric, palliative, and hospice care for dogs. Key Topics: The difference between palliative care and hospice care. Recognizing when a dog has moved from senior to geriatric. How caregiver burden plays a role in a dog’s end-of-life care. Signs of aging versus…

Dr. Charlotte Hacker, a wildlife biologist, has some worrying news about the chemicals commonly found in plastics, such as BPA and phthalates. These and other harsh chemicals in plastics are known to disrupt endocrine systems in both humans and dogs. From developmental issues to cancer, Dr. Hacker outlines the risks associated with plastic exposure…

When cancer makes your dog’s body its home, changes occur. Sometimes those changes are deep in the body, undetectable. But others show up as lethargy, weight loss, digestive upset, and, sometimes, physical lumps and bumps you can feel. Dr. David Vail, a veterinary oncologist at the University of Wisconsin, joins us to discuss the early warning sign…

Today we dive deep into the world of veterinary nutrition with Dr. Lindsey Bullen, one of the few board-certified veterinary nutritionists in private practice. The right diet can make a significant difference in managing your dog’s cancer and overall health. Dr. Bullen shares her insights on home-cooked diets, the importance of diagnostics, cancer-…

Surgery is stressful, but after it’s over … it gets worse. You have a lot of things to do at home! Knowing what to expect and how to manage the healing and recovery process makes a difference. Join host James Jacobson and Kate Basedow, a seasoned veterinary technician, for an in-depth discussion of how to help your dog heal comfortably and quickly.…

Host James Jacobson is joined by Kate Basedow, a seasoned veterinary technician with extensive experience assisting with dog surgery. She’s got terrific insights into how you can optimize your dog’s experience on their big day. This is part two of a three-part series on canine surgery. Part 1: Dog Surgery Pre-Op Checklist for Dog Owners https://www…

Host James Jacobson is joined by Kate Basedow, a seasoned veterinary technician with extensive experience in preparing dogs for surgery. Kate shares essential tips on how to ensure the best possible outcome on your dog’s big day. Whether you're facing a routine procedure or a complex operation, Kate's insights will help you feel more confident and …

Veterinary oncologist and DogCancer.com contributor Dr. Megan Duffy joins James Jacobson to discuss how to get the most out of that expensive specialist consult. Whether you are planning on pursuing treatments or not, there are ways to maximize your consult. Key Points Discussed · Expect a Lengthy Visit: Oncology appointments can take at least an h…

Molly Jacobson discusses how to recognize the signs that your beloved dog might be in the last months, weeks, or days of their life. Articles about the end of life: https://www.dogcancer.com/articles/hospice-and-end-of-life/signs-your-dog-is-dying/ https://www.dogcancer.com/perspectives/hospice-and-end-of-life/warning-signs-dog-is-dying/ Signs Ofte…

Host James Jacobson sits down with Dr. Jules Benson to discuss the latest innovation in dog health care, the Pet Health Zone. A frequent guest and valued contributor, Dr. Benson shares how this new tool leverages vast amounts of data from Nationwide, the largest pet health insurance company in the U.S., to provide dog owners with valuable insights …

Inspired by Heather’s listener question about using radiation therapy to treat transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) in dogs, Dr. Megan Duffy, a veterinary oncologist, shares her expert insights on when radiation is recommended, how it complements other treatments like surgery and chemotherapy, and the importance of effective communication with your ve…

Molly Jacobson, editor-in-chief of DogCancer.com, uses story to explore the emotional and practical aspects of dealing dog cancer. She tells YOUR dog cancer story right alongside YOUR DOG’s cancer story ... along the way offering insights into how to navigate your journey with more grace and empathy, while focusing on life quality and the deep conn…

Today we explore the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on veterinary medicine, focusing mainly on cancer research and treatment. Our guest, Dr. Kelly Diehl, Senior Scientific Programs and Communications Adviser at Morris Animal Foundation, shares her insights on how AI is changing the game in diagnosing and managing diseases in …

Inspired by a question from listener Mariana Diaz regarding her Pomeranian, Joya, who is battling lymphoma, this episode explores the potential of T-cell infusions as a follow-up treatment to the CHOP chemotherapy protocol. Join us as we consult with veterinary oncologist Dr. Megan Duffy to uncover the science, the practicality, and the future of T…

ELIAS Animal Health CEO Tammie Wahaus returns to Dog Cancer Answers to talk about the company’s immunotherapy for dogs with osteosarcoma, which recently cleared an important milestone on the way to market. ELIAS hopes their treatment will be accepted and used as a safe and appropriate alternative to chemotherapy in dogs with osteosarcoma. Instead o…

Is Palladia safe? Does it have a lot of side effects? Does giving my dog a cancer drug at home multiple times a week make my dog “toxic”? Can my dog with other health problems take this drug safely? Palladia was approved for dogs with high-grade mast cell tumors in dogs over a decade ago. But since then, veterinary oncologists have started using it…

When Sheila Cooperman’s husband said he wanted a dog, she said that was fine and good, but it would be HIS responsibility. Then she met Tucker, the Boykin Spaniel, and transformed into a full-fledged Dog Mom. When Tucker died suddenly of lymphoma last year, Sheila, a teacher with decades of experience and a literacy expert, turned to writing to hel…

If you’re trying to decide between dog euthanasia or a natural death, Molly Jacobson, editor-in-chief at DogCancer.com, has a dog cancer tip for you. Turning your thoughts around and understanding what death really is can help you help your dog at this most tender time. Join our Facebook support group at https://facebook.com/groups/dogcancersupport…

A company in Raleigh, North Carolina, is using worms to sniff dog urine for cancer metabolites. It’s a simple, non-invasive, relatively inexpensive way to screen for cancer. Could this test catch cancer early enough to make a dent in the number of dogs who succumb to their #1 killer? Six to ten million dogs are diagnosed with cancer every year in t…

Patrick writes in about his Irish Setter puppy’s bladder cancer. Could it be something he did that caused such a young dog – in a line of relatively cancer-free dogs – to get cancer? Dr. Lauren Barrow explains what could have caused his dog’s cancer and reassures him that it’s not his fault. Plus, what he can do next for his dog with transitional c…

Osteosarcoma in dogs is bad news upon bad news. First, you hear your dog has cancer. Second, you hear that the best treatment is amputation. WHAT?? It’s depressing and scary as heck. Well, there’s a brand-new treatment (to veterinary medicine) available: bone cement. Cementoplasty has been used to help stabilize human bones for decades … and now it…

Dog cancer mom Molly Jacobson has been helping thousands of people facing dog cancer since 2007, and she’s got a perspective on dog cancer that will help you every second of every minute you have left with your dog. Join our Facebook support group at https://facebook.com/groups/dogcancersupport Call +1 808-868-3200 to leave a question on our Listen…

Dog cancer mom Molly Jacobson has been helping thousands of people facing dog cancer since 2007, and she’s here to share seven practical tips associated with handling change. Join our Facebook support group at https://facebook.com/groups/dogcancersupport Call +1 808-868-3200 to leave a question on our Listener Line for a future show! Related Videos…

How do you get a dog to eat that refuses to do so? Force doesn’t work. Neither does pleading. And panicking certainly doesn’t help … but we all tend to panic when our dogs won’t eat. So, what do we do? Veterinarian, teacher, and veterinary nutrition expert Dr. Susan Recker joins us for an enlightening discussion about why dogs don’t eat, and what w…

Sometimes you only find out you and your partner have dramatically different perspectives after disaster strikes. It’s hard enough to cope with a dog cancer diagnosis on your own; when you also fight with your most important person, the trouble triples. Social worker Jeannine Moga has spent fifteen years in veterinary hospitals helping animal lover…

Taking care of a dog or other pet adds up over time. In addition to the daily overhead expenses of food and shelter, there’s the yearly expenses of routine vet care. But what about other expenses? Dr. Amanda Hensley estimates that on average, there is about $10,000 in “unanticipated” medical expenses over the course of a lifetime. Pet insurance can…

When Elaine Ostrander decided to focus her genetics work on dogs, some of her colleagues thought she’d lost her way. But she’s proven, over and over, that comparing dog genes to human genes unlocks many secrets and leads to solid therapies. “The days of doing a siloed approach to science are long gone,” Dr. Ostrander declares. And she has every rig…

If Dr. Nicole Sheehan sees a liver working too hard in routine blood work, she moves to a detox protocol as a matter of course, and especially if the dog has cancer. Why? Because an overworked liver struggles to clear the body of toxins. That’s no good for any state of health! Regardless of whether dogs are overburdened by their environment, a gene…

It’s so exciting when a familiar drug in one area shows promise as a new treatment for another health problem. Researchers and clinicians pay attention, especially when the drug is inexpensive and easily tolerated. Such is the case with Panacur (fenbendazole), a dewormer that has caught the attention of cancer researchers. It’s early days of studyi…

Enter the fascinating world of cell death, where nosy neighbors can tell each other to “die, already” … and cells can wake up one day and realize there’s something very, very wrong. Also learn how cancer manipulates the conscientious cells to make them blissfully unaware of their own wrongdoing … or holds them hostage while they desperately, desper…

Today’s Listener Line call is from Gloria, whose dog has transitional cell carcinoma (a common form of bladder cancer). Piroxicam is a common drug used in bladder cancer because it reduces inflammation and has an anti-cancer effect. But is there something else Gloria can do to save her dog? Dr. Lauren Barrow weighs in with advice on how to think ab…

“Turmeric saved my dog” you’ll hear online. And it’s true that this dark yellow spice, used for thousands of years, has a host of benefits. But it’s really hard to get into the bloodstream, which means it has low bioavailability. Just how useful is it, really? Dr. Jessica Tartof, an integrative veterinarian, joins us to explain why so many of the b…

Your dog has trillions of cells, each one containing DNA with about 19,000 genes. Every day, cells die and are replaced by new ones after copying their genetic material… and sometimes those copies include mistakes. Charlotte Hacker has a deep love of genetics, and explains the basics of how genetics work and how mutations can occur. Not all of thes…

Veterinarian Dr. Alex Ubell tells us all about the nutritional benefits of venison for dogs, as well as things to consider when deciding where to get venison for your dog. As well as being delicious, locally hunted venison is a sustainable food source. But hunting comes with its own special considerations for type of bullet used (no lead!), handlin…

Dr. Kristin Lester is a general practice veterinarian who also offers chemotherapy for her cancer patients. You heard right – any vet can do chemotherapy, not just oncologists. Not all “regular” vets offer chemo, but those that do have some special safety equipment and protocols to keep the clinic staff, you, and your dog all safe and healthy. Comp…

Billy called in to our Listener Line with a question about supplements for dog cancer. Integrative veterinarian Jessica Tartof explains that each dog will likely benefit from different supplements, but there are some ones that she uses frequently for her cancer patients. Some good starting points to consider are Chinese herbal blends, vitamins, and…

This is Part 2 of our discussion of cannabis and CBD for dogs with Dr. Narda Robinson. In this episode Dr. Narda discusses how CBD can fit into a cancer treatment plan, the legal complications of cannabis in veterinary medicine, and some tips for choosing a product. Some things to look for when researching products are a Certificate of Analysis, ho…

Dr. Narda Robinson has been involved with cannabis and CBD in dogs since Colorado State University first started looking into it. In this episode she talks about her first time going to a grower operation, why cannabinoids have an effect in the body, and the differences in how THC and CBD work. She also discusses some of the nuances of dosing, and …

Cannabis is being studied more and more in both human and veterinary medicine, and if your dog has cancer, you have probably seen at least one person recommend CBD oil. But all of the terms can be very confusing and may sound the same. Knowing what each term means can help you and your veterinarian determine if CBD is appropriate for your dog and h…

Veterinarian Adrienne Anderson explains how ultrasound for dogs works, when it is used, and where you can get it done with your dog. This “stellar diagnostic” lets your vet see what is going on inside your dog’s abdomen and heart in real time, without requiring sedation or surgery. Many vet hospitals have their own basic ultrasound machine, or you …

We know that humans who endure chronic pain often also experience anxiety and depression. So what about our dogs? Vet Tech Specialist Tasha McNerney explains some of the behavioral changes you might see if your dog is experiencing chronic pain, as well as a variety of the different medications and therapies that can be used to help relieve or preve…

Many dog lovers have had a dog they consider to be their “heart” dog – an extra special bond with an extra special dog. Veterinarians are no different! Dr. Adrienne Anderson was blessed with Ludo. Listen in to hear about how Ludo impacted her life, and how she got through the grief of losing him two years ago. Related Links: Pets are Family article…