Many of our patients require far more than routine preventative care. This may include therapy for certain types of cancers. Though there are similarities between human and veterinary cancer treatments, there are some important differences. Improved therapies can provide acceptable options for pets and their owners.Most cats and dogs receiving chemotherapy have an excellent quality of life both during and after treatment. It is often possible to provide many additional months, or sometimes even years, of happy life with chemotherapy. We maintain the pet’s quality of life as best we can for as long as we can.
In some cases, the cancer will progress slowly and we will still have lots of quality time. Depending on how aggressive the cancer is, at some point in time the pet’s quality of life slides downhill. It may be days or weeks or months after palliative care begins.
Palliative Care
We understand that dealing with the nearing loss of a pet is one of the hardest things to face as a pet-parent. Whether the impending loss is a result of their age or a terminal diagnosis, it is important that you guide your pet through their end-of-life experience and care calmly, to minimize any potential discomfort or distress.
Palliative care is an option if your pet is suffering from a terminal illness and a cure is not possible. Our goal is to make a pet’s final days or weeks as comfortable as possible using the proper medications, dietary strategies, and human interaction.
When considering Palliative care, the team here at Alliance Animal Hospital will be very careful not to prolong the suffering of pets who are in pain or experiencing poor quality of life.
Although our vet’s can help you to figure out a plan of care, a key part of your pet’s care team is you. Strong communication, cooperation & coordination are required between the pet owner and veterinarian in order to manage the pet’s pain and care plan. We rely on you to report physical and behavioral changes in your animal, and to judge whether your animal is happy & comfortable, since you know them best.
We encourage you to be an advocate for your animal, and to loyally stick by them as they have to you – doing everything you can to help them experience a good quality of life in their remaining time.