Episodes

  • Waiting for Breast Cancer Surgery? | Dr. Brooke Britton #269

    Waiting for Breast Cancer Surgery? | Dr. Brooke Britton #269
    Jan 13 2025
    Dr. Brooke Britton, veterinary oncologist, answers a listener's question about their dog's large mammary tumor and whether waiting a week for surgery is too long. Dr. Britton discusses the complexities of surgery for large tumors, alternative treatment options, and ways to manage your dog's comfort while waiting for surgery. Episode Highlights Listener question from Gio about a ruptured mammary tumor in his dog. Expert advice on surgical timing and tumor management. Practical tips for improving your dog’s quality of life while awaiting treatment. Key Takeaways A week may be a reasonable timeframe for surgery if the tumor appears stable. Some tumors deemed "too large" may still be partially removed to improve quality of life. Consult a veterinary surgeon for advanced cases and second opinions. Manage your dog’s comfort with appropriate medications, coverings, and e-collars. Your Voice Matters! If you have a question for our team, or if you want to share your own hopeful dog cancer story, we want to hear from you! Go to https://www.dogcancer.com/ask to submit your question or story, or call our Listener Line at +1 808-868-3200 to leave a question. Related Videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7n8I67ejtRo Related Links: A comprehensive guide to surgery for your dog: https://www.dogcancer.com/articles/diagnosis-and-medical-procedures/your-dog-surgery-guide/ An overview of breast cancer in dogs: https://www.dogcancer.com/articles/types-of-dog-cancer/mammary-tumors-in-dogs/ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 00:15 Listener Call: Gio’s Question 02:00 Is a Week Too Long to Wait? 03:30 What If the Tumor Is "Too Large"? 05:15 Specialist vs. General Practitioner Vets 09:00 Managing Your Dog’s Comfort 13:15 Why Surgery Is Usually the Best Option 14:00 Closing Thoughts Get to know Dr. Brooke Britton: https://www.dogcancer.com/people/brooke-britton-dvm-dacvim-oncology/ For more details, articles, podcast episodes, and quality education, go to the episode page: https://www.dogcancer.com/podcast/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    33 mins
  • Make Your Dog Happier Today! Stress-Busting Tips for Dogs with and Without Cancer | Kate Basedow #268

    Make Your Dog Happier Today! Stress-Busting Tips for Dogs with and Without Cancer | Kate Basedow #268
    Jan 6 2025
    Recorded just before the holiday season, this episode is packed with inspiration and tips to make every day a celebration of your dog’s life. Whether your dog is young, old, healthy, or dealing with cancer, you’ll find actionable ideas to brighten their days—and yours. Simple, easy activities to boost your dog’s emotional and physical well-being How to reduce stress and build a stronger bond with your dog Expert tips for dogs with mobility issues or chronic illness Fun enrichment ideas like "sniffaris," hide-and-seek games, and clicker training The importance of breathing exercises and meditation for you and your dog Your Voice Matters! If you have a question for our team, or if you want to share your own hopeful dog cancer story, we want to hear from you! Go to https://www.dogcancer.com/ask to submit your question or story, or call our Listener Line at +1 808-868-3200 to leave a question. Related Videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHWVGRjUjjc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAgObIOhEMg Related Links: A fantastic article about the very real dangers of stress in dogs: https://www.dogcancer.com/articles/causes-and-prevention/stress-in-dogs/ Finding strength and coping with hard times with your dog: https://www.dogcancer.com/articles/stress-and-finances/dog-has-cancer/ Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 01:00 - Why Emotional Well-Being Matters for Dogs 02:30 - The Power of Walks and Sniffaris 06:15 - Helping Mobility-Challenged Dogs 09:30 - The Joy of New Toys 11:15 - Eye Gazing: Bonding Through Love Hormones 14:00 - Grooming as a Relaxation Ritual 20:00 - Meditation with Your Dog 26:30 - Cheat Days and Favorite Treats 30:00 - Sharing Your Dog’s Life Story 35:00 - Fun Training and Clicker Tricks 40:00 - Hide-and-Seek Games 44:30 - Agility and Physical Fun 48:15 - Massage Techniques for Relaxation 52:30 - Enrichment: The Key to Happiness 56:00 - Wrap-Up: Celebrate the Bond with Your Dog Get to know Kate Basedow: https://www.dogcancer.com/people/kate-basedow-lvt/ For more details, articles, podcast episodes, and quality education, go to the episode page: https://www.dogcancer.com/podcast/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Dog Massage: Where Science Meets Compassion | Dr. Narda Robinson #267

    Dog Massage: Where Science Meets Compassion | Dr. Narda Robinson #267
    Dec 16 2024
    Dr. Narda Robinson, an osteopath (for humans), veterinarian, and integrative medicine researcher, joins us to talk about healing dogs with massage therapy. It’s not just petting! Massage for dogs has many benefits and can alleviate pain. Dr. Robinson thinks we should all be helping our dogs every day with massage. She emphasizes the difference between simple petting and therapeutic massage, the role of myofascia, and how to identify and relieve pain. The conversation covers the lack of formal training in massage for veterinarians, the potential for hands-on learning, and how techniques such as effleurage, petrissage, and compression can be utilized at home. Dr. Robinson also shares her views on the intersections of traditional and alternative medicine, the importance of reading an animal's body language, and contraindications for performing massage on dogs. Your Voice Matters! If you have a question for our team, or if you want to share your own hopeful dog cancer story, we want to hear from you! Go to https://www.dogcancer.com/ask to submit your question or story, or call our Listener Line at +1 808-868-3200 to leave a question. Related Videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2w5AyaLqrw Related Links: Our article about massage: https://www.dogcancer.com/articles/diet-and-lifestyle/massage-for-dogs/ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 00:13 The Importance of Massage Therapy for Dogs 00:58 Veterinary Education and Integrative Medicine 04:47 Understanding Myofascial Techniques 05:55 The Role of Fascia in Animal Health 09:41 Practical Applications of Massage 17:16 Teaching Massage Techniques to Pet Owners 20:37 The Benefits of Massage Over Medication 21:52 Recognizing Signs of Pain in Pets 24:58 Transforming Veterinary Practice with Massage 27:32 The Importance of Nurturing in Veterinary Care 28:02 When and Where to Avoid Dog Massage 29:57 Risks and Guidelines for Dog Massage 30:37 The Role of Veterinarians in Dog Massage 31:46 Balancing Care and Overdoing It 33:15 Integrative Approaches in Veterinary Medicine 38:05 Understanding Animal Signals and Communication 46:15 Choosing the Right Veterinary Practitioner 50:00 Outro and Resources Get to know Dr. Narda Robinson: https://www.dogcancer.com/people/narda-g-robinson-do-dvm-ms-faama/ For more details, articles, podcast episodes, and quality education, go to the episode page: https://www.dogcancer.com/podcast/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    54 mins
  • Melanoma Vaccine for Oral Tumors: How It Works & When to Use It | Dr. Brooke Britton #266

    Melanoma Vaccine for Oral Tumors: How It Works & When to Use It | Dr. Brooke Britton #266
    Dec 9 2024
    A caller wonders if treating early with oral melanoma in dogs helps with outcomes. Dr. Brooke Britton says yes, this aggressive cancer can develop rapidly, but early detection and treatment can make a significant difference. Learn about the latest treatments, including surgery and the innovative melanoma vaccine, and how they can improve outcomes for dogs with this diagnosis. 👉 This episode is packed with helpful insights for any dog lover! Your Voice Matters! If you have a question for our team, or if you want to share your own hopeful dog cancer story, we want to hear from you! Go to https://www.dogcancer.com/ask to submit your question or story, or call our Listener Line at +1 808-868-3200 to leave a question. Related Videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSDO31dz4Vc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dc8eHjRZok Related Links: Our article about oral melanoma: https://www.dogcancer.com/articles/types-of-dog-cancer/oral-melanoma-in-dogs/ Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 00:15 – Listener Question from Marjorie 01:00 – Early Detection and Why It Matters 02:30 – Surgical Options for Oral Melanoma 05:00 – Melanoma Vaccine Explained 09:00 – A Remarkable Success Story 10:30 – Managing Risk with the Melanoma Vaccine 12:00 – Chemotherapy’s Role in Melanoma Treatment 14:00 – Outro and Resources Get to know Dr. Brooke Britton: https://www.dogcancer.com/people/brooke-britton-dvm-dacvim-oncology/ For more details, articles, podcast episodes, and quality education, go to the episode page: https://www.dogcancer.com/podcast/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    22 mins
  • How Much Does Ultrasound for Dogs Cost and Other Answers | Dr. Adrienne Anderson #265

    How Much Does Ultrasound for Dogs Cost and Other Answers | Dr. Adrienne Anderson #265
    Dec 2 2024
    Ultrasounds are a non-invasive way to diagnose and monitor various conditions in dogs. In this episode of Dog Cancer Answers, Dr. Adrienne Anderson explains what ultrasound is, how it works, what happens during an ultrasound appointment, and why it’s such a valuable diagnostic tool. Learn about when ultrasounds are recommended, how much they cost, and what to expect during the process—all in plain, relatable terms. Plus, discover how ultrasounds can guide additional procedures like biopsies and fluid sampling. 👉 This episode is packed with helpful insights for any dog lover! Your Voice Matters! If you have a question for our team, or if you want to share your own hopeful dog cancer story, we want to hear from you! Go to https://www.dogcancer.com/ask to submit your question or story, or call our Listener Line at +1 808-868-3200 to leave a question. Related Links: Our article about ultrasound: https://www.dogcancer.com/articles/diagnosis-and-medical-procedures/ultrasound-examination-in-dogs/ Chapters: 0:00 – Introduction 1:00 – What Is Ultrasound? 3:00 – How Ultrasound Works in Veterinary Care 5:15 – Ultrasound vs. X-Ray: Key Differences 7:00 – What Happens During an Ultrasound Appointment? 10:45 – Common Uses for Ultrasound in Dogs 13:30 – When Ultrasounds Guide Procedures 16:15 – Availability of Ultrasound Services 18:30 – Cost of Ultrasound for Dogs 21:00 – Are There Risks to Ultrasound? 23:00 – Outro and Resources Get to know Dr. Lauren Anderson: https://www.dogcancer.com/people/adrienne-anderson-ma-dvm/ For more details, articles, podcast episodes, and quality education, go to the episode page: https://www.dogcancer.com/podcast/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    31 mins
  • Can Surgery Cure Bladder Cancer in Dogs? | Brooke Britton, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology) #264

    Can Surgery Cure Bladder Cancer in Dogs? | Brooke Britton, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology) #264
    Nov 25 2024
    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 (NSAIDs) like piroxicam are often used to manage this disease. Your Voice Matters! If you have a question for our team, or if you want to share your own hopeful dog cancer story, we want to hear from you! Go to https://www.dogcancer.com/ask to submit your question or story, or call our Listener Line at +1 808-868-3200 to leave a question. Related Videos: Dr. Demian Dressler with an overview of Transitional Cell Carcinoma: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5prSL7yn82E Is bladder cancer a death sentence for dogs? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhUcJyme52Y Using radiation for dogs with TCC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGoyn-1TBsA Related Links: Our article on bladder cancer, including transitional cell carcinoma: https://www.dogcancer.com/articles/types-of-dog-cancer/bladder-cancer-in-dogs-including-transitional-cell-carcinoma/ Our comprehensive surgery guide for you and your dog: https://www.dogcancer.com/articles/diagnosis-and-medical-procedures/your-dog-surgery-guide/ Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 00:30 – Listener's Question from Barbara 02:00 - Overview of Bladder Cancer in Dogs 03:00 - Why Surgery Is Rarely Recommended for Bladder Cancer 04:45 - Managing Bladder Cancer with NSAIDs 05:30 - The Risks of Surgery: Tumor Seeding and Recurrence 07:00 - Field Effect and Microscopic Tumor Cells in a “Snowglobe” 08:00 - Factors to Consider Before Opting for Surgery 09:15 - Conclusion: Weighing the Options 10:00 - Outro and Resources Get to know Dr. Brooke Britton: https://www.dogcancer.com/people/brooke-britton-dvm-dacvim-oncology/ For more details, articles, podcast episodes, and quality education, go to the episode page: https://www.dogcancer.com/podcast/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    18 mins
  • Are Vets Just After Your Money? A Cancer Mom Reveals the Surprising Truth | Dr. Lauren Barrow #263

    Are Vets Just After Your Money? A Cancer Mom Reveals the Surprising Truth | Dr. Lauren Barrow #263
    Nov 18 2024
    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 financial limitations. Whether you're struggling to afford treatments or feeling guilt over cancer's impact on your family, this episode offers encouragement and practical tips to help you move forward with grace. Key Takeaways: The importance of giving yourself grace when dealing with a dog’s cancer diagnosis and financial concerns. Understanding the range of cancer treatments and how to discuss costs with your veterinarian. Why it’s crucial to avoid self-blame and how to cope with a dog’s cancer emotionally. How veterinarians approach cancer diagnoses and why they’re not "just after your money." Practical steps for handling the financial reality of cancer treatment for your dog. Your Voice Matters! If you have a question for our team, or if you want to share your own hopeful dog cancer story, we want to hear from you! Go to https://www.dogcancer.com/ask to submit your question or story, or call our Listener Line at +1 808-868-3200 to leave a question. Related Videos: This veterinarian thinks pet health insurance is well worth it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPY3U2fRRas Why dog cancer treatments are so expensive (from a veterinary oncologist): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6X82_irtOlE How to handle guilt when you can’t afford to treat dog cancer – and how to find funds! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znb5nxqTHrU Related Links: Dr. Barrow’s article about being a team leader in dog cancer care: https://www.dogcancer.com/articles/building-your-team/team-leader/ Our article about CareCredit: https://www.dogcancer.com/articles/stress-and-finances/carecredit-for-dogs/ Dr. Barrow’s article about the costs of cancer treatments for dogs: https://www.dogcancer.com/articles/stress-and-finances/cost-of-cancer-treatment-for-dogs/ Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to Dr. Barrow and her own cancer journey 03:15 – The Emotional Burden of Cancer 06:45 – Understanding Financial Shame 10:30 – Why Vets Aren’t In It for the Money 14:45 – What Goes Through a Vet’s Mind When Giving a Cancer Diagnosis 18:00 – The Financial Spectrum of Cancer Care 22:30 – Asking Your Vet About Costs 25:00 – When to Involve a Veterinary Oncologist 28:15 – Partnering with Your Vet 30:00 – Final Thoughts on Navigating Cancer with Grace 19:30 – Outro and Resources Get to know Dr. Lauren Barrow: https://www.dogcancer.com/people/lauren-harper-barrow-dvm-cna/ For more details, articles, podcast episodes, and quality education go to the episode page: https://www.dogcancer.com/podcast/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    38 mins
  • How to Spot Cancer in Dogs Before It’s Too Late | Brooke Britton, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology) #262

    How to Spot Cancer in Dogs Before It’s Too Late | Brooke Britton, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology) #262
    Nov 11 2024
    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? This is a must-watch. Topics Covered: Listener's suggestion on early cancer detection Screening guidelines based on dog age and breed Common signs of cancer in dogs Why wellness checks are crucial, especially as dogs age The role of regular blood work and physical exams How cancer can develop quickly and the challenges of early detection Importance of a partnership between pet owners and veterinarians Your Voice Matters! If you have a question for our team, or if you want to share your own hopeful dog cancer story, we want to hear from you! Go to https://www.dogcancer.com/ask to submit your question or story, or call our Listener Line at +1 808-868-3200 to leave a question. Related Videos: Dr. David Vail on early detection: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0S5qST7euWg New early detection urine test from Oncotect: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFxo_ZsedG0 Related Links: Our article on Why Dog Cancer Isn’t Caught Early: https://www.dogcancer.com/articles/diagnosis-and-medical-procedures/dog-cancer-isnt-caught-early/ Our article on the Symptoms of Dog Cancer In Dogs: https://www.dogcancer.com/articles/diagnosis-and-medical-procedures/symptoms-of-cancer-in-dogs/ And overview of Dog Cancer Diagnosis: https://www.dogcancer.com/articles/diagnosis-and-medical-procedures/dog-cancer-diagnosis/ Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 00:30 – Listener's Question from Janet 02:30 – Dr. Britton's Initial Thoughts 03:30 – Cancer Screening Guidelines by Age and Breed 05:00 – What Happens During a Wellness Check 07:15 – Signs of Cancer to Watch for at Home 08:45 – The Role of Pet Owners in Detecting Cancer Early 10:00 – Screening Frequency Recommendations 12:30 – Using Data to Improve Early Detection 14:30 – Limitations of Guidelines and the Importance of Individual Assessment 16:30 – The Challenges of Detecting Aggressive Cancers 18:45 – The Importance of Communication Between Owners and Veterinarians 19:30 – Outro and Resources Get to know Dr. Brooke Britton: https://www.dogcancer.com/people/brooke-britton-dvm-dacvim-oncology/ For more details, articles, podcast episodes, and quality education go to the episode page: https://www.dogcancer.com/podcast/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    28 mins