Dog Cancer Answers

Certified veterinary pain practitioner Tasha McNerney talks about the importance of managing pain in dogs after surgery. She goes over common concerns pet parents have about pain meds, the risks of skipping them, and practical tips for ensuring a smooth recovery. From understanding how pain signals affect the brain to the benefits of preemptive pain control, this episode is packed with actionable advice. Key Topics Covered: Why pain control is crucial for dogs post-surgery The risks of stopping pain medications too early How chronic pain can alter a dog’s behavior Preemptive pain management: Why it matters Recognizing signs of pain in your dog The role of nutrition in recovery Additional therapies like massage, acupuncture, and supplements 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 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvA7W9XlciM Related Links: Pain management overview article: https://www.dogcancer.com/articles/side-effects/pain-management-for-dogs/ Cerenia article: https://www.dogcancer.com/articles/drugs/cerenia-for-dogs/ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 01:00 Meet Tasha McNerney 02:15 Acute vs. Chronic Pain 04:00 Why Pain Meds 06:30 Untreated Pain 09:15 Sedation 11:45 Preventing Pain 14:00 Recognizing Pain 16:15 Behavioral Changes 18:45 Dogs with Cancer 20:15 Nutrition’s Healing Role 23:00 Eating Again 24:45 Acupuncture and Massage 25:30 Closing Thoughts and Resources Get to know Tasha McNerney: https://www.dogcancer.com/people/tasha-mcnerney-bs-cvt-cvpp-vts-anesthesia/ 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

Indy, a Golden Retriever and participant in the groundbreaking Golden Retriever Lifetime Study, left a profound legacy in the fight against canine cancer. Join Molly Jacobson as she talks with Indy’s mom, Kim Peri, and Dr. Mike Lappin about Indy's journey with lymphoma, the challenges of his treatment, and the incredible community that has formed around the study. Discover the lessons learned from this longitudinal research and how it’s shaping the future of cancer treatment for dogs. This heartfelt episode highlights the enduring impact one dog can make. Highlights: • Introduction to Indy and his diagnosis of T-cell lymphoma. • Insights into the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study and its goals. • Dr. Mike Lappin’s role in the study and his efforts with the DNA Repository. • Kim’s reflections on Indy's unique legacy and the supportive community. • Lessons learned about spay/neuter timing, cancer risks, and proactive care. 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=WEvFhsC_TyY Related Links: Morris Animal Foundation’s Dog Cancer Research podcast episode: https://www.dogcancer.com/podcast/trials-and-research/morris-animal-foundations-dog-cancer-research-dr-janet-patterson-kane-deep-dive/ Golden Retriever Lifetime Study: https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/golden-retriever-lifetime-study Golden Retriever DNA Repository: https://grca.org/about-the-breed/health-research/dna-repository/ OFA DNA Repository: https://ofa.org/about/dna-repository/ The Golden Retriever Foundation: https://goldenretrieverfoundation.org/GRF/ Canine Valley Fever Project: http://www.caninevalleyfeverproject.com/ PetDx Clinical Studies: https://petdx.com/clinical-studies/ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 00:30 - Introducing Kim Peri and Dr. Mike Lappin 01:15 - Meeting Indy: A Secret Santa Story 02:30 - Indy's Lymphoma Diagnosis 04:00 - Inside the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study 07:15 - What We’ve Learned About Spay/Neuter Timing 12:00 - The Emotional Connection Between Participants 16:45 - DNA Repository: Advancing Canine Research 22:00 - Indy's Final Days: A Family’s Farewell 28:00 - Kim’s Advocacy for Dog Cancer Research 34:15 - Continuing Indy's Legacy: Joining New Studies 40:00 - How Training Builds Bonds Between Dogs and Humans 45:30 - The Community of the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study 53:00 - Closing Reflections: A Dog’s Impact on the Heart Get to know Dr. Mike Lappin: https://www.dogcancer.com/people/mike-lappin-dvm/ Get to know Kim Peri: https://www.dogcancer.com/people/kimberly-a-peri/ 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

Susanne Kogut, President of Petco Love, talks about their inspiring mission to help pets and their people. Learn how Petco Love supports dog cancer research, funds treatment for pet parents in need, and even pioneers groundbreaking initiatives like lost pet facial recognition and free vaccination drives. Topics Covered: • Why the Petco Foundation became Petco Love • Petco Love Lost: The lost-and-found pet database revolution • 1 million free vaccines for dogs and cats: How it’s saving lives • $18 million invested in dog cancer research and subsidized treatments • Groundbreaking immunotherapy and ultrasound research for canine cancer • How you can support Petco Love’s mission Donate: Support Petco Love’s life-saving initiatives by donating at your local Petco store, online at https://www.petcolove.org, or during checkout at Petco’s online store. 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=WEvFhsC_TyY Related Links: Petco Love: https://petcolove.org/ Petco Love Lost: https://petcolove.org/lost/ Petco Love Care vaccination program: https://petcolove.org/care/ Morris Animal Foundation: https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/ Mosby Foundation: https://themosbyfoundation.org/programs/ FACE Foundation: https://face4pets.org/ Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA: https://www.caspca.org/ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 01:15 - From Petco Foundation to Petco Love 03:00 - Love Lost: A New Solution for Lost Pets 06:30 - Free Vaccination Drive for Preventable Diseases 09:15 - Petco Love’s $18 Million Dog Cancer Initiative 12:00 - Cutting-Edge Canine Cancer Research Highlights 14:30 - Immunotherapy Vaccines for Dogs with Lymphoma 16:00 - Breakthroughs in Focused Ultrasound Technology 18:45 - Subsidized Cancer Treatment Programs at Top Universities 21:00 - How Pet Parents Can Access Petco Love Funds 23:30 - Susanne’s Journey: From Corporate Attorney to Animal Advocate 27:00 - How You Can Support Petco Love’s Mission Get to know Susanne Kogut: https://www.dogcancer.com/people/susanne-kogut/ 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

Dr. Brooke Britton discusses degranulation events—a scary potential when a dog has mast cell tumors. Learn what degranulation is, why it happens, and how it can affect your dog. Also: practical tips for managing symptoms, potential connections between allergies and cancer, and how to care for dogs with mast cell tumors. Topics Discussed: • What is a degranulation event? • How mast cell tumors cause degranulation • Symptoms dogs may experience during a degranulation event • The role of allergies and chronic inflammation in mast cell tumor risk • Medications and treatments to manage symptoms • Low-histamine diets and their role in comfort care • Tips for preventing future mast cell tumor growth • The importance of early detection and regular vet check-ups 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=Al7jjCXVhuE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eb4GrcH_f8 Related Links: Our article on mast cell tumors: https://www.dogcancer.com/articles/types-of-dog-cancer/mast-cell-tumors-in-dogs/ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 01:15 What Are Mast Cell Tumors? 02:30 The Role of Mast Cells in Normal Immune Response04:00 What Happens During a Degranulation Event?06:45 Symptoms Dogs May Experience During Degranulation09:00 How Dogs Might Feel During Degranulation Events11:00 Stomach Upset and Ulcers in Dogs with Mast Cell Tumors13:00 The Link Between Allergies and Mast Cell Tumors16:00 Managing Allergies in Dogs to Reduce Risk18:30 Diet Considerations: Low-Histamine and Commercial Diets22:00 Medications for Degranulation Symptoms: Benadryl and Tagamet25:00 The Truth About Diet and Cancer Prevention27:30 Why Balanced Diets Are Key for Dogs with Cancer29:45 Closing Thoughts on Degranulation and Mast Cell Tumors34:00 Outro: Support and Resources for Dog Owners 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

In 2023, Molly Jacobson speaks with Dr. Michelle MacLeay, Chief Scientific Officer of the AKC Canine Health Foundation, about groundbreaking cancer research that dog owners are making possible. Topics include: • One Health Approach: How canine cancer research benefits both dogs and humans. • New Studies: Details on 13 new cancer studies funded this year, including those on hemangiosarcoma and genetic therapies. • Nutrition Challenges in Research: Why standardizing dog diets in studies is crucial. • Precision Medicine: Targeting cancer treatment based on the genetics of the dog and the tumor. • Funding and Collaboration: How breed clubs and donations are advancing canine health. • Learn how your support can contribute to saving lives and advancing science for both dogs and humans. 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=WEvFhsC_TyY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_92w6TTXM5c Related Links: AKC Canine Health Foundation: https://www.akcchf.org/ Canine Health Foundation Tribute Page: https://www.akcchf.org/how-to-help/tribute/ AKC Canine Health Foundation Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/akccaninehealthfoundation One Health Initiative: https://onehealthinitiative.com/ Ethos Veterinary Health Clinical Studies: https://www.ethosvet.com/our-services/clinical-studies/ American Veterinary Medical Association Animal Health Studies Database: https://ebusiness.avma.org/aahsd/study_search.aspx Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 00:15 - Meet Dr. Michelle MacLeay 00:45 - What Is One Health? 02:00 - Challenges in cross-species research 06:15 – Dogs as environmental sentinels 08:00 - Hemangiosarcoma and Dog Cancer 13:15 - Precision Medicine 15:45 - Nutrition and Cancer Studies 18:30 - Hemangiosarcoma study 22:00 - Finding clinical trials 26:00 - Donating to Research 30:00 - New Frontiers 37:15 - New Dog Tips 40:45 - Get Involved Get to know Dr. Jennifer MacLeay: https://www.dogcancer.com/people/jennifer-macleay-dvm-phd-mba/ 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

In this heartfelt episode of Dog Cancer Answers, Dr. Adrienne Anderson shares the story of her heart dog, Ludo, a 160-pound Great Dane mix who profoundly shaped her life. Dr. Anderson discusses the unique bond they shared, his medical struggles, and the difficult decision to euthanize him herself. The discussion explores how to cope with the grief of losing a beloved dog and the healing process of welcoming a new dog into your life. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: • The special connection we share with our “heart dogs” • Dr. Anderson’s personal journey with her dog Ludo • How to process grief after the loss of a pet • Why getting a new dog can be a powerful healing experience 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=J5Bh1wIp5bY Related Links: Dr. Anderson’s article on how Pets Are Family: https://www.dogcancer.com/articles/stress-and-finances/pets-are-family/ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 00:30 Meet Ludo: A Life-Changing Great Dane 01:15 The Indescribable Bond of a Heart Dog 01:45 Ludo’s Medical Challenges and Final Goodbye 02:15 Choosing to Euthanize Ludo Personally 02:45 The Unique Love of a Heart Dog 03:15 Coping with the Loss of a Beloved Pet 04:00 Why Getting a New Dog Can Be Healing 04:45 A New Kind of Love: Opening Your Heart Again 05:15 Reflecting on the Many Dogs We Love Over a Lifetime 06:00 Closing Thoughts: Gratitude for Heart Dogs 06:30 Outro & DogCancer.com Get to know Dr. Adrienne 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

Molly Jacobson speaks with Dr. Erica Ancier about Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy and its applications for dogs with cancer, chronic pain, arthritis, and more. They discuss the safety of PEMF therapy, how it works, its benefits, and how to use it at home to improve your dog's quality of life. Topics Covered: • What is PEMF therapy? • How PEMF therapy helps with pain relief, inflammation, and healing. • The debate about PEMF therapy and cancer safety. • Combining PEMF therapy with chemotherapy for better results. • Practical tips for using PEMF devices at home. • Dr. Ancier's personal experience using PEMF therapy for her dog. Key Takeaway: PEMF therapy is a safe, affordable, and effective tool to improve your dog’s quality of life, especially when managing pain and inflammation. 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=ZvA7W9XlciM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2w5AyaLqrw Related Links: Assisi Animal Health/Zomedica https://assisianimalhealth.com/ Respond Systems https://respondsystems.com/pemf/ BEMER https://life.bemergroup.com/pemf-pulse-electro-magnetic-field/ Effect of Targeted Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy on Canine Postoperative Hemilaminectomy: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial: https://meridian.allenpress.com/jaaha/article-abstract/55/2/83/184239/Effect-of-Targeted-Pulsed-Electromagnetic-Field?redirectedFrom=fulltext Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 00:30 - Dr. Ancier’s Experience with PEMF Therapy 01:15 - What is PEMF Therapy? How It Works 03:00 - Benefits of PEMF: Pain Relief and Inflammation Reduction 04:45 - Controversy Around PEMF Therapy and Cancer Safety 06:30 - FDA-Approved Uses for PEMF in Humans and Dogs 08:15 - Situations to Avoid PEMF Therapy (Contraindications) 10:00 - Using PEMF Devices at Home: Tips and Safety 13:00 - Combining PEMF Therapy with Chemotherapy 16:00 - Practical Uses for PEMF: Arthritis, Recovery, and Anxiety 22:00 - Device Options: Loops, Mats, and Costs 25:30 - Longevity of Devices and Maintenance Tips 27:15 - Enhancing Quality of Life for Dogs with PEMF Therapy 30:00 - Closing Thoughts and Life Quality vs. Quantity Get to know Dr. Erica Ancier: https://www.dogcancer.com/people/erica-ancier-dvm-cva-ccrp/ 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

Dr. Brooke Britton answers Lou’s question about his dog’s cutaneous hemangiosarcoma. Learn about the risks of recurrence, treatment options, and proactive steps to monitor your dog for future tumors. Dr. Britton also discusses the breeds most at risk, the role of sun exposure, and whether supplements like Yunnan Baiyao might help. What You'll Learn: • What is cutaneous hemangiosarcoma, and how does it differ from other forms? • The importance of surgical margins in preventing recurrence. • How to monitor for new lumps or bumps in predisposed breeds. • When chemotherapy might be needed for more invasive tumors. • Tips for sun safety and preventative care 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: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eusVRp6U0Cs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUP3HcW1x-M https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-D2zBtfRIEU Related Links: Our article on hemangiosarcoma: https://www.dogcancer.com/articles/types-of-dog-cancer/hemangiosarcoma-in-dogs/ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 00:45 Lou's Question: Will it come back? 01:45 Dr. Britton's Insights: Factors influencing recurrence risks. 03:15 Breeds at Risk: Lightly pigmented and thin-coated dogs. 04:45 Prevention Tips: Sun safety and monitoring new lumps. 06:00 Supplements: Does Yunnan Baiyao help? 09:00 Treatment Options: Surgery, chemotherapy, and more. 10:30 Metastasis Risks: Where and how it spreads. 13:00 Genetic Predispositions: Understanding the bigger picture. 14:30 Closing Thoughts: Key takeaways for proactive care. 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

Meet Dr. Michelle White as she talks about the revolutionary Darwin’s Ark Cancer Project. Learn how dog lovers can contribute to cutting-edge cancer research through surveys, genetic testing, and environmental sampling. Dr. White explains the importance of data collection, the future of canine genetics, and how you can join this mission to improve the lives of dogs everywhere. Key Topics Covered: • Overview of the Darwin’s Ark Cancer Project. • How dogs’ genetics and behaviors are linked to breed and health outcomes. • The value of environmental data in understanding cancer risks. • How owners can participate in the project through surveys, DNA samples, and more. • Why dog cancer research matters and how it impacts both dogs and humans. • A compassionate message for dog owners about cancer guilt. 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=WEvFhsC_TyY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEM_t_-rkKQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXXsDRYfXEo Related Links: Darwin’s Ark Cancer Project: https://darwinsark.org/about-cancer-project/ Dog Aging Project: https://dogagingproject.org/ Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 0:16 - Introduction to Dr. Michelle White 1:00 - The Darwin’s Ark Study on Dog Behaviors 3:30 - How Genetics Affects Dog Behavior and Health 5:00 - Challenges in Funding Veterinary Research 8:30 - Why Genetic Research for Dogs Matters 10:45 - Cancer Risk and Environmental Factors 13:15 - The Darwin’s Ark Cancer Project Overview 17:00 - How to Participate in the Cancer Project 21:00 - The Role of Silicone Dog Tags in Data Collection 25:30 - Advancing Cancer Research Through Genetics 30:15 - Addressing Cancer Guilt: A Message for Owners 32:00 - How You Can Help Through Participation 34:30 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts Get to know Dr. Michelle White: https://www.dogcancer.com/people/michelle-white-dvm-phd/ 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

In this episode of Dog Cancer Answers, Dr. Robert Silver shares advanced insights on how medicinal mushrooms can support dogs with cancer. From beta glucan dosing to choosing the right mushrooms, Dr. Silver offers practical tips for pet parents. Learn about mushrooms like turkey tail, reishi, and maitake, their effects on cancer and immunity, and how to safely introduce them to your dog’s regimen. Key highlights include: • Beta glucan dosages for mild, moderate, and severe conditions. • The importance of using standardized mushroom extracts. • How medicinal mushrooms train the immune system over time. • Safety tips, potential side effects, and starting doses. 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=iAgObIOhEMg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-eGlk1KhUg Related Links: Our article on Medicinal Mushrooms: https://www.dogcancer.com/articles/supplements/medicinal-mushrooms-for-dogs/ Real Mushrooms: https://www.realmushrooms.com/ Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 00:15 – Why Mushrooms Are a Lifestyle Supplement 00:30 – Beta Glucans: The Key to Mushroom Dosing 02:00 – Dosage Tiers: Wellness, Moderate, and Severe Conditions 03:30 – Safe Dosing: Start Low, Go Slow 06:00 – The Science of Beta Glucans and Immune System Activation 10:00 – Mushrooms as Long-Term Immune Trainers 12:00 – Short-Term vs. Long-Term Effects of Medicinal Mushrooms 13:15 – Multi-Mushroom Formulas: The Benefits of Blends 16:00 – Spotlight on Chaga and Its Unique Properties 18:30 – Recent Turkey Tail Study: What the Research Says 24:00 – Real Mushrooms and Standardized Extracts 26:00 – Final Tips on Dosing and Safety 27:00 – Closing Thoughts and Dr. Silver’s Insights Get to know Dr. Robert Silver: https://www.dogcancer.com/people/robert-silver-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