Lap of Love is a company dedicated to hospice care and home euthanasia for ill pets. Founder Dr. Dani McVety shares her insight on how to talk to your vet about hospice care for your dog, the “four budgets” that you need to consider when deciding whether or not to pursue euthanasia for your dog, and what to expect during a euthanasia appointment. She also has an amazing alternative to the dreaded agony of trying to figure out the exact Right Time. Instead, she has found that there is a window of...
May 16, 2022•59 min•Ep. 167
Mitotic index is one of the many complicated-sounding medical terms that may be thrown at you after your dog is diagnosed with cancer. At its most basic, mitotic index is the count of how many cells in your dog’s tumor are actively dividing, or reproducing. But what does this mean for you and your dog? Dr. Britton breaks down how mitotic index can help determine the prognosis for your dog, as well as which cancers it is most significant for. The aggressive potential of some cancers is closely li...
May 09, 2022•28 min•Ep. 166
What’s the difference between a vet and a vet nutritionist? Both have an in-depth knowledge of the diseases that can affect our dogs, but nutritionists focus on food as the basis of their treatment plans. Dr. Bullen explains how every patient is a puzzle with unique nutritional needs, and how she uses chemistry, math, and both patient and owner preferences to come up with solutions that can help dogs feel better and live healthier lives. We are very excited to have Dr. Bullen as a guest on the s...
May 02, 2022•59 min•Ep. 165
Finding something that works is the first priority of every dog lover who has a dog with cancer. Dr. Mitsie Vargas knows exactly how you feel, both as a pet owner herself and a veterinarian, parent, and daughter. Her experiences with her own pets and family members – as well as a chance event in vet school – have led her to incorporate natural and alternative therapies alongside the more classical cancer treatments from Western medicine. Listen to her story and some of the therapies that she has...
Apr 25, 2022•36 min•Ep. 164
Bone marrow transplants, also called total body radiation, are a fairly common procedure in human cancer treatment. Dogs can benefit from this procedure too! And the results are thrilling – about 30% of treated dogs are considered completely cured. Dr. Steven Suter, the leading expert on bone marrow transplants in dogs, explains everything that goes into this procedure – and we mean everything. There are many steps and processes that have to be completed both to make sure that your dog is a good...
Apr 18, 2022•37 min•Ep. 163
Lymphoma in dogs is very responsive to chemotherapy, but it also often relapses. Each time a dog comes out of remission, the cancer often gets harder to beat. Because of this, researchers are constantly looking for new treatments that can either get long-lasting results from the start or be used to beat back the cancer in those difficult cases. Meet rabacfosadine, known by the brand name Tanovea. This drug is an injectable chemotherapeutic that just became the first ever FDA-approved treatment f...
Apr 11, 2022•51 min•Ep. 162
SearchLight DNA is a test offered by the company Vidium Animal Health. This test sequences the genome of a dog’s tumor, and then compares that genotype to a database of mutations known to be associated with cancer… and the treatments that target them. The best part? SearchLight DNA can be done with a simple fine needle aspirate, no surgical biopsy required. The team at Vidium is made up of oncologists, genomic scientists, and pathologists who all work together on each case. This diverse team emp...
Apr 04, 2022•42 min•Ep. 161
While working in an oncology specialty center, Dr. Rachel Venable kept feeling like there were patients she couldn’t reach – or rather, that couldn’t get to her. So she decided to start her own business, doing oncology consults online. Telemedicine laws can vary state to state, but most states allow teleconsulting. Your vet probably already uses one type of teleconsulting: sending x-rays out to a radiologist to review. The radiologist never examines the pet in person, but communicates with the v...
Mar 28, 2022•37 min•Ep. 160
Dr. Stephanie Culler and the rest of her team have been studying differences in the gut microbiome of healthy people and people with cancer to find biomarkers that can detect or predict cancer development. After all, the gut plays a key role in the immune system So where do dogs come in? Dogs and humans share 60-80% of their gut microbiome with humans! Because of this combined with dogs’ shorter lifespans, it is much easier and more efficient to study and develop therapeutics for the microbiome ...
Mar 21, 2022•27 min•Ep. 159
Caller Bevan has a dog with mast cell tumors, and his vet recommended giving vitamin E as part of their treatment plan. Vitamin E is an antioxidant, which protects cells from damage. Chemotherapy is a pro-oxidant, with the intent to damage cells – specifically, cancer cells. Dr. Nancy Reese explains how these conflicting mechanisms of action can be problematic in some cases, but coexist peacefully in other, as well as why your vet might recommend giving vitamin E in the first place. About Today’...
Mar 14, 2022•19 min•Ep. 158
Veterinary oncologist Megan Duffy joins us to explain and ins and outs of dog cancer economics. A consult with an oncologist can run a couple hundred dollars… but that money gets you the full attention of an expert who focuses on dog cancer and has reviewed your dog’s individual case ahead of time. The oncologist should also be giving you a rundown of different treatment options to help you figure out the option that will give your dog the most benefit while still staying within your budget. Big...
Mar 07, 2022•34 min•Ep. 157
Caller John just got a new Sheltie puppy, and he asks a question that many dog lovers have wondered about: can he protect his puppy from cancer by feeding him a particular diet? There is no simple answer. Feeding a quality diet with minimal dietary carcinogens and added vegetables can help to keep the body healthy, but there are many other factors that come into play to cause a case of cancer. Dr. Nancy discusses some of the things to consider when choosing what to feed your dog, along with the ...
Feb 28, 2022•21 min•Ep. 156
Veterinary oncologist Craig Clifford loves clinical trials. Why? Because they give him early access to some of the newest treatments and therapies, and provide cutting-edge care to patients at a decreased cost - or even completely free. Dr. Clifford goes over how to find clinical trials and how to evaluate if a particular trial is the right fit for you, from covered expenses to how placebos are used and how many follow-up visits will be needed. The information and results gathered from clinical ...
Feb 21, 2022•37 min•Ep. 155
Dog lovers frequently wonder if there is a more natural option that could be used instead of pharmaceuticals to treat their dogs. The answer is… sometimes! Bam Bam has elevated calcium levels in his blood, and his human wants to know if she can swap out some of his medications. Dr. Nancy Reese breaks down how the medications prednisone, Lasix, and Palladia work and why they might have been chosen to be part of the treatment plan, as well as some natural options that might work to help out a bit....
Feb 14, 2022•20 min•Ep. 154
That first oncology consult can be overwhelming. Veterinary oncologist Megan Duffy says to expect the consult to take an hour or more – and most of that time is talking over your dog’s case and your treatment options. This is YOUR time to ask all of the questions you have about your dog’s diagnosis and treatment plan. Once you have an appointment scheduled, ask all of the veterinary offices that your dog has been to in the past two years to send your dog’s records to the oncologist. Sending all ...
Feb 07, 2022•29 min•Ep. 153
If your dog has died or just doesn’t need a particular medication any more, you might find yourself with some extra pills. Keeping them around the house isn’t ideal due to risks to kids and pets, but what CAN you do with them? Dr. Nancy Reese discusses why flushing leftover meds is not a good idea, and offers advice on finding a local drug takeback program or asking your veterinarian to dispose of more dangerous medications, such as oral chemotherapy drugs, for you. She also goes over the legal ...
Jan 31, 2022•20 min•Ep. 152
Oral Melanoma is one of the more aggressive cancers in dogs. The gold standard of treatment for this cancer is radiation to shrink the tumor, followed by the canine melanoma vaccine to train the dog’s immune system to attack the cancer cells. But what do you do when this treatment fails? Dr. Nancy Reese discusses the typical treatment progression for oral melanoma, as well as some additional therapies that might be beneficial for added support. Related Links: DogCancerDiet.com About Today’s Gues...
Jan 24, 2022•21 min•Ep. 151
FETCH a Cure was founded by Mike Holland, Tonie Stevens, and Ryan Traylor after Mike’s dog was diagnosed with osteosarcoma back in 2006. At that time there were few resources for dog cancer in the Richmond, VA area. Since its humble beginnings as a back-room operation in a catering business, FETCH a Cure now provides continuing education opportunities for veterinarians, funding for dog cancer treatment within the Virginia-Maryland-DC area, and has even bought a building that now hosts both a vet...
Jan 17, 2022•36 min•Ep. 150
Vomiting can be caused by a variety of things, ranging from eating garbage to a serious illness. It can also be a side effect of chemotherapy treatment. In most cases, vomiting once isn’t a big concern. If the dog vomits multiple times within a single day, vomits for several days in a row, or has other symptoms of illness in addition to the vomiting, it’s time to seek veterinary care. Dr. Nancy discusses several different treatment options depending on the underlying cause of your dog’s vomiting...
Jan 10, 2022•21 min•Ep. 149
Integrative oncologists Dr. Kendra Pope and Dr. Trina Hazzah discuss the current state of integrative and holistic oncology for dogs and their hopes for the future. Topics include: The shift in veterinary medicine toward a more integrative approach; The need for education of vets on dosing and using cannabis (and ongoing legalization issues); Clinical trials to prove effectiveness of integrative therapies; The value of real-world evidence; Herbal treatments; And genetic testing for tumors. About...
Jan 03, 2022•52 min•Ep. 148
Getting a cancer diagnosis is devastating. We’ve been there, and we know how overwhelming this time can be. In this episode we’ve compiled all of the best resources that we have available to help you help your dog fight cancer. Learn more about: The Dog Cancer Survival Guide; Dog Cancer News, a three-times-a-week newsletter; Dog Cancer Blog, a treasure trove of articles on dog cancer that is constantly being updated; Dog Cancer Support, where you can share your story with other dog lovers who un...
Dec 27, 2021•15 min•Ep. 147
Shaking and trembling in dogs have many causes… most of which have nothing to do with health! Some potential causes of shaking and trembling include cold, anxiety, pain, neurological disorders, some immune disorders and electrolyte imbalances. Dr. Nancy Reese goes over how to figure out what is causing your dog to shake and quiver, and when to seek veterinary attention. About Today’s Guest, Dr. Nancy Reese: Dr. Nancy Reese is a small animal veterinarian with over 30 years of clinical experience ...
Dec 20, 2021•18 min•Ep. 146
Three veterinary oncologists discuss how Laverdia works and where it might fit into treatment plans for dogs with lymphoma. Links Mentioned in Today’s Show: Anivive Lifesciences - Laverdia Anivive Lifesciences – Clinical Trials How Laverdia Works video Veterinary Cooperative Oncology Group-Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (VCOG-CTCAE v2) following investigational therapy in dogs and cats Conditional Approval Explained: A Resource for Veterinarians About Today’s Guest, Dr. David Bru...
Dec 13, 2021•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 145
The only thing worse than your dog having diarrhea is your dog having bloody diarrhea. Nasty! The good news is, one episode of bloody stool is not usually anything to worry about, and cancer is not a common cause. If your dog’s stool has blood in it or is black (a sign of bleeding in the stomach or small intestines), let your vet know. If it only happens once your dog may not need treatment, but this way your vet can put a note in your dog’s record about when these things happen. Bloody stool is...
Dec 06, 2021•23 min•Ep. 144
Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) is the most common bladder cancer in dogs. While there is no cure, Dr. Nancy Reese does consider this cancer to be treatable and you can dramatically improve your dog’s comfort and quality of life with medications. TCC can also be diagnosed with a special urine test, which is much easier to do and less stressful for your dog than a surgical biopsy (not to mention less expensive!). As the cancer progresses, it can become uncomfortable and may even obstruct the bl...
Nov 29, 2021•22 min•Ep. 143
Losing a beloved dog is always hard, but it can be even more heartbreaking during the holiday season. But while we as humans put a lot of value in specific dates and times, our dogs do not. Your dog will not mind if you celebrate a favorite holiday with him a few weeks early because his health is failing – after all, every day spent with you is a holiday to him. You are not alone if you have had to say goodbye to a dear pet during the holiday season. The short, cold days take their toll on sick ...
Nov 22, 2021•42 min•Ep. 142
Bleeding can be a minor inconvenience or a medical emergency. Dr. Nancy Reese recommends methods to stop minor bleeding at home as well as how to bandage a more serious wound to control bleeding on your way to the veterinary hospital. Most bleeding in dogs is due to trauma, from cutting a paw on a rock to being hit by a car. The easiest way to stop bleeding is to prevent it from happening in the first place! Keep your dog on a leash when outside near roads or in the woods, and limit interactions...
Nov 15, 2021•20 min•Ep. 141
Your dog made it through surgery without any issues… now what? Veterinary technician Kate Basedow has the answers. In this episode we cover: What to expect the night after your dog’s surgery Tips to get your dog to eat What the incision and surrounding area will look like as it heals Restricted activity When to be concerned The next 10-21 days will be annoying at points as you walk your dog on a leash and make sure she is wearing her cone, but it is important to stay the course so that your dog ...
Nov 08, 2021•30 min•Ep. 140
Your dog having surgery can be stressful and knowing what to expect on the day of your dog’s surgery can give you peace of mind. Veterinary technician Kate Basedow goes over what a typical surgery day looks like, as well as what to bring with you when you drop off your dog … and when to expect a phone call with an update. Set yourself and your dog up for success by remembering NOT to feed your dog breakfast before surgery and by arriving on time to the vet’s office. Factor in some time for paper...
Nov 01, 2021•30 min•Ep. 139
Taking your dog in for surgery – no matter how "small” -- is stressful. But there are things you can do ahead of time to reduce anxiety and upset for both you AND your dog. To make sure your dog is ready, get bloodwork ahead of time and any x-rays that your veterinarian recommends to check for heart problems and other important medical issues. To make sure that YOU are ready, make sure that you: - Know when your dog is last allowed to eat before surgery (and stick to it) - Know what time to drop...
Oct 25, 2021•27 min•Ep. 138