Living with Cancer
Patient: “Magy”, an 8-year-old spayed female Vizsla
Cancer is arguably the most common cause of death in older dogs. This is, in part, because our pets are living longer due to good care, preventative medicine and good lifestyles. By now, most people recognize cancer is not a single disease, but a host of diseases, each responding differently to treatment.
The case I would like to profile this month is a prime example of living well with cancer. Magy was presented to us at eight years of age with clinical signs of lower urinary tract inflammation- increased frequency of urination, urgency, increased water consumption and some blood noted in the urine. A work up indicated a urinary tract infection, but some cells in the sediment exam appeared atypical. This prompted a recommendation for cystoscopy. With this procedure, the patient is anesthetized, and a fiber optic scope is passed through the vagina and urethra into the urinary bladder. It is minimally invasive, and allows direct visualization of the lower urinary tract with the ability to biopsy without surgery. Magy was discharged the same day on medications to treat the infection and bladder spasms.
The pathology report indicated Magy had a malignancy of the bladder wall called transitional cell carcinoma. What ensued was a multi-pronged approach to treatment that included surgery, chemotherapy, diet and symptom management medications. Magy survived nearly two years from the time of diagnosis. Her quality of life was excellent, with very little time actually spent at the hospital.
We were all sad to see Magy go. Our goal will always be for a complete cure for pets with cancer. Magy illustrates the point that when a cure is not possible, it may be feasible to manage cancer for extended periods with good quality of life.
