2015 Pan Pacific Veterinary Conference

Surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy provide the classical trilogy of treatment options. These may be employed singularly or in combination for effective treatment of the various tumours found in the oral cavity of dogs and cats. Manipulation of the immune system has also been added to this armamentarium. Accurate diagnosis and staging is critical along with an understanding of tumour biology for effective care. Pitfalls and limits exist however with advanced imaging and technology these limits are changing as control rates and survival times improve for affected animals. While some of the more involved treatments can be technically demanding and may require specific skills and equipment, applying the tenants of clinical oncology can effectively help pets with oral cancer. The decisions made by the consultant veterinarian are critical to the long-term welfare of the small animal patient with oral cancer. It is surprising how function can be maintained, pain prevented and good quality of life can be achieved for these animals with tumours previously thought to be untreatable.