Caring for pets with cancer, one heartbeat at a time
by Candace Runaas

With a calming voice that soothes the soul, Dr. Mona Rosenberg spoke to Pet Home about her work as an oncologist for our pets. It all started at the tender age of five years old, when young Mona knew that she wanted to be a veterinarian.The fact that she was allergic to animals did not deter her at all. She was driven by her desire to help and to heal. As a young woman, during her veterinary training, her second rotation internship was in an oncology practice. She recalls, “That’s when I made my decision to specialize in the field of oncology. The people who treat their pets for cancer are the types of people I want to associate with.”

Veterinary Cancer Group

Dr. Rosenberg started the Veterinary Cancer Group (VCG) in 1992. Now, more than 1300 cancer patients visit VCG each month and it is the largest veterinary oncology practice in the world.

The secret to its success are the strong relationships which are developed with each animal patient and his or her guardian. “This is a sad field to be involved in since most patients are lost, but ultimately we are here to make a difference in their quality of life during this difficult time.” It is common knowledge that there is no cure for cancer but “greater than 95% of the Group’s patients enjoy an extended quality of life,” assures Dr. Rosenberg.

Most Common Form of Cancer

The most common form of cancer among pets is Lymphoma, which occurs anywhere there is lymph tissue. Approximately 50% of all cancer cases received at VCG have been diagnosed as lymphoma.

If your dog exhibits any of the following, see your veterinarian:

· Lumps or bumps

· Drinking too much water

· Vomiting

· Weight loss

· Any major changes in appetite, activity or behavior

“Should I put my pet through chemo?”

Many dog parents opt not to have their pet treated for cancer because of the associated symptoms resulting from chemotherapy. Dr. Rosenberg informs, “Cancer treatment for animals is not traumatic or uncomfortable for our pets. We treat them with lower doses of the medication. Quality of life is the focus.” She also explains the phenomenon that humans experience known in the medical industry as “anticipatory emesis.” Basically, we expect to get nauseous, therefore we will.

However, our pets don’t anticipate getting sick, which prevents them from suffering from the same ill effects anticipated by a person who must undergo the same treatment. “We also don’t perform heroics. We keep the dosage comfortable to stay true to our goal of providing the companion animal with quality time.” She admits that not every patient qualifies from treatment for this very reason. And there are times when the best solution for all involved is euthanasia. “When we have exhausted all options, the quality of life has diminished or the patient is experiencing pain, we will recommend that the caregiver peacefully bring an end to the pet’s life.”

It’s Okay to Let Go

Dealing with the inevitable is difficult, but Dr. Rosenberg says that the Veterinary Cancer Group begins coaching people at the moment their offices are contacted. “We help each person through the entire process. We are honest with them on what to expect in regards to treatment.” They also provide a grief counselor to further assist clients who must deal with the loss of a pet. “We give them comfort to understand that it is okay to let go.” The Group’s website ( www.vetcancergroup.net ) also has a link titled “Support Groups,” which provides a long list of suggested reading that aid pet lovers in managing the emotions associated with the diagnosis of cancer, the death of a pet and helping a child to address their feelings of sorrow.

My conversation with Dr. Rosenberg assures me of two things, that her voice has the power to put one at ease, which is important when one must cope with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, but also that she is an extraordinary woman who truly cares about animals from the smallest to the largest and has devoted her life to doing just that.

If your pet should be diagnosed with cancer, ask your veterinarian for a referral to one of Veterinary Cancer Group’s two locations . Each state-of-the-art facility is fully staffed and equipped.

Veterinary Cancer Group, Los Angeles
9599 Jefferson Boulevard
Culver City, CA 90232
310-558-6120

Veterinary Cancer Group, Orange County
2887 Edinger Avenue
Tustin, CA 92780
949-552-8274

Dr. Mona Rosenberg, DVM, ACVIM, Oncology - is the founder and chief of staff at Veterinary Cancer Group, which has two locations in Southern California. She received her DVM from UC Davis, followed by an internship and residency at Animal Medical Center in New York. She has been a diplomat of the ACVIM in Oncology since 1992. She is an active member of the Veterinary Cancer Society and SCVMA where she is a regularly sought after lecturer. In addition, Dr. Rosenberg heads up the medical oncology residency program at Veterinary Cancer Group. VCG is the largest veterinary oncology practice in the world.

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