Emotionally Hijacked by Cancer

One of the biggest hurdles we face at The Veterinary Cancer Center is that most people associate cancer treatment in people with cancer treatment in pets. Witnessing a friend or a family member undergoing cancer treatment; even watching an episode of House will leave even the most optimistic person with a false and preconceived notion of what to expect in regards to cancer therapy in pets.

When my own dog was diagnosed with malignant histiocytosis I was immediately emotionally hijacked by my personal experiences with how my family members handled their cancer therapies. As a co-owner of The VCC, the doctors here still needed to remind me both intellectually and emotionally of how well pets handle cancer treatment.

Since cats and dogs have a limited life span (compared to people) the primary goals is not to cure the cancer, but to significantly slow it down. This not only gives them more time, but also gives them a higher quality of life… Even during treatment!

We do this by giving lower treatment doses then they do in humans (sometimes over longer periods of time) as well as treating the symptoms prophylactically. Many pets never show symptoms of either the disease or the treatment of disease. It’s truly amazing how well most pets do!

The other fact is that many pet owners and local veterinarians might not know all the amazing and novel therapies that have become available over the last few years. With the mapping of the genome, personalized medication, Radiation Therapy using IMRT, and the latest discovery regarding junk DNA, we are on the forefront of really making a difference when it comes to not only the treatment of pets with cancer, but for us humans as well.

Most people make emotional decisions every single day; it’s part of what makes us human. But I believe that one should never base a decision on fear or a lack of understanding. Always get the facts before making decisions about your pet’s health. The truth might surprise you…

 

David Duchemin

What I would change about the Veterinary Education System

I was at a conference recently with two colleagues of mine and we started talking about veterinary education. I am not sure how the topic came up, what we all started discussing the same point almost in unison. The topic was communication and how veterinarians discuss options with pet owners.  

All three of us had graduated from different veterinary schools, gone through different internships and residencies –and yet we all agreed that veterinary students everywhere need to re-organize their communication priorities. 

What do I mean “communication priorities”—I mean medical/surgical options need to be prioritized above finances. Don’t get me wrong, finances are AN important consideration when discussing any medical therapy, but they should not be the primary one. Information about options- ALL the options available, should be THE most important consideration.  Once a veterinarian and pet owner both understand what options are available for the pet, then, and only then should finances-or whatever other constraints –time, emotional, finances, etc.--may be pertinent to that pet owner be discussed. 

By prioritizing information and options first and finances second, we can better insure that the pet will get the best care possible AND that everything will be done that the pet owner can afford. If the priorities are stay as they are, clients will continue to feel that optimal care was not recommended or given, veterinarians will feel they need to be accountants, bankers and financial managers first and medical professionals second.  

We, the veterinary profession, need to trust pet owners. Trust that they can make the best decision for their family and their pet. This requires accurate and complete information. Veterinarians need to allow the owners to hear ALL of their options and then help them make choices, rather than only communicate those options the veterinarian THINKS the owner’s can afford.  Veterinarians need to be medical professionals not financial professionals. Pet owners come to us for medical information and guidance. 

Survey after survey over the past 25 years have shown that owners would have done more for their pet if their veterinarian had recommended it. The impetus to change the way we as veterinarians communicate needs to start at the veterinary schools throughout the country, this is where we learned the current communication prioritization.  

Empowering the pet owners and informing them of all the options available—as a starting point for discussion –may not be easy, but it is the right thing to do for the pets that have been entrusted into our care.

Dr. Gerald Post

Getting to know you

 

     I thought I would use this first blog entry to introduce myself; I am Dr. Jaclyn Smith. I have been a proud member of the VCC family since July 2010, when I started a 3-year residency program in medical oncology. What’s a residency, you ask? A residency is a vigorous additional training in a specialized area of veterinary medicine. It’s typically a 3-year program, following completion of veterinary school and a 1-year internship. WOW, that’s a lot of school/training! I know! I was born and raised in Ohio, so it’s only natural that I attended The Ohio State University for undergraduate and veterinary school. GO BUCKS!! I then moved a bit further northwest, to the windy city, for my 1-year internship and following, worked my way down south for some warmer weather in Atlanta for a 1-year oncology specific internship. You see, the residency programs are highly competitive so some people choose to have an additional year of training in order to become more qualified and prepared for the rigorous residency. From there, my career took me to the east coast to join VCC.

      I grew up surrounded by animals and veterinary medicine. My dad, whom I get most of my passion from, is a veterinarian still practicing in Ohio. Having always had pets growing up, it’s only natural that I now share my home with my very own “zoo”!  My family consists of Neo, a10 year old wildly crazy, but lovable Boxer, Annabelle, a 9 year old wiggly and happy Boxer, Balboa, a 7 year old timid, but sweet Chihuahua, and Wally, the coolest 5 year old cat I know! But wait, that’s not it! I also share my home with an incredibly supportive boyfriend Stephen and my sister Erica, who is also my best friend.

                Well, that’s it for now, but more to come later!

 

Jaclyn Smith, DVM

You're a Veterinary Oncologist?!?

                         When I tell people that I am a veterinarian I am always asked what kind of animals I work with. I go on to explain that I actually only see animals with cancer, whether they are cats, dogs, ferrets or rabbits (and hopefully, one day, horses). Ninety-nine percent of the time the reply is "How sad, how can you be around such sick animals all the time?". Although there are aspects of my job that are sad there are many more aspects that are happy, exciting and emotionally touching.

                        Prior to becoming a veterinarian two of my own dogs were diagnosed with and treated for cancer. I was devastated, but I was so thankful for the help of the veterinary oncologists and technicians who were there to help me and help my dogs. That is the happy part of my job. I have the privilege of being the veterinary oncologist who is there to help people and their pets. I am able give people more time with their best friend and I can help sick animals feel better. There is nothing that makes me happier then seeing a smiling owner being pulled across the waiting room by a tail wagging dog or seeing an owner snuggling their purring cat.

                        At the Veterinary Cancer Center I also have the unique opportunity to be involved with research and clinical trials. Many of these clinical trials are looking at medications and treatments that will not only benefit our four-legged friends but may also help humans with cancer. Being on the cutting edge of cancer research for humans and animals is very exciting and rewarding!

                        Another aspect of my job that I find very rewarding and touching is being able to help someone say goodbye to their best friend. There a few things more difficult then making the decision to let your friend go. I consider it a sacred responsibility that I am trusted to help an owner say goodbye and allow that animal to transition peacefully. I am honored to be present in the last few minutes of a long relationship and hear the words of love and thanks that all owners have for their pet as they take their last breaths. Yes, it is sad but it is important and I am a better person and a better doctor because of every euthanasia that I have performed.

           

JenniferMcDaniel, DVM

The Veterinary Cancer Center