Dog Cancer Answers

As well as dog cancer treatment information like a deep dive into medicinal mushrooms, this fall Dog Cancer Answers will also feature some True Tail stories about real-life dogs and their cancer journeys and more question and answer episodes from listeners like you. Links Mentioned in Today’s Show: Dog Cancer Support Dog Cancer News Petco Love About Today’s Guest, Molly Jacobson: Molly Jacobson is a writer. She is also the editor of the best-selling animal health book The Dog Cancer Survival Guide: Full Spectrum Treatments to Optimize Your Dog’s Life Quality and Longevity. A lifelong dog lover and self-professed health nerd, she is all too familiar with dog cancer. She has been supporting readers of Dr. Dressler’s website and book since the beginning. Molly earned a BA from Tufts University, and after a career in bookselling and book publishing attended The Swedish Institute to become a licensed massage therapist in New York State. LinkedIn Other Links: To join the private Facebook group for readers of Dr. Dressler’s book “The Dog Cancer Survival Guide,” go to https://www.facebook.com/groups/dogcancersupport/  Dog Cancer Answers is a Maui Media production in association with Dog Podcast Network This episode is sponsored by the best-selling animal health book The Dog Cancer Survival Guide: Full Spectrum Treatments to Optimize Your Dog’s Life Quality and Longevity by Dr. Demian Dressler and Dr. Susan Ettinger. Available everywhere fine books are sold. Have a guest you think would be great for our show? Contact our producers at DogCancerAnswers.com Have an inspiring True Tail about your own dog’s cancer journey you think would help other dog lovers? Share your true tail with our producers. If you would like to ask a dog cancer related question for one of our expert veterinarians to answer on a future Q&A episode, call our Listener Line at 808-868-3200 www.dogcanceransers.com. Dog Cancer News is a free weekly newsletter that contains useful information designed to help your dog with cancer. To sign up, please visit: www.dogcancernews.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Listen in to learn how the OncoK9 blood test by PetDx uses next-generation sequencing to determine if your apparently healthy dog has cancer DNA floating around in her body. While this test won’t give you a diagnosis, it can be used as a screening test to find cancer before it causes symptoms of illness, letting you get a head start on treatment for your dog. This simple blood draw is one of the newest tools for dog lovers to use to battle canine cancer. Links Mentioned in Today’s Show: PetDx PetDx Pet Parents Info Page CANDiD Study OncoK9 Clinic Locator OncoK9 Cancer SAFE™ Tool Dog Cancer Support About Today’s Guest, Dr. Andi Flory: Dr. Flory is a specialist in medical oncology with nearly two decades of experience practicing and publishing in the areas of early cancer diagnosis, treatments, trials, and novel diagnostic test evaluation. A diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in oncology, Dr. Flory graduated from the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine and completed additional training at Florida Veterinary Specialists and Cancer Treatment Center in Tampa, Florida, and Cornell University. In 2019, she treated a small dog named Poppy for pancreatic cancer. Poppy lost her battle with the disease, but left an indelible mark on Dr. Flory, leading her to a newfound passion for cancer genomics. Soon after, Dr. Grosu tapped Dr. Flory to launch PetDx and serve as its first chief medical officer. Prior to PetDx, most recently she co-directed the oncology internship and served as a medical oncologist at Veterinary Specialty Hospital in San Diego. Dr. Flory founded the medical oncology service at a sister hospital, Veterinary Specialty Hospital - North County. Prior to that she was a staff oncologist, resident advisor and co-chief of the oncology department at The Animal Medical Center in New York City. She has served as a principal investigator for national and international multi-site clinical investigational studies.  Dr. Flory is constantly expanding her knowledge in cutting-edge areas of veterinary medicine. She holds a certificate in genomics from The Johns Hopkins University along with certificates in cancer genomics and precision oncology, and genetic testing and sequencing technologies from Harvard Medical School. In addition, Dr. Flory is a skilled lecturer. An avid snowboarder and passionate foodie, when not keeping up with two preschoolers, Dr. Flory loves to travel, spend time with her husband, sons, their cat Mochi, and dog Cheyenne. LinkedIn Other Links: If you would like to ask a dog cancer related question for one of our expert veterinarians to answer on a future Q&A episode, call our Listener Line at 808-868-3200. Dog Cancer News is a free weekly newsletter that contains useful information designed to help your dog with cancer. To sign up, please visit DogCancerNews.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Listen in to get a sneak peek at some of our upcoming episodes (hint: next week’s interview is a game-changer for dog cancer screening!) plus to hear about some of the resources available online. Links Mentioned in Today’s Show: Dog Cancer Support Dog Cancer News About Today’s Guest, Molly Jacobson: Molly Jacobson is a writer. She is also the editor of the best-selling animal health book The Dog Cancer Survival Guide: Full Spectrum Treatments to Optimize Your Dog’s Life Quality and Longevity. A lifelong dog lover and self-professed health nerd, she is all too familiar with dog cancer. She has been supporting readers of Dr. Dressler’s website and book since the beginning. Molly earned a BA from Tufts University, and after a career in bookselling and book publishing attended The Swedish Institute to become a licensed massage therapist in New York State. LinkedIn Other Links: To join the private Facebook group for readers of Dr. Dressler’s book “The Dog Cancer Survival Guide,” go to https://www.facebook.com/groups/dogcancersupport/  Dog Cancer Answers is a Maui Media production in association with Dog Podcast Network This episode is sponsored by the best-selling animal health book The Dog Cancer Survival Guide: Full Spectrum Treatments to Optimize Your Dog’s Life Quality and Longevity by Dr. Demian Dressler and Dr. Susan Ettinger. Available everywhere fine books are sold. Have a guest you think would be great for our show? Contact our producers at DogCancerAnswers.com Have an inspiring True Tail about your own dog’s cancer journey you think would help other dog lovers? Share your true tail with our producers. If you would like to ask a dog cancer related question for one of our expert veterinarians to answer on a future Q&A episode, call our Listener Line at 808-868-3200 www.dogcanceransers.com. Dog Cancer News is a free weekly newsletter that contains useful information designed to help your dog with cancer. To sign up, please visit: www.dogcancernews.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whether your dog is a super senior or a gentle geriatric, she is probably going to experience some issues with cognitive decline, mobility limitations, and chronic pain. These aging challenges are compounded if your older dog also has cancer. Dr. Mary Gardner has tips on how to tell if your dog is a senior vs. geriatric, the vital importance of regular vet care for mature pups, and evaluating your dog’s quality of life. She also goes into signs of chronic pain and how to assist your dog with getting up and moving around more easily. Our senior dogs are our best buddies, and there are lots of resources that can help us keep them comfortable and happy. Links Mentioned in Today’s Show: It’s Never Long Enough: A practical guide to caring for your geriatric dog book - We may earn an affiliate commission if you purchase something through this link. Help ‘Em Up Harness Pet Hospice Journal Grey Muzzle App Lap of Love Lap of Love Support Groups Dog Cancer Support Related Links: The Grey Muzzle Organization About Today’s Guest, Dr. Mary Gardner: There is nothing better to Dr. Gardner than a dog with a grey muzzle or skinny old cat! Her professional goal is to increase awareness and medical care for the geriatric veterinary patient and to help make the final life stage to be as peaceful as possible, surrounded with dignity and support for all involved. A University of Florida graduate, she discovered her niche in end of life care and is the co-founder and CIO of Lap of Love which has over 300 veterinarians around the country dedicated to veterinary hospice and euthanasia in the home. Dr. Gardner and Lap of Love have been featured in Entrepreneur Magazine, The New York Times, the Associated Press, The Doctors, and numerous professional veterinary publications. She is co-author of the textbook “The Treatment and Care of the Veterinary Patient”, co-author of a children’s activity book focused on saying goodbye to a dog called “Forever Friend”, and the author of a book dedicated to pet owners “It’s Never Long Enough: A practical guide to caring for your geriatric dog”. Dr. Gardner also won VMX Small Animal Speaker of the year in 2020! LinkedIn Other Links: If you would like to ask a dog cancer related question for one of our expert veterinarians to answer on a future Q&A episode, call our Listener Line at 808-868-3200. Dog Cancer News is a free weekly newsletter that contains useful information designed to help your dog with cancer. To sign up, please visit DogCancerNews.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Radiation therapy can sound very scary to many dog lovers. But it can be extremely useful for dog cancer, both to destroy tumors and to provide pain relief. Jenny Fisher is a veterinary technician specialist in oncology, and has helped many dogs through radiation treatments. She explains all things radiation therapy, from the different treatment types to its best uses and potential side effects. If you’ve ever wondered about the difference between teletherapy and brachytherapy, why some courses of radiation are short and others long, or what a dog experiences when dropped off for a treatment, this episode is for you. About Today’s Guest, Jenny Cassibry Fisher: Jenny has worked in veterinary medicine in some regard for over 25 years, receiving her RVT in 2002 and her VTS (IM-oncology) in 2015. Her clinical experience includes academia, general medicine, and emergency medicine. Jenny serves as the president-elect for the Academy of Internal Medicine for Veterinary Technicians (AIMVT). LinkedIn Other Links: If you would like to ask a dog cancer related question for one of our expert veterinarians to answer on a future Q&A episode, call our Listener Line at 808-868-3200. Dog Cancer News is a free weekly newsletter that contains useful information designed to help your dog with cancer. To sign up, please visit DogCancerNews.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gio called in to our Listener Line about his dog with a mammary mass. Unfortunately, his dog has started to chew on the mass, causing bleeding and more discomfort. To make matters worse, his vet is concerned that it may be too large to completely remove with surgery. Oncologist Brooke Britton weighs in on the different surgery options for a dog with a large mass, as well as how to protect tumors that are bleeding or that bother your dog. And when it comes to actually getting a surgery done, you might be able to schedule it with your regular vet or you might be better off scheduling with a board-certified specialty surgeon who is experienced with complicated cases. Listen in to learn more. Related Links: American College of Veterinary Surgeons About Today’s Guest, Dr. Brooke Britton: Brooke Britton completed her residency training in Medical Oncology at the University of Pennsylvania in 2012, and has been in clinical practice in the NYC and Jersey Shore area since that time. She helmed the Brooklyn and Downtown arms of the Oncology Department for BluePearl Veterinary Partners in New York for the past 9 years, and was an active participant in house officer training and clinical trials during her tenure there. She currently serves as a private consultant and maintains an independent clinical practice. Dr. Britton has lectured nationally and authored several peer-reviewed articles. She has particular interest in hematologic malignancies and the metastatic cascade. LinkedIn Other Links: If you would like to ask a dog cancer related question for one of our expert veterinarians to answer on a future Q&A episode, call our Listener Line at 808-868-3200. Dog Cancer News is a free weekly newsletter that contains useful information designed to help your dog with cancer. To sign up, please visit DogCancerNews.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Double board-certified veterinarian Dr. Lauren Trepanier has lost three Boxers to lymphoma, and she’s not letting that slide. She is currently studying the impact of carcinogens caused by environmental pollution on lymphoma in Boxers and transitional cell carcinoma in all dogs. For lymphoma, the initial study found that Boxers have a higher risk of developing lymphoma if they live within 10 miles of a nuclear power plant, or within two miles of a chemical supplier or active crematorium. Current studies are directly measuring the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and herbicides in the urine of Boxers with lymphoma as well as their levels in the air and tap water in those dogs’ homes. Dr. Trepanier’s lab is also teaming up with the Morris Animal Foundation Golden Retriever Lifetime Study to measure VOCs and herbicides in the urine of Goldens with lymphoma. For bladder cancer, the initial study found that dogs were at a higher risk of developing bladder cancer if they lived in a county with higher ozone concentrations or higher levels of trihalomethanes in the tap water. They also found that dogs and their owners share similar urinary levels to two carcinogens, with 5-7% of apparently healthy people and dogs having levels high enough to damage their DNA and potentially cause cancer. Current studies are measuring the urinary and household levels of acrolein and arsenic. Listen in to learn more about these studies, and scroll down to view the recruitment fliers. Links Mentioned in Today’s Show: Dr. Trepanier’s Profile at University of Wisconsin-Madison Dog Cancer Support One Health Alliance Canine Health Foundation Golden Retriever Lifetime Study About Today’s Guest, Dr. Lauren Trepanier: Dr. Trepanier has 23 years of experience at UW-Madison managing internal medicine cases, training residents, interns, and students, and conducting research on the risks for adverse drug reactions and environmental cancers. She earned her DVM with distinction from Cornell University, completed residency training at the Animal Medical Center in New York, and obtained a PhD in Pharmacology, also at Cornell. Dr. Trepanier is board certified in both Internal Medicine and Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology and is currently a Professor of Internal Medicine at UW-Madison SVM. More recently, Dr. Trepanier is devoting time to initiatives that engage veterinarians in research as Assistant Dean for Clinical and Translational Research at the UW-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine. LinkedIn Other Links: If you would like to ask a dog cancer related question for one of our expert veterinarians to answer on a future Q&A episode, call our Listener Line at 808-868-3200. Dog Cancer News is a free weekly newsletter that contains useful information designed to help your dog with cancer. To sign up, please visit DogCancerNews.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Jules Benson of Nationwide Pet Insurance breaks down the data from their first two white papers on dog cancer – Oodles of Doodles, which compares Poodles and Goldens to Poodle mixes, and Diversity of Risk, which looks at cancer risk in specific breeds and purebred dogs vs. mixed breed dogs. You might be surprised by some of the findings! The goal of these studies is to one day provide guidelines for cancer screening in specific breeds, and in the meantime, to increase education and owner awareness about which particular cancer(s) they should be on the lookout for in their dog. Links Mentioned in Today’s Show: Nationwide Cancer Studies - Diversity of Risk and Oodles of Doodles are the primary ones discussed in this podcast Nationwide Pet Insurance VetWatch About Today’s Guest, Dr. Jules Benson: Dr. Jules Benson is an experienced executive in the animal health field. Before coming to Nationwide’s pet health insurance unit, he was on the start-up team of a pet health company, and then assisted other veterinary and medical companies as an executive specializing in healthcare marketing and strategy. A licensed veterinarian, Dr. Benson is a graduate of the University of Liverpool’s school of veterinary medicine. He has been active in conservation efforts in Africa, and he worked in clinical practice before moving into the pet health industry as a leader. He can speak with insight and experience on animal health industry trends, start-ups, innovation and strategic planning and, of course, on veterinary medicine. LinkedIn Other Links: If you would like to ask a dog cancer related question for one of our expert veterinarians to answer on a future Q&A episode, call our Listener Line at 808-868-3200. Dog Cancer News is a free weekly newsletter that contains useful information designed to help your dog with cancer. To sign up, please visit DogCancerNews.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Caller Janet has found that in her breed, checking the anal glands every six months after the dog turns six years old can be really helpful for catching anal gland carcinomas early, and wonders if there are other things that owners can do for other cancers. Oncologist Brooke Britton discusses the importance of routine wellness visits with your veterinarian, as well as screening tests that can be done once in a while, such as liquid biopsies or taking x-rays. She also emphasizes what we as dog lovers can do at home to pick up any lumps or behavioral changes quickly, track lump growth, and be advocates for our dogs and seek veterinary care promptly to get tumors removed while they are small and before they can spread. Links Mentioned in Today’s Show: Nationwide Diversity of Risk white paper Dog Cancer Support About Today’s Guest, Dr. Brooke Britton: Brooke Britton completed her residency training in Medical Oncology at the University of Pennsylvania in 2012, and has been in clinical practice in the NYC and Jersey Shore area since that time. She helmed the Brooklyn and Downtown arms of the Oncology Department for BluePearl Veterinary Partners in New York for the past 9 years, and was an active participant in house officer training and clinical trials during her tenure there. She currently serves as a private consultant and maintains an independent clinical practice. Dr. Britton has lectured nationally and authored several peer-reviewed articles. She has particular interest in hematologic malignancies and the metastatic cascade. LinkedIn Other Links: If you would like to ask a dog cancer related question for one of our expert veterinarians to answer on a future Q&A episode, call our Listener Line at 808-868-3200. Dog Cancer News is a free weekly newsletter that contains useful information designed to help your dog with cancer. To sign up, please visit DogCancerNews.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When your dog has cancer, there are a lot more people on her care team than just you and the oncologist. Veterinary technicians – including ones who specialize in oncology – are another layer of medical professionals ready to help your dog. Jenny Fisher, Registered Veterinary Technician and Veterinary Technician Specialist in Oncology, was the Head Technician in Oncology at Louisiana State for 14 years. Fisher explains what vet techs do in the hospital, the education they have undergone, and the struggles of working in this profession. She also explains why vet techs aren’t called veterinary nurses in the US, and untangles some of the different credentials used in various states. Links Mentioned in Today’s Show: Academy of Internal Medicine for Veterinary Technicians National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America American Association of Veterinary State Boards Related Links: Cancer Treatment Unit at Louisiana State University How to Meditate With Your Dog (the Maui the dog story) About Today’s Guest, Jenny Cassibry Fisher: Jenny has worked in veterinary medicine in some regard for over 25 years, receiving her RVT in 2002 and her VTS (IM-oncology) in 2015. Her clinical experience includes academia, general medicine, and emergency medicine. Jenny serves as the president-elect for the Academy of Internal Medicine for Veterinary Technicians (AIMVT). LinkedIn Other Links: If you would like to ask a dog cancer related question for one of our expert veterinarians to answer on a future Q&A episode, call our Listener Line at 808-868-3200. Dog Cancer News is a free weekly newsletter that contains useful information designed to help your dog with cancer. To sign up, please visit DogCancerNews.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have a dog with cancer and wish there was something you could do – right now – to help other dogs avoid this disease? Enter Darwin’s Ark. The Darwin’s Ark Cancer Project is a free, survey-based project that is looking for trends that could pinpoint why some dogs get cancer and why others don’t. Some of the participants will also get a free genome sequencing and/or a silicone tag to help pick up pollutants that your dog is exposed to. Blood samples may also be collected from some dogs to evaluate tumor DNA circulating in the bloodstream. Listen in to learn more about Darwin’s Ark, how to sign up, and how your dog’s data will be used. Links Mentioned in Today’s Show: Darwin’s Ark Darwin’s Ark Cancer Project Dog Aging Project About Today’s Guest, Dr. Michelle White: My career focus is Precision Medicine and Veterinary Genetics and Genomics. I received my DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) degree from Cornell University in May of 2014, and my PhD in Translational Medicine with a minor in Genetics and Genomics in 2019 (also from Cornell). Specialties: Veterinary Medicine, Data Analysis, Translational Research, Population Genetics, Project Management, Financial Planning LinkedIn Twitter Other Links: If you would like to ask a dog cancer related question for one of our expert veterinarians to answer on a future Q&A episode, call our Listener Line at 808-868-3200. Dog Cancer News is a free weekly newsletter that contains useful information designed to help your dog with cancer. To sign up, please visit DogCancerNews.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The AKC Canine Health Foundation was founded in 1995 and is now an independent organization that gives grants to researchers studying health problems in dogs. Their website also features a variety of educational resources for dog lovers and veterinarians alike! Learn about where the money comes from, how they select which studies to fund, and some of the fascinating studies underway that will help give us some extra ammunition in the fight against dog cancer. Links Mentioned in Today’s Show: AKC Canine Health Foundation Canine Health Foundation Tribute Page AKC Canine Health Foundation Facebook page One Health Initiative Ethos Veterinary Health Clinical Studies American Veterinary Medical Association Animal Health Studies Database Google Scholar About Today’s Guest, Dr. Jennifer MacLeay: Dr. MacLeay is the Chief Scientific Officer of the AKC Canine Health Foundation. Dr. MacLeay received her DVM from The Ohio State University, completed an internship in Charlottesville, VA, and residency and PhD at The University of Minnesota. She is boarded by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine and completed an MBA at the University of Kansas. At the University of Minnesota and Colorado State University Dr. MacLeay taught in the veterinary teaching hospitals, conducted research, and taught in the veterinary medicine curriculum. Most recently Dr. MacLeay was Medical Director at Hill’s Pet Nutrition where she developed and executed research that fused patient needs, physiology, and technology. She supported basic research, product development, and exercised strategic study design to deliver state of the art claims, elevating patient care. Dr. MacLeay’s deep understanding of internal medicine and love of One Health is now focused on accelerating the growth of the AKC Canine Health Foundation. She is a skilled communicator, having authored or co-authored over 50 peer reviewed scientific papers and book chapters in addition to over 80 abstracts for conferences and meetings presented nationally and internationally. LinkedIn Other Links: If you would like to ask a dog cancer related question for one of our expert veterinarians to answer on a future Q&A episode, call our Listener Line at 808-868-3200. Dog Cancer News is a free weekly newsletter that contains useful information designed to help your dog with cancer. To sign up, please visit DogCancerNews.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Vaccination Against Canine Cancer Study (VACCS) is testing out a vaccine that will hopefully prevent dogs from getting eight of the most common cancers. As of June 1st the study finished enrolling 800 healthy dogs, each of whom will be followed for five years after getting the initial vaccination series. Listen in to hear Dr. Jenna Burton, one of the oncologists working on the study, explain how the vaccine was designed, which dogs can participate, and what they are hoping to see and learn. Even if the vaccine doesn’t perform as well as hoped, this study will provide a huge amount of valuable information on cancer development in dogs that can help all of our future canine companions. Links Mentioned in Today’s Show: VACCS Trial – Colorado State University VACCS Trial – University of Wisconsin-Madison VACCS Trial – University of California-Davis Open Philanthropy About Today’s Guest, Dr. Jenna Burton: Dr. Jenna Burton completed veterinary school at The Ohio State University then joined the team at the Flint Animal Cancer Center at Colorado State University (CSU) as an intern, medical oncology resident, and finally as a faculty member. In 2014, Dr. Burton joined the faculty of the University of California, Davis where she served as the director of the Veterinary Center for Clinical Trials. She returned to CSU in 2020 and is currently an Associate Professor in the Flint Animal Cancer Center. Her research is focused on the conduct of clinical trials to improve the health and treatment of pets with cancer, with an emphasis on comparative oncology trials. LinkedIn Other Links: If you would like to ask a dog cancer related question for one of our expert veterinarians to answer on a future Q&A episode, call our Listener Line at 808-868-3200. Dog Cancer News is a free weekly newsletter that contains useful information designed to help your dog with cancer. To sign up, please visit DogCancerNews.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Immunotherapy is becoming increasingly important in human cancer treatment, and more and more companies are bringing this technology over to dogs! The ELIAS Cancer Immunotherapy (ECI) system is still experimental, but they are already seeing positive results in the approximately 200 dogs that have been treated so far. CEO Tammie Wahaus explains how ECI works, the role of a healthy immune system in successful immunotherapy, and why they chose to focus on osteosarcoma first. A randomized pivotal trial comparing dogs treated with ECI to dogs treated with carboplatin chemotherapy will be complete later this year, and we will be following those results. Links Mentioned in Today’s Show: ELIAS Cancer Immunotherapy Canine Osteosarcoma Clinical Trial About Today’s Guest, Tammie Wahaus: As Founder, Chief Executive Officer and Board Chair, Ms. Wahaus has led the strategic planning, business development, manufacturing, regulatory and clinical trial activities of ELIAS Animal Health since 2014. Ms. Wahaus has more than 25 years of experience serving in key leadership roles in public and private companies. She joined TVAX Biomedical (an affiliate) in 2012 as Chief Financial Officer and was responsible for developing the animal health business strategy which was then spun off as ELIAS Animal Health. LinkedIn Other Links: If you would like to ask a dog cancer related question for one of our expert veterinarians to answer on a future Q&A episode, call our Listener Line at 808-868-3200. Dog Cancer News is a free weekly newsletter that contains useful information designed to help your dog with cancer. To sign up, please visit DogCancerNews.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When your dog is diagnosed with cancer, suddenly you find yourself dropped into a world of medical jargon. Two terms you might hear are staging and grading. In this episode, Dr. Brooke Britton explains what staging and grading are and what they can mean for your dog’s prognosis. Staging in particular can help indicate the best treatment plan for each case. Dr. Britton also goes over how to work with your vet to get the most bang for your buck – for many of us with a limited budget, we often need to pick and choose the staging tests that are likely to give us the most information and skip others to save money for cancer treatment. Links Mentioned in Today’s Show: World Health Organization About Today’s Guest, Dr. Brooke Britton: Brooke Britton completed her residency training in Medical Oncology at the University of Pennsylvania in 2012, and has been in clinical practice in the NYC and Jersey Shore area since that time. She helmed the Brooklyn and Downtown arms of the Oncology Department for BluePearl Veterinary Partners in New York for the past 9 years, and was an active participant in house officer training and clinical trials during her tenure there. She currently serves as a private consultant and maintains an independent clinical practice. Dr. Britton has lectured nationally and authored several peer-reviewed articles. She has particular interest in hematologic malignancies and the metastatic cascade. LinkedIn Other Links: If you would like to ask a dog cancer related question for one of our expert veterinarians to answer on a future Q&A episode, call our Listener Line at 808-868-3200. Dog Cancer News is a free weekly newsletter that contains useful information designed to help your dog with cancer. To sign up, please visit DogCancerNews.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices