Veterinary Medicine Offers Real Hope For Pets With Cancer policy two months before her (NAPSA)—If you think cancer strikes only humans, think again. Pets may be the family member most likely to get cancer. Statistics from Texas A&M University reveal that your dog is 35 times more likely to come down with skin cancer than you are, four times as likely to develop a breast tumor, eight times as likely to suffer bone cancer and twice as likely to develop leukemia. Skin cancer afflicts cats, too, as does lymphoma. Fortunately, cancer treatment for pets has advanced at much the same pace as in humans. Medical Miracles “Twenty years ago, veterinari- ans weren’t diagnosing much cancer in pets. And if they did, it was usually fatal,” said Jim Humphries, DVM, a nationally known veterinary expert. “But thanks to advances in veterinary medicine and better care by pet owners, dogs and cats are living longer, healthier lives. And along with their increased life spans comes the increased incidenceof problems associated with old age—cancerincluded.” “Traditionally, surgery has been the method of choice for the treatment of cancer in pets, and sometimes is all that is required,” explained Humphries. “However, just as in humans, many cancers require a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation to give the pet the best chance for long-term survival.” When it comes to chemotherapy, Humphries says veterinari- ans generally administer it at lower doses and less frequent intervals than is done in treating humans to keep the pet’s quality of life at a high level. Siamese cat, Sam, developed a lump on his back. After 13 chemotherapy treatments, Sam madea full recovery. “I would do anything to save Sam,” said Sullivan. “His VPI policy made sure that I could do it without worrying about costs. It paid for almost half the total bill—which wasconsiderable.” VPI, the nation’s largest Dr. Jim Humphries, one of America’s leading authorities on veterinary care, says advancements in pet cancer treatment can be costly, but have encouraging successrates. Other methods of veterinary cancer treatment are showing great promise. Laser surgery allows specialists to remove tumors with less tissue destruction and pain to the pet. Immunotherapy can treat spe- cific types of cancers in humans and animals. Bone transplants have been performed in many cases of bone cancer in dogs. These have been successful and have allowed pets to avoid amputation. Genetic therapy along with bone marrow transplants are under investigation for the treatment of cancer in both humansandpets. Insurance Lessensthe Bite Medical miracles—both human and pet—usually don’t come cheap, a fact that has led to a rapid rise in the number of pets with health insurance policies of their own. Adelaide Sullivan, St. Peters- burg, Fla., added the cancer endorsement to her VPI insurance insurer of dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, ferrets, reptiles and other exotic pets, covers more than 6,400 medical problems and conditions for accidents and illnesses, with optional coverage available for preventive and routine care. VPI policies are available in all 50 states. “When it comes to treating pets with cancer, veterinarians offer sophisticated diagnostic tests and treatments,” said Dr. Jack Stephens, VPI founder and CEO. “Cancer treatments can regularly exceed thousandsof dollars. With an insurance policy, pet owners can take advantage of high-tech veterinary care without the hindranceof cost.” Humphries notes veterinary medicine’s success rate in treating cancer in pets is 50 to 55 per- cent, on a par with that of human medicine. “Because pets are members of the family, we want them to live as well and as long as possible,” he said. “Regular veterinary care can makeit feasible, and health insurance can makeit affordable.” For more information on pro- tecting your pets, call 800-USAPETS (800-872-7387) or visit the Veterinary Pet Insurance Website at petinsurance.com.
