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A new hope in the war against dog cancer

Posted: Friday, October 16, 2009 2:15 PM by Sarika Dani
Filed Under:

From TODAY correspondent Jill Rappaport

The sickening truth is that cancer can affect anyone, and our beloved pets are sadly no exception. But this summer Palladia arrived, making it the first approved cancer drug for dogs, aimed at those afflicted with mast cell cancer. This is incredible news, and it could be a blessing for so many animals all over the world. 

With this FDA-approved drug that kills tumor cells and cuts off blood supply to the tumors, dogs may have a better chance of surviving the disease. "It's very non-invasive," said Ann Hohenhaus, staff oncologist at the Animal Medical Center in New York City. "The oral nature of the drug makes it very appealing to drug owners."

When I went to the Animal Medical Center, I met with dogs afflicted with this disease and their owners. Knowing this drug is now available is helping so many owners breathe a sigh of relief, and so far it looks like the results have proven to be quite positive in several dogs. But only time will tell if this very important drug can really extend the lives of our "fur angels."

As a major animal lover and owner of four dogs, I am just so elated that so many advances are  being made in veterinary medicine that can hopefully give our pets more precious years -- which they so deserve, and we as their owners desperately need.

Click here for more on the Animal Medical Center in New York City.

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Comments

they have the technology.... Do YOU have the money ?

katchaya Fall Rivah Ma (Sent Thursday, September 10, 2009 5:43 PM)

Hey Jill, as a dog lover myself I admire the work you do on behalf of these great animals.

Pierre (Sent Saturday, September 19, 2009 11:26 PM)

I lost a cat to feline leukemia, so I know how hard it can be to loose a pet to a tragic illness

Renee, Virginia (Sent Saturday, October 17, 2009 10:57 PM)

Hi,I have two dogs and one wonderful cat.  We cat lovers would love it is some of your air time would be on the feline world.  Thanks

Diane Edwards, Roswell, Ga (Sent Monday, October 19, 2009 9:08 AM)

This was very soothing to me as my dog has mast cell tumor and even though they say that they removed it all with surgery, it is possible to reoccur. It is good to know should this happen we have options!

Debbie, Marion, IN (Sent Monday, October 19, 2009 9:09 AM)

I own 3 dogs, love them with all my heart. I was also diagnosed with 6 brain tumors 2 weeks ago and wonder how much was spent on surgery and treatment for a 10 year old dog, to give him a few more good years. That money could be spent to adopt a few stray dogs and donate the remainder to HUMAN cancer research. Our culture has terrible priorities and that is why the rest of the world dislikes us. Not our freedom, our stupidity in spending small fortunes on animals while people are sick and dying. Can we not concentrate on the human condition and delay animal cancer research until we figure out how to feed and heal humans. On a side note, I'm sick of all the breast cancer awareness, when do I get to buy Brain Cancer Cheerios? What color cleats do the NFL wear that weekend?

Joseph doyle, Atlanta GA (Sent Monday, October 19, 2009 9:16 AM)

My minature dachsund died after starting Palladia for mast cell tumor. Tumor responded to treatment but she died of severe GI bleeding. I think more study should be performed.

Geralyn Chiasson,Thibodaux,Louisiana (Sent Monday, October 19, 2009 10:02 AM)

My dog who was diaganoised with melanoma cancer of the throat at the young age of 11.(he is a chow, I hear it is common in this breed) Had the cancer removed then started a 4 shot round with a drug that boosts the immune system. It is a needleless injection. No need for pills everyday.He was rechecked after almost a year after his last treatment and is cancer free.  He had his 13th birthday in July.

Darla Kleinhoffer Highland, IL (Sent Monday, October 19, 2009 10:08 AM)

Thank you, thank you. God bless all involved in this miracle.   Prayers for continued successes.

Teresa ~ Nashville, TN (Sent Monday, October 19, 2009 10:13 AM)

Thank you for your report. My golden, Abbey had a Stage 2 Mast Cell tumor 3 yrs. ago. She was treated at AMC in NYC. It's good to hear that progress is being made in dealing with this disease, and although it may still need development - it's good news.
PS - Abbey is now a happy, healthy 8yr old who runs around Central Park like a puppy!

Wendy, New York, NY (Sent Monday, October 19, 2009 10:46 AM)

We lost our Jack, a Golden Retriever, on November 24, 2008.  He died of lymphoma 4 days before his 7th birthday.  Obviously, we were and still are devestated.  We chose to have him treated by a holistic vet, who treated him with ozone treatments.  He died 4 mos to the day of his diagnosis.  But we feel his quality of life in those four months was tremendous vs chosing the chemo route. I hope and pray this new drug, Palladia, will actually save the lives of our beloved furry friends.  They truly are a part of the family.  A day doesn't go by that we don't miss our Jack ~ he was an absolute best friend!

Amy ~ Hegins, PA (Sent Monday, October 19, 2009 11:10 AM)

I just had to have our precious cat, Allie, put to sleep two days ago because of cancer. She was diagnosed with nasal lymphoma in July and despite all efforts and daily oral medications (which she hated) we could not save her.  Allie was only 4 yrs. old and the pain of losing her is terrible. We lost a golden retriever to cancer in the past also. I hope this drug ends up being affordable for the general public and leads to something for cats who have cancer.

Judy Johnson, Conover, WI (Sent Monday, October 19, 2009 11:17 AM)

I'm glad to learn they have come up with a new medicine for mastcell tumors.  I've had two golden retrievers and the first had a mastcell tumor and my current dog was diagnosed withlymphoma in August.  I spent thousands on my first dog and she lived two more good years (to 11).  I got pet insurance on this one with cancer coverage and am very glad.  It is paying 90% of the costs of treatment.  I highly recommend it.  She's doing very well so far.  

Janet Ortega, Seattle, WA (Sent Monday, October 19, 2009 1:12 PM)



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