Animals 6 years or older are most often affected. Other common types of cancer seen and treated at UF include oral, skin and bone tumors. Advancements in cancer treatment parallel those made in human medicine, as we treat companion animals similarly. Horses and ferrets, as well as dogs and cats, receive chemotherapy at UF, Fox said. Because chemotherapy in animals differs in key respects from that used in humans, the treatment is commonly misunderstood, veterinarians say.
Chemotherapy is really best for treating cancers that are very small.
Large tumors are treated most effectively with surgery or radiation therapy. Currently, UF's animal oncology practice is limited to surgery to remove cancerous growths and chemotherapy to treat lymphomas and metabolic disease. While there are other chemotherapy clinics throughout the state, particularly in South Florida, UF's clinic is unique in part because of a Pets With Cancer support group consisting of new and longtime clients who have bonded over time. The group celebrates important dates, including holidays, birthdays and treatment anniversaries. Approximately 10 clients can be found at UF's chemotherapy clinic with their animals on any given Friday.