This refreshing 1st edition approaches the practice of veterinary oncology in geriatric patients with respect to communication, ethics, and philosophy. This is not a “how-to” book; it is written to assist clinicians in decision-making for their patients and in tackling this emotional and often difficult area of veterinary medicine. Interspersed throughout the text are short clinical vignettes of patients Noodles, Scrappy, Sunshine, and many others relayed from a compassionate standpoint. For detailed instruction on clinical management of small animal oncology cases, the authors refer readers to an extensive list of previously published general oncology reference texts and Web sites for more in-depth information on specific tumor types in dogs and cats.
The book is laid out in a 3 main sections. Part 1 addresses basic oncology principles; carcinogenesis, tumor suppressor genes, apoptosis, the impact of aging on cancer causation, awareness, risk factors, and the metastatic cascade. This section displays a helpful chart on common terminology and abbreviations for basic cancer types based on tissue of origin. The authors expand on the cancer terminology and conclude with a review of therapeutic modalities. An interesting comparative aging chart for cats and dogs is included in Chapter 1. A highlight of this section is a chart of frequently encountered treatment modalities with reference to adjuvant and specialized therapy. Recommendations for the specific needs and concerns of geriatric patients, in particular with respect to the human animal bond are also included.
Part 2 addresses warning signs of cancer by body system and tumor type. Several excellent photographs of common clinical presentations are provided in this section. Basic cancer types and their biological behavior are described, followed by recommendations on generating an accurate diagnosis. A comprehensive discussion of available diagnostic tests utilizing clinical pathology, histopathology, and diagnostic imaging is included as well as how they translate to staging for cancer patients. The TNM (Tumor, Node, Metastasis) staging schematic is presented in this section.
Part 3 is the largest section, and provides a detailed account of treatment modalities for geriatric cancer patients, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Pain control for cancer patients, is covered in this section and the authors do an excellent job of illustrating the WHO pain ladder, types of pain in cancer patients, and in providing practical tips on the clinical management of pain in veterinary patients. The last part of this section addresses decision-making in patients with recurrent cancer, recommendations for terminal patients, euthanasia, and considerations for care after death.
The appendices provide specific tumor protocols, handouts for clients, and body lesion maps.
Overall, this book is an enjoyable, easy read for veterinary students, staff, and clinicians that is user friendly and informative.