Dear Sir,
I am writing in response to the Student Paper on chemotherapy treatment options (Can Vet J 2002;43: 709–711). The article describes a 12-year-old keeshond diagnosed with lymphoma. In particular, I take issue with the statement that “due to the age of the dog, chemotherapy was not an option.” Too often, I have heard members of the veterinary community voice the opinion that treatment, regardless of the disease at hand, is not an option simply because of the advanced age of the patient. I fear that statements such as that made by Dr. Martineau may lend justification to such opinion, especially in the context of a professional, scientific journal. It is one thing if owners feel that the dog is “too old” and elect not to treat, despite the veterinarian trying to educate them to the contrary. It is quite another if we, as veterinarians, approach the case with the decision already made in our minds. If treatment was, in fact, offered and declined by the owner of the dog in this case, then I believe that needs to be clarified. If not, I am particularly troubled by this statement being made by someone so new to the profession.
Speaking from first-hand experience, I treated my own 12-year-old Doberman pinscher for lymphoma with a relatively easily administered protocol of cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone. Despite his “advanced age,” he enjoyed 13 more months of excellent quality life.
I feel it is our duty as animal health care professionals to ensure that we always offer the very best care to all our patients and strive to make a difference for every individual. If we are incapable of providing the required care ourselves, then we must be willing to swallow our pride and refer the case to someone who can.
Footnotes
Letters to the Editor on topics of general veterinary interest are solicited, and ongoing debate on controversial topics is encouraged through this feature. Also welcomed are letters which challenge, support, or add to articles appearing in the CVJ in the previous two months. Authors will be allowed one month for reply, so that their reply may appear with the relevant letter in the same issue, usually within two months of receipt. Letters must be signed by all authors, should not exceed 500 words (two double-spaced typewritten pages), and may be abridged and edited as necessary. Financial associations or other possible conflicts of interest should always be disclosed.