Oncology for Veterinary Technicians and Nurses (eBook)

Antony S. Moore, BVSc, MVSc, Diplomate ACVIM (Oncology), is co-director of Veterinary Oncology Consultants, Australia, and an Adjunct Professor on the Faculty of Veterinary Science at the University of Sydney, Australia. Angela E. Frimberger, VMD, Diplomate ACVIM (Oncology), is co-director of Veterinary Oncology Consultants, Australia, and an Adjunct Senior Lecturer on the Faculty of Veterinary Science at the University of Sydney, Australia.

Contributors viii

Acknowledgments ix

Introduction x

Section Summary xi

Section 1. Basics of Oncology 3

1. Introduction to Clinical Veterinary Oncology 5

2. Causes of Cancer in Pets 9

Section 2. Approaching the Cancer Patient 13

3. Diagnosis of Cancer 15

4. Staging of Cancer 25

Section 3. Treatment of Cancer 43

5. General Principles of Veterinary Cancer Treatment 45

6. Surgery in Veterinary Oncology 48

7. Radiation Therapy 57

8. Chemotherapy 67

9 Biotherapy and Photodynamic Therapy 85

10. Complementary and Alternative Medical (CAM) Therapies 90

Section 4. Supportive Care of Patients 95

11. Comfort, Pain Management, and Physical Rehabilitation 97
Patricia Suomala

12. Gastrointestinal and Nutritional Support 113
Patricia Suomala

13. Hematologic Support 123

14. Euthanasia and End-of-Life Patient Care 129

Section 5. Support for Pet Owners and Caregivers 133

15. Supporting the Patient's Human Family 135
Nicole Edwards

16. What About the Nurse's Emotional Experience? 148
Nicole Edwards

Section 6. Oncologic Emergencies 155

17. Hematologic Emergencies 157
Lee Garrod

18. Febrile Neutropenia 170
Lee Garrod

19. Metabolic Emergencies 175
Lee Garrod

20. Anaphylaxis 195
Lee Garrod

21. Extravasation Injury 202
Lee Garrod

22. Urological Emergencies 208
Lee Garrod

23. Bone Emergencies 217
Lee Garrod

24. Pericardial Effusion and Cardiac Tamponade 222
Lee Garrod

Section 7. Common Cancers in Veterinary Patients 227

25. Lymphoma in Dogs 229

26. Lymphoma in Cats 236

27. Mast Cell Tumor in Dogs 240

28. Soft Tissue Sarcomas in Dogs and Cats 244

29. Splenic Hemangiosarcoma in Dogs 248

30. Osteosarcoma in Dogs 252

31. Oral Melanoma in Dogs 256

32. Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Cats 260

33. Mammary Carcinoma in Dogs 264

34. Mammary Carcinoma in Cats 269

35. Transitional Cell Carcinoma in Dogs 273

36. Pulmonary Carcinoma in Dogs 277

37. Chronic Lymphoid Leukemia in Dogs 281

Section 8. Appendices 285

1. BSA Conversion Charts 287

2. Analgesics 290

3. Antiemetics, Gastroprotectants, and Appetite Stimulants 292

4. Antibiotics 294

5. Glossary of Cancer Terms 296

6. Chemotherapy Drug Information: Quick Reference 301

Index 306

"A comprehensive and unique resource for veterinary
technicians, nurses, students, and assistants who care for dogs and
cats with cancer. The book is aimed primarily at technicians in
specialty practices; however, it will be useful to all nursing
staff who care for pets with cancer. The treatment section is
a great guide for anyone administering or caring for patients
receiving radiotherapy or chemotherapy. The real strength of the
book is in the coverage of supportive care... and the emphasis on
the importance of quality of life. Finally, summaries of common
cancers in dogs and cats, as well as appendices for quick reference
on commonly used drugs, ensure that this book will be an often-used
reference for technicians who care for pets with cancer."
(JAVMA, June 2010)