Hello,

There are several different types of round cell carcinomas. They are named for the shape of the cancer cells. They are malignant. Some types respond better to treatment than others. Usually the carcinoma is removed surgically, followed by radiation. The prognosis depends on the grade of the tumor, and exactly what type it is. You can read more about the types, grading, and treatment at this site:

http://www.vet.uga.edu/vpp/CLERK/Nesbit/

If you haven't already seen a veterinary cancer specialist, that would be the best thing to do. It will give your dog is best chance of recovery. Oncologists are usually on staff at veterinary teaching hospitals. Here is a directory of them:

http://www.jugglingcats.com/vet_teaching_hospitals/veterinary_teaching_hospitals.htm

If it's something you're interested in, I also have information on alternative therapies and the effect of diet on cancer. I would view these only as supplemental to conventional treatment, not as replacements. Just let me know if you'd like this information. There's no additional charge. The same is true if you have additional questions, or would like some other type of information. Just click on REPLY. I'll be hoping for the best possible outcome for your dog.

Anna

Using both surgery and radiation usually increase the chances of recovery, but every case is different, so I recommend talking to the oncologist about that. Local vets typically don't have the equipment for radiation, so they don't recommend it.

Whole books have been written about alternative cancer treatments for dogs, so I'll give you a summary and some sites for further information. Both conventional and holistic treatments seldom offer a complete cure (though it isn't unheard of), but instead slow the cancer's progress. Integrative treatment involves the best of both conventional and alternative. Dr Roger Clemmons, DVM, at the University of Florida is a leading expert on integrative veterinary medicine. I would recommend that you read his article, which includes recommendations for vitamins, herbs, and other supplements. It will give you much of the information you are seeking. You can read it here:

http://neuro.vetmed.ufl.edu/neuro/AltMed/Cancer/Cancer_AltMed.htm

Most holistic practitioners recommend avoiding chemicals, such as the antibiotics, pesticides, and hormones found in meats and produce. Filtered water and organic foods are suggested. You can buy organic dog foods. It's also good to feed a diet higher in fat and lower in carbohydrates to dogs with cancer. Cancer cells are nourished by carbohydrates. Science Diet makes a food for dogs with cancer - you would have to obtain it through your vet.

The Whole Dog Journal is one of the most respected holistic care magazines. They ran a series on cancer in the Dec. 2005, Jan. 2006, and Feb. 2006 issues. You can buy back articles, but unfortunately they are $10 each. If you are interested, here's their site:

http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/illness/xref.html

The information on the following site is provided by Mary Straus, a respected writer for The Whole Dog Journal. It’s on diet for dogs with cancer, and is based on research done at Colorado State University.

http://www.dogaware.com/specific.html#cancer


I'll find information on Florida oncologists for you, and post that information shortly. I'll also check on the genetic aspects of this type of cancer. Thank you for your patience.

Anna

Anna