Oncology for Veterinary Technicians and Nurses is a straightforward educational resource that imparts a basic understanding of practical oncology therapy from the technician perspective thorough coverage of diagnosis and staging, radiation therapy and chemotherapy, pain management, GI support, most cancer types, analgesics, antiemetics, appetite stimulants, and antibiotics. This newly revised and updated Second Edition covers the many advances in veterinary medicine and oncology since the original edition was published in 2009.

Readers will find detailed information on oncological emergencies, including hematologic, metabolic, urological, and bone emergencies, as well as common cancers in veterinary patients, including lymphoma and mammary carcinoma in both cats and dogs, along with a number of canine-centric cancers.

The book includes nearly 400 images and figures to elucidate key concepts. A series of helpful appendices assists readers in the practical application of concepts discussed throughout the book.

With content presented in a logical order, Oncology for Veterinary Technicians and Nurses includes information on:

Oncology for Veterinary Technicians and Nurses is an essential reference on the subject for veterinary nurses and technicians seeking the information they need to properly and safely perform cancer treatments, especially those undergoing diploma, certificate, and bachelor’s degrees in Australia, New Zealand, UK, and USA in particular.

List of Contributors ix

Introduction xi

Acknowledgments xiii

Section Summary xv

About the Companion Website xvii

 

1 Introduction to Clinical Veterinary Oncology 3

2 Causes of Cancer in Pets 7

 

3 Diagnosis of Cancer 15

4 Staging of Cancer 29

 

5 General Principles of Veterinary Cancer Treatment 51

6 Surgery in Veterinary Oncology 55

7 Radiation Therapy 65

8 Chemotherapy 79

9 Receptor Inhibitors and Small Molecule Inhibitors 95

10 Immunotherapy 97

11 Intralesional Therapies 99

12 Electrochemotherapy 101

13 Biotherapy and Photodynamic Therapy 103

14 Complementary and Alternative Medical Therapies 107

 

15 Comfort, Pain Management, and Physical Rehabilitation 113

16 Gastrointestinal and Nutritional Support 129

17 Hematologic Support 139

18 Euthanasia and End-of-life Patient Care 145

 

19 Supporting the Patient’s Human Family 151
Nicole Edwards

20 What About the Nurse’s Emotional Experience? 163
Nicole Edwards

 

21 Hematologic Emergencies 171
Lee Garrod

22 Febrile Neutropenia 183
Lee Garrod

23 Metabolic Emergencies 189
Lee Garrod

24 Anaphylaxis 209
Lee Garrod

25 Extravasation Injury 217
Lee Garrod

26 Urological Emergencies 225
Lee Garrod

27 Bone Emergencies 233
Lee Garrod

28 Pericardial Effusion and Cardiac Tamponade 239
Lee Garrod

 

29 Lymphoma in Dogs 247

30 Lymphoma in Cats 255

31 Mast Cell Tumor in Dogs 261

32 Soft Tissue Sarcomas in Dogs and Cats 267

33 Splenic Hemangiosarcoma in Dogs 273

34 Osteosarcoma in Dogs 277

35 Oral Melanoma in Dogs 283

36 Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Cats 287

37 Histiocytic Sarcoma in Dogs 291

38 Mammary Carcinoma in Dogs 295

39 Mammary Carcinoma in Cats 301

40 Urothelial Carcinoma in Dogs 305

41 Pulmonary Carcinoma in Dogs 311

42 Chronic Lymphoid Leukemia in Dogs 317

43 Thyroid Carcinoma in Dogs 321

 

Appendix 1 BSA Conversion Charts 327

Appendix 2 Analgesics 329

Appendix 3 Antiemetics, Gastroprotectants, and Appetite Stimulants 331

Appendix 4 Antibiotics 333

Appendix 5 Glossary of Cancer Terms 335

Appendix 6 Chemotherapy Drug Information: Quick Reference 341

 

Index 347