Category: Oncology

caring for an aging pet

Caring For An Aging Pet

Posted on by Laurence Braun Categorized Case reports, ER + Critical Care, Internal Medicine, Oncology

I have learned a lot from my geriatric animal patients over the years. I’ve had that in my back pocket, and so when it came to looking after my own geriatric girl, Mini, I had the good fortune of having shared experience and knowledge from others in a similar situation of caring for an aging pet.

A first-hand perspective

While I was in the thick of caring for Mini I wanted to share the delights but also the reality of dealing with an aging and sick dog, but I somehow couldn’t do it.  Maybe I felt it would jinx how well she was doing; then, in the last few months when her care was fairly constant (I did not leave her more than 4 hours without someone checking in on her) the worry that I was not making the right decisions for her was almost overwhelming.  After I lost her, … Continue reading

Mini Unleashed

When The Vet’s Dog Has Cancer – Part 2

Posted on by Laurence Braun Categorized Case reports, Oncology

By Dr. Laurence Braun, ER + Critical Care Specialist

[Editor’s Note: Earlier this year, Canada West Veterinary Specialists’ Dr. Laurence Braun experienced first-hand the range of emotions and considerations that our clients encounter as pet-owners of an animal in need of advanced care when her own dog was diagnosed with a fast-growing form of cancer.  

In part one of this two-part blog series, Dr. Braun discussed the discovery, diagnosis and decision-making process that ultimately led her to have her dog sent to New York for an advanced technology treatment known as “cyberknife” radiation that is currently available at only four facilities in North America. 

In this concluding post, Dr. Braun recounts her dog’s New York experience, current status, and future prognosis as well as Dr. Braun’s thoughts as a pet-owner on how to address a serious pet illness if it should arise in your own life.]

Mini Goes To

… Continue reading

When The Vet’s Dog Has Cancer – Part 1

Posted on by Laurence Braun Categorized Case reports, Oncology

By Dr. Laurence Braun, ER + Critical Care Specialist

[Editor’s Note: Earlier this year, Canada West Veterinary Specialists’ Dr. Laurence Braun experienced first-hand the range of emotions and considerations that our clients encounter as pet-owners of an animal in need of advanced care when her own dog was diagnosed with a fast-growing form of cancer.  

In this first of a two-part blog series, Dr. Braun discusses the discovery, diagnosis and decision-making process that ultimately led her to have her dog sent to New York for an advanced technology treatment known as “cyberknife” radiation that is currently available at only four facilities in North America.] 

The Discovery

This is how fast it can happen. On a mild January day, Mini – my 12 -year old miniature pinscher (or “Min Pin”) – was running around the house like crazy.   Life with a toddler is busy, and I told Mini that I was … Continue reading