FidoCure^® Veterinary Team Blog

At FidoCure, we're committed to transforming cancer care for dogs through precision medicine. Our journey began with a mission to address a critical gap in canine cancer research and treatment. Prior to 2019, the field of canine cancer genomics lagged significantly behind its human counterpart. With only 2,000 canine tumor samples sequenced worldwide (compared to 20,000 human samples), the potential for precision medicine in veterinary oncology remained largely untapped.

As National Veterinary Technician Week (October 13-19) approaches, FidoCure is proud to celebrate the vital role vet techs play in supporting pets and their families in the fight against cancer.

Soft tissue sarcomas are one of the most common cancers affecting our canine companions. These tumors develop from a variety of soft tissue cells throughout the body, forming masses that pet owners often discover while petting their dogs. Soft tissue sarcomas can appear anywhere on the body but are frequently found on the limbs, trunk, head, and neck. This broad category of tumors includes various subtypes, each originating from different cell types such as muscle, fat, or nerve tissue.

At FidoCure, we're pioneering a revolutionary approach to treating canine cancer by bringing the power of precision medicine from human oncology to veterinary care. If your beloved dog has been diagnosed with cancer, you may have been told that the treatment options are limited. However, thanks to groundbreaking research and innovative technologies, there's new hope in the form of precision cancer drugs originally developed for humans.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer in dogs. It can present as a single mass, multiple nodules, or diffuse spread throughout the liver, which increases the risk of metastasis. The main treatment options are surgical removal, metronomic chemotherapy, and/or Palladia. The prognosis is generally good for the single, massive form after surgery, but consulting a veterinary oncologist is recommended for all cases.

When our beloved pets are diagnosed with cancer, it can be an emotionally and financially challenging time. As veterinary oncology advances, new and innovative cancer treatments are becoming available for our furry family members. However, these cutting-edge therapies can come with a significant price tag.

Nasal adenocarcinomas are relatively uncommon but represent nearly two-thirds of nasal tumors in dogs, which are locally invasive and have a higher risk of metastasis in later stages. Radiation therapy is the primary treatment to slow tumor growth, with patients living around one year on average. Newer approaches like metronomic chemotherapy and precision medicines targeting mutations show promise in delaying progression and metastasis. 

Pulmonary adenocarcinoma is a common and aggressive form of lung cancer in dogs, accounting for nearly 80% of canine lung neoplasia cases. The primary treatment is surgical tumor removal, sometimes combined with chemotherapy or radiation therapy for inoperable cases. Prognosis depends on tumor size and grade, ranging from over 16 months for small, low-grade tumors to only 3 months for high-grade, metastatic cancers despite treatment. 

Happy National Dog Day from all of us at FidoCure! Today, we celebrate the joy, companionship, and unconditional love that dogs bring into our lives. At FidoCure, our mission is to ensure that these beloved companions live longer, happier, and healthier lives, even when faced with the challenge of cancer.