Staging is one of the most important components of oncology case management. It involves determining the extent of local disease along with the presence or absence of regional or distant metastasis. The results of staging are used to give more accurate and informed treatment options along with prognostic information for each oncology patient. Some of the biggest challenges in staging is to consider how much staging is required for each case, which are the most appropriate tests, and if the results of these tests will impact treatment options and prognosis. I will discuss this information in a case-based and evidence-based approach, focusing on some of the more common cancers including canine mast cell tumours, lymphoma, oral tumours and apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinomas.

Canine and feline lymphoma is a relatively common disease but there are some areas where potential complications arise. This webinar will concentrate on the diagnostic tests that can be utilised for this disease and the common treatments, with an emphasis on how the diagnostic tests can influence the treatment and prognosis. In dogs, diagnosis is usually relatively straightforward, but it can be more of a challenge in cats due to the differences in clinical presentation. The standard initial treatment options are well described, but how they need to be modified dependent on concurrent illnesses, diagnostic test findings and owner constraints can be more complicated. My approach to these issues will be described including how they might impact the patient outcome, as well as alternatives. The monitoring of the patients and an overview of the management of complications of the disease and treatment is to be covered. The webinar will conclude with rescue options. Lymphoma can be a rewarding disease to treat, but can be very challenging at times.

Cancer frequently affects our veterinary patients and in recent years chemotherapy has become more commonly utilised treatment. General practices are increasingly prescribing and administering chemotherapy drugs. Chemotherapy drugs are toxic to cells (cytotoxic) interfering with the normal cell life cycle which results in cell death. Cancer cells are targeted by these drugs however they are not specific for cancer cells and healthy tissue can be affected. Chemotherapy drugs are also carcinogenic, mutagenic, teratogenic and abortifacient. It is important that these drugs are handled safely. Personnel handling of chemotherapeutic drugs have been found to have increased risks of infertility, early pregnancy loss or urinary excretion of these drugs. This webinar will discuss the safety precautions necessary for handling chemotherapy agents and will focus on the recent consensus guidelines produced by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) in January 2018 to raise awareness of risks and how we can reduce the exposure within clinics. If time permits, common side effects (neutropaenia, thorombocytopaenia and gastrointestinal side effects) caused by chemotherapy will be explained as well as precautions for handling such patients.