Book Review: Dog Cancer Survival Guide

Guest Post by Blog Manager Robbi Hess

The Dog Cancer Survival Guide by Dr. Demian Dressler, DVM and Dr. Susan Ettinger, DVM, dip. ACVIM (ongology) was provided to me to review and it was certainly not light reading -- in either material contained within or in sheer heft. It was, however, a comprehensive guide on not only what to do to help your dog -- and your family -- cope with this devestating diagnosis. 

The book is divided into five sections: 

1. My Dog Has Cancer, Now What?
2. What You Shoudl Know About Dog Cancer
3. Full Spectrum Cancer Care
4. Making Confident Choices
5. From The Oncologist 

I imagine that hearing that your four legged family member is as earth-shattering as hearing that one of your two legged family members has been diagnosed with cancer. With a two-legged family member though, he or she, can be made to understand what is going on and what will happen. With your four-legged family member, it can be an experience that is frightening beyond his comprehension. 

Prior to reading this book I had no idea that cancer was the number one killer of dogs, in fact, I hadn't heard of cancer in dogs untl my good friend Joanne Brokaw, was coping with it in her beloved dog, Scout. 

The book is written in a readable, "Idiot's" style guide with sidebars that break down the concepts for the reader. Pet owners who receive this diagnosis for their beloved pet will likely receive a measure of comfort from the information in this book and the straightforward way in which it is presented. 

While this book by is by no means a substitute for working with your own vet -- as the authors point out -- it is a fantastic resource for any family dealing with cancer in their dog. 

Comments

[Amy Palmer]

Looks like a book I could have used a few years ago when my Oscar was diagnosed with cancer. I was stunned at the diagnosis and everything happened so fast I could barely comprehend it. I still feel guilty, wondering if we could have done more to save him. My heart was broken so badly I haven't had another dog since. I'll definitely invest in the book before I take the plunge with a new dog in the future!

[Dog Waste Removal]

I have dogs and my dogs are healthy and fit. But still I want read Dog Cancer Survival Guide, for my dogs good health.