In this episode Dr. Natalie Marks speaks on the latest science and strategies surrounding improved quality of life for canine and feline cancer patients. Discussion includes ways to more effectively assess and address indicators impacting both the physical and emotional health of dogs and cats diagnosed with cancer and those in remission. Aspects of pharmaceutical treatment covered include pain management, preserving appetite, anxiolytic options and steps for easier pilling, including options for compounding medications. Environmental needs are also discussed, including modifications to how pets are fed and groomed as well as changes to household setup to allow for more optimal and lower stress living. Dr. Marks also discusses ways to compassionately and more effectively have those challenging conversations with guardians surrounding their pet’s diagnosis and treatment plan, with the overall goal being to preserve the human-animal bond as much as possible.

This episode is brought to you by our friends at Dechra.

Dechra tool for measuring quality of life is available here- https://dechra-us.com/Files/Files/SupportMaterialDownloads/US/14QZ-DEC22080-0322_Quality-of-Life-Score-Card-FINAL-2.pdf

More on Dr. Natalie Marks:
Natalie L. Marks, DVM, CVJ, CCFP, FFCP-Elite.
Dr. Natalie Marks obtained her bachelor's degree with High Honors in Animal Science from the University of Illinois in 1998. Then, she received a master’s in veterinary medicine and a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine degree with High Honors from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. She became a Certified Veterinary Journalist in 2018.

She began practicing in Chicago as a veterinarian at Blum Animal Hospital in 2006, was co-owner until 2018, and continued to practice until 2023. Before 2006, Dr. Marks worked at Allatoona Animal Hospital just north of Atlanta, GA.

Dr. Marks finds the ideal combination of teaching/mentoring and improving the emotional health of pets in the Fear Free movement. She sat on the Fear Free Executive Council and is a national educator helping other private practitioners develop these techniques. She also led her practice to become the 7th nationally and first in Illinois to become a Fear Free Certified Hospital. She is an Elite Fear Free Certified Professional.

Important Safety Information:
For use in dogs only. Laverdia®-CA1 (verdinexor tablets) is conditionally approved for the treatment of lymphoma in dogs. NOT FOR USE IN HUMANS. KEEP THIS AND ALL MEDICATIONS OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN. CHILDREN SHOULD NOT COME INTO CONTACT WITH LAVERDIA-CA1. Pregnant women, women who may become pregnant, nursing women and children should not handle or administer Laverdia-CA1 or come into contact with the feces, urine, saliva, or vomit of treated dogs for 3 days following treatment. Laverdia-CA1 can affect male fertility based on animal studies and studies in humans. Wear protective disposable chemotherapy resistant gloves when handling Laverdia-CA1 to avoid direct exposure to moistened, broken or crushed tablets or biological waste from the treated dog (feces, urine, saliva, or vomit). Do not use in dogs that are pregnant, lactating or intended for breeding. Laverdia-CA1 is a possible teratogen and can affect female and male fertility. Dogs should be frequently monitored for hematologic and serum chemistry abnormalities. The most commonly reported adverse reactions in dogs include anorexia, weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, polyuria, polydipsia, elevated liver enzymes and thrombocytopenia. Please see package insert for full prescribing information- https://dechra-us.com//Files/Files/ProductDownloads/US/Laverdia-CA1-US-Marketing-Insert-85-x-11-1-2.pdf