What is the primary role of palliative care in veterinary oncology?

The primary role of palliative care in veterinary oncology is to alleviate symptoms and enhance the quality of life for animals diagnosed with cancer. Palliative care focuses on providing relief from pain and other distressing symptoms rather than attempting to cure the disease. It is an approach that prioritizes the comfort and well-being of the animal, ensuring they live as comfortably and fully as possible throughout their illness.

This involves managing pain through medications, addressing nausea, controlling other symptoms, and offering emotional support to both the animal and its owners. Techniques such as modifying the environment to reduce stress, ensuring proper hydration, and employing appropriate medications are all part of this comprehensive approach.

While surgical interventions and nutritional support can be components of an overall treatment plan, they do not encapsulate the essence of palliative care. The goal is not curative but rather to support the animal in living as comfortably as possible during their illness, making symptom management and quality of life the central tenets of palliative care in veterinary oncology.