It seems likely that although a cancer can actually start in a single cell, there must be multiple faults in the DNA cell if it is not to be caught by one of the safety mechanisms. A cell that has become cancerous enters a phase of rapid, uncontrolled reproduction which is essentially caused by the genes within that cell producing an imbalance in the proteins needed to regulate the cell life cycle. There is the internal cell production of stimulatory proteins. Some of these can leave such a damaged cell and can affect receptor sites on adjacent cells. Once this happens there is a pathway for the genetic error to be passed from one cell to another.

:How does cancer spread???


Sevice for pet

The Cancer Treatment Unit for companion animals ( CTU) was opened by the Lord Mayor of Canterbury in August 1992 as a small unit attached to a primary care veterinary practice. The aim of the CTU is stated as being that of "relieving suffering and improving care for the cancer patient."

1. Case Assessment Reports
The compilation of Case Assessment reports for primary care practices. Essentially veterinary practices send the CTU the case notes on a particular patient together with laboratory reports and we assemble a report - usually within 48 hours - giving a description of the work completed, a summary of how we see the disease process and where appropriate treatment options and if possible some idea of the prognosis. These reports are designed to be read by the client and the presenting veterinary surgeon and are aimed at being a discussion document for the management of the case. In the first 9 years we have completed nearly 1500 case assessment reports for veterinary practices. Each report is looked at individually and usually takes between 1 and 2 hours to assemble. Clearly much of the information is retrieved from data bases but each is tailored for the particular patient in question.

2. Referral Consultations
We are frequently asked by primary care practices once we have completed a Case Assessment Report, to see the patient and to discuss the case with the client. There are often questions that clients want to ask and the experience that we have in dealing with the cancer patient is helpful. We always work with the presenting veterinary practice and try to involve the client and the presenting veterinary surgeon in the management of the case by keeping both informed at all times. Clients frequently find it easier talking to a veterinary oncologist rather than their own primary care veterinary surgeon and there are times when the presenting veterinary surgeon finds the involvement of a colleague can take some of the pressure off a particular case. He/she can be confident of the support that we always give to the presenting veterinary surgeon as well as the client.