Cancer is the leading cause of death in older dogs and cats, and pain management is critical to maintaining quality of life.
Cancer causes pain through multiple mechanisms — direct tissue invasion, inflammation and nerve compression. Undertreated cancer pain significantly reduces quality of life in affected animals. Advances in veterinary pain management have dramatically improved the ability to maintain comfort in cancer patients. Recognizing when quality of life has declined irreversibly and making timely euthanasia decisions is also an essential component of cancer welfare.