Cancer is the leading cause of death in dogs over age 10. Quality of life management through palliative and supportive care can extend comfortable living and inform end-of-life timing.
Cancer welfare management requires both medical skill and honest quality of life assessment. For some dogs, curative treatment including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation provides extended good-quality life. For others, particularly elderly dogs with advanced disease, palliative care focused on comfort and quality of life is the most welfare-appropriate approach. The welfare challenge is honest assessment of the individual dog's experience rather than extending life regardless of quality. Regular quality of life monitoring using validated tools, combined with willingness to adjust treatment goals when welfare declines, provides the best welfare framework for companion animals with cancer.