New treatment for Dogs with Melanoma
Dr. Demian Dressler is internationally recognized as “the dog cancer vet” because of his innovations in the field of dog cancer management, and the popularity of his blog here at Dog Cancer Blog. The owner of South Shore Veterinary Care, a full-service veterinary hospital in Maui, Hawaii, Dr. Dressler studied Animal Physiology and received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California at Davis before earning his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University. After practicing at Killewald Animal Hospital in Amherst, New York, he returned to his home state, Hawaii, to practice at the East Honolulu Pet Hospital before heading home to Maui to open his own hospital. Dr. Dressler consults both dog lovers and veterinary professionals, and is sought after as a speaker on topics ranging from the links between lifestyle choices and disease, nutrition and cancer, and animal ethics. His television appearances include “Ask the Vet” segments on local news programs. He is the author of The Dog Cancer Survival Guide: Full Spectrum Treatments to Optimize Your Dog’s Life Quality and Longevity. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association, the American Association of Avian Veterinarians, the National Animal Supplement Council and CORE (Comparative Orthopedic Research Evaluation). He is also an advisory board member for Pacific Primate Sanctuary.
Updated: December 20th, 2018
Chalk up a win for the Animal Medical Center and Memorial Sloan Kettering. These two medical facilities have teamed up with Merial, one of the major companies producing drugs for dogs.
They came up with a winner: a vaccination for dogs that have malignant melanoma, a type of cancer of the skin or mouth.
This is not a vaccine that is used to protect from cancer. The word vaccine is a bit vague, because in common use this is something that is given in order to protect from a disease.
This vaccine is used only after a dog is diagnosed with melanoma.
Melanoma in dogs has different grades (some are more aggressive than others) and different stages (some have spread farther than others).
The usual stats are pretty dismal for the high grade melanomas, especially of the mouth or on the toes. Even with standard conventional care, these have a median survival of 2-4 months at worst, and about 5 months or so at best (remember, not every dog follows these stats).
The nice thing about this melanoma vaccine is that it has been shown to triple survival times. Not too shabby!
The vaccination just got conditional approval by the USDA last May and may be available through an veterinary oncologist near you.
Best to all,
Dr D
Dr. Demian Dressler is internationally recognized as “the dog cancer vet” because of his innovations in the field of dog cancer management, and the popularity of his blog here at Dog Cancer Blog. The owner of South Shore Veterinary Care, a full-service veterinary hospital in Maui, Hawaii, Dr. Dressler studied Animal Physiology and received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California at Davis before earning his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University. After practicing at Killewald Animal Hospital in Amherst, New York, he returned to his home state, Hawaii, to practice at the East Honolulu Pet Hospital before heading home to Maui to open his own hospital. Dr. Dressler consults both dog lovers and veterinary professionals, and is sought after as a speaker on topics ranging from the links between lifestyle choices and disease, nutrition and cancer, and animal ethics. His television appearances include “Ask the Vet” segments on local news programs. He is the author of The Dog Cancer Survival Guide: Full Spectrum Treatments to Optimize Your Dog’s Life Quality and Longevity. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association, the American Association of Avian Veterinarians, the National Animal Supplement Council and CORE (Comparative Orthopedic Research Evaluation). He is also an advisory board member for Pacific Primate Sanctuary.
@ Bob Irwin,
Did you ever figure out the answer to your question re: prednisone and the melanoma vaccine? We are facing a similar situation, utilizing the melanoma vaccine to beat back progress of the disease but also needing (been prescribed) to use pred. for a different need. I would appreciate hearing anything that you have learned!
Hi, Dr. Dressler,
my dog Joyee got Amelanotic Melanoma, he had been eating well and we try to give him soft food. but lately I found that his mouth had really bleed a lot, and it made his mouth had really bad smell, I had try to use wet towel and dog dental water to wash his mouth and teeth, do you have any other way that can make him feel better?
thank you,
Lilian
Alex,
I would highly recommend that you contact the University of Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital in Madison Wisconsin. They are one of the top and most well-known Animal Oncology Research Hospitals in the country. I’ve been told that their clinic receives more research grants for cancer, etc., than any other veterinary facility in the country. They’ve been treating my little dog for Oral Melanoma since August 2009. Thus far, the ONCEPT Vaccine along with radiation treatments has worked successfully (see info in my previous postings). She’s well and alive, even though back in August my vet in Chicago only gave her 1 to 3 months to live.
I suggest that you contact Dr. RuthAnne Chun at the University. She along with a Dr. Vail are Professors of Oncology and together run the entire Animal Oncology Department. She’s compassionate and brilliant. The medical faculty at the University of Wisconsin’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital is huge with dozens of doctors and medical school residents from all over the world, possibly even Romania. Universities frequently “Share” their research and treatments with other countries. Therefore, I strongly suggest that first try calling the U of W for information on how and where to get the ONCEPT Vaccine in Romania.
The following website will link you directly to background information on their impressive Oncololy medical staff:
http://uwveterinarycare.wisc.edu/small-animal/cats-and-dogs/oncology/
Again, I highly recommend that you first try contacting Dr. RutheAnn Chun. The phone number at the University of Wisconsin Veterinary Teaching Hospital is 608-263-7600.
Good Luck,
Maria
Dr. Dressler,
Thank you SO much! Better understanding the basis of how the MST numbers are determined has truly helped me emotionally. No one had ever explained or appropriately defined the MST statistics to me. I simply assumed that the MST was calculated via a black & white “Straight Average,” painting a very grim survival time with almost no room for fluctuation and/or hope. Having once been a Math Major in college, I can now at least hope that my little Sadie will fall within the wider range of the “Right Skewed MST Distribution,” and therefore possibly live much longer than the 6 to 9 month MST statistic she was tagged with. She’s a little fighter, and if anyone can do it, she will! I won’t lose sight of reality, but I’ll now at least be able to take a stronger grasp on hope.
FYI – I’ve recently found several new articles on the internet (April – Sept 2010) saying that now with the addition of Oncept Vaccines to local control, the most recent clinical statistics have shown that the survival time for dogs with Stages II and III melanoma has increased to greater than 2.5 years (originally less than 6 mos.). Do you have an opinion on that?
Thanks Again,
Maria
The University of Wisconsin’s vaccine for Oral Melanoma is only $350 per injection which includes everything. There are 4 biweekly shots & a booster shot 6 months thereafter. Also, I received a substantial $ credit towards my bill via my authorization for the hospital to use dog’s melanoma tumor, urine & blood samples, and catscans for further melanoma research in their research labs. I of course said yes, not just to reduced my cost/bill, but mostly because I would like my distressing situation to possibly help them in finding a cure to this fatal cancer. As I previously mentioned, they are wonderful, caring, and top rated physicians.
Correction – My little dachsund has Stage III Oral Melanoma (not Stage II as I previously mentioned). They removed her left jaw with no deformity at all! You can’t even tell that she’s had any surgery. The surgeons at University of Wisconsin are phenomenal. She’s already had her first of four radiation treatments, as well as her first vaccination. So far, she seems normal and happy as a lark, is eating like a little pig (especially McDonalds cheeseburgers) and is chasing squirrels once again. I cherish each and every day that I see her like this, but cry when I realize that it may all suddenly come to an end any day.
Has anybody had a dog with Stage III Oral Melanoma? If so, can you share with me your experience, and give me a realistic idea as to what I can expect with regards to her possible lifespan (5 – 9 months, 1 – 3 years, etc.)?
Thanks,
Maria
I have a 11 & 1/2 yr old boxer Harley. I live in New Orleans, LA. A tumor was discovered way, way back on Harley’s tongue. He has had 2 biopsies, the first of which the pathologist concluded the tumor was liposarcoma. As my vet and a local oncologist found this conclusion questionable, they suggested I go to LSU Veterinary School. They did their own biopsy and concluded it is either a liposarcoma, granular cell tumor or melanoma, or some other soft tissue sarcoma. No grading was provided. The mitotic rate was 4. The tumor is rather large (4 cm.) and cannot be surgically removed unless entire tongue is removed (I don’t want to do that!). We had 2 round of radiation, but to my disappointment upon going to LSU for 3rd round this past Monday 1/3/11, I was told the tumor has grown about 1/2 cm. They expect this will lead to Harley’s breathing being obstructed and at that point suggest euthanizing him. I am continuing prednisone and antibiotics. I feel so helpless as I’ve never gotten a solid answer on what type of cancer this is and furthermore pretty much have been told all alternatives have been exhausted. I’ve read for hours, days and have found so much regarding supplements, vaccines, etc. but question why no vet who I’ve consulted with has mentioned any of this. I am willing to travel wherever I need to if there is help. Any thoughts on whether this vaccine can help Harley? Thank you so much.
Dear Laura,
so sorry for this frustrating situation. The melanoma vaccine has had good successes with melanoma, and if this is on the list, I would consider it if you are at the end of the road with options. The side effects are very minimal and there is good upside.
Have you read the Guide? There is a lot that can be done in the arena, of diet, immune stimulation, Apocaps (click here), other supplements, and more that I use in my patients. It is an easy read.
Best,
Dr D
Hi,
My Cocker spaniel dog Boscar, age ~9 years. He has heart murmur for
about 5 years and has melanoma in his mouth. The melanoma was
detected in Aug.2007. Since then he had surgery, Cancer vaccine,
Chemo and now we are giving just painkiller. I also asked vet to
give some sleep aid (Which he is not started on yet)
Below is the summary of the main events:
Aug 2007 – In a routine exam, vet saw a mass growth in his mouth (remember he did not refer/know it was cancerious) and suggested to
remove the so called mass of tissues. Which was removed(or scrapped off as told by vet) the next day (Also, Vet did not sent the mass to the pathologist) – Cost of the surgery – Approx. $800
Feb.2008 – While giving his arthritis medication, i noticed similar
mass of tissue in the same area. Immidiately called Doctor,got
appointment next day and scheduled surgery 3 days later –
Cost of the surgery – Approx. $800
The second time doctor told us that he did not expect that mass will grow so fast (remember he did not know that it can be cancerious)
and he send that mass to pathologist. 3 days later we were informed that he has melanoma, a kind of cancer. He referred us to oncology
specialist(nearly 25 miles from our home).
Since we saw our neighbours dog had cance and it is alive even after 6 years, we did not think/told it is of aggressive kind.
fEB 2008 – Less than a week after the second surgery, We took Boscar to the oncology speciality vet, there they did some blood work,
x-ray,…etc (COST – approx.$900). Then a surgery was scheduled/then
was done for removng left upper jaw(COST- $3500)
After the (Jaw removal) surgery, Vet suggested to give the Cancer vaccine to increase the survival chance.These cancer vaccine was
given once every 15 days for 2 months (4 shots). The cost of each
vaccine was $450. (Later i saw in the internet, cost of each shot
is 250$).The vaccine was started from march – may(COST= 450*4 = $1800)
Sep 2008 – After our trip from abroad for a month (Boscar was in our home and a friend stayed and took care of him), we took Boscar for a
routine checkup. They did some x-rays, blood work etc.
This time they told us that the cancer has spread to his lungs and that we need to give him chemo. If we give the chemo also, the vet said he would survive less than 6 months.So, the chemo was stated in Sep. (COST of x-rays, blood work,chemo…= $996 )
Oct 2008 : Chemo therapy, blood work. (COST – approx. $550 )
Nov 2008 : Chemo therapy, blood work,x-ray (COST – approx. $900 )
We were told by a rescue worker, from whom we adopted Boscar
that chemo is very painful for the dog to go through and it is not
worth. We heard similar things from my husband’s coworkers also.
That made us to stop the chemo therapy and look into some thing
different and another reason is, because the side effect of chemo
is heart failure, kidney failure etc. Since Boscar had already heart
murmur, i was afraid he might die while receiving chemo.
One article told that they started MSM+ riboxy + curcumin for the
cancer from health food store. We bought those things and started
giving them to Boscar. Since curcumin is concentrated antioxident,
also since Boscar had heart murmur, i was afraid he might get stroke.
So I stopped curcumin and started giving only riboxy +MSM.
Dec. 2008 – Since it was difficult for us to commute 25 miles to vet (for health reasons, i don’t drive in freeway), as my husband had meetings, work pressure and so, we decided to go to a very good fecility around 12 miles from our home. (So that i could drive in the city street). During Dec. we gave boscar pain medication and was doing ok. The monthly vet bill dropped from approx $1000 to $350.
Jan. 2008:
Jan.19th – The Vet is so amazed about Boscar being active, his energy and his weight is constant between 27-30 pounds. He told us, if cancer is progressing, the first thing is, he looses his weight.
Jan.25th – Boscar is becomming weak. I think it might be his heart not cancer. Yesterday, (Jan 27th) i took him to the park couple of
blocks away(temp was 62F).He was ok while going but it was very
difficult for him to walk back to home. He had to take many stops.
He is getting tired and tired. Every time he looks at me I just say “its OK BOscar. Everything will be alright?” I am so scared.
Today he vommitted entire thing.
I DO NOT WANT TO PUT HIM TO SLEEP. Who am I to take his life ? After all, he was with us all these years, taught us to love walking, enjoy
things, got sad when me and my husband fought, was always protective
of me.Never let a stranger come near me.
I Hope Boscar feels OK. I pray GOD to make sure my baby do not suffer
much. He is such a good boy. Not a single mean bone in his body.
OH !! Boscar, Do you know how much I love you?
I wish you the very best tonight. I can see how much you love Boscar. You might want to get my coping guide, which has helped people in similar situations. It is okay for you to follow what you feel is right for your dog, you are allowed to be his primary health advocate, nobody else. Tell him his life story, from start to finish. Tell him everything you are thankful for that he has given to you over all these years.
Now is the time for you to give back to him. Make sure you take the time to do it.
D
Hi
Can my vet get this vaccine? Miss Marley had a oral melanoma, and just had is removed 1/23/09. She is very perky, and would like to try this ES Claer and Nu Vet Vitamins.
Cindy, have your vet contact the nearest veterinary oncologist. Print out the blog post/links for reference for him/her so your vet knows what you are speaking of. Good luck,
D
Dear Helen,
I am so sorry. My thoughts are with you on this sad day.
D
Spanner was put to sleep tonight. 7/12/08
I will miss her so dearly. I’m not ashamed to say she was my world.
Dr. Dressler,
Just wanted to share some of my good news with you. My little Sadie went for her 60 day check-up at the University of Wisconsin on 12/27/10. It’s been 60 days since her final radiation and ONCEPT Vaccine treatment. According to her oncologists, the Oral Melanoma has not come back, and there’s no signs of any cancer having yet spread elsewhere in her little body. This wonderfully good news was the BEST Christmas present I could have ever expected!!! The irony is that on 12/28/10, I came down with a very bad and very painful case of the SHINGLES!
I hope that everyone out there who reads this blog will have a very happy new year with healthy and loving pets.
Thanks,
Maria & Sadie
Dear Maria
That’s great!! (your dog, not your shingles!!)
Best wishes for a happy, healthy new year to you both,
Best,
D
We received a malignant melanoma diagnosis for our nearly 13 year-old male Chow mix on March 21st (similar to the post above!). It is at the back of his tongue and was found when we took him in for a dental cleaning. He has a 2-3cm tumor intermediate grade (M=14). From what blood and radiographs show, it has not spread yet. He has great energy and acting normally in general. We are thinking about moving forward with a debulking operation as he is starting to cough a bit when he eats. However, I read that the vaccine doesn’t always work well on “bulky” tumors. Any thoughts on if we should proceed with it?
Dear Trish and Grizz
Sorry about this bad news. Larger tumors are usually harder to deal with using all the tools, not just the melanoma vaccine. First, you need to have a clear understanding that a large oral melanoma usually has spread:
https://www.dogcancerblog.com/blog/dog-cancer-what-is-micrometastasis-and-why-do-we-care/
So I would be responding from this position and hit this aggressively. You need to use all the tools in the toolbox assuming you have completed your treatment plan analysis:
waveco.com/dog-cancer-what-is-micrometastasis-and-why-do-we-care/
If you have not spend a little time reading the Guide to ascertain all the different tools you have access to for dealing with cancer in dogs I think it would be a very wise investment of time and a few bucks.
Best,
Dr D
Dr Dressler.
Not relative to the above topic I know…
But do you have any information on Leiomyosarcoma? I now know this is the type of cancer Spanner has – quite rare by all accounts.
She is still with me – just. We got a vitamin and painkilling injection 2 days ago so we could visit her beach one more time. She had a great time & even ate (although it was JUNK food!) She will probably pass this weekend, but we have made the most of her time left.
Best regards
Helen & Spanner
@ Bob Irwin & anyone else who can help
We have a Scottish Terrier who was recently diagnosed with melanoma. Yesterday he’s been through surgery since the tumor was creating already discomfort when eating/breathing. We also did echo and RX scans and fortunately there are no signs of further disseminations.
The problem is I live in Romania so I need to find a way to get the vaccine to Europe. Can you please share a contact from the clinic where you are treating your dog? Any info can be helpful, thank you.
Kind regards,
Alex