For a lot of pet owners finding out their pet has cancer often means the worst, but now a new treatment developed just for dogs can save more lives. Seven's Richard Lemus has more on this K-9 Cancer Drug.

Reported by: Richard Lemus
WSVN Channel 7 News

WSVN -- You could say Holly is one of the true loves of Vickie Saez's life. The champion Bordeaux has won many awards, in fact, even Holly's brother is famous.

Vickie Saez: "Her littermate brother is Brando, who won the best of breed at Westminster this year. First year the Bordeaux was entered at Westminster."

But Holly's show career came to an end after a show earlier this year.

Vickie Saez: "We came back home and noticed that she wasn't eating great, it started almost immediately."

Holly was diagnosed with lymphoma. Vickie was devastated.

Vickie Saez: "I was stunned that you could go from healthy to death's door in literally 30 days. For most people it's a tremendous shock to hear their pet has cancer."

Veterinarian David Lurie says more dogs are getting cancer mainly because they are living longer, and most owners are confused about what the best treatment is.

Dr. David Lurie: "Usually, people are very emotional when they come to see me. They're confused, they're not sure what options are available to them."

Up until now, vets have been using the same chemotherapy given to people. It's just given in different doses, but now the Food and Drug Administration has approved a chemo made just for dogs called Palladia. It works by targeting the tumor directly.

Dr. David Lurie: "It's preventing new blood vessel formation, which cancer cells require to grow into bigger masses."

Dr. Lurie says it's a huge step forward in treating dogs with cancer, but warns Palladia is not a cure for the disease.

Dr. David Lurie: "It's not going to be the magic bullet that's going to cure everything, but it's a very useful additional therapy to have in our armory against K-9 cancers. Of course the most important thing for her are the lymph nodes and those are feeling good."

Palladia had not yet been approved when Holly was treated for lymphoma. She did have chemo and radiation and is now in full remission. Vickie says she would have done anything to get Holly well again, and is relieved she is back to her old self.

Vickie Saez: "Holly is looking forward to her next meal. She's a retired show dog so life is good, she doesn't even have to go to work anymore."

Richard Lemus: "Palladia is not yet approved for cats but Dr. Lurie expects that to happen in the near future."

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Miami Veterinary Specialists
Dr. David Lurie
8601 Sunset Drive
Miami, FL 33143
Tel: (305) 665-2820

Read actual article from Channel 7 News Fox