Redefining Palliative Care: Why It Doesn't Mean 'Giving Up' with Nina Vigevani, Veterinary Oncologist

A cancer diagnosis no longer means an immediate loss of hope, but when curative treatments aren't an option, how do we best support our patients and their owners? In this clinically focused episode, Veterinary Oncologist Nina Vigevani from Chestergates and Vet Oracle Telemedicine challenges the misconception that palliative care means "giving up." Instead, she explains how it is a dynamic spectrum of care aimed at maximising a patient's quality of life. The discussion explores the clinical applications of palliative radiotherapy and metronomic chemotherapy to reduce tumour burden with minimal side effects, as well as the importance of multimodal analgesia and nausea management. Nina also shares practical strategies for the whole veterinary team; from using positive reinforcement to reduce clinic anxiety, to encouraging owners to keep "Good Day/Bad Day" quality-of-life diaries. Finally, the episode covers how to navigate complex end-of-life discussions, emphasising that when it comes to terminal illness, it is always better to be a week too early than a day too late.