What Fifi the dog’s final months can show us about cancer treatment and caring until the end

‘Now, it’s Fifi’s turn. Fifi, who has lost her senses but navigates her surroundings with determination and behaves with unobtrusive gentleness’ Photograph: Supplied

“Ranjana, how long can Fifi live with liver cancer?”

An unexpected aspect of being an oncologist (for humans) is being approached for advice about pets (usually dogs) with cancer. Bruno, Marco, Maisie, Ziggy, Chloe, Tiger, Muppet, Jessie, Bella, Buddy, Johnny, Wilfred. Apart from my own Odie, the dogs of my friends form the backdrop of my life. Not all of them develop cancer but when there is a diagnosis, I know.