THE MOST ADVANCED CANCER TREATMENT AVAILABLE.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF PETS WITH CANCER

Our Oncology Service strives to provide support, up to date treatments and information for all pet owners dealing with the diagnosis of cancer in their beloved pet. We take the time to get to know you and your pet, and we work hard to offer the best care for each individual patient.

We specialize in a wide range of cancer diagnosis and therapies, including:

  • Staging and imaging via ultrasound, radiographs, and MRI
  • Tissue biopsy
  • Fine needle aspirate with in house clinical pathology for same day results
  • Full in house laboratory services
  • Bone marrow aspirate and biopsy
  • Tailored chemotherapy protocols
  • Novel therapies
  • A guided and compassionate approach to cancer management
  • 24 hour closely monitored hospitalization, if required

 

MANY OF THESE TESTS CAN BE DONE THE SAME DAY AS YOUR INITIAL CONSULTATION

If your pet has been diagnosed with cancer, our oncologist can discuss the treatment options available to you and the possible outcomes associated with the different options. We work closely with the surgery department for cases that may benefit from surgical procedures. We also work with a variety of anticancer chemotherapeutics. These drugs are well tolerated by the majority of canine and feline patients, but cost and potential side effects can vary with the drug or protocol. Other medications may be prescribed for palliation of signs caused by the underlying cancer, such as pain or nausea. Our oncologist is also able to discuss radiation therapy if indicated in your pet’s case. Although we do not have a radiation facility on site, we work with the Ontario Veterinary College for such cases and can provide a referral if required.

Typically different options are available in the treatment of feline and canine cancer. Our oncologist will work closely with you and your referring veterinarian to provide a treatment plan that works for you and your pet.

During your appointment, our oncologist will discuss all important information and options available for your pet. We ask that you do not feed your pet prior to your first appointment as this is required for some of the tests we may need to run.

How Can I Keep My Pet From Getting Cancer?

Just as in people, there is no proven way to keep your pet from getting cancer. You can, however, take steps to minimize the risks. Avoid any known predisposing causes, such as not spaying or neutering pets, or leaving pets exposed to sunlight. Also make sure your pet has regularly scheduled checkups and follow your veterinarian's advice regarding any necessary screening tests.
 

What Additional Training Does A Veterinary Oncologist Have?

Any veterinarian who wants to specialize in oncology must first be certified as an internal medicine specialist. Veterinarians who want to become board certified in internal medicine must seek additional, intensive training to become a specialist and earn this prestigious credentialing. Specialty status is granted by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM). A veterinarian who has received this specialty status will list the initials, 'DACVIM,' after his or her DVM degree. Or, the veterinarian may indicate that he or she is a 'Diplomate' of the ACVIM. The word 'Diplomate' typically means the specialist has achieved the following:

  • Obtained a traditional 8 year veterinary degree (four years of college plus four years of veterinary school).
  • Completed an additional three to six years of advanced training, including a residency at a veterinary teaching hospital where the veterinarian will have trained with some of the best experts in the field and obtained hands on experience.
  • Completed the credentialing application process established by the ACVIM
  • Passed a rigorous general examination.

Once a veterinarian is board certified in internal medicine, he or she may seek additional specialty status in veterinary oncology. Internal medicine specialists must obtain additional training in this area and sit for a second, even more intensive examination. These doctors will list their credentials after their boarded status, for example, as 'DAVCIM (Oncology).'

When your pet needs the care of a veterinary internal medicine specialist/veterinary oncologist, years of intensive training and additional education will be focused on helping him or her to recover from the disease and/or enjoy the highest quality of life possible.

What are Cancer Treatment Methods?

The goal of cancer therapy is to destroy abnormal cancer cells while sparing normal cells. An important difference in human vs. animal oncology is that the goal with humans, due to our extended life spans, is to cure the disease. In animals, the goal is more to extend the length of life while still maintaining its
quality. In many cases, a veterinary oncologist will combine some or all of the treatment options outlined below in order to provide the very best outcome for your pet.
 

Surgery

Radiation Treatment

Chemotherapy

Immunotherapy
 

Will Chemotherapy Make My Pet Sick?

Your veterinary oncologist will give you specific instructions regarding your pet's chemotherapy, but in general, you should be aware that pets typically handle chemotherapy regimens far better than people do. First, as cancer treatment for both humans and small animals has become more sophisticated, the side effects created by chemotherapy regimens have become less severe. Second, chemotherapy administration in animals is less aggressive than it is in humans, so animals typically do not become as sick from the side effects as do people.

Finally, veterinary oncologists have many options at their disposal to help keep your pet comfortable during treatment for his or her disease. From pain management options to special nutritional recommendations to medications that can help lessen the nausea associated with chemotherapy, be assured that veterinary oncologists can keep most pets surprisingly comfortable during treatment. In fact, one of the biggest hurdles to treating pets with cancer is that many owners imagine their pet's treatment will be more difficult than it really is.
 

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