Receiving a diagnosis of cancer in your beloved pet can be both devastating and frightening. The goal of an oncology assessment is to provide you with information and support regarding treatment options for your pet. Vancouver Animal Emergency & Referral Centre offers oncology services to assist you and your pet during this difficult time. We know that quality of life is paramount, and we are here to help guide and support you through the diagnostic steps and treatment options available. 

A veterinary oncologist manages the care of a pet with cancer, whether this is by performing diagnostic tests needed to make an accurate diagnosis and determine the extent of disease, formulating a plan for therapy or coordinating specialized procedures indicated for treating specific cancers. Treatment of pets with cancer typically requires a multi-specialty approach, and oncologists collaborate with surgeons, pathologists, radiologists and other specialists to provide the best quality care. 

Each case is evaluated based on its unique aspects, such as cancer type, how aggressive and how extensive the disease is, the pet’s overall health and concurrent diseases and family goals for treatment. Treatment care is personalized to each individual patient, and the goal is to increase the life span of your pet, while at the same time maintaining the quality of life during treatment. 

Will chemotherapy make my pet sick?
Your veterinary oncologist will give you specific instructions regarding your pet's chemotherapy, but in general chemotherapy administration in animals is less aggressive than it is in humans.  Therefore, animals typically do not become as sick from chemotherapy side effects as people. 
Veterinary oncologists have many options at their disposal to help keep your pet comfortable during treatment, including medications that can help lessen nausea, pain management options, probiotics and anti-diarrheal medications. Many people imagine their pet's treatment will be more difficult than it really is which can be a hurdle to providing care to pets with cancer.  

What training does a veterinary oncologist have?
Board certified veterinary oncologists have completed additional and extensive training to become a specialist and earn this prestigious credentialing. Specialty status is granted by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM). Oncologists become a ‘Diplomate’ or board certified when they have achieved the following:

• Obtained a veterinary degree, typically after completing 4 years of college 
• Completed an additional 3 to 6 years of advanced training, including a residency at a veterinary teaching hospital, obtaining theoretical, didactical learning and hands on experience.
• Completed the credentialing application process established by the ACVIM
• Passed two rigorous examinations

Please contact us to learn more about our Oncology services.