Our sole focus is your pet’s cancer treatment

Receiving a diagnosis of cancer in your beloved pet can be both devastating and frightening. However, discussing the extent of the disease, treatment options, and prognosis with a medical oncologist will help you make an informed decision regarding further therapy. Central Victoria Veterinary Hospital offers oncology services to assist you and your pet at 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. The goal of Central Victoria Veterinary Hospital Oncology Service is to increase the life span of your companion animal, while at the same time maintaining the quality of life during treatment. Even if you choose not to pursue treatment, having discussed the available options with a medical oncologist can often make you feel more comfortable with your decision.

What is a board certified medical oncologist?

A medical oncologist is a veterinarian who has undergone advanced residency training in the science, diagnosis, staging, treatment, and monitoring of cancer in small animals. Medical oncologists usually become involved in a case after the diagnosis of cancer has been made by your family veterinarian. Consequently, their first step is to conduct various staging tests.

Staging tests look for any evidence of metastasis (spread) of cancer, both locally and systemically. This often involves imaging (for example, chest x-rays and/or abdominal ultrasound) as well as laboratory tests (such as bloodwork, or the sampling of lymph nodes or internal organs for microscopic evaluation).

After staging tests are completed, the medical oncologist consults with a surgeon or radiation oncologist if indicated. Once all of the information is gathered, the medical oncologist recommends an appropriate treatment plan. Because of their specialized training, medical oncologists can discuss the optimum therapy based on current research, and if necessary, customize a protocol for an individual patient.

If surgery is indicated, the patient is referred to our board-certified surgeon for the procedure, and then returns to the oncologist for follow-up care. Treatment goals vary, depending on the type and extent of cancer; some forms of cancer have a high chance of being cured, while others can often be put into a long-term remission with one or a combination of therapies (such as surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy). If remission occurs, a medical oncologist will formulate a follow-up plan to monitor for disease recurrence, and can then recommend further treatment options. Other times, treatment is aimed at palliation (making the patient feel more comfortable), which can greatly enhance the pet’s quality of life.

Services Offered:

DIAGNOSTICS SERVICES AND STAGING TESTS

COMMON CANCERS TREATED