Oncology

Overview

It can be extremely difficult to discover your pet has cancer. Your veterinarian will help you every step of the way from diagnosis to treatment.

There is a range of treatment plans that can be tailored to the needs of your pet. The goal of treatment is twofold: manage the disease while supporting your pet’s quality of life.

Why would my pet need oncology treatments?

If your pet has been diagnosed with cancer, your veterinarian can help you decide on the best treatment plan. Depending on the specific type of cancer your pet has, treatment may include one or more of the following treatments:

• Radiation therapy

• Chemotherapy

• Nutrition/Diet

When should my pet have oncology treatments?

Your veterinarian will determine the proper treatment schedule based on several factors such as the physical exam results, the diagnosis and available treatment options to name a few. In some cases, chemotherapy may be recommended.

How do you treat cancer in my pet?

The goal is to provide maximum benefit with minimal effect on quality of life. Depending on the condition, any of the following treatment options may be recommended for your pet.

Radiation may be recommended. It can be a viable treatment for certain tumors and can slow or prevent recurrences of some types of cancer. Radiations treatments can help treat pain, inflammation, and rid cancer cells by using a beam of energy targeted at the tumor region.

Chemotherapy is a treatment using a combination of medications to destroy cancer cells. The combination of medications will vary depending on your pet’s diagnosis and are highly tailored to the specific needs of each pet. Chemotherapy medications are administered either into the vein or under the skin and may only be administered at the practice.

A carefully developed diet is an additional treatment that can provide vital nutrients essential for your pet. A healthy diet can be extremely beneficial for patients who are undergoing surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy.

Treatment options are offered and performed to slow or minimize the effects of your pet’s condition in an effort to support your pet’s quality of life as much as possible. It is possible in some cases to gain quality time together for you and your pet.