As a pet owner, there's nothing more devastating than receiving a cancer diagnosis for your furry friend. Fortunately, canine cancer specialists are here to help. They're highly trained professionals who can provide comprehensive treatment options to improve your dog's quality of life.
Canine cancer specialists often use a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. This combination of treatments can be highly effective in managing cancer symptoms and slowing disease progression.
While every dog's situation is unique, some common treatment options include surgical removal of tumors, chemotherapy to target cancer cells, and radiation therapy to kill cancer cells.
A different take: Canine Cancer Treatment
Why See a Cancer Specialist?
If your pet has been diagnosed with cancer, you want to discuss all available treatment options. You may not know where to start or what to expect from a cancer specialist, but rest assured, they have the specialized knowledge and experience to provide the best possible care.
Cancer specialists, also known as veterinary oncologists, have a high level of expertise in diagnosing and managing cancer in pets. They can help you navigate the complex treatment options and ensure that your pet receives the most innovative and compassionate care.
You might be wondering why you need to see a cancer specialist in the first place. The truth is, cancer can be a complex and challenging condition to manage, and a specialist can make all the difference. They have access to state-of-the-art facilities, equipment, and support staff that may not be available to your primary care veterinarian.
Here are some scenarios where you might want to request a referral to a cancer specialist:
- Your pet has been diagnosed with cancer and you want to discuss all available treatment options
- Your veterinarian thinks your pet may have cancer but needs further diagnostic testing
- You want the most up-to-date cancer treatments for your pet with minimal side effects
- You want a specialist with many years of experience who treats nothing but cancer
- You want a specialist who will help coordinate your pet's total cancer care with your veterinarian, the surgeons, and the radiation oncologist
- You want veterinary technicians who have specialty experience administering chemotherapy treatments
By working with a cancer specialist, you can ensure that your pet receives the best possible care and that you are informed and empowered to make the best decisions for their health.
Cancer Treatment and Care
Cancer treatment for pets is a complex process that requires a team of dedicated specialists and technicians. Each case is managed by a highly trained Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine or Radiology.
Board-certified veterinary oncologists have a specialized knowledge and a high level of experience to provide the most innovative and compassionate care for your pet. They focus on diagnosing and managing cancer.
A thorough physical examination is performed by the oncologist, and based on initial findings, additional tests and treatment options are discussed. This may include advanced laboratory testing, biopsies, and diagnostic imaging such as ultrasound, radiography, CT scans, and MRIs.
Chemotherapy is a common treatment option for pets with cancer, and it can be administered intravenously or orally. Veterinary Specialists of the Rockies offers a wide range of oncological diagnostic and treatment services, including chemotherapy, targeted oral chemotherapy, and immunotherapy.
Here are some of the cancer types that can be treated with chemotherapy:
- Lymphoma
- Hemangiosarcoma
- Soft tissue sarcoma
- Transitional cell carcinoma
- Mast cell tumor
- Osteosarcoma
- Melanoma
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Mammary gland carcinoma
At Fetch, chemotherapy is well tolerated by most patients, and side effects are typically mild. Veterinary Specialists of the Rockies can help you and your family veterinarian to not only treat your pet's cancer but also work together to manage and alleviate any pain or illness secondary to the underlying disease.
What to Expect at Your Pet's Appointment
Plan to spend up to 1 hour for your pet's initial evaluation and discussion of diagnostic and treatment options. This is a good time to ask any questions you may have.
You'll need to bring your pet's medical records and X-rays, which your family veterinarian can provide. You'll also be asked to fill out the Oncology & Radiation Form prior to arriving, as well as the Patient Intake Form when you arrive.
If you're unable to complete the intake form, plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before your appointment time. This will give you time to fill it out before your appointment.
Diagnostic tests may be required to determine the extent of cancer in your pet's body. These tests will be completed in our diagnostic lab and may include advanced laboratory testing, biopsies, and imaging tests such as ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs.
Your veterinary oncologist will review your pet's diagnosis with you and propose a treatment plan. This may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, or palliative care.
Here are some common diagnostic tests that may be used:
- Advanced laboratory testing of various blood or tissue samples
- Biopsies and tissue analysis
- Ultrasound, radiography, CT scans, MRIs
- Immunotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Surgery
Our Team and Services
Our team of canine cancer specialists is dedicated to providing the best possible care for your pet. We have board-certified veterinary oncologists who have completed multiple additional years of specialized training in cancer-focused residencies.
Our team approach with other specialty team members, including Medical Oncology, Radiation Oncology, and surgical services, ensures that your pet receives the absolute best care. We work closely with your primary care veterinarian to provide comprehensive cancer diagnostic and treatment options.
Our team includes highly trained Diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine or Radiology, who provide experience, dedication, and compassion to every case. We also have a team of experienced and compassionate care team members who are committed to providing care and treatment for pets, as well as support for the people who love them.
Here are some of the key services we offer:
- Chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and comprehensive pain management
- Full staging capabilities, including abdominal ultrasound, cytology, biopsy, thoracic radiography, and CT scan
- Surgical oncology, radiation therapy, and anti-angiogenesis
- Clinical trials using experimental drug therapy
Compassionate Care Team
Our compassionate care team is made up of highly trained professionals who are dedicated to providing the best possible care for your pet. Each case is managed by a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine or Radiology.
These experts have the experience, dedication, and compassion to provide top-notch care. They work tirelessly to ensure that your pet receives the best possible treatment and care.
Our team is equipped to provide a range of services, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and comprehensive pain management. These services can be tailored to suit the needs of your pet.
We understand that getting a cancer diagnosis for your pet can be devastating. That's why we take a team approach to care, working with you and your family veterinarian to provide compassionate veterinary oncology.
Our board-certified Radiation Oncologist, Jennifer Arthur, DVM, DACVR-RO, is highly trained in medical oncology and radiation oncology. She provides thorough explanations of your pet's diagnosis and treatment options, including chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, cryotherapy, or a combination treatment plan.
Here are some benefits of seeking a veterinary oncologist:
- Veterinary Oncologists are specially trained to balance treatment of cancer with underlying conditions while maintaining a good quality of life.
- Veterinary Oncologists are trained to detect side effects early and can adjust therapy to try to avoid their recurrence.
- Veterinary Oncologists keep up to date on the latest and greatest treatments to achieve maximum benefit with minimal effect on lifestyle.
- Veterinary Oncologists are often in the best position to be able to coordinate care with specialized veterinary surgeons and radiation oncologists.
Team Approach with Other Specialties
Our team at Veterinary Specialists of the Rockies takes a custom-tailored approach to treating each pet's unique needs. We work closely with other specialty team members, including Medical Oncology, Radiation Oncology, and surgical services through Dallas Veterinary Surgical Center, located in our building.
With this team approach, your pet will receive the absolute best care. We believe that a collaborative effort between experts leads to the most effective treatment plans.
We offer a wide range of oncological diagnostic and treatment services, including:
- Full staging capabilities, such as abdominal ultrasound, cytology, biopsy, thoracic radiography, and CT scan
- Traditional chemotherapy
- Targeted oral chemotherapy
- Bisphosphonate therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Surgical oncology
- Radiation therapy
- Anti-angiogenesis
- Cryotherapy
- Clinical trials using experimental drug therapy
This comprehensive approach ensures that your pet receives the most advanced and effective treatment options available.
Our Oncology Services
Our Oncology Services are designed to provide comprehensive care for pets with cancer. We understand that a cancer diagnosis can be devastating, but with the right treatment, many pets can live long, healthy lives.
Our team of board-certified veterinary oncologists, including Dr. Jennifer Arthur, have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating various types of cancer in pets. They work closely with your family veterinarian to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your pet's specific needs.
We offer a wide range of oncology services, including chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and cryotherapy. Our team is committed to providing compassionate care and support throughout your pet's health journey.
Some of the advanced cancer diagnostic and treatment options we offer include:
- Full staging capabilities, such as abdominal ultrasound, cytology, biopsy, thoracic radiography, and CT scan
- Traditional chemotherapy, targeted oral chemotherapy, and bisphosphonate therapy
- Immunotherapy, surgical oncology, and radiation therapy
- Cryotherapy and anti-angiogenesis
Our team is dedicated to providing the best possible care for your pet, and we work closely with other specialists and your primary care veterinarian to ensure that your pet receives comprehensive care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the best dog cancer vet?
Dr. Dressler is internationally recognized as a leading expert in dog cancer management. He is often referred to as "the dog cancer vet" due to his innovative approaches and popular blog, DogCancerBlog.com.
What is a dog oncologist called?
A dog oncologist is called a Board-certified Veterinary Oncologist. They specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in dogs.
How much is chemo for dogs?
Chemotherapy for dogs can cost between $150 to $600 per dose, with some dogs requiring multiple doses per month, potentially totaling $10,000 or more over several months or years. The exact cost depends on various factors, including the type of cancer, treatment duration, and individual dog needs.
What is the main concern of a veterinary oncologist?
A veterinary oncologist's primary concern is their patient's well-being, focusing on treating cancer and improving their quality of life.
Sources
- Veterinary Oncology (fetchvets.com)
- Medical Oncology (vsnt.com)
- American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) (acvim.org)
- Facebook (facebook.com)
- Veterinary Oncology (vetsoftherockies.com)
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