Our hospital offers Oncology Services for your pet. Oncology is the branch of veterinary medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in pets. Our veterinarians will conduct a detailed medical history, physical examination, laboratory diagnostics, and likely recommend x-rays and/or ultrasound as well as a biopsy to fully determine the extent and stage of your pets disease. Many cancers are very treatable especially when detected early and this supports the importance of annual or bi-annual examinations in pets as they age.
Cancer does appear to be becoming more common in pets, most likely because they are simply living longer. The most important point to realize about this dreaded disease, however, is that just as in people, many forms of the disease can be easily treated, managed, and even cured. Early detection and specialized care are leading to increased survival and cure rates in almost all the types of cancers that afflict pets. From surgery to chemotherapy to radiation therapy, veterinary cancer specialists can offer your pet the very latest diagnostic and treatment options and the best chance of survival. With optimal treatment, cancer in many cases simply becomes another manageable chronic disease.
Just as in humans, a pet with cancer typically needs the help of an oncologist to help diagnose and treat the disease. Veterinary oncologists determine the most appropriate course of treatment and coordinate the treatment program for pets with cancer. They also frequently serve as consultants to veterinarians in private practice to ensure that their patients receive the best treatment possible for their cancer. You can be assured that a veterinarian who refers you and your pet to a veterinary oncologist is one that is caring and committed to ensuring that your pet receives the highest standard of medical care for his or her illness.
There are several board-certified oncologists available for phone consultation with your veterinarian that will assist in developing an appropriate treatment plan for your pet. If your veterinarian feels your pet has a more serious problem or advanced disease, they may actually recommend a referral to an Oncologist, such as Dr. Segaloff at VCA South Shore in Weymouth for your pet's best possible care. Dr. Finney at VCA Hanson Animal Hospital also occasionaly performs chemotherapy treatments in the hospital for certain types of cancers.
Chemotherapy, also known as chemo, is the treatment of cancer with one or more drugs. Chemotherapy may be used to try to cure a pet of cancer, prolong his or her life, or simply make his or her symptoms less severe. Chemotherapy may be used in conjunction with other treatment modes, such as surgery and/or radiation therapy. Chemotherapy drugs work by killing cancer cells (cells that divide rapidly), and as such may also harm cells that are supposed to divide rapidly -- cells of bone marrow, the digestive tract, and hair follicles.
