Oncology Procedures

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Oncology

Dr. Janson is a board certified oncologist who will identify and stage the extent of cancer with the latest diagnostic tools. She will present all of your treatment options in a compassionate manner and help you pursue what is best for your pet. Improving quality of life is of utmost importance to Dr. Janson.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is simply the use of drugs to treat cancer. Chemotherapy drugs can be given orally, in the vein (intravenous), or under the skin (subcutaneous). The veterinary oncologist may recommend chemotherapy depending on the type of cancer as well as if there is evidence of, or high risk of cancer spread in your pet. Chemotherapy can be used alone to treat cancer but may be used in combination with surgery or radiation therapy depending on the type of cancer.

Many people will wonder if chemotherapy will make their pet sick. This is unlikely, as chemotherapy is much better tolerated in pets when compared to people. The general side effects that may occur from chemotherapy are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and a compromised immune system. The good news is that all of these side effects are TREATABLE and PREVENTABLE, in most cases. Your pet will always be sent home with medications and instructions to help minimize any adverse effects. Additionally, adjustments can be made in the doses and treatment intervals to help them better tolerate treatment, if needed. We will work as a team to make sure your pet has the best quality of life during and after cancer treatment.

Advanced Diagnostics and Staging

Determining f the cancer has spread to other areas of the body (metastasis) is important to help guide treatment recommendations. Common tests that help detect spread include blood work, cytology, x-rays, ultrasound, CT or MRI scans. Your oncologist will recommend which tests are appropriate for your pet's cancer type.

Medical Therapy

While chemotherapy is one of the most often used drug therapies employed by the department of oncology, we also use a variety of other medical therapies. Sometimes these are used to to treat symptoms caused by treatment(such as vomiting, diarrhea, etc.) or even drugs that can help treat the cancer itself (without being chemotherapy agents themselves).

Some of our therapies, such as pamidronate, can help alleviate pain associated with bone cancer by preventing the resorption of calcium from the bone. Several of our patients have responded very well to this therapy, extending their lives, and the quality of their time, much beyond what would have been possible otherwise.