Veterinary Oncology

At MVA we want you to know that you are not alone when you learn about your pets cancer diagnosis. Our Oncology team is here to provide expert, compassionate care for your beloved companion, focusing on the most advanced veterinary cancer treatments available. Our focus is always on two equally important goals: extending your pet’s life and ensuring they have the best quality of life possible.

What is a Veterinary Oncologist?

A veterinary oncologist is a specialist who has dedicated several extra years of advanced training, after veterinary school, to focusing only on pet cancer. They are the true experts in this complex field. Think of them as the same type of cancer specialist you would want for a human family member. Our board-certified oncologists at MVA have the specific, in-depth knowledge needed to diagnose the many types of cancer, develop the most effective treatment plans, and provide the most up-to-date care.

Advanced Oncology Services

We design a treatment plan specifically for your pet, based on their unique diagnosis, age, and overall health. This plan may use medical or surgical treatments, or a combination of both.

Medical Oncology This means using special medicines to fight cancer cells throughout the body. We are experienced in the latest, most effective protocols, including:

Chemotherapy
Targeted Therapies (Small Molecule Inhibitors)
Immunotherapy

It’s important to know that pets tend to tolerate cancer treatments much better than people do. Our team’s priority is to maintain their comfort and happiness throughout their treatment.

Surgical Oncology

Surgery plays a critical role in cancer treatment. Our board-certified surgeons may perform a procedure to:

Get a Diagnosis

Take a sample (biopsy) to identify the exact type of cancer and guide treatment.

Remove the Tumor

Perform surgery with the goal of curing the cancer by removing the entire tumor with clean margins.

Reduce the Tumor

If a tumor can’t be completely removed, surgery can reduce its size (debulking), which often helps medical treatments work better.

Advanced Diagnostic Imaging

Getting a clear picture is a key part of any treatment plan. We use our advanced imaging tools to diagnose and “stage” the cancer (find out if and where it has spread), plan treatments, and check how well the treatment is working. These tools include:

Digital Radiography (X-ray)
Ultrasound
CT Scan
MRI

What Types of Pet Cancer Do We Treat?

Our medical and surgical oncology specialists treat all types of pet cancer in dogs and cats, from the most common to the very rare. It is crucial to have any cancer diagnosis expertly reviewed by a veterinary oncologist so we can create the right treatment plan for your pet.

Most Common Types of Cancer in Dogs

Anal Gland Adenocarcinoma
Hemangiosarcoma
Lung Tumor (primary)
Lymphoma
Mammary Gland Carcinoma
Mast Cell Tumors
Melanoma
Osteosarcoma
Soft Tissue Sarcomas (Fibrosarcomas, Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors, etc.)
Thyroid Carcinoma
Transitional Cell Carcinoma

Most Common Types of Cancer in Cats

Fibrosarcoma
Lymphoma
Mammary Gland Carcinoma
Mast Cell Tumors
Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Our Approach: Expert Care, Guided by Compassion

Our Oncology team includes board-certified medical oncologists and surgeons, who work closely with specialists in over a dozen other disciplines right here in our hospital. This team approach means your pet gets comprehensive care all under one roof. We know that a cancer diagnosis comes with a flood of new information and difficult decisions. Our first goal is to help you understand the options, so you can make the most informed choices for your pet. We treat the whole pet, not just the cancer. This comprehensive care includes:

Advanced Pain Management: We are aggressive in managing and preventing any discomfort.
Nutritional Support: The right diet is a critical part of helping your pet stay strong.
Supportive Therapies: We actively manage any side effects from treatment to help your pet feel their best.
Teamwork: Our oncologists work as a team and communicate closely with your primary veterinarian and any other specialists they may be needing, ensuring your pet’s care is seamless.

Our Veterinary Oncology Specialists

Our oncologists, surgeons, and dedicated support staff are not only leaders in their field but also compassionate animal lovers who truly understand the bond you share with your pet.