Specialties Medical Oncology

Veterinary Medical Oncology

Your family veterinarian may refer you to a veterinary oncologist if they have confirmed or suspect that your pet may have cancer. While cancer often invokes uncertainty and concern, veterinary oncologists have years of advanced study and experience in treating pet cancers. They use many of the same cancer treatments as human healthcare, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery.

Why Choose MedVet Medical Oncology

Our medical oncology team members, many of whom are board-certified, have trained extensively in animal oncology and are experts in their fields. They are dedicated to improving the quality and length of life for pets by working with your family veterinarian to develop an individualized treatment plan for every patient in need of cancer treatment. They also partner with additional MedVet veterinary specialists, such as anesthesiologists, internal medicine specialists, and radiologists, for your pet’s best possible outcome.

In our state-of-the-art facilities, your pet receives the most advanced therapies and procedures from a team consistently at the forefront of oncology care, research, and technology. Our research has led to the release of new oncology therapies and a better understanding of cancer in pets. This experience and expertise make us a preferred partner for many family veterinarians.

We treat both common and rare cancers in dogs and cats, including:
  • Histiocytic sarcoma
  • Leukemia
  • Lymphoma
  • Malignant melanoma
  • Mammary gland carcinoma
  • Mast cell tumor
  • Osteosarcoma
  • Soft tissue sarcoma
  • Transitional cell carcinoma

What to Expect During a Medical Oncology Consultation

When you schedule your appointment, our team will share information about pre-registering for your visit and how to prepare, which may include making sure your pet has not eaten (if fasting is required) or bringing a list of their medications.

During your pet’s consultation, our medical oncology team will review your pet’s medical records from your family veterinarian and discuss your pet’s lifestyle and health history. We will check your pet’s blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate.

Based on their findings, your pet may need advanced testing, such as a tumor biopsy, CT scan, MRI, X-ray, or ultrasound. We will discuss your pet’s diagnosis and treatment plan and answer any questions you may have. Our team partners with your family veterinarian to provide the best treatment options for your pet.

Medical Oncology Services

  • Chemotherapy to destroy rapidly dividing cells
  • Clinical studies to test novel cancer therapies
  • Immunotherapy to stimulate the immune system to help control cancer
  • Metastasis evaluation (staging)
  • Palliative therapy to manage pain
  • Radiation therapy to shrink or destroy tumors (Currently offered in our Columbus, Cincinnati, and Salt Lake City hospitals)
  • Surgery to remove cancerous cells and tumors
  • Electrochemotherapy as a local treatment for tumors and scars

Not all services are available in every hospital. Contact your local MedVet for services for that location.