Cancer Care for Pets

We are here to offer hope. As medical advances and technology continue to redefine what is possible, we hope you find it reassuring to know that, in many cases, cancer is a treatable disease - and in an increasing number of cases, it is potentially even curable.

Does that mean that every pet's cancer can be cured? Of course not. Factors such as tumor type, size and location combine with variables like early detection and treatment options to dictate what a realistic prognosis looks like for each individual patient. And every patient is different.

But what makes us so excited is that we now have the technology and clinical ability to explore whether a curative option is viable for each patient before recommending a treatment course. The ultimate goal will always be the complete removal of cancer from the patient. If that is not possible, we will continue to pursue the safest, most effective and least disruptive treatment available.

If your pet is diagnosed with cancer, we are here to help. Depending on the specific type of cancer a pet has, treatment may include the following, either alone or in combination:

Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS)

A leading treatment option in human cancer care, SRS is now available for pets. The advanced form of radiation therapy is highly effective in treating cancer and is usually delivered with the intent to cure, as opposed to merely easing symptoms. Utilizing sub-millimeter precision that is unprecedented in veterinary medicine, SRS directly targets the tumor while mostly sparing the surrounding healthy tissue. It can even be used to treat some cancers previously considered "untreatable" in sensitive areas of the body such as the brain, spine or lungs. SRS is a noninvasive, nonsurgical procedure that eliminates most side effects and requires only 1-3 treatments, an 80-95% reduction in both treatment sessions and anesthetic events compared to conventional radiation therapy.

Conventional Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses targeted radiation to shrink or destroy cancers that cannot be safely or completely removed by surgery alone. It can also be utilized in conjunction with, or in place of, chemotherapy, or delivered following surgery if the initial procedure is unable to completely remove the cancer. Conventional RT, such as CFRT or IMRT, is typically administered in 12-21 treatment sessions over 3-7 weeks.

Palliative Care

Sometimes pet owners opt for no treatment of the cancer, particularly if a cure is not possible. In this case, palliative care - which includes pain management - can be used to increase a pet's comfort and quality of life. Typically delivered in weekly treatments over 3-6 weeks, the goal is to relieve symptoms such as pain, bleeding and decreased mobility.