Oncology For Dogs and Cats

A cancer diagnosis for your pet is never easy. It’s an emotional journey filled with uncertainty, questions, and concern for your pet’s comfort and quality of life.

The good news is that advances in veterinary oncology, cancer care for pets, now offer more options than ever before. At Hamilton Animal Care, we’re here to guide you through every step and help your pet receive the best possible care.

What Is Veterinary Oncology?

Veterinary oncology is the branch of medicine focused on diagnosing and treating cancer in animals. Just like people, pets can develop many types of cancer, including skin tumors, bone cancer, and lymphoma.

While the word cancer can be frightening, it’s important to know that it isn’t always a hopeless diagnosis. Veterinary oncology has advanced significantly, and many cancers can be treated, managed, or put into remission. Our team will take the time to explain your options, answer your questions, and ensure your pet receives compassionate, individualized care.

Diagnosing Cancer in Pets

If we suspect your pet might have cancer, we’ll recommend a few tests to figure out what’s going on and confirm our diagnosis. Here’s what that might look like:

• Biopsy: We take a small tissue sample to examine under a microscope.
• Bloodwork: We’ll run tests to evaluate your pet’s overall health.
• Imaging: This could be an X-ray, ultrasound, or sometimes more advanced scans like a CT or MRI to get a closer look at what’s happening inside your pet’s body.

Once we have all the information, we’ll sit down with you and talk about the results and next steps.

Cancer Treatment For Pets

Every cancer and every pet is different, so treatment options depend on the type of cancer, its location, and how advanced it is. Common treatment options include:

• Surgery: Often recommended to remove localized tumors
• Chemotherapy: Medications used to slow or shrink cancer cells; most pets tolerate chemotherapy well with minimal side effects
• Radiation Therapy: Uses high-energy rays to target cancer cells, especially when surgery isn’t an option
• Immunotherapy: An approach that helps stimulate the immune system to fight cancer

We’ll work closely with you to recommend the most appropriate treatment, or combination of treatments, for your pet.

If treatment is not an option, we focus on palliative care, prioritizing comfort, pain management, and quality of life. Our team remains by your side to adjust care plans, answer questions, and support both you and your pet.

Pet Cancer Specialist Referrals

In some cases, we may recommend that your pet see a veterinary oncologist. These specialists focus exclusively on cancer care and have access to advanced diagnostics and treatment options.

At Hamilton Animal Care, we have the ability to consult with board-certified veterinary oncologists within our network, extending the reach of your pet’s healthcare team. This collaborative approach allows us to bring specialist-level insight into your pet’s care while maintaining continuity with the team you already know and trust.

If a referral or advanced treatment is needed, we’ll help coordinate the process by sharing medical records, communicating with the specialist, and keeping you informed every step of the way. Our goal is to make the experience as smooth and supportive as possible while ensuring your pet receives the highest level of care.

Pet Oncology

A cancer diagnosis doesn’t have to mean the end of your pet’s quality of life. With appropriate care, many dogs and cats continue to enjoy their favorite activities and time with their families.

You don’t have to face this journey alone. Our team is here to provide compassionate support and expert veterinary oncology care. If you’re looking for pet cancer services, call us or book an appointment below.