Services
How We Help Pets with Cancer
Hope Veterinary Oncology is proud to offer the tests and treatments listed below. Each plays a different role in the diagnosis or treatment of a pet with cancer. Each patient will have different needs, which often change during the course of treatment, so our goal is to have as many tools as possible to help them.
​
Diagnostic Tests
To determine the best treatment options for our patients, we use diagnostic tests.
These tests help determine:
(1) How a patient's cancer might behave over time
(2) If a patient's cancer has already spread
(3) Which treatments are most effective for their cancer
DIAGNOSTICS OFFERED
Digital Radiography (X-ray): In oncology, we most often use x-ray to assess a patient's heart and lungs, especially when a patient has a type of cancer known to spread to the lungs. This is important because treatment options (and expected lifespan) are often different if cancer has spread. X-ray can also be helpful if a patient has developed bone pain and is limping; this test can help us determine if bone cancer might be present.
Ultrasound: We frequently perform abdominal ultrasound in oncology. The patient lays on their back in a padded trough. The ultrasound probe glides over their abdomen as we document "normal" vs "abnormal" for each organ. This test helps assess a patient's overall health & if cancer has spread.
CT (CAT Scan): CT allows us to look at the body in 2-dimensional "slices" (if you picture a slice of bread vs a loaf). Each slice is 1-2mm thick. This allows for detailed evaluation of each organ. It is more sensitive than x-ray when assessing the lungs for cancer cancer and is often used to help a surgeon plan for a successful surgery.
Continuous Progress
We are always searching for the latest tests and treatments that will allow us to achieve our goal of helping our patients live longer and better lives after a cancer diagnosis.
Accurate testing plays a critical role in allowing pets with cancer to have the best outcome.
Testing is completed prior to starting treatment (to assess a patient's overall health and learn about their cancer), during treatment (to ensure treatment is working) and after treatment is completed (to ensure a patient stays healthy and in remission).
​
​
DIAGNOSTICS OFFERED (CONTINUED)
Cytology / Fine Needle Aspiration: Many types of cancer can be diagnosed using cytology. This is involves briefly placing a small needle into a mass and extracting cells (called an aspirate). We provide scratches/treats/distraction so our patient is unaware of the process. A pathologist finalizes their report in 1-2 business days.
Molecular Testing: There are many cases in which additional information from a patient's tumor (aside from what we learn from cytology or histopath) is invaluable in making treatment decisions and determining how long a patient might live after a diagnosis. The key is knowing which test to run and which labs will give the most accurate results (and in the most timely fashion). We can now even run drug sensitivity panels to help determine which chemotherapy options might work best for an individual patient with lymphoma.
Cancer Treatment
The main goal in treating a pet with cancer is to help them live their best possible life, despite having cancer.
Every patient is different and each cancer is different. Some patients and cancers are easy to treat and others are more difficult. Some patients are otherwise healthy while others have serious chronic disease . We also appreciate that different families may have different goals for their pet. Because of this, each patient at Hope receives a personalized treatment plan.
TREATMENTS OFFERED
Chemotherapy: When treating with chemotherapy, our goal is to provide effective treatment without compromising quality of life. This can be a delicate balance (killing as many cancer cells as possible & keeping your dog or cat happy), but it's critical. It's also why we use both traditional and integrative approaches.
Targeted Therapeutics: Targeted therapeutics can be extremely effective at treating cancer in our patients. This consists of 'oral chemotherapy' pills, administered at home daily to every 3 days. Treatment targets a specific mutation in a pet's cancer or a receptor on the cancer cell surface.
Immunotherapy: Cancer immunotherapy (vaccines) can be used to stimulate a patient's immune system to kill cancer cells. Vaccines are not currently successful as a sole treatment for cancer; they are often combined with other treatments. The Oncept Melanoma Vaccine is the most commonly used veterinary cancer vaccine, but other vaccines are available.
Palliative Care: Palliative care aims to improve quality of life by decreasing symptoms (from cancer, arthritis, etc.) using various forms of treatment. If we are successful, patients should enjoy a longer life. Our goal is always to help patients feel better, whether we are directly treating their cancer or not.
Does Hope Offer Surgery or Radiation?
Veterinary medicine is very specialized now. Since we are a Medical Oncology practice, we offer Medical Oncology services (plus Integrative Oncology, which is unique).
If a patient requires surgery or radiation therapy, we will refer to these specialists.
We have great local options for patients requiring surgery. The nearest radiation oncologists are in LA and the Bay Area.
We are happy to provide our clients with specific referrals.
TREATMENTS OFFERED (CONTINUED)
Integrative Oncology: Integrative Oncology combines Western medicine with evidence-based integrative or complementary treatments. This approach takes into account the whole patient (not just their cancer) and aims to improve quality of life using Western treatment as well as diet, exercise, acupuncture, and herbal medicine.
Acupuncture: Acupuncture can reduce symptoms from cancer (pain, weakness, inappetence, diarrhea, etc.) and can help prevent or reduce potential treatment-related side effects. Acupuncture can also improve quality of life for our older patients with chronic conditions such as arthritis, IVDD and kidney disease.
Herbal Medicine: **Coming Soon** TCVM (Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine) uses herbal medicine (in addition to acupuncture & food therapy) to correct imbalances in the body and improve health and prevent additional disease conditions. To ensure safety, efficacy, and potency, we only use prescription herbal formulas.
Diet / Food Therapy: A healthy, complete, and balanced diet is essential for a patient with cancer. We work with Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionists and can create a custom diet for your pet. In the near future, we will also be able to help you consider diet from a TCVM Food Therapy standpoint, which is part of our Integrative approach.
