Oncology

The oncologist at Veterinary Specialists and Emergency Service (VSES) has the advanced training, diagnostic equipment, up to date chemotherapy and immunotherapy protocols, and experience to treat a variety of cancers in companion animals. The oncology service is dedicated to providing the highest quality and compassionate care for our patients. We accomplish this through our close relationship with our surgery, internal medicine, and diagnostic imaging services. We understand the confusion, stress, and overwhelming emotions that owners experience when they learn their pet has cancer. We will do everything to assure you that your pets well-being and quality of life is our primary concern. We look forward to working with you and your referring veterinarian to provide the best possible care for your pet.

What Separates us From The Rest?

The additional training and experience that is required to achieve board certification in the field of veterinary medical oncology ensures that the specialist doctor taking care of your pet has the most current knowledge within their field of expertise and access to the most appropriate treatment options. We are now able to offer the highest level of oncologic care for pets and owners who previously had to travel extensive distances for treatment. Most of our local patients can receive their treatments in about one hour, which provides convenience for the pet owner, and more importantly allows owners to spend the maximal amount of time at home with their pets. Our 24-hour fully staffed Emergency service also ensures that you and your pet will be taken care of in the event of any unforeseen treatment complications.

For more information about veterinary specialization, please visit American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.

Specialty Coordinators

Click image or name to view a coordinator's bio.

The Oncology Coordinator, Amanda Slish, takes on multiple responsibilities. Amanda is responsible for scheduling appointments, admitting and discharging patients. She is able to assist clients with any questions or concerns they may have. Amanda is dedicated to providing compassionate care to patients and clients both in and out of the hospital. She also assists the veterinarians during consults, chemotherapy administration, and procedures. Amanda is in the hospital Tuesday through Friday from 7:00am to 6:00pm.

Amanda Slish, ACA

Your Visit

Initial consultations generally take an hour. During that time a full history is taken, previous tests reviewed, and a physical examination is performed. You will meet with a veterinarian during the consultation and will discuss their recommendations for further diagnostics and/or treatments. With the exception of diabetic pets, no food should be given after 10pm the evening prior to your pet’s initial appointment, as most diagnostic tests can only be performed and accurately interpreted when pets are fasted. You should continue to allow your pet to have free access to water.

Services Provided

The oncology service provides a variety of diagnostic and treatment services for a variety of cancers. Examples include cytology, biopsy, radiographs (x-rays), ultrasound and bone marrow evaluations. We also have access to advanced diagnostics such as flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, immunocytochemistry, and proliferation markers. These treatments aid in the evaluation of patients and help us come up with the best therapeutic plan. The oncology services also has multiple up to date chemotherapy protocols, the melanoma vaccine (Oncept ®), and Palladia ®. Although radiation is not offered on site, we can provide consults regarding potential radiation cases and provide referral to nearby facilities. We can also manage radiation patients after their treatments are finished. We also offer palliative/pain relief options and have access to veterinarians who provide acupuncture and Eastern Medicine options. Our hospital can also provide 24-hour intensive care monitoring for patients who are especially sick.

For a list of services offered and diseases treated please click here.

The following links provide information on recently introduced oncology medications available:

Oncept®

Palladia®

Articles

To learn more about some interesting aspects of Veterinary Oncology please read the articles below.

Consultation

Appointments are set up by referral from your local veterinarian. Consultations are scheduled Tuesday through Friday between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm.