Oncology - Cancer Care at QVS
QVS Cancer Care for Pets
At QVS we understand that a cancer diagnosis for your pet can be overwhelming. That’s why our Oncology team is dedicated to offering advanced veterinary cancer care, ensuring your pet receives the best treatment possible.
Our multi-disciplinary oncology team, state-of-the-art facilities, and compassionate approach provide a solution that is tailored to your pet’s unique needs.
Advanced Diagnostic Services
Our veterinary oncology team employs cutting-edge diagnostic tools to diagnose and stage cancer in your pet, ensuring a precise and personalised treatment plan.
Our services include:
- Cancer Staging: Cancer staging involves tests to determine the extent of a patient’s cancer. Knowing the stage of a cancer enables us to guide owners on tailored treatment options for their pet and the overall prognosis.
- Advanced imaging: Utilising technologies such as digital radiographs, CT, MRI and Ultrasound, we create detailed maps of tumours to aid in diagnosis and treatment planning.
- Cytology/Biopsy and Pathology: Accurate tissue sampling provides cancer diagnosis, tumor grade (aggressiveness), detect spread in other sites (e.g. lymph nodes, organs), and identify signs of spread and develop a targeted treatment approach.
Comprehensive Cancer Treatments
We offer a range of treatments to manage, and where possible, cure cancer in pets:
- Chemotherapy: One or more drugs can be used to damage or kill rapidly dividing cells (e.g. cancer cells). Veterinary doses are lowered to minimise risk of side effects but improve quality of life by shrinking tumours and managing metastatic disease.
- Targeted Drug Therapies: Cancer drugs given orally at home can be used to help stop the progression of certain cancers for a period of time, even when diagnosed in later stages.
- Surgical Oncology: For tumours that are able to be removed, our specialist surgeons employ advanced surgical techniques and technology to ensure the best possible outcomes. We have invested in top of the line equipment to reduce risk and improve outcomes in pets with cancer. Read more about our surgery service here.
Supportive and Palliative Care
For pets with advanced cancers or undergoing treatment, our team focuses on comfort and quality of life, and supporting you in your care for your family pet.
For example:
- Pain management, using multimodal therapies. Access to multiple pain specialists. Read more about our anaesthesia and pain management service here .
- Nutritional support to enhance your pet’s strength and recovery.
- Physiotherapy and rehabilitation to maintain mobility and well-being.
Why Choose QVS for your Pet's Cancer Care?
Expert Team: Led by our medical oncologist and supported by our team of leading specialists in internal medicine, diagnostic imaging and soft-tissue surgery, we ensure collaborative and comprehensive care for your pet.
Technology-Driven Care: Our advanced facilities are equipped with the latest diagnostic and treatment technologies.
Compassionate Approach: We are committed to guiding you through every step, addressing your concerns and providing compassionate support.
To discuss your pet’s cancer treatment with us, the first step is always a discussion and referral from your primary care veterinarian. We work closely with your vet to ensure a seamless integration of specialist care into your pets overall treatment plan.
If your primary care vet has made a cancer diagnosis, your pet maybe referred directly into an oncology treatment pathway. If investigation and diagnosis support is required, you can be referred to our diagnostic team in the first instance and we will work with you and your vet to create a treatment plan that is right for you and your pet.
What comes next?
To discuss your pet’s cancer treatment with us, the first step is always a discussion and referral from your primary care veterinarian. We work closely with your vet to ensure a seamless integration of specialist care into your pet’s overall treatment plan.
If your primary care vet has made a cancer diagnosis, your pet may be referred directly into an oncology treatment pathway. If investigation and diagnosis support is required, you can be referred to our diagnostic team in the first instance and we will work with you and your vet to create a treatment plan that is right for you and your pet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why might my pet see the Oncology Team?
If your pet has been diagnosed with cancer, or requires investigation for a diagnosis, you may be referred to our oncology team.
Some of the types of cancers we treat in cats are dogs are:
- Lymphoma and Leukaemia – cancer in the lymph nodes and lymphatic system
- Haemangiosarcoma – cancer of the blood vessels
- Osteosarcoma – bone cancer
- Mammary tumours
- Skin cancers including, Mast Cell Tumours and Squamous Cell Carcinoma
- Melanoma including oral, ocular, dermal, digital and subungual melanoma
- Lung cancer
- Soft Tissue Sarcomas
- Histiocytic sarcoma
- Anal sac adenocarcinoma
When is the Oncology Team Available?
Our Oncology service is available for direct referrals to our Stafford hospital.