Oncology – Medical
We understand that a diagnosis of cancer in a beloved pet is upsetting. With today’s advances in early detection, diagnosis, and treatment, many cancers can be successfully treated in dogs and cats.
At NorthStar VETS®, we have an entire department dedicated to caring for pets with cancer by using leading-edge therapies. They will guide you through every step of diagnosis and treatment with compassion and respect.
Your pet’s quality of life is the most important factor in choosing the best course of treatment. During your initial consultation, our team will examine your pet, conduct any additional diagnostic testing as necessary, and review treatment options. Together, we’ll agree on a plan that best serves your pet as well as your family’s personal and financial situation.
Pain management and palliative care are also important aspects of cancer treatment. While under our care, we ensure our patients remain as comfortable as possible.
The Medical Oncology Services We Offer
We utilize many modalities (methods) to treat cancer in companion animals. These modalities can be used alone or in combination, depending on your pet ’s situation:
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Most of our patients tolerate chemotherapy well with few, if any, side effects. Treatment may be given anywhere from daily to monthly, depending on the type of cancer and the intent of therapy.
- Surgery: Surgery to remove a cancerous tumor is often the first line of cancer treatment. Our Oncology department works with board-certified veterinary surgeons with oncologic surgery expertise to provide treatment plans for our patients.
- Radiation therapy: This uses X-rays or similar forms of radiation to destroy cancer cells. Learn more at the Radiation Oncology page.
- Pain management: Comprehensive pain management is essential for a good quality of life for cancer patients. We find that our oncology patients often benefit from physical therapy to help maintain their strength and morale.
The Medical Oncology Conditions We See
Our veterinary oncology team has the expertise to treat a wide range of cancers (both common and rare) including:
- Brain tumor (glioma, meningioma)
- Fibrosarcoma
- Gastrointestinal carcinoma or adenocarcinoma
- Hemangiopericytoma
- Hemangiosarcoma
- Histiocytic sarcoma
- Leukemia
- Lymphosarcoma or Lymphoma (the most common cancer in pets)
- Mast cell tumor
- Melanoma
- Multiple myeloma
- Mycosis fungoides
- Nerve sheath tumor
- Osteosarcoma
- Plasmacytoma
- Primary lung tumor
- Soft tissue sarcoma
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Thymoma
- Thyroid carcinoma
- Injection site sarcoma or vaccine-associated sarcoma
To Refer a Patient or Schedule a Consultation With Our Medical Oncology Department:
Pet Parents
Call 609-259-8300 or contact oncology@northstarvets.com to schedule your appointment and complete pre-consultation paperwork.
Referring Veterinarians
Please call NorthStar VETS at 609-259-8300 or contact oncology@northstarvets.com.
