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Veterinary Oncology at Upstate Veterinary Specialties

Veterinary Oncology is the study and treatment of cancer in pets. Many cancers are considered and treated as chronic diseases, and an oncologist will create a realistic goal of therapy to attempt to stabilize or slow its progression.

What to Expect

During a consultation with our oncology service, our oncologist will perform a complete physical exam, review all information sent by your primary care veterinarian, and discuss your pet’s pertinent history. At times, additional testing may be required to confirm a pet’s diagnosis or to determine the local and systemic extent of their cancer. Our team will discuss your pet’s diagnosis, prognosis, and available treatment options at length and may be able to begin that day. Patients will have a complete physical exam, lab work, and ongoing treatments for their recheck appointments.

Common Conditions, Management, and Treatment of Cancer in Pets

Common cancerous conditions include hematopoietic cancers (lymphoma, leukemia, myeloma), mast cell tumors, canine osteosarcoma, mammary carcinomas, melanomas, and feline oral squamous cell carcinoma. Oncologists use advanced therapies and testing procedures to obtain an accurate diagnosis for your pet. The following are oncology services available at UVS:

Injectable and oral chemotherapy
Novel anti-neoplastic agents
Immunotherapy treatments
Radiographs and ultrasound
CT scan and MRI
Ultrasound & CT guided aspirates or biopsies
Bone marrow aspirates

Management of cancer in pets often involves chemotherapy, while palliative care can also be provided. Both can range from oral medications given at home to injectable medications given on-site. Surgery is used in patients where removing the source of cancer benefits the overall prognosis.

Because not all cancers are curable, they may require chronic therapy. Successful management of cancer frequently involves re-evaluation with our oncologist. Our oncology service works closely with our other services to help treat our patient’s cancer and manage any other underlying conditions they may have.

Board Certified Veterinary Oncologists

Veterinary oncologists receive three to five years of additional specialty training beyond veterinary school to understand how cancer develops, how it interacts with pre-existing conditions, and how to tailor a treatment plan that best fits each patient.

Our oncology team helps owners navigate the various treatment options while focusing on the patient’s quality of life. Owners of pets with cancer often build a close relationship with their pet’s oncologist. With appropriate diagnostics, care, and follow-up, our team seeks to give each pet the longest achievable survival time while maintaining an excellent quality of life.

If your pet is diagnosed with cancer, speak with your primary care veterinarian about a referral to Upstate Veterinary Specialties. Our Veterinary Oncologist, Dr. Ariana Verrilli, and her team can work with you and your primary care veterinarian to manage your pet’s cancer.