Compassionate Oncology: A Gentle Approach to Your Pet's Cancer Treatment
Hearing that your beloved pet has been diagnosed with cancer can feel overwhelming. Pause for a moment and try to let go of your stress. At Orchard Park Veterinary Medical Center (OPVMC) you've found a practice that prioritizes your pet's quality of life.
As the only veterinary hospital within a 160 mile radius with a board-certified oncologist, Dr. Ashley Case, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology), we offer compassionate pet cancer services. Oncology encompasses several specialties including medical oncology, radiation oncology, surgical oncology and interventional oncology. Dr. Case is a medical oncologist. From diagnosis to pain management and monitoring, comfort and quality of life stand at the core of our care. If you have received a veterinary cancer diagnosis, request a referral to Dr. Case.
We specialize in treating various forms of animal cancer primarily through medication-based approaches. Dr. Case, backed by a compassionate and highly-skilled team, uses state-of-the-art methods to ensure that your pet's quality of life is the top priority. At OPVMC, you'll find personalized care plans and a support system that helps both you and your pet navigate this challenging journey.
What Is Veterinary Oncology?
Veterinary oncology is the study and treatment of cancer in animals. Oncology encompasses several specialties including medical oncology, radiation oncology, surgical oncology and interventional oncology. While the term "oncology" may conjure up thoughts of complex surgeries or radiation treatments which when appropriate and necessary, are options elsewhere, it's important to note that OPVMC focuses on medication-based therapies or medical oncology.
These include oral and injectable medications and chemotherapy designed to manage your pet's cancer and related symptoms. Our goal is to extend and enrich your pet's life through symptom management and targeted therapies.
What to Expect
Your journey with us will begin with an in-depth consultation. During this time, Dr. Case will review the information provided by your primary vet, confirming the initial diagnosis. Although most patients have been pre-diagnosed, we may conduct additional tests to better understand the local and systemic extent of the cancer. This may include state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging and lab work from our onsite facility.
Once we've gathered all the necessary information, we'll have an in-depth discussion of your pet's diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment options tailored to their specific needs.
Oncology Services at OPVMC
We offer a range of specialized services to provide the best possible care for your pet based on their needs. These include:
- Cytologic Evaluation: To examine cells for cancerous changes.
- Diagnostic Imaging: Employing advanced imaging technology to assess the extent of the cancer.
- Overall Treatment Planning: Crafting a treatment plan best suited to your pet's needs.
- Chemotherapy Planning: Developing a plan for injectable and oral chemotherapy treatments.
- Rescue Protocol Planning: Designing an action plan for any potential setbacks during treatment.
- Client Education: Empowering you with the information you need to understand your pet's condition and treatment options.
- Monitoring and Follow-up: Routine checks to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment and make necessary adjustments.
- End-of-Life Planning and Decision-Making: Compassionate advice and support for when the time comes to make difficult decisions.
At OPVMC, our ultimate goal is to take some of the fear out of a cancer diagnosis and replace it with a pathway to manageable, compassionate care.
Our oncology services are designed to offer your pet a quality of life that may not be achievable otherwise. With the combination of advanced technology, expert staff, and a focus on client education, we strive to be your trusted partner in navigating your pet’s cancer treatment.
Referral Process
If your pet is being referred to OPVMC for specialty services, rest assured that you and your pet are in good hands. Here is what you can expect: Your primary care veterinarian will complete the OPVMC Referral Form and will send OPVMC a copy of your pet’s pertinent records.
- Once we have received the necessary records and Referral Form, our Referral Coordinator will contact you to schedule an initial consultation with the appropriate specialty department. Please allow up to 48 hours for them to contact you.
- Diagnostics and/or procedures are not guaranteed to happen on the day of the consultation. If they are to be performed that day, you may be asked to admit your pet to the hospital for the remainder of the day.
- Please be aware that some diagnostics performed with your primary veterinarian may need to be repeated due to when the test was originally performed. Having the most accurate and up to date information will assist our specialists in determining the best treatment plan for your beloved pet.
- Although we may be able to provide a rough estimate for common procedures, all services are patient specific. The veterinarian will be able to provide you with a cost estimate after the consultation.
- *If your pet requires immediate emergency care, please utilize our emergency services. Our specialists may be able to accommodate an emergency consultation if the attending Critical Care veterinarian deems it necessary. *
Contact Us
Contact us today to learn more.