Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospitals (VESH)
Veterinary Oncology
Compassionate Cancer Care for Your Pets in Western Massachusetts
At VESH, our veterinary oncology service provides advanced, compassionate cancer care for dogs and cats. If your pet has been diagnosed with cancer, our board-certified veterinary oncologist works closely with your primary care veterinarian to ensure a seamless, collaborative approach to treatment.
We combine cutting-edge cancer diagnostics and therapies with personalized care plans tailored to your pet’s unique condition. Our goal is to achieve the best possible outcome while preserving your pet’s comfort and quality of life.
We understand that a cancer diagnosis affects the whole family. That’s why we prioritize clear communication, empathy, and support- guiding you through every step of your pet’s cancer journey with patience, respect, and kindness.
What is Veterinary Oncology?
The goal of veterinary oncology is to treat cancer while maintaining your pet’s comfort and quality of life. Every treatment plan is customized based on your pet’s diagnosis, overall health, and your family’s goals so that you can make informed decisions with confidence and support. Cancer in pets is treated like a chronic disease with the goal of managing it while allowing the patient to enjoy a good quality of life. Most veterinary oncology patients tolerate therapy with minimal side effects and enjoy good quality lives with their families.
Our focus is always on minimizing side effects and maximizing comfort and quality of life. We will guide you through each option, explaining benefits, risks, and expected outcomes, so that you can choose the best path forward for your pet.
Expert Oncology Services for Dogs & Cats
Our oncology service provides comprehensive consultations, diagnostic services, staging, and treatment plans for all types of cancer. This includes a wide range of tools and therapies such as:
Intravenous chemotherapy
Oral chemotherapy
Intracavitary chemotherapy
Metronomic chemotherapy
Targeted oral chemotherapy and small-molecule inhibitors
Palliative care options, including bisphosphonate infusions
Immunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry
Bone marrow aspirates
Immunotherapy, including the melanoma vaccine
Immunophenotyping
Cancer genetic testing
Fine needle aspirations and cytology
Staging tests, including thoracic radiographs and abdominal ultrasounds
Our Oncology Team partners with our other specialty departments to offer:
Surgical tumor removal (through our surgery department)
CT scans and biopsies (through our internal medicine and surgery departments)
What to Expect at Your Pet’s Oncology Appointment
Before your pet’s appointment, our oncologist will review your pet’s medical history. During the visit, your pet will have a complete physical exam. Based on the findings, we will recommend any additional diagnostic tests needed and treatment options. We will discuss the cancer type, prognosis, and develop a custom treatment plan for your pet.
Our initial consultations are scheduled for 1-2 hours to allow a thorough discussion about your pet’s cancer and to answer your questions. In some cases, we can perform recommended diagnostic tests and treatment on the same day; however, some may require a follow-up appointment.
A summary of your pet’s visit with our oncologist will be shared with your primary care veterinarian, ensuring that they remain a part of your pet’s care team. Our goal is to collaborate closely with your veterinarian and you to provide the highest level of comprehensive care for your beloved pet.
