Oncology

  Cancer is the leading disease-related cause of death of cats and dogs in the United States. Nearly one in every four dogs and one in every five cats will develop cancer in their lifetime. The good news is that there are many options for treatment that can help pets live longer, more comfortable lives.   The following is intended to provide initial information on how to move forward after…

Shipley was diagnosed with an anal sac tumor, experienced elevated calcium, underwent treatment, and remains in remission.   Although cancer can occur in many parts of the body, one type we see often is anal sac tumors. The anal sacs are small glands located adjacent to the rectum in dogs and cats. The sacs produce an odorous liquid that is typically expressed during bowel movements. However, the sacs may become obstructed, infected, or develop tumors…

Dr. Charles Maximus was diagnosed with prostatic transitional cell carcinoma after his owner noticed he was straining to urinate. Charles has been receiving chemotherapy treatments since March 2022 and is doing well at home with minimal clinical signs.   Bladder tumors invade the bladder wall, creating masses within the bladder, urethra (empties bladder), and ureters (empties kidneys). Bladder tumors have the potential to spread (metastasis) beyond the urinary tract, usually to the local lymph nodes,…

  Bone tumors are among the most common tumors in dogs but are rare in cats. Most arise spontaneously without a known cause. When they occur, bone tumors are typically aggressive in dogs but may be less so in cats depending on the specific tumor type. Bone tumors may affect the long bones of the limbs or the bones of the spine, pelvis, ribs, and/or skull. The most common bone tumor in dogs and…

Dorian is a lymphoma patient who is now in a complete remission.   Lymphoma is the most common cancer to affect both dogs and cats. The origin of the cancer is similar in that it arises from a type of white blood cell called the lymphocytes. Lymphocytes typically function as part of the immune system and circulate throughout the body. Lymphoma may affect one organ in the body (skin) or affect multiple parts of…