Veterinary Oncology
in dogs & Cats
A cancer diagnosis can be a difficult and emotional time for any pet owner. At Honeydew Animal Clinic, we understand the importance of providing clear information and compassionate guidance when considering your pet’s treatment options.
Our veterinary oncology services include surgery, chemotherapy, palliative care and supportive treatment, depending on the type and stage of cancer and your pet’s individual needs. Our goal is to help manage the disease, relieve discomfort and maintain your pet’s quality of life for as long as possible. We will work with you to develop an appropriate treatment plan and support you and your pet throughout the process.
Diagnosing Cancer in Pets
Diagnosing cancer in pets involves a combination of clinical examination, laboratory testing and diagnostic imaging. Cytology and histopathology can be used to examine cells or tissue samples and help identify the type of disease present. Samples may be assessed in-house where appropriate or submitted to a trusted veterinary laboratory for further evaluation.
Diagnostic imaging such as digital radiography and ultrasound can help our veterinarians identify abnormalities, assess internal organs and evaluate the extent of disease. Ultrasound can also be used to guide fine-needle sampling of selected masses or lymph nodes for cytology. Where more detailed imaging is required, CT or MRI can be arranged through an appropriate referral facility. Together, these diagnostic tools help our veterinary team determine the most appropriate treatment options for your pet.
Cancer Treatment Options
Cancer treatment in pets depends on the type, location and extent of the disease, as well as your pet’s overall health and individual circumstances. Treatment may involve surgery, chemotherapy, electrochemotherapy, palliative care or a combination of approaches.
Our goal is to manage the disease where possible, relieve discomfort and maintain your pet’s quality of life. We will discuss the available treatment options with you and develop a plan that is appropriate for your pet.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy may be recommended for cancers that are responsive to systemic treatment, including some cancers that have spread beyond their original location. Depending on the type of cancer and the treatment plan, chemotherapy may be given orally or by injection.
Our veterinary team monitors your pet during treatment and may recommend follow-up blood tests to assess their health and response to treatment. Some pets experience side effects such as vomiting, diarrhoea or reduced appetite, although these can often be managed with appropriate supportive medication.
The aim of chemotherapy in veterinary patients is generally to control the disease while maintaining a good quality of life. Your veterinarian will discuss the expected benefits, potential side effects and treatment plan with you before therapy begins.
Surgical Oncology
Surgery can play an important role in the treatment of many cancers, particularly when a tumour or cancerous lesion can be removed safely. Depending on the location and extent of the disease, surgical treatment may involve procedures on the skin and soft tissues, oral cavity, abdomen or other areas of the body.
Our veterinary team will assess each case individually and discuss whether surgery is an appropriate treatment option for your pet.
Electrochemotherapy
Electrochemotherapy combines a chemotherapy drug with short, controlled electrical pulses delivered to the treatment area. The electrical pulses temporarily increase the permeability of tumour cell membranes, allowing the chemotherapy agent to enter the cells more effectively.
It may be considered for selected tumours, particularly certain localised skin or subcutaneous tumours. Whether electrochemotherapy is appropriate depends on the type, location and extent of the tumour, and your veterinarian will discuss the potential benefits and limitations with you.
Palliative and Supportive Care
When curative treatment is not appropriate or possible, palliative and supportive care can help manage symptoms and maintain your pet’s comfort and quality of life. Treatment may include pain management, nutritional support and other measures tailored to your pet’s individual needs.
Our veterinarians will work with you to assess your pet’s comfort and discuss the available options as their condition changes.