SCHEDULE AN ONCOLOGY APPOINTMENT:
608-263-7600
Regular clinic hours are Monday through Friday, and our scheduling staff will assist you in finding an appointment with the right veterinary specialist based on your animal's needs at a time that works for you. Our emergency services for all species are also available 24/7 if your animal has a serious problem that requires immediate medical attention.
Helping Pets with Cancer
Cancer is one of the most common problems in our companion animals. While there are hundreds of different types of animal cancers, we understand that the one you care about most is the one that your pet is facing. UW Veterinary Care’s small animal oncology specialists are here to support you and your pet on this journey, bringing together the best cancer expertise and most effective treatments.
This comprehensive approach to the management and treatment of your pet’s cancer enables both medical oncology and radiation oncology clinicians to work closely with each other, as well as with surgeons, pathologists and radiologists, to quickly and efficiently determine the best options for each patient. The result often involves a combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy and/or surgery.
Common Types of Cancer in Dogs
Common Types of Cancer in Cats
Common Warning Signs of Cancer in Pets
Treatment Options for Veterinary Patients With Cancer
How We Determine a Cost
Payment Information
Scheduling an Appointment
What to expect at my pet's Oncology Appointment
Common Types of Cancer in Dogs
There are many different types of cancer—and they can occur in all parts of a dog’s body. Below are some of the most common types of cancer that we see at UW Veterinary Care, along with where they tend to occur. To learn more about these types of cancer, including information about diagnosis, prognosis and treatment, please click the link below.
Lymphoma (Lymphosarcoma)
In dogs, this form of cancer most commonly causes enlargement of multiple lymph nodes. These lymph nodes can often be felt along the jaw, in front of the shoulders, in the armpits and groin area, and behind the “knee” area of dogs. Other sites that can be involved include lymph nodes within the chest or abdomen, as well as the spleen, liver, and intestinal tract. Because the malignant cell is a blood cell, lymphoma can occur in almost any part of the body.
The diagnosis of lymphoma is usually straightforward. A sample is taken from one of the enlarged lymph nodes using a small needle (fine needle aspirate). The sample is spread onto a microscope slide and examined by a pathologist for confirmation of the disease. Once diagnosed, the oncology team may recommend different tests to stage the cancer (that is, assess how extensive the disease is within the body) and further characterize the cancer cells in order to properly recommend treatment.
While lymphoma is rarely cured, it is definitely a disease that can be effectively treated, with options ranging widely in cost and duration of disease control. The most commonly recommended treatment for lymphoma in dogs is a regimen of four different medications: prednisone, cyclophosphamide, vincristine and doxorubicin.
The medical oncology team will always provide a variety of diagnostic and treatment options to find one that will best suit you and your dog.
Call to schedule an appointment: 608-263-7600
Bone Tumors (Most Commonly Osteosarcoma)
Bone cancer in dogs usually arises within one of the limbs and more often tends to affect large to giant breed dogs. Warning signs of this tumor include lameness and swelling at the site of the cancer.
To confirm the diagnosis, X-rays of the affected bone are often followed by a fine needle aspirate of the tumor. At times, a biopsy of the tumor is also necessary for diagnosis. Because osteosarcoma tends to spread to the lungs early in the course of the disease, chest X-rays or a CT scan of the chest is also recommended (along with some basic blood tests) before decisions are made about treatment options. Ideally, no evidence that the cancer has spread to the lungs will be identified, in which case treatment with amputation followed by several treatments of the chemotherapy drug carboplatin is usually recommended.
That said, we understand that removal of a limb is not always a feasible option for dogs. Sometimes, based on location and size of the tumor in the bone, a “limb sparing” surgery is an option. Another treatment option that foregoes amputation is radiation therapy. The oncology team will certainly discuss all viable treatment options with you.
While osteosarcoma is almost always a fatal disease, our team will work with you to control the cancer for as long as possible. We understand that your dog’s quality of life is important, and we strive to give them as much happy and enjoyable time with you as possible.
Call to schedule an appointment: 608-263-7600
Mast Cell Tumors
Mast cell tumors most commonly arise on or just below the skin in dogs, although they do occasionally arise inside the chest or abdominal cavities. Warning signs of a mast cell tumor include a persistent swelling on or under the skin.
These tumors are usually not painful. Diagnosis of a mast cell tumor is usually achieved by taking a sample from the swelling using a small needle (fine needle aspirate). The sample is spread onto a microscope slide and examined by a pathologist for confirmation of the disease. Once diagnosed, the oncology team may recommend different tests to determine whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Mast cell tumors are usually treated with surgery to remove the tumor. From there, our pathologists will examine the removed tissue and evaluate a number of tumor cell characteristics in order to help determine the next best steps to take. Based upon their findings, there may be no additional treatment recommendations or our oncology team may discuss radiation therapy and/or a drug called Palladia or chemotherapy with vinblastine and prednisone for your dog.
The good news about mast cell tumors is that there are many patients who can be cured of this disease. While a cure is not possible for every dog with mast cell cancer, there are a range of treatment options that can help prolong survival while maintaining a great quality of life.
Call to schedule an appointment: 608-263-7600
Soft Tissue Sarcomas
This tumor type typically occurs as slowly growing masses anywhere in the body. When it occurs outside of a body cavity, a nonpainful mass may be the only abnormality noted. When arising within the chest or abdominal cavity, it may be difficult to identify the tumor until it is very large.
Once recognized, most soft tissue sarcomas can be diagnosed by taking a sample from the swelling using a small needle (fine needle aspirate). The sample is spread onto a microscope slide and examined by a pathologist for confirmation of the disease. Following diagnosis, the oncology team may recommend different tests to determine whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Soft tissue sarcomas are usually treated with surgery to remove the tumor. From there, treatment recommendations depend on what our pathologists see when they examine the removed tissue. There may be no additional treatment recommendations or our oncology team may discuss radiation therapy to prevent the tumor from growing back. Although less common, some soft tissue sarcomas display a more aggressive behavior and will spread throughout the body to the lungs or other sites. When this is a concern, the oncology team will discuss chemotherapy or other medical treatment options with you.
Many soft tissue sarcomas in dogs can be cured with surgery plus/minus radiation therapy. Because each patient and family is different, the team will offer a variety of diagnostic and treatment options to come up with a plan that works for you and your dog.
Call to schedule an appointment: 608-263-7600
Tumors of the Oral Cavity
Oral tumors may be benign or malignant. The most common malignant oral tumors in dogs are melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma and fibrosarcoma. Warning signs of a tumor inside the oral cavity include worsening breath, drooling, dropping food or difficulty eating, blood or bloody discharge in the water bowl, and/or facial disfigurement.
Diagnosis of an oral tumor usually requires a tissue biopsy, which is usually performed with your dog under general anesthesia. In addition to a biopsy, the oncology team will discuss other tests to assess the overall health of your dog and investigate whether the tumor has spread elsewhere in the body.
Treatment of most oral tumors relies upon surgical removal of the tumor, including removal of portions of bone that may be involved. Although this may sound extreme, dogs that have undergone surgery to remove an oral tumor along with a portion of their upper or lower jaw have excellent cosmetic and functional results within two weeks of the surgery, and are able to live happy and comfortable lives. Radiation therapy may also play a role, with or without surgery, in the management of malignant oral tumors. For melanoma specifically, immune therapies such as anti-melanoma vaccinations may be another option to consider.
While most malignant oral tumors in dogs are not curable, there is a wide range of treatment options to keep your dog comfortable and happy for as long as possible.
Call to schedule an appointment: 608-263-7600
Nasal Tumors
There are a number of different types of cancers that can affect the nasal cavity and associated sinuses. Warning signs of nasal cancer include blood dripping from one side of the nose, sneezing, facial disfigurement or protrusion of an eyeball.
In addition to cancer, other diseases that can affect the nasal cavity and cause similar signs include fungal or bacterial nasal infections, foreign bodies, and other infectious and immune-mediated causes. To determine why a dog is having these types of signs, a CT scan is usually recommended. If a mass lesion is identified on the CT scan, a biopsy should be performed to get a tissue diagnosis. In addition, other tests may be recommended to determine overall health status of the patient and to check for spread of the tumor to other parts of the body.
The most commonly recommended treatment option for dogs with nasal tumors is radiation therapy. Unless it is combined with radiation therapy, surgery is not recommended for dogs with nasal tumors because it is not possible to completely remove all of the tumor cells from the nasal cavity. Medical or chemotherapy may be an additional option, depending upon the type of cancer and the likelihood of it responding.
Although it is not possible to cure most nasal tumors, treatment can temporarily resolve clinical signs, improve your dog’s quality of life, and therefore prolong survival. The UW Veterinary Care Oncology Team will work with you to help decide the right course of action for you and your dog.
Call to schedule an appointment: 608-263-7600
Common Types of Cancer in Cats
Small Cell Gastrointestinal (GI) Lymphoma
Small cell GI lymphoma is the most common form of lymphoma in cats. Warning signs of this disease include decreased appetite, diarrhea or soft stools, vomiting and weight loss.
Because there are many problems besides lymphoma that can cause these signs in cats, the diagnostic work-up of cats with these signs often includes checking bloodwork and an abdominal ultrasound, and may also include an ultrasound-guided aspirate of any abnormal ultrasound findings or biopsy obtained via endoscopy or surgery.
Once a diagnosis of small cell GI lymphoma is made, the UW Veterinary Care Oncology Team will talk with you about treatment with prednisolone and a chemotherapy drug that can be given by mouth once every 14 days.
Cats with small cell GI lymphoma typically respond very well to treatment, with resolution of their clinical signs and significant improvement in their quality of life. The disease can often be controlled by the medications for well over three years.
Call to schedule an appointment: 608-263-7600
Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Oral Cavity
Warning signs of this cancer in cats include swelling of the chin or jawline or facial deformity, difficulty eating and drinking, difficulty grooming, bad breath and drooling.
A diagnosis is often suspected based on physical examination findings, with the most common abnormality being an ulcerated (open) mass along the gingiva that is often also distorting the bone of the jaw. A biopsy is necessary to confirm the diagnosis. Other tests, such as chest X-rays and fine needle aspirates of regional lymph nodes, are recommended to determine whether the tumor has spread.
Treatment options for cats with oral squamous cell carcinoma are limited. Surgical removal of the tumor, along with the affected bone, is considered the best way to relieve pain and prolong survival. Although removal of a portion of the jaw in a cat sounds extreme, cats typically recover well and are able to eat and drink and groom themselves within two weeks of the surgery. Radiation therapy is another treatment option that may relieve pain and even shrink the tumor temporarily. Unfortunately, oral squamous cell carcinoma is not considered a curable tumor. Our oncology team is here to help you to define your treatment goals for your cat if it does have oral squamous cell carcinoma.
Call to schedule an appointment: 608-263-7600
common warning signs of cancer in pets
- Masses, especially those that grow quickly, feel firm, or are changing in appearance (becoming bruised or ulcerated)
- Persistent vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dramatic weight change
- Sudden lameness or swelling of the leg
- Blood coming from the mouth or nose, especially if accompanied by foul odor
- Swelling of the abdomen, especially if accompanied by decreased energy or pale gums
- Major changes in appetite and energy beyond normal age-related changes
Treatment options for veterinary patients with cancer
While the Oncology Service at UW Veterinary Care is world-renowned for making clinical advances in the treatment of cats and dogs with cancer, we also offer routine treatment options such as chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy. Most of our approaches, including chemotherapy, are delivered on an outpatient basis in an effort to interrupt your beloved companion's routines as little as possible. Their quality of life is always our highest priority, so our team will ensure that you and your animal are comfortable every step of the way.
Learn More About Treatment and Therapy Options
UWVC Oncology Team
Medical Oncology Faculty
- Ruthanne Chun, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology), Clinical Professor
- Xuan Pan, VMD, PhD, DACVIM (Oncology), Assistant Professor
- MacKenzie Pellin, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology), DACVR (Radiation Oncology)
- David Vail, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Oncology), Professor
Radiation Oncology Faculty
- Lisa Forrest, VMD, DACVR (Radiology, Radiation Oncology), Professor
- Michelle Turek, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology), DACVR (Radiation Oncology), Clinical Assistant Professor
- Nathaniel Van Asselt, DVM, DACVR (Radiation Oncology)
Medical Oncology Residents
- Ann Marie Picone, DVM
- Rachel McMahon, DVM
- Han-Yun Cheng, DVM, MVM
- Kirsten Andersson, DVM
- Christen Montesanto, DVM
Radiation Oncology Residents
- Claire Faletti, DVM
- Jordan Denitz, DVM
- Tricia Hu, DVM
INTERNS
- Sean Okada, DVM
- Kimberley Law, DVM
Each case is different, which means that costs will vary depending on your pet’s needs. Treatment options for cancer can be as simple as pain or anti-inflammatory medications, or as involved as chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy (or sometimes a combination of all of these). The exact treatment is often specific to the tumor type, stage of disease (presence of metastases and extent of the tumor), the personality and overall health of the pet, and the owner’s goals, finances and expectations.
Our goal as oncologists is to educate you on the various options and to help you find the best option for you and your pet, whether it is focusing on keeping your pet comfortable or trying more aggressive therapy.
Payment Information
We understand that paying for your animal’s medical needs can be stressful. Your animal deserves the best care and we have various payment options, so your focus can be on getting your animal healthy.
Scheduling an Appointment
Owners should schedule an appointment with us if their local veterinarian has diagnosed or has a strong suspicion that their pet has cancer and they would like to learn more about diagnostic and treatment options. If new masses are noted, we always recommend that they are evaluated and sampled by a veterinarian—benign fatty tumors are common but are important to be differentiated from more aggressive tumors.
SCHEDULE AN ONCOLOGY APPOINTMENT:
608-263-7600
Regular clinic hours are Monday through Friday, and our scheduling staff will assist you in finding an appointment with the right veterinary specialist based on your animal's needs at a time that works for you. Our emergency services for all species are also available if your animal has a serious problem that requires immediate medical attention.
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