Surgery is often used as the sole treatment for several types of cancer in dogs and cats. Many cases can be cured through surgical excision of the tumor with clean margins by separating the cancer cells from the remainder of the body. Surgery can also be used as part of a treatment plan that includes other forms of treatment such as chemotherapy and radiation. This is common when it is not possible to completely remove a tumor due to its location or size or the possibility of remote microscopic tumor presence. Another component of cancer surgery is reconstruction of the remaining tissues after the tumor is removed. This can involve use of synthetic materials or grafts of tissue to restore form and function.

Initial diagnostics and consultation with one of our veterinary oncologists are used to evaluate the extent of the disease and to formulate a coordinated medical and surgical treatment strategy. Diagnostic tests may include a biopsy of the tumor if not already done to determine the cell type of the cancer. Other tests such as X-rays of the chest to look for spread of the disease to the lungs, abdominal ultrasound, blood work and evaluation of local lymph nodes are used in planning the best theraputic approach for your pet.

A wide variety of surgical procedures are used to treat cancer and these vary from patient to patient depending on the details of each case. We will evaluate your pet on an individual basis and discuss with you prognosis, potential risks and complications involved with surgery so an informed decision can be made.

In many cases a team of STVS/VREC doctors will work together to develop a multi-faceted treatment plan for your pet's cancer.