Receiving a cancer diagnosis for your pet is an emotional and overwhelming experience. You might feel a mix of shock, fear, and uncertainty about what lies ahead. The field of pet oncology can offer hope and support with expert care and advanced treatments. By understanding the pet oncology process—from diagnosis to treatment and beyond—you can navigate this challenging time with greater confidence and help ensure the best possible outcome for your furry family member.
Pet oncology is a specialized branch of veterinary medicine that focuses on diagnosing and treating cancer in pets. The primary goal of pet oncology is to achieve remission when possible and, in other cases, manage symptoms to improve your pet’s quality of life.
Veterinary oncologists play a key role in this process, starting with identifying the type and stage of cancer and considering your pet’s overall health and unique needs. They work closely with you to understand your preferences and craft personalized treatment plans. These plans may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy or a combination of treatments. Oncologists also oversee the administration of these treatments and provide ongoing care to monitor your pet’s progress and adjust as needed.
Oncologists can sometimes be booked out for months. In those cases, general veterinary practitioners are often able to start the process by offering diagnostic testing, supportive care and therapy while you wait for a specialized consultation.
The pet oncology field provides a structured and compassionate approach to managing pet cancer. By understanding each stage, pet owners can make informed decisions about care.
Before any testing happens, you will share your pet’s symptoms and medical history with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will then perform a thorough physical exam. Based on their findings, they may order a series of diagnostic tests, such as blood work, imaging (including X-rays or ultrasounds) or biopsies, to identify any abnormalities and determine if cancer is present. These tests can eventually help you and your veterinarian understand the type, location and stage of any cancer that is present. Your veterinarian should provide you with clear communication about the test results and journey ahead.
Once your veterinarian receives test results, they will carefully analyze them to identify the type of cancer your pet may have. Your veterinarian should discuss the findings with you and explain what the diagnosis means. A diagnosis is the foundation for moving forward with other care, including identifying the stage, prognosis and personalized treatment plan. To make a diagnosis and recommendations, your veterinarian may partner with these research organizations:
Along with determining a diagnosis, your veterinarian will evaluate how advanced your pet’s cancer is and whether it has spread to other parts of their body. They may need to conduct additional diagnostic tests to understand the stage of your pet’s cancer and determine the best course of action.
Your veterinarian will assess the likely outcome of your pet's cancer diagnosis based on the type, stage and location of the cancer, along with your pet's overall health. A prognosis can help predict how the cancer may respond to treatment and provides an estimate of life expectancy. This information can help you and your veterinarian make decisions about your pet’s treatment options, balancing their quality of life and potential outcomes.
Your veterinarian will develop a personalized approach tailored to your pet's overall health, the type and stage of their cancer, and their specific symptoms. This plan may include a combination of therapies, such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy or palliative care, all designed to manage the cancer and improve your pet’s quality of life. A well-crafted treatment plan plays a crucial role in determining your pet’s outcome. Your veterinarian should guide you through all of the options.
Now is the time to implement your pet’s personalized treatment plan—whether the goal is to eliminate the cancer, slow its growth and/or reduce symptoms to improve your pet's comfort. Throughout this stage, your veterinary team should closely monitor your pet’s response to treatment, aiming to maintain their quality of life as much as possible. They may make adjustments to your pet’s therapies based on how they respond.
Long-term, follow-up care is essential to monitor your pet’s recovery and watch for any signs of cancer recurrence. Regular check-ups can help manage any lasting effects from treatment, such as fatigue or changes in your pet’s organ function. Ongoing pain management or supportive care may be needed to address any lingering symptoms.
Several treatment options are available for pet oncology, depending on your pet’s unique diagnosis and personalized plan. They include generic, branded or compounded medications.
Your veterinarian may recommend removal of your pet’s tumors or cancerous tissue. Typically, this is a treatment option when your pet’s cancer is localized and can be fully or partially removed. The goal of surgery is to eliminate or reduce tumor mass to help cure or manage your pet’s cancer.
Chemotherapy involves medications that kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. These chemotherapy medications are usually used for cancers that have spread or are not easily treatable by surgery alone, such as lymphoma or leukemia. The goal is to shrink tumors, control cancer spread or achieve remission.
Some common medications used in chemotherapy for pets include:
If you have a prescription, Mixlab can compound these medications for your pet. Compounding can be especially helpful if you need a very specific dosage, once-weekly dosing or a different form of the medication. We include everything needed for safe administration of the medication. We know you have a lot on your mind if your pet has cancer, so our proactive refill reminders help make sure you never miss a dose.
This treatment uses high-energy radiation to target and destroy your pet’s cancer cells. In most cases, radiation is used for tumors that cannot be completely removed by surgery or with chemotherapy medications. It can reduce your pet’s tumor size, manage their pain and/or slow cancer progression.
Unlike traditional chemotherapy—which affects both cancerous and healthy cells—targeted therapies focus on specific molecular markers that drive cancer growth. These therapies can block signals that cancer cells use to grow, or they can deliver toxins directly to the cancer cells. The goal of targeted therapy is to slow or stop cancer progression while reducing side effects.
With a valid prescription, Mixlab provides targeted therapy medications, including:
This treatment approach focuses on relieving your pet’s symptoms and improving their quality of life rather than curing the cancer. This is usually appropriate for advanced cancer where a cure is no longer feasible. These treatments can help manage your pet’s pain, reduce their discomfort and provide support for you and your pet.
Pet oncology medications can cause other side effects, which your veterinarian should explain. There are other medications that can help manage treatment symptoms, such as:
You should select a pet pharmacy that offers a wide range of medications tailored to personalized cancer treatments. Additionally, look for a pharmacy with high quality control standards and strict regulatory compliance to ensure your pet is receiving safe and effective medications. Reliable and fast delivery services are another essential factor—especially when timely access to your pet’s medication is critical for their care. Exceptional and empathetic customer support can also make a big difference during stressful times, helping you navigate your orders and refills with ease.
We’re here to support you and your furry family member throughout the pet oncology process. Turn to us for chemotherapy, oncology and oncology support medications, next-day delivery and empathetic customer support. Get in touch to place an order for your cancer medication needs.