At NVRS, we understand that when a pet is diagnosed with cancer, it can be a difficult time for both pet and owner. We are passionate about providing the best quality of life through effective treatment, minimising possible side effects, whilst helping practices support their clients and their pets.
Our diagnostic imaging and surgical teams work alongside our oncology department, providing a comprehensive care plan. We work with referring vets, developing a precise combination of surgical and medical treatments that best suit each individual animal.
We are happy to discuss over the phone and accept referrals for the following aspects of oncology:
- Diagnosis of suspected neoplasia
- Clinical stage determination
- Surgical oncology (including surgical biopsies and tumour removal)
- Therapeutic options and expectations
NVRS can offer the following medical therapies:
Conventional chemotherapy
Conventional chemotherapy is the same for animals as it is for humans, however, animals have a less aggressive course of treatment. Reduced drug dosages, simplified multidrug protocols and longer intervals between drug administrations allow patients to go through chemotherapy with little to no side effects. Side effects occur because chemotherapy agents also target healthy, rapidly dividing cells. Whenever possible, we will try to pre-empt side effects by prescribing specific medications.
Metronomic chemotherapy
Metronomic chemotherapy is a common form of chemotherapy that relies on a small, daily dose of drugs. Where conventional chemotherapy kills all rapidly dividing cells(including healthy cells in the gut and bone marrow etc), metronomic chemotherapy works by inhibiting the tumour’s ability to develop its own blood vessel network. With a reduced blood supply, the tumour receives limited oxygen and nutrients and its growth is controlled.
Targeted molecular therapies
Targeted molecular therapies differ from conventional therapies because they work by binding to specific receptors on the cancerous cells, preventing them from dividing and growing. These drugs are usually tolerated well but can have potential side effects.
Palliative therapy
If we believe a cancer is incurable or impossible to control, the aim becomes palliation. Chemotherapy can be used to ease symptoms associated with inoperable tumours, such as pain or pressure. It is often the preferred method of therapy for systemic cancers and tumours that have metastasised, allowing for a good quality of life for as long as possible.
At NVRS, common chemotherapy treatments include:
- Measurable tumours sensitive to chemotherapy (e.g. lymphoma)
- Adjuvant therapy to eradicate occult micrometastasis (e.g. following amputation of a limb due to osteosarcoma)
- Neoadjuvant therapy to downstage sensitive tumours or those with difficult margins prior to surgery, making them easier to remove (e.g. mast cell tumours)
- Palliative therapy for unresectable or metastatic tumours (e.g. bladder transitional cell carcinoma)