Veterinary Oncology and Pet Cancer Care
A cancer diagnosis for your pet can leave you frightened, overwhelmed, and unsure of what to do next. At Oakland Veterinary Referral Services, you do not have to navigate those decisions alone.
Our board-certified veterinary oncologists provide advanced diagnostics, personalized treatment options, and compassionate guidance for dogs and cats with cancer. We take time to explain your pet’s diagnosis, answer your questions, and help you make informed decisions based on your pet’s needs and your family’s goals.
Throughout your pet’s care, preserving comfort and quality of life remains central to every recommendation we make.
Request an Oncology Appointment
Expert Cancer Care Centered on Your Pet
Veterinary oncology is not a one-size-fits-all field. The most appropriate plan depends on the type of cancer, its location and stage, your pet’s overall health, and how the disease is affecting daily life.
It also depends on what matters most to you.
Some families want to pursue every appropriate treatment option. Others prioritize comfort, fewer hospital visits, or more good days at home. Our oncologists will explain the available choices, what each may accomplish, and what you can reasonably expect—without pressuring you toward a particular decision.
Together, we will develop a plan that supports both your pet and your family.
What Is a Veterinary Oncologist?
A veterinary oncologist is a veterinarian with advanced training in diagnosing and treating cancer in animals. Board-certified veterinary oncologists have completed veterinary school, additional clinical training, a specialized residency, and rigorous certification requirements.
This expertise allows our oncologists to evaluate complex cancer cases and recommend treatment based on the latest veterinary research, available therapies, and each patient's individual needs.
As part of a multi-specialty and 24-hour emergency hospital, the OVRS Oncology team can also collaborate with specialists in surgery, internal medicine, diagnostic imaging, cardiology, emergency and critical care, and other disciplines when a pet’s condition requires a coordinated approach.
What to Expect at Your Pet’s Oncology Consultation
Before your appointment, our team will review records from your primary veterinarian, including laboratory results, imaging, biopsy reports, medications, and relevant medical history.
During the consultation, the oncologist will:
- Review your pet’s medical history and current symptoms
- Perform a comprehensive examination
- Discuss what is known about the suspected or confirmed cancer
- Recommend additional diagnostic or staging tests when appropriate
- Explain available treatment and supportive-care options
- Discuss expected benefits, possible side effects, prognosis, and cost
- Answer your questions and learn about your priorities
- Develop an individualized plan for your pet
You are not obligated to pursue every test or treatment discussed. Our role is to give you clear, medically informed options so you can make the decisions that feel right for your pet and family.
Cancer Treatment Options at OVRS
Your pet’s treatment plan may include one therapy or a combination of approaches.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses medications to destroy cancer cells, slow their growth, or reduce the risk of cancer returning. It may be recommended as primary treatment or used with surgery or other therapies.
Veterinary chemotherapy is planned with quality of life as a leading priority. Although side effects are possible, treatment protocols are designed to help pets remain comfortable and continue enjoying their usual activities whenever possible.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy uses or stimulates the immune system to recognize and respond to certain cancers. It is appropriate only for particular cancer types and may be used with other forms of treatment.
Electrochemotherapy
Electrochemotherapy combines a chemotherapy medication with carefully delivered electrical pulses that help the treatment enter tumor cells more effectively. It may provide a localized treatment option for certain tumors.
Cryosurgery
Cryosurgery uses extremely cold temperatures to destroy abnormal tissue. It may be considered for select superficial or localized tumors.
Surgery
Some cancers are best treated by surgically removing the tumor. When surgery is recommended, our oncologists can collaborate with OVRS’s board-certified surgeons to coordinate diagnostic testing, surgical care, and follow-up treatment.
Clinical Trials
Eligible patients may have access to clinical trials evaluating promising approaches to cancer diagnosis or treatment. Availability and eligibility vary. Your oncologist will discuss any relevant opportunities with you.
Supportive and Palliative Care
Cancer care is not limited to treatments directed at the tumor. Supportive and palliative care can help manage pain, nausea, reduced appetite, fatigue, and other effects of cancer or its treatment.
When cancer-directed treatment is not recommended or not elected, our team can help create a comfort-focused plan intended to protect quality of life and support meaningful time together.
Integrative Oncology at OVRS
Some families would like to explore complementary therapies alongside conventional cancer care. OVRS offers dedicated Integrative Oncology Consultations with Dr. Erin Bannink, a board-certified veterinary oncologist with advanced training in veterinary acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.
An integrative consultation may include discussion of:
- Acupuncture
- Chinese herbal medicine
- Dietary recommendations
- Selected supplements and nutraceuticals
- Vitamin D testing and appropriate supplementation
- Conventional diagnostic and treatment options
- Support for comfort and quality of life
Integrative Oncology does not require families to choose between conventional and complementary care. Recommendations are individualized, and families may elect conventional treatment, complementary therapies, a combination of approaches, or comfort-focused care.
Learn More About Integrative Oncology
Will Cancer Treatment Make My Pet Feel Sick?
This is one of the most common concerns families have—and an important one.
Cancer treatment for pets is generally approached differently than cancer treatment for people. In veterinary oncology, maintaining a good quality of life is a central goal. We select and adjust treatment plans with your pet’s comfort in mind.
Some pets experience temporary side effects such as decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or fatigue, but many continue eating, playing, walking, and participating in normal family life during treatment. Your oncology team will explain possible side effects, provide medications when appropriate, and tell you what changes should prompt a call.
If a treatment is affecting your pet’s comfort more than expected, the plan can be adjusted.
Quality of Life Guides Every Decision
Successful cancer care is not measured only in weeks, months, test results, or tumor size. It is also measured in comfortable naps, favorite meals, walks, playtime, affection, and the ability to enjoy being part of the family.
We will continue evaluating how your pet feels throughout treatment. If the goals of care need to change, our team will help you understand the options and make compassionate decisions without judgment.
Choosing not to pursue aggressive treatment does not mean choosing to do nothing. Comfort care, symptom management, and thoughtful planning can make an enormous difference in your pet’s remaining quality of life.
Collaborative Care for You and Your Pet
OVRS works closely with your primary veterinarian throughout your pet’s cancer care. Depending on the treatment plan, your family veterinarian may perform some follow-up tests or supportive treatments, while OVRS provides specialized cancer treatment and monitoring.
Having multiple specialties and 24-hour emergency and critical care within the hospital also allows us to respond when a cancer patient has complex medical needs or requires hospitalization and close monitoring.
Preparing for Your Pet’s Appointment
Before your visit, please complete the appropriate oncology history form and ask your family veterinarian to send relevant records, including:
- Recent examination notes
- Blood and urine test results
- Imaging studies
- Cytology or biopsy reports
- Current medications and supplements
- Previous cancer treatments
- Information about changes in appetite, energy, weight, mobility, or behavior
Bringing a written list of your questions can also help you make the most of the consultation.
Drs. Sauerbrey & Bannink New Client Form
Drs. Sauerbrey & Bannink New Client Form (PDF)
Oncology: Medical History Form
Oncology: Medical History Form (PDF)
Oncology: Recheck Form
Oncology: Recheck Form (PDF)
Oncology Drop Off Form
Oncology Drop Off Form (PDF)
Consent to Treat Form
Consent to Treat Form (PDF)
Compassionate Expertise When Your Family Needs It Most
Hearing that your pet has cancer changes everything in an instant. The OVRS Oncology team is here to replace some of that uncertainty with clear information, thoughtful choices, and a plan centered on the pet you love.
Whether your goal is treatment, more comfortable time together, or simply understanding the options, we will meet you with honesty, expertise, and compassion.
To request an oncology consultation, complete our appointment request form or call OVRS at (248) 334‑6877.