Oncology

The diagnosis of cancer in your pet can be a frightening experience. The Oncology Service at Metropolitan Veterinary Referral Services can help you through this difficult time. Our team leader is an internal medicine specialist who has had advanced residency training in medical oncology and over 25 years of experience in managing serious pet cancer cases. The oncology team will work with other specialists to provide your pet state-of-the-art medical and surgical oncology.

Clients are often concerned about obvious abnormalities such as masses in the skin. Most often these masses are entirely harmless growths but occasionally they should have biopsy samples taken. Many less obvious problems often signal the presence of cancer such as high blood calcium, low blood glucose, enlarged lymph nodes, and anemia.

The key to successful management of cancer in your pet is early diagnosis before the cancer becomes advanced. You should be aware of the Early Warning Signs of Cancer.

Finding one of these signs in your pet does not mean that they have cancer but you should seek prompt advice from your primary care veterinarian for further evaluation.

The oncology team will work with you and your primary care veterinarian to provide the best medical cancer diagnostic and treatment plan for your pet. You may be referred to the Metropolitan Veterinary Referral Services for diagnostic procedures, cancer staging, and/or cancer chemotherapy. Our staff will discuss with you the procedures, treatment options, and prognosis for your pet.

Standard cancer treatments may prolong survival and provide an excellent quality of life in many dogs and cats with cancer. The primary goal of veterinary cancer treatment is to provide an excellent quality of life for our patients

Dr. Eric Goullaud received advanced residency training in oncology at Michigan State University under the direction of a board certified oncologist. His research endeavor during residency training focused on improving chemotherapy techniques for treating cancer patients. He developed special procedures for preventing cardiac toxicity during administration of Adriamycin (doxorubicin) chemotherapy to dogs.

Offering diagnostic expertise in:

• Primary Bone tumors
• Oral tumors
• Soft tissue tumors
• Nasal tumors
• Blood vascular disorders including
  • Hemolymphatic diseases
  • Leukemia
  • Blood dyscrasia
• Diagnosis and full staging of lymphosarcoma
• Full chemotherapy offerings with treatment available on site
• Around the clock monitoring of chemotherapy complications
• Placement of jugular vein access ports for safe delivery of long term chemotherapy

Specialized procedures available at MVRS include:

• Bone marrow aspiration/bone core biopsy
• Mass or organ aspiration and/or biopsy
• Cytological examination of diagnostic samples
• Tumor staging
• Metastasis checks
• Ultrasound, radiology, CT scans scheduled off site (15 minute drive)
• Laboratory Testing
• Nutritional Support
• Pain management
• Telephone consultation with your primary care veterinarian

We understand the importance of the strong bond between your family and your pet. Realizing that your pet has cancer is a very stressful time and we want to make this time as easy for you as possible. Diagnostic and therapeutic options for your pet, with the associated cost, will be discussed with you at time of consultation. The doctors will keep you informed regarding your pet's progress. You are encouraged to ask questions.