The MVS Oncology Department
Dr. Michelle Custead and the oncology team at MVS understands how devastating it can be to learn that your pet has cancer. Our goal is to eliminate those fears and feelings of hopelessness by providing specialized care for your pet.
A board-certified specialist in medical oncology is a licensed veterinarian who has obtained intensive additional training in understanding, diagnosing and treating cancers that occur in companion animals. At MVS, the oncology specialist (oncologist) and her team work closely with each other and with you to ensure you are well informed while your pet receives excellent patient care. We will provide you with all the information you need to make the best decisions for your pet, and we will guide you through every step of your pet’s cancer journey. At all times, we will prioritize your pet’s quality of life while we fight your pet’s cancer as effectively as possible. We are passionately committed to improving the lives of pets with cancer through our expertise, teamwork, open communication and compassion.
Diagnostic Procedures
- Initial Diagnosis of Cancer
- We offer initial tests to determine if a concerning lump or lab work is definitively cancer. Diagnosis typically starts with cytology and/or biopsy, although more advanced diagnostics may be necessary.
- Advanced Diagnostics
- Depending on the cancer type, we may offer further tests that could improve prognostic accuracy and enhance therapeutic tailoring. Examples of advanced diagnostics that are available at MVS include immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, prognostication and proliferation panels, and tests to determine genetic changes and specific mutations.
- Thorough Cancer Staging
- Whether cancer is diagnosed by us or by your primary veterinarian, staging tests are subsequently used to determine the extent of disease (metastasis). Staging typically starts with lab work (analysis of blood and urine) and X-rays. Depending on the type of cancer, we may also recommend bone marrow aspiration, CT scan, cytology and/or biopsy and ultrasound, all of which can be performed at MVS.
Treatment Options
- Chemotherapy
- We carry an arsenal of chemotherapy drugs from which we select the most appropriate ones to fight your pet’s cancer. The chemotherapy treatment plan is tailored to your pet’s needs. Treatments are typically given in the hospital weekly or less often, while some treatments can be administered at home.
- Immunotherapy
- Therapeutic cancer vaccine for the treatment of a specific cancer is available at MVS.
- Pain Control and Quality of Life Management
- We offer medications to palliate pain and other potential secondary signs associated with cancer. Control of pain and maintenance of a good quality of life is our priority, both during and after completion of any therapy, or even if therapy is not pursued.
