SEVO-Med’s oncology service is run by board-certified medical and radiation oncology specialists. During your visit with one of our oncologists, many different types of procedures and treatments may be offered based on the unique needs of your pet. Families have round-the-clock access to oncologists while their pets are undergoing treatment.
A board-certified veterinary medical oncologist is a veterinarian who has completed focused training beyond veterinary school including a one year general rotating internship followed by a three year specialized residency in the subject of cancer.
During training, an oncologist must pass comprehensive examinations and must complete publication requirements to become board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM). Only once all of the requirements are met may a veterinarian be recognized as a Diplomate of the ACVIM. This status helps to define board-certified oncologists as experts in our field – in addition to understanding the biology, behavior, and treatment of cancer, oncologists carry an extensive knowledge of molecular biology, pharmacology, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation oncology, novel therapies, and palliative care.
At SEVO-Med, our medical oncologists’ primary focus is on balancing the treatment of cancer with other underlying conditions — while maintaining a great quality of life for your four-legged family member. We share a philosophy that quality of life is our most important goal, and that we wouldn’t recommend something to your beloved furry family member that we wouldn’t consider for our own.
Many of the chemotherapy drugs and other treatments we utilize are similar to those used in treatment of human cancer; HOWEVER, the treatment experience is drastically different between humans and pets. This is primarily a result of the difference in goals with treatment, with quality of life being more important than any other factor. With our patients, we use lower doses and less intense dosing schedules to alleviate the vast majority of severe side effects that humans experience with cancer treatment.
While side effects cannot be completely avoided, we will always work as a team with you to help you recognize any potential side effects early, and treat in a compassionate and appropriate fashion. Treating pets with cancer is what we do – every day. This level of experience and expertise helps to give you the most detailed list of options available, expectations from treatment, and most importantly, helping you to decide what is best for your pet’s unique lifestyle.
As specialists in veterinary oncology, part of our job is to stay up to date on recent developments in the field of oncology through a worldwide network of veterinary oncologists, continuing education events, attending annual conferences, participation in clinical trials, AND through self-directed training. Furthermore, at SEVO-Med, we are in constant contact with other specialists, including our own internists and neighboring specialists, including surgeons, neurologists, dermatologists, and ophthalmologists. This team-based approach will ensure the best possible care for your pet.
Clients who are visiting us for the first time should expect to spend a few hours with us. This is to allow time for a thorough discussion of your pet’s diagnosis, diagnostic plan, treatment options, and any questions that may be on your mind. We also plan time aside that day to perform the diagnostics needed to help give you valuable information in helping make treatment decisions. Most initial appointments can last up to four hours while treatment appointments last an average of one-to-two hours.
Visit our FAQ page for answers to many commonly-asked questions regarding cancer care.
SEVO-Med offers the following advanced diagnostics and treatments: