Oncology
Medical Oncology services are available at SEVO-Med’s Orange Park and Jacksonville locations.
SEVO-Med’s Medical Oncology service is run by board-certified 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.
What is a board-certified Veterinary Oncologist?
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 extensive knowledge of molecular biology, pharmacology, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation oncology, novel therapies, and palliative care.
Cancer Care at SEVO-Med
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 the 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 many of the severe side effects that humans experience with cancer treatment.
While side effects cannot be completely avoided, we will always work with you to help you recognize any potential side effects early and treat them 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.
Our Collaborative Approach
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 self-directed training.
Furthermore, at SEVO-Med, we are in constant contact with other specialists, including our own internists and neighboring specialists, including radiation oncologists, surgeons, neurologists, dermatologists, and ophthalmologists. This team-based approach will ensure the best possible care for your pet.
What to Expect at Your Pet’s Appointment
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.
Radiation Oncology
Radiation Oncology services are offered by our partners at Pet Cure within our Orange Park location.
Radiation therapy is a method of treating cancer with X-rays or electrons. The effectiveness of radiation therapy varies depending on tumor size, patient species, cancer type, and tumor location. It is most effective at treating tumors that occur in one area (localized disease) rather than tumors that have spread to other parts of the body (systemic disease). There are various different types of radiation therapy. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) consists of 1-3 treatment sessions delivered on consecutive days, while conventional radiation therapy is typically given every day for a period of three to four weeks. Each treatment requires a brief general anesthesia. Both normal and cancer cells are affected, but radiation treatment is designed to maximize tumor effect and minimize the effect on normal tissues. While normal cells can regenerate following radiation exposure, cancer cells cannot.
