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Oncology

The field of veterinary oncology is constantly evolving, with ever-increasing numbers of dogs and cats developing cancer each year– methods for diagnosing and treating cancers are a significant area of research.

Approximately 1 in 4 dogs will develop a cancer (also called neoplasia) at some stage of their life. Each year, 6 millions dogs and 6 millions cats will be diagnosed with cancer. Approximately 82.5% of these dogs and 33% of these cats will succumb to cancer- making it the leading cause of death in small animals for the past decade. 

Some of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in dogs include: Mast Cell Tumors, Lymphomas and Osteosarcomas.  

Our Oncology services include:

Cancer screening/diagnosis/staging

  • Biopsy
  • Cytology
  • Histopathology
  • OncoK9 (Blood test screening) 
  • Bone marrow aspirates 
  • CT Scan 

Cancer treatment

  • Chemotherapy (injectable, metronomic)
  • Immunotherapy (cancer vaccines)
  • Surgical oncology

Possible signs of neoplasia in pets include: 

  • Abdominal swelling
  • Bleeding (from the mouth or nose or other body openings)
  • Difficulty eating
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Bumps and lumps
  • Persistent vomiting
  • Persistent diarrhea
  • Unwilling weight loss
  • Visible masses 
  • Lameness

Our hospital offers most oncology services, except Radiation Oncology.

Methods for diagnosing cancer:

Cancer diagnoses can be very challenging, but a proper diagnosis is the first step in obtaining the best treatment outcome.

Imaging diagnostics:

  • Digital radiology
  • Advanced ultraSound imaging
  • CT scan

 Laboratory testing:

  • Blood tests: Blood tests are generally insufficient to fully diagnose and characterize neoplasia. We have recently started collaborating with a molecular diagnostic company (OncoK9) that offers a simple DNA test to evaluate the presence of cancer cell DNA markers in blood. This test can detect the earliest stages of cancer on perfectly healthy pets, before the appearance of clinical signs.  More Information
  • Cytology is usually the first test recommended.  This will help to make an initial decision on the most appropriate and efficient line of treatment. Our ultrasonographic equipment allows us to collect cells directly from an internal tumor as long as organ accessibility permits (such a test would not be possible on a brain tumor for example)
  • Histopathology on biopsy pieces : Sometimes collecting individual cells is not sufficient to obtain a diagnosis and a biopsy might be necessary. In that case a piece of tissue is collected and sent to the lab for evaluation.
  • Histopathology on fully excised tumor: In this case, the lab will be able to evaluate if the tumor has been fully removed and will usually give a “grading” that will dictate the best post surgical treatment and allow us to determine the prognosis.
  • Immunochemistry will help us determine neoplasia specifics by listing the antigen properties of the tumor cells. These antigens specifics will determine the sensitivity to chemotherapeutic agents. This test required our collaboration with Veterinary Universities such as Colorado State University, Cornell or the Madison University of Wisconsin.

Methods for treating cancer:

While surgery and Chemotherapy were the leading ways to treat cancer in small animals, new options have recently emerged, broadening our options to treat your pets most appropriately and most efficiently.

When possible Surgery remains the most efficient form of cancer treatment. It is the best way to obtain long term remission. CVH has skilled surgeons that can provide the best surgical approach for tumor removal. Only brain or spinal tumors will be referred to the Neurologist. The most frequent tumors that can be successfully treated with surgery are skin tumors and mammary tumors, prior to any metastasis to other organs. In some cases internal tumors such as intestinal tumors, kidney tumors, liver tumors or spleen tumors cannot be removed and must be treated with chemotherapy treatments.

If surgery is not an option,  the tumor can be injected with a special molecule that will destroy the neoplasm. The most recent one is called Stelfonta.

 Chemotherapy can in some cases remain the only treatment option to treat lymphoid system neoplasia, such as peripheral Lymphomas, which are the most commonly seen. Even though there are many different types of lymphomas, with varying prognosis, there will most often be an appropriate chemotherapy protocol that can significantly extend the pet’s life. 

There are new molecules that have become available for use in general practices, which are more affordable and can offer  a better outcome than most conventional protocols.

 Cancer Vaccines are a new, non chemotherapy type of treatment. Immunotherapy treats cancer using the patient’s natural defenses (commonly known as cancer vaccines) or injections of certain aggressive molecules in the tumor, to ultimately kill the tumor. After surgical excision of a malignant mass, it will be sent to a laboratory called Torigen. A specially-made vaccine will be prepared based on the excised tumor, to be injected over the course of  weeks to prevent a relapse.

Ultimately, general practitioners have access to extended, recent and efficient ways to treat animal cancer with impressive outcomes. Cahuenga Veterinary Hospital keeps their entire staff up to date on the latest protocols and procedures to offer your pet the best treatment options, with convenience and care.

Have a question?

In order to provide the most responsive service, we ask that you please call to make an appointment.

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Resources

Preparing Your Pet For Surgery

It can be stressful when preparing your pet for surgery. Here are some helpful tips to aid in preparation and recovery.

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Testing and Lab Work

Has your pet recently gotten lab work done at our hospital? Here is when to expect test results.

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Our Pharmacy

At CVH, we have partnered with an online pharmacy to ensure that your prescription medication ordering process is as easy and affordable as possible.

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825 N. Cahuenga Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90038
(323) 462-0660

In order to provide the most responsive service, we ask that you please call to make an appointment.

Veterinarian serving Hollywood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills & Surrounding Communities in Los Angeles, CA

Copyright © 2023 Cahuenga Veterinary Hospital. The materials offered on this website are intended for educational purposes only. Cahuenga Veterinary Hospital does not provide any veterinary medical services or guidance via the Internet. Consult your veterinarian in matters regarding the care of your pets. Website designed and developed by Sketchbox Design, Inc.