Our approach to cancer care centers on your pet's quality of life as the most important aspect in determining the best course of treatment. During your initial consultation, our doctor will examine your pet, conduct any additional diagnostic testing necessary, and provide you with information regarding treatment options. Together, we will form a plan that will best serve the personal and financial needs of your pet and family. Pain management and palliative care are important aspects of any cancer treatment. We therefore make sure our patients are handled gently, with compassion, and ensure they are as comfortable as possible while under our care. We utilize many modalities to treat cancer in all companion species. Modalities can be used independently or in combination for the best care possible for your pet.

Different modalities available are:

Chemotherapy: Contrary to what many people think, chemotherapy can be given with few side effects in our companion animals. Although side effects can happen, we try to limit them, and most of our patients tolerate chemotherapy well with few, if any, side effects. We determine treatments based on the disease diagnosed and needs of our patients and families. Treatment protocols vary from daily to monthly treatments depending on the disease and intent of therapy.

Surgery: Having appropriate surgical oncology techniques are essential for our oncology patients. Our department works with board certified veterinary surgeons with interests in oncologic surgery in order to form the best treatment plans for our patients.

Radiation: Is not offered at NorthStar VETS currently, however, our oncology staff are trained in the modality, can offer consultation for this treatment, and referral if indicated. Radiation effectively treats tumors and is often used in conjunction with chemotherapy and surgery.

Pain Management: Comprehensive pain management is critical to the quality of life for cancer patients. For this reason, we can also provide acupuncture as an option to help ease the pain of our patients. Additionally, we find that our oncology patients can benefit from physical therapy to help maintain strength and morale.

We believe in the emotional well being of our clients; therefore, if you find yourself in need of additional support our Coach, Gina Schneller, is available.

Along the journey of caring for a pet with cancer, you can look to NorthStar VETS for support. We will employ every available option to ensure a complete and whole approach to treatment.

Our services for oncology include but are NOT limited to:

• Hemangiosarcoma
• Mast Cell Tumor
• Hemangiopericytoma
• Nerve Sheath Tumor
• Osteosarcoma
• Soft Tissue Sarcoma
• Leukemia
• Plasmacytoma
• Multiple Myeloma
• Vaccine Associated Sarcoma
• Histiocytic Sarcoma
• Gastrointestinal (Adeno)Carcinoma
• Melanoma
• Mycosis Fungoides
• Fibrosarcoma
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma
• Malignant Histiocytosis
• Primary Lung Tumor
• Thymoma
• Brain Tumor