A Clear Look at What Comes Next

Before your appointment, please arrange for your pet’s medical records, laboratory results, diagnostic imaging, and pathology reports to be sent to our team. It is also helpful to bring a list of current medications and supplements, along with any questions or changes you have noticed at home.

You may wish to bring a family member or trusted friend. There can be a great deal of information to take in, and you do not have to navigate the conversation alone.

Your first consultation is designed to provide greater understanding, thoughtful options, and a clearer sense of what comes next.

During the appointment, our board-certified veterinary oncologist will:

• Review your pet's medical history, diagnostic testing, and pathology results
• Perform a comprehensive physical examination
• Discuss the type and stage of cancer
• Recommend any additional testing that may help clarify the diagnosis
• Explain available treatments, expected outcomes, and potential side effects
• Learn about your goals, priorities, and concerns
• Answer your questions openly and thoroughly

Once we understand the full picture, we will develop a plan shaped around your pet’s diagnosis, overall health, comfort, and daily life, as well as the priorities of your family.

Recommended services may include:

• Chemotherapy
• Immunotherapy
• Targeted therapies
• Digital radiology
• Abdominal or thoracic ultrasound
• Fine-needle aspiration and cytology
• Bone marrow evaluation
• Tissue biopsy
• Surgical coordination
• Radiation therapy referral and coordination
• Palliative and supportive care
• Pain management

Not every pet will need every service. We recommend testing and treatment when it may meaningfully inform or support your pet's care.

In many cases, treatment may be able to begin the same day as the consultation. Before moving ahead, we will explain how treatment is administered, how often visits may be needed, and what monitoring will be involved.

You will also receive practical guidance about medications, possible side effects, and changes to watch for at home. Treatment will begin only after you understand the recommendations and feel comfortable with the plan.

Regular follow-up visits help us understand how your pet is responding and feeling throughout treatment.

These appointments may include:

• Physical examinations
• Bloodwork or diagnostic imaging
• Medication or dosage adjustments
• Review of symptoms and changes at home
• Conversations about treatment goals and quality of life

Treatment plans are not fixed. They can change as we learn more about the cancer and as your pet's needs evolve.

Your goals may include pursuing active treatment, extending comfortable time together, managing symptoms, or focusing primarily on palliative care. There is no single path that is right for every pet or family.

Our role is to explain the options honestly, help you weigh their benefits and limitations, and remain beside you through the decisions ahead. We also keep your primary veterinarian informed so everyone involved can provide connected, consistent support.

Through every phase, we remain focused on what matters most: comfort, connection, quality of life, and the time you share.