11536 Lake City Way NE
Seattle, WA 98125
Phone: 206-364-3733
Fax: 206-364-3667
Successful treatment options available and utilized in veterinary medicine include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and most recently, immunotherapy. The ideal treatment for your pet's diagnosis will be determined based on the type of cancer, grade, stage and/or location.
Additional diagnostics are often indicated to provide a comprehensive evaluation of your pet's initial status, and for monitoring during and following therapy.
Commonly performed tests include cytology (small needle aspiration to obtain cells from masses, lymph nodes or bone marrow, as indicated), imaging (via radiographs or ultrasound), flow cytometry (used to identify specific subtypes of white blood cells), histopathology (biopsy evaluation)and immunohistochemistry (special stains applied to a biopsy sample, for further classification or prognostic information).
With a combination of these and/or other diagnostics, chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy, we anticipate being able to offer your pet his or her own customized treatment while remaining focused on your pet's quality of life.
We work with compounding pharmacies such Ballard Plaza Pharmacy for the right formulation of chemotherapy or other medications for your pet.
As a member of the ANIMAL CLINICAL INVESTIGATION Oncology Network, we have a unique opportunity to provide clinical trials to the right candidates. Additionally, at times, we are involved in different studies that might be right for your pet and his/her diagnosis. If this opportunity is appropriate for your pet, it will be discussed in greater detail.
WE HAVE NO
ON-SITE TRIALS or STUDIES AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME.
We do currently have the Canine Melanoma Vaccine available for purchase. If your dog has been diagnosed with melanoma, please visit Merial's Consumer Education Website for more information. Then, please call the office for an appointment to have any additional questions you may have answered. The vaccine is not appropriate in all situations.
VOCABULARY
CT -
computed tomography (commonly referred to as a "CT scan")
advanced imaging that defines internal structures of the body
Grade -
an evaluation of how aggressive the cancer appears on microscopic examination
Metastasis(es) -
the transference of malignant or cancerous cells to other parts of the body by way of the blood or lymphatic vessels or menbranous surfaces
MRI -
magnetic resonance imaging - used to detect structural abnormalities in soft tissue structures, organs, bones, etc. of the body
Neoplasia -
the pathological process that results in the formation and growth of a tumor
Neutropenia -
a condition of an abnormally low number (< 2,000) of neutrophils - a type of white blood cell whose function is to kill and eat up microrganisms that invade the body and cause infection
Remission -
a temporary or permanent decrease or subsidence of manifestations of a disease
Stage -
an evaluation of how advanced a cancer is
For additional information about your pet's diagnosis or vocabulary that you are unfamiliar with, visit
www.veterinarypartner.com.
the world's first and largest online veterinary database and community brought to you by
Veterinary Information Network (VIN).
A CBC (complete blood count) is run routinely on cancer patients as a means of measuring hydration status, anemia, and the body's ability to form blood clots and fight infection. If your pet is febrile or suffers from vomiting and/or diarrhea, weakness or pale gums, a CBC will often be requested by your pet's oncologist. These can be done at your pet's primary veterinarian's office or on-site.
Some values indicated in a CBC include: a platelet count - platelets are cells that allow the body to form blood clots and stop bleeding; hematocrit - a measure of red blood cells used to detect anemia and dehydration; and a white blood cell count to note increases or decreases that can indicate certain diseases or infections or your pet's suceptibility to infection.
"Boris" Lymphoma 2 1/2 year survivor
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is used when a cancer has spread or has an increased likelihood of spreading. Chemotherapy comes in many forms and is frequently administered orally, intravenously or subcutaneously by our expertly trained technicians and assistants during your pet's regular appointment times.
"Mac" Lymphoma 17 months survivor
Sometimes, at-home administration of oral chemotherapy will be appropriate.
Please always follow the directions exactly, and if you have any questions, don't hesitate to call our office.
"Annie" post radiation therapy for nasal chondrosarcoma
Sadly, we have lost Annie, but she lived another two years following treatment.
"Annie" 6 mos following treatment
Radiation therapy
Radiation is the use of high energy x-rays or particles in an attempt to kill rapidly growing cancer cells. Radiation is considered for tumors that cannot be (completely) surgically removed or if there is concern that the tumor may return after surgery. Radiation is most successful when the tumor is limited to a single site (no metastases) and is amenable to radiation reaching it.
If radiation therapy is appropriate for your pet, further information regarding this process will be discussed with you in greater detail.
"Sammy" 3 weeks post strontium-90 treatment for squamous cell carcinoma of the nose
Surgery
If the cancer is localized to an area of the body, surgery is often recommended. The success rate for curative treatment with surgery increases when there has not been metastases or when spreading has not occurred.
Sometimes, advanced imaging techniques such as CT or MRI are needed to determine how successful surgery is likely to be. If clean margins are not achievable due to location, we may be able to follow surgery with radiation or chemotherapy to effect longer term control.
Though we do not perform surgeries, in the event surgery is appropriate, you and your pet may be referred to a veterinary surgeon or back to your pet's primary care veterinarian for surgery.
Sadly, not all cancers carry a favorable prognosis. However, in cases were treatment may not be feasible or appropriate, palliative care can provide meaningful improvement in quality of life, even in cases of advanced disease.
