Bringing your dog or cat for an oncology consultation can feel overwhelming for both you and your pet. This visit typically follows a cancer diagnosis or suspicion of cancer which can feel devastating. We hope knowing ahead of time what to expect and that expert care awaits will help provide some peace of mind.
Before you arrive for the appointment, Dr. Hocker will have thoroughly reviewed the records sent by your family veterinarian. He will be ready to lead a discussion down one of two paths…to talking with you about care options and prognosis if the type of cancer has been determined or reviewing diagnostic options to find out what type of cancer may be present. Consultations take about an hour and you will be greeted by one of our experienced oncology technicians who will escort you and your pet to a quiet and comfortable exam room.
Once you and your pet are settled, the technician will ask a few questions pertaining to your pet’s recent medical history. After the technician obtains a thorough history, Dr. Hocker will perform a full physical exam of your pet.
If the type of cancer has been determined, Dr. Hocker will talk about treatment options such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, pain management, or palliative care. He will answer any questions and partner with you to develop a plan tailored to you and your pet. If chemotherapy is an indicated treatment and you would like to start, often the first treatment can happen the same day as the initial consultation.
If a cancer diagnosis is not definitive or if the type of cancer has not been determined, Dr. Hocker will go over diagnostic options. These may include imaging of the chest or abdomen (such as X-rays, ultrasound, or a CT scan) as well as lymph node evaluation (includes feeling the nodes and taking a sample of the cells with a small needle). If you are ready to go forward with testing some of these tests may be conducted the same day.
By the time you are ready to leave CVSG for the day you will have a care team in place to support you and your pet every step of the way.
