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Oncology (Cancer) Service

The Oncology Service provides evaluation and treatment of cats and dogs diagnosed with cancer. Some treatment options include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, pallative care and pain management.

Cancer in Companion Animals

Cancer is the leading cause of death in companion animals over the age of 10 years. Fortunately, with improvements in both diagnostic capabilities and treatment options, pets with cancer can live longer lives while maintaining an excellent quality of life. The cause of most cancers if not known, but is likely due to many factors, such as genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and certain viruses. The following information is provided for your reference. If you are concerned that your pet may have cancer, we advise you to speak to your veterinarian. If your pet has been diagnosed with cancer, then referral to a veterinary oncologist may be indicated.

Signs of Cancer in Companion Animals:

  • Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow
  • Non-healing sores
  • Weight loss
  • Loss of appetite
  • Bleeding or discharge from any body opening
  • Offensive odor
  • Difficulty eating or swallowing
  • Hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina
  • Persistent lameness or stiffness
  • Difficulty breathing, urinating or defecating

This dog is receiving the melanoma vaccine.

Stage versus Grade:

If your pet has been diagnosed with cancer, further testing (called staging) may be advised in order to determine if the cancer has spread to other locations (called metastases).

Staging typically involves performing non-invasive tests such as blood work and urinalysis, chest radiographs (x-rays), abdominal imaging (including radiographs and ultrasound), and lymph node evaluation. For certain cancers (such as lymphoma and mast cell disease), bone marrow evaluation may be advised. Depending on the type of cancer, advanced imaging (such as CT scan or MRI) may be indicated in order to further define the location and extent of the tumor.

We will discuss what staging tests are recommended for your pet at the time of your initial consultation, and we will be happy to answer any questions that you may have.

Determining the grade of a tumor involves evaluating a sample of the tumor under the microscope by a pathologist. The characteristics that determine the grade are usually specific for each type of cancer. Knowing both the stage and grade will help to determine the best course of treatment and the prognosis for your pet.

Download a PDF with information about signs of cancer, stage v. grade and indications for radiation therapy.

Common Cancers

Funds for Cancer Research and Treatment

Rafter and his little buddy at the 2007 Trot for the Cure.

Trot for the Cure

Join our amazing cancer patient, Rafter, each year as he and his owner - along with a couple hundred of our closest friends - walk and trot toward a cure with this fundraiser for cancer research in Charleston, S.C.


UGA CaRES for Pets Fund (Cancer Research, Education and Service) / Nicky Fund for cancer research and treatment brochure [PDF]


The 2007 Doggie Dash

Doggie Dash: The College of Veterinary Medicine Canine Club holds an annual fundraiser to support research on cancer in companion animals.




This page was last updated April 23, 2008.