Oncology

A veterinary oncologist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and control of cancer in dogs and cats.
At the Zoolux veterinary clinic in Kyiv, oncology consultations are part of a comprehensive approach to treating using modern diagnostic and therapeutic methods.

Consultation with a veterinary oncologist is necessary if the animal shows any of the following symptoms:

▫️palpable tumors;
▫️bumps, growths, lumps on the body;
▫️long-lasting or non-healing ulcers;
▫️erosion of the mucous membranes.

At the same time, it is important to remember that many cancers can progress for a long time without visible symptoms. In such cases, owners most often notice indirect signs: behavioral changes, lethargy, loss of appetite, or weight loss.

Symptoms that may indicate cancer

It is recommended to consult a veterinary oncologist if the animal exhibits the following symptoms:

▫️the presence of any tumors or growths, even small ones;
▫️wounds that do not heal for a long time;
▫️decreased or lack of appetite;
▫️unexplained weight loss;
▫️difficulty swallowing or eating;
▫️difficulty urinating or defecating;
▫️difficulty breathing;
▫️unexplained limping.

Even one of these symptoms is a reason to consult a specialist. Early treatment significantly increases the chances of effective control of the disease.

Diagnosis of oncological diseases at Zoolux

The Zoolux Veterinary Clinic has a full range of modern diagnostic methods necessary for an accurate assessment of the patient's condition:

▫️ultrasound examination (US);
▫️X-ray examination;
▫️cytological examination of tissue fluids;
▫️Fine needle biopsy of neoplasms;
▫️If indicated, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

The combination of these methods allows not only to confirm the diagnosis, but also to determine the stage of the disease and the optimal treatment tactics.

Recommendations before visiting a veterinary oncologist

To make the consultation as informative as possible, we recommend:

1. Make an appointment in advance by phone or via the website.

2. Come to your appointment having followed a strict fasting diet if you are scheduled for an ultrasound, X-ray, or blood tests.

3. Bring all available medical records for the animal (examinations, test results, previous treatment) if they were performed at another clinic.

4. Be prepared to work with your doctor, discuss treatment options, and follow up.

Electronic medical records and patient support

During the appointment, the medical history and preliminary diagnosis are entered into the clinic's electronic medical system. An individual card is created for each patient, which records:

▫️examination results;
▫️treatment recommendations;
▫️dynamics of the animal's condition.

Electronic accounting allows you to:

▫️monitor the course of the disease;
▫️adjust treatment in a timely manner;
▫️review the medical history and recommendations in the client's personal account.

Important information for owners

▫️ Oncologist Zoolux accepts patients by appointment only.

Prevention of cancer in animals

Unfortunately, no method provides a 100% guarantee of protection against cancer. However, there are measures that significantly reduce the risk of developing the disease:

▫️Castration at 4 months of age — reduces the risk of hormone-dependent tumors in dogs and cats.
▫️Regular examination of the animal and careful observation of changes in behavior.
▫️Pay special attention to animals with long or thick fur, where neoplasms are more difficult to detect.
▫️Annual medical examination, which should include:
- examination by a veterinarian (if indicated, an oncologist);
- ultrasound of the abdominal organs;
- chest X-ray;
- blood and urine tests.
▫️Timely vaccination, regular treatment for ticks and fleas, parasite prevention.

The most important factor is the owner's attention. Cancer in animals, as in humans, can remain asymptomatic for a long time. Time is an invaluable resource in cancer treatment, and it cannot be wasted.

Frequently asked questions about veterinary oncology

▫️Who is a veterinary oncologist? A veterinary oncologist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of cancer in dogs and cats. They determine the type of neoplasm, the stage of the disease, and select the optimal treatment strategy based on the animal's condition.

▫️When should you consult a veterinary oncologist?

A consultation with an oncologist is recommended if the animal:
- has tumors, lumps, bumps, or growths;
- has wounds or ulcers that do not heal for a long time;
- has lost its appetite or body weight; - has difficulty swallowing, breathing, urinating, or defecating;
- has unexplained lameness or lethargy.

Even if there are no obvious symptoms, a consultation may be necessary if the animal's behavior has changed noticeably.

▫️ Are all tumors in animals malignant? No. Not all neoplasms are cancerous. Some tumors are benign. That is why it is important not to draw conclusions on your own, but to have a professional diagnosis performed by a veterinary oncologist.

▫️What diagnostic methods are used in oncology?

The following are used to diagnose cancer in dogs and cats:

- clinical examination;
-ultrasound;
- X-ray examination;
- cytology;
- fine needle biopsy;
- CT and MRI, if indicated.
The combination of methods allows for an accurate diagnosis and staging of the disease.

▫️Does cancer treatment always involve surgery? No. The treatment strategy depends on the type of tumor, its location, and the stage of the disease. In some cases, surgery is the best option, while in others, medication or palliative care, or a combination of both, is recommended.

▫️Can cancer in animals be cured? In many cases, the goal of treatment is to control the disease, reduce symptoms, and maintain quality of life.
With the right treatment, many animals live long and active lives.

▫️Does cancer treatment hurt animals? Cancer treatment in veterinary medicine is tailored to minimize pain and discomfort. Pain management is an essential part of the treatment process, regardless of the chosen approach.

▫️Is it necessary to prepare the animal for a visit to the oncologist?

Yes. It is recommended to:
- make an appointment in advance;
- fast if an ultrasound, X-ray, or blood test is planned;
- bring all previous test results and treatment records (if available).

▫️Can the development of cancer be prevented? It is impossible to completely prevent the development of cancer, but it is possible to reduce the risks:

- timely castration (reduces the risk of hormone-dependent tumors);
- regular preventive examinations; - annual medical check-ups; - vaccination and treatment for parasites; - careful observation of changes in the animal's behavior.

▫️Why is it important not to delay seeing an oncologist? Cancer often develops gradually and may not have any noticeable symptoms for a long time. Early detection is a key factor that affects the effectiveness of treatment and prognosis.

▫️How to make an appointment with a veterinary oncologist? Appointments with a veterinary oncologist at the Zoolex clinic are made exclusively by prior appointment — by phone or via the website.