Everyone knows someone who has been affected by the dreaded “C” word. Cancer destroys families of loved ones all too often, and although it seems like we get closer to a cure every day, cancer is still breaking hearts on an all-too-regular basis. When I speak of the heartbreak, it isn’t specific to people. Pets suffer from cancer too, but technology is now allowing veterinarians to fight more types of cancer head on. Earlier this year I had the pleasure of touring the PetCure Oncology center in Arizona. Did you know that there’s an entire program dedicated to treating cancer in your dogs and cats? PetCure Oncology partners with specialty veterinary practices across the country to offer stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), and although it’s a fairly new concept for pets, it’s proven effective in saving lives.
About PetCure Oncology
PetCure Oncology is the first company to build a network of cancer treatment centers for pets. Backed by research and protocols from renowned experts like veterinary oncologist and chief medical officer, Dr. Neal Mauldin, PetCure Oncology is raising the standard of care and bringing access to this leading edge treatment to more pets and their families. PetCure Oncology has partnered with Arizona Veterinary Oncology (AVO), led by radiation oncologist, Eric Boshoven, DVM, DACVR (RO), to serve patients and families in the southwest. As a comprehensive cancer care center, they offer the full spectrum of treatments including radiation therapy utilizing a Varian Trilogy® linear accelerator. The equipment and team of experts are able to safely deliver precise doses of radiation with a curative intent. PetCure Oncology is bringing new hope to pets with cancer.
Arizona Veterinary Oncology
AVO has three locations serving the southwestern US. Board-certified medical and radiation oncologists exclusively care for pets with cancer. Their services include a full range of diagnostics, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. If your pet is receiving treatment through AVO, they will work with you, your pet and your family vet to provide the best oncological care for your furry family member.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS)
SRS is an advanced form of radiation which has been extremely effective in treating humans with cancer. It is noninvasive and unlike its name, does not involve surgery. The radiation is precisely targeted to shrink or destroy a cancerous tumor, while avoiding massive collateral damage to nearby healthy tissue. SRS is often delivered with the intent to cure, and benefits include greater precision, decreased risk and minimal side effects. Pets no longer have to go through 15-20 conventional treatments – most dogs and cats only need about one to three. It’s absolutely incredible that this treatment can now be used for our pets. It’s making a difference in the lives of pets and their families. Click here to see a great video about SRS!
What Can SRS Treat?
- Head and neck, including oral melanoma, nasal tumors, squamous cell carcinoma, and more!
- Spinal tumors, including intradural extramedullary, and vertebral body.
- Extremity tumors such as osteosarcoma, soft tissue sarcomas, and more.
- Lung and liver tumors including primary and oligometastases
- Pelvic canal, such as anal sac adenocarcinoma, prostate carcinoma and colon.
My Visit to Arizona Veterinary Oncology
When I visited PetCure Oncology, I was amazed as to how advanced the technology was. The equipment is literally the same equipment used for humans. I was able to speak with a radiation oncologist about the process, and even meet a dog and cat who were both done with their cancer treatments!
We are very lucky to live within three miles of a treatment center, but that isn’t the case for most people. Currently there are only seven cities in the US that offer PetCure Oncology treatment. You will have to travel to one of these locations, but isn’t it worth it to save your pet? The entire process takes about a week and although it is expensive (full treatment ranges from about $9,000-10,500 for SRS although other forms of treatment cost less) pet insurance does cover most of the costs!!!! Now’s a great time to look into pet insurance if you haven’t already!
I take comfort knowing that if one of my pets gets diagnosed with cancer, I can get them treated at PetCure Oncology at Arizona Veterinary Oncology. In fact, there are several pet testimonials that you can take a look at for yourself. The success stories are absolutely amazing.
If you have a pet who is suffering from cancer, contact the PetCure team to see if they could potentially help your beloved dog or cat.
Eliza says
This post was very interesting! I’m glad there are options out there for our beloved fur kids too!