What does a veterinary oncologist do?

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What is a Veterinary Oncologist?

Veterinary oncologists are specialized veterinarians dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, and management of cancer in animals. Their expertise lies in improving the prognosis and quality of life for animals affected by cancer through a combination of medical knowledge, advanced treatment modalities, and compassionate care. In addition, these professionals play an important role in providing emotional support and guidance to pet owners, helping them navigate options and make informed choices.

What does a Veterinary Oncologist do?

A veterinary oncologist speaking to a pet owner about her dog's condition.

Duties and Responsibilities
These are the primary responsibilities of the veterinary oncologist:

  • Diagnosis – conducting thorough examinations and using various diagnostic tools such as imaging (X-rays, ultrasound, CT scans), biopsies, and blood tests to accurately identify the presence and type of cancer in animals
  • Treatment Planning – developing individualized treatment plans based on the specific type of cancer, its stage, and the overall health of the animal; treatment options may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and other advanced therapies
  • Treatment Administration – administering or overseeing the administration of the chosen treatment plan; this may involve collaboration with other veterinary specialists, such as surgeons or radiologists, to ensure comprehensive care
  • Monitoring and Adjusting Treatment – regularly monitoring the animal's response to treatment, managing potential side effects, and making adjustments to the treatment plan as needed
  • Communication with Pet Owners – providing clear and compassionate communication with pet owners, explaining the diagnosis, treatment options, and prognosis
  • Research and Education – staying updated on the latest developments in veterinary oncology through ongoing education and research; contributing to advancements in the field and sharing their knowledge with other veterinary professionals
  • Palliative and Hospice Care – offering palliative care options for animals with advanced cancer to improve their comfort and quality of life; providing hospice care when curative options are limited
  • Supportive Care – providing comprehensive care that includes managing pain, addressing nutritional needs, and supporting the overall well-being of animals undergoing cancer treatment
  • Administrative Tasks – completing necessary paperwork, updating patient records, and communicating with referring veterinarians to ensure coordinated care for shared patients

Types of Veterinary Oncologists
Now that we have a sense of the scope of the veterinary oncologist’s work, let’s look at some different types of veterinary oncologists, based on their professional focus:

  • Medical Oncologists – These specialists focus on the medical aspects of cancer treatment, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies. They may work closely with other specialists, such as surgeons and radiation oncologists, to provide comprehensive care.
  • Surgical Oncologists – Veterinary surgeons specializing in oncology primarily perform surgeries to remove tumors. They are skilled in various surgical techniques and work to excise tumors while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
  • Radiation Oncologists – Experts in the use of radiation therapy for treating cancer in animals use advanced equipment to deliver targeted doses of radiation to tumors, aiming to destroy or shrink cancer cells.
  • Integrative Oncologists – Some veterinary oncologists may integrate complementary and alternative therapies into their treatment plans, alongside conventional treatments. These may include acupuncture, herbal medicine, and nutritional therapies.
  • Clinical Oncologists – These professionals may work in clinical settings, actively treating patients, and may also be involved in clinical research to advance the understanding of cancer and improve treatment options.

Specific roles and titles can vary, and not all veterinary oncologists may exclusively focus on one aspect. Many professionals in the field collaborate closely with one another to provide comprehensive care for animals with cancer, taking a multidisciplinary approach to treatment.

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What is the workplace of a Veterinary Oncologist like?

Veterinary oncologists can work for various entities within the veterinary and animal healthcare industry. These are among their most common employers:

  • Specialized Veterinary Oncology Clinics / Hospitals – Many veterinary oncologists work in specialized clinics or hospitals that focus specifically on the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in animals. These facilities, equipped with advanced diagnostic tools, may offer a range of oncology services and have a dedicated team of specialists to provide comprehensive care.
  • University Veterinary Teaching Hospitals – Veterinary schools and universities often have veterinary teaching hospitals with specialized oncology departments. Veterinary oncologists working in these settings may be involved in teaching, research, and providing advanced care to patients.
  • General Veterinary Practices – Veterinary oncologists may work in general veterinary practices that offer a broad range of veterinary services. In these settings, they may collaborate with general practitioners and other specialists to provide holistic oncology care.
  • Research Institutions – Veterinary oncologists may conduct research at dedicated research institutions. In these settings, they spend a significant amount of time in laboratories, conducting experiments, and analyzing data, with the goal of advancing our understanding of cancer in animals, developing new treatment modalities, or improving existing therapies.
  • Pharmaceutical Companies – Some veterinary oncologists work for pharmaceutical companies that develop and manufacture medications and therapies for the treatment of cancer in animals. Their role may involve research and development, clinical trials, or providing expertise in product development.
  • Government Agencies – Veterinary oncologists may work for government agencies involved in animal health and welfare. This could include positions with regulatory bodies, public health agencies, or research institutions funded by government entities.
  • Non-profit Organizations – Some veterinary oncologists may choose to work for non-profit organizations dedicated to animal health and welfare. These organizations may focus on providing veterinary care to underserved populations, conducting research, or raising awareness about cancer in animals.
  • Industry and Corporate Positions – Veterinary oncologists may find employment in the private sector, working for companies that provide products or services related to animal health. This could include positions in diagnostic equipment companies or other businesses supporting the veterinary industry.

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Veterinary Oncologists are also known as:
Veterinary Cancer Doctor Veterinary Cancer Specialist