Cancer Treatment

Cancer Treatment in Lake Geneva, WI

Although many people hear the word “cancer” or “chemotherapy” and think about the worst-case scenario, there are many safe options and advancements in veterinary oncology. Dr. Welch and the staff at Lake Geneva Animal Hospital have experience and insight to help clients make a treatment plan that is best suited for their pets.

Chemotherapy is a broad term that is used to describe drugs that are toxic to cancer cells. Some chemotherapeutic drugs are administered orally as pills or capsules and some chemo drugs are given through injections. While the safety margin in some drugs is quite narrow, these drugs have been used very safely in pets and quite often are very effective in the management of cancer. Dr. Welch’s extensive experience providing cancer care has resulted in focused safety for both clients and their pets. Dogs and cats both will generally handle chemo drugs with little to no side effects.

There are many different types of cancer in both people and pets. While many cancers are similar in people and pets, the treatment options often can vary greatly. Some types of cancer respond very well to chemotherapy or radiation therapy while some other types do not respond well. Certain cancers such as lymphoma, certain types of leukemia, and mast cell tumors will often respond very well to chemotherapy. It is important to consult with a veterinarian that feels qualified and comfortable discussing treatment options for each individual patient.

We have recently incorporated the use of autologous cancer vaccines to help extend the quality of life and comfort of our veterinary patients. Some tumors are able to be harvested and turned into a vaccine that can be given to your pet for tailored cancer treatment.v

At Lake Geneva Animal Hospital we take a team approach to managing cancer patients. All of our veterinarians bring their own area of expertise to your pet’s treatment. From the initial diagnosis, chemotherapy, surgical intervention, pain control, and nutritional support to palliative and end-of-life considerations, we draw from the extensive knowledge of our entire team to provide your pet with the best quality of life they can possibly have.