Oncology
A cancer diagnosis for your pet is a scary and disheartening experience. However, as in human medicine, pets have oncologists on their side to provide multiple treatment options to improve their health, quality of life and extend their lifespan.
At TrueCare for pets oncology, your animals care will be provided by a board-certified veterinary medical oncologist. A board-certified medical oncologist has received comprehensive training in the subject of cancer along with completing a 3-year residency and passing rigorous examinations and publication requirements set forth by the American College of Veterinary Radiology (ACVR) and/or American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM). These specialists are experts in diagnosing cancer, developing custom treatment plans, and administering care.
The goal of cancer treatment in pets is to provide the best quality of life for your loved. This is done concurrently with minimizing pain and side effects from medication so they can enjoy the same lifestyle they did before diagnosis.
What to do if your Pet is Diagnosed with Cancer
When your primary veterinarian gives a cancer diagnosis to your furry friend our team is here for you immediately to assist in the next steps.
You will schedule a consultation with our oncologist who will perform a thorough examination of your pet, review their entire medical history, and then perform any additional diagnostic tests needed to confirm the correct diagnosis and better direct therapy.
We will then give you a detailed explanation of the diagnosis and answer each and every question you may have, so you can feel confident you understand the cancer we are facing together as a team.
If treatment is elected, the oncologist will then develop a customized plan for your pet which will work in concert with any treatments they may be receiving for other conditions. The oncologist will explain the various recommended options and assist you in selecting the best course of action. Our team will work with your primary veterinarian to monitor your pet’s overall health and care, and everyone will be kept up to date at every stage of the treatment process.
Treatment Options
Every pet, every families goal and each diagnosis is unique and requires a treatment that is developed accordingly. TrueCare for pets mission is to offer creative care for each and every animal (and owner) who comes to us for help. Our oncology team is armed with multiple treatment options including:
- Chemotherapy
- Palliative Care
- Surgery/Tumor Removal
- Radiation (Coming Soon)
Meet our Oncologist
Dr. John Chretin, head of oncology at TrueCare for pets, obtained his DVM degree in 1994 from Colorado State University. He completed a small animal internship at North Carolina State University and then went on to receive board certification in medical oncology after a three year residency at Tufts University. Dr. Chretin has over 20 years of clinical experience, during which time he served as oncology department head and established a bone marrow transplant program for dogs with lymphoma. He has been a member of our staff since 2020. Dr. Chretin’s 4 core principles are educating owners, providing progressive cancer care, advancing veterinary oncology and improving the quality of life for all animals. Dr. Chretin stresses client education foremost and has the unique first-hand experience of treating two of his own dogs for cancer. Dr. Chretin is an active participant in clinical studies and has co-authored numerous publications. He is available 4 days a week for consultations including two Saturdays each month.
A cancer diagnosis, while frightening, doesn’t have to be debilitating for you and your pet. Early detection and a creative care treatment plan will help to create a positive outcome. Whether it’s providing a cure, managing the disease, or giving palliative care and the best quality of life possible, the TrueCare for pets oncology team will be here for you as a partner and support through the entire journey.