What is veterinary oncology?
Veterinary oncology is a specialized field of veterinary medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and management of cancer in animals. Our goal is to provide comprehensive care for animal patients suffering from cancer and its prevention.

Can cancer in animals be treated and what is the success rate?
Yes, cancer in animals can be treated, and it is common practice in experienced hands. Over the past 10 years, we have made tremendous progress, and we are now able to provide treatment equal to that in the most advanced countries. The success rate of treatment can be evaluated in different ways. We may not always be able to definitively overcome the disease, but we can significantly slow its progress, prolong a good-quality life for the animal, and relieve pain. The approach to treatment is always individualized and may include both curative protocols aimed at complete recovery and palliative protocols focused on alleviating symptoms and ensuring the highest quality of life possible. Humility, patience, and understanding the needs of the owner and the animal are essential in this battle.

What to Expect During the First Consultation?
The initial oncology consultation with an oncologist - specialist is a critical step in setting up an effective treatment plan for your pet. This visit includes a complete clinical examination and a detailed medical history, which includes the course of the disease and the animal's behavior. The information obtained allows us to form an initial impression of possible diagnoses. The outcome will be recommended next steps, such as preparation for specific tests or immediate implementation of supportive measures to improve the comfort of your pet.

What are the Diagnostic Options? How Do I Know if My Pet Has Cancer?
Modern veterinary medicine offers a wide range of diagnostic methods, including CT, MRI, advanced ultrasound, and thermographic imaging techniques that provide a detailed view of the internal structures of the animal’s body. Oncomarkers help identify the presence of specific types of cancer. Histology, flow cytometry, and genetic analyses, where a tissue sample is analyzed in a specialized lab, are other important tools. Determining an accurate diagnosis may take several days to weeks and often involves collaboration with certified laboratories, such as Laboklin.

What are the Treatment Options?
Treatment options include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, biological therapy, electrovaporation, microablation, molecular inhibitors, genetically-targeted therapy, and surgery. Each type of cancer requires an individual treatment plan that often combines multiple methods. The treatment protocol also takes into account the financial possibilities of the pet owner to ensure the treatment is as feasible and effective as possible.

How Do Pets Handle Chemotherapy?
Pets generally tolerate chemotherapy better than humans. There are different types of chemotherapy depending on the current health status of the patient and their response to a specific drug. Chemotherapy can be administered intravenously or in tablet form. At our facility, we ensure it is administered correctly and safely, using a closed system and certified cytostatic preparation, ensuring better control, higher efficacy, and minimizing side effects.

Where is Radiotherapy Performed?
Radiotherapy is a specialized procedure that is carried out at renowned veterinary facilities equipped with advanced equipment like IMRT/VMAT. We refer dozens of cases annually and have well-established collaboration to allow timely appointments and to establish the most optimal treatment procedure possible.

What is Electroevaporation?
Electroevaporation is a modern and unique method that uses a combination of chemotherapeutic drugs and electrical impulses to target and locally destroy cancer cells. This method is relatively new in our region, and we are among the pioneers in its use, allowing us to offer patients innovative and effective solutions.

How is Genetically Targeted Therapy Conducted?
Genetically targeted therapy offers a revolutionary approach to cancer treatment in animals, based on the analysis of genetic information from tumor cells. A tumor sample is first taken, and the genome of the animal is fully sequenced, covering more than 20,000 genes. Geneticists then identify specific mutations in the tumor cells. This procedure is newly implemented in cats in collaboration with leading global experts. Based on the identified genetic changes, we create a personalized treatment plan with targeted drugs that attack the mutated genes, thereby increasing the efficiency of the treatment and reducing side effects. The goal is not only to slow the tumor growth but sometimes to temporarily suppress it completely. This approach considers the uniqueness of each animal and combines scientific insights with care.

What is Biological Therapy?
Biological therapy, or immunotherapy, uses the immune system to fight cancer. Several methods are available:
- Dendritic Vaccines: Created from the animal's dendritic cells, which are exposed to tumor antigens. Once they return to the body, they activate the immune system to attack the tumor cells.
- APAVAC Therapy: A special treatment for lymphomas that targets the destruction of tumor cells.
- ONCEPT Melanoma Vaccine: Designed for animals with melanoma, it enhances the immune response and slows the progression of the disease.
- We also use therapies such as tigilanol tiglate and HSP-intratumoral immunotherapy. These approaches combine modern medicine and cutting-edge technology to achieve better results in collaboration with human oncology.

How Expensive is Oncology Treatment?
The costs of oncology treatment can vary significantly. Exact prices depend on the specific diagnosis and the needs of the case. For each client, we seek solutions that fit within their financial means while being as effective as possible.

What Should I Do If I Can't Afford Treatment?
If you're unable to afford treatment, there are several options to explore for financial assistance:
1. Timely Insurance: Pet insurance can cover part of the treatment costs, so it's worth checking what your policy includes.
2. Donation Platforms: Platforms like Donio allow public fundraising for essential medical interventions. You can gain support from the broader public there.
3. Individual Solutions: Our team always strives to find solutions tailored to the financial means and needs of each client.
4. Prevention and Early Care: Investing in prevention and timely, proper medical oncology treatment can help reduce long-term treatment costs.
For specific advice and options, please contact us, and we will be happy to help you find a suitable solution.

What Are the Other Options for Supportive Care?
Supportive care includes pain management, stomach-protecting medications, and possible dietary supplements such as probiotics or special preparations (e.g., Sanicell). Some owners may also consider alternative options, such as traditional Chinese medicine. It is important to view these methods as supplements to the primary treatment, not as replacements. Our goal is to create a comprehensive approach that takes into account all aspects of your pet's well-being, ensuring as pleasant days as possible. Love and care are powerful treatments in themselves.