Veterinary Oncology in Seattle, WA: Compassionate Cancer Care for Pets
Cancer is not a death sentence! Cancer is a scary diagnosis to receive - and is a leading cause of death in both pets and people. But it is also one of the most treatable diseases in animals. Using cutting-edge technology, the most up-to-date veterinary literature, and compassionate communication, your Timberline Oncology team will help you find answers, make informed decisions, and kick cancer’s butt!
Why Choose Timberline when your Pet needs an Oncologist?
Veterinary oncology focuses on caring for pets diagnosed with cancer. Cancer is unfortunately common in aging pets, much like it is in people. Many pets show only subtle changes at home, and routine bloodwork may still look normal, which can make early detection difficult. Many of the cancers we see in pets behave similarly to those in humans, and today’s veterinary oncology offers a wide range of treatment options tailored to each patient’s needs.
At Timberline, we focus our cancer care on your pet’s comfort, quality of life, and well-being. Treatment plans are designed to minimize side effects and support the best possible day-to-day experience. We listen carefully to your goals and make recommendations to support those.
What to Expect at Your Pet’s Oncology Visit
Your pet’s medical oncologist works closely with your primary veterinarian and other specialists to ensure every patient benefits from the full reach of Timberline’s expertise. This collaborative approach may include input from surgeons, radiologists, and critical care specialists, giving your pet access to well-rounded care in one trusted location.
At your first visit, you’ll meet with our oncologist to review your pet’s medical history, current diagnosis, and the treatment paths available. We’ll talk through expected outcomes, answer your questions, and outline next steps. When appropriate, additional diagnostics or treatments can often be completed during the same appointment to help you move forward quickly and confidently. For ongoing treatment visits, our team performs pretreatment testing and carefully reviews each pet’s results before proceeding.
Advanced Diagnostics for Early Detection
Our team uses advanced diagnostic tools to help identify cancer as early and accurately as possible. Our oncology team partners closely with our in-house radiologists, surgeons, and emergency clinicians to gather a complete picture of your pet’s health before recommending any treatment plan.
Diagnostic options may include imaging such as digital radiography, ultrasound, or CT to evaluate internal structures and detect masses, lymph node changes, or areas of concern. When tissue samples are needed, we can perform cytology, biopsies, and specialized laboratory testing to determine the exact type of cancer and how it behaves. Each step is designed to give you clear, timely information so you can make informed decisions about your pet’s care.
Treatment Options We Offer
Your pet’s treatment is tailored specifically to their individual needs depending on the type of cancer and where the cancer is located within their body. Our treatment approach for cancer in pets include:
What If My Pet is Sick and Can’t Wait?
Our ER department is always open if your pet is having an emergency! Signs to watch for include:
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Rapid increases in tumor size
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Refusing to eat
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Bloody vomit or diarrhea
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Not producing any urine in a 12 hour period
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Rapid increases in tumor size
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Difficulty breathing or short /shallow breaths
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Seizures, especially if multiple or prolonged
Your Veterinary Oncologist in Seattle
Kendra Lyons, DVM
Supportive Cancer Care for Dogs and Cats
Hearing your pet has cancer can cause you to worry and many questions to arise. Our team at Timberline Veterinary Emergency & Specialty is equipped to assess your pet’s condition and create a treatment plan that prioritizes their health and quality of life. We are dedicated to keeping you and your primary veterinarian informed about your pet’s care and prognosis throughout treatment.
If your pet needs complex oncology care, let our team of experts guide you and your pet through this process. Call us at (206) 828-6868 to schedule a consultation.
