Goal orientated care

Our specialist team offer flexible options for the care of pets with cancer, to suit you and your pets’ specific needs. Our aim and priority is to tailor care to each individual pet keeping their quality of life at the forefront of any treatment plan.

1. Traditional pathway

Receive a consultation at Southfields Veterinary Specialists for a consultation with one of our clinicians and your pet. Our clinicians will outline all investigation and treatment options for your pet and offer you time to consider these or any urgent treatments as appropriate. All investigations and treatment will be within our specialist hospital under the care of our specialist colleagues.

2. Hybrid pathway

You can choose to start your journey with a phone consultation. The specialist oncologist will review any reports from tests previously performed at your local vet prior to the consult. You will then receive a report outlining investigation and treatment options where you can choose whether to bring your pet in to meet us for physical tests/treatment and pursue a traditional pathway. Alternatively, you can start some treatment with your local vet based on our advice, and in some cases split the care between us and your local vet.

3. Palliative pathway

If you have elected not to pursue specific cancer treatment for your pet, but still wish to maximise their quality of life, we offer a palliative consult option. In this, the consultant will discuss the wellbeing and lifestyle including exercise, nutrition, supplements with options to manage symptoms and pain relief if required. We may also offer palliative interventions for your pet in appropriate cases. We can arrange a quality-of-life follow-up with our nursing team or with our specialist clinician depending on your preference.

4. Screening pathway

Some pets and breeds of animals are prone to cancer, and it may be sensible to start screening them early for any signs of the disease. This could result in a better outcome if treated early. In this consultation, the specialist oncologist will discuss any breed or patient-specific risks with you, teach you how to monitor your pet for early detection of cancer and discuss lifestyle choices which may reduce the risks of developing cancer in future. Some blood and urine tests may be utilised in the early detection of certain cancers. This is a growth area and so far is mainly in the USA. Our team is working hard to gain access to screening tests from the USA and will let you know as soon as any suitable options become accessible.

We strive for goal-oriented care which means taking client objectives and patient-specific needs into consideration for planning investigative and treatment pathways. With our flexible approach, patients can switch between pathways if you change your mind. Our specialist nursing and clinician team is always available to discuss any questions you may have about your pet’s care.