Welcome to River Heights Veterinary Clinic
Tour the Hospital
Our Services
Meet the doctors, the faces that greet you, nursing staff, and kennel care.
Map; Locations & Hours
Make a Doctor Appointment
Clinic Forms
Pet Health Library
Case of the Month
Humor
River Heights Tails
Job Opportunities



ONCOLOGY

Our goal for those patients in which cancer is suspected is to obtain an accurate diagnosis and to reach a cure. In some instances a cure may not be possible and then we can discuss ways to provide a better quality of life with your pets well being in mind.

Diagnostics

To identify or diagnose tumor or cancer types it is necessary to collect tissue for analysis. Tissue samples are evaluated by a board-certified pathologist to diagnose the abnormal cell type to determine if it is benign or malignant. Once diagnosed the cancer may be "staged" to identify its location or if it has spread. These procedures provide us the tissue for submission.
  • Needle aspirate
  • Tru-cut core biopsy
  • Wedge biopsy
  • Excision biopsy


    Blood chemistry profile, complete blood cell count, and urinalysis are also performed to assess your pet's overall health.

    Treatment Options

    Surgery is the preferred therapy for many tumors because if caught early a complete excision of the abnormal tissue can result in a cure. Pre-surgical planning, wide surgical margins and proper tissue labeling all serve to offer the best results possible when surgery is performed.

    Chemotherapy can be used alone or in conjunction with radiation or surgery. We use a variety of chemotherapeutic agents. We select these medications based on the condition the pet has, the health of the individual, expected effectiveness, cost, and with attention to minimize any adverse reactions. Consultations with oncologists allow us to offer effective protocols with patient comfort and cost in mind.

    Referral Oncology: Radiation therapy, advanced protocols and experimental drugs are available in the Chicago Area and at the University of Illinois in Champaign. Depending on the type of cancer we will gladly refer you to a board certified oncologist if we feel they can offer superior therapy.

    SUMMARY

    The development of cancer, like in humans, is a side effect of advancing age. Now that our companion animals are living longer than ever, it is our responsibility to manage this emerging disease (i.e. Cancer). With your assistance by early detection and twice yearly examinations after 10 years of age, and our ability to safely obtain an diagnosis or perform a surgical procedure in a 13 or 15-year-old patient, we can together improve the health and well being of our treasured pets.

    Return to Services

    Schedule Appointment | Home Page | Locations and Hours

  • Oswego, il, vet, naperville vet, oswego vet, surgery, dental, feline, cat, dog, grooming, boarding, hospital, plainfield, veterinary clinic, oncology, radio, pocius, juriga, puppies, puppys, puppy, kitties, kittys, kitty, montgomery, yorkville, oswego veterinary clinic