Oncology

Similar to people, our pet companions can develop cancer at any life stage. The oncology service at EVS is dedicated to providing comprehensive care for your pet while working closely with other veterinary specialists and your primary care veterinarian.

At the initial consultation, the oncologist will review all medical history, examine your pet, and discuss diagnostic and treatment options. If the diagnosis of cancer has not yet been confirmed, we will discuss further diagnostics to help confirm a diagnosis and then discuss a thorough treatment plan.

The EVS Oncology Service has extensive experience in the treatment of many cancer types. 

Some of the common cancers that we treat are:

  • Lymphomas and leukemias
  • Mast cell tumors and other skin and subcutaneous cancers
  • Hemangiosarcoma
  • Osteosarcoma and other bone and joint cancers
  • Soft tissue sarcomas
  • Cancers of the endocrine system, including:
    • Thyroid
    • Adrenal
    • Insulinoma
  • Cancers of the lungs, liver, gastrointestinal tract, and urogenital system

Diagnostics

Various diagnostics may be recommended to help confirm a diagnosis of cancer or to determine the extent of a cancer (staging).  EVS offers many diagnostic tools to aid in formulating a prognosis and treatment plan for your pet.

Some of these diagnostics may include:

  • ♦ Cytology
  • ♦ Tissue biopsy
  • ♦ Bone marrow aspirate/biopsy
  • ♦ In-house laboratory assessment
  • ♦ Digital radiography
  • ♦ Ultrasound
  • ♦ Computed Tomography (CT scan)

Treatment

A specific treatment plan will be formulated for your pet once a diagnosis and stage is determined.  Treatment of cancer in our companion pets consists of several different modalities and in some circumstances a combination of them. 

Some of these modalities may include: 

  • ♦ Surgery
  • ♦ Chemotherapy
  • ♦ Immunotherapy
  • ♦ Pain-relief
  • ♦ Palliative/hospice care

Dr. Sam Hocker is a board certified veterinary medical oncologist who completed his veterinary degree at Kansas State University followed by a small animal rotating internship at the University of Missouri. He then returned to Kansas State University to complete a medical oncology residency. Prior to joining Evolution Veterinary Specialists, he served as faculty at the Mona Campbell Centre for Animal Cancer at the Ontario Veterinary College and Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine. 

His special interests in oncology are personalized medicine, treatment of exotic pets with cancer, and immunotherapies. He has published numerous manuscripts in veterinary literature and particularly enjoys guiding clients through the treatment of their pet’s cancer.

Please do not hesitate to contact EVS for further information about, or to schedule an appointment with, the Oncology Service. 

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