At Veterinary Cancer Care, we believe that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts—particularly when providing oncology services for your pets. Our integrative and holistic approach means we look at the entire patient, not just their cancer. We combine conventional methods with alternative therapies like nutritional support and harnessing the power of the patient’s own immune system to provide a comprehensive, customized treatment plan for each pet. Here, you can find information about some of the innovative and holistic approaches we offer, as well as a host of detailed resources. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask us!
You and your pet are here to heal, and we’re here to help.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy uses the power of your pet’s own immune system to find, fight, and destroy cancer cells. One of the many benefits of immunotherapy vs. other more traditional cancer treatments is that it can be applied very specifically—meaning that the treatment does not affect healthy cells. In addition to natural immunomodulatory agents like medicinal mushrooms, specific vaccines can now be created to help your pet’s immune system destroy cancer cells.
Indirect vaccines
NovaVive is the maker of Immunocidin, a veterinary biologic that we use regularly to treat cancer. Immunocidin harnesses the unique cancer-fighting abilities of a bacteria called Mycobacterium phlei. The cell walls of this bacteria have been found to contain high concentrations of compounds that stimulate the immune system to fight cancer, and the active ingredient in Immunocidin is purified fragments of these cell walls. Immunocidin has been found to be effective not only via direct injection into the tumor but intravenously and orally as well.
Autologous vaccines
This treatment involves sending a sample of your pet’s tumor to an outside laboratory. The laboratory analyzes the sample and synthesizes a custom vaccine for your pet, which is then administered once weekly for three weeks. Essentially, this vaccine trains your pet’s immune system to find and destroy cancer cells in their body. We partner with Torigen Pharmaceuticals to synthesize your pet’s autologous vaccine, and you can learn more here: www.torigen.com/pet-owners.
Melanoma vaccine
ONCEPT is a vaccine for dogs diagnosed with malignant oral melanomas. This vaccine has been shown to extend survival time for dogs with stage II or III oral melanomas who have achieved localized disease control through surgical removal or other methods.
DNA tumor testing
Every pet is different! Through advancements in DNA analysis and genomics, we can analyze a sample of your pet’s tumor to determine the best way to treat them. This targeted approach allows us to precisely hone our approach to achieve the best results possible.
Learn more here:
Early Detection & Prevention
The earlier any health problem is detected, the better the outcome. In the past, methods for early cancer detection in pets were limited—but today, a simple blood screening is all that’s needed.
Nu.Q is a simple and affordable blood test that can detect seven canine cancers before clinical signs appear and can be incorporated as part of your dog’s routine wellness care. In addition to testing for early signs of cancer, we believe in actively treating all underlying issues that cause inflammation and compromise the immune system, including periodontal disease, chronic pain, and allergies. Through early detection and a healthy lifestyle that includes whole foods and regular veterinary care, we hope to not only catch cancer in its early stages, but stop it before it ever starts.
Electroporation
In this approach, vaccines, immunomodulatory agents, and other drugs are injected into the tumor and then followed by an electrical current. This current opens the cell membranes of the cancerous tissue, allowing therapeutic substances to achieve maximum penetration where needed. Electroporation also allows for precise targeting of the cancerous tissues without damage to the healthy surrounding tissue and can be used as a means of non-surgical tumor eradication.
For dogs with osteosarcoma (bone cancer), electroporation can also be used with a class of drug called Bisphonates. Many pets with osteosarcoma face limb amputation, and this protocol can mean retaining limbs or be an option when amputation of the affected area is not possible.
Metronomics
This approach is also called anti-angiogenetic or anti-blood vessel therapy. It works by stopping tumors from creating new blood vessels—and without a blood supply, tumors can’t grow. This is done via low doses of drugs or other substances and is often done over a prolonged period of time.
Cryosurgery
Cryosurgery involves directly freezing tumors, causing immediate cell death of the cancerous tissue. It can be effective for superficial masses and treating tumors in locations that make traditional surgery difficult or impossible.