Medical Services - Small Animal - Cancer Care Clinic
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The word "cancer" conjures up a host of unpleasant images and memories for most people, many of whom have firsthand experience with the disease in loved ones or themselves. Through emphasis on the patients’ quality of life, in addition to lengthening the duration of life, cancer specialists at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital (UIVTH) in Urbana aim to dispel the very negative connotations associated with cancer in companion animals.
The University of Illinois Veterinary Cancer Care Clinic was founded over 10 years ago, in 1994, with a mission to serve a variety of needs. First and foremost is our commitment to improving the quality of life and survival duration of companion animals diagnosed with cancer. In addition to this important goal, and because of striking similarities between cancer in humans and companion animals, we are dedicated to the advancement of human cancer treatment, through comparative research. Investigating the effects of novel therapies in animals with cancer plays a key role in supporting efforts toward a cure for cancer in both human beings and animals.
Expert care for your pet
The UIVTH provides state of the art diagnostic facilities including: Digital Radiography, Ultrasonography, Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Nuclear Medicine, Bone Density Scans (DEXA scans), Complete Diagnostic Laboratory (Anatomic and Clinical Pathology).
Medical Oncology - Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy for treatment of cancer.
For many forms of cancer, chemotherapy is a treatment option to prolong or improve the quality of life of your pet. The Medical Oncology service at the UIVTH is staffed with board certified oncologists and residents who are trained and specialized in cancer treatments.
Surgical Oncology - Advanced surgical and reconstructive techniques for the treatment of localized cancer.
In the case of cancer treatment of local disease, surgery is often the first line of action. The Surgical Oncology service at the UIVTH is staffed with board certified surgeons and residents who are trained and specialized in tumor removal and reconstruction.
Radiation Therapy – Treatment of tumors with high-energy irradiation
Similar to x-rays, but at much higher energy levels, radiation therapy works by damaging the DNA of cancer cells. Radiation therapy is often used after surgery to kill cancer cells that may have been left behind, or before surgery to shrink very large tumors and improve the chances of complete surgical removal. Radiation therapy can also be used to treat various types of inoperable tumors.
Clinical Cancer Research – Understanding cancer better, and seeking novel therapies
Cancer is a complex process, and studying the mechanisms of how cancers grow and spread will aid in the development of newer and better treatment options. The Cancer Care Clinic and its Comparative Oncology Research Laboratory actively conduct both clinical and basic research, respectively, to help tumor-bearing dogs and cats.