Oncology & Chemotherapy

ONCOLOGY

& CHEMOTHERAPY

Compassionate Cancer Care Focused on Quality of Life

A cancer diagnosis is a heavy moment for any pet owner. At Seaforth Vets, our mission is to replace fear with a clear, supportive plan. We provide advanced oncology services that bridge the gap between general practice and high-cost referral hospitals, ensuring your pet can receive life-extending treatment in the comfort of their local clinic.

Led by Dr Dave Collins (Internal Medicine Specialist) and Dr Lewis Hunt, our oncology team focuses on a "palliative-first" approach. Unlike human oncology, where the goal is often a cure at any cost, our priority in veterinary medicine is to keep your pet happy, comfortable, and active for as long as possible.

A DETAILED DIAGNOSTIC WORKUP

The first step in managing cancer is understanding exactly what we are dealing with. We use our advanced in-house technology to "stage" the disease, which helps us determine if the cancer is localised or has spread.

Specialist Ultrasound & X-Rays
Specialist Ultrasound & X-Rays
To visualise internal organs and check for any spread to the chest or abdomen.
Precision Biopsies
Precision Biopsies
Using ultrasound-guided "True-Cut" biopsies to identify the specific type of tumour without the need for major surgery.
Expert Collaboration
Expert Collaboration
We work hand-in-hand with external oncology specialists to design bespoke chemotherapy protocols for every patient.
Cardiac Management & Staging

MODERN CHEMOTHERAPY: LIFE WITH QUALITY

Many owners worry that chemotherapy will make their pet feel "sunk" or miserable. However, because we use lower dosages than those used in human medicine, most animals tolerate chemotherapy remarkably well.

  • Minimising Side Effects: We do not accept the harsh side effects common in human medicine. Our patients rarely lose their hair, and while some may experience mild tummy upsets, we manage these carefully with supportive medication.
  • Range of Treatments: We administer both injectable and oral chemotherapy to treat a wide variety of cancers, most commonly Lymphoma, Mast Cell Tumours, and various Carcinomas and Sarcomas.
  • Affordable Specialist Care: We are proud to offer these advanced protocols at a much more economical price point than large referral centres, making life-extending care accessible to more families in our community.

SURGICAL ONCOLOGY

In many cases, surgery is the first line of defence. Our surgical team focuses on "clean margins", removing the tumour along with a precise amount of healthy surrounding tissue to prevent the cancer from returning. For complex cases, we coordinate with our visiting surgical specialist to ensure the best possible outcome.

THE "SEAFORTH BALANCE"

We believe in finding the "sweet spot" between keeping the cancer at bay and ensuring your pet still enjoys their walks, their meals, and their time with you. We monitor our oncology patients very closely, checking their blood counts and general well-being at every visit to ensure the treatment is helping, not hindering, their happiness.
"Cure often isn’t the primary objective, it’s about prolonging a good quality of life for as long as possible. We want your pet to feel like a pet, not a patient."
DR DAVE COLLINS

DISCUSSING THE NEXT STEPS

If you have concerns about a new lump or have received a diagnosis elsewhere, we are here to provide a second opinion or a detailed treatment plan.

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