Veterinary Oncology

Veterinary oncology is the branch of veterinary medicine that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of cancer in animals.

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Veterinary Oncology in Ann Arbor, MI

Veterinary oncology addresses a wide range of cancers, including solid tumors and bone marrow cancers, in various species including dogs and cats. Veterinary oncologists use advanced diagnostic tools such as biopsies, imaging techniques (like X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs), and blood tests to determine the type, stage, and severity of cancer. Based on these findings, they develop individualized treatment plans aimed at managing the disease and improving the animal’s quality of life. The treatment options include surgery to remove tumors, chemotherapy to target cancer cells, radiation therapy to shrink or destroy tumors, and, in some cases, cutting-edge approaches like immunotherapy or targeted therapies.

In addition to providing medical care, veterinary oncology emphasizes compassionate support for pet owners navigating the emotional challenges of a cancer diagnosis. Oncologists work closely with owners to explain the prognosis, outline treatment goals, and explore both curative and palliative care options, always considering the animal’s well-being and the family’s preferences. Research plays a critical role in advancing veterinary oncology, with studies often bridging the gap between human and animal cancer treatments through comparative oncology. This collaborative approach not only benefits pets but also contributes valuable insights to human medicine, underscoring the interconnected nature of health sciences.

Key Aspects of Veterinary Oncology:

  1. Diagnosis:
    • Identifying the type and stage of cancer through diagnostic tests like biopsies, imaging (X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, MRIs), and blood tests.
  2. Treatment Options:
    • Surgery: Removing tumors or affected tissues.  Depending on the size and location this may be performed at our facility or your pet may be referred to a specialty surgeon. 
    • Chemotherapy: A drug treatment that uses powerful chemicals to kill fast-growing cells in your body. Chemotherapy is most often used to treat cancer, since cancer cells grow and multiply much more quickly than most cells in the body
    • Targeted Therapy: A type of cancer treatment that uses drugs designed to “target” cancer cells without affecting normal cells
    • Radiation Therapy: Targeting tumors with high-energy radiation.*Not currently offered at this facility
    • Immunotherapy: Boosting the animal’s immune system to fight cancer.
    • Palliative Care: Managing pain and improving quality of life in advanced cases.
  3. Management:
    • Tailoring treatment plans to the individual animal’s needs, considering factors like the cancer type, prognosis, age, overall health, and the owner’s goals for care.
    • Monitoring for side effects and long-term outcomes.
  4. Research and Advances:
    • Veterinary oncology often involves research into new therapies, including comparative oncology, where findings in animals may benefit human cancer research and vice versa.
  5. Emotional Support:
    • Veterinary oncologists also provide guidance and emotional support to pet owners facing difficult decisions about their pet’s care.

Our Oncologist

Dr. McDaniel has had a lifelong love of animals, as well as a lifelong interest in medicine. She dreamed of being a veterinarian from a young age but did not discover the field of medical oncology until she was in college. While attending the University of Michigan, Dr. McDaniel’s basset hound, Wembly, was diagnosed with an apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinoma. Wembly’s diagnosis and subsequent treatment ignited Dr. McDaniel’s passion for veterinary medical oncology.
 
After graduating from the University of Michigan, Dr. McDaniel was accepted into the College of Veterinary Medicine at Michigan State University. After graduation, she moved to Washington D.C. to pursue a rotating internship at Friendship Hospital for Animals. Following her rotating internship she completed a one year oncology internship with The Oncology Service in Washington D.C. and Virginia. She then moved to Connecticut and completed a three-year medical oncology residency at the Veterinary Cancer Center. After finishing her residency and passing the ACVIM board exam in oncology, she continued working for the Veterinary Cancer Center, and later, Newtown Veterinary Specialists in Connecticut.
 
After living outside of Michigan for 15 years, Dr. McDaniel and her husband decided to move back to the Mitten! She is very excited to be joining the team at Emergency Veterinary Hospital of Ann Arbor. When not working, Dr. McDaniel enjoys spending time with her horse, dogs, cats, birds, chickens and goats. On Saturdays in the fall, you can find her at The Big House cheering for the Wolverines!

Oncology Referral Form

Veterinarians – need to refer a patient to our oncology department? Fill out our Oncology Referral Form!

Oncology Referral Form