Treating Cat and Dog Cancer with Oncology and Chemotherapy in Temperance, MI
Our pets can develop benign or malignant tumors just like we can. The word "tumor" on its own can be a little scary, but not all tumors are life-threatening. At Temperance Animal Hospital, we have all the necessary skills and equipment for detecting, diagnosing and treating tumors in pets.
If your pet does receive a cancer diagnosis, we understand how stressful and upsetting this can be. Your pet occupies a very important place in your life--and your heart. While the situation may seem beyond your control, our team will help you take action and make the most appropriate choices towards your pet's treatment. There is always hope for recovery, and we will be here to support you every step of the way. Have questions you need answered? Let us put your mind at ease by calling (734) 847-6751.
Are you a referring veterinarian? Please use our form to connect with us today.
Meet The Doctor
Dr. Todd Smith has a special interest in Oncology and Chemotherapy. He is a member of the Veterinary Cancer Society and has been successfully treating pets in the community for over two decades.
Common Types of Pet Cancer
Like humans, some animals may be more susceptible to developing cancer than others. However, there are several types that we commonly treat, including:
- Lymphoma - lymphatic cancer
- Mast cell tumors - skin tumors in dogs
- Osteosarcoma - cancer that starts in the bones
- Mammary tumors - breast cancer
Treating Cancer in Dogs and Cats
Detection is the first step in diagnosing a tumor. We offer various diagnostic tools for identifying and diagnosing tumors, along with several treatment options. Choosing a safe and effective treatment plan is our highest priority.
Diagnostics
- Digital X-ray and ultrasound - for detecting tumors and other growths
- Blood screening - there is no special blood test that can tell us whether or not a pet has cancer, but certain tests can alert us to internal problems including unusually high blood cell count or elevated blood calcium levels
- Biopsy - a surgical measure; involves removing a sample of cells or tissue from a growth for laboratory analysis
- In-House Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) cytology - for sampling the composition of lumps and bumps by extracting cells, smearing them on a glass slide, then staining the specimen so we can view it under a microscope
We are proud to have a skilled team that can interpret cytologies and obtain quick, in-clinic results. Our licensed technicians have undergone additional training to become chemotherapy technicians and are highly involved with every cancer treatment we provide.
Treatment Options
Once we have made the most accurate diagnosis possible, we will move into the treatment phase and work with you to choose the best options. Surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and referral for radiation therapy are treatments that we can utilize. In some cases, we may use more than one for optimal results. How your pet responds to treatment will dictate our next steps.
Some of the treatment options we offer include:
- Chemotherapy
- Metronomic Chemotherapy
- Stelfonta treatments
- Palliative Therapy
- Immunotherapy
A cancer diagnosis does not have to be the end of the line for your pet. We are fully committed to your pet's well-being and making sure we leave no stone unturned in their treatment. If you have concerns about your pet's health and need answers, please call us right away at (734) 847-6751.
Why We Brought Cancer Care Closer to Home
Early in his career, Dr. Smith heard the same heartbreaking words from clients again and again: "I want to do everything for my pet, but I just can't keep taking time off work to drive an hour each way for every treatment."
Board-certified oncologists are about an hour from Temperance, and many specialty hospitals are booking new cancer patients weeks out, which is time that pets with aggressive cancers simply can't waste. So rather than send families down that road alone, Dr. Smith has spent the past 30 years developing his expertise in veterinary oncology and chemotherapy right here in our community.
When we built our new hospital in 2021, we made a deliberate investment: a dedicated Chemotherapy Safety Hood and Preparation Room, designed specifically to keep these critical treatments at Temperance Animal Hospital.
What that means for you and your pet:
- Familiar faces: Your pet is treated by local doctors and staff who already know them
- No long drives: Fewer disruptions to your work, your schedule, and your pet's routine
- Fair, transparent pricing: Without the overhead of a large specialty center
- Faster treatment time: Because waiting weeks isn't an option when every day matters
Our goal isn't simply to treat cancer. It's to give your pet the longest possible time filled with the best possible quality of life, and to support your family every step of the way.