Cancer is sadly one of the most commonly diagnosed diseases in our pets, especially as they become older. One in four dogs and one in five cats will develop cancer during  their lifetime. As with people diagnosed with cancer, there are now many options for the  treatment of our pets diagnosed with cancer.

VSS offers referral level oncology care for dogs, cats and other companion animals with cancer. Led by Specialist Oncologists, Dr Raelene Wouda, the VSS Oncology Service endeavours to provide the very best oncologic counsel and cancer care; explaining in detail the unique aspects of each patient’s particular disease, discussing the most appropriate diagnostic and staging tests, outlining the various treatment options available, and implementing and overseeing a management plan that is individually tailored for your pet and family. The management options considered for your pet may be intensive with curative-intent, or less aggressive with palliative or hospice objectives in mind. They may include surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, or likely in many cases a multidisciplinary approach. Our goal is always to achieve the best possible quality of life and outcomes specifically for your pet and family. 

The VSS Oncology Service is led by Dr. Raelene Wouda, who works closely with VSS’s other specialty services, including surgery, internal medicine, imaging, cardiology, dentistry, ophthalmology and the feline specialty service, as well as your primary care veterinarian, to provide the highest quality and most comprehensive cancer care for your pet.

We also have a team of dedicated veterinary nurses that you will meet during your pet’s visits. These nurses not only directly contribute to your pet’s treatment, but also provide them pats, hugs and love while they are away from home.

Additionally, because VSS is dedicated to training future veterinary specialists, veterinary students, interns, residents and registrars are likely to be a part of your pet’s cancer care team at VSS.

The VSS Oncology Service has extensive experience in the treatment of many cancer types.

Some of the common cancers we treat are:

• Lymphoma and leukaemia
• Mast cell tumours, and other skin and subcutaneous cancers 
• Hemangiosarcoma 
• Osteosarcoma, and other bone and joint cancers
• Malignant melanoma
• Soft tissue sarcomas
• Tumours of the endocrine system, including thyroid, adrenal, and insulinoma
• Brain and other nervous system cancers
• Various carcinomas, including lung, liver, gastrointestinal and those of the urinary bladder and prostate

You can learn more about our specialist oncology team and the locations you'll find them by visiting the below pages:

• Oncology Team
• Underwood Hospital
• Carrara Hospital
• Jindalee Hospital