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(908) 236-4120

23 Blossom Hill Rd, Lebanon, NJ 08833 - Open 24/7

Emergency Only
Crown Veterinary Specialists & Associates logo features a crown design and the motto "Together We Heal" in blue and gold colors.

Oncology

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Advanced, Compassionate Cancer Care for Your Pet

While a diagnosis of cancer can be frightening for pet owners, cancer is a treatable disease. Similar to advances in human medicine, veterinary oncology can now provide numerous treatment options to extend and improve the quality of your pet’s life. At Crown Veterinary Specialists, your animal companion will receive the latest treatment therapies available in a caring, supportive and comfortable environment. The oncology department, led by a board-certified veterinary oncologist, is focused on addressing cancer in small animals after they have been diagnosed. Our medical oncologist works closely with owners to guide them through the various treatment options and helps pet owners determine what is best for their animal companion and family.

Since every pet is unique, and each cancer and / or tumor is treated differently, our approach to personalized care begins with an in-depth consultation where prognosis, treatment, or further evaluation is considered. After carefully evaluating your pet’s health history and discussing the options, your animal companion will move forward with a customized treatment regimen.

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The most common treatment options for pets with cancer are:

Surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Since Crown is a full-service specialty hospital, patients receiving chemotherapy have the support of a coordinated team of doctors including board-certified surgeons—when surgery is part of the treatment protocol.

Chemotherapy

Our goal during treatment is to ensure the highest quality of life possible for every pet undergoing treatment. Chemotherapy in animals differs greatly from chemotherapy in humans. The treatment tends to be well tolerated with adverse reactions occurring in only 10%-15% of pets. We encourage open lines of communication and ask owners to share their concerns at each visit, providing us with valuable feedback on how their pet responded to their last chemotherapy regimen. As a specialty referral hospital, we also work in concert with your primary care veterinarian, keeping your doctor up-to-date on your pet’s treatment and progress.

Safety

We have established the highest safety standards for our patients as well as our experienced staff. We treat one patient at a time with our full attention, and every chemotherapy dose is checked twice prior to administration. IV treatments are conducted via a secure, temporary IV catheter, not via a needle and syringe, to ensure accurate and safe dosing every time. Our state-of-the-art chemotherapy suite is a dedicated area for treating pets with cancer. It is a comfortable environment for pets and complete with chemotherapy hood, natural lighting and its own ventilation system.

VETERINARY ONCOLOGY SERVICES AND PROCEDURES:

  • Client education and support
  • Quality of life enhancement
  • Chemotherapy
  • Consultation for Radiation Therapy
  • Advanced Diagnostic Imaging – CT, Ultrasound, Endoscopy
  • Multi-modality treatment protocols, including surgery and immunotherapy
  • Pain Management and Palliative Care
  • Nutritional support
  • Clinical trials
  • 24-hour emergency care
What To Expect

When your primary veterinarian refers you to Crown Veterinary Specialists, our oncology team will begin by reviewing the history, and prior diagnostics provided by your veterinarian and perform an initial physical examination of their own. The oncologist will use this information to determine your pet’s current clinical status and determine which additional diagnostic test(s) are indicated to further assess your pet’s health.

This comprehensive assessment provides your pet’s oncologist the ability to develop a thorough treatment plan and recommendations for both short and long-term term care. This plan will be discussed with you in detail so that medical decisions can be made collaboratively between you and the oncologist. You will have the opportunity to speak with your pet’s oncologist directly, and to ask any questions you may have about your pet’s health or care.

Your pet’s complete assessment, including diagnostic test results and treatment plan, will be shared with your primary veterinarian to ensure that the best continuity of care can be provided by all parties. If your pet requires hospitalization or has additional diagnostic tests pending, the oncologist will ensure that your primary veterinarian is informed of his/her status with regular communications.

A cancer diagnosis is very scary, but always remember that we are here to help you and your pets through this difficult time. Don’t hesitate to contact us here at  (908) 236-4120 so we can answer any questions you have.

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Oncology treatment and diagnostics at Crown Veterinary Specialists are provided by a board-certified veterinary oncologist. Our goal is to improve and preserve your pet’s quality of life by delivering the highest quality, comprehensive, and compassionate care. Board-certified oncologists undergo additional training and certification focused solely on cancer behavior and treatment, which can help your pet achieve the best possible outcome.

Oncologists fully assess patients in terms of a cancer diagnosis, develop a plan for any additional diagnostics that may be needed and then will discuss with you potential treatment options in order to come up with the best treatment plan for your pet and your family. While the primary treatment modality is chemotherapy, the oncologist may also recommend surgery, radiation or sometimes other non-chemotherapy medications for your pet.

The best way to prepare for the appointment is by ensuring that all pertinent medical records, including those from your family veterinarian as well as any emergency room visits, have been sent ahead of time.

Medications cannot be prescribed by the specialist until they meet your pet, but if there are concerns about anxiety during vet visits, please discuss this with your family veterinarian ahead of time and develop a plan to reduce your pet’s anxiety at the visit.

In addition to a thorough discussion at your visit, you will also receive an emailed copy of the medical record which includes a summary of diagnostic results and a detailed summary of what was discussed during the visit. Prescribed medications and discharge instructions are also included in this document, so it is important to locate this in your email after the visit to stay informed about your pet.

Absolutely! The oncologist will make sure that your family veterinarian has access to all medical records and diagnostics performed at Crown. This is to ensure that they have an easy time keeping up with your pet’s medical care. Routine care such as vaccines, flea and tick preventatives and issues that are unrelated to your pets cancer will still be managed by your family veterinarian, so it’s important to maintain a relationship with them.

A veterinary oncologist reviews your pet’s medical history, performs a thorough examination, and discusses next steps. Diagnostic testing may include bloodwork, imaging such as X-rays or ultrasound, needle aspirates, or biopsies to confirm a diagnosis and guide a personalized treatment plan. Oncologists fully assess patients in terms of a cancer diagnosis, develop a plan for any additional diagnostics that may be needed and then will discuss with you potential treatment options in order to come up with the best treatment plan for your pet and your family. While the primary treatment modality is chemotherapy, the oncologist may also recommend surgery, radiation or sometimes other non-chemotherapy medications for your pet.
Screening focuses on early detection and accurate staging. Based on your pet’s risk factors or findings such as a new lump or bump, the oncology team may recommend imaging or minimally invasive sampling to determine whether further evaluation or treatment is needed. Medications cannot be prescribed by the specialist until they meet your pet, but if there are concerns about anxiety during vet visits, please discuss this with your family veterinarian ahead of time and develop a plan to reduce your pet’s anxiety at the visit.
Comprehensive cancer care for pets can include tumor removal surgery, chemotherapy (single-agent or combination), targeted medications when suitable, and supportive care to maintain comfort and quality of life. Radiation therapy can also be coordinated with trusted partner facilities when appropriate.
Chemotherapy plans are customized to your pet’s diagnosis and overall health. Treatments are designed to preserve quality of life, and most pets tolerate them well. Side effects are typically mild and closely monitored by the care team.
In many cases, yes. Surgical removal or debulking may be recommended to remove a tumor, reduce discomfort, or prepare for additional therapy. Your oncologist will explain the goals of surgery and how it fits into your pet’s overall treatment plan.
Yes. Many cancers can be managed or placed into remission with the right approach. The likelihood of remission depends on the cancer type, stage, and individual response to treatment. Your oncologist will outline expected outcomes and recheck intervals.
After diagnosis and staging, your oncology specialist will review treatment options, benefits, risks, costs, and expected outcomes so you can make an informed decision. Plans may include medical therapy, surgery, or palliative care, depending on your goals.
Supportive care may include pain control, anti-nausea medication, nutrition planning, and home monitoring guidance. These measures are designed to keep pets comfortable and maintain daily well-being during treatment.
Yes. Our team provides customized care for dogs and cats, adjusting drug selection, dosing, and follow-up frequency to meet the specific needs of each species.
Recheck visits vary based on diagnosis and treatment plan. Most pets are seen every one to three weeks during active therapy, then less frequently for long-term monitoring. Follow-up visits may include exams, lab tests, or imaging to track progress.
Contact us to discuss your pet’s symptoms or any recent test results. Our team will help you determine whether to schedule a consultation, perform additional diagnostics, or coordinate directly with your primary veterinarian.
Yes. Oncology care is a collaborative process. Your primary veterinarian receives updates, records, and recommendations so that ongoing care remains consistent and well-coordinated.