What can I expect during my first appointment with the Angell Oncology service?
For your pet’s initial appointment with the Angell Oncology service, we will need information from your primary care veterinarian to best serve you and your pet. We will ask you questions about your pet’s medical history and will examine your pet. We will discuss prognosis and options available for further diagnostics and treating your pet.
Recheck and/or chemotherapy appointments should be scheduled at least 1 week in advance to ensure appointment availability. We recommend scheduling several weeks in advance to best accommodate your scheduling needs.
Please arrive 10-15 minutes early for your appointment to allow time for hospital registration. In case of emergency during regular business hours call the Oncology service direct phone line at 617-541-5136. For after-hour emergencies, please bring your pet to Angell Emergency Service at 350 South Huntington Avenue in Boston, MA.
Some Oncology procedures can require that your pet stay in the hospital for a number of hours. These are best handled by admitting your pet to the hospital for the day. This must be scheduled through the Oncology secretary.
Can my pet eat prior to the appointment?
Some procedures require sedation or anesthesia. Animals should be fasted overnight prior to an appointment that may involve anesthesia. Water is okay at all times.
What if I’m running late?
Because we have a busy schedule, we may not be able to see you if you arrive late for your appointment. If you know you are going to be late, please call 617-541-5136 to find out if we can still accommodate you. Please be aware we may need to see other patients prior to seeing your pet.
How much does treatment cost?
The initial visit fee is $165. Cost of diagnostic tests and treatment varies widely depending on procedures performed and treatment options.
Will further testing be done and treatment started during the first appointment?
Many diagnostic tests can be performed the same day depending on availability. In some cases, we may need to schedule a procedure for another day. Most chemotherapy treatments can be initiated at the first visit. In general, CT scans, MRI’s and long chemotherapy infusions cannot be performed the same day. Radiation therapy is usually started after the first visit to allow for radiation treatment planning.
Can I talk to my doctor prior to the first appointment?
In order to provide you with the most accurate information regarding your pet, we need to discuss the medical history and examine your pet. For this reason we can not provide consultations prior to the initial appointment.