Cancer can develop in animals the same way it does in people. At Angell Animal Medical Center, our dedicated Oncology department uses the latest in cancer treatment to provide compassionate, human-caliber care to pets.
Within the MSPCA-Angell Boston’s state-of-the-art facility, our veterinary oncologists provide comprehensive cancer treatment individually tailored to each patient’s specific diagnosis, condition and goals. Our team comprises doctors specialized in radiation, medical and surgical oncology, and they work together to create a unified, holistic plan for every pet. With support from other specialties — such as Internal Medicine, Neurology, Ophthalmology, and Cardiology — our oncologists can address patients’ additional medical needs and help them maintain the highest quality of life throughout treatment.
As a national leader in veterinary care, Angell serves as a referral center for some of the most complex cancer cases. Primary care veterinarians and clinics can refer patients to our Oncology department by filling out our online referral form.
Diagnostic Services
Alongside Angell’s Diagnostic Imaging and Pathology departments, our Oncology team can monitor and manage each patient’s cancer through:
- Biopsies and staging of neoplasms
- Bloodwork
- Bone marrow aspirations
- Computed Tomography (CT)
- Digital radiography and fluoroscopy
- Ultrasonography
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
What We Treat
Much like in human medicine, our veterinarian oncologists provide specialized care for a broad range of cancer types, including:
- Lymphoma/Leukemia
- Respiratory tract tumors
- Mast cell tumors/skin tumors
- Histiocytic sarcoma
- Bladder tumors (Urothelial carcinoma)
- Gastrointestinal tumors
- Splenic tumors (Hemangiosarcoma)
- Mammary tumors
- Bone tumors (Osteosarcoma)
- Soft tissue sarcomas
Radiation Therapy Services
Our radiation therapy unit houses a cutting-edge True Beam Linear Accelerator. With the help of certified radiation therapists and specialty-trained anesthesia nurses, our team can safely and comfortably apply:
• Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)
• Volumetric modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT)
• Stereotactic radiation treatment
Medical Oncology Services
In our USP 800-compliant cancer clinic, our veterinary oncologists and nurses safely administer:
• Chemotherapy
• Immunotherapy/targeted therapies
Surgical Oncology Services
Angell Animal Medical Center is the only veterinary hospital in Boston — and one of the few located throughout New England — to have a surgical oncologist on staff. Our team includes Dr. Megan Cray, a board-certified surgeon with fellowship training in surgical oncology. She works with our medical and radiation oncology specialists to provide integrated care for each patient, offering surgical management of many tumor types, including, but not limited to:
- Bone tumors
- Bladder tumors
- Skin and subcutaneous masses
- Lung tumors
- Anal sac gland tumors
- Lymph node removal
- Liver tumors
- Splenic masses
- Adrenal masses
- Kidney tumors
- Gastrointestinal tumors
- Oral cancer
- Body/chest wall masses
- Head and neck cancer (including thyroid/parathyroid masses)
Support For Pet Families
While cancer treatment is at the forefront of our mission, Angell Animal Medical Center also recognizes the emotional impact felt when our pets have cancer. Our Veterinary Social Work service offers resources for helping navigate a pet’s diagnosis, treatment, and, in some cases, end of life. This service is offered at no cost to families whose pets are receiving care within the Angell system.