The Oncology Patient Experience

Our Approach

The Angell Oncology service operates using a team approach. Our team includes three attending radiation and medical oncology clinicians, an oncologic specialty surgeon, two oncology intern doctors, and many nurses and liaisons who aid in patient care, management, and client communication. We meet as a team each morning and afternoon to round on cases and ensure that multiple doctors’ input and insight are provided for every case. Different clinicians may see your pet throughout their care — we take this team approach to allow us to serve our patient population best.

Initial visit

We believe our role as oncologists is to empower caregivers with information regarding their pet’s cancer and help guide them through the decision-making process for recommended diagnostics testing and treatment options. At your initial visit or consultation with the Oncology team, we will evaluate your pet, and discuss the diagnosis, prognosis, recommended diagnostic tests, and treatment options. We will review the different levels of care, from conventional oncologic interventions to palliative/hospice care, and support you in whatever treatment approach makes the most sense for your pet and your family.

Structure of service visits and treatments

For pets receiving treatment at Angell — such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy — patients are dropped off for the day as visiting outpatients. This system allows us to provide the best care for our patients, ensuring that we have adequate time to examine, evaluate, and administer treatment to each patient. Client care liaisons are available to facilitate this drop-off procedure and will communicate any concerns you may have regarding your pet and their progress through the treatments. You may find additional information regarding what to expect with treatment on our FAQ page.

You may also refer to the videos highlighting the patient’s experience with radiation.

Communication

If concerns are identified during the treatment day, a team member will reach out to discuss our findings, recommendations, and plan moving forward. If you have questions following your visit, you can always consult our Oncology FAQs or contact our service by phone (617-541-5136) or email oncology@angell.org. Due to our heavy patient volume, we ask that you allow up to 2 business days for a response. Should an urgent concern arise after hours, please consult our Emergency Service, local emergency hospital, or primary veterinarian’s office. Non-oncologic concerns should be directed to your primary veterinarian.

Caregiver Support

Making treatment decisions and caring for a seriously ill pet can be difficult and sometimes overwhelming. Angell has a dedicated team to support you through your pet’s treatment process. Our full-time veterinary social work specialist Michelle Mezansky, LICSW, is available to help with the stresses that go hand in hand with caregiving. They can provide emotional support when navigating all aspects of your pet’s care at Angell. Learn more about Angell’s social work program.

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