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Therapy & Care Options

Feline Cancer Prognosis and Treatment with Symptoms in Veterinary Oncology

Conventional Therapies

Conventional therapies include proven medical approaches such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, tailored to treat cancer while prioritizing your pet’s quality of life.

  • Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses carefully selected medications to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells. Unlike in people, veterinary chemotherapy is designed to maintain a good quality of life — most pets experience only mild side effects, if any. Each protocol is customized to your pet’s diagnosis, overall health, and your family’s goals.

  • Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy uses precise beams of energy to shrink or eliminate tumors. This treatment is typically performed at specialty centers and can be used alone or combined with surgery or chemotherapy. Radiation is highly targeted, minimizing effects on surrounding healthy tissue.

  • Electrochemotherapy: This is a localized treatment that can be used for small tumors in an area that surgical removal would be difficult or as an alternative to radiation. Chemotherapy is given IV or into a tumor/scar. An electric pulse is administered to open the cell membrane in order to assist the chemotherapy in killing cancer cells.

  • Surgery: When a tumor can be safely removed, surgery often offers the best chance for long-term control. Procedures are performed by board-certified surgeons at trusted partner hospitals. Surgery may be followed by chemotherapy or radiation to help reduce the chance of recurrence.

  • Targeted Therapies: Targeted therapies are newer drugs designed to act on specific molecular pathways in cancer cells. These treatments may provide strong control of disease with fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy. One example is Palladia®, which is commonly used for mast cell tumors in dogs.

  • Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy works by helping the body’s own immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. This may include therapeutic vaccines (such as the canine melanoma vaccine or monoclonal antibody gilvetmab) or medications that stimulate immune activity. Immunotherapy is often combined with other treatment approaches for the best results.

Conventional Oncology

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Holistic Therapy

Holistic & Integrative Therapies

Holistic therapies support whole-pet wellness through options like acupuncture, herbal medicine, and nutrition, often used alongside conventional care.

  • Acupuncture – Needle-based therapy shown to relieve pain, nausea, and support overall energy. (Similar to what Dr. Luminita Sarbu offers in Renton.)

  • Herbal Medicine – Use of traditional or Chinese herbs to support organ health, immunity, or appetite.

  • Nutritional Therapy – Tailored diet plans, supplements, or nutraceuticals to support cancer patients.

  • Homeopathy / Naturopathy – Gentle, individualized remedies for stress relief and systemic support.

  • Chiropractic Care – Manual adjustments to support mobility and reduce pain.

About Herbs, Botanicals & Other Products  Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

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Local Holistic Therapy Providers

  • Hope4Pets (Dr. Luminita Sarbu, Seattle): Offers integrative cancer care combining conventional and holistic modalities. Hope4Pets Integrative Oncology

  • Sea to Sky Holistic Vet (House Call Services): House-call holistic veterinary medicine: acupuncture, massage, herbal therapy, laser, rehabilitation, geriatric/palliative care etc. Sea to Sky Holistic Vet

  • Finn Hill Animal Hospital (Kirkland/Kenmore): Holistic veterinary services for cats & dogs: acupuncture, chiropractic care, homeopathy, Ayurvedic medicine, non-invasive modalities. Finn Hill Animal Hospital Holistic Services

  • PetZen Animal Wellness (Gig Harbor): Holistic care including acupuncture, Chinese herbs, lomilomi massage, and food therapy. PetZen Animal Wellness

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Supportive & Auxiliary Therapies

Supportive and auxiliary therapies also focus on comfort, mobility, and overall well-being, working alongside conventional treatments to improve quality of life for your pet.

  • Pet Massage Therapy – Promotes circulation, eases pain, and helps with anxiety.

  • Laser Therapy (Cold Laser / Photobiomodulation) – Reduces inflammation and stimulates healing in tissues.

  • Hydrotherapy – Gentle water-based therapy to improve strength, mobility, and comfort.

  • Rehabilitation / Physical Therapy – Exercises and therapies to maintain strength and mobility.

  • Aromatherapy – Use of safe essential oils to promote calm and reduce anxiety.

  • Palliative Care – Comfort-focused care when curative treatment is no longer the goal.

Supportive Therapy

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Local Supportive & Auxiliary Provideres

  • Hands to Paws Small Animal Massage: Massage for small animals, including cats and dogs; qualified practitioners, mobile/clinic-services. Hands to Paws Animal Massage

  • Wellsprings-K9: Warm-water swim therapy pool + massage therapy for dogs. Wellsprings K9 Therapy

  • Pet Reset Massage Therapy (Minerva Thai, Pierce County & surrounding areas): Mobile small animal massage therapy; focus on rehabilitation, quality of life, etc. Pet Reset Massage Therapy

Every pet and every family is unique. We’ll guide you through these options step by step, so you can make informed decisions that feel right for your loved one.