PETS Referral Center Oncology Department
Our goal is to provide the best care possible to you and your pet, and to offer guidance during what is often a stressful time.
Our initial appointments are 1-hour and include a complete physical exam by the doctor and in-depth discussion of your pet's cancer. We will discuss diagnostic tests that can be pursued to understand the extent and type of cancer, as well treatment options and what to expect.
PETS Oncology sees patients Monday through Friday. Please call 510-548-6684 to schedule your pet's appointment.
Dr. Kim Shaffer
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Oncology
Dr. Cecile Siedlecki
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Oncology
Regina Sanger, RVT
My journey as a technician started 19 years ago. I worked as a emergency technician for 10 yrs. The last 9 years have been in oncology. This has been the most meaningful time in my career. The relationships I build with the clients and patients is amazing. Watching patients thrive fills my heart. Being there to hold the hands of clients as they say goodbye makes me grateful they entrusted me with their loved ones care.
Erin Redding
I've been an oncology technician for almost 20 years and have instilled a passion for cancer treatment and chemotherapy. There is nothing greater than seeing a patient respond to therapy and I love being a part of that. The diagnosis of cancer in a pet is not the end, but rather the beginning of an opportunity to identify solutions that can improve a pet’s quality of life while maximizing the time they have to enjoy life with their families.
I’m also passionate about Wildlife conservation, animal rescue and artistic expression.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Chemotherapy Side Effects
How to Manage Side Effects
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Withhold food for 12 hours and start anti-nausea medications (cerenia or ondansetron) -
If your pet does not vomit, offer small amounts of bland, easily digestible foods (ie. boiled chicken and rice) frequently throughout the day -
Once your pet has not vomited for 2-3 days, start to slowly reintroduce the normal diet. Mix the normal diet in increasing amounts into the bland diet, over 3-4 days.
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If the vomiting is severe (more than 2-3 times in 1 day) -
If the vomiting lasts longer than 24 hours -
If your pet is also lethargic or febrile, or displaying other symptoms that concern you
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Withhold food for 12 hours, and start anti-diarrheal medication (metronidazole or tylosin) -
Offer your pet small amounts of bland, easily digestible foods (ie. boiled chicken and rice) frequently throughout the day -
Once your pet has not had diarrhea for 2-3 days, start to slowly reintroduce the normal diet. Mix the normal diet in increasing amounts into the bland diet, over 3-4 days.
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If the diarrhea is severe (watery, contains blood- bright or tarry, frequent) -
If the diarrhea lasts longer than 48 hours -
If your pet is also lethargic or febrile, or displaying other symptoms that concern you
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If your pet is suddenly lethargic and/or feels warm to the touch, please take a temperature rectally with a normal thermometer -
If your pet’s temperature is >102.5F, this is considered a fever and if this occurs, your pet needs to be immediately taken to a veterinarian, and likely needs to be hospitalized for treatment. You can bring your pet to PETS ER for evaluation.
Oncology Hours and Contact
Appointment and Recheck Exam Scheduling
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Please schedule by calling PETS or making your appointment in person when at PETS (recommended). We will not take appointments via email.
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After filling out a purple sheet about how your pet is feeling, we will bring your pet to the treatment room for an exam and to collect blood/urine, if needed. Dr. Shaffer will talk with you after the exam.
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Radiologists travel to PETS each afternoon (typically ~2-5pm) to perform ultrasounds - we will not be able to tell you the exact time the ultrasound will be performed. We will call when your pet is ready for pick-up (often around 5-6pm) and Dr. Shaffer will talk with you at discharge or over the phone.
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For drop off appointments, your pet will stay at PETS for ~4-5 hours for exam, blood tests, and treatment. -
If you need to speak to Dr. Shaffer PRIOR to your pet receiving chemotherapy, please make sure to alert the staff and we will do our best to accommodate this request. Dr. Shaffer will either call during the day to talk about your pet, or speak with you in person when you pick up your pet.
Medications and Refills
Medications:
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Some medications are from PETS and some are prescribed from outside compounding pharmacies.
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Please request a refill 7-10 days PRIOR to running out of the medication -
If you need a refill, please call PETS Oncology during business hours. Please do not email medication refill requests. If you call outside of PETS Oncology hours, the ER service may not be able to provide you a refill. -
For compounding pharmacies, you can request a refill from them directly, and they will alert PETS Oncology for approval.
Chemotherapy Safety Information
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If you are administering chemotherapy to your pet at home, wear protective gloves when handling the chemotherapy
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Use latex or nitrile gloves and dispose of used gloves immediately. Follow with careful hand washing.
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Wear protective gloves to clean up urine or feces or when handling soiled bedding or toys
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Urinary and fecal accidents may be safely cleaned up using a household bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) while wearing protective gloves -
Any soiled bedding or toys should be washed separately
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The amount of chemotherapy that is eliminated in saliva is very low – no special precautions need to be taken to prevent dogs from licking people or other animals
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You may also want to consider walking your pet in an area away from other animals during the 3 days following chemotherapy treatment.
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It is likely safe for cats to use the same litter box as healthy housemate cats. Wear gloves when cleaning out the litter box for the first 3 days after chemotherapy administration.
