Oncology consultation
The first step when a dog or cat has a lump, an enlarged lymph node or a worrying test result. Assessment of the lesion, cytology usually on the same day, and a clear plan for the next steps.
What it involves
An oncology consultation is a visit at which we turn worry into a plan. We assess the lesion (size, location, mobility, rate of growth), examine the lymph nodes and the whole animal, and if the lump can be sampled — we perform a fine-needle biopsy and examine the sample in our laboratory. In many cases this makes it possible to say on the same day what kind of lesion we are dealing with.
On this basis we decide whether staging is needed: chest X-ray, abdominal ultrasound, blood tests. Only a complete set of information allows us to discuss the options honestly — observation, surgery, drug treatment or supportive care — together with their aims and limitations. We work in stages and in writing, not on a “we’ll cut it out and see” basis.
A consultation does not commit you to treatment. The owner receives reliable information and time to decide; many decisions in oncology are decisions about quality of life, not only about its length.
When it is used
For any new lesion on or under the skin that grows, changes in appearance or exceeds 1–2 cm; for enlarged lymph nodes; for unexplained weight loss, weakness or bleeding; when an imaging study performed for another reason has revealed a tumour of an internal organ; and after receiving a cytology or histopathology result from another practice that needs to be discussed and followed up.
Sudden weakness, pale gums and a swollen abdomen may mean bleeding from a ruptured splenic tumour — this is an emergency, call immediately during opening hours.
Indications: symptoms that should prompt a visit
- I felt a lump under my dog’s skin that has clearly grown over a few weeks.
- A lesion on my dog’s skin is sometimes larger and red, sometimes smaller.
- My cat has a lump near a nipple or a sore in the mouth that does not heal.
- The lymph nodes under my dog’s jaw are large but not painful.
- My pet is losing weight despite a good appetite, or has stopped eating and has been weaker for several weeks.
- An abdominal ultrasound done for another reason found a tumour of the spleen or liver.
- My dog has suddenly become weak, has pale gums and a swollen abdomen — call immediately.
Conditions for which we use it in particular
Diagnostics beforehand
Bring your existing records, results and — if you have them — dated photos of the lesion to the first visit. We carry out basic diagnostics on site: cytology in our own laboratory (result on the same day, or within 1–2 days after consultation with a cytologist), blood count and biochemistry, abdominal ultrasound, and digital chest X-ray in three views. We send histopathology to a partner laboratory (7–14 days).
How it proceeds
The visit takes 45–60 minutes. After taking the history and examining the animal, if the lesion is accessible, we perform a fine-needle biopsy without sedation (except for painful lesions or those in difficult locations). We stain and assess the samples in the laboratory; if in doubt, we consult a cytologist. Depending on the result, we carry out imaging for staging on the same day or at a follow-up visit.
Finally, we discuss the diagnosis (or its likelihood), the stage of the disease and the options: the aim of each, what it involves, the burden on the animal, and the costs. We record everything in the medical records in line with standard STD-06 and send it to the referring veterinarian.
Aftercare
After the consultation, the owner receives a written summary and a date for the next step. If we decide on observation, we ask you to measure the lesion with a ruler and photograph it with your phone every month; growth or a change in appearance is a signal for an earlier check.
Call urgently if the lump begins to bleed or ulcerate, or if the animal becomes weak, stops eating or turns pale.
Frequently asked questions
Is every lump cancer?
No. Many lesions, especially lipomas and cysts, are benign. That is exactly why, instead of guessing, we sample the lesion with a needle and look at the cells.
Can cytology be done at the first visit?
Yes, if the lesion can be sampled with a needle. No prior tests or referral are needed.
Is it worth treating an old dog?
Age in itself is not a contraindication — what matters is the general condition and the type of disease. We discuss honestly what treatment can achieve and at what cost to the animal, and the decision belongs to the owner.
Do you give chemotherapy on site?
Yes, we give chemotherapy on site. Where needed, we coordinate treatment with an external centre, while diagnostics, follow-up checks and surgery are carried out here.
We manage every case individually. The scope, indications and course described above are indicative; we agree the exact diagnostic and treatment plan during the consultation. This content is for information only and does not replace a veterinary consultation.
Do you have questions about the oncology consultation?
Call us or book a consultation. We will set out the diagnostic and treatment plan in writing, before you decide.