Cancer Staging and Treatment for Pets

In Temple, TX

Cancer can be a terrifying diagnosis, but in our cats and dogs, many cancers have a good prognosis with standard treatment while achieving a good quality of life. In contrast to human oncology, our veterinary oncology patients tend to tolerate chemotherapy much, much better. Our objective is to treat your pet, while ensuring your pet’s life is worth living. If a pet experiences a side effect, we have medications that can help minimize these effects.

We partner with you to continuously monitor your pet’s quality of life and adjust treatment plans as needed.

Oncology Services

  • Nu.Q blood cancer screening for lymphoma and hemangiosarcoma — recommended for at-risk breeds (Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Beagle, Boxer, Bernese Mountain Dog, Rottweiler, West Highland Terrier, Shetland Sheepdog), or as part of annual wellness checks for dogs aged 7 years and older
  • Diagnostic fine needle aspirates and biopsies
  • Ultrasounds and ultrasound-guided needle aspirates
  • Cancer staging to determine metastasis using diagnostics such as lymph node evaluation, radiographs, blood testing, specialized biopsy tests, or bone marrow aspirates/biopsies — staging informs prognosis and treatment options
  • A USP 800–compliant chemotherapy room with a biological safety cabinet for safe preparation of chemotherapy drugs
  • Surgery, including tumor removal or amputations (with referral for complex cases)
  • Chemotherapy (oral, intravenous, intralesional), including:
    • FDA-approved Tanovea for lymphoma
    • Stelfonta for qualifying mast cell tumors
  • Identification of candidates for radiation therapy, with continued care following treatment at an outside facility
  • Complementary medicine, including Chinese herbal therapy (Yunnan Baiyao), supplements, and nutrition
  • End-of-life support, combining palliative care, pain management, quality-of-life assessment, and caregiver support

Dr. Lisa Reeve & Bruiser

Dr. Lisa Reeve has a strong background in human oncology and experience with chemotherapy protocols for cats and dogs. Her passion was shaped by her first patient, a Goldendoodle puppy named Bruiser, diagnosed with a severe bleeding disorder.

Bruiser was brought into the clinic as an 8-week-old puppy, suffering from a life-threatening condition that required an immediate blood transfusion. Dr. Reeve ultimately adopted him, and he became a beloved member of both her family and the clinic’s. After extensive testing—including at Texas A&M Small Animal Clinic—Bruiser was diagnosed with severe immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (destruction of his platelets).

Over nine months, Bruiser was treated with immunosuppressive agents, vincristine (a chemotherapy drug), blood and platelet transfusions, and a splenectomy. He was a happy, playful puppy who adored running in the backyard and spending time with his buddy Jax in the jasmine—though his life was unfortunately short. He passed away just shy of his first birthday, after a brave fight.