That first oncology consult can be overwhelming. Veterinary oncologist Megan Duffy says to expect the consult to take an hour or more – and most of that time is talking over your dog’s case and your treatment options. This is YOUR time to ask all of the questions you have about your dog’s diagnosis and treatment plan.
Once you have an appointment scheduled, ask all of the veterinary offices that your dog has been to in the past two years to send your dog’s records to the oncologist. Sending all records, bloodwork results, x-rays, and other imaging ahead of time will give the oncologist time to review your dog’s case before your appointment so he or she is up to speed.
To make sure you are prepared, do just a little bit of research on the type of cancer your dog has before the appointment – Dr. Duffy recommends sticking with veterinary sites and not going too far down the rabbit hole. She also recommends what things to bring with you and think about before your appointment – check out our checklist, available on Dog Cancer Answers Dot Com.
And remember – you don’t have to make any final decisions during the first consult. This is your time to get all of the details so you can digest and make the best choice for you and your dog.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Show:
Veterinary Partner by VIN - https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/
Related Links:
Financial Assistance for Dogs with Cancer
About Today’s Guest, Dr. Megan Duffy:
Dr. Megan Duffy earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Michigan State University, then completed internships at University of Prince Edward Island and North Carolina State University, followed by earning her MS in Veterinary Science from Washington State University while also completing a residency in veterinary medical oncology. She is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Oncology). Her clinical and research interests include relapsed lymphoma, feline injection site sarcomas, canine osteosarcoma, and pain management/palliative care. Dr. Duffy enjoys giving continuing education lectures for her peers and has written several journal articles and a book chapter. Dr. Duffy is currently a practicing oncologist at BluePearl Pet Hospital Eden Prairie, MN.
Other Links:
To join the private Facebook group for readers of Dr. Dressler’s book “The Dog Cancer Survival Guide,” go to https://www.facebook.com/groups/dogcancersupport/ 
Dog Cancer Answers is a Maui Media production in association with Dog Podcast Network
This episode is sponsored by the best-selling animal health book The Dog Cancer Survival Guide: Full Spectrum Treatments to Optimize Your Dog’s Life Quality and Longevity by Dr. Demian Dressler and Dr. Susan Ettinger. Available everywhere fine books are sold.
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