For Referring Veterinarians

How to Refer a Patient for Oncology Services

Referring a patient to oncology is a straightforward process that ensures pets receive specialized care tailored to their specific cancer diagnosis. Veterinarians can refer a patient by contacting the oncology service directly, either by phone or through a referral form available on the oncology center’s website. When making a referral, it’s helpful to provide the following information:

• Patient history: Including previous medical records, any known diagnoses, and details of treatments already administered.
• Diagnostic results: Copies of any relevant lab results, imaging studies, and biopsy reports.
• Current medications: A list of medications the patient is currently taking.
• Owner’s contact information: Ensuring that the oncology team can reach the pet owner for further consultation.

The referral process is designed to be as seamless as possible, with the goal of promptly initiating the necessary oncological care. Please send this information directly to [email protected]

Basic Findings That May Warrant Referral

Certain clinical signs or diagnostic findings can indicate the need for a referral to an oncology specialist. These include:

• Unexplained lumps or masses: Any persistent or rapidly growing lumps, especially if they are firm or irregular in shape.
• Abnormal imaging results: Masses or lesions identified on X-rays, ultrasounds, or other imaging studies that are suspicious for cancer.
• Unexpected weight loss: Significant and unexplained weight loss, especially if accompanied by other clinical signs.
• Persistent or unusual symptoms: Such as unexplained vomiting, diarrhea, or changes in behavior that don’t resolve with standard treatment.
• Abnormal blood work: Including unexplained anemia, high calcium levels, or elevated liver enzymes that could suggest a systemic disease like cancer.
• Post-surgical pathology results: Indicating malignancy, which may necessitate further treatment.

What Happens After Referral

After a patient is referred to an oncology specialist, several steps typically follow:

1. Initial Consultation: The veterinary team will review the patient’s medical history, perform a physical examination, and discuss the diagnosis with the pet owner. Additional tests, such as blood work, biopsies, or imaging, may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis and determine the cancer’s stage.
2. Treatment Planning: Based on the findings, the veterinarian will develop a personalized treatment plan, which may include surgery, chemotherapy, or a combination of these. The plan will be discussed in detail with the pet owner, including potential side effects, expected outcomes, and costs.
3. Initiation of Treatment: If the owner agrees to the proposed plan, treatment will begin as soon as possible, and appointments will be scheduled accordingly.

Communications Back and Keeping Everyone Updated

Effective communication between the referring veterinarian, the oncology service, and the pet owner is crucial for the success of the treatment plan. Here’s how communication is typically handled:

• Regular Updates: The oncology service team will provide the referring veterinarian with regular updates on the patient’s progress, including treatment outcomes and any side effects encountered.
• Collaborative Care: If ongoing care or monitoring is needed, the referring veterinarian may be involved in certain aspects of the treatment, such as administering medications or conducting follow-up tests.
• Owner Communication: The oncology service team will maintain open communication with the pet owner, ensuring they are fully informed about their pet’s condition, treatment progress, and any necessary home care instructions.
• Final Reports: Once the treatment is completed or if there are significant changes in the patient’s status, a detailed report will be sent to the referring veterinarian, summarizing the treatment provided and outlining any further recommendations.

The referral process is designed to be collaborative, ensuring that pets receive the best possible care. By maintaining clear communication and providing timely updates, the oncology team, referring veterinarian, and pet owner can work together to achieve the best outcomes for the patient.

Thank you for entrusting us with your referred patients’ care!