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A cancer diagnosis in a pet is difficult. What matters next is understanding the condition, the options available, and what is realistic for your pet.
VETaround provides oncology vet care across Sydney, starting with assessment and diagnosis, and continuing through treatment planning and ongoing support at home or in hospital when required.
The focus is on clear information, careful decision-making, and maintaining your pet’s comfort throughout.
Cancer is common in older animals, but it can affect pets at any age. There are many different types, including lymphoma, soft-tissue tumours, melanoma, mammary tumours, and bone cancers. Some develop gradually, while others progress more quickly.
Signs can vary depending on the type and stage. These may include lumps, swelling, changes in appetite, reduced energy, bleeding, or changes in movement. Because these signs can overlap with other conditions, proper diagnosis relies on a thorough examination and appropriate testing.
Once cancer is suspected or confirmed, the next step is understanding how far it has progressed. This may involve further testing to assess whether the disease has spread. From there, a treatment plan is developed based on your pet’s condition, age, and overall health.
Your preferences are part of this process. Some cases are managed with active treatment, while others focus on controlling symptoms and maintaining comfort. Treatment options may include medication, chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery, depending on the individual case.
"We’ve been using Dr Ari for over 7 years and we have gone to other vets and were not happy. He is experienced and very knowledgeable, we are always happy and we know our cats are in good hands."
Christina K - VETaround Client
Cancer care is not a single decision. It involves ongoing monitoring, reassessment, and adjustment over time. In-home visits allow your pet to be assessed in a familiar environment, which is often more practical for animals that are unwell or less mobile.
During consultations, an additional team member can assist where needed. This allows your pet to be handled safely and calmly, without you needing to manage restraint. This approach helps ensure proper assessment and treatment, even when pets are uncomfortable or anxious.
Not all cancers can be treated effectively. In some cases, the focus shifts from treatment to comfort.
Quality-of-life assessments help you understand how your pet is coping day to day. This includes mobility, appetite, behaviour, and overall well-being. These assessments help guide decisions clearly and practically, without guesswork or unnecessary intervention. They are carried out in your home, where your pet is most at ease.
In-home care forms the foundation of how we treat and manage your pet’s health. Most conditions can be assessed, treated, and monitored in a familiar environment where pets are calmer and easier to handle. Available to residents of Sydney’s inner city, Inner West, Eastern Suburbs and the Lower North Shore.
First visit from Ari and Ellie and it went beyond all expectations. They were so genuinely interested in my two cats. Of course I couldn’t stop talking about them but they clearly were not bored. Did excellent health checks and vaccinations – was an absolute pleasure and I would totally recommend them to anybody. So fabulous having no stress of lugging…
Elle’s exceptionally professional, warm, and helpful phone manner, together with Dr Ari’s prompt arrival, gentle approach with Hudson, and clear, thorough medical explanations and recommendations, immediately put my mind at ease. The high level of care and professionalism demonstrated confirmed that contacting VETaround was the right decision.
Ari is the best vet ever. His home visits are incredible. Such a great service to not have to put your beloved pets in the stressful situation of a car. Or around sick pets in a waiting area. My cats LOVE HIM. Ollie my male cat NEVER comes out of hiding when visitors come over. With Ari, he not only came out, let him weigh him, have his check up done…
I was very pleased with the ladies from VETaround Mobile vet. Professional, polite and very knowledgeable. Certainly eased my mind about my cat 🐈 would recommend them to anyone needing good veterinary care for their pet. We all know just how important our four legged friends are!
Some aspects of cancer care can be managed at home, including examinations, monitoring, symptom management, and ongoing support. This can be particularly helpful for older or anxious pets that find clinic visits stressful.
Where more advanced treatment, imaging, or procedures are required, hospital-based care is integrated into the treatment plan.
Diagnosis starts with a physical examination and review of symptoms. Further testing is often needed to confirm the type of cancer and assess how far it has progressed. This may include imaging or other diagnostic procedures.
Treatment depends on the type and stage of cancer, as well as your pet’s overall condition. Options may include medication, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery. In some cases, treatment focuses on managing symptoms rather than curing the disease.
Chemotherapy is used differently in pets compared to people. The aim is to manage the disease while maintaining quality of life. Side effects can occur, but they are often less severe than those seen in human cancer treatment.
A quality-of-life assessment assesses how your pet is functioning day to day. This includes eating, movement, comfort, and behaviour. It helps guide decisions about ongoing care in a structured and practical way.
