A diagnosis of cancer can be overwhelming
It’s natural to worry about what treatment may mean for your pet. Many families are surprised to learn that pet chemotherapy is often very well tolerated by dogs and cats.
Our goal is not just to treat cancer—it is to help your pet continue enjoying the things that make them who they are.
Veterinary chemotherapy is different from human cancer treatment. While extending life is important, our highest priority is protecting your pet’s comfort and quality of life throughout treatment.
Chemotherapy uses specialized medications to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells. Depending on your pet’s diagnosis and treatment plan, chemotherapy may be given as an injection, intravenous treatment, or oral medication at home.
Each protocol is carefully tailored to your pet’s needs, with a focus on maintaining comfort, quality of life, and as many good days together as possible.
Most pets tolerate chemotherapy very well, and significant side effects are uncommon. When side effects do occur, they are typically mild and temporary and may include decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or tiredness.
Our team monitors your pet closely and provides supportive medications and adjustments when needed to keep them comfortable throughout their care.
Chemotherapy may be recommended for cancers that affect the entire body, such as lymphoma or leukemia, or for certain tumors with a higher risk of spreading.
It may also be used:
At Seacoast Emergency & Referral Veterinary Hospital (SERV), oncology care is led by Dr. Kelvin Kow, a board-certified veterinary oncologist dedicated to providing thoughtful, evidence-based cancer care.
Working alongside SERV’s experienced specialty team, Dr. Kow combines advanced medicine with compassionate communication to help families understand their options and make informed decisions for their pets.
Every pet and every cancer journey is different. We take time to explain your options clearly, discuss expected benefits and risks, and create a treatment plan that aligns with what matters most to you.
Whether your goal is extending time together, maintaining comfort, or creating more meaningful moments, our team is here to guide you with honesty, compassion, and expertise every step of the way.
Facing a cancer diagnosis is overwhelming. Our team combines advanced expertise with compassion and clear communication—helping you feel informed, supported, and never alone.
Meet Dr. Kow, our lead veterinarian oncologist.
Cancer care begins with listening. We take time to fully review your pet’s diagnosis and staging, answer every question, and ensure you leave with clarity and confidence in your next steps.
You can expect clear explanations of the prognosis, risks, and benefits. We communicate openly and compassionately so that families can make confident, informed decisions.
Every pet is different—and so is every family. Treatment plans are tailored to your pet’s needs and your goals—whether that includes advanced therapies or comfort-focused care.
We partner with your primary veterinarian and surgical teams to provide seamless, collaborative care, keeping your pet’s overall health front and center.
Facing a cancer diagnosis is overwhelming. Our team combines advanced expertise with compassion and clear communication—helping you feel informed, supported, and never alone.
Meet Dr. Kow, our lead veterinarian oncologist.
Cancer care begins with listening. We take time to fully review your pet’s diagnosis and staging, answer every question, and ensure you leave with clarity and confidence in your next steps.
You can expect clear explanations of the prognosis, risks, and benefits. We communicate openly and compassionately so that families can make confident, informed decisions.
Every pet is different—and so is every family. Treatment plans are tailored to your pet’s needs and your goals—whether that includes advanced therapies or comfort-focused care.
We partner with your primary veterinarian and surgical teams to provide seamless, collaborative care, keeping your pet’s overall health front and center.
Yes. Veterinary chemotherapy is designed differently than human chemotherapy, with a strong focus on maintaining comfort and quality of life. Most pets tolerate treatment very well, and severe side effects are uncommon.
Many pets continue eating, playing, walking, and enjoying time with their families during treatment. Some pets may experience temporary side effects like decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or tiredness, but these are often mild and manageable with supportive care.
Many chemotherapy treatments are performed as outpatient visits, allowing pets to return home the same day. Some medications are given by injection or IV in the hospital, while others may be given as oral medications at home. Our team works carefully to make each visit as comfortable and low-stress as possible.
It depends on the type of cancer and how it responds to treatment. For some cancers, chemotherapy can achieve remission or long-term control. In other cases, it may help slow progression, reduce symptoms, and improve quality of life.
Every treatment plan is different. Some pets receive chemotherapy over several weeks or months, depending on their diagnosis and goals of care. We adjust treatment based on your pet’s response and overall well-being.
The schedule depends on the type of cancer, the medication used, and your pet’s individual needs. Your oncology team will create a clear treatment plan and explain what to expect at each step.
Absolutely. One of the main goals of veterinary chemotherapy is helping pets continue being pets. Many patients maintain their routines, enjoy family time, and experience good quality days throughout treatment.
That’s completely understandable. Our oncology team will take time to discuss your options, including benefits, risks, expected outcomes, and comfort-focused care. We’ll help you choose the path that feels right for your pet and your family.
The best plan depends on your pet’s specific cancer, overall health, and your family’s goals. We combine diagnostics, experience, and honest conversations to create a personalized recommendation for your pet.
Because we are also a specialty hospital offering Emergency Care, Surgery, and Dermatology, your pet has access to advanced care without referral delays.
You don’t have to navigate a cancer diagnosis alone. Our oncology team is here to provide thoughtful guidance, advanced treatment options, and compassionate support tailored to your pet’s needs.
We proudly provide veterinary oncology services for pets in:
Stratham, NH | Exeter, NH | Portsmouth, NH | Greenland, NH | Newmarket, NH | Hampton, NH | Surrounding Rockingham County communities
If you are searching for a “pet oncologist near me” or “dog cancer specialist near me” in the Seacoast area, we are centrally located and open 24/7 for emergencies.
