I need help finding a good veterinary oncology in northern virginia for my cat. (Springfield: transfer, school)

[1000]

I need help finding a good veterinary oncology in northern virginia for my cat.

He has cancer and on 4th round of chemo right not. But I not happy with the oncology center(in leesburg) that is treating him. I searched on Google and found there is not many oncology center in this area.
This is my regular bill.
Cost for chemo treatment is $450 (every 3 weeks)
Cost for chemo treatment plus ultrasound is $850 (every 9 weeks)

The bill is expensive but my most concern is that I don't see the love of animal from a vet who is treating my cat. Vets from this oncology center look so nice and clean as if they are ready for a magazine photo shoot. It tells me that they don't touch animal at all. And I am wondering if I put my cat with someone I can trust

[Bigfoot424]

If you are not happy with what you are receiving in Leesburg then you have few options. What is happening in Leesburg? That place has an outstanding reputation.

[1000]

The vet did the diagnosis without touching my cat. He/she reads from the lab paper and report paper. I just don't see how that will work without touching a real patient... Just a common sense

The emergency center is good but the oncology center is not... As I can see

[LynchburgLover]

Have you asked your regular vet for an alternative? He/she should have additional resources besides one place. NoVa is a big area. Also, maybe a stretch, but have you considered contacting Virginia Tech's veterinary school to ask for a referral?

Best of luck.

[ChristineVA]

I"m sure I will come off as insensitive; however, unfortunately, this is the nature of oncology for both humans and animals. Human oncologists have some of the most notoriously bad bedside manner. Why? Because they deal with death of their patients more than just about any other branch of medicine.

Regarding the practice of oncology--they are diagnosing your animal, your animal comes to them with a known cancer and they treat that cancer with the aresenal of drugs at their disposal. For both humans and animals, there is a fairly regimented protocol for treating various cancers. They rely on these chemicals and they rely on the response provided in the labwork. I guess I don't understand your angst of them not touching your animal. That part of the workup should have been done during the diagnosis.

That said, having an animal with cancer is heartwrenching and I understand that you want your pet to feel loved and cared for while undergoing the treatment. You may not find that in an oncology practice...period.

When my dog had cancer (bladder) I consulted at South Paws in Fairfax with a doctor recommended by my vet. He was very caring and laid out my options for me. I chose not to do the chemo because, at best, it was going to give my dog an extra 6 months of life and there was no hope for an absolute cure. However, if I had decided to stay, I felt that they would have done a good job.

[FindingZen]

We've taken our cats to the Regional Veternarian Referral Center in Springfield. (A long haul from Springfield, I know.) They cover oncology among other specialties. We happened to get the same vet who addressed our cats' respective lymphoma and kidney issues with a pleasant bedside manner. I believe his advice helped to prolong our senior cats' lives at least a year longer than they would have been otherwise.

[ChristineVA]

Originally Posted by Tone509

We've taken our cats to the Regional Veternarian Referral Center in Springfield. (A long haul from Springfield, I know.) They cover oncology among other specialties. We happened to get the same vet who addressed our cats' respective lymphoma and kidney issues with a pleasant bedside manner. I believe his advice helped to prolong our senior cats' lives at least a year longer than they would have been otherwise.

I've also used them when my dog shattered her leg. Very good surgeon there about 10 years back (from New Zealand on some transfer program). I didn't realize they did oncology also.

[z28lt1]

We used Dr. Beck at the Hope Center Oncology Department for our dog and were very pleased. I have no idea how they are with cats, and we didn't go through Chemo, but I imagine they would be good with cats as well.

[spencgr]

Originally Posted by ChristineVA

I"m sure I will come off as insensitive; however, unfortunately, this is the nature of oncology for both humans and animals. Human oncologists have some of the most notoriously bad bedside manner. Why? Because they deal with death of their patients more than just about any other branch of medicine.

Regarding the practice of oncology--they are diagnosing your animal, your animal comes to them with a known cancer and they treat that cancer with the aresenal of drugs at their disposal. For both humans and animals, there is a fairly regimented protocol for treating various cancers. They rely on these chemicals and they rely on the response provided in the labwork. I guess I don't understand your angst of them not touching your animal. That part of the workup should have been done during the diagnosis.

That said, having an animal with cancer is heartwrenching and I understand that you want your pet to feel loved and cared for while undergoing the treatment. You may not find that in an oncology practice...period.

When my dog had cancer (bladder) I consulted at South Paws in Fairfax with a doctor recommended by my vet. He was very caring and laid out my options for me. I chose not to do the chemo because, at best, it was going to give my dog an extra 6 months of life and there was no hope for an absolute cure. However, if I had decided to stay, I felt that they would have done a good job.

I'm going to have to agree with Christine. By the time you are in front of an oncologist, physical exams are pretty much over. At that point, you are dealing with lab results, x-rays, C-T scans, MRIs, ultrasounds, etc. Personally, I would look for the best of the best in terms of medical knowledge, and forgo bedside manner. I know that I will be able to provide all of the bedside love and affection my pet will need. I need the oncologist for medical expertise.

[1000]

Originally Posted by spencgr

I'm going to have to agree with Christine. By the time you are in front of an oncologist, physical exams are pretty much over. At that point, you are dealing with lab results, x-rays, C-T scans, MRIs, ultrasounds, etc. Personally, I would look for the best of the best in terms of medical knowledge, and forgo bedside manner. I know that I will be able to provide all of the bedside love and affection my pet will need. I need the oncologist for medical expertise.

Who did the physical exam before the oncologist come to me?