Oncology | Vet in Swansea | Bay State Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Services

There's Hope

Cancer Care for Pets

Personalized Cancer Care

Our oncologists, Dr. Amy Koterbay and Dr. Kevin Ware are both board-certified with years of experience. The main role of veterinary oncologists is to develop appropriate treatment strategies for each cancer patient, which may include chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy, or a combination of these.

To develop these strategies, our oncologists work closely with our surgeons, your primary care veterinarian, and our in-house clinical pathologist to determine the type of tumor present and the safest and most effective therapeutic plan for your pet. If chemotherapy or radiation therapy are indicated the oncologist will administer treatment and help to monitor the patient's progress during therapy.

Amy Koterbay

Kevin Ware

Blizzard's Story

Our oncologists, Dr. Amy Koterbay and Dr. Kevin Ware are both board-certified with years of experience. The main role of a veterinary oncologists are to develop appropriate treatment strategies for the cancer patient, which may include chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy, or a combination of these.

To develop these strategies, our oncologists works closely with our surgeons, nearby radiation treatment facilities, and our in-house clinical pathologist to determine the type of tumor present and the safest and most effective therapeutic plan for your pet. If chemotherapy is indicated, the oncologists will administer this treatment and help to monitor the patient’s progress during therapy.

The Future of Care

In addition to the broad range of chemotherapy medications that are used routinely at BSVESS, the oncologist has access to state-of-the-art immunotherapy medications (including the Melanoma Vaccine), which drug companies only make available to oncologists. The oncology department also works with several research groups to offer cutting edge therapy to your pet. This allows BSVESS to provide the most up-to-date therapies available.

Most of our patients are dogs and cats, but since the principles of cancer therapy are similar in all animals, we also work in conjunction with our avian and exotic animal service to assist in the treatment of a variety of other species.

The Future of Care

In addition to the broad range of chemotherapy medications that are used routinely at BSVESS, the oncologist has access to state-of-the-art immunotherapy medications (including the Melanoma Vaccine), which drug companies only make available to oncologists. The oncology department also works with several research groups to offer cutting edge therapy to your pet. This allows BSVESS to provide the most up-to-date therapies available.

Most of our patients are dogs and cats, but since the principles of cancer therapy are similar in all animals, we also work in conjunction with our avian and exotic animal service to assist in the treatment of a variety of other species.

The Right Treatment Plan

Your pet is a member of your family, so getting a diagnosis of cancer in your pet can be frightening, and the decisions to be made are difficult. Our oncologists understand this and will take the time to help you make the best choices for your pet.

During your initial consultation, the oncologist will examine your pet, perform any additional diagnostic testing necessary, and provide you with information regarding the prognosis and treatment options. During this discussion, you will have the opportunity to ask questions and express your concerns, which will help the oncologist guide you in making the decision that is best for your family.

Radiation Oncology

Bay State Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Services is the newest veterinary radiation oncology center in Massachusetts (and one of the few in the world!) to utilize a Varian Edge linear accelerator with both photon and electron radiation beam capabilities and state-of-the-art multileaf collimator technology. Compared to older collimator technologies, the multileaf collimator contained within the Varian Edge linear accelerator enables the radiation beam to be more precisely conformed to the shape of the tumor. This new technology allows our radiation oncologist, Dr. Kevin Ware, to provide enhanced shielding of surrounding normal tissues while delivering the prescribed radiation dose to the cancer cells. The Varian Edge linear accelerator’s efficiency also makes treatment sessions shorter and suitable for outpatient visits. Bay State Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Services Radiation Oncologist, Dr. Kevin Ware, has been providing radiation therapy to veterinary cancer patients for over 12 years. If you have a patient that may benefit from radiation therapy at Bay State Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Services, please fill out our referral form.

Computed Tomography (CT): Advanced Imaging for Precision Care

CT imaging uses X-rays combined with advanced computing to create detailed cross-sectional images (tomograms) of the body. The process involves an X-ray tube and detector rotating around the patient to produce highly accurate images. Often, radiocontrast agents are utilized to enhance the visibility of anatomy and angiography.

Modern CT technology allows for rapid scans and 3D reconstructions, which are particularly valuable for cases involving tumors near critical structures like the eyes, heart, or lungs. For oncology patients, CT scans help define the tumor’s extent and play a crucial role in radiation treatment planning.

Dr. Ware and our team upload CT images into a 3D radiation treatment system to design highly precise and individualized treatment plans. By carefully aligning the “leaves” of the multileaf collimator, the radiation field is shaped to deliver targeted treatment while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues.
This technology allows us to deliver safe and effective care tailored to each patient’s unique needs.

Quality of Life

The greatest concern for most pet owners is making sure their pet has a good quality of life after a cancer diagnosis. Throughout your pet’s treatment, the oncologist will help you to ensure your pet’s well-being. While chemotherapy is generally well tolerated by our animal patients, there are very effective medications available to help limit different side effects such as nausea or loss of appetite. Our staff will continue to evaluate your pet and will be available to you by phone or email, so that any symptoms your pet may be having can be managed appropriately. Through this partnership, you and the oncologist can provide your pet with the best care possible.

Bay State Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Services works with your primary care veterinarian to provide specialized and emergency care. Each pet is unique and thus the treatment they receive is tailored to your family member. If your pet was diagnosed with cancer, please speak to your family vet about a referral to BSVESS.

Quality of Life

The greatest concern for most pet owners is making sure their pet has a good quality of life after a cancer diagnosis. Throughout your pet’s treatment, the oncologist will help you to ensure your pet’s well-being. While chemotherapy is generally well tolerated by our animal patients, there are very effective medications available to help limit different side effects such as nausea or loss of appetite. Our staff will continue to evaluate your pet and will be available to you by phone or email, so that any symptoms your pet may be having can be managed appropriately. Through this partnership, you and the oncologist can provide your pet with the best care possible.

Bay State Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Services works with your primary care veterinarian to provide specialized and emergency care. Each pet is unique and thus the treatment they receive is tailored to your family member. If your pet was diagnosed with cancer, please speak to your family vet about a referral to BSVESS.