Welcome to Our New Veterinary Oncologist, Dr. Michelle Custead
Welcome to our new veterinary oncologist, Michelle Custead, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Oncology).
Learn about Dr. Custead here.
Oncology Services Available
Veterinary oncology is the branch of veterinary medicine focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of cancer in animals. Just like in humans, cancer can affect various parts of the body, and its treatment often requires a comprehensive approach, combining surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and palliative care. Oncology care in veterinary medicine aims not only to extend the lives of pets but also to ensure their comfort and quality of life during treatment.
Interesting fact: There are less than 500 veterinary oncologists in the world.
Our Commitment to Specialized Cancer Care
At Allied Veterinary Emergency and Referral, we are dedicated to providing the highest level of cancer care for your pet. Our skilled oncology team works closely with pet owners to create personalized treatment plans tailored to each pet’s unique needs. We offer advanced diagnostic tools, cutting-edge treatments, and help you make educated decisions for the care of your pet. Our goal is to give your pet the best chance at recovery while keeping them comfortable every step of the way.
Oncology Services Offered
Immunotherapy
- We offer immunotherapy for your pet including monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, and check point inhibitors.
Conventional Chemotherapy
- We provide conventional chemotherapies that have long been the cornerstone of cancer treatment for both humans and pets. We will develop a personalized protocol for your pet, drawing on the latest research in both veterinary and human literature to ensure the best possible care.
Targeted Therapies
- Targeted therapies are medications that specifically target a genetic abnormality in your pet’s tumor that is driving its aggressiveness. By targeting this abnormality, we can shut down the affected pathway, thereby killing the cancer cells.
Advanced Diagnostics
- We offer molecular and genomic tests, as well as advanced imaging techniques. Our commitment to providing the latest in veterinary diagnostics ensures your pet receives the best care possible.
Palliative care and pain management
- Palliative care and pain management focuses on improving your pet’s comfort and quality of life by alleviating pain and managing symptoms associated with cancer. Our team tailors treatments to each pet’s needs, ensuring they remain as comfortable and peaceful as possible during their illness.
Dr. Chiu Earns Board Certification in Surgery!
Becoming a board-certified specialist is no easy feat. In fact, only ~10% of all veterinarians earn specialized credentials. We are thrilled to have several of them on our team. Dr. Chiu has a distinguished resume including many awards and research publications. Read more about him and our other esteemed specialists here.
Join our March Veterinary Donation Competition
Help our Eden Prairie community compete in this year’s March Veterinary Donation Competition hosted by our friends at MyBalto and generously sponsored by ASPCA Pet Health Insurance. Donate to our AngelFund and help us advance to the next round For every week we advance, we receive a bonus donation from ASPCA Pet Health Insurance to support pets in Ned. All donations stay local, helping pets right here in OUR Community.
Common Emergencies: Uh oh, my dog got into my edibles!
Believe it or not, this is not an uncommon emergency we see here at Allied. We’re not here to judge, just treat – and substances that are not meant for pets can be dangerous if not lethal when ingested.
And yes, if your dog ate your cannabis edibles, it’s a potential emergency, especially if they ate a large amount or are showing concerning symptoms. Contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center immediately to discuss the situation and get guidance.
Why It’s a Potential Emergency
- THC Toxicity: Dogs are more sensitive to THC (the psychoactive compound in cannabis) than humans, and even small amounts can cause adverse effects.
- Edibles are Dosed for Humans: Edibles are designed for human consumption, and the dosage is often much higher than what’s safe for a dog.
- Potential for Serious Symptoms: Ingestion of cannabis can lead to symptoms like lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, dilated pupils, incoordination, and in severe cases, seizures, coma, or even death.
- Other Ingredients: Many edibles contain ingredients like chocolate, which can be toxic to dogs.
What to Do
- Contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center immediately: Provide details about the type of edible, the amount your dog ate, and any symptoms you’ve observed.
Feline Fact: Did you know...?
Canine Fact: Did you know...?
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