Oncology Treatment (limited)
Help your pet live the life they deserve.
Treating cancer in our loved ones:
Cancer has become one of the top reasons nowadays veterinarians see their four-legged patients. At Pasadena Pets Hospital, we are proud to offer some limited oncology services and bring the latest and cutting-edge medicine to our clients. While these services normally are performed at the specialist office, we are an approved site and provide another alternative, being conscious of cost and convenience to our clients.
What about pain and pain control?
We at Pasadena Pets Veterinary Hospital take pain control very seriously. We want to make sure that every pet under our care will be as comfortable as possible. To that extent, we provide our patients with pre-medications that contain powerful pain-control substances before the surgery is initiated. We also provide pain control medications after the actual surgery.
ONCEPT® Canine Melanoma Vaccination
What is ONCEPT® Canine Melanoma Vaccine?
The ONCEPT vaccine treats patients that have melanoma. Canine melanoma happens to be one of the most common malignant tumors found in the mouth. It also is seen on the skin, in the nail bed, foot-pad, and in the eye.
Promising new immunotherapy technology has led to the first DNA-based vaccine for cancer in either animals or humans. An innovative canine melanoma vaccine called ONCEPT is now available for dogs like yours. ONCEPT has been used in dogs with stage II or stage III canine oral melanoma to support surgery and/or radiation therapy and prolong survival time.
A DNA-based vaccine uses information found in DNA to help the dog’s immune system recognize a specific protein found on cells that may normally be ignored, such as melanoma tumor cells.
How does ONCEPT® Canine Melanoma Vaccine Work?
The technology behind ONCEPT Canine Melanoma Vaccine, DNA is very complicated. Conventional vaccines (for other common diseases) stimulate an immune response directed against foreign proteins. Tyrosinase, a protein present in canine melanoma cells, is not usually targeted by the dog’s immune system because it also is present in normal canine cells.
ONCEPT trains the dog’s immune system to recognize this cancer-associated protein as a threat to its health.
What to expect / what is the process that is involved?
Vaccination involves an initial four-dose series, once every two weeks, using a needle-free transdermal device. After this initial series, your dog will receive one booster vaccine every six months. There are no known contraindications for ONCEPT in dogs with oral melanoma.
| Client Brochure | Download Oncept Vaccine PDF |
About Mass Cell Tumors
Mast cell tumors are the most common cutaneous tumors in dogs. Mast Cell Tumors (MCTs) are a cancer of mast cells. Mast cells arise in the bone marrow, traveling to sites to mediate an inflammatory response by releasing granules of histamine and heparin. It is not known exactly why mast cells form MCTs, but it happens often enough for this to be the most common form of cutaneous cancer in dogs.
Contact your veterinarian if you notice any of the following changes in your dog:
- Excessive pain or lameness (limping)
- Tiredness or refusal to eat for more than 1 day
- Repeated vomiting or diarrhea
- Trouble breathing
- Changes to the treated tumor site increased or excessive swelling, bruising, extensive wound formation, or increased irritation
- Any other symptoms that your dog may show that concern you.
If you have questions about chemotherapy or would like to schedule a consultation, please call us at (626) 568-1115.
