What to Expect

For your initial evaluation at our hospital, you will meet with one of our oncology clinicians. Because of the education aspect of our hospital and the complexity of the many medical problems seen here, we emphasize thoroughness in the evaluation of each animal. During this appointment, we will review your pet’s previous medical history and complete a physical examination. From there, we will recommend additional diagnostic tests. These are tailored to your pet’s condition, but in general, staging tests will be recommended to allow us to assess the extent of the tumor in your pet’s body. These tests may include: blood work, chest X-rays, abdominal ultrasound, lymph node aspirates, a tissue biopsy, CT scan, MRI, or a bone scan. Since our evaluations are so detailed, please prepare for a longer visit than a normal routine checkup.

Some of the tests can be scheduled the same day as your initial evaluation, such as chest X-rays, ultrasound and blood work. Some of the tests require more planning and can not be scheduled until the day after your initial appointment. Your pet will be scheduled for the recommended tests in the next available time slot.

The diagnostic work up that is recommended for each case will vary, depending on the complexity of the case. In general, a complete work up will take between 1-3 days. Results for these tests are generally available within 24-48 hours, with the exception of tissue biopsy, which will take 5-7 days.

Once all of the diagnostic tests are complete, we will discuss your pet’s condition, the recommended treatment plan and options available for your pet, as well as provide you with an estimate of costs. From there, we will schedule you for the next available appointment for surgery, radiation or chemotherapy. If your pet is having surgery, you will meet with the surgeon the day before surgery is scheduled to discuss the surgical plan and to answer your questions about surgery.

The oncology service is open to receive patients for new evaluations and rechecks Monday through Thursday. Chemotherapy appointments are available Monday through Thursday. Surgeries are scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursdays with a brief pre-surgical consult scheduled for the afternoon of the day prior to surgery.

Please bring your pet’s medical records, including radiology images (digital or film) and written reports, pathology reports, a list of all medications your pet is taking (including over-the-counter, alternative medications, and supplements), your regular veterinarian’s contact information, and a list of any questions you have.

Thank you for bringing your pet to the University of Florida Small Animal Hospital. Our oncology service offers your pet world class care and a truly integrated approach to cancer treatment. We will develop a diagnostic and therapeutic plan that will work for you and your family. We look forward to meeting you.

Treatment Plan and Payment

Every effort is made to discuss fees prior to and during treatment. The costs associated with specialized medical care are often a concern for families. Due to the nature of some medical conditions however, it is not always possible to precisely predict the outcome or associated costs. If substantial deviation from the treatment plan is anticipated, you will be informed by our staff and a new estimate of costs will be presented to you before any new or additional measures are implemented.

Fees for outpatient visits are to be paid in full at the time of service. Hospital admission, including emergencies, requires a deposit of 75% of the high end of the estimate with the remaining balance due at time of discharge. We accept cash, checks and major credit cards. The UF Veterinary Hospitals do not offer payment plans, however, we do accept CareCredit. To pay your bill or for more information regarding our financial policies, visit our financial services page.

The University of Florida Small Animal Hospital is staffed by people who have pets themselves and understand the deep value of the human-animal bond. We treat our patients as if they were our own pets and make every effort to keep you well informed and to help you understand what is happening during their time with us.
www.vethospitals.ufl.edu
(352) 392-2235

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