Everyday, advances in veterinary medicine are giving pets and their families promise and hope. When detected early, cancer is a highly treatable disease. Yet, too often the disease progresses before it is detected. Knowing the warning signs and where to take your pet for an accurate diagnosis dramatically increases the chances for a cure.
The veterinarians, technicians and staff of Michigan Veterinary Specialists are committed to working together with you and your family veterinarian to provide a comprehensive cancer treatment program that blends the most advanced medical, surgical and radiation therapies with loving, compassionate care.
Treatment options available to pets with cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Our team has but one goal: to return your beloved pet back home cured when possible or with a prolonged, quality life.
The Oncology Service has appointments available Mon. –
Wed. and Fri.-Sat. in Southfield and Thursdays and every other
Friday in Auburn Hills. Oncology also has appointments in Grand
Rapids on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
You should arrive 15 minutes before you initial appointment
so all paperwork can be completed, and your pet should be fasted
for at least 8 hours.
The Cancer Center at Michigan Veterinary Specialists is a comprehensive
cancer treatment facility that brings a new standard of excellence
in cancer diagnosis and treatment. Our protocols combine highly
technologically advanced equipment, 24/7 critical care and the
dedication and experience of the MVS team to give patients the
leading edge in cancer treatment. In addition, each patient has
the advantage of an entire multi-discipline team of specialists
at hand giving Michigan Veterinary Specialists the ability to
continually improve patient care and solve complex problems.
A Message From Dr. Swanson: Your Pet Has Cancer, What Now?
Dr. Christine Swanson discusses what to do when your pet is diagnosed with cancer and the treatment options available to help your pet live with the best quality of life in this short video. Click image once to play on this page or double click to enlarge the video and play.
Will my dog/cat get really sick from chemotherapy?
No. Chemotherapy is different in dogs and cats than it is in people - most animals handle their treatments with few side effects - in fact, many gain weight while receiving chemotherapy.
Should I change my pet's diet?
There is a diet designed for dogs with cancer and some studies show it may help improve life span in dogs with certain types of cancer. Unfortunately, many dogs won't eat it and a home-made diet is almost impossible to make. A similar diet has not been formulated for cats.
WARNING SIGNS
Contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary medical center if you notice any of these warning signs:
Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow
Sores that do not heal
Weight loss
Loss of appetite
Bleeding or discharge from any body opening
Offensive odor
Difficulty eating or swallowing
Hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina
Persistent lameness or stiffness
Difficulty breathing, urinating, or defecating From the American Veterinary Medical Association
Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal
Medicine (Board Certified in Oncology)
University of Vermont, B.S
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree (DVM): Oklahoma
State University
Internship: Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center,
Connecticut
Residency: New England Veterinary Oncology Group, Mass.
Dr. Bulakowski agrees with the saying, “Mom
knows best.” Before heading off to college, he had
a discussion with his mother about career choices. She advised
him to combine his proficiency in the sciences with his
love of animals and become a veterinarian. The rest is history.
Originally from Connecticut, he now lives in Bloomfield
Hills with his wife and dog Tucker, a Jack Russell Terrier.
He’s an avid coin and card collector, a football fan,
and in the winter enjoys skiing.
Dr. Christine Swanson
Practice Limited to Oncology
Michigan State University, B.S.
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree (DVM): Michigan
State University
Internship: Michigan Veterinary Specialists
Residency: Michigan State University
Areas of Interest: Combination chemotherapy as extracted
from human medicine
Science-minded from the adolescence,
Dr. Swanson realized during her internship that her niche
was oncology. What she loves about her work is the opportunity
to develop relationships with the patients and their owners.
Otter, her young black Labrador Retriever, also brings her
joy. When not bouncing around with him during her off time,
she enjoys checking out remote locations in Northern Michigan
via kayak.
