Receiving a cancer diagnosis for your pet can be overwhelming.
At The Village Vet, we provide compassionate cancer care and chemotherapy treatment for dogs and cats across Sydney’s North Shore, helping families navigate treatment options with clarity, support, and honesty.
Dr Martine Perkins has a special interest and expertise in chemotherapy treatment for pets, with a strong focus on maintaining comfort, dignity, and quality of life throughout every stage of care.
Our experienced veterinary and nursing team work closely with families to create personalised treatment plans tailored to each pet’s diagnosis, wellbeing, and lifestyle. From advanced diagnostics and tumour surgery to chemotherapy and supportive care, every decision is centred around achieving the best possible outcome for your pet while keeping them comfortable and happy.
Our calm, fear-free approach and dedicated treatment areas help reduce stress during visits, ensuring pets receive gentle, attentive care throughout their treatment journey.
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What are the signs of cancer in dogs and cats?
Cancer can affect pets in many different ways depending on the type and location of the disease.
Some of the more common signs can include:
- lumps or bumps
- swelling that continues to grow
- unexplained weight loss
- reduced appetite
- vomiting or diarrhoea
- lethargy or reduced energy
- difficulty breathing
- bleeding or discharge
- wounds that do not heal
- swollen lymph nodes
Some cancers develop very gradually, while others can progress quickly. Because early detection can significantly improve treatment options and outcomes, any persistent changes should always be assessed by a veterinarian.
How is cancer treated in pets?
Cancer treatment depends on the type of cancer, how advanced it is, and your pet’s overall health and quality of life goals.
Treatment options may include:
- surgery
- chemotherapy
- supportive or palliative care
- combinations of multiple treatments
Our role is to help guide you through these options clearly and honestly so you can make informed decisions that are right for both your pet and your family.
Surgery for cancer treatment in pets
In many cases, surgery is the first and most effective treatment option for cancer in dogs and cats.
Surgical removal may:
- completely remove small or localised tumours
- reduce pain and discomfort caused by a mass
- prevent further growth or spread
- improve quality of life
- allow tissue samples to be analysed for diagnosis and staging
If a tumour has a higher risk of spreading or recurrence, chemotherapy or additional treatments may be recommended after surgery.
Chemotherapy for dogs and cats
Chemotherapy is used to treat certain cancers that cannot be managed with surgery alone, or cancers that may have spread beyond the original tumour site.
It may be used:
- as the primary treatment for cancers such as lymphoma
- after surgery to target remaining cancer cells
- to help slow the progression of cancer
- to improve comfort and quality of life
- to reduce tumour size before surgery
At The Village Vet, chemotherapy is administered using carefully planned protocols designed specifically for veterinary patients.
Unlike human chemotherapy, veterinary chemotherapy focuses heavily on maintaining quality of life. Treatment doses are generally lower and most pets tolerate treatment very well.
Is chemotherapy safe for pets?
This is one of the most common concerns pet owners have.
Most dogs and cats tolerate chemotherapy surprisingly well, with significantly milder side effects than people often expect. The majority of pets continue to enjoy normal activities such as eating, walking, playing, and spending time with family throughout treatment.
Possible side effects can include:
- mild nausea
- temporary lethargy
- reduced appetite
- vomiting or diarrhoea
These side effects are usually short-lived and can often be managed with supportive medications if needed.
Our team closely monitors your pet throughout treatment and adjusts protocols whenever necessary to keep them as comfortable as possible.
What is quality of life like during chemotherapy?
Maintaining quality of life is always the priority.
For many pets, chemotherapy allows them to continue enjoying meaningful time with family while remaining comfortable and active. Treatment plans are carefully tailored to balance effectiveness with wellbeing, and we continually reassess how your pet is coping throughout the process.
Every pet and every cancer diagnosis is different, which is why honest communication and individualised care are such important parts of oncology treatment.
What to expect during chemotherapy treatment
Step 1: Oncology consultation
Your pet will undergo a comprehensive assessment to better understand their diagnosis, overall health, and treatment options.
This consultation may include:
- discussion of symptoms and quality of life
- review of previous testing or biopsy results
- staging tests or imaging if needed
- discussion of treatment goals and expected outcomes
We take the time to answer questions thoroughly and help families feel informed and supported.
Step 2: Chemotherapy treatment
Chemotherapy may be administered:
- orally
- by injection
- through intravenous treatment
Treatment schedules vary depending on the type of cancer and the protocol being used.
During every visit, pets are carefully monitored by our experienced veterinary and nursing team to ensure treatment remains safe and well tolerated.
Step 3: Ongoing monitoring and support
Regular follow-up appointments allow us to monitor your pet’s response to treatment and make adjustments if needed.
We also provide ongoing guidance regarding:
- home care
- nutrition
- symptom management
- comfort and quality of life monitoring
Supporting both pets and their families throughout treatment is an important part of what we do.
Why choose The Village Vet for cancer care and chemotherapy?
Expertise in veterinary chemotherapy
Dr Martine Perkins has a special interest and expertise in chemotherapy treatment for pets, with a strong focus on personalised, quality-of-life-centred care.
Compassionate, relationship-based support
Cancer treatment can be emotionally challenging. Our team is committed to providing honest guidance, continuity of care, and genuine support throughout the process.
Fear Free and Calm Clinic approach
We prioritise low-stress handling techniques and calm treatment environments to help make visits as comfortable as possible for pets undergoing ongoing care.
Tailored treatment plans
Every cancer diagnosis is different. Treatment recommendations are carefully personalised to your pet’s condition, prognosis, lifestyle, and overall wellbeing.
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The Village Vet
At The Village Vet Clinics, we are dedicated to providing the highest quality vet services. Throughout all stages of your pet’s life, our compassionate and experienced team ensures your pet receives the best possible care. With cutting-edge equipment and a full range of facilities under one roof, you can trust us to offer expert recommendations and treatments tailored to your pet’s unique needs, no matter what your financial circumstances are. We strive to help your beloved pets live life to the fullest.
Book your appointmentWhy Choose us as your Vet?
Truly personal, Non-corporate care
Independent, family-owned, and community-driven. No corporate agendas. Just honest, personalised care tailored to each family’s individual needs and budget.
State of the art facilities
Advanced diagnostic imaging, surgical technology, in-house labs, and everything you’d expect from a much larger hospital. All delivered with genuine warmth and personal attention.
Fear Free-Inspired Care & Certified Calm Clinic
Every visit is designed to minimise stress and anxiety. Purpose built clinic designs, gentle handling, calming techniques, and a team trained in low-stress care makes all the difference.
Award winning
Three time Local Business Award winners and recognised as one of Australia’s Top 3 veterinary practices in 2025 & 2026. Our reputation is built on trust, consistency, and authentic client relationships.
What Pet Owners Say
Hannah Mavrakis
The best vet service for your pets by far! We travel out of area just to visit The Village Vet in Killara. Maree
Beau Vella
Have been going here for well over 10 years and wouldn’t trust anyone else with my fur children. Friendly, extremely professional and knowledgeable.
Cat K
Amazing 😻 vet. They are thorough and practical. My cat who hates going to the vet was cuddling with the vet by the end of the session.
Mara Spessot
Love the feeling of joining an extended family who remembers your name, your pet’s name and cares. Such a friendly local practice and vibe.
Sherry Shekari
A wonderful experience from start to finish. Martine was so kind, patient, and knowledgeable, giving me lots of helpful advice about keeping my cat, Zebel healthy. She made both of us feel completely at ease. The receptionist was lovely, and the little freebies for Zebel were such a thoughtful touch. Highly recommend this clinic to anyone looking for caring and professional veterinary care! 🐾
Paul Gilbertson
Our two Burmese kittens had a bad bout of diarrhoea and one wasn’t responding to the treatment. Dr Josie was in charge and worked really hard to find the underlying cause. She did find it and even after it was clear that the treatment was working she would ring every day to check up on our little Kira. It was very clear that she cared, as well as being a very good vet. It was also clear that the wider team was working with Josie to discover the problem. Once again 5 stars for the Village Vet team.
Suja Truong
Georgina Llanes
I’ve been a client since Martine started. I should mention that I was a groomer at a prestigious vet hospital in the area and still preferred Pymble Vet. They are honest and caring do not over diagnose their clients. Explain their condition and give you options. A great vet practice that really care for their patients and owners. Only wish there were more like them in the industry.
Sue izaks
We take our two cats and our dog to both the Killara and West Pymble locations. Our two cats have just spent almost 5 weeks in the boarding Kennels at Killara and have been so well taken care of. We get regular updates and photos to let us know how they are doing. Our dog can be reactive and so a vet visit needs to be planned well. The staff are very understanding and help in every and any way possible to make his visits positive ones.
Highly recommend the village vet
Jane
My dog Willow loves coming—and so do I! The whole team is so caring, and it really shows. I always feel like we’re in safe hands.
Anne
Wonderful team of vets, nurses and admin staff. They’ve looked after our two dogs and two cats with genuine, deep care, and sound and pragmatic advice, for many years. They always go above and beyond, providing support and wisdom.
Fya I
Both my cat and dog receive their check-ups here, and the staff are truly wonderful! They genuinely love animals and are very patient in explaining the causes of my dog’s illness and the treatment process. They are also very responsible and respectful of pet owners’ opinions. I highly recommend this clinic and hope that more people and their pets can benefit from such a caring and professional place.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Cancer Care & Chemotherapy for Pets
Signs of cancer in pets can include lumps or bumps, weight loss, reduced appetite, lethargy, breathing changes, bleeding, vomiting, swollen lymph nodes, or wounds that do not heal properly. Because many cancers are easier to treat when detected early, any ongoing changes should be assessed by a veterinarian.
In many cases, yes. Surgical removal of lumps and tumours is often the first and most effective treatment option for cancer in dogs and cats. If a tumour is detected early and fully removed, surgery alone may sometimes be curative. In other cases, chemotherapy or additional treatments may be recommended to reduce the risk of the cancer spreading or returning.
No. Chemotherapy itself is not painful, and most pets tolerate treatment much better than people expect. Veterinary chemotherapy is very different from human cancer treatment, with a strong focus on maintaining comfort and quality of life throughout the process.
Most pets do not lose their fur during chemotherapy like people commonly do. Some breeds with continuously growing coats, such as Poodles and Old English Sheepdogs, may experience mild thinning, but significant hair loss is uncommon.
Most pets experience only mild side effects during chemotherapy treatment. Possible side effects can include temporary lethargy, mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, or a reduced appetite for a day or two after treatment. In most cases, pets continue eating, playing, and interacting normally throughout their treatment plan.
For many pets, chemotherapy can help improve quality of life, reduce discomfort, and provide meaningful additional time with family. Some cancers, including lymphoma, can respond very well to treatment. Every treatment plan is tailored to your pet’s individual condition, prognosis, and overall wellbeing.
Chemotherapy is commonly used to treat cancers such as lymphoma, mast cell tumours, leukemia, and cancers that have spread to other parts of the body. It may also be recommended after surgery to help target microscopic cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Book Your Pet’s Cancer Care & Chemotherapy for Pets Appointment
A consultation is the best way to understand your pet’s treatment options and ask any questions you may have.
📅 Book online here or call us to secure an appointment:
📍 Pymble Clinic: 9499 4010
📍 Killara Hospital: 8350 5678
