BVSC + Surgical Oncology
An understanding of cancer biology added to excellence in surgery

BVSCSoftTissueSurgeryRound+ Surgical Oncology at BVSC 

Cancer treatment is more than just the surgical removal of solid tumours; our surgeons carefully consider the type and behaviour of the tumour and may recommend pre-operative biopsy or staging. Staging involves checking the body for metastatic spread of the cancer and we often utilise advance imaging. Our surgeons are provided with digital radiography, high definition ultrasonography, high speed computerized tomography (CT), high field magnetic image intensification (MRI 3 & 7T) and positron emission tomography–computed tomography (PET-CT) to help provide prognostic information for pet owners.

A surgical oncologist (cancer surgeon) is trained in the diagnosis, prognosis and best treatments available for patients with cancer.  Surgery is often a large component of cancer treatment and can be curative in some cases. Unlike in human hospital where cancer surgeons are specialised in fairly specific organ systems, our surgical oncologists are skilled in treating cancers in all systems of the body and in both dogs and cats.  Our surgical oncology team is internationally recognised.  A driving force and cornerstone for our highly trained oncology team is Dr Rod Straw, who is a surgical oncologist and founding fellow of surgical oncology with the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. He has exclusively been treating pets with cancer since 1986 and started the first oncology service for pets in Australia in 1995. 

Abdominal and thoracic tumours require delicate and careful dissection and our surgeons have access to a variety of specialised instruments to achieve the best results. The ForceTriad Energy Platform is a full-featured electrosurgical system that provides cutting and coagulation, bipolar functionality and vessel sealing. Ligasure handpieces, powered by the ForceTriad (www.medtronic.com), allow us to safely and efficiently dissect highly vascular tissues. Transabdominal (TA) and gastrointestinal anastomosis (GIA) stapling devices are utilised in many soft tissue surgeries; lung and liver lobectomies and intestinal anastomoses.

At BVSC our oncology team consists of specialists in surgery, internal medicine and radiation therapy to ensure that the patient is surrounded by all aspects of animal cancer treatment.

BVSCOncologyVision  +Why choose BVSC for cancer treatment? Find out more about our comprehensive Oncology service at BVSC.  Arrow 01

+ SOME OF THE ONCOLOGY CONDITIONS WE TREAT INCLUDE:

+ Mast Cell Tumour, Soft Tissue Sarcoma and other skin tumours
+ Oral Tumours | Mandibulectomy and Maxillectomy
+ Canine Osteosarcoma | Limb Sparing and Limb Amputation
+ Chest Wall Tumours
+ Lung Cancer | Lung Lobectomy
+ Thymoma
+ Cardiac and Pericardial Tumours
+ Liver Cancer | Liver lobectomy
+ Insulinoma | Pancreatectomy
+ Gastrointestinal Tumours
+ Splenic Tumours | Splenectomy
+ Endocrine Tumours | Adrenalectomy, Thyroidectomy and Parathyroidectomy
+ Bladder and Prostate Tumours
+ Brain Tumours
+ Vertebral & Spinal Cancers
+ Cancer of the Pelvis

Read about our Surgical Procedures

At BVSC our surgeons are specialised in many different surgical procedures.

Our orthopaedic surgeons are highly trained and use traditional surgery, minimally invasive surgery and nonsurgical means to treat trauma of the musculoskeletal system, spinal diseases, degenerative diseases, infections, tumours and congenital or developmental disorders - problems with tissues such as the bones, joints, ligaments tendons and muscles.
Our surgeons are trained in the latest techniques to operate on the delicate soft tissues of the respiratory tract including the lungs, the gastrointestinal tract, the liver, the urinary tract as well as other intrathoracic and intra-abdominal organs and the skin.
Whether it is to decompress a damaged spinal cord due to intervertebral disc rupture or to remove a tumour from the brain, spinal cord or nerve, our surgeons are here to get the job done and have the equipment and prowess to provide the best care for your pet with surgical neurological disease.
Minimally invasive surgery uses very small incisions to reduce trauma to the body and speed recovery times. Fine, specifically designed instruments and endoscopy equipment is used to allow the surgeon to see using our high definition camera system. This is a growing area in veterinary medicine and BVSC is on the cutting edge.
Effective cancer treatment relies on the surgical oncologist performing the correct procedure accurately the first time around. We work closely with our specialist colleagues in medicine, radiation oncology, radiology, anaesthesiology, critical care and pathology to get the best outcome for pets with cancer.