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Costs can vary widely, based on the complexity of a case. Initially, veterinarians must establish a diagnosis and determine the extent of the disease. This initial workup (or "staging") tells doctors where in the body the cancer is, and determines the overall health of the patient. The doctors also want to make sure the animal has no other medical problems. Costs for the initial staging can range from $500 to $700.
Therapy costs will also vary widely, based on the complexity. Each tumor type varies. Depending on what type of cancer an animal has and how severe that cancer is, therapy may range from $1,000 to more than $7,000.
Sometimes grants are available to help defray the costs of investigational treatments. Though these grants are for research, the treatment is done in a hospital setting. The goal is therapeutic, designed to enhance the animal's quality of life. If the quality of life erodes, owners can opt out of the research program. Yet, if the treatment works well, the grants help pay for treatments that owners might not be able to afford otherwise.
back to the Oncology Service
