Dr Sue Cancer Vet

11/10/2025

Let’s talk about the first week after STELFONTA® treatment. 💉🐾⁠
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This period is critical, not because it’s complicated, but because close monitoring ensures we stay ahead of any unexpected changes.⁠
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While STELFONTA® is designed to be a hands-off treatment, meaning most cases don’t require wound care, bandaging, or antibiotics, it doesn’t mean we stop paying attention.⁠
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In fact, I ask my clients to email me a photo of the treatment site every day for the first week. 📷⁠ (I’m thinking about them every day!)⁠
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Why? Because things can change quickly, and if something does come up, I want to be able to take action right away. I may increase the essential medications, such as Benadryl ⁠or pain meds, if needed.⁠
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During this time, it’s normal to see:⁠
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• Discharge or oozing⁠
• Tissue breakdown as the MCT is being destroyed⁠
• Some swelling and foul smell⁠
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These are all part of the expected process. But if your pet starts excessively licking the site, seems uncomfortable, or the wound looks concerning, reaching out early can make all the difference.⁠
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📸 These daily photographs/updates keep me connected to support your pet’s progress safely and confidently.⁠
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If your pet is receiving or about to receive STELFONTA®, remember: hands-off doesn’t mean out of touch.⁠
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Have any questions about STELFONTA® post-treatment? ⁠
Let me know in the comments.⁠
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11/07/2025

Waiting to receive cancer test results used to feel like waiting for years. 🫠⁠
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The Nu.Q® Vet Cancer Test can come back as quickly as 1-3 days if sending out to a reference, but amazingly as little as 10 minutes if using the in-house Element i+. ⁠
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This represents the evolution of cancer screening technology from five years ago to the present day.⁠
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I know that with every passing minute, your mind is filled with racing thoughts, worry, heavy anticipation, and uncertainty. This is why I’m such an advocate for the quick and helpful Nu.Q® Vet Cancer Test.⁠
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This test helps us narrow the waiting window, and it’s beneficial for everyone involved: the pet parent, veterinary professionals, and the patient, especially if cancer is present.⁠
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What is The Nu.Q® Vet Cancer Test?⁠ 🩸💉 ⁠
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It’s a cancer screening blood test that measures nucleosomes, pieces of DNA released from cancer cells into the bloodstream. (Nucleosome levels are low in healthy dogs and are elevated in dogs with certain cancers.)⁠
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It helps us detect up to:⁠
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76% of systemic cancers⁠
77% of lymphomas ⁠
82% of hemangiosarcomas ⁠
54% histiocytic sarcomas⁠ ⁠
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Using the in-house point-of-care Element i+ machine, we receive results in just six minutes while clients are still in the building. It’s incredible!⁠
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What I also love about this test is that it’s affordable, accessible, and easy to do. ⁠
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P.S. If you have a middle-aged or older dog or a breed at high risk for cancer, I recommend running the Nu.Q® Vet Cancer Test twice a year to help screen your pet routinely for these common cancers. ⁠
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What are your thoughts about cancer screening?⁠
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11/05/2025

If your pet was recently diagnosed with cancer and you’re in talks with your veterinarian about chemotherapy, I want you to take a deep breath. 😮‍💨⁠
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I know the word ‘chemotherapy’ can evoke a range of emotions, mainly fear, but in veterinary medicine, the side effects are different from those in human oncology.⁠
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🔹 In fact, about 80% of dogs and 90% of cats experience minimal side effects from treatment.⁠
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🔹 Less than 25% of pets will experience a mild side effect (like temporary diarrhea, mild vomiting or nausea, or decreased appetite).⁠
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🔹 And about 5-7% will experience any severe side effects.⁠
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Sometimes we’ll prescribe anti-anxiety medication at home or use light sedation for patients who are especially nervous, but most pets don’t need it. ⁠
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The majority of pets tolerate treatment quite well and remain happy and comfortable.⁠
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🎯 Our goal is always quality of life, not just time, which means choosing protocols that allow your pet to feel well while treating their disease safely and effectively.⁠
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If you’re navigating this right now, I hope this brings you some relief.⁠
I’m here to guide you every step of the way. 💙⁠
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Follow for more reliable pet cancer education and support.⁠ 💙⁠
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11/03/2025

A’s To Your STELFONTA® Q’s: Today’s topic is how to prevent an infection when there’s an open wound.⁠
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Keep watching to learn. 👀⁠ ⁠
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10/31/2025

It’s been a month since I spoke at the Conference in Chicago, and I’m still buzzing from the conversations! 🗣️⁠
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A highlight was previewing the 2026 AAHA Oncology Guidelines for Dogs and Cats for attendees, which will be published in early 2026. The last guidelines were published 10 years ago. ⁠
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As one of the authors and part of the task force, I was honored to preview them, given the significant changes that have occurred over the last decade. These guidelines are meant to help GPs diagnose, treat, and potentially refer cancer cases. ⁠
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The energy in the room was vibrant as veterinary professionals from all corners showed up eager to learn, grow, and better serve their patients. ⁠
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It’s that kind of energy that reminds me why I do what I do. Every conversation, every question, every story shared reminded me: we’re stronger when we stay curious and stay connected. 💪🏻⁠
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To my fellow veterinary professionals: if you’ve been feeling stuck or disconnected, get plugged in. It will make a huge difference. ⁠
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Thank you, AAHA, for having me, and thank you to everyone who attended. ⁠
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Let’s keep pushing the field forward together, and I hope to see you in person at one of my future talks! 💙⁠
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10/29/2025

If you’ve just heard the words, “your pet has cancer”… I want you to take a deep breath. Know that you’re not alone, and you’ve found the right place. ⁠
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I know that the time around their diagnosis can feel overwhelming.⁠
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There’s fear, confusion, and a hundred questions running through your head. I get it.⁠
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💭 Questions like, “What do I do? What does this mean? What are my options?” are on an endless loop.⁠
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Start here:⁠
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💜 Take it one step at a time.⁠
💜 Stay calm and ask questions; remember that there’s no such thing as a dumb question, and your voice matters in this process.⁠
💜 Surround yourself with information and people who truly care.⁠
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I’ve spent over 20 years walking beside families through these very moments. Here on my page, I share education, guidance, and encouragement to help you feel more informed and less alone, whether you’re just beginning this journey or already deep in it.⁠
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I want you to know that there is hope, there are options, and you don’t have to figure it all out today.⁠
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If you’ve come across this reel, I invite you to follow along for continued support, answers, and stories that remind you: you’ve got this, and we’ve got you. 🐾⁠
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10/27/2025

“They need surgery.” 🩺⁠
That’s what most pet parents hear after a mast cell tumor diagnosis.⁠
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But what if surgery isn’t ideal or even possible for your dog? Things like tumor location, margins, and patient history can all factor into surgery not being a viable option.⁠
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And while surgery has long been the go-to for mast cell tumors, it’s no longer the only option.⁠
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Enter: STELFONTA® 💉⁠
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This drug is an FDA-approved, non-surgical treatment for canine MCTs that’s been helping dogs around the world for over 4½ years.⁠
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It can be used for both surgical and nonsurgical mast cell tumors in appropriate cases. ⁠
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And the best part? 75% of dogs have a complete response after just one injection. This is incredible! 💉⁠
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So if your dog has been diagnosed with a mast cell tumor and you’re exploring options, ask your veterinarian (or your oncologist!) if STELFONTA® could be right for your case.⁠
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Surgery may still be a great choice, but you should know that it’s not the only one. Have you heard about STELFONTA® before? 💜⁠
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10/24/2025

10/23/2025

Fly high, sweet Max. You were one of my toughest goodbyes. 🕊️ ⁠
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We said goodbye to a very special patient and friend, Max Travis, at the age of 15. 💙⁠
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I first met Max when he was 7 years old. He had a subcutaneous mast cell tumor (MCT) over his left shoulder, removed with narrow deep margins. ⁠
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But because he tested positive for a c-kit mutation, we knew the risk of metastasis was higher. We started chemotherapy, and Max completed six months of treatment like a true champ.⁠
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After that, he became one of our regulars, visiting us twice a year for monitoring. Over the next six years, I built a bond with him and his mom. He was a favorite here, gentle, brave, and always full of licks and kisses.⁠
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Then in 2022, Max was diagnosed with a second, unrelated cancer: an oral malignant melanoma (OMM) in the left caudal maxilla. ⁠
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It wasn’t surgically resectable, so we pivoted to a multi-modal treatment plan: radiation therapy, the melanoma vaccine, and chemotherapy. At his recheck CT nearly a year later, there was no recurrence and no spread.⁠
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But sadly, two years after the initial OMM diagnosis, a repeat CT and biopsy confirmed recurrence. Max’s condition quickly progressed, and as he started developing neurologic signs, his family made the compassionate decision to say goodbye.⁠
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I treated Max for eight years for two different cancers. Eight years of extending life, preserving joy, and sharing a bond I’ll never forget.⁠
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He was truly one of a kind, a fighter, a heart-stealer, and deeply loved by his family and our team. It was an honor to care for him and walk alongside his family through the years.⁠
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To Max’s mom: thank you for trusting us. For letting us love him with you.⁠
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Rest easy, Max. I’ll miss you always. 💙 ⁠
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10/20/2025

Come again… 👀⁠

Let’s talk about STELFONTA®, an FDA-approved intratumoral treatment that’s been available for over 4½ years and has helped thousands of dogs worldwide. 🌎⁠
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I don’t advocate for STELFONTA® as a replacement for surgery entirely. It’s about raising awareness for a non-surgical option when it’s the right fit.⁠
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For eligible dogs, STELFONTA® can be used as an alternative to surgery, even when the tumor is technically operable.⁠
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This offers real value, especially when surgery isn’t possible, preferred, or ideal.⁠
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📊 The best part? About 75% of dogs show a complete response with just one injection.⁠
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Yes, I know it’s different. Yes, it requires a mindset shift. But with the right patient and informed care, it works. 💉⁠
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That’s why I continue to use it in our clinic, promote its use nationally and internationally, and why more veterinary professionals are doing the same.⁠
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Let’s keep pushing the field forward. Drop any questions you have about it in the comments below. 💜