Veterinary Oncology at OAESH
Ottawa Animal Emergency & Specialty Hospital | Specialty | Oncology
Expert Care for Pets with Cancer
At the Ottawa Animal Emergency & Specialty Hospital (OAESH), our oncology team works collaboratively with referring veterinarians and are available to consult on any patients who are under the care of any of our other departments, including our emergency services. From thorough diagnostics to personalized treatment plans—including chemotherapy, referring for surgery or radiation therapy or developing palliative care plans including comfort measures and pain relief regimes, we provide compassionate, advanced cancer care tailored to each pet’s needs, while always prioritizing quality of life for both the patient, and their caregivers.
About the OAESH Oncology Department
Personalized Cancer Care Focused on Quality of Life
The field of veterinary oncology is rapidly evolving, offering more treatment options than ever for pets diagnosed with cancer. At OAESH, treating cancer doesn’t always mean high-dose chemotherapy, extensive surgery, or radiation therapy. Cancer is a vast world, and it’s best to see a medical oncologist to have the right information about diagnosis, treatments and prognosis. Once a patient is referred to us, we will always be there to help and support you through the progression of your pet’s disease, which can mean everything with the current veterinary service shortage, especially when stressful events occur. A medical oncologist will always aim for the quality of life of your pet first.
New Appointments
Newly referred cases are scheduled for a 1 hour consultation where information about the referred disease, additional needed diagnostic or staging tests and treatment options are discussed. The elected treatment option could be started on the same day, if indicated. Detailed discharge notes are sent by email following the appointment as well as requested estimates.
Relationship with RDVM
Your primary veterinarian will receive updated medical records and discharge notes after each visit. Direct phone communication will be performed if need be. We aim to work closely with your primary veterinarian to provide the optimal care and service for you and your pet.
Offered Treatments
Our veterinary oncology team provides treatments, which are administration of chemotherapy (intravenous or oral), or medications to be given at home (steroid, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, low dose chemotherapy, tyrosinase inhibitor, others). Our oncology team can also provide guidance in pain management when required. If a surgery is indicated, we will refer you to a board-certified surgeon. We have a close relationship with oncologists in Montreal if your pet’s condition would benefit from radiation therapy (Cobalt) or electrochemotherapy.
What to Expect
To help you prepare for your pet’s oncology consultation, please read our What to Expect Guide or Download the PDF. It outlines the appointment process and how we prioritize your pet’s comfort and quality of life.
Meet Dr Charles Boisclair
Board-Certified Medical Oncologist
Dr. Charles Boisclair, DVM, MSc, DACVIM (Medical Oncology), leads our oncology service at OAESH. Graduating from the Université de Montréal in 2016, he completed specialty internships and a residency in medical oncology at the University of Guelph and the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon. Since September 2021, Dr. Boisclair has been with OAESH providing empathetic, personalized care for pets with cancer.
