Questions to ask your veterinary surgeon before treatment begins

 

What is the diagnosis?

Is the cancer likely to spread?

Has the cancer spread? If so, where? What is the stage of the disease?

What is the prognosis?

What is the goal of treatment? What are my treatment choices? Which do you recommend? Why?

What are the expected benefits of each kind of treatment?

What are the risks and possible side effects of each treatment? How can side effects be managed?

What can I do to prepare my pet for treatment?

How often will my pet have treatments? How long will each treatment last?

Will I have to change my pet’s normal activities? If so, for how long?

What is the treatment likely to cost? Will my insurance cover the costs?

What new treatments are under study? Would a clinical trial be appropriate for my pet?

 

Would the treatment options be different if my pet was referred to a specialist surgeon or oncologist?