Oncology

With recent advances in the detection and treatment of cancer, clients and their pets have more treatment options and hope than ever before. At VSH, we are committed to making clients part of the treatment team and offering them the broadest range of effective treatments for their pets, along with frank, compassionate discussion about realistic options. Also, our state-of-the-art technology helps improve the chances of survival and even helps reduce side effects.

	Early detection saves lives!
	When detected early, cancer is usually very treatable. Unfortunately, the disease often progresses undiagnosed because symptoms are unrecognized or ignored. The Oncology staff at VSH recommends that pet owners work with their regular veterinarians to be educated on the signs and symptoms of cancer.

The oncology department is led by board-certified medical oncologist Dr. Brenda Philips and board-certified radiation oncologist Dr. Blaise Burke. The oncology department actively collaborates with all departments on early detection of cancer, including the use of imaging with CT, MRI, Ultrasound, and Endoscopy. Non-invasive biopsies are also commonly performed during diagnosis.

The Veterinary Specialty Hospital of San Diego is the only veterinary hospital in San Diego to have a linear accelerator for radiation therapy in house. What’s more, our advanced treatment computer allows Dr. Burke to prescribe the precise amount of radiation to his patients, optimizing effectiveness while reducing side effects.

Dr. Phillips is active in clinical trials, offering the latest medical treatments to patients. In conjunction with the UC Davis nutrition department, advanced nutritional support and counseling is available to improve supportive care, including feeding tube placement when needed.

Bringing together the expertise of Dr. Philips and Dr. Burke, the combination of chemotherapy and radiation are often administered for optimal results. Find out how to make an appointment.

	Oncology Services and Procedures
	Diagnostic Imaging – CT, MRI, Ultrasound, Endoscopy   Minimally invasive procedures   Reconstructive surgery   Association with Comparative Cancer for radiation therapy   Systemic chemotherapy   Feeding tube placement and nutritional support

Oncology Forms (printable)

Oncology Recheck Form

Medical Oncology Services

Radiation Oncology Services

Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology

Early Cancer Detection

Oncology Specialists

Brenda Phillips, DVM, ACVIM

Blaise Burke, DVM, ACVR

Brenda Phillips, DVM, ACVIM

Diplomate ACVIM DVM: Michigan State University Internship: Auburn University Residency: UC Davis

A board certified specialist in medical oncology, Dr. Brenda Phillips has special interests in the use of diverse chemotherapy protocols, immunotherapy, and investigation of novel therapeutics in the treatment of her patients. Dr. Phillips takes pride in the fact that she is able to offer a variety of treatment options for her patients, making the well being of her patients and families her utmost concern.

Dr. Phillips has authored a book chapter and several scientific articles covering many aspects of veterinary oncology. Dr. Phillips served on the board of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Foundation for 8 years, including 2 years as president of the board. She continues to actively participate in development activities for the foundation. The ACVIM is an organization developed to advance new knowledge in veterinary internal medicine that translates directly into new techniques in diagnosis, treatment and prevention of internal medicine, cardiac, neurologic and neoplastic diseases.

Dr. Phillips graduated from Michigan State University in 1992 and was a general practitioner in Michigan from 1992 - 1994. She then completed an internship at Auburn University in 1995 and her oncology residency at University of California-Davis in 1997. Shortly thereafter she became a board certified specialist in Oncology (a subspecialty of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.) After serving as a faculty member at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Faculty and the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia from 1997 - 2000, she moved to San Diego in the spring of 2000.

Dr. Phillips has the distinction of promoting the concept of clinical investigation in private practice by leading and participating in numerous clinical trials since her arrival in San Diego. Due in part to this participation, many more specialty practices around the country have also begun joining collaborative trials, generating new knowledge at an ever increasing pace. In addition, recognizing the overlap between enhanced knowledge in human and veterinary oncology, she has participated in fundraising events for the American Cancer Society, the Granulosa Cell Tumor Foundation, and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Dr. Phillips shares her home with a fabulous Golden Retriever.

Blaise Burke, DVM, ACVR

Diplomate ACVR DVM: Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine Internship: Vet. Specialty Hosp. of S.D. Residency: Cornell University

A board certified specialist in Veterinary Radiation Oncology, Dr. Blaise Burke has special practice and research interests in canine thyroid carcinoma, feline nasal tumors, and the use of chemotherapy to improve outcomes for radiation patients.

Dr. Burke graduated with honors from the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine (Virginia Tech) in 2001. He completed an internship here at Veterinary Specialty Hospital in 2002. He then went to Cornell University, completing a residency in radiation oncology in 2005. A native Virginian, Dr. Burke maintains a relationship with Virginia Tech and is an active participant in research with that institution's Center for Comparative Oncology (CeCO).