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.
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 Forms (printable)
Oncology Recheck Form
Medical Oncology Services
Radiation Oncology Services
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Oncology SpecialistsBrenda 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. She is the past president of,
and continues to serve on the board of the ACVIM Foundation, 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.
She shares her home with 2 fabulous
Golden Retrievers.
Blaise Burke, DVM, ACVR
 Diplomate ACVR DVM: Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine Internship: Vet. Specialty Hosp. of S.D. Residency: Cornell University
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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).
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