Introduction
Within the University of Florida (UF) Veterinary Hospitals at the UF College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM), high-quality, patient-centered care has always been our focus. Our small animal caseload is robust, offering enhanced teaching and learning opportunities to our veterinary students and residents-in-training, as well as opportunities for advanced clinical research. Our caseload is also a reflection of the demand for our clinicians’ services across a broad spectrum of expertise and diverse range of species seen and treated at our hospitals.
Ranked number 7 by US News and World Report, we are proud to be one of the top referral facilities in the southeast. While we have many examples of clinical excellence, we are particularly proud of the strides we have made in small animal oncology:
Comprehensive service: With a group of 7 faculty and 8 trainees across the specialties of medical, surgical, and radiation oncology working together under 1 roof, we are one of the few veterinary teaching hospitals in the US to offer such a comprehensive, integrative approach to treating pets with cancer. We foster a culture of collaboration, internally and externally, as well as a passion for knowledge and discovery in the clinical arena.
Cutting-edge technology: A new cutting-edge Varian Edge linear accelerator increases precision, revolutionizing the treatment of difficult-to-access tumors inside the thorax or abdomen. We are 1 of only 3 veterinary colleges in the country to own this superb technology.
Clinical trials using vaccines: Among our 8 ongoing clinical studies in oncology are 4 Ganglioside (GD3 liposomal-based) and RNA-based vaccines for appendicular osteosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, and melanoma in dogs. Through the use of targeted immunotherapy, our oncologists have made major advances in the treatment of cancer in dogs, while also providing preclinical data that has facilitated phase I and II clinical trials in humans.
National Cancer Institute (NCI): The UF Health Cancer Center, in which we are an active participant, recently gained the prestigious NCI designation, in part because of our active clinical trials in dogs with naturally occurring cancers.
Multimillion-dollar legacy gift for canine oncology research: We have long recognized that translational research is critical for advances in both veterinary and human medicine, and a recent multimillion-dollar legacy gift to our canine oncology research program from the Dr. Larry and Ann Laiks Charitable Trust validates that commitment. The Laiks gift will support collaborative research with the UF Health Cancer Center to elevate future discoveries, precision medicine, immunotherapy, and genome mapping.
UFVH medical, radiation and surgical oncology staff and clinicians
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 261, 10; 10.2460/javma.23.08.0431
UFVH medical, radiation and surgical oncology staff and clinicians
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 261, 10; 10.2460/javma.23.08.0431
UFVH medical, radiation and surgical oncology staff and clinicians
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 261, 10; 10.2460/javma.23.08.0431
The UF CVM is proud to be leading the fight against cancer, with efforts that impact both human and animal health.
