What oncology decision-support tools are most practical for a primary care vet managing cancer cases?

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The most practical decision-support framework for a primary care veterinarian managing cancer cases is a structured, stepwise approach: cytologic or histologic diagnosis first, then staging, then multimodal therapy selection, with oncologist collaboration built in throughout. 135 Tumor type determination by histologic biopsy is the foundation of every subsequent decision. Cytologic evaluation can complement histology but the tissue diagnosis drives staging strategy, therapeutic selection, and prognosis. Staging combines imaging and lymph node sampling to define local disease extent and presence or absence of regional or distant metastasis. 53 Therapy selection is based on the intersection of tumor type, histologic grade, and stage. The modalities available to primary care include surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, nutritional support, and pain management — most cases are best managed with a multimodal approach rather than a single modality. 15 Referral to or curbside consultation with a veterinary oncologist is recommended for complex cases, and collaboration between primary care and oncology specialists optimizes patient outcomes and client engagement. 134 Collaborative care models demonstrably improve client perception of cancer management in dogs. Primary care veterinarians play a critical role in early detection and intervention, which is key to improving outcomes given that between 1 in 3 and 1 in 4 dogs will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. 4 Chemotherapy safety protocols are a non-negotiable component of in-practice oncology. Strict precautions for handling cytotoxic agents protect the patient, the veterinary team, and the client, and these protocols should be in place before any chemotherapy is administered in a primary care setting. 15 Client and caregiver support is a clinical tool, not an afterthought. Quality-of-life scales, clear communication strategies, and structured end-of-life frameworks reduce caregiver burden and