Veterinary Oncology by BluePearl Lafayette CO

BluePearl Pet Hospital
Lafayette, CO
Oncology

24/7 Emergency and Specialty
720.699.7766
2000 W South Boulder Rd. Lafayette, CO 80026
[email protected]
Emergency:
24/7
Specialty:
By appointment
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Pet oncology by BluePearl.

An oncology veterinarian examines a patient while a technician helps.

Conditions treated

Learn which conditions our specialty team can help diagnose and treat, so your pet gets the right care for their needs.

A BluePearl veterinary internist smiles while holding a black and white cat in her arms.

Success stories

Discover how other pets have overcome their diagnoses with specialized care, giving you hope for your pet’s recovery.

A veterinarian meets with a client and her medium sized white and grey dog in a comfortable, welcoming exam room.

Request appointment

Take the next step toward answers and treatment by scheduling a specialty consultation for your pet.

Advanced cancer care to help your pet live a longer and happier life.

We know how heartbreaking it is to hear the word “cancer” when it’s about your pet. The fear, the uncertainty – it’s overwhelming. You’re not alone. We’re here to walk with you through every step, always focused on what matters most: your pet’s comfort, happiness, and quality of life.

Our commitment is not just to treat cancer; it’s to enhance the well-being of your pet and be with you every step of the way.

A vet tech prepares for oncology exam

Conditions we treat.

A BluePearl anesthesiology and pain management vet prepares to fix an anesthetic facemask on a yellow lab while a vet tech helps hold the dog on the exam table.

We treat all tumor and cancer types, from internal to external tumors, localized masses to those that have spread (metastasized), and more. We’re here to help guide you through all available treatment options and help you make educated decisions for you and your pet.

  • Bone cancer (osteosarcoma)
  • Leukemia
  • Liver and spleen cancer
  • Lymphatic cancer (lymphoma)
  • Mammary (breast) cancer
  • Nasal cancer
  • Oral cancer
  • Skin cancer
  • Soft-tissue cancer
  • Thyroid cancer
  • Urogenital cancer

Services we offer.

Your pet will receive unparalleled medical care during their time at the hospital (and they’ll be spoiled with love and attention, too).

Advanced diagnostics

Your pet can’t tell us what’s wrong, so we use sophisticated diagnostics and imaging tools to uncover the source of the problem.

  • Comprehensive in-house blood work
  • In-house urinalysis
  • Digital cytology (results in less than 24 hours!)
  • Ultrasound services (abdomen, neck)
  • Radiographs (x-rays)
  • Computed tomography (CT) scans
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
  • Endoscopy (nose, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, urinary system)
  • Fluoroscopy (real-time x-rays)
  • CT/ultrasound guided sampling
  • Biopsies
  • Bone marrow aspirates
  • Flow cytometry/PARR tests to diagnose/treat certain types of cancer
  • Genetic testing for MDR-1 (multidrug resistance mutation)

Treatment plans

We believe in presenting all treatment options, and are passionate about finding the right treatment path for each pet and their family. We’re fortunate to have a large team of specialists at our hospital, and we take a comprehensive view of each patient’s health, often leveraging the expertise of fellow specialists when needed.

  • Intravenous (IV) and oral chemotherapy options
  • Surgery
  • Electrochemotherapy
  • Immunotherapy
  • External beam radiation therapy referrals
  • Palliative/hospice care options
Two veterinary professionals wearing PPE sit on the floor with a golden retriever dog while the patient receives chemotherapy.
A veterinary technician wearing PPE prepares chemotherapy treatment for a pet patient.
A tan and white dog wearing a bandana and a party hat is held up in the lap of a veterinary technician wearing black scrubs.
A black and white husky dog wearing a bandana and a party hat sits on a wood floor looking up into the camera.
A black cat wearing a party hat and a bandana crouches in a kennel.
A light brown and white dog on a blue leash sits in the grass and looks happily up at the camera.
A white dog wearing a party hat and a bandana sits on the lap of a veterinary technician wearing black scrubs.
A black and white dog wearing a party hat sits politely on a wood floor looking up at the camera.
A black dog with a white muzzle wearing a bandana and a party hat sits on a wood floor looking up into the camera.

Our board certified specialist and oncology team.

Experience makes all the difference.

In addition to our board certified specialist, our oncology team includes, vet technicians, assistants, and support staff with rigorous training and experience in specialty medicine. The team works hand in hand to provide the comprehensive, compassionate care your pet needs and deserves.

We treat each and every patient like our own. Our team is here to support you on the hard days and celebrate with you on the happy days. We value exceptional patient care and client communication above all else.

Caitlin Cowan

DVM, MS, DACVIM (Oncology)
Board Certified in Veterinary Oncology
Oncology
Servicing locations
BluePearl Pet Hospital Lafayette, CO
On the job

Dr. Caitlin Cowan loves senior cats and dogs – the grayer the face, the better! She enjoys being able to improve and maintain quality of life in older pets.

To Dr. Cowan, the process of staging cancer and coming up with treatment plans that work best for a particular patient and their family is especially gratifying. She finds treating lymphoma very rewarding and is interested in the variety of presentations and neoplastic diseases patients can present with.

Exceptional patient care and client communication are top priorities for Dr. Cowan, and she emphasizes giving owners the information they need in order to make the best decisions, regardless of what the decision may be.

Education
  • Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Oncology)
  • Master of Science, Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia
  • Residency, Medical Oncology, University of Missouri, Columbia
  • Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia
  • Bachelor of Science, Biochemistry, Mississippi State University, Starkville
Off duty

Dr. Cowan is a Missouri native and is so excited to escape the humidity and enjoy the mountains of Colorado. She has three dogs and a cat who she adores, and snuggling with them on the couch is her favorite way to end the day. In her free time, she enjoys binge reading, nice weather, good food and drinks, live music and being with friends.

Abby Parker

CVT
Oncology
Servicing locations
On the job

Abby Parker enjoys the relationships she builds with clients and patients. Treating each pet as her own, she prioritizes making every visit a positive experience for all involved.

She has been a certified veterinary technician since 2018, bringing her skills and passion to BluePearl in 2022. Her experience includes wildlife rehabilitation (particularly sea birds) and companion animal internal medicine and oncology. Abby is most interested in neoplastic processes, cytology, wildlife and advanced imaging, and she continually looks for opportunities to expand her knowledge – enjoying teaching just as much as she does learning.

Off duty

A West Virginia native turned Florida transplant, Abby is loving life in the Rockies. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, camping, traveling and paddleboarding with her two hound dogs. She also loves concerts, lazy days and exploring downtown.

Katie Rollins

CVT
Oncology
Servicing locations
On the job

Katie Rollins has been with BluePearl since 2019, first working in the emergency department before transferring to oncology. She enjoys learning everything she can about oncology for pets.

Off duty

In her free time, Katie loves spending time with her son, especially soaking up the summer sun paddleboarding with their friends.

Call us at 720.699.7766

What to expect.

We want you to be prepared for your pet’s visit to the oncologist, so you have one less thing to worry about. Our entire BluePearl team will be with you every step of the way.

Before your visit

  • Make an initial appointment by calling us directly or via referral from your pet’s primary vet.
  • We’ll request records from your primary or emergency vet before your first visit and collaborate with them to discuss your pet’s history and current condition.
  • We understand some sick pets can’t wait until the next available appointment. We have reserved time for more emergent work-ins. If you believe your pet cannot wait until their appointment, have your primary veterinarian call and we can often get your pet in sooner.

During your visit

  • When possible, we’ll examine your pet with you by their side to make them more comfortable. If additional tests are needed for a diagnosis, we’ll discuss those options with you.
  • You’ll have plenty of time and opportunity to ask questions as we go over your pet’s diagnosis together.
  • You’ll receive a visit summary with physical exam findings, diagnostics performed, and treatment options. We’ll also send this information to your primary care veterinarian to make sure everyone on your pet’s healthcare team is in the loop.
  • We’ll schedule a recheck appointment and make sure you’re aware of any symptoms you should watch out for at home.

After your visit

  • Our team will continue to partner with your primary veterinarian as part of the ongoing management of your pet’s care.
  • You know your pet better than anyone, and you play a crucial role in their treatment plan. If you have any concerns about providing care at home (such as giving medication, maintaining a specific diet or monitoring your pet’s symptoms), let us know – we’re here for you.

Frequently asked questions.

Veterinary oncologists specialize in diagnosing and treating cancer in pets. These specialists work closely with other veterinary teams to develop personalized treatment plans using advanced therapies such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Our goal is to give pets the best possible quality of life, both during and after treatment.
Cancer is typically diagnosed through a combination of physical exams, imaging and laboratory tests. At BluePearl, our oncologists may recommend procedures such as fine-needle aspiration, biopsy, x-rays, ultrasound or CT scans to confirm a diagnosis and determine the type and stage of cancer.
Oncologists treat a wide range of cancers in dogs and cats, including lymphoma, mast cell tumors, osteosarcoma, melanoma and soft tissue sarcomas. Our specialists use advanced diagnostics and evidence-based treatments tailored to each pet’s specific cancer type and overall health.
Common signs of cancer include lumps or bumps that grow, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, fatigue, difficulty breathing, limping or wounds that won’t heal. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your primary veterinarian or your nearest BluePearl hospital for evaluation.
During your pet’s oncology consultation at BluePearl, our team will review your pet’s medical history, perform an exam and discuss previous test results. Additional diagnostic tests may be recommended to confirm the type and stage of cancer. Once we have all the information, our oncologist will explain treatment options and help you choose the best plan for your pet.
We offer a range of cancer treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy and palliative care. BluePearl oncologists work closely with specialists across departments to create a comprehensive treatment plan designed to meet your pet’s medical and emotional needs.
The right treatment depends on your pet’s diagnosis and overall health. Your oncologist will discuss all available options, which may include one or a combination of therapies. Each treatment plan is tailored to maximize comfort, extend quality of life and minimize side effects.
Most pets tolerate chemotherapy much better than people expect. Our oncology team carefully adjusts dosages to reduce side effects while still targeting cancer cells. While some pets may experience mild fatigue, appetite changes or gastrointestinal upset, severe reactions are uncommon.
Yes. Chemotherapy for pets is designed with their comfort and safety in mind. Oncologists use precise dosing and advanced monitoring to minimize risks and side effects. Our team also provides guidance on what to watch for at home and how to support your pet during treatment.
Many types of cancer can go into remission with proper treatment. At BluePearl, our oncology team tracks each pet’s progress through regular exams and imaging. While not every cancer is curable, remission can often extend both lifespan and quality of life significantly.
Comfort and quality of life are our top priorities. Your oncologist may recommend medications, diet changes and lifestyle adjustments to help manage side effects and keep your pet feeling their best. Our palliative care and pain management teams are also available to provide additional support when needed.
If you discover a lump or bump on your pet, schedule an exam with your primary veterinarian as soon as possible. They can perform an initial evaluation and, if needed, refer you to a BluePearl oncologist for further testing. Early detection can make a big difference in treatment success. You can also make an appointment directly by calling the hospital, no referral needed.

Success stories.

"I’m glad that the cancer is treated and he’s doing well,” said Amy. “He is at the same quality of life he was at before his cancer diagnosis."
Read Longo's story.
Amy
Amy
“I cried so many happy tears and I am forever grateful to this team. Dr. Duffy walked us through what we needed to do moving forward, and I put full trust in her recommendations. She always made us feel so welcome, remembered Malakai, and was excited to see his progress. I will never forget the people who helped me, my dog and our family on our scariest days.”
Read Malakai's story.
Holly
Holly

Make an appointment.

A veterinary technician holding a dog and smiling

Take the first step to getting your pet back to their best self – call us to speak with the oncology team and make an appointment.

Prioritize your pet’s health with the experts in specialty medicine.

Call us at 720.699.7766
Request Appointment