Olympia Veterinarians Treat Animals with Cancer in New Building

olympia vet oncology
Olympia veterinarian, Dr. Lisa Parshley, stands outside the new building of Olympia Veterinary Cancer Center.
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By Taryn Kama

lucky eagleThanks to the inspiration and care of two Olympia veterinarians, animals diagnosed with cancer can get first-rate care.

Dr. Lisa Parshley and her husband and business partner, Dr. Tom Allen, will move their Olympia Veterinary Cancer Center, to a much larger, state-of-the-art cancer care facility in mid-April. Their practice focuses on innovative treatment plans respective of every animal’s specific needs, attention to well-being and quality of life throughout their treatment.

olympia vet oncology
Olympia veterinarian, Dr. Lisa Parshley, stands outside the new building of Olympia Veterinary Cancer Center.

In fact, Parshley knows first hand what its like to have an animal with cancer. Her late dog, Pahto, was her inspiration more than 12 years ago when she was studying to become a vet.

“Like all beloved animals, he was a perfect companion, a friend, and a family member,” she recounted.

“While my internship and residency gave me the knowledge and skills to be a cancer specialist, Pahto gave me the tools to work as an animal oncologist,” she said, “With him, I had to face the emotional impact of a diagnosis, the anguish of deciding therapy, and together we walked down the path of chemotherapy.  I know firsthand the financial impact cancer therapy can have on a family.”

She learned to treat him and everything that comes with a cancer diagnosis. He responded well to the initial treatment.

“I experienced the return of our happy healthy puppy even if for only a short time.  Finally, he helped me face the torment of easing him from this life. To this day, I know I was sent a wise teacher in our dog, Pahto,” she said, “I will forever be grateful for these lessons, as he gave me something a residency could never teach, which is what it means to be the mom of an animal with cancer.”

The center is unique in many ways. First, while there are many vets who treat animals with cancer, there aren’t many facilities that specialize only in oncology.

olympia vet oncologyAdditionally, the facility itself is different. The lobby, the first place the animals and families see, is actually a renovated 1926 house. Inside, the lights are softer and it generally feels comfortable and homelike. The house is connected a larger facility where the majoirty of the cancer treatment takes place.

“From the lobby and the consult room, they (patients and their owners) aren’t entering a traditional vet clinic.  It’s more like a home,” Parshley said. “It’s minus the paraphernalia that you normally have in a vet’s office. There are couches for pets, no metal tables, etc. When the families are in the lobby, there will be a sitting area for the family where they can be comfortable.”

For treatment, animals and families will cross a sky bridge between the two buildings, where state-of-the art, cancer medicine happens.

“I have a surgeon who comes in once a week to perform minimally invasive surgery, such as scopes,” she said, adding that the body incision is often the most painful part of surgery.

Additionally, the vet oncologists work closely with the animal’s primary vet to coordinate care. Olympia Veterinary Cancer Clinic also makes sure that the symptoms of the cancers and all other necessary treatments are completed, such as dental and ear cleanings.

From the facility itself, to the staff working there, animals are treated with love, respect and specialized care. All the staff is hand picked and love animals. Parshley’s goal is for the animal to not know it is being treated for cancer.

olympia vet oncology“Ninety five percent of patients do not know that they are getting therapy or treatment for cancer,” she said.  “We feel like this new building will go a long way in providing an atmosphere of quality of life for everybody–the dogs, cats, whatever animal comes in the door.”

Parshley said veterinary cancer treatment has come a long way. Every day, there are new therapies coming out.

“Even five years ago, there were certain cancers I would be discouraged by, but now days, they can be treated,” she said.

It’s not just their medical training that provides this kind of care but also their philosophy. However, she and her husband never judge a client’s decision to treat or not treat.

“Quality of life is a way of life,” she said. “It’s not only been my dream, but it has been my husband’s dream. It’s as much his passion as it is mine to do this for the animals.”

The vets invite all animal lovers to celebrate as they unveil their new facilities. The new facilities are located in the heart of Olympia right across the street from the fire department, on the corner of Eastside and State Streets.

 

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