Cancer Awareness Month: Socrates’ Story

As we mark Cancer Awareness Month this November, we want to highlight the lifesaving work of veterinary professionals in OVC’s Mona Campbell Centre for Animal Cancer and share an inspiring story of one of its patients.

The Mona Campbell Centre for Animal Cancer focuses on providing advanced treatments for companion animals diagnosed with cancer. From diagnosis through treatment and follow-up care, OVC uses a collaborative, team-based approach to ensure each patient receives the best care possible. This multi-disciplinary method brings together pet guardians, veterinary technicians, veterinarians and a range of specialists in the OVC’s Health Sciences Centre (HSC) to get the best outcomes for the patients and their families.

“This interactive multidisciplinary team approach combines surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and investigational therapies to offer the best therapy options for quality of life for each veterinary cancer patient,” says Dr. Paul Woods, Veterinary Medical Oncologist at OVC.

One such patient is Socrates, a cat diagnosed with severe anemia in early 2022.  “Within a few weeks, his condition deteriorated to the point where he needed a blood transfusion to survive,” recalls Socrates’ guardian, Tim Jackson.

Next, Jackson was referred to OVC for specialized care. Initially, Socrates was treated by OVC’s Internal Medicine team, who conducted extensive tests to stabilize his health. Once cancer was suspected, he was transferred to OVC’s Oncology service for further evaluation and treatment.

Following a bone marrow biopsy, the Oncology team determined chemotherapy was the best option for Socrates. Though he initially reacted poorly to the treatment, the team quickly adjusted his care plan. "The doctors knew of medicine to help counter the reaction, and his remaining chemotherapy treatments were smoother,” Jackson explains.

Thanks to OVC's comprehensive, team-based care, Socrates’ health stabilized, and he continues to live a fulfilling life with his family.  

In addition to medical care, the OVC HSC offers dedicated support to patients’ families through its Veterinary Social Work Service. This service, led by registered social worker Sarah Bernardi, helps families navigate the often overwhelming and emotional journey of treating a companion animal with cancer. “A cancer diagnosis for a beloved pet can be one of the most challenging times for families. We’re here to help people process the information and support them through each stage of care,” Bernardi explains.

For Socrates and many other patients, OVC’s Cancer Centre is more than just a treatment facility—it’s a place where families and companion animals receive compassionate care. This November, Pet Cancer Awareness Month serves as a reminder of the progress being made in veterinary oncology and the importance of early detection. With access to world-class treatments and dedicated support services like those at OVC, companion animals like Socrates can continue to live fulfilling lives despite a cancer diagnosis.

Socrates’ guardian sums it up best: “Thank you for all you do, for taking care of Socrates during his many, many nights staying there and for being able to help him out when he needed help.”