Dr. Joanne Intile

Joanne Lynn Intile, DVM, MS, DACVIM

By Dr. Joanne Intile, DVM, DACVM Learning that your pet has cancer is devastating. Deciding on which, if any, treatment path to take is confusing and it is normal to feel anxious as you are making decisions for your pet. Owners frequently struggle with feeling a lack of control and search for options to enhance their pet’s prognosis during their treatment plan. While most of these choices are...

Joanne Lynn Intile, DVM, MS, DACVIM

  By Joanne Intile, DACVIM   The skin is the largest organ of a dog, and tumors affecting this structure are common. Between 60 to 80 percent of skin tumors in dogs are benign, meaning if you notice a lump on your dog’s skin, there’s a good chance it won’t be anything to worry about. However, the visible appearance of a growth can’t be used to predict whether it’s cancerous....

Joanne Lynn Intile, DVM, MS, DACVIM

By Joanne Intile, DACVIM Lymphoma is a blood-borne cancer of lymphocytes, which are a specific type of white blood cell. It is the most common cancer diagnosed in dogs. There are several forms of lymphoma in dogs, the most common being high-grade lymphoblastic B-cell lymphoma, which closely resembles non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in people. Lymphoma is one of the most treatable cancers in dogs, and...

Joanne Lynn Intile, DVM, MS, DACVIM

Many owners inquire about oral chemotherapy options in lieu of injectable treatments because they perceive the former as being less “intensive” and therefore less stressful for their pet. Countless times, owners ask me if I couldn’t just prescribe the “chemo pill” they heard about from one of several typical sources (insert any one of the following: primary veterinarian, friend,...

Joanne Lynn Intile, DVM, MS, DACVIM

I have a soft spot in my heart for geriatric pets. I’m a sucker for the graying muzzle of an elderly Labrador retriever. I relish scratching the fuzzy face of a cranky senior cat. All pets are special, but the extensive history and regal personalities attached to the aged ones is something I simply can’t resist. As a veterinary oncologist, older pets are a substantial part of my professional...

Joanne Lynn Intile, DVM, MS, DACVIM

“I’m sorry.” Consider the magnitude of impact these two simple words can have. Apologies, when uttered from a place of sincerity, are remarkably meaningful. They are capable of erasing negativity, clarifying misconceptions, and easing hurt feelings. They also convey understanding, solidarity, and compassion. When we are sincerely sorry, we are also truly humbled. For medical professionals,...