Abstract

Despite advances in radiation planning and application as well as chemotherapeutic drugs and regimens, surgery remains fundamentally important in the treatment of locoregional neoplastic disease. Recent and ongoing technologic advances make surgical approaches to cancer a rapidly evolving aspect of veterinary medicine. While more individualized patient approaches are starting to be implemented or are at least on the near horizon in both human and veterinary medicine, in practice we often continue to rely primarily on historical data to inform patient decision making. However, historical, evidence-based practices and adherence to fundamental techniques can enhance patient outcomes across species. Fundamental approaches to the veterinary cancer patient, including biopsy techniques, surgical planning, margin marking, and management strategies to optimize outcomes that can be immediately applied, as well as novel technologies and techniques will be discussed.