Your donation, your way
It's easy to support our oncology appeal. You can choose to make a one-off or monthly donation. You can donate online, by phone or by post. Every donation will make a difference to pets who have cancer. By supporting cancer research, treatment and palliative care at the RVC, you become part of a team that's making life better after a cancer diagnosis. Don't delay, make a difference today. All donations, big or small, are gratefully received. Thank you.
Donate online to our Cancer Appeal
Donate by phone or post to our Cancer Appeal
Send a cheque
Make your cheque payable to RVC ACT and send to:
The Royal Veterinary College Animal Care Trust
Hawkshead Lane
North Mymms
Hertfordshire
AL9 7TA
Donate over the phone
Please call us on 01707 666237
We'd be delighted to take your donation over the phone.
We're open Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Years after grave prognosis Gyasi's cancer shrinks
Having had surgery to remove as much of the tumour as possible, emergency blood transfusions and a stay in Critical Care at the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals, options were running out. In Gyasi's case, chemotherapy offered the best chance of reducing his symptoms and giving him a second chance. Without chemotherapy, Gyasi may have had just weeks left to live. That was back in June 2022.
We caught up with Gyasi and his family in October 2024. Watch the film below for a behind-the-scenes look at his cancer treatment.
"Gyasi has undergone several courses of chemotherapy with breaks in between because his disease has been stable and on occasion, has shown some improvement.
"Gyasi's quality of life has always been the number one priority and the fact that he is still able to live his life to the full whilst undergoing treatment for this horrible disease, means the world to us.
"We will forever be indebted to the RVC Oncology Service for their care of Gyasi and feel extremely lucky that we have their support. Gyasi's story proves that when you receive what seems like devestating news, there is always hope".
The RVC is a leading, internationally recognised centre for veterinary oncology. It offers advanced cancer treatments for dogs and cats.
We understand that a diagnosis of cancer can be a worrying time. Animals can't tell us how they're feeling, and it can be hard to know 'what's the right thing to do'. Each patient's cancer and owner's circumstances are different so it's essential that cancer-related decisions are individualised.
We work with pet owners to devise the best treatment plan for their pet. This may include surgery, chemotherapy (administered at home or in the hospital) or if the cancer is very advanced, palliative care. This means making the patient comfortable and slowing down the tumour progression as much as possible.
Palliative care may not be in the best interests of a terminally ill patient. If their quality of life is considered poor, an oncologist will guide owners through the process of euthanasia.
For every treatment option, the RVC Oncology Service is here, offering their expertise and compassion. We help pets have a good quality of life, reducing their symptoms and helping them to spend more time with their families. At the end of their life, we're here too.
When you donate to our Christmas Appeal, your money will help the RVC Oncology Service help more animals
to live well with cancer. Thank you.
The gift of time for Aria
Stomach cancer accounts for less than 1% of all canine cancers. Often diagnosed when the disease is at an advanced stage, patients can have a limited amount of time left. Aria is known as a 'long-term surviver'. She enjoyed an extra 12-months, thanks to a combination of surgery and chemotherapy at the RVC.
Aria's owner, Vivek, first noticed something was wrong when Aria started vomitting and losing weight. Apart from that she was her usual bright energetic self. Initial tests came back clear, but with no improvement she was referred to the RVC for an ultrasound, CT scan and endoscopy. These tests revealed gastric adenocarcinoma.
Aria had a partial gastrectomy to remove as much of the cancerous tumour as possible. Despite now having a smaller stomach, Aria recovered well. Her feeding tube was removed and she returned to eating and enjoying her food. Aria had chemotherapy to minimise the chances of the cancer spreading.
"Aria tolerated her chemotherapy treatments exceptionally well. Her quality of life was as good as if she did not have cancer, and people at the park would be amazed to hear she was almost 12 years old, let alone on chemotherapy. She would run, play, bark, eat and act like her normal self.'
For Vivek, the RVC Oncology Service was a lifeline. Their guidance and expertise gave Vivek reasurrance and hope. Thanks to Aria's cancer treatment she celebrated another Christmas and saw her 12th birthday before she died.
"Aria was the light in my life and I miss her every day. Without her treatments, I would have lost her a year ago. She constantly amazed me with her resilience and strength to fight the cancer. This extra year is the best goodbye gift she could have given me."
Aria in the snow
Aria in the snow
Aria in front of a Christmas tree
Aria in front of a Christmas tree
Did you know?
The doses of chemotherapy given to pets are lower than the ones given to treat cancer in people. This reduces side effects. Maintaining a good quality of life is always our priority.
How can my money help?
£12 pays for a dog parking station, so dogs can be securly tethered.
£100 pays for a thermo kennel mattress that returns nearly 80% of heat from the patient and prevents pressure sores.
£200 pays for a cordless trimmer so a patient's fur can be trimmed in preparation for chemotherapy.
£900 pays for a blood pressure kit.
£1750 pays for a low lift table so patients can be easily lifted to receive their chemotherapy.
Thank you
for helping pets with cancer
"Every donation helps us to have the best facilities, and the best treatments available, so we can provide gold standard care to each patient. Thank you."
Dr Francesco Rogato
Thank you for supporting our Christmas Appeal.
For over 30 years we've been fundraising to support the RVC's hospitals, education and research.
We couldn't do it without you.
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Contact us
The Royal Veterinary College Animal Care Trust
Hawkshead Lane
North Mymms
Hertfordshire
AL9 7TA
act@rvc.ac.uk
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