Overnight Oncology Support & Urgent Referral Service
NOW AVAILABLE AT OUR WOODLANDS LOCATION
MONDAY – THURSDAY AFTER HOURS SUPPORT
When an oncology patient develops an unexpected concern overnight, knowing where to turn can make all the difference.
At Animal Cancer & Referral Center, our overnight team provides specialized support for cancer patients who may need prompt evaluation, symptom management, stabilization, or continued supportive care.
Designed for current ACRC patients, veterinary referrals, or any pet experiencing urgent cancer-related concerns, our after-hours oncology services provide continued support and peace of mind when unexpected needs arise. Our overnight team is focused on evaluating, stabilizing, managing symptoms, and providing supportive care until our oncology team resumes care the following morning.
Our Overnight Oncology Support and Urgent Referral Service extends care beyond regular business hours for:
- Current ACRC patients experiencing an unexpected concern
- Cancer patients referred by a primary veterinarian or emergency hospital
- Patients requiring continued overnight monitoring or fluid therapy
- Stable oncology patients who need symptom management or supportive care
SPECIALIZED SUPPORT WHEN YOU NEED US THE MOST
Cancer doesn’t always follow a schedule, and neither do the concerns that come with it. If you are experiencing oncology-related concerns after hours, you don’t have to wait until morning wondering what to do. Simply call us.
Our overnight veterinary team can help guide you through uncertain situations, determine whether your pet should be seen, and provide the care your pet needs until your oncology team arrives the following morning.
When should you call?
Please contact us if an oncology patient is experiencing:
- Increased pain or difficulty becoming comfortable
- Vomiting, diarrhea, or decreased appetite
- Weakness, lethargy, or a sudden change in behavior
- Concerns following chemotherapy or other cancer treatment
- Suspected anemia or a need for blood-product support
- Fluid accumulation that may require drainage
- Elevated calcium associated with cancer
- A pathologic fracture from osteosarcoma requiring pain stabilization
- A need for continued overnight fluid therapy or monitoring
- Any other unexpected cancer-related concern
Not sure whether the situation is appropriate for our service? Call us. Our team can help determine the most appropriate next step based on your pet’s condition.
If your pet is experiencing severe difficulty breathing, uncontrolled bleeding, collapse, seizures, or another life-threatening emergency, please seek immediate care at the nearest full-service emergency hospital.
How the Service Works
For Referring Veterinarians
A DIRECT PATHWAY FOR URGENT ONCOLOGY TRANSFERS
Our Urgent Referral Service supports veterinarians who have a cancer patient requiring oncology-focused evaluation or stabilization after regular business hours.
Appropriate transfers may include:
- Effusion assessment and drainage
- Continued intravenous fluid therapy
- Blood-product support when available and appropriate
- Hypercalcemia or lymphoma stabilization
- Management of treatment-related complications
- Analgesia for suspected pathologic fractures
- Supportive care and overnight monitoring
A veterinarian-to-veterinarian consultation is required before transfer. Please call ACRC to discuss the patient’s condition, recent diagnostics, treatments provided, and anticipated needs before sending the patient.
Our goal is to provide timely specialty oncology support while maintaining close communication with referring veterinarians.
Examples Include:
✔ IV fluid therapy
✔ Medication administration
✔ Overnight monitoring
✔ Supporitve hospitalization
✔ Blood transfusions
✔ Pain management
✔ Monitoring stable hospitalized patients
*Patients are transferred back to the referring veterinarian the following moring unles additional oncology care is recommended
Not Intended For:
✘ General emergency cases
✘ Hit-by-car injuries
✘ Snake bites
✘ Toxicities
✘ GDV requiring immediate surgery
✘ Trauma
✘ Cases requiring a criticalist
*Patients should be directed to their closest emergency clinic for critical evaluations
What to expect when you call
- Tell us what is happening.
We will ask about the patient’s symptoms, cancer diagnosis, medications, and recent treatment. - Our team will assess the appropriate next step.
We will determine whether the patient can be supported through our overnight service or would be better served at a full-service emergency hospital. - We will prepare for arrival when appropriate.
Referring hospitals may be asked to send medical records, laboratory results, imaging, and treatments already provided. - Care will be coordinated.
When possible, an update will be shared with the patient’s regular oncology or referring team to help ensure continuity of care.
Our goal is to keep your pet comfortable, stable, and supported while ensuring continuity of care with the oncology team you already know and trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this an emergency hospital?
No.
This service is intended specifically for oncology and suspected oncology patients who require overnight evaluation or supportive care.
Should I go to the emergency hospital first?
If your pet is a current ACRC patient or you have a pet experiencing an oncology-related concern after hours, call us first. Our overnight veterinarian will help determine the best course of action.
What if my pet received chemotherapy today?
Our team can evaluate and manage many chemotherapy-related complications, including dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, weakness, and other treatment-related concerns. We are one team with access to our patient’s medical records.
Can my pet receive blood transfusions?
Yes, when medically appropriate.
Can my pet stay overnight?
Yes. Many patients can be hospitalized overnight for monitoring, stabilization, and supportive care.
Will my oncologist know what happened?
Absolutely.
Our overnight team communicates directly with the oncology team so they can continue your pet’s care the following morning.
What makes this different than traditional emergency care?
Unlike a traditional emergency hospitals, our overnight team focuses specifically on oncology patients.
That means your pet receives care from professionals experienced in:
• Chemotherapy complications
• Cancer pain management
• Oncology emergencies
• Cancer-related supportive care
• Oncology hospitalization
Our priority is maintaining continuity of care with your oncology team.
Key Benefits include:
✔ Same oncology team
✔ Oncology-specific expertise
✔ Overnight stabilization
✔ Pain management
✔ Blood transfusions
✔ Fluid therapy
✔ Symptom management
✔ Continuity of care
✔ Communication with your oncologist
✔ Peace of mind
Why choose ACRC instead of waiting until morning?
When your pet isn’t feeling well, waiting until your scheduled appointment isn’t always the best option.
Rather than wondering if you should go to the emergency room or wait until your primary veterinarian opens, call us first.
You’ll speak with professionals who understand your pet’s cancer diagnosis, treatment plan, and unique needs.
That means:
• Oncology-specific expertise
• Continuity of care
• Communication with your oncology team
• Less repetition
• Familiar faces
• A smoother transition back to your oncologist