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VCA Animal Diagnostic Clinic
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VCA Animal Diagnostic Clinic
972-267-8300
Dr. Zachary Wright was raised in the DFW Area (Rockwall). He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the University of Notre Dame and his veterinary medical degree from Texas A&M University, College of Veterinary Medicine in 2004. He then completed a one year rotating small animal internship in medicine and surgery at VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital in Los Angeles, California. Dr. Wright followed his passion in pursuing a residency in small animal oncology at Texas A&M University and became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine-Oncology in 2008.
Upon completion of his residency, Dr. Wright joined the staff at VCA Veterinary Care in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to open a new oncology practice. While on staff he served as director of the internship program. In 2012 Dr. Wright and his family were thrilled with the opportunity to move back to North Texas and join VCA Animal Diagnostic Clinic where he now serves as Director of Oncology.
Dr. Wright has published numerous scientific articles and book chapters in small animal oncology. He also lectures to veterinarians across the United States. He believes in giving back to his profession and has served in multiple roles within his regulatory college, the American College of Veterinary Medicine, including positions on the Board of Regents.
As a clinical oncologist, Dr. Wright believes in fully educating his clients on the nature of their pet’s cancer. A cancer diagnosis is rarely a black and white topic and he believes in making sure there are multiple diagnostic and treatment options for all of his patients regardless of the situation. Additionally, he is passionate about the role of the veterinary oncologist in palliative care of pets with cancer. At VCA Animal Diagnostic Clinic, Dr. Wright has proactively brought a collection of clinical trials to our hospital that evaluate cutting edge cancer testing and treatments. He believes in the Triad of Care and working as a team with your primary care veterinarian to ensure all of his patients receive optimal care.
Dr. Wright and his wife (also a veterinarian in Dallas) have two young boys and their rescue dog Allie. In his free time he enjoys spending time with his children, the Dallas restaurant scene, golfing and fly fishing.
What Is A Veterinary Oncologist?
A board certified veterinary oncologist is a veterinary internal medicine specialist who has also obtained additional training in veterinary oncology. A veterinary oncologist has specialized knowledge in the diagnosis of cancer, the staging of tumors, the development of treatment plans, and the administration of chemotherapy. When your pet is faced with cancer, a veterinary oncologist will typically work in concert with your pet's general practitioner veterinarian in order to obtain the best possible medical outcome for your pet. A veterinary oncologist can help your pet by developing treatment plans that incorporate one or all of the following options:
While your general practitioner veterinarian can diagnose and treat many health problems, certain diseases like cancer require the care of a doctor who has had specialized, intensive training in veterinary oncology.
Why Does My Pet Need A Veterinary Oncologist?
Just as in humans, a pet with cancer typically needs the help of an oncologist to help diagnose and treat the disease. Veterinary oncologists determine the most appropriate course of treatment and coordinate the treatment program for pets with cancer. They also frequently serve as consultants to veterinarians in private practice to ensure that their patients receive the best treatment possible for their cancer. You can be assured that a veterinarian who refers you and your pet to a veterinary oncologist is one that is caring and committed to ensuring that your pet receives the highest standard of medical care for his or her illness.
While in some cases, your veterinarian may be able to simply consult with the veterinary oncologist about your pet's care, in other cases it is necessary to actually refer you and your pet to the veterinary oncologist for more advanced diagnostics and treatment. Board certified veterinary internists/oncologists may also have access to specialized diagnostic or treatment tools that a general practitioner veterinarian may not have.
My Pet Has Cancer. Now What?
Cancer does appear to be becoming more common in pets, most likely because they are simply living longer. The most important point to realize about this dreaded disease, however, is that just as in people, many forms of the disease can be easily treated, managed, and even cured. Early detection and specialized care are leading to increased survival and cure rates in almost all the types of cancers that afflict pets. From surgery to chemotherapy to radiation therapy, veterinary cancer specialists can offer your pet the very latest diagnostic and treatment options and the best chance of survival. With optimal treatment, cancer in many cases simply becomes another manageable chronic disease.
If your pet is diagnosed with cancer, it is important not to become overwhelmed. Ask your veterinarian to write down the most important points for you to review later. Although the disease is serious, treatment decisions generally do not need to be made quickly. If your pet is diagnosed with cancer, however, you will either want to have your general practice veterinarian work in consultation with a veterinary oncologist, or be referred to one of these specialists for your pet's treatment.
Will My Regular Veterinarian Still Be Involved?
In most cases, your regular veterinarian will still supervise your pet's veterinary care and will work in tandem with the veterinary oncologist, veterinary radiation oncologist, and any other members of your pet's veterinary health care team.
Did You Know?
Dogs and cats have higher age adjusted incidence rates for many kinds of cancers than do humans. For example, dogs are 35 times more likely to get skin cancer than are humans. They suffer from 8 times the amount of bone cancer and 4 times the amount of breast cancer. However, humans are more likely to get lung and stomach cancers than pets.
Hospital Hours:
Mon-Fri: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sat-Sun: Temporarily Closed
Fax Number:
972-267-8301
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