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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.
Abstract: A cat was diagnosed with an oral mast cell tumor following incisional biopsy. The location of the tumor, possible metastasis, financial restraint and patient disposition severely limited therapeutic options. The patient was treated with six doses of 1-(2-chloroethyl)3-cyclohexyl-1-nitrosurea (CCNU) and methylprednisolone acetate. Complete remission was obtained after the third dosing regimen. This is the first documented case of feline oral mast cell tumor and one of a small group of cats with various cancers to be responsive to CCNU treatment.
Authored: Wright ZM, Chretin J
Published: J Fel Med Surg 2006; 8:285-289
Abstract: Members of the S100 family of calcium-binding proteins (S100A8, A9, and A12; calgranulins) have been associated with inflammation and cancer in human beings. Proteins S100A8 and A9 were overexpressed in human patients with transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) and prostate carcinoma (PCA), suggesting their potential as biomarkers for diagnosing and/or predicting the progression of such neoplasms.
Authored: Heilmann RM, Wright ZM, Lanerie DJ, Suchodolski JS, Steiner JM
Published: Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation. 2014; 26: 104-112
Abstract: One of the primary objectives of the Oncology Pathology Working Group (OPWG), a joint initiative of the Veterinary Cancer Society and the American College of Veterinary Pathologists, is for oncologists and pathologists to collaboratively generate consensus documents to standardize aspects of and provide guidelines for oncologic pathology.
Authored: Priest HL, Hume KR, Killick D, Kozicki A, Rizzo VL, Seeling D, Snyder LA, Springer NL, Wright ZM, Robat C
Published: Vet and Comp Onco 2016; 15:3
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to describe the toxicity profile of toceranib phosphate in tumour bearing cats. Medical records were reviewed from seven institutions.
Authored: Merrick CH, Pierro JA, Saba CF, Northrup NC, Schleiss SE, Sones EA, Wright ZW, Regan RC, Siedliecki CT, Bergman PJ
Published: Vet and Comp Onco 2016; 15:3
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine if a geographic difference in progression free survival exists for dogs with lymphoma treated within the US.
Authored: H. Wilson-Robles, C.M. Budke, T. Miller, N. Dervisis, A. Novosad, Z. Wright, D. Thamm, K. Vickery, K. Burgess, M. Childress, J. Lori, C. Saba, S. Rau, M. Silver, G. Post, K. Reeds, S. Gillings, S. Schleis, T. Stein, B. Brugmann, C. DeRegis, O. Smrkovski, J. Lawrence, and T. Laver
Published: Vet and Comp Onco. 2017; 15:4
Abstract: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of L-ASP given concurrently with RAB in dogs with relapsed multicentric lymphoma.
Authored: Cawley J, Wright Z, Meleo K, Post G, Clifford C, Vickery K, Vail D, Bergman P, Thamm D
Published: JVIM 2020
Authored: Saba CF, Clifford CA, Burgess KE, Phillips BS, Vail DM, Wright ZM, Curran KM, Fan TM, Elmslie RS, Post GS, Thamm DH
Published: Accepted for publication in Vet and Comp Onco.
Abstract: In a 10-year period, extramedullary plasmacytomas (EMP) represented 5.2% of all oral tumors found in the dog (16/302). These 16 oral EMP comprised 28.5% of all EMP within the same time period. Eleven dogs died with a median survival time of 474 days. Five dogs remain alive at the time of this writing. Dogs without complete surgical removal of the EMP and no adjuvant therapy had a median survival time of 138 days. Oral EMP have a clinical behavior consistent with EMP arising from other tissues. They have no obvious correlation with multiple myeloma, and complete surgical resection may be curative.
Authored: Wright ZM, Rogers KS, Mansell J
Published: J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 2008; 44: 75-81
Abstract: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are 18-22-nt noncoding RNAs that are involved in post-transcriptional regulation of genes. Oncomirs, a subclass of miRNAs, include genes whose expression, or lack thereof, are associated with cancers. Until the last decade, the domestic dog was an underused model for the study of various human diseases that have genetic components. The dog exhibits marked genetic and physiologic similarity to the human, thereby making it an excellent model for study and treatment of various hereditary diseases.
Authored: Boggs RM, Wright ZM, Stickney M, Porter WW, Murphy KE
Published: Mammalian Genome 2008; 19: 561-569
Abstract: L-asparaginase (ASNase) is a common chemotherapy agent for the treatment of lymphoid malignancies. L-asparaginase has been reported to cause clinical pancreatitis in both humans and canines.
Authored: Wright ZM, Steiner JM, Suchodolski JS, Rogers KS, Barton CL, Brown MR
Published: Canadian J Vet Research. 2009; 73: 103-110
Abstract: To determine the prevalence of hypocobalaminemia in dogs with multicentric lymphoma and to investigate any relationship between serum cobalamin concentration and disease outcome.
Authored: Cook AK, Wright ZM, Suchodolski JS, Brown MR, Steiner JS
Published: J Am Vet Med Assoc 2009; 235: 1437-1441
Abstract: An 8-year-old, castrated male, domestic shorthaired cat was presented for evaluation of a perianal mass. The mass was incompletely excised, and histological assessment resulted in a diagnosis of anal sac adenocarcinoma. The cat had a partial response to carboplatin therapy but a short overall duration of response. Necropsy confirmed the original diagnosis as well as metastasis to the regional lymph nodes and lungs.
Authored: Wright ZM, Fryer JS, Calise D, Oliveira F
Published: J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 2010; 46: 66-69
Abstract: Chylothorax secondary to chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) was diagnosed in a feline leukemia virus (FeLV)-positive 8-year-old castrated male domestic shorthair feline. The leukemia resolved following therapy with chlorambucil, prednisone, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and lomustine. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of CLL in an FeLV-positive cat. Although a causative relationship cannot be proven, patients diagnosed with either disease may benefit from diagnostics to rule out the presence of the other concurrent condition.
Authored: Kyle K, Wright ZM
Published: J Fel Med Surg. 2010; 12: 341-344
Authored: Wright ZM
Published: Consulta de Difucion Veterinaria. 2011; special volume: 212-214
Authored: Sones E, Smith A, Schlies S, Brawner W, Almond G, Taylor K, Wypij J, Hamilton T, Arthur J, Keyerleber M, Lawrence J, Cadile C, Wright Z
Published: Vet Rad and Ultrasound. 2013; 54 (2). 194-201
Wright ZM, Rogers KS. Facilitating client grief. In Consultations in Feline Internal Medicine 6th Edition. Eds: August JA. Elsevier publishing. 2009.
Wright ZM. Mast Cell Neoplasias. In Clinical Small Animal Internal Medicine. 1st Ed: Bruyette, D. Wylie publishing, 2020.
U Tress, JM Steiner, MD Miller, ZM Wright, CG Ruaux, and DA Williams. Intra-individual variation in fecal IgA concentration of dogs. Gastrointestinal Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX. 2003.
Steiner JM, Ruaux CG, Miller MD, Wright ZM, Teague SR, Vaden S, and Williams DA. Intra-individual variability of fecal A1-proteinase inhibitor concentration in clinically healthy dogs. J Vet Int Med; 17: 445, 2003.
Wright ZM, Steiner J, Rogers KS. Incidence of subclinical pancreatitis after L-Asparaginase administration in dogs with lymphoma. 26th Veterinary Cancer Society Annual Conference. Pine Mountain, GA, October 2006.
Cook AK, Wright ZM, Suchodolski JS, Brown MR, Steiner JS. Prevalence and prognostic impact of hypocobalaminaemia in dogs with lymphoma. British Small Animal Veterinary Association Annual Conference. Birmingham, England, April 2008.
R.M. Heilmann, Z.M. Wright, D.J. Lanerie, J.S. Suchodolski, J.M. Steiner. Urinary Canine Calprotectin Concentrations in Dogs with Transitional Cell Carcinoma. Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA. ECVIM 2010.
Sones E, Smith A, Schlies S, Brawner W, Almond G, Taylor K, Wypij J, Hamilton T, Arthur J, Keyerleber M, Lawrence J, Cadile C, Wright Z. Survival of Dogs Treated with Various Radiation Protocols for Intranasal Sarcomas. 30th Veterinary Cancer Society Annual Conference. San Diego, CA, October 2010.
Wilson-Robles H, Budke A, Miller T, Novosad A, Wright Z, Dervisis N, Thamm D, Vickery K, Burgess K, Childress M. Geographic Differences in Disease Free Interval and Survival Times for Canines with Lymphoma in the USA. 32nd Veterinary Cancer Society Annual Conference. Las Vegas, NV. October 2012.
Sutton M, Conway E, Martinez S, Wright Z, Schrempp D, Wilson-Robles H. Adjunctive intra-incisional treatment of incompletely resected canine soft tissue sarcomas with 5-fluorouracil. 35th Veterinary Cancer Society Annual Conference. Vienna, VA, October 2015.
Bergman, Philip; Wright, Zachary; Roof, Erin; Sheafor, Sarah; Hofer, Jennifer; Schrempp, Diane; Kitchell, Barbara; Elpiner, Amanda; Hazzah, Trina; Chretin, Johnny; Sahora-Andrews, Alexandra; Loop, Stephanie; Mills, Tracy; Evans, Elizabeth; Hennessy, Kris; Thomson, Duncan. Pilot study of Regeneus KVAX autologous cancer vaccine and limb amputation for dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma. 36th Veterinary Cancer Society Annual Conference. Orlando, FL. October 2016.
Bergman, Philip; Sheafor, Sarah; Wilson, Mary; Tran, Darcel; Wright, Zachary; Gill, Virginia; Shor, Sharon; Tu, Chantal; Atwater, Stephen; Kidd, Jason; Siedlecki, Cecile; Tansey-Baldwin, Colleen; Elpiner, Amanda; Ettinger, Susan; Koshino, Akiko; Loop, Stephanie; Guzzo, Jessica; Mills, Tracy Retrospective Analysis of Oncept® Use In Canine Malignant Melanoma: The VCA experience in 320 dogs (2007-Present). 36th Veterinary Cancer Society Annual Conference. Orlando, FL. October 2016.
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
