Dr. Pamela D. Jones

Cancer Screening & Early Detection

This session explores how cancer screening in veterinary medicine is rapidly evolving, drawing parallels to the progression of human oncology. In people, tools like mammography, colonoscopy, and liquid biopsy have shifted cancer detection from reactive diagnosis to proactive, population-level screening. Veterinary medicine is beginning a similar transformation as emerging technologies—particularly liquid biopsy—enable earlier, less invasive identification of cancer in pets. These advances have the potential to move diagnosis upstream, identifying disease before clinical signs develop. Attendees will gain insight into how early detection strategies are being adopted, what lessons veterinary professionals can borrow from decades of human screening progress, and how proactive diagnostics can reshape the continuum of care for companion animals. The session also outlines current limitations, implementation considerations, and future directions for integrating screening into everyday practice.

• Describe how cancer screening has progressed in human medicine and identify key concepts—such as population-level screening and early detection—that are beginning to inform veterinary approaches.
• Explain the principles and emerging role of liquid biopsy and other non-invasive diagnostics in detecting cancer earlier in companion animals.
• Evaluate the potential clinical benefits and current limitations of incorporating screening strategies into routine veterinary practice, including workflow, patient selection, and interpretation considerations.
• Apply insights from human oncology and early detection models to develop practical, proactive screening strategies that can enhance the continuum of care and support earlier identification of disease in veterinary patients.

Navigating Mast Cell Tumors

This two-hour session will provide a comprehensive overview of mast cell biology and its clinical relevance in veterinary medicine. We will begin with the normal function of mast cells in health, setting the stage for understanding their role in disease. Attendees will then review the typical clinical presentation of patients with mast cell tumors, followed by a discussion of current diagnostic approaches used in practice. The program will also cover commonly employed staging tools to assess the extent of disease and conclude with a review of treatment options currently available. By the end of the session, participants will gain a practical framework for recognizing, diagnosing, and managing mast cell tumors in clinical settings.

• Describe the normal biology and physiological functions of mast cells to establish a foundation for understanding how dysregulation contributes to disease.
• Recognize the common clinical presentations of mast cell tumors in veterinary patients, including key physical exam findings and patterns of behavior in different anatomic locations.
• Explain current diagnostic methods used to evaluate mast cell tumors, including cytology, histopathology, grading systems, and routinely recommended staging tools.
• Evaluate available treatment options for mast cell tumors and integrate diagnostic results, disease stage, and patient-specific factors into practical clinical decision making.

STELFONTA®: Practical Use in Mast Cell Tumor Treatment

STELFONTA® (tigilanol tiglate injection) is an FDA-approved intratumoral therapy for the treatment of eligible non-metastatic canine mast cell tumors (MCTs). This presentation reviews the unique mechanism of action, clinical efficacy, patient selection, and practical treatment considerations that have established tigilanol tiglate as an important non-surgical treatment option for canine MCTs.

This session will focus on practical case selection, including tumor-, patient-, and owner-related factors that influence treatment success. Participants will learn how to appropriately assess candidates for therapy, calculate dosing, manage treatment-related inflammation and wound formation, and guide owners through expectations during the healing process. This extended 2 hour session will include the use of tigilanol tiglate in other species and other tumor types.

• Describe the mechanism of action of tigilanol tiglate and its effects on mast cell tumors.
• Review clinical efficacy, healing outcomes, and recurrence data associated with STELFONTA treatment.
• Identify appropriate candidates for tigilanol tiglate therapy based on tumor, patient, and owner factors.
• Implement practical treatment, monitoring, and wound management strategies following administration.

Fine-Needle Aspiration: Obtaining a Diagnostic Sample

Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology is a valuable, minimally invasive diagnostic tool that can help veterinarians make more informed decisions when evaluating cutaneous and subcutaneous masses. This practical, case-based session reviews a stepwise approach to mass assessment, integrating patient history, physical examination findings, anatomic location, and cytologic evaluation. The session reviews the major categories of masses and tumors commonly encountered in practice and explores how cytology can provide rapid, clinically meaningful information to support treatment decisions and improve patient outcomes.

Through real-world examples, attendees will learn basics to evaluate cytology to guide clinical decisions, improve client communication, and support better patient outcomes. Designed to build confidence rather than create cytology experts, this session focuses on practical strategies that can be immediately applied in practice.

• Identify key historical, physical examination, and anatomic factors relevant to the evaluation of cutaneous and subcutaneous masses.
• Explain the strengths and limitations of cytology and its role in guiding clinical decision-making.
• Differentiate the major categories of cutaneous and subcutaneous masses and recognize common tumor patterns.

Spay/Neuter Timing & Cancer Risk

Spaying and neutering are among the most common procedures performed in companion animal medicine, yet their long-term effects on cancer risk remain a topic of ongoing discussion and research. This one-hour session examines the complex relationship between sterilization and cancer in dogs and cats, with a focus on current evidence, breed and species differences, and practical clinical decision-making.

Participants will review the impact of sterilization on the risk of mammary tumors, testicular cancer, pyometra, and other reproductive diseases, while also exploring reported associations with selected neoplastic conditions. The session will discuss how age at sterilization, patient lifestyle, breed, and individual risk factors may influence recommendations. Emphasis will be placed on translating available evidence into balanced, individualized conversations with pet owners.

Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of the benefits and potential risks of sterilization, along with practical strategies for making patient-centered recommendations that support both cancer prevention and overall health outcomes.

• Describe the effects of spaying and neutering on the incidence of common reproductive and non-reproductive cancers in dogs and cats.
• Discuss how timing of sterilization may influence cancer risk and other long-term health outcomes.
• Recognize species-, breed-, and patient-specific factors that may affect sterilization recommendations.
• Interpret current evidence regarding the benefits and limitations of sterilization as a cancer prevention strategy.
• Develop individualized, evidence-based recommendations for pet owners regarding sterilization and long-term health management.

Early Recognition of Feline Cancer

Early recognition of cancer in cats can significantly expand diagnostic and treatment options, yet many feline cancers are identified only after disease has progressed. This one-hour presentation provides practical strategies for improving early detection in general practice, including targeted history-taking, thorough physical examination techniques, interpretation of routine laboratory findings, and appropriate use of additional diagnostics. Attendees will review common feline cancers, associated risk factors, key clinical signs, and emerging screening tools that may aid in earlier diagnosis. The session will focus on actionable approaches veterinarians can immediately apply to identify subtle warning signs, improve client communication, and enhance outcomes for feline patients.

• Identify early clinical warning signs of feline cancer through effective history-taking, comprehensive physical examination, and interpretation of routine diagnostic findings.
• Develop appropriate diagnostic plans for cats with suspected cancer, utilizing minimum database testing, imaging, cytology, histopathology, and emerging screening tools when indicated.
• Recognize common feline cancers and communicate next steps effectively, including treatment considerations, monitoring recommendations, and referral opportunities to optimize patient outcomes.

Veterinary Volunteer Work

When someone asks, “What do you do?” many of us instinctively answer with our job title or profession. For veterinarians, a career can become so intertwined with our identity that it is easy to lose sight of who we are outside of work. Yet our profession is only one part of a much larger life.

In this inspiring and reflective session, Dr. Pamela Jones shares her personal journey toward redefining work-life balance and discovering fulfillment beyond professional achievement. Through experiences in volunteering, travel, hobbies, and personal growth, she explores how intentionally investing time and energy outside of veterinary medicine can enrich both personal well-being and professional satisfaction.

Rather than focusing solely on balance between work and home, this presentation encourages participants to consider a broader question: Who are you when you are not at work? Through personal stories, lessons learned, and actionable takeaways, attendees will be challenged to reconnect with their passions, cultivate interests beyond the clinic, and build a life that supports—not defines—their identity.

This session is designed for veterinary professionals seeking greater fulfillment, resilience, and perspective as they navigate the demands of a rewarding but often all-consuming profession.

• Learn ways to negotiate work-life balance with ourselves and others.
• Understand how rewarding the pursuit of outside interests can improve our wellbeing.
• Gain the courage to take on new challenges whether it includes veterinary medicine or other interests.