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Nashville Veterinary Specialists

Medical Oncology

Medical Oncology at Nashville Veterinary Specialists

At Nashville Veterinary Specialists, our Medical Oncology service provides compassionate, comprehensive cancer care for dogs and cats. We understand that a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, and our goal is to guide you through every step of your pet’s treatment journey with expertise, understanding, and hope.

Our board-certified veterinary medical oncologists use the most advanced diagnostic tools and therapeutic options available, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and palliative care. Working in close collaboration with our specialists in radiation oncology, surgery, internal medicine, diagnostic imaging, and critical care, we create individualized treatment plans designed to improve both quality and length of life.

Staff smiling next to two Golden Retrievers.

What Is Veterinary Medical Oncology?

Veterinary medical oncology focuses on diagnosing and treating cancer using medical therapies such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. These treatments are designed to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells while preserving your pet’s comfort and well-being.

Our oncologists carefully tailor each treatment plan based on your pet’s specific diagnosis, overall health, and family’s goals. Some pets receive chemotherapy alone, while others benefit from a multimodal approach that may include surgery or radiation therapy.

Conditions We Treat

Our Medical Oncology team diagnoses and treats a wide variety of cancers, including:

  • Lymphoma

  • Mast cell tumors

  • Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC)/Urothelial carcinoma

  • Hemangiosarcoma

  • Anal gland adenocarcinoma

  • Osteosarcoma

  • Soft tissue sarcomas

  • Melanoma

  • Nasal carcinoma

  • Mammary gland tumors

  • Thyroid adenomas and carcinomas

  • Brain and spinal cord tumors

Treatment Options

Your pet’s care plan may include one or more of the following therapies:

  • Chemotherapy & Targeted Therapies – Medications that destroy or suppress cancer cells while minimizing side effects through modern, well-tolerated protocols.

  • Immunotherapy – Treatments designed to stimulate your pet’s own immune system to fight cancer cells more effectively.

  • Palliative Care & Pain Management – Focused on comfort, symptom control, and quality of life when a cure is not possible.

  • Surgery – In collaboration with our surgical specialists, medical oncology may recommend surgery as part of a combined treatment approach.

Throughout treatment, our oncology team closely monitors your pet’s response to therapy, adjusting the plan as needed to maintain the best possible balance between effectiveness and comfort.

White Maltese being held in front of a bell.

Collaborative Cancer Care

At NVS, cancer care is a team effort. Our medical oncologists work hand-in-hand with specialists in:

  • Radiation Oncology

  • Surgery

  • Internal Medicine

  • Neurology

  • Diagnostic Imaging

  • Critical Care

This multidisciplinary collaboration allows us to deliver the most advanced, integrated care possible, ensuring that every aspect of your pet’s treatment is coordinated and comprehensive.

What to Expect

Your pet’s initial consultation will include a thorough review of their medical history, diagnostic imaging, lab work, and biopsy results. From there, our oncologists will discuss all available treatment options, explaining potential benefits, side effects, and outcomes so you can make informed decisions about your pet’s care.

Most chemotherapy treatments are administered on an outpatient basis, allowing your pet to return home the same day. Our compassionate team prioritizes your pet’s comfort and emotional well-being throughout every visit.

Schedule a Consultation

If your primary care veterinarian has recommended a consultation with a veterinary oncologist or you are seeking a second opinion, we are here to help. Our Medical Oncology team is dedicated to providing exceptional care and personalized treatment for every patient.

To learn more or schedule a consultation with our Medical Oncology service, please contact us at (615) 386-0107.

Our Medical Oncologists