Nashville Veterinary Specialists
Radiation Oncology at Nashville Veterinary Specialists
At Nashville Veterinary Specialists, our Radiation Oncology service offers advanced, targeted cancer treatment for pets with both malignant and benign tumors. Radiation therapy is a non-invasive modality that uses high-energy radiation to destroy or damage cancer cells while minimizing harm to surrounding healthy tissue.
Our board-certified veterinary radiation oncologist works closely with our specialists in medical oncology, surgery, diagnostic imaging, and anesthesiology to provide comprehensive, individualized cancer care for each patient. Whether used as a primary treatment or in combination with other therapies, radiation can play a critical role in improving quality of life and extending survival.
What Is Radiation Therapy?
Radiation therapy uses precisely targeted beams of radiation to kill cancer cells or inhibit their ability to grow and divide. It can be used to treat a variety of cancers, including:
Nasal tumors
Brain tumors
Soft tissue sarcomas
Mast cell tumors
Oral tumors
Bone tumors
Pituitary tumors
Urothelial cell carcinoma (UCC)
Lymphoma (selected cases)
Radiation may also be recommended for pain relief in certain non-cancerous conditions, such as osteoarthritis or meningiomas, offering pets improved comfort and function.
Personalized Treatment Plans
Every pet is unique, and so is their treatment plan. Prior to starting radiation therapy, your pet will undergo advanced imaging, such as CT or MRI, to help map out the exact size, shape, and location of the tumor. This ensures the most precise delivery of radiation, maximizing effectiveness while sparing healthy tissue.
Our radiation oncologist will develop a customized plan tailored to your pet’s diagnosis, health status, and needs. Depending on the type and stage of cancer, treatment may consist of:
Definitive therapy – higher doses over multiple sessions to control or eliminate the tumor
Palliative therapy – lower doses over fewer sessions to relieve pain and improve quality of life
Stereotactic Radiation Therapy (SRT) – highly focused treatments delivered over fewer sessions (available for selected cases)
Collaborative Cancer Care
At NVS, we believe in a team-based approach to cancer treatment. Our radiation oncologist works alongside specialists in:
Medical Oncology
Surgery
Internal Medicine
Neurology
Diagnostic Imaging
Critical Care
This collaboration ensures that your pet receives the most comprehensive, well-rounded care possible.
What to Expect
Radiation therapy is typically delivered on an outpatient basis. Most patients are anesthetized briefly for each treatment to ensure complete stillness and precision. The number of treatments depends on the specific protocol and diagnosis—some pets may require only a few sessions, while others may need several weeks of therapy.
Your pet’s comfort and safety are our highest priorities. Our experienced team closely monitors patients throughout the course of treatment, and our compassionate staff is here to answer your questions every step of the way.
Our Radiation Oncologists
Christian Stocks
Oncology DVM | DACVR-RO
Christian Stocks
Oncology DVM | DACVR-RO
