About Us | Oncology

The University of Georgia Veterinary Teaching Hospital's Oncology team is proud to offer lifelong personalized and thoughtful cancer care for your beloved pet. The team, which consists of oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons, imaging specialists, pathologists, a medical physicist and technicians, works together to provide your pet with the most effective cancer treatment possible. Safety is our number one priority when it comes to the well-being of your pet preceding, during and after treatments are complete. Our goal is to provide the best quality of life possible for your companion while tailoring the therapy to your and your pet’s needs.

The UGA Veterinary Teaching Hospital is one of two veterinary radiotherapy facilities in Georgia, and we are the only one with on-site veterinary radiation oncologists. We are one of only a few facilities in the nation that have two veterinary specialists who are certified in both medical oncology and radiation oncology. This dual expertise of our veterinarians in cancer therapy ensures that our oncology patients receive state-of-the-art, consistent, efficient and comprehensive care.

Designing an appropriate cancer treatment plan is complex, and treatments are adapted to each individual patient. There are often multiple ways to treat a particular cancers, and it is likely that several treatment options will be presented.

It is important to know your goals and expectations when considering treatment options. Your oncology team will respect your opinions and wishes and help determine the course of action that best suits you and your pet.

Chemotherapy is often used in combination with surgery for cancers likely to spread; it also may be used as a stand-alone treatment. Our team of board-certified medical oncologists can design an appropriate chemotherapy plan for your pet. Side effects are uncommon, but your pet's oncologist will discuss all potential chemotherapy complications prior to initiating therapy.

Surgery, for many cancers, is an important component of treatment. Our team of board-certified surgeons is highly skilled in tumor removal. Most pets recover quickly and return to normal activities.

Radiation Oncology is typically combined with surgery to treat localized cancers. Alternatively, it may be used to alleviate pain and other signs associated with advanced cancer. Our team of board-certified radiation oncologists is trained to appropriately treat your pet's tumor while minimizing side effects to normal tissues.

Clinical Trials: To improve the success of cancer treatment in animals, our oncology group participates in ground-breaking multi-institutional clinical trials that are taking place across the nation. If a clinical trial for which your pet would qualify is available, the advantages and disadvantages of the clinical trial are discussed. Clinical trials often come with financial incentives to help the pet owner cover the cost of treatment.