UF Small animal hospital
Integrative Oncology
Offering your pet world-class care through an integrated approach to cancer treatment.

Our integrated oncology service allows us to develop the best possible approach to your pet’s cancer diagnosis. Our team members in medical oncology, surgical oncology, and radiation oncology work closely together and are motivated by the sincere desire to make a difference in your pet’s quality of life. We understand how difficult, even traumatic, it can be when your pet has been diagnosed with cancer.
Initial Appointment
Step 1
Preparation for the Initial Appointment
Please bring your pet’s medical records, including radiology images (digital or film) and written reports, pathology reports, a list of all medications your pet is taking (including over-the-counter, alternative medications, and supplements), your regular veterinarian’s contact information, and a list of any questions you have.
Please Note: The initial appointment cost is $230.
step 2
Examination
Our team will review your pet’s history, medical records, and perform a thorough physical examination.
Please Note: Expect this appointment to take up to 3-hours.
step 3
Recommendations for Diagnostic Testing
The clinical team, including the clinician, house officers, veterinarian technician and student will provide recommendations for diagnostic testing to diagnose your pet’s condition. At this time, cost estimates will be provided for the recommended diagnostic tests and treatments.
Diagnostic Testing Appointment
Step 4
Preparation for Drop-Off and Visit
Your pet needs to fast before this appointment. No food after midnight the day before visit. Water is allowed, and please continue your pet’s medications, unless otherwise instructed.
*Please Note: Expect this appointment to take 6-8 hours. You can drop off your pet.
Step 5
Diagnostic Testing
Testing recommendations that were agreed upon during the initial appointment will be performed. If anything changes, a member of the team will call you beforehand.
Results for these tests are generally available within 24-48 hours, with the exception of tissue biopsy, which will take 5-7 days.
Testing Evaluation and Treatment Plan
Step 6
Treatment
Once the diagnostic testing results have been reviewed, we will discuss your pet’s condition, the recommended treatment plan and options available for your pet, as well as provide you with an estimate of costs and the timeline for treatment. From there, we will schedule you for the next available appointment for surgery, radiation or chemotherapy. To learn more about each of these treatments, please click on the buttons below.
Olive’s Way Fund
The Olive’s Way Fund supports the University of Florida’s Small Animal Hospital Oncology Program, which is one of the best in the country. The fund was established by Lisa and Harry Posin to help patients and is directed by the Imparato Professor in Surgical Oncology. The program has grown from a single clinician in 2002 to the largest training center for veterinary oncologists in the southeast US. You can support our efforts by contacting our Office of Advancement or making a donation online.
Medical Oncology Team
Clinicians
Paulo Vilar Saavedra
Regina Hayburn
Rowan J Milner
Sulma Mohammed
Fellows, Residents, and Interns
Victoria H Cicchirillo DVM
Leah H Ackerman
Laura C Venner
Julia L Engelien
Manager
- Keri, CVPM
Supervisor
- Maggie, CVT
Technicians
- Cassie
- Denise, LVT
- Emilija
- Ryann
Assistants
- Ty
Service Representative
- Christine
- Torrie
Radiation Oncology Team
Clinicians
Marília Takada
Jishnu Rao Gutti
Fellows, Residents, and Interns
Lily S Thorsen DVM
Ryan Freed
Alejandra Tellez Silva
Manager
- Keri, CVPM
Supervisor
- Maggie, CVT
Technicians
- Ashlee, CVT
- Bianca
- Blaine, RT(R)
- Lyanne, CVT
Assistants
- Paige
Surgical Oncology Team
Clinicians
Judit Bertran Trepat
Josep Aisa
Elizabeth A Maxwell
Fellows, Residents, and Interns
Ashton C Berger VMD
Veronica Perez R DVM, MS
Rachel E Rivenburg
Manager
- Keri, CVPM
Supervisor
- Maggie, CVT