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Oncology

When minutes matter most.

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Our Oncology Team

At Epic’s Oncology Department, we understand that a cancer diagnosis for your beloved companion can be overwhelming. Our dedicated veterinary oncology team is here to guide you through every step, offering advanced diagnostic tools, innovative treatment options, and most importantly, compassionate care for both you and your pet.

Monica Fernandez
 Read More Joshua Lachowicz
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Why Choose Us? Our board-certified veterinary oncologists work closely with a team of surgeons and internists to provide comprehensive cancer care tailored to your pet’s individual needs. We combine the newest technology with a warm, personal approach, ensuring that your pet receives the best possible care in a supportive environment. A large, fluffy black and white dog with brown markings stands outside on grass, looking to the side with its tongue out—ready for a fun day or perhaps a visit to the veterinarian. A white fence and blue sky are visible in the background. A veterinarian wearing gloves gently examines a large tan dog’s neck in a modern veterinary clinic, with medical equipment and animal enclosures in the background.

Our Services Include:

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Comprehensive Cancer Diagnostics

We utilize state-of-the-art imaging and laboratory testing to accurately diagnose and stage cancer.

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Individualized Treatment Plans

Every pet is unique, and so is every cancer. Our team designs customized treatment protocols.

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Pain Management & Palliative Care

We prioritize quality of life. Whether curative or supportive, our care plans are focused on keeping your pet comfortable, active, and happy.

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Ongoing Support & Communication

From your first consultation through treatment and follow-up, we are committed to clear communication and compassionate guidance. We also work closely with your primary veterinarian to ensure seamless care.

Veterinary chemotherapy treatment for pets at Epic Specialty & Emergency Pet Care in St. Petersburg

Electrochemotherapy

A novel approach in treating both tumors and scars from incompletely removed tumors that uses low-doses of chemotherapy combined with electrical pulses that allow for tumor-specific uptake of the chemo agents for selective eradication of tumor cells.

What to Expect
 During your initial visit, you’ll meet with one of our oncologists to discuss your pet’s condition, review diagnostic findings, and explore treatment options. We’ll take the time to answer your questions, address your concerns, and help you make informed decisions that are best for your pet and your family.
 Two people stand smiling outside a building next to a sign that reads "Epic Specialty & Emergency Pet Care" and "Tampa Oncology Veterinary Cancer Center." A brick wall and glass door are in the background. A veterinarian in black scrubs uses a stethoscope to examine a large brown and white dog sitting on an exam table in a bright veterinary clinic.

Hope Lives Here
 A cancer diagnosis is not the end of the story. Many pets continue to enjoy active, fulfilling lives with appropriate treatment and care. At Epic, we’re not only focused on extending life—we’re here to enhance it.

Take a breath — we’re here to help you and your pet on this journey. The best next step is to schedule a consultation with our oncology team. We’ll review your pet’s diagnosis, walk through what it means, and help you understand the treatment options available and prognosis. There’s no pressure to make decisions on the spot; our goal is to give you clear information so you can choose what’s right for your pet and your family.

Our team is led by oncologists, Dr. Joshua Lachowicz and Dr. Monica Fernandez, who focus exclusively on treating cancer in dogs and cats. Because EPIC is a full specialty hospital, our oncologists work side by side with our ER team and specialists, so your pet has an entire expert team behind their care rather than a single provider working alone.

A referral is helpful because it lets us review your pet’s records ahead of time, but it isn’t required to schedule a consultation. If you’re concerned about a diagnosis or simply want expert guidance, you’re welcome to reach out to us directly.

During your initial visit, you’ll meet one-on-one with one of our oncologists to discuss your pet’s condition and review any diagnostic findings. We’ll take the time to answer your questions, talk through the treatment options that make sense for your pet, and help you make informed decisions. You’ll never feel rushed — this conversation is the foundation of your pet’s care. The initial consultation may also include performing additional diagnostics and providing treatment in some cases.

This is one of the most common worries we hear, and it’s an important one. Veterinary chemotherapy is approached very differently than it is in human medicine. Our first priority is always your pet’s quality of life, so treatments are typically given at doses designed to fight cancer while keeping your pet comfortable and feeling like themselves. Most pets tolerate treatment well and continue enjoying their normal routines, and any side effects are usually mild and manageable. We’ll monitor your pet closely and adjust as needed every step of the way.

Because every pet and every cancer is different, we design individualized treatment plans tailored to your pet’s specific diagnosis and your goals for their care. Depending on the situation, options may include chemotherapy, surgery, electrochemotherapy, immunotherapy, and other treatment modalities, along with pain management and palliative care to keep your pet comfortable. Your oncologist will explain which options fit your pet best and what each one involves.

Electrochemotherapy is an innovative treatment we’re proud to offer for certain tumors, including scars left behind when a tumor couldn’t be fully removed with surgery. It combines low doses of chemotherapy with targeted electrical pulses that help the medication enter tumor cells directly, allowing for precise treatment of cancerous cells. Our oncology team can tell you whether it may be a good fit for your pet.

Always. We see ourselves as a partner in your pet’s care, not a replacement for your primary veterinarian. We work closely with your regular vet throughout treatment and follow-up so that everyone caring for your pet stays informed and on the same page.

Absolutely. If your pet has been diagnosed with cancer and you’d like another perspective before deciding on a path forward, we welcome second-opinion consultations. Many families find peace of mind in fully understanding their options.

We understand that cost is a real and important part of these decisions, and we believe advanced care should be as accessible as possible. We’re happy to discuss the anticipated costs of any recommended plan up front, and we offer financing through Cherry payment plans to help make treatment more manageable. Please don’t hesitate to talk with us about your concerns — we’ll do our best to find a path that works for your family.

Not at all. A cancer diagnosis is not the end of the story. With appropriate treatment and care, many pets go on to enjoy active, fulfilling lives. At EPIC, we’re not only focused on extending your pet’s life — we’re here to enhance it. Hope lives here.

We have two locations serving the Tampa Bay area, and oncology appointments are scheduled at both:
  • St. Petersburg: 3250 5th Ave. N, St. Petersburg, FL 33713 — (727) 473-3845
  • Tampa: 4752 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33614 — (813) 343-2118

Oncology is seen by appointment, and our emergency team is here 24/7, 365 days a year. To schedule a consultation or request an appointment, give us a call or reach out through our website — we’re here to help, every step of the way.

Contact Us Today

If your pet has been diagnosed with cancer or if you’re seeking a second opinion, please reach out to our Oncology Department. We’re here to help—every step of the way.

Our cat was diagnosed with lymphoma and we came in for a consultation with Dr. Joshua Lachowicz (Dr. Josh) and knew he was the best medical oncologist for our sweet kitty. He is knowledgeable and caring and spends the time to discuss the cancer and the thought process for the treatment.

— Kimberly Our dog was unexpectedly diagnosed with cancer and came to EPIC to see what options we had. She was kind, thoughtful, and compassionate - exactly what you would expect from an oncologist. I would highly recommend Dr. Fernandez.

— Bethany Dr Josh was absolutely wonderful. He made me feel great about my decision to start chemo that same day.

— Lori My dog was diagnosed with a thyroid carcinoma and they were able to get her in for a consultation the same week and scheduled for surgery the next day! Both Dr Fernandez and Dr Curry were amazing and explained everything in great detail.

— V. Torres We took our dog in for advice on treating a small mast cell tumor... They gave us several options that didn't require surgery, even found a second tumor that needed treatment. Dr. Josh and Shannon were super caring and supportive.

— Glynis Dr. Fernandez was great! She took her time explaining her findings on my pup. Gave us recommendations and what to expect, which is very helpful when making decisions.

— Hilda Our sweet dog Isa tested positive for lymphoma. We were referred to Dr Josh, oncologist at Epic... After only one month of daily chemo pills and prednisone, our dog has already improved to normal lymphocyte levels with no side effects from the medication.

— Shari We see Dr Monica Fernandez and she is always so kind, our dog Oatmeal loves her.

— Patrick Dr. Joshua Lachowicz, the oncologist, delivered the difficult news about my dog's tumor with such knowledge, empathy, and grace. It made all the difference during such an overwhelming time.

— Bethany Personal Care A minimalist, purple and white graphic of a dog standing on a curved surface, with a stylized background shape, ideal for Emergency Vet or Pet ER branding. Large, lavender-colored quotation marks on a light gray background evoke a calm atmosphere—perfect for a Vet clinic, Pet ER, or any veterinarian-themed design.