Veterinary Oncology by BluePearl Framingham MA

BluePearl Pet Hospital
Framingham, MA
Oncology

24/7 Emergency and Specialty
781.684.8387
659 Worcester Road #9 Framingham, MA 01701
[email protected]
instagram.com/bluepearlframingham
Emergency:
24/7
Specialty:
By appointment
Request Appointment

Pet oncology by BluePearl.

An oncology veterinarian examines a patient while a technician helps.

Conditions treated

Learn which conditions our specialty team can help diagnose and treat, so your pet gets the right care for their needs.

A BluePearl veterinary internist smiles while holding a black and white cat in her arms.

Success stories

Discover how other pets have overcome their diagnoses with specialized care, giving you hope for your pet’s recovery.

A veterinarian meets with a client and her medium sized white and grey dog in a comfortable, welcoming exam room.

Request appointment

Take the next step toward answers and treatment by scheduling a specialty consultation for your pet.

Advanced cancer care and veterinary expertise you can trust.

We understand that seeing your pet experience unusual symptoms or act out of the ordinary can be stressful – especially if you don’t know what’s wrong. Fortunately, our veterinary oncology team is made up of experts in diagnosing and treating cancer, and we’re here to help. 

Our commitment is not just to treat illnesses; it’s to enhance the well-being of your pet and be with you every step of the way.

A vet tech prepares for oncology exam

Conditions we treat.

A BluePearl anesthesiology and pain management vet prepares to fix an anesthetic facemask on a yellow lab while a vet tech helps hold the dog on the exam table.

If your pet has cancer, you’ll have an entire oncology team helping to improve your pet’s quality of life so you can get back to what matters most – spending precious moments together.

  • Bone cancer
  • Liver and spleen cancer
  • Lymphatic system cancer
  • Mammary (breast) cancer
  • Skin cancer
  • Soft-tissue cancer
  • Thyroid cancer
  • Tumors
  • Urinary system cancer

Services we offer.

Your pet will receive unparalleled medical care during their time at the hospital (and they’ll be spoiled with love and attention, too).

Advanced diagnostics

Your pet can’t tell us what’s wrong, so we use sophisticated diagnostics and imaging tools to uncover the source of the problem.

  • Radiography (x-rays)
  • Ultrasound
  • Blood testing
  • Biopsy
  • Cytology

Treatment plans

Just as no two patients are the same, neither are their treatment plans. Our oncology team has experience with a range of advanced procedures and minimally invasive options to get your pet on the path to wellness, including:

  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiation therapy
  • Surgery, including tumor removal
A white dog wearing a party hat and a bandana sits on the lap of a veterinary technician wearing black scrubs.
A light brown and white dog on a blue leash sits in the grass and looks happily up at the camera.
A black cat wearing a party hat and a bandana crouches in a kennel.
A veterinary technician wearing PPE prepares chemotherapy treatment for a pet patient.
A black and white dog wearing a party hat sits politely on a wood floor looking up at the camera.
A tan and white dog wearing a bandana and a party hat is held up in the lap of a veterinary technician wearing black scrubs.
A black and white husky dog wearing a bandana and a party hat sits on a wood floor looking up into the camera.
A black dog with a white muzzle wearing a bandana and a party hat sits on a wood floor looking up into the camera.
Two veterinary professionals wearing PPE sit on the floor with a golden retriever dog while the patient receives chemotherapy.
A BluePearl veterinary oncologist draws medication into a syringe under a fume hood.
Two BluePearl veterinary oncologists administer IV medication to a tan and white cat.
A BluePearl veterinary oncologist smiles as she examines a long-haired cat.
A BluePearl veterinary oncologist administers IV medication to a tan and white cat while an oncology vet tech help hold them still.
A BluePearl veterinary oncologist in a white coat smiles as he examines a black and white dog while a vet tech helps hold them still.
A BluePearl veterinary oncologist draws medication into a syringe under a fume hood.

Our board certified specialists and oncology team.

Experience makes all the difference. 

Our oncology team is made up of veterinarians, vet technicians and assistants, and support staff with rigorous training and experience in specialty medicine. The team works hand in hand to provide the comprehensive, compassionate care your pet needs and deserves. Because we’re a multidisciplinary hospital, the team can consult the expertise of other specialty departments, too.

Janis Lapsley

DVM, DACVS (SA)
Board Certified in Small Animal Veterinary Surgery
Oncology
Servicing locations
BluePearl Pet Hospital Framingham, MA
On the job

Dr. Janis Lapsley’s practice focuses on the surgical treatment of cancer in cats and dogs, including complex tumors of the skin and soft tissues, oral cavity, chest and abdomen. She performs procedures like wide resection and reconstruction of soft tissue tumors, sentinel lymph node mapping to identify the lymph nodes most likely to harbor cancer, lymphadenectomy, maxillectomy and mandibulectomy (removing portions of the upper or lower jaw), lung lobectomy and tumor surgery.

Always keeping quality of life center stage, Dr. Lapsley especially enjoys partnering both with clients and specialists to develop treatment plans that reflect both the medical needs of the patient and the family’s goals. Her individualized, patient- and client-centered approach combines advanced surgical options and evidence-based medicine with thoughtful consideration of comfort, function and each family’s priorities.

Before joining BluePearl, Dr. Lapsley spent six years on the faculty at Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. There she practiced surgical oncology within the integrated oncology service and taught veterinary students, interns, residents and practicing veterinarians. She has authored or co-authored nearly 40 peer-reviewed publications and remains involved in clinical cancer research. Her research interests include sentinel lymph node mapping, surgical margin assessment, oral malignant melanoma, soft tissue sarcoma and emerging technologies designed to improve cancer surgery and treatment.

Education
  • Fellowship, Surgical Oncology, American College of Veterinary Surgeons
  • Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons (Small Animal)
  • Residency, Small Animal Surgery, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
  • Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, Angell Animal Medical Center, Boston, MA
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA
Off duty

Dr. Lapsley has two cats (Finn and Sprout), an antisocial German shepherd (Berlin) and a spoiled princess American Quarter Horse (Gracie). She and Gracie compete in AQHA Western All-Around Events with a special affinity for western pleasure and horsemanship.

Rachel Wong

DVM, DACVIM (Oncology)
Board Certified in Veterinary Oncology
Oncology
Servicing locations
BluePearl Pet Hospital Framingham, MA
On the job

Dr. Rachel Wong’s clinical interests include lymphoma, hemangiosarcoma and osteosarcoma.

Education
  • Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Oncology)
  • Residency, Medical Oncology, Ohio State University, Columbus
  • Internship, Medical Oncology, Angell Animal Medical Center, Boston, MA
  • Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, BluePearl Pet Hospital, Cary, NC
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul
  • Bachelor of Science, Biology, San Diego State University, CA
Off duty

Dr. Wong enjoys spending time with her pets and trying new restaurants.

Call us at 781.684.8387

What to expect.

We want you to be prepared for your pet’s visit to the oncologist, so you have one less thing to worry about. Our entire BluePearl team will be with you every step of the way.

Before your visit

  • Make an initial appointment by calling us directly or via referral from your pet’s primary vet. 
  • We’ll request records from your primary or emergency vet before your first visit and collaborate with them to discuss your pet’s history and current condition.

During your visit

  • When possible, we’ll examine your pet with you by their side to make them more comfortable. If additional tests are needed for a diagnosis, we’ll discuss those options with you.
  • You’ll have plenty of time and opportunity to ask questions as we go over your pet’s diagnosis together.
  • Before you leave, you’ll receive a detailed treatment plan, discharge instructions and any recommended medications. We’ll schedule a recheck appointment and make sure you’re aware of any symptoms you should watch out for at home.

After your visit

  • Our team will continue to partner with your primary veterinarian as part of the ongoing management of your pet’s care.
  • You know your pet better than anyone, and you play a crucial role in their treatment plan. If you have any concerns about providing care at home (such as giving medication, maintaining a specific diet or monitoring your pet’s symptoms), let us know – we’re here for you.

Frequently asked questions.

Veterinary oncologists specialize in diagnosing and treating cancer in pets. These specialists work closely with other veterinary teams to develop personalized treatment plans using advanced therapies such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Our goal is to give pets the best possible quality of life, both during and after treatment.
Cancer is typically diagnosed through a combination of physical exams, imaging and laboratory tests. At BluePearl, our oncologists may recommend procedures such as fine-needle aspiration, biopsy, x-rays, ultrasound or CT scans to confirm a diagnosis and determine the type and stage of cancer.
Oncologists treat a wide range of cancers in dogs and cats, including lymphoma, mast cell tumors, osteosarcoma, melanoma and soft tissue sarcomas. Our specialists use advanced diagnostics and evidence-based treatments tailored to each pet’s specific cancer type and overall health.
Common signs of cancer include lumps or bumps that grow, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, fatigue, difficulty breathing, limping or wounds that won’t heal. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your primary veterinarian or your nearest BluePearl hospital for evaluation.
During your pet’s oncology consultation at BluePearl, our team will review your pet’s medical history, perform an exam and discuss previous test results. Additional diagnostic tests may be recommended to confirm the type and stage of cancer. Once we have all the information, our oncologist will explain treatment options and help you choose the best plan for your pet.
We offer a range of cancer treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy and palliative care. BluePearl oncologists work closely with specialists across departments to create a comprehensive treatment plan designed to meet your pet’s medical and emotional needs.
The right treatment depends on your pet’s diagnosis and overall health. Your oncologist will discuss all available options, which may include one or a combination of therapies. Each treatment plan is tailored to maximize comfort, extend quality of life and minimize side effects.
Most pets tolerate chemotherapy much better than people expect. Our oncology team carefully adjusts dosages to reduce side effects while still targeting cancer cells. While some pets may experience mild fatigue, appetite changes or gastrointestinal upset, severe reactions are uncommon.
Yes. Chemotherapy for pets is designed with their comfort and safety in mind. Oncologists use precise dosing and advanced monitoring to minimize risks and side effects. Our team also provides guidance on what to watch for at home and how to support your pet during treatment.
Many types of cancer can go into remission with proper treatment. At BluePearl, our oncology team tracks each pet’s progress through regular exams and imaging. While not every cancer is curable, remission can often extend both lifespan and quality of life significantly.
Comfort and quality of life are our top priorities. Your oncologist may recommend medications, diet changes and lifestyle adjustments to help manage side effects and keep your pet feeling their best. Our palliative care and pain management teams are also available to provide additional support when needed.
If you discover a lump or bump on your pet, schedule an exam with your primary veterinarian as soon as possible. They can perform an initial evaluation and, if needed, refer you to a BluePearl oncologist for further testing. Early detection can make a big difference in treatment success. You can also make an appointment directly by calling the hospital, no referral needed.

Success stories.

"I’m glad that the cancer is treated and he’s doing well,” said Amy. “He is at the same quality of life he was at before his cancer diagnosis."
Read Longo's story.
Amy
Amy
“I cried so many happy tears and I am forever grateful to this team. Dr. Duffy walked us through what we needed to do moving forward, and I put full trust in her recommendations. She always made us feel so welcome, remembered Malakai, and was excited to see his progress. I will never forget the people who helped me, my dog and our family on our scariest days.”
Read Malakai's story.
Holly
Holly

Make an appointment.

A veterinary technician holding a dog and smiling

Take the first step to getting your pet back to their best self – call us to speak with the oncology team and make an appointment.

Prioritize your pet’s health with the experts in specialty medicine.

Call us at 781.684.8387
Request Appointment