BluePearl Pet Hospital
Rockville, MD
Oncology

Emergency and Specialty
Emergency:
Mon: 10 am-10 pm
Tue-Fri: 7 am-2 am
Sat & Sun: 10 am-8 pm
Specialty:
By appointment

Pet oncology by BluePearl.

Advanced cancer care to help your pet live a longer and better life.

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

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.

Rachel Rasmussen

DVM, DACVIM (Oncology)
Board Certified in Veterinary Oncology

Oncology
On the job

Dr. Rasmussen understands the importance of multi-modal therapy in cancer treatment for our veterinarian patients, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy. She values the relationships and trust built between the family and the pet, especially when navigating a cancer diagnosis.

Education
  • Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Oncology)
  • Residency, Oncology, University of Wisconsin, Madison
  • Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, Colorado State University, Fort Collins
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona CA
  • Bachelor of Science, Biological Sciences & Animal Science, University of Vermont, Burlington
Off duty

Dr. Rasmussen and her husband have two children. The family pet is a chocolate Lab named Randall. In addition to family time, Dr. Rasmussen enjoys playing golf, yoga, running, music, watching sports, and travel.

Publications & Articles

Abbie Speas

DVM, DACVIM (Oncology)
Board Certified in Veterinary Oncology

Oncology
On the job

Dr. Abbie Speas values the knowledge she gained while working in an integrated service that included medical, surgical and radiation oncologists. She values client education and working with clients to determine the best treatment plan for each individual pet. Her particular clinical interests include the treatment of histiocytic sarcoma, osteosarcoma and lymphoma.

Education
  • Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Oncology)
  • Residency, Small Animal Oncology, University of Florida, Gainesville
  • Internship, Small Animal Oncology, University of Georgia, Athens
  • Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, Colorado State University, Fort Collins
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens
  • Bachelor of Science, Biology, University of Georgia, Athens
Off duty

Dr. Speas has two dogs, Luke and Finnegan, and two cats, Dexter and Elliott. She enjoys an active lifestyle, especially exploring outdoors and attending concerts and festivals.

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.