The new oncology service will offer a wide range of treatments
Chestergates Veterinary Specialists Launches New Oncology Service
4 months ago 
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Chestergates Veterinary Specialists in Chester is launching a new oncology referral service to provide high standard cancer treatment to cats and dogs in the Northwest of England.
Patients being admitted to Chestergates Veterinary Specialists will receive the highest level of care. The new oncology service will offer a wide range of treatments, including chemotherapeutic, surgical and palliative options.
To accommodate the diagnosis and treatment of cases with neoplasia, a new oncology department has been set up. This includes a dedicated chemotherapy room, access to a variety of chemotherapy drugs, complemented by the exisiting fully equipped operating theatre – offering soft tissue and orthopaedic surgery services for surgical oncology cases. The department also has access to high frequency ocular ultrasound, magnetic resonance (MRI), and computed tomography (CT) scanning equipment to assist with the diagnosis of each animal.
The new oncology service will be led by residency-trained clinician in Small Animal Oncology, Nina Vigevani DVM MRCVS. She graduated in 2019 from the University of Milan, following this she completed a rotating internship and worked in general practice in Milan, before moving to the UK to start an oncology internship in a busy referral practice in the South of England. Prior to moving to Chestergates, she completed her Residency in Small Animal Oncology at the University of Liverpool.
A dedicated and compassionate nursing team will also look after oncology patients and facilitate their investigations, care and treatment. This will include experienced nurse Deborah Sayer who has a special interest in oncology.
Nina and Deborah will both be supported by a network of oncologists within CVS’ specialist hospitals as well as the VetOracle Teleoncology team within the UK, along with a Chestergates team of receptionists and support colleagues who will assist with client queries[i].
Nina Vigevani, Resident in Small Animal Oncology at Chestergates, said: “Many cats and dogs living to an older age may develop cancer. These cases need to be thoroughly investigated to ensure that diagnoses are properly determined and adequate treatment provided, while assuring the best quality of life to each patient. Our service is designed to help guide owners to make the most informed decision about the varied treatment options available to them and what impact these might have on their pets. We are very pleased to be able to open our new oncology service for cat and dog owners in the Northwest this month to provide this essential service.”
Oncology consultations and surgical procedures will be offered at Chestergates Veterinary Specialists to any dog or cat from Monday to Wednesday on a weekly basis. If veterinary professionals wish to refer a case in oncology or to see what else Chestergates has to offer, please visit https://chestergates.org.uk/referral-services/.
Chestergates Veterinary Specialists is a leading specialist led, multi-disciplinary veterinary referral hospital situated just north of Chester in the Northwest of England. It offers a 24-hour supervised hospitalisation area, separated by species, 365-days a year. The Chestergates team offer a broad range of specialist veterinary referral services including anaesthesia and analgesia, cardiology, dermatology, cruciate repair, diagnostic imaging, endoscopy, internal medicine, neurology and neurosurgery, oncology, ophthalmology, rehabilitation & physiotherapy, soft tissue & general surgery, and total hip replacement.
Notes to editors:
Incidence of cancer in cats and dogs
Approximately one in four dogs will get cancer and half of dogs over 10 will develop cancer[ii]. A significant proportion of older cats are also predisposed to the disease. The most common cancers for dogs are mast cell tumours, lymphoma and sarcomas, while in cats alimentary lymphoma is the most prevalent. Most of these diseases can be slowed and some can be successfully treated if discovered in time.
[i] Including insurance issues
[ii] American Veterinary Medical Association
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