On This Page
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What is Oncologic Surgery?
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Procedures We Perform
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The Recovery Timeline
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Cost & Availability
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FAQ
What is Oncologic Surgery?
Oncologic surgery covers the surgical diagnosis and treatment of tumors and cancerous conditions; from routine mass removals to more complex resections requiring wide margins or careful staging.
Timing matters: many masses are more straightforward to manage surgically when addressed early, before they grow larger or the patient's condition changes.
Dr. Poppell performs oncologic procedures as part of Red Hills Veterinary Surgery's mobile surgical model — traveling to your clinic with the equipment and expertise to handle the case on-site, so your patient avoids the stress and delay of a referral to an unfamiliar facility.
Procedures We Perform
Red Hills Veterinary Surgery performs a range of oncologic procedures, including:
Mass Removal: Routine and complex removals of cutaneous, subcutaneous, and deeper masses, with margins planned according to suspected tumor type and location.
Biopsy: Incisional and excisional biopsies to obtain a diagnosis and guide treatment planning, performed with attention to future surgical planning if a second procedure is needed.
Surgical Cancer Care: Broader oncologic resections for confirmed or suspected malignancies, planned in coordination with the referring veterinarian and, where relevant, a treating oncologist.
Case complexity varies widely in oncologic surgery — contact Dr. Poppell to discuss case-specific planning, including margin strategy and whether pre-surgical staging is warranted.
The Recovery Timeline
Recovery depends heavily on the extent of the procedure — a small mass removal and a wide resection have very different timelines. In general:
Days 1–3: Incision monitoring, pain management, and activity restriction. This period is especially important for larger resections where wound tension is a concern.
Days 3–10: Progressive incision healing. Suture removal and recheck typically at 10–14 days post-op, coordinated with the referring clinic.
Beyond 2 Weeks: Most patients are cleared for normal activity within 2–4 weeks. Cases involving reconstructive closure or larger resections may require a more conservative timeline.
Histopathology results, when submitted, are typically shared with the referring clinic to guide any follow-up care or discussion of further treatment.
Dr. Poppell provides procedure-specific post-operative instructions to both the referring clinic and the pet owner at the time of discharge.
Cost & Availability
Cost varies based on procedure complexity, mass location and size, and whether histopathology or additional diagnostics are pursued.
Red Hills Veterinary Surgery's mobile model — Dr. Poppell coming to your clinic — eliminates specialty facility fees and reduces the logistical burden on your team and your clients.
Red Hills Veterinary Surgery performs oncologic procedures at partner clinics across North Florida and South Georgia, including Tallahassee, Thomasville, Valdosta, and surrounding areas.
To discuss scheduling, case selection, or pricing for a specific patient, contact Dr. Poppell directly. Cases with a rapidly growing or concerning mass can often be accommodated faster than a traditional specialty hospital referral allows.
FAQ
Does my client need a referral to access oncologic surgery through Red Hills Veterinary Surgery?
Red Hills works through referring veterinarians. If you're a pet owner whose vet has recommended surgery, ask them to contact us directly to discuss scheduling.
What does Dr. Poppell bring to the procedure?
Dr. Poppell arrives with surgical equipment and supplies specific to the procedure. Your clinic provides the surgical suite, anesthesia support, and nursing staff.
Does Red Hills Veterinary Surgery offer chemotherapy or radiation?
No — Red Hills Veterinary Surgery provides surgical care only. For cases requiring chemotherapy or radiation, Dr. Poppell coordinates with the referring clinic on next steps and appropriate oncology referral.
How do I know if a mass needs surgery right away or can wait?
This depends on the mass's size, location, growth rate, and the patient's overall condition. Contact Dr. Poppell directly to discuss urgency for a specific case.
How do I refer a case?
Contact Red Hills Veterinary Surgery by phone or email to discuss the case. Dr. Poppell will confirm case suitability, coordinate with your clinic on scheduling, and handle communication with the pet owner from that point forward.