The Oncology Service (TOS) - Leesburg

I've waited a few months to write this review to see if time changed the way I felt about TOS. On one hand, they were thorough and very good at their mission: treating cancer. They explained all the options clearly and were very on top of my dog's care. When my dog, who had been diagnosed with aggressive cancer, got an unexpected reprieve in the form of tests that showed his cancer was chronic and he should live a normal life, the vet was as happy as I was. But one day only a few months later, my dog was showing all the signs of having the aggressive variety. After he couldn't breathe one night, I called and emailed first thing the next morning asking what to do. Finally, after two hours or trying to get an answer, they called and told me to take him to my regular vet (or an emergency clinic). It was my regular vet who did tests and found the cancer had spread, who helped me arrange for euthanasia, who ensured he had medication until the hospice vet could come. Not that day nor any day in the last two months did I ever get a call from the vet at TOS trying to help me understand what happened. To this day, I still don't know. And I completely understand that their role is not the same as a primary vet's. But they are the ones with the expertise, and at the end, when I needed that expertise, I felt abandoned. So yes, I think they are very good veterinarians who will do everything they can to treat your dog or cat if it gets cancer. Just go in with appropriate expectations about what they will do if/when your pet's treatment no longer works.

posted: 08/08/2023

TOS is awesome. We have to travel four hours roundtrip, and it's worth every second. They were so accommodating of my schedule as a teacher, and everyone there is so warm. While I know they are constantly balancing a million things, the front desk staff always takes time to chat and make you feel welcome. The technicians love up on the dogs, and my doctor-anxious dog still goes in with tail wagging for every radiation appointment. It's clear that the people who work there love animals. I've never felt rushed or like I couldn't ask a question, and talking to Dr. White is always genuinely enjoyable.

posted: 06/20/2023

There truly aren't enough kind words to say about Dr.Rusk and the rest of the staff at TOS. Nobody wants to have to go to an oncologist for their beloved pet. The first day I drove into the parking lot, I had a knot in my stomach. I didn't know what to expect, but I feared the worst. The front desk staff, especially Karla, helped to put us at ease right away. When we met with the techs and then Dr.Rusk, the ease continued to lift. He is honest, and will not sugar coat anything for you. However, there is comfort in knowing what you're up against, and his attitudes towards positivity help to change your mindset from gloomy to hopeful. We held hope for our girl when she was diagnosed with lymphoma. Throughout her treatments, we felt confident she was in great hands, and that she was well taken care of when she was in their care. The staff grew to know her by name, and we always felt like they saw her as we saw her, a beautiful girl inside and out. Our Piper girl battled, she had ups and downs, but she stayed strong. Her quality of life never suffered. In going to TOS we received the best gift that we could, which was precious time with our girl. Dr.Rusk gave us 11 months more of hugs and kisses, walkies and zoomies. Piper ate like a princess and we cherished each moment with her. She got to meet her new human brother and bond with him for 4 months before she passed. I will always be forever grateful for that. She was the best nanny dog. There will always be a hole in our hearts now that she is gone, but I don't regret for one second taking her to TOS. If you are facing this extremely difficult time in your life with your loved one, I cannot recommend them enough. You will be treated with compassion and given the best care that there is. Thank you all at TOS - for loving our girl and being such caring and kind human beings. It meant everything.

posted: 06/23/2023

Dr White is awesome. She knows her stuff and was able to explain it at our level on her white board. She is energetic, enthusiastic and compassionate. She even got our hyper dog to calm down like magic. It's scary to need an Oncologist in the first place but Dr White made us feel we were totally in the right place.

posted: 11/24/2022

Amazing from start to finish. Dr. White and the team provide the most excellent service you can hope for!

posted: 08/29/2023