Tumor Specific Electroporation (TSE)

Reviewed by: Scott Rizzo, DVM, MS, DACVIM (SAIM), MBA

A focused new way to treat tumors

Starting Monday, October 19, 2026, Veterinary Specialist Partners offers Tumor Specific Electroporation, or TSE, for dogs and cats at our Louisville hospital. You may also hear it called electrochemotherapy. TSE is performed by our internal medicine team.

What is TSE?

TSE is a form of electrochemotherapy. During treatment, needles are used to apply a brief electric field to the tumor area. The electric field creates temporary openings in the tumor cells, which increases how much of the chemotherapy drug the cells take up. The drug used is bleomycin, which is very well tolerated and does not cause whole body (systemic) side effects.

TSE may be an option for tumors that have shown little or no response to conventional chemotherapy. Because treatment is focused on the tumor, effects on surrounding healthy tissue are generally limited.

How TSE works in four steps

Illustration of a tumor cell surrounded by chemotherapy drug molecules after bleomycin is given — 1 Chemotherapy is given

Illustration of a brief electric field opening temporary pores in a tumor cell membrane so the chemotherapy drug can enter — 2 Pores open

Illustration of the tumor cell pores closing, with a lock symbol showing the drug is kept inside the cell — 3 Pores close

Illustration of the tumor cell breaking apart as immune cells gather around it — 4 Tumor cells are targeted

Chemotherapy is given. The chemotherapy drug is given to your pet.
Pores open. The electric field forms temporary pores in the tumor cell membranes so the drug can enter.
Pores close. The pores close after treatment, keeping the drug inside the tumor cells.
Tumor cells are targeted. The drug breaks down tumor cell DNA, small blood vessels feeding the tumor clot off, and the immune system is activated.

When TSE may help

TSE can be a good choice when surgery would be difficult or would remove a lot of healthy tissue. This includes tumors in or on the:

Mouth and tongue
Head and face
Neck
Lower legs and paws

Your pet's care team may also suggest TSE:

After surgery, when some tumor cells may have been left behind at the edges
Before surgery, to help shrink a tumor
As comfort care, to help slow tumor growth and improve quality of life

TSE has been used for many tumor types, including mast cell tumors, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, soft tissue sarcomas, fibrosarcoma, perianal tumors, anal sac adenocarcinoma and other tumors near the surface of the body. It may also be used for nasal lymphoma when the mass is pushing through the nasal bone. TSE does not treat lymphoma that has spread through the body (systemic lymphoma). Not every pet or tumor is a good fit, and we will talk through your pet's options with you.

What to expect on treatment day

Your pet will be sedated so they stay still and comfortable. General anesthesia is not needed. The area is shaved and cleaned.
The drug, bleomycin, is given into the bloodstream (IV) or directly into the tumor. Then a brief electric field is applied to the tumor area.
The procedure is quick, usually 30 minutes or less.
Your pet wakes in a calm area and can go home the same day.

How many treatments will my pet need?

The number of treatments depends on the type and size of the tumor. For most pets, we recommend a minimum of 2 treatments. Treatments are typically given 2 to 3 weeks apart, with no rechecks needed in between. The schedule may vary based on your pet's tumor and healing progress.

Timeline showing treatment 1 at week 0, treatment 2 about 2 to 3 weeks later, and treatment 3 if needed, with no recheck visits between treatments

Typical TSE schedule

After treatment

The treated area may swell, change color, turn black or crust. Looking worse before it looks better is a normal part of healing.
Once healed, the skin may be slightly lighter or darker than before.
This is usually not a painful procedure, but we will send your pet home with pain medication just in case.

Inside our TSE treatments

vetIQure electroporation handpiece on a sterile drape

vetIQure electroporation unit with sterile supplies ready for treatment

Care team in gowns beside the vetIQure electroporation unit

Smiling cream golden retriever getting a hug from a veterinary team member before treatment

Happy chocolate Labrador getting a hug from his care team before tumor treatment

Senior mixed breed dog lying calmly on the floor in a clear cone while waiting for treatment

Chocolate Labrador standing calmly with his veterinary care team before treatment

Smiling veterinary team treating a sleeping cat with tumor specific electroporation

Wide view of the procedure room as the team treats a sleeping dog with electroporation

Veterinarian gently treating a sleeping chocolate Labrador wearing a yellow eye cover

Sleeping golden retriever wearing a palm tree eye mask while a team member keeps her comfortable

Gloved hands gently supporting a sleeping cat's head during electroporation treatment

Gloved hands giving IV medication to a sleeping dog just before electroporation

What the research shows

Electrochemotherapy has been studied in dogs and cats for more than 20 years. In one published study of dogs with mast cell tumors that could not be fully removed by surgery, 85% responded to electrochemotherapy. Results depend on the tumor type and size, and we will talk with you about what to expect for your pet.

Download the TSE handout (PDF)

Why choose VSP

Our specialists work closely with you and your family veterinarian. We look at the whole pet, explain every option in plain language and help you choose the care that fits your pet and your family.

Frequently asked questions

What is Tumor Specific Electroporation?

TSE is a form of electrochemotherapy. A brief electric field opens temporary pores in tumor cells so more of the chemotherapy drug, bleomycin, gets inside. Treatment is focused on the tumor, so effects on nearby healthy tissue are generally limited.

Is TSE the same as electrochemotherapy?

Yes. Electrochemotherapy is another name for the same kind of treatment.

Does my pet need to stay overnight?

No. The procedure is quick, usually 30 minutes or less, and most pets go home the same day.

Will my pet need anesthesia?

No. TSE is done under sedation, not general anesthesia, to help your pet stay still and comfortable.

Is the chemotherapy hard on my pet?

TSE uses bleomycin, which is very well tolerated and does not cause whole body (systemic) side effects.

How many treatments will my pet need?

For most pets, we recommend a minimum of 2 treatments, typically given 2 to 3 weeks apart, with no rechecks needed in between.

Is TSE painful?

TSE is usually not a painful procedure, but we will send your pet home with pain medication just in case.

What will the treated area look like?

The area may swell, change color, turn black or crust. Looking worse before it looks better is a normal part of healing. Once healed, the skin may be slightly lighter or darker than before.

What kinds of tumors can TSE treat?

TSE has been used for mast cell tumors, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, soft tissue sarcomas, fibrosarcoma, perianal tumors, anal sac adenocarcinoma and other tumors near the surface of the body. It may also be used for nasal lymphoma when the mass is pushing through the nasal bone, but it does not treat lymphoma that has spread through the body (systemic lymphoma).

Can TSE be used with surgery?

Yes. It can be used before surgery to shrink a tumor or after surgery when tumor cells may remain at the edges.

Who performs TSE at VSP?

TSE is performed by our internal medicine team.

How do I get started?

Call us at (502) 901-7990, request an appointment, or ask your family veterinarian to send a referral.

Call to action

Have questions about TSE for your pet? Call (502) 901-7990 or request an appointment. Veterinarians can send a referral.

Research and further reading

These peer reviewed articles describe electrochemotherapy in dogs and cats. They are written for veterinarians.

Practices vary between hospitals. Some of these articles describe treatment under general anesthesia and waiting at least 4 weeks between sessions. Our approach, sedation with sessions 2 to 3 weeks apart, reflects updated recommendations. It is also supported by published work, such as a 2020 study in cats (article 2) in which treatment was given under sedation and a second session was given 2 weeks later.

David DeBeer

Sophia became very lethargic and was in distress during the weekend when our primary Vet wasn't open. We were on our way to another urgent care when they called us to let us know they were on a 4 hour wait. They gave us the phone number for VSP and suggested we call them. VSP got us in immediately, and we could not have been more impressed with the level of care, concern, and attention provided to us. Everyone there (staff, techs, doctors - everyone) were awesome. Treated us with care and respect. The doctors gave great explanations and options to let us decide what was best for Sophia. She had a very serious case of pancreatitis and we nearly lost her. Cannot thank everyone at VSP enough for saving our little girl. Highly recommend to anyone that needs medical attention for their family.

Joshua Lanham

Always professional and kind. Best vets and service your gonna find in Louisville.

Stephanie Robertson

Fantastic care, compassionate, thorough, kind, and clear. They made a stressful and upsetting time so much easier and took great care of my pet.

Christopher Sorrell

Very nice and helpful staff. Has complementary coffee and water.

Sheri Gahlinger

This is a great place to take your pets. The office was clean and everyone was so nice and concerned. Took us right back and answered all our questions and gave us some really good advice. Fortunately our pet was not seriously sick so our bill was less than expected because we considered it an emergency hospital. If anything comes up again and we think is serious, we will definitely go back. It’s just really far from our home.

Ryan Livesay

Very good, very professional, made us feel at ease.

Diva, Prince & Paco Love

The level of care provided to my dog, Diva, has consistently exceeded expectations. The entire team demonstrates exceptional professionalism, attention to detail, and genuine compassion during every visit. It is evident that the staff and doctors are deeply committed to delivering high‑quality veterinary care. From check‑in to discharge, the process is smooth, organized, and reassuring. The doctors take the time to thoroughly explain Diva’s treatment, answer questions, and ensure I feel confident in her care plan. The staff is equally impressive—courteous, knowledgeable, and attentive to both pet and owner. This clinic sets a high standard for veterinary excellence. Every member of the team deserves recognition for their outstanding service and dedication. I am truly grateful for the exceptional care they provide to Diva. Highly recommended. Outstanding staff. Exceptional doctors. Consistently excellent care.

Susan Reed

Everyone was very kind and helpful! They showed compassion and treated my dog with great care.

Lisa Davis

Phone receptionist was very professional and took my pet emergency right away. Vet tech Sierra was very professional and personable. She and the vet treats my dog as if she was their own. Wonderful place, would recommend to others and have.

Jenna Scott

The care was outstanding! Abby was the absolute best. She kept us informed every step of the way on what was going on and went out of her way to make our Penny comfortable. It was clear when we picked her up that Penny was already super comfortable with Abby. Dr. Reinhart was also amazing and even though it was a very busy day for them they still made us feel like a priority. She was so calming and informative.