What is radiation therapy for pets?
In some ways, cancer affects our pets much like it does humans. Just like in human medicine, radiation can be used for therapeutic purposes in pets with cancer. Cancer cells divide and grow much faster than healthy cells. Through radiation therapy, a cell’s DNA is strategically damaged to inhibit replication, ultimately destroying or reducing the cancerous cells.
When is radiation therapy used?
Not all types of cancer are the same, and not all tumors are responsive to radiation. While some tumors may be responsive to radiation alone, others may require radiation used with other therapeutic methods such as chemotherapy or surgery. Radiation therapy is commonly used to destroy any remaining cancerous tissue following the surgical removal of a tumor. It can also be used to reduce the size of extremely large tumors, thereby making surgical removal more manageable. Your veterinarian will work with you to determine the therapy or combination of therapies most beneficial for your pet.
How is radiation therapy administered?
Radiation therapy must be delivered with a high degree of precision. This typically means that a patient needs to be under general anesthesia, as it’s critical that they remain still during the procedure. Depending on the case, your pet may need to undergo several sessions of radiation therapy. Fortunately, the procedure is usually quick, and the patient’s time under anesthesia is minimal.
What is stereotactic radiation therapy (SRT)?
Stereotactic radiation therapy (SRT) has been used in human medicine for several decades and has been recently adapted for use in veterinary medicine. This type of therapy involves a higher dose of radiation administered over several days, resulting in a shorter overall treatment time. SRT is more effective at isolating cancerous tissue for treatment, preventing damage to the surrounding healthy tissue. Dr. Sullivan is recognized in the veterinary field as an experienced leader in SRT and utilizes it as part of the state-of-the-art oncology services at Bellingham Veterinary.
For more information on radiation therapy, SRT, or our other oncology services, please contact us at (360) 734-0720.