Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy for pets has been available for decades. As the years have gone by, more studies have been done and improvements have been made in both the treatments and the instruments that deliver the radiation. We are fortunate at the Veterinary MRI and Radiotherapy Center of NJ to have both state of the art equipment and a state of the art radiation team. Dr. Neal Mauldin is a leader in the veterinary radiation oncology field. He received his training and has collaborated on projects at NYC's Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Dr. Mauldin is triple board certified in veterinary radiation oncology, medical oncology and internal medicine. The Center also boasts 3 radiation therapy technicians that have come from the human sector. Michele Bradley is our certified veterinary radiation therapy technician. She has been in this field for over 10 years.

In general, dogs and cats do very well with radiation therapy. Because we use the latest equipment for radiation planning and treatment, we are able to minimize side effects while maximizing the dose to the tumor site. Many different types of tumors can be treated with radiation. Some malignant tumors and most noncancerous lesions can be cured. Others can go into remission for months to years.

We routinely treat radiation therapy cases on an outpatient basis. Your entire appointment (including the treatment) is typically 30 minutes in length. You may also drop your pet off with us for the day, if that is more convenient for you. There is no extra charge for this day stay.

Each patient is treated with the utmost in loving care. Your pet is seen as an extension of our "family." Every effort is made to make sure patients feel safe, loved and as comfortable as possible before, during and after their treatment. We hope to provide you with the same compassion during your visits with us that your pet receives.

What are the side effects of radiation therapy?

Radiation therapy does not have the same side effects in animals as it does in people. Your pet should not have any nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. The most common side effects are: a temporary "sunburn" effect or darkening of the skin, known as hyperpigmentation, and hair loss. The hair loss may be permanent, or the hair may grow back white. Side effects only happen in the area that is being treated.

How many radiation treatments are necessary?

Radiation treatments typically vary between 4, 12, 18 or 21. The amounts (also called fractions) are dependent on your pet's tumor type and the goal of the therapy. There are two different goals of radiation therapy: curative- meaning the tumor is cured (or at least put in remission), and palliative- meaning radiation is given to alleviate pain or other clinical symptoms to improve the quality of life. Your veterinary oncologist will determine the best course of treatment for your pet.