Everything You Need to Know About Radiation Therapy in Cats and Dogs

Blog Summary

Radiation therapy in cats and dogs is a highly targeted, non-invasive cancer treatment that plays an important role in veterinary oncology. This blog explains how radiation therapy works, the clinical conditions it commonly treats, and the advanced technologies used to deliver it safely and precisely. Pet owners will learn about the types of radiation protocols available including definitive, stereotactic, and palliative approaches and what to expect before, during, and after treatment.

At Veterinary Specialty Center in Bannockburn, IL, radiation therapy is part of a collaborative, multi-specialty approach to cancer care. The article outlines indications for treatment, potential side effects, and how the oncology team determines whether radiation therapy is the right option for an individual pet. Whether being used as a curative-intent strategy or to improve comfort and quality of life, radiation therapy remains an essential tool in modern veterinary cancer management.

Introduction:

A diagnosis of cancer can be overwhelming for any pet owner. When radiation therapy is introduced as part of the treatment plan, it’s natural to have questions about what it entails, how it works, and what outcomes it can support. Radiation therapy in cats and dogs is a sophisticated and highly targeted modality used to control tumor growth, reduce clinical signs, and improve patient comfort. At Veterinary Specialty Center in Bannockburn, IL, our oncology and radiology teams work collaboratively to deliver advanced, evidence-based care tailored to each patient’s unique needs.

 

 

The Role of Radiation Therapy in Veterinary Oncology

Radiation therapy is a localized cancer treatment that uses ionizing radiation to disrupt the DNA of neoplastic cells, impairing their ability to divide and proliferate. Unlike systemic therapies such as chemotherapy, radiation is confined to a specific area of the body, making it particularly effective for tumors that are anatomically challenging or incompletely resected.

At our specialty facility, we utilize multiple forms of radiation therapy to suit the clinical needs of each patient:

• Definitive (curative-intent) protocols, which involve fractionated dosing to maximize tumor control while preserving surrounding tissue.
• Stereotactic radiation therapy (SRT), a precise, high-dose option delivered over fewer sessions for deep-seated or intracranial tumors.
• Palliative protocols, which provide symptom relief and improve function in patients for whom curative treatment is not feasible.

These treatments are supported by advanced imaging, treatment planning software, and on-site expertise from our residency-trained and board-certified specialists.

Clinical Indications for Radiation Therapy in Cats and Dogs

Radiation therapy is indicated for a wide range of tumor types, particularly those with high local invasiveness, those located in surgically inaccessible areas, or those for which complete surgical excision is unlikely.

Nasal and Sinus Tumors

These tumors often respond favorably to radiation due to their location and sensitivity to ionizing energy. Radiation helps reduce tumor burden, alleviate obstruction, and improve respiratory function.

Intracranial and Spinal Tumors

Radiation therapy, particularly SRT, is frequently used for brain and spinal cord tumors, including meningiomas and gliomas, where surgical access is limited. The precision of SRT enables tumor targeting with minimal impact on adjacent neural structures.

Mast Cell Tumors

When complete surgical excision is not possible or margins are narrow, radiation is often used as an adjunct to prevent local recurrence. Radiation therapy is also utilized for high-grade or non-resectable MCTs.

Soft Tissue Sarcomas

Due to their infiltrative behavior, soft tissue sarcomas are commonly treated with radiation either post-operatively or as the primary modality when surgery is not an option.

How Radiation Therapy Is Planned and Delivered

Radiation therapy at Veterinary Specialty Center is carried out with a high degree of precision, utilizing advanced diagnostic imaging and treatment planning protocols. Every case is managed by a multidisciplinary team to ensure optimal outcomes.

Initial Consultation and Imaging

Following referral, a comprehensive consultation is performed, including review of diagnostics and advanced imaging (typically CT) for treatment planning. A customized protocol is developed based on the tumor’s size, shape, location, and biological behavior.

Treatment Sessions

Each treatment is administered under general anesthesia to ensure complete stillness and positional accuracy. Patients are carefully monitored before, during, and after each session. The duration of each visit is typically 30 to 60 minutes, though the radiation delivery itself takes only a few minutes.

• Fractionated protocols generally span 15–20 treatments over three to four weeks.
• SRT protocols are delivered over 1–3 sessions on consecutive or alternate days.
• Palliative regimens may involve fewer treatments over a shorter period, depending on clinical goals.

Expected Side Effects and Monitoring

Radiation therapy in cats and dogs is well-tolerated in most cases, especially with current techniques designed to limit collateral damage to normal tissue. Still, side effects may occur and vary based on the treatment site, protocol, and dose.

Acute Effects

Acute side effects are generally self-limiting and localized to the treatment field. These may include:

• Mild skin erythema or irritation
• Temporary hair loss
• Fatigue or reduced appetite
• Localized discomfort or inflammation

Our medical team provides detailed aftercare guidance and supportive therapies as needed to address these effects.

Late Effects

Delayed or late-onset effects are less common and typically emerge months after therapy. These may include fibrosis, pigment changes, or tissue atrophy in the irradiated area. Long-term monitoring is essential and part of our continuity of care.

Determining if Radiation Therapy Is Appropriate

Not all pets are candidates for radiation therapy. Determining the appropriateness of this treatment involves a thorough evaluation of tumor type, location, stage, comorbidities, and client goals. Some questions we help answer include:

• Is the tumor responsive to radiation?
• Are there distant metastases that require systemic therapy instead?
• Can the pet tolerate multiple anesthetic events?
• Would radiation offer meaningful symptom control or tumor reduction?

In many cases, radiation is part of a multimodal strategy, integrated with surgical resection, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy to enhance response rates and patient outcomes.

Collaborative Cancer Care at Veterinary Specialty Center

Veterinary Specialty Center in Bannockburn, IL is home to a dedicated oncology service with access to residency-trained and board-certified radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, and surgeons. Our advanced radiation suite is equipped with the latest technology in veterinary radiation delivery, including 3D treatment planning and precision-guided therapy systems.

We maintain close communication with referring veterinarians to ensure that each patient receives seamless, coordinated care. Every treatment plan is crafted with the patient’s comfort, safety, and quality of life in mind. If your pet has been referred to us for radiation therapy or you are seeking a second opinion, please contact our team at (847) 459-7535 to schedule a consultation.