Radiation Therapy for Pets in Long Island
Radiation therapy may be offered as a stand-alone treatment or in conjunction with other treatments such as surgery and/or chemotherapy. When treating cancer in pets, we focus on targeting the cancer cells directly while doing everything possible to avoid any healthy tissue.
Our in-house board-certified radiation oncologist has undergone extensive training and is highly experienced in treating cancers using radiation while minimizing the potential for side effects or complications.
The radiation oncologist will work very closely with our veterinary oncology team, surgeons, neurologists and other specialists to offer cohesive, comprehensive care for your furry family member.
Radiation Oncology Specialist
Dr. Steven Moirano, our board-certified veterinary radiation oncologist, has extensive training, completing additional years after veterinary school in radiation oncology training as well as an internship and specialized residency.
Radiation Oncology Services
Radiation therapy is a non-surgical approach to achieving local tumor control and increasing a pet’s quality of life, quantity of life, or both. A targeted dose of radiation is delivered to the tumor with the intent to destroy the cancer cells, which are unable to repair themselves.
The safety and efficacy of utilizing radiation to shrink a tumor or impede its growth have improved significantly in recent decades
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Stereotactic Radiation (SRS/SRT)
Stereotactic radiation most advanced form of radiation therapy currently available. The biggest difference between SRS/SRT and other forms of radiation therapy is the unprecedented precision, which means that a higher dose of radiation can be delivered directly to the tumor while avoiding healthy tissues. SRS/SRT can be delivered with no incisions and minimal time under anesthesia.
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Conventionally Fractionated Radiation Therapy (CFRT)
CFRT is a type of targetted radiation that requires less complex treatment planning and delivers smaller doses of radiation spread out across more treatment sessions and a longer period. It can be used in conjunction with chemotherapy, following surgery, or as the sole treatment in cases where SRS/SRT is not an option.
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Palliative Radiation Therapy
Palliative radiation therapy is intended to increase a pet’s comfort and quality of life, often when local tumor control is deemed unlikely. This option is especially useful when treatment options with the intent to cure, such as SRS/SRT or surgery, are not viable.
Linear Accelerator Radiation Therapy
At VMCLI, we have the Elekta Infinity HD, which is a linear accelerator (LINAC) with a built-in CT scanner.
This device allows us to target the tumor with directed radiation while taking images on the spot to monitor treatment.
One of the benefits of using the LINAC device is that the targetted beam of light is targetted allowing the healthy tissues surrounding the tumor to remain untouched.
It delivers high-energy X-rays to a particular region of the body and can be used to treat any part of the body. Treatment is usually given over several sessions, and each session may take 15 to 30 minutes or sometimes longer.