In most cases, palliative radiation therapy is a one-time course of treatment and cannot be repeated. Patients are treated as outpatients, with each treatment requiring about 2-3 hours at the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. This time includes preparation for anesthesia, treatment delivery, and recovery. The radiation is focused on the tumor, and the fur in this area will be clipped and pen marks used to outline the treatment area. Your pet may be a little groggy or sedate for several hours after going home, and should be kept quiet and have limited food and water until fully recovered.
Side effects are minimal, and are limited to the area receiving radiation.
They start after about three to four weeks from the first treatment and last for a few weeks. The radiated area will be pink to red and hairless and there may be some mild flaking or crusting of the skin. Treatment of these side effects include the use of topical medications and preventing your pet from licking, rubbing, or scratching at the treated area. Eventually the skin in this area will become very dark to black, and some sparse hair may regrow. The information provided through OncoLink should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease.