Brain tumors appear in dogs with a frequency of 14.5 per 100,000 and have no breed boundaries. WSU researchers recently reviewed the records of 97 dogs with brain tumors that were presented for evaluation. Thirty-six breeds were represented. At WSU, veterinarians have two means of treating patients. Radiosurgery, where radiation beams are directed at a small tumor sometimes only one centimeter or less in diameter.
Treatment can range from one-three visits.
The other, more challenging, technique is called Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy. All cases begin with dogs suffering tumors referred to WSU by their hometown practitioners or by the owners themselves. From these, Drs. Gavin and Hege Kippenes diagnose the findings, establish dosage levels and a treatment approach. This information and the images are sent to Drs.