VCA veterinary medical oncologist Zachary Wright, DVM, DACVIM, explains how quality of life and pain management are a priority of VCA. Veterinary oncologists will determine the best pain management plan depending on the needs and situation of the individual pet.

VCA veterinary surgical oncologist Arathi Vinayak, DVM, DACVS-SA ACVS, explains how anesthesia is generally very well tolerated in older pets.

VCA veterinary surgeon Seth Bleakley MVB, MS, DACVS-SA, MRCVS, CCRT, explains how animal anesthesia provides pain management and care. This includes pre-medication, injections, gaseous, epidural and local anesthesia, as well as post-treatment oral medication for pain management.

VCA veterinary radiation oncologist Philip Treuil, DVM, MS, DACVR, explains that pets generally tolerate the anesthesia very well and are back to their normal behavior by the time they go home after their treatment.

VCA veterinary radiation oncologist Meagan Sowders, DVM, MS, DACVR/RO, explains the type of anesthesia used for radiation therapy in pets. This is lighter than surgical anesthesia, and pets are generally able to tolerate the repeated treatment well and live a normal life between treatments.

VCA veterinary medical and radiation oncologist, David Proulx, MSpVM, DACVIM, DACVR, explains that radiation therapy is not a painful process. There can be some side effects that could cause temporary discomfort and these would be addressed in advance and managed with pain treatment protocols.

VCA veterinary medical and radiation oncologist, David Proulx, MSpVM, DACVIM, DACVR, explains that pets will not feel any discomfort during repeated radiation therapy treatments. There can be mild or moderate side effects of temporary skin irritation, however the treatment itself is painless.