VCA veterinary radiation oncologist Philip Treuil, DVM, MS, DACVR, explains how a radiation oncologist uses high-energy x-rays to treat tumors by killing the cancer cells.

VCA veterinary radiation oncologist Philip Treuil, DVM, MS, DACVR, describes the common types of tumor treated by radiation therapy, including nasal, brain, soft tissue sarcomas, mast cell tumors and oral tumors.

VCA veterinary medical and radiation oncologist, David Proulx, MSpVM, DACVIM, DACVR, explains the role of the veterinary oncologist in educating the pet owner on all aspects of radiation therapy, including precisely how the treatment works, the prognosis and possible outcomes.

VCA veterinary medical and radiation oncologist, David Proulx, MSpVM, DACVIM, DACVR, explains how radiation oncology uses a high-precision approach to target tumors while avoiding the surrounding areas, giving effective results without the side effects often associated with radiation therapy.

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.

VCA veterinary radiation oncologist Philip Treuil, DVM, MS, DACVR, explains that while there can be some side effects on the skin or mucoses, today's advances in technology mean that many pets have no side effects from radiation therapy.

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, discusses potential side effects, how they depend on the dose of radation therapy and also the tumor site. The veterinary oncologist will discuss any potential side effects with you before starting treatment.

VCA veterinary medical and radiation oncologist, David Proulx, MSpVM, DACVIM, DACVR, explains how radiation therapy is like a concentrated x-ray, and does not involve any radioactivity. Once the radiation beam is turned off, there is no residual radiation and the patient is not radioactive.

VCA veterinary medical and radiation oncologist, David Proulx, MSpVM, DACVIM, DACVR, explains how for animals, radiation therapy can be used as a palliative treatment, using a lower dose to shrink the tumor and prolong life while avoiding side effects that can be associated with higher doses.

VCA veterinary radiation oncologist Jennifer Schutte DVM, DACVR, explains about the need for light anesthesia for radiation therapy in pets to ensure they stay still during the treatment.

VCA veterinary medical oncologist Cecilia Lopez, DVM, DACVIM, explains that integrated oncology is the ability to treat cancer with mutliple methods, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery. Multi-modal treatment means that more than one method is being used on the same cancer.