Things You Need To Know About Radiation for Dog Cancer
Dr. Demian Dressler is internationally recognized as “the dog cancer vet” because of his innovations in the field of dog cancer management, and the popularity of his blog here at Dog Cancer Blog. The owner of South Shore Veterinary Care, a full-service veterinary hospital in Maui, Hawaii, Dr. Dressler studied Animal Physiology and received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California at Davis before earning his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University. After practicing at Killewald Animal Hospital in Amherst, New York, he returned to his home state, Hawaii, to practice at the East Honolulu Pet Hospital before heading home to Maui to open his own hospital. Dr. Dressler consults both dog lovers and veterinary professionals, and is sought after as a speaker on topics ranging from the links between lifestyle choices and disease, nutrition and cancer, and animal ethics. His television appearances include “Ask the Vet” segments on local news programs. He is the author of The Dog Cancer Survival Guide: Full Spectrum Treatments to Optimize Your Dog’s Life Quality and Longevity. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association, the American Association of Avian Veterinarians, the National Animal Supplement Council and CORE (Comparative Orthopedic Research Evaluation). He is also an advisory board member for Pacific Primate Sanctuary.
Updated: November 27th, 2018
This is a continuation of the previous blog topic, radiation therapy in dog cancer.
We looked at some benefits of radiation previously, both in terms of life quality and lifespan.
This time, I would like to look at some of the downsides. I am not interested in painting a darker picture than is necessary. This is a treatment where a rationale approach in needed, where good and bad are evaluated. As an owner and guardian of your dog, you should be advised of things so you can make educated decisions.
Radiation therapy is no joke. Each treatment requires general anesthesia, and protocols for designed for cancer remissions involve multiple treatments each week, sometimes even daily. Multiple rounds of general anesthesia should be taken into account when making a decision about radiation, especially in senior dogs. Most vets would agree that an aged canine and 30 rounds of general anesthesia may not be a good mix.
Palliative treatment, radiation designed for the comfort (pain control) of the dog, is less frequent, perhaps weekly for a month or so. This seems a bit “easier on the system” overall.
The radiation in the beam, if it contacts other living tissue, will damage it as well. Sometimes there is radiation scatter, which is where the beam directed at the tumor actually ends up hitting a bit of normal (non cancerous) body tissue.
There can be some side effects that may be seen immediately following treatment, when the beam contacts normal body parts.
The skin can get a little inflamed, similar to a sunburn. There may be nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. If radiation contacts the mouth, irritation and sores may occur within mucus membranes lining the mouth. This can be painful and require care. If the beam or scatter contacts the gland that makes tears to lubricate the eye, injury can occur to the glands. This requires lifetime lubricating ointment to be put in the eyes. Similarly, the lining of the lungs can become damaged if they are exposed to radiation.
All of these effects can occur within days or weeks of radiation treatment and examples of acute toxicity.
Get a copy of the Dog Cancer Survival Guide to learn more about Dog Cancer and Radiation
Radiation consequences can occur years later…delayed radiation toxicity. This can include injury to kidneys, nerves or spinal cord, and ligament damage.
A bizarre delayed toxicity form is the development of new cancers, as a consequence of the radiation. This is documented with cases of osteosarcoma (bone cancer), bladder tumors, and connective tissue tumors.
Take home message? Radiation is not a minor therapy. Consider it carefully. Be advised if you have a young dog that you are considering radiation for, you may see delayed toxicity, years later but during the dog’s lifespan, even in the form of new cancers.
Dr. Demian Dressler is internationally recognized as “the dog cancer vet” because of his innovations in the field of dog cancer management, and the popularity of his blog here at Dog Cancer Blog. The owner of South Shore Veterinary Care, a full-service veterinary hospital in Maui, Hawaii, Dr. Dressler studied Animal Physiology and received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California at Davis before earning his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University. After practicing at Killewald Animal Hospital in Amherst, New York, he returned to his home state, Hawaii, to practice at the East Honolulu Pet Hospital before heading home to Maui to open his own hospital. Dr. Dressler consults both dog lovers and veterinary professionals, and is sought after as a speaker on topics ranging from the links between lifestyle choices and disease, nutrition and cancer, and animal ethics. His television appearances include “Ask the Vet” segments on local news programs. He is the author of The Dog Cancer Survival Guide: Full Spectrum Treatments to Optimize Your Dog’s Life Quality and Longevity. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association, the American Association of Avian Veterinarians, the National Animal Supplement Council and CORE (Comparative Orthopedic Research Evaluation). He is also an advisory board member for Pacific Primate Sanctuary.
Hi, thank you both for your comments and concern . We are seeing one of the best oncologist ( Dr Burke ) and Neurologists ( Dr Lipstiz ) that Southern California has to offer. Cooper is being treated at the Veterinary Specialty Hospital / UC Davis in San Diego. Dr Burke has recommended ” palliative radiotherapy ” for Cooper’s Glioma tumor. He started today ( had the CT scan last Thursday ) …nothing has spread and the tumor is” slow growing ” . Dr Burke will do 2 treatments a week ( Mon and Thurs ) for 3 weeks. Cooper is strong and young and should respond well and it will help with the symptoms down the road and give him some good quality time with us and his Boxer pup, Bostie sister and cat. I will keep you updated. Thank you so much for your kind words and compassion. Christy
Hello Dr-
I have an Aussie shepard lab mix, 7 years old, who was diagnosed with Nasa -Carsinoma 1 week ago. After CT and biopsy were completed this was their diagnosis. They have given me 2 options of radiation therapy: 1)XRT – 18 treatments 3x a week or 2) SRT- 3 consecutive treatments and he’s done. Financially both are very expensive treatments and if I decide to do one of the treatments it would be SRT. I do not know anything about these treatments, negative or positive,and their outcomes, other than what the oncologist has mentioned. I’m am at a lose as to what to do. Morally I want to help “Max” but Im afraid since radiation therapy is fairly new, that it is not the right option. Finacially I don’t have the means even with Carecredit on hand it will only cover 1/4 of the costs. Please help me understand the pros and cons of radiation therapy to a dog who is not showing any signs of being sick or in pain.
Thank you
cheryl
My 13 year old Siberian husky was just diagnosed with amelanotic melanoma which is in her mouth (upper jaw, towards the front). The x-rays show no spread anywhere and the bone is not involved at this point. The oncologist has recommended a course of radiation once a week for 6 weeks and then the vaccine for this cancer (which I also read about in Dr. Dressler’s book). Misty is very healthy other than this, and I am planning to go ahead with the treatment. This blog post was very helpful. I am hoping there will be no serious side effects. I don’t think I would do the daily treatments, but once a week seems less onerous for her. Hope I’m making the right decision. We do the best we can for our precious friends!
Dear Judith
ok, best of luck and do stay in touch
I hope it goes well!
Best, Dr D
My healthy 5 yr old Boston Terrier was just diagnosed with a Glioma Brain Tumor / Rt Cerebral , after 2 short seizures. We are devastated , as Cooper is from 5 generations of Champions and no brain cancer in any lines. He’s on phenobarbital and a 3 week tapering dose of prednisone . The neurologists estimates 3-6 mths with just palliative care or 12 mths with 15 treatments of Radiation …I won’t put him thru brain surgery and then radiation …will radiation really give him a good quality of life for those 8 mths ?
Dear Christy,
I am sorry to hear about your little one. 🙁
I think it is important to read this post as it applies to any big treatment step (like radiation, surgery, etc):
https://www.dogcancerblog.com/blog/critical-question-when-weighing-dog-cancer-chemotherapy-options/
I would also ask your dog’s nuerologist and/or radiation oncologist how the treatment will affect joys in life (life quality) for your particular dog:
https://www.dogcancerblog.com/blog/life-quality-in-dog-cancer-dr-dresslers-joys-of-life-scale/
Finally, I would do a personal treatment plan analysis and get the needed information for your unique case from the vets you are working with:
https://www.dogcancerblog.com/blog/what-is-treatment-plan-analysis/
Finally, a good form of radiation to consider:
https://dogcancerblog.com/blog/cyberknife-radiosurgery-in-pets/
In the end, these decisions are yours, the guardian. I wish you good luck in this decision process.
Best
Dr D
Christy,
To add to Dr Dressler’s comments, I would also consider radiosurgery, like our CyberKnife, or the unit at CSU. Instead of 15 treatments, the treatment is 1-3 treatments. Could you travel to NY or CO. There is a chapter on brain tumors in the Guide and here are my posts on CyberKnife.
https://www.dogcancerblog.com/blog/cyberknife-radiosurgery-in-pets/
https://www.dogcancerblog.com/blog/my-experience-with-cyberknife-radiosurgery/
All my best, Dr Sue
My 6.5 year old Mastiff has a periarticular histiocytic sarcoma in his cheek. The tumor is embedded in the muscle of the cheek and they feel surgery would be too evasive. We decided to do the 5 days of radiation then CCNU chemo for 4 weeks after that.
My question to you about the radiation is would it make a difference if he had it Wed, Thurs, Fri then 2 days off to start again Mon and Tues the following week?
I’m curious if it’s more beneficial to have radiation 5 consecutive days?
Thanks
Angie
Angie,
Much of the protocol depends on the goal of radiation, a definitive course vs palliative, and the amount of radiation being given (at each treatment and the total dose). Ask your radiation oncologist.
Good luck to your Mastiff!
All my best, Dr Sue
We have a 5 yr old black lab, who was just diagnosed today with nerve sheath cancer. The tumor is in right shoulder area, which had completly atrophied the right leg. Our Dr. thinks amputating probably wouldn’t help because of the location of the tumor and that it may have already spread to spinal chord. He has given us 3 doses of an oral chemo to be given once a week.(Haven’t started yet) From what I’ve read, radiation treatment for nerve sheath cancer isn’t all that beneficial. I’m wondering what your opinion of this type of cancer and radiation treatment. She’s so young:(
Dear Elizabeth,
maybe the cyberknife or gamma knife would be options? They might yield higher success probability or longer remissions and are more targeted (less scatter to surrounding areas)
Dr D
Elizabeth,
Advanced imaging like MRI or CT will help determine how extensive the tumor is. Ideally Nerve sheath tumors are treated with surgery, and post-op radiation if margins are not wide. For those involving the spinal cord, radiation can be an options. Stereotactic radiosurgery like CyberKnife may be a good option too. The advanced imaging will really be helpful in making good treatment recommendations.
All my best, Dr Sue
My 6-year-old female belgian tervuren was diagnosed with an infiltrating fibrolipoma on her snout when she was just shy of 3 years old. multiple needle aspirates and a couple of biopsies confirmed the diagnosis. it grew very rapidly, and she was referred to a surgeon, who attempted to remove it. within 72 hours it was already regrowing, it was that aggressive. she was then referred to an oncologist, who recommended a 4-week course of radiation, 5 days/week, which we agreed to.
3 years later, the tumor itself has not reappeared, but she has had significant scar tissue growth on her snout, resembling a large knob. more troubling however, is the significant impact it has had on her sinus passages, predominantly on the affected side. she has tremendous sinus discharge, and i regularly have to remove the loose discharge and/or dried mucous from her nose. i give her nose drops daily (a mild saline solution used for infants/small children) and occasionally apply neosporin inside her nose when she gets a bloody nose.
my vet has tried numerous antibiotics designed for either fungal or bacterial infections, to no success. She has lately developed discharge from her eyes as well, again, predominantly on the affected side.
i am reaching out to you in the hopes that you may be able to point us in a fresh direction, as her original diagnosis has almost never been heard of, and no one knows how to treat the radiation aftermath. I look forward to your reply; thank you so very much!
tracey m.
los angeles, california
Dear Tracy,
that is a tough one. Do we know that the problem is excessive scar tissue or damage to the lining of the nose from the radiation?
Options would be both bacterial and fungal cultures to grow any microbes in the sinuses for identification and then information on the right kind of medication for them…if present. Antifibrotic therapy is not frequently used in dogs..maybe colchicine??
Hope that helps
Dr D
My 10 year old female Standard Poodles was just diagnosed w/ low grade soft tissue sarcoma, incompletely excised. Location is her nose running parallel w/ her nasal bone. Further excision, in attempt to get clear margins, is questionable d/t location and lack of ample tissue. Recommendation is either Rad tx x 19 daily treatments or take wait see approach. Logistics and cost are somewhat of an issue but am seeking the best for my fur-kid. I would have to send her away for the 3.5 weeks etc. I an nervous about side effects but acute and chronic. Any insight would be much appreciated.
Thank you!
Dear Stephanie
I would like to help you…although im not sure how to answer this question.
Perhaps this post will help?
https://www.dogcancerblog.com/blog/an-overview-of-what-else-can-i-do/
As to beneficial effect and the odds of side effects, this will depend a lot on the individual case, position, invasiveness, and other factors. I would try to get some approximations on what your dog will get out of the deal (added life expectancy, odds of shrinkage) and odds of side effect in terms of a percentage from the radiation oncologist or oncologist before hand. These specific questions should help clarify the situation.
Best D
Stephanie,
Radiation after surgery is a very effective way to prevent recurrence. You are right, on the nose, surgery just cannot get wide enough margins to prevent recurrence. These tend to be very treatable tumors with low metastatic rates. The goal is to prevent recurrence.
An alternative to radiation is trigonometric chemo – low dose oral chemo can delay recurrence. Not a good as tradition, but it is a good option if you decide against radation. There is also a chapter on soft tissue sarcomas in the Guide.
Good luck, Dr Sue
Our dog just got done with the MW protocal and now the oncologist says she is a good canidate for half radiation therapy,,,,, 2 of them for 2 days in a row,,,, she has to be put under both days……. she is 9 years old and she had cancer in her abdomen,,,,, lymphomia,,,,,,, she is in remission now her last chemo was aug 16th,,,,,, after reading all these comments I am scared to death to do radiation,,,, espically when he said there is no conclusive results that it really does extend their remission,,,,,,, has anyone gone thru radiation for lmyphomia?
Dr. Dressler
we have a 7 year old irish wolfhound that has been diagnosed with an osteosarcoma on his roght hind leg (at the knee). we are taking him in for a bone biopsy, but the vet recommends that the therapy be amputation and radiation. he has had chest x-rays and they are clear so it has not metastasised to other parts of his body – yet. What are your feelings on amputation? He is such a big guy – 35 in at the shoulder and 165 lbs – I’m afraid that he will fall over! Is radiation by itself enough?
thanks
Dear Tammy,
Maybe you will find this post useful:
https://www.dogcancerblog.com/blog/my-dog-has-osteosarcoma-should-i-allow-amputation/
Best,
Dr D