The Veterinary Cancer Control Program of the University of Cincinnati's College of Medicine provides state-of-the-art radiation therapy for pets with cancer.  The program is a collaborative effort between the University's veterinary staff and the Department of Radiation Oncology.  It has been treating veterinary patients since 1985.

 

Practicing veterinarians refer their patients to the University for treatment.  To benefit from radiotherapy, patients should have no metastasis (spread of the tumor to the lungs or lymph nodes) and no serious health problems other than the cancer.       When they arrive at the medical center, each patient is examined by one of the University's veterinarians, Dr. Jackson or Dr. Goecke, and by the Radiobiologist, Dr. Denman.  The staff discusses the risks and benefits of radiation therapy with the owner and the referring veterinarian before treatment begins.
Therapy is administered with a Cobalt-60 radiotherapy unit used exclusively for veterinary patients. Treatments are typically administered Monday through Friday for 3 weeks.  Although the radiation is not painful, patients are anesthetized to prevent movement during therapy.  In most cases, patients can walk in, be anesthetized and undergo treatment, and walk back out in around an hour.  If the owner cannot drop off the patient each day for therapy, boarding facilities are available.
For many types of tumors, the chance of permanent remission or cure approaches 90%.  Side effects include a short term skin reaction and hair loss in the treatment field.  After treatment, patients are rechecked periodically to track the effectiveness of radiation therapy regimen.  The cost for treatment is currently $1450.00  This covers all examinations, treatments, and related diagnostic testing.  If the patient remains at the University overnight, there are additional boarding fees. Payment may be made to the University over a period of 3-4 months.

 
For additional information about the Veterinary Cancer Control Program, or to refer patients for therapy, contact David L. Denman, PhD (513-558-5480),  Todd A. Jackson, DVM (513-558-5182), or Jane C. Goecke, DVM (513-558-5174).