Q: Will my pet's diet/appetite change during radiation therapy?

A: While your pet is undergoing radiation, his/her appetite and digestion may change. Although there may be several reasons for this, it is usually due to stress. Remember, your pet is being subjected to strange smells, sounds, animals, and people. These symptoms should disappear once the treatment series is complete.

If your pet experiences diarrhea during treatment and it worsens or becomes severe, your pet's diet may be changed or medication may be added to help make your pet more comfortable.

It is very important that you do NOT give food or water to your pet for at least an hour following radiation treatment. Due to the sedation that your pet receives, his/her swallowing reflex is temporarily impaired and needs time to return to normal. Otherwise, your pet may choke.

It is also critical that your pet NOT eat any food or water after twelve midnight the night before a radiation treatment, unless other arrangements have been made with the doctor. Feeding your pet beforehand may result in your pet aspirating (choking) on undigested food or water while under anesthesia. This can result in pneumonia, which is a life-threatening problem.

Q: How will my pet's skin be affected during radiation?

A: Occasionally a pet may experience some skin reaction during or after receiving radiation therapy. While most of these problems can be remedied with specific over the counter ointments, it is important to check with your veterinarian before applying anything to your pet's skin. Many topical oitments may actually cause a more severe reaction when used in conjunction with radiation, making your pet more uncomfortable.

A normal side affect of radiation therapy is sensitive skin. Normal reactions such as redness, peeling and oozing may worsen if subjected to products containing talc, alcohol, perfumes or unknown ingredients.

One of the best and most common applications to use on skin subjected to radiation therapy is an over the counter product called Aquaphor. This is a salve that may be applied as needed to the affected area. Another product is Aloe Vera 100% Free, which contains no additives. Though they are safe for your pet's skin, they should NOT be applied immediately before a radiation therapy treatment.

During the summer months, it is important to keep your pet's radiated skin out the sun. Exposure to the sun will enhance the normal radiation reactions, which may lead to discomfort to your pet.

If you have any questions about radiation therapy or skin reactions related to it, please speak to your veterinarian.

Q: Will my pet lose its hair like humans do?

A: Fortunately, animals experience fewer side effects from radiation therapy than humans do. Fur loss in the treatment area may well happen, but it will grow back in approximately three to five weeks post therapy. There may be some change in the texture and color of the fur but this should not be a concern.

"Burning" is the major concern of owners. Although there may be some skin reaction, this either will not occur, or be very minor in degree. The remedy for this will be the application of Aquaphor or Aloe Vera 100% Free.

Q: Does my pet have to be anesthetized for radiation therapy?

A: Every pet, no matter how obedient he or she is, must be sedated for radiation treatment. Anesthesia is necessary because pets are not able to stay perfectly still during treatment, and targeting a very precise area is critical to your pet’s radiation therapy. The entire treatment process is done very quickly so that your pet is not asleep longer than necessary.

Dogs are sedated using a fast acting anesthesia via injection. This is followed by the insertion of a trachea tube, which delivers Isoflourane, a gas that keeps the dog sedated for the entire procedure. Cats are not given the injection, but anesthetized with Isoflourane only. A small mask is placed over the mouth and nose to deliver the Isoflourane throughout the procedure. Depending on the area of treatment, it may also be necessary to use a trachea tube on a cat.

Because the eyes do not blink during sedation, a lubricant is applied to each eye to prevent them from becoming dry. This is the reason your pet may seem “teary-eyed” when you see him/her after the treatment.

During the radiation treatment, pets are in the therapy room by themselves for a brief amount of time, continuously monitored by closed circuit TV. Once the radiation treatment is complete, your pet will be woken up from anesthesia. Approximately 15 minutes after your pet is fully awake, he/she can go home.

Please be aware that the effects of the anesthesia may linger after the pet has finished its treatment and your pet may be more sleepy than usual. This is temporary and completely normal.