Small Animal, Dentistry and Behaviour Conference 2019

While veterinary radiotherapy isn’t a new cancer treatment modality, it is usually beyond the scope of most veterinary school education programs, leaving new graduates coming into the field with little to no knowledge of its uses and benefits. Up until recently, the only dedicated veterinary linear accelerator has been on-site at the Brisbane Veterinary Specialist Centre, which made access to this hugely important treatment modality quite limited to many parts of Australia. As access to veterinary radiotherapy facilities increases over time, more clients will be seeking referrals to oncology specialists.

Radiotherapy is the primary treatment for many brain tumours. It behoves the primary care veterinarian to become more knowledgeable in regard to common indications for radiotherapy, common side effects and how they are managed, as well as reported outcomes for common tumours treated with radiotherapy in order to become more comfortable initiating the conversation about referral for radiation oncology consultation. The attendee should leave this talk empowered with this knowledge.