Is Radiation Therapy Dangerous for Dogs? The Truth from A Vet Tech | Jenny Fisher #273

In this in-depth expose, veterinary oncology technician specialist Jenny Fisher joins Molly Jacobson to explain the ins and outs of radiation therapy for dogs with cancer. Whether you're fearful as you consider radiation for your dog or just curious about how it works, this episode provides invaluable insights. 

Topics Covered: 

How radiation therapy works and the two types: diagnostic vs. therapeutic 

The difference between teletherapy and brachytherapy 

What to expect during radiation treatments, including anesthesia use 

Short-term and long-term side effects of radiation therapy 

When radiation therapy is recommended for dogs with cancer 

How stereotactic radiosurgery like CyberKnife offers precision treatment 

Tips for preparing your dog for radiation therapy and managing side effects 

Your Voice Matters!  
If you have a question for our team, or if you want to share your own hopeful dog cancer story, we want to hear from you! Go to https://www.dogcancer.com/ask to submit your question or story, or call our Listener Line at +1 808-868-3200 to leave a question.  

Related Videos: 
Radiation for a dog with TCC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGoyn-1TBsA 
What a veterinary technician does: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9m7pjiHLhGA  

Related Links: 
An overview of radiation therapy for dogs:
https://www.dogcancer.com/articles/diagnosis-and-medical-procedures/radiation-for-dogs/ 
An in-depth article on stereotactic radiation:
https://www.dogcancer.com/articles/diagnosis-and-medical-procedures/stereotactic-radiation-therapy-for-dogs/  

Chapters: 
00:00 Introduction 
0:15 What Is Radiation Therapy for Dogs? 
01:00 Types of Radiation: Teletherapy vs. Brachytherapy 
02:45 Common Misconceptions About Radiation Safety 
04:00 How Teletherapy Works for Dogs 
06:30 The Role of Anesthesia in Radiation Therapy 
08:45 How Radiation Targets Tumors 
10:30 Curative vs. Palliative Radiation Intent 
12:15 Stereotactic Radiosurgery Explained 
14:00 Managing Side Effects: Short-Term and Long-Term Effects 
18:00 Radiation-Induced Tumors: Risks and Realities 
20:30 Preparing Your Dog for Radiation Therapy 
23:00 How Technicians Create a Healing Environment 
25:15 Tips for Dog Owners: What to Ask Your Vet 
27:00 Closing Thoughts: Changing Perceptions Around Radiation 
 
Get to know Jenny Fisher:
https://www.dogcancer.com/people/jenny-cassibry-fisher-rvt-vts-oncology/ 
For more details, articles, podcast episodes, and quality education, go to the episode page: https://www.dogcancer.com/podcast/  
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