Cancer is one of the most common causes of sickness and death in
pets, just as it is in people. Many people consider pets as
family members and want to provide the same care they would for
their own children. Therapies once limited to human cancer
patients, including chemotherapy and radiation, are now
available for our companion animals. Cancer treatment conjures
images of illness and severe side effects, things that no one
wants for his or her pet. Fortunately, our animal friends have
fewer complications, and a negative impact on quality of life is
unlikely. Animals usually gain all the benefits from treatment
with few of the downsides. Radiotherapy is used for many
cancers. It is commonly applied when a tumor is removed and
there is residual microscopic disease. Many cancers can be
treated with radiation alone; even short courses of radiation
can alleviate pain and slow disease progression. Radiation is
usually given in multiple doses over a few weeks. A typical
treatment might involve a total of 16 doses