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 [phone] 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/   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices