ORTHOVOLTAGE RADIOTHERAPY OF CANINE TRANSMISSIBLE VENEREAL TUMORS

Abstract

Eighteen dogs with transmissible venereal tumors were treated with orthovoltage radiotherapy. Total radiation doses ranged from 10 to 30 Gy, given during periods of one to 34 days. Tumor cure, defined as lack of recurrence within one year after completion of radiotherapy, was observed in all 18 dogs. In seven of eight dogs, tumors were cured with a single dose of 10 Gy. The tumor that recurred after the single 10 Gy dose had been treated with chemotherapy prior to radiotherapy and was subsequently cured with additional radiotherapy. Data presented indicate that transmissible venereal tumors are radiocurable and that a single dose of 10 Gy is sufficient for cure in most dogs.