Oral melanoma is one of the most aggressive and common oral cancers in dogs, often presenting with rapid growth, local invasion, and a high risk of metastasis. While surgical removal and immunotherapy can be effective in some cases, many dogs are diagnosed at an advanced stage where curative treatment is not feasible. Early-stage oral melanomas can often be successfully treated with surgery, radiation, and immunotherapy, offering a chance for a cure. However, advanced cases require palliative care to manage symptoms and enhance the pet’s comfort.

Radiotherapy: Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT): A Cutting-edge approach

VMAT (Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy) is an advanced form of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) that delivers precise radiation doses to tumors while sparing surrounding healthy tissues. This technique is particularly useful for treating oral melanoma in dogs, as it allows for:

• Highly conformal dose distribution, ensuring that the tumor receives an effective therapeutic dose while minimizing exposure to normal structures like the jaws, tongue, and eyes.
• Short treatment sessions, reducing the need for prolonged anesthesia.
• Improved symptom control, including pain relief, reduced tumor size, and prevention of ulceration and bleeding.

Palliative benefits without significant side effects

One of the key advantages of VMAT radiotherapy treatment is its ability to provide symptom relief with minimal side effects. Unlike traditional radiation methods, which can lead to significant inflammation, radiomucositis, and tissue damage, VMAT’s precision significantly reduces these risks. Most dogs undergoing VMAT experience:

• Minimal to no discomfort during and after treatment
• Preserved/improved oral function, allowing them to eat and drink normally
• Reduced tumor burden, improving quality of life without major complications

Enhancing quality of life

The primary goal of palliative radiotherapy is to enhance the patient’s well-being rather than achieve a cure. With VMAT, we can successfully manage pain, reduce tumor progression, and extend the dog’s comfortable lifespan. Many pet owners report that their dogs regain energy, show improved appetite, and enjoy a better quality of life following treatment.

Is radiotherapy right for your dog?

If your dog has been diagnosed with oral melanoma, we will assess whether radiotherapy is a suitable option. For early-stage cases, curative treatments may still be possible, while advanced cases benefit most from palliative care to ensure a good quality of life. While palliative treatment does not eliminate the disease, it offers a compassionate and effective approach to ensuring that your pet remains comfortable and pain-free for as long as possible.

Radiation oncology has come a long way in veterinary medicine, and radiotherapy stands out as an important treatment modality in palliative care. By integrating advanced radiation techniques (e.g. VMAT), we can now provide safe, effective, and side-effect-free therapy to improve the lives of dogs with this challenging condition.