What is radiation therapy used for in veterinary medicine?

Radiation therapy is a specialized treatment modality used in veterinary medicine primarily for its effectiveness in targeting and treating certain types of cancer in animals. This technique involves the use of high-energy radiation to kill or damage cancer cells, thereby reducing the size of tumors and alleviating pain associated with neoplasms.

In cases where surgical removal of a tumor is not entirely feasible due to its location or the extent of disease, radiation therapy can serve as an alternative or adjunct treatment. It plays a significant role in managing various cancers, improving the quality of life and, in some cases, extending the life expectancy of animal patients.

Other choices, while relevant to veterinary practices, do not align with the core application of radiation therapy. For example, enhancing bone growth pertains more to different therapeutic interventions or surgical procedures rather than radiation. Vaccination against heartworm is a preventive measure unrelated to radiation therapy, and alleviating joint pain involves pain management therapies that do not involve radiation treatment. Thus, the use of radiation therapy is specifically focused on cancer treatment in veterinary practice.