August 5, 2015 — Pets are at risk of getting cancer just like humans. Of the estimated 70-80 million dogs and 74-96 million cats in the United States, cancer accounts for nearly 50 percent of all disease-related pet deaths and is the number one cause of death in older dogs and cats. In response to this unfortunate reality, Chicago-based PetCure Oncology, has launched a national network of veterinary radiosurgery centers.
What sets radiosurgery apart is that it is designed to cure, not merely ease the symptoms of cancer. Plus, it requires far fewer treatment sessions and dosing is more precise, so side effects are greatly reduced.
Although stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), a form of radiation therapy, is widely available for treating human cancers, the veterinary field has a limited supply of advanced technology and services for treating the millions of pets in need.
“In most markets, radiation equipment is outdated, start-up costs are prohibitive and there’s a significant shortage of qualified veterinary radiation oncologists. In fact, there are fewer than 10 specialty centers in the nation that provide SRS for pets,” said Scott Milligan, PetCure Oncology CEO. “As a result, pet owners have had few options except to seek treatments that provide some comfort and pain management for as long as possible rather than cure the disease.”
The first location opened in May at Arizona Veterinary Oncology in Gilbert, Arizona. The second site will open in August in Cincinnati, Ohio, at Care Center. Many more locations across the country are in various stages of development.
For more information: www.petcureoncology.com
