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UK's first radiation therapy service for pets launches
Smudge, the first patient to undergo treatment with the new Xtrahl 100 superficial radiotherapy system, under the watchful eye of oncology specialist Dr Rodney Ayl and RVN Dani White.

Pioneering system can treat skin cancer and dermatological disorders.

The UK's first superficial radiation therapy (SRT) service for pets has launched in Wakefield, West Yorkshire.

The pioneering Xstrahl 100 superficial radiotherapy system, based at Paragon Referrals, is designed for skin cancer, dermatological disorders, certain types of benign disease and some palliative care. 

Its introduction follows the successful use of the therapy by oncology specialist, Dr Rodney Ayl, in the USA. Commonly used in human medicine, Dr Ayl successfully adapted the SRT system's use from humans to animals. 

“This is a very exciting development for us and our clients because Xstrahl systems have been used so successfully in human medicine for many years,” explained Dr Ayl. “This prompted us to explore adapting the SRT system for veterinary use in the UK and we hope to collaborate with Colorado State University, which has a similar unit, to develop protocols for pets.

“We believe this will be a significant advance in the treatment and care of animals, and we’re delighted to be at the forefront of introducing this new service,” he added. “It is the only one of its kind for pets in the UK, and there are very few units like this anywhere in the veterinary industry, so it really is an important move forward.”

Dr Ayl also believes that the SRT system for animals will not only transform their treatment, but also the logistics and cost of radiation therapy for dermatological conditions.

“The treatment is less stressful from the outset and, thanks to its mechanism of action, it is also pain-free,” he continued. “Its use of different size cones, directly over the lesion, minimises effects on healthy skin and the fast treatment means a large reduction in time and impact on the patient’s day-to-day life while providing a highly effective treatment.

“The machine’s flexibility also makes it particularly suited for treating multiple lesions that are difficult to access, such as the head and neck, without changing patient positioning,” he said.

Image (C) Paragon Referrals.

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.