Labrador’s tumour treated with precision radiotherapy
The tumour was pushing down on Miah's brain and causing pressure in her skull.
A nine-year-old Labrador is on the mend after precision radiotherapy was used to treat her 23mm brain tumour.
Miah was referred to the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies after displaying worrying symptoms. The usually active dog was appearing unsteady on her legs and was developing a head tilt.
A CT scan at a nearby veterinary hospital revealed that Miah had a 23mm brain tumour.
This tumour was pushing down on her brain and causing severe pressure inside her skull. It had also resulted in part of her brain being pushed towards the spinal cord.
A second veterinary hospital, which had oncology expertise, concluded that surgery would not be suitable for this tumour. Instead, it recommended a course of radiotherapy.
Miah was referred to the Riddell-Swann Veterinary Cancer Centre, attached to the Dick Vet Hospital for Small Animals, where she completed 10 sessions of radiotherapy across two weeks.
The Hospital used a VitalBeam linear accelerator, which uses CT imaging guidance and verification of patient positioning. This ensures accurate treatment, with millimetre-level precision that limits exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.
Miah returned home after completing her course of radiotherapy, and will return for a three-month check scan. Since tumours can continue to shrink for several months after radiotherapy, she will be monitored in the future.
Her owners say that she was excited to attend all her appointments and is now back to her usual playful self.
Miah’s owners said: “To every single person at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies ... thank you. Not just for the extraordinary level of care you've given Miah, but for the kindness, compassion and genuine love you've shown her every single day.
“You somehow managed to make a dog having brain radiotherapy think she was simply going to spend the day with her friends.”
Dr Magdalena Parys, RCVS Specialist in Radiation Oncology, said: “Miah was such a lovely patient, and we really enjoyed spending time with her. She had a wonderful temperament and always greeted us with enthusiasm.
“We were delighted to see her complete her radiotherapy treatment and, most importantly, to see her feeling so much better and enjoying life again.”
Image © Royal (Dick) Vet of Veterinary Studies
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
