2007 Volume 16 Issue 2 Pages 41-45
We retrospectively reviewed giant thymomas in 9 dogs, which were satisfactorily treated by high-energy, hypo-fractionated, multi-portal X-ray irradiation. The average number of irradiation doses was 4: twice in 1 case, 3 times in 3 cases, and 4 times in the remaining 5 cases. The average dose was 10 Gy: the doses ranged from 5 to 12. The average total dose given to one animal was 35 Gy: the doses ranged 21 to 44 Gy. The average number of irradiation ports was 5, ranging from 2 to 9. After irradiation, respiratory symptoms were improved in 5 cases out of 6. Hypercalcemia was seen in 7 cases, but all returned to nomal 1 week after radiotherapy. The average survival time after radiation was 208 days. Regarding adverse effects, dermatitis was seen only in 1 case, and it was probably because multiple-field irradiation reduced undesirable exposure of normal tissues. These findings show that radiotherapy by high-energy, hypo-fractionated, multi-portal X-ray irradiation can alleviate canine giant thymoma safely and effectively.
