Equine Radiation Oncology

The Veterinary Teaching Hospital at The Ohio State University is one of only a few places in North America to offer evaluation and comprehensive treatment of tumors in horses. We are dedicated to improving the quality and length of life of horses of all ages affected by tumors.

Service Highlights:

•    Board certified surgeons and radiation oncologist
•    Computed tomography is available
•    Surgical removal or debulking of tumors in all areas of the body
•    Radiation protocols for a variety of tumors, mainly associated with either the head or limbs.
•    Individualized treatment programs tailored to each horse’s need, depending on the extent of disease, economics, and desired outcome.

Skin Tumors:
•    Sarcoids can be treated with surgical debulking followed by 4 once weekly radiation treatments. These can be done on an outpatient basis.
•    Melanomas and squamous cell carcinomas are responsive to radiation and can be treated depending on their location and size.

Tumors of the head and neck:
•    A wide variety of nasal/sinus tumors can be treated with a combination of surgery followed by radiation. Different protocols are available depending on the tumor and desired outcome.
•    Palliative treatments are also available without surgical debulking to control the growth of the tumor for a shorter period of time.

Technical Aspects:
•    Radiation does require a short general anesthetic lasting approximately 20-30 minutes
•    Radiation is not available for deep tumors in the chest or abdomen

Clinicians:

•    Eric Green DVM Dip ACVR (Radiology and Radiation Oncology)
•    Yvonne Elce DVM Dip ACVS (Equine Surgeon)
•    Liz Santschi DVM Dip ACVS (Equine Surgeon)