When your four-legged furry bestie is facing cancer, you want to give him or her the best chance to beat the disease without any invasive or painful procedures, right?
So why not, turn to state-of-the-art radiation technology that’s been used in humans for the better part of three decades:
CyberKnife uses state-of-the-art image guided stereotactic body radiation therapy or SBRT – to treat cancer and other medical issues requiring radiation.
While we *do not* treat pets at CyberKnife Miami, there are veterinary medical centers that use CyberKnife to treat animals in other parts of the country we want you to know about because pets are family members too, and many of us will do everything we can to save them when they become ill, just like we would any family member.
CyberKnife for Pets
“Accuray technologies aren’t just leading the way in improving treatment options for humans — they’re redefining what’s possible in the treatment of animals with cancer,” according to Accuray, the maker of CyberKnife.
Dr. Sue Ettinger, a veterinary cancer specialist, was one of the first vets in the country to use the CyberKnife technology on dogs in 2008.
“The precision involved in radiosurgery is amazing, and it also makes radiation therapy more appealing to dog lovers,” Dr. Ettinger writes in one of her blogs.
“For example, a nasal tumor that requires fifteen to twenty conventional sessions and exposes the mouth, eyes, and brain to radiation can be treated in only three consecutive CyberKnife sessions. That’s five times less anesthesia, five times fewer trips to the hospital, and fewer side effects. And the results are comparable to traditional radiation therapy. Some brain tumors are treated in just one treatment. It is pretty amazing!”
Conditions Treated With CyberKnife for Pets:
CyberKnife is used for a variety of tumors and conditions in pets, including: Brain tumors, Nasal tumors, Bone cancers, and Tumors in difficult-to-reach or surgically complex locations.
Benefits for Pets: Non-Invasive: It offers an alternative to surgery.
Fewer Treatments: The high precision allows the full radiation dose to be delivered in a small number of sessions (sometimes just one or three), compared to the many treatments required for conventional radiation.
Less Anesthesia: Fewer treatment sessions mean less need for anesthesia, reducing risks for the pet.
Reduced Stress: Fewer hospital visits and treatments lead to less stress for the pet and its owners.
Improved Quality of Life: By effectively treating the tumor and minimizing side effects, CyberKnife helps pets return to a good quality of life quickly.
And there is some research that suggests it’s more effective for cancers in dogs than traditional radiation.
“The CyberKnife is one of the leading tools in the battle against cancer in pets” said Siobhan Haney, VMD, MS, DACVR (RO), MBA, Radiation Oncologist, BluePearl Malvern.
BluePearl Pet Hospital in Pennsylvania is believed to have the world’s first CyberKnife dedicated to treating pets.
And while more vets are exploring the technology for pets it’s still not available everywhere and it’s expensive, but it is covered by some insurance plans, more on that in just a little bit.
First, the cost of a single CyberKnife treatment for a pet is not typically listed, but estimates for the entire procedure, which includes imaging, the treatment, and anesthesia, range from about $7,500 to over $12,000, with costs varying significantly based on factors like tumor size and location, the specific hospital or clinic, and the number of treatment sessions or fractions required.
Factors Influencing Cost
Tumor Characteristics: The size, type, and location of the tumor all play a role in determining the complexity of the treatment and, consequently, the cost.
Number of Treatments: While CyberKnife is known for delivering precise radiation in fewer sessions than traditional radiation therapy, the total number of treatments needed will influence the final price.
Hospital and Location: Costs can differ between specialized veterinary centers and countries.
Diagnostic Services: The initial diagnostic workup, which may include CT scans, X-rays, or MRIs, adds to the overall cost.
Anesthesia and Other Procedures: The need for anesthesia during treatment, plus any potential follow-up care or treatment for side effects, contributes to the total expense.
What to Expect
Consultation: A specialist will perform a thorough diagnosis to determine if your pet is a candidate for CyberKnife treatment and to provide a detailed cost breakdown.
Treatment: The CyberKnife uses computer-controlled beams to deliver radiation with extreme precision, often in a single session or a small number of sessions.
Follow-Up: After treatment, additional imaging may be necessary to monitor the tumor’s response, and further costs can arise if side effects occur.
Insurance Coverage for Pets Treated With CyberKnife: The treatment for cancer may be covered by pet insurance, but it depends on the specific policy and the insurance provider’s terms and conditions, as it’s considered a cutting-edge treatment and is not automatically covered by all plans.
Comprehensive policies from providers like Fetch and Figo sometimes include coverage for advanced cancer care, including CyberKnife, but you must ensure it’s included before your pet develops symptoms.
Factors to Consider
Comprehensive cancer coverage: Look for a comprehensive plan that explicitly mentions coverage for cancer treatments, rather than an accident-only plan.
Pre-existing conditions: Your pet’s cancer must not be a pre-existing condition. Cancer diagnosed before you enroll in the policy will typically not be covered.
Waiting periods: Be aware of policy waiting periods, as cancer diagnosed or treated during these periods may not be covered.
Annual or per-incident limits: Your policy may have annual limits on payouts or per-incident limits that could prevent coverage once reached.
Policy exclusions: Even with comprehensive coverage, there may be exclusions for specific types of cancer or treatment methods, so review the policy document carefully.
What To Do:
Review your policy: Carefully read the policy document to see if advanced oncology treatments like CyberKnife are listed as a covered benefit.
Contact your provider: Reach out to your pet insurance company directly to confirm whether CyberKnife is covered under your specific plan.
Ask about exclusions: Inquire about any specific exclusions related to cancer treatments.
Enroll before symptoms appear: It’s crucial to enroll your pet in a comprehensive plan before they show any signs of cancer to ensure coverage.
Key Locations of CyberKnife Centers for Pets in the United States:
BluePearl Malvern, PA: This center is highlighted as a major facility, being home to the world’s only CyberKnife solely dedicated to veterinary medicine.
https://bluepearlvet.com/hospital/malvern-pa/
University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine: One of the locations that has been using CyberKnife for animal patients for many years.
https://www.vetmed.ufl.edu/
Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine: Another institution providing CyberKnife radiosurgery for animals. https://vetmedbiosci.colostate.edu/
Animal Specialty Center (Yonkers, NY): This practice was a pioneer in offering CyberKnife to animals and has extensive experience with various types of tumors in dogs and cats.
https://www.animalspecialtycenter.com/?y_source=1_MTE2Njg5NDctNzE1LWxvY2F0aW9uLndlYnNpdGU%3D
Specialized Care: These centers focus on highly specialized care for pet conditions.
Improved Quality of Life: The goal is to provide effective treatment with fewer side effects, helping pets return to a good quality of life.