? Dak Acromegaly Radiation Treatment Recommended Location List

[Jeremy & Kate]

@Wendy&Neko The IM specialist we have been working with for Dak has reached out to us today with a recommended list of locations, that are near to us (we live in Mississippi), and wanted to see if anybody has recommendations/feedbacks about the list?

Auburn University (Alabama)
LSU (Louisiana)
A private specialty clinic in Alabama (we will reach back out to the IM specialist to get more info about this private clinic)

We are looking at getting radiation treatment (SRS, SRT, cyberknife) for Dak's acromegaly (told his IGF-1 results was 1200+).

 

[Wendy&Neko]

The IGF-1 number isn't really relevant. I was told at CSU that there was no correlation to size of tumour. Neko had what was described as a "tiny tumour" but a higher IGF-1 number than two cats (from here) who had SRT at CSU two weeks before here with pea size tumours.

There are things you need to find about about the location to see what makes sense for you. They are cost (varies wildly, university vet colleges typically cheaper), number of radiation treatments (likely 1-3), whether they do CT scan the day before or at a different time. The CT scan is used to plan the radiation treatment, but so much easier if you are travelling if it happens all at the same week. Does kitty get to go home with you at night for the days of treatment (yes for CSU). And perhaps most importantly, how many acrocats have they dealt with. Maybe even find out where their radiation oncologists have gotten their training. Check out that post I linked for you in your previous thread and the discussion there about important factors. Even things as how to get there (drive or fly), are there pet friendly hotels there?

Knowing whether treatment is Cyberknife or SRS/SRT is important. It is likely more expensive, as the equipment is, but supposed to be even more accurate. Check out the posts about King Chuck who just had it done recently.