The Royal Dick Vet Hospital is a registered charity (SC004307). Cancer is the single biggest killer of cats and dogs. It represents a major problem for the health and welfare of the small animal population. The Dick Vet's new Cancer and Imaging Centre addresses this urgent need for animal cancer treatments and research opportunities.
Care facilities
The Centre houses a state of the art linear accelerator, providing radiotherapy services. Although radiotherapy was one of the first cancer treatments used in humans, its use in veterinary medicine has been limited by patients access to facilities. In addition, the Centre is home to a Computerised Tomography scanner to allow for advanced imaging in small animals and horses. The use of advanced imaging will result in the earlier detection and treatment of disease and a more accurate assessment of conditions prior to surgery.
Research
The centre supports cancer research and the development of treatments. They are developing new gene therapies that increase the sensitivity of cancer tissue to the effects of radiation and, as a result, the Centre will be of great importance to major developments in our clinical and research work. The University of Edinburgh has existing expertise in the area of oncology. The Centre provides an environment for interdisciplinary cancer research. There is strong evidence to suggest that research into cancer in animals will contribute to the knowledge of human cancers.
Key Benefits of the Centre
- Treat an increased number of patients.
- Better cure rates and long term remissions.
- Advanced treatment planning - increase tumour killing and reduce side effects on normal tissue.
- Palliative treatments for patients who would normally be put to sleep.
- Enhance training opportunities for students and our clinicians in cancer medicine.
- Offer a greater insight into causes and cures for human cancer.
Ray of Hope Appeal
They Ray of Hope Appeal will raise funds to enable the hospital to buy a much needed x-ray machine. This will allow the school to continue it's work and into earlier diagnosis of cancer.
