강아지 방사선 치료 비용과 가능한 동물병원 찾는 법 — 종양별 회당 견적 정리

How Much Does Radiation Therapy for Dogs Cost? — Per-Session Estimates by Tumor Type and How to Find a Hospital

Oncology/CancerQ&AMeongsiljang Veterinary Advisory Board

The cost of radiation therapy for dogs varies widely depending on the type of tumor and treatment protocol, ranging from around $1,000 for palliative care to approximately $7,000 for curative treatment. We’ve compiled a comprehensive guide from a pet owner’s perspective, covering key cost factors, available hospitals in Korea, and how to utilize pet insurance.

Where and for How Much Can You Get Radiation Therapy for Your Dog?

A dog lying on a linear accelerator, preparing for radiation therapy.

Radiation therapy for dogs is a veterinary oncology treatment that uses high-energy radiation to shrink tumors or alleviate pain. Costs vary significantly depending on the treatment goal and tumor location. Palliative care, aimed at reducing pain and bleeding, typically costs between $1,000 to $3,000, while definitive care, which seeks long-term tumor control or a cure, ranges from approximately $4,000 to $9,000. Since only about ten animal hospitals in South Korea offer radiation therapy, it’s important to plan the entire process—from diagnosis to referral—in advance.

Five Factors That Determine Cost

Even for dogs with the same diagnosis, treatment costs can vary significantly due to five key factors:

Treatment goal: The total number of sessions depends on whether the aim is palliative (managing pain and bleeding) or curative (controlling long-term tumor growth).

Total sessions: Palliative treatment typically requires 4–6 sessions, while curative treatment may involve up to 16–20 sessions.

Equipment type: Costs increase in the following order: standard linear accelerator → stereotactic radiosurgery/radiotherapy (SRS/SRT) → intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT).

Anesthesia costs: General anesthesia is required for each session, so these costs accumulate with every treatment.

Additional tests: Separate fees apply for CT simulation, biopsies, and follow-up imaging.

Average Cost Comparison by Treatment Goal

Item	Palliative treatment	Curative treatment (conventional)	Stereotactic radiation (SRS/SRT)
Main purpose	Relieve pain · bleeding	Tumor control · attempt cure	Precise targeted tumor removal
Total sessions	4–6 sessions	16–20 sessions	1–5 sessions
Total cost range	2–$3,000	$4,000 to $9,000	$4,000 to $6,000
Number of general anesthesia sessions	4–6 sessions	16–20 sessions	1–5 sessions
Main indications	Osteosarcoma pain, advanced tumors	Nasal tumors, brain tumors, oral tumors	Brain tumors, small solitary tumors

Costs vary by hospital, equipment, and tumor location, and the estimate is finalized after CT simulation. This is an estimated range based on owner quote cases as of May 2026.

Use of Radiation Therapy by Tumor Type

Radiation therapy is used as a primary treatment or as an adjunct to surgery in cases where surgery is difficult or where extensive resection would severely compromise function and quality of life. For nasal tumors, radiation therapy is the most commonly chosen option because surgery offers limited benefit in improving symptoms or extending survival, with stereotactic radiation preferred for its superior ability to protect surrounding healthy tissue. Radiation therapy is also an important option for tumors in areas that are difficult to access surgically or where resection would cause significant damage, such as brain tumors. For limb tumors like osteosarcoma, where amputation is difficult, palliative radiation is used to relieve pain. For mast cell tumors and soft tissue sarcomas, radiation is used as an adjuvant therapy to control microscopic residual disease remaining after surgery.

A veterinary oncologist reviewing CT images of a nasal tumor in a dog

Key Points to Check Before Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy requires general anesthesia for each session, so senior dogs with compromised heart, kidney, or liver function need a thorough anesthesia risk assessment first. Acute side effects like dry skin, redness, and hair loss are common as treatments accumulate, and late-onset complications such as cataracts or nerve damage may develop over time. While cost estimates are important, it’s essential to have a radiologist and oncologist evaluate whether your pet can safely tolerate the anesthesia and treatment burden.

How to Find Veterinary Hospitals in Korea Offering Radiation Therapy

In Korea, veterinary hospitals equipped with radiation therapy machines are limited to university veterinary hospitals and a select few large referral centers.

University Veterinary Hospitals: Linear accelerators are in operation at the oncology centers of the veterinary hospitals at Seoul National University, Konkuk University, Chungnam National University, and Kyungpook National University.

Referral Centers: Some large, specialized oncology clinics in the Seoul metropolitan area and the Yeongnam region have introduced stereotactic radiation therapy equipment.

Referral Process: Your primary care veterinarian will obtain CT scan and biopsy results, then submit a referral form to schedule the appointment.

Waiting Time: There is typically a waiting period of 2 to 6 weeks, so it’s best to inquire as soon as your CT diagnosis is available.

Exterior view of the University Animal Hospital’s Oncology Center

Utilizing Insurance and Support

While some pet insurance plans for dogs cover tumor diagnosis and radiation therapy, most exclude pre-existing conditions diagnosed before enrollment. However, if your dog had no tumors at the time of enrollment and the waiting period has passed, certain policies may cover 50% to 70% of the cost per treatment session. Additionally, some university veterinary hospitals offer partial fee reductions for patients enrolled in clinical studies or registries. If you have received a treatment estimate, inquire about both pre-authorization with your insurance provider and eligibility for clinical studies to significantly reduce your financial burden.

Checkpoints Before Making a Treatment Decision

The expected effectiveness of radiation therapy varies depending on the tumor type, location, and the dog’s overall health. Even for nasal tumors, outcomes, prognosis, and the degree of normal tissue protection differ between stereotactic radiation and conventional fractionated radiation, with stereotactic radiation known to better spare surrounding tissues. Before making a decision, consult thoroughly with a veterinary oncologist to determine which protocol is most suitable for your dog’s specific tumor situation, what level of efficacy can be expected, and what potential side effects may occur.

Reviewed by a veterinarian

Dr. Tony — Punnawat Phongkittirak

Veterinarian

A veterinarian who majored in veterinary medicine at Khon Kaen University, Thailand, and completed the IVSA program at North Carolina State University in the United States. Drawing on clinical experience at animal hospitals, he works in the pet healthcare field and is dedicated to building a digital care environment that connects pet parents with veterinarians.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my dog receive radiation therapy at the same time as chemotherapy?

Yes, depending on the type of tumor, radiation therapy and chemotherapy may be used in combination. For tumors such as mast cell tumors and soft tissue sarcomas, where control of microscopic residual disease is necessary, there are protocols that combine postoperative radiation with chemotherapy. However, because the cumulative burden on anesthesia, the immune system, and the liver and kidneys can be significant, a veterinary oncologist must carefully adjust the schedule and dosages.

Why is stereotactic radiation therapy (SRS/SRT) more expensive than conventional radiation therapy?

Stereotactic radiation therapy precisely targets tumors with millimeter-level accuracy, sparing surrounding healthy tissue as much as possible. It requires specialized equipment such as simulation CT scans, immobilization devices, and multi-beam planning software, which makes the cost per session higher than that of conventional radiation therapy. However, because the treatment course is shorter, typically requiring only one to five sessions, it reduces the number of general anesthesia exposures and the associated burden on the patient.

How long do side effects last after treatment?

Acute side effects, such as skin redness, dryness, and hair loss, typically improve within two to four weeks after treatment ends. Late-onset side effects, including cataracts, chronic skin changes, and nerve damage, may appear months to years later and vary depending on the tumor location and cumulative radiation dose. The recovery plan includes prescribed protective booties, moisturizers, and eye drops.

My dog is elderly, and I’m worried about anesthesia. Should I give up on radiation therapy?

If the prospect of general anesthesia is a concern, consider starting with short-duration positioning radiographs or a palliative protocol consisting of four to six sessions. You can assess anesthesia risk through echocardiography and blood tests, and utilize sedation protocols designed to minimize anesthesia time. For safety, choose a clinic where medical oncologists and anesthesiologists collaborate on patient evaluations.

The estimates vary so much from one clinic to another—what should I use as a basis for comparison?

Request a detailed estimate that breaks down the total number of treatment sessions, cost per session, CT simulation planning fees, anesthesia costs, and hospitalization versus outpatient care fees. Comparing only the total amounts can lead to inaccurate comparisons when the number of sessions or equipment types differ. To make a meaningful comparison, ensure both estimates are based on the same treatment protocol and equipment.

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References

[1] Kudnig & Séguin, Veterinary Surgical Oncology, 2nd Edition (Wiley-Blackwell, 2022) — Ch. Radiation Oncology Principles

[2] Snyder & Johnson, Canine and Feline Respiratory Medicine, 3rd Edition (Wiley-Blackwell, 2023) — Nasal Tumors

[3] Bryant & Tranquilli, Small Animal Anesthesia and Pain Management: A Color Handbook, 3rd Edition — Palliative Radiation Therapy (PRT) Protocols

[4] Withrow, Vail & Page, Withrow and MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology, 6th Edition — Radiation Therapy Principles