COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) - Machines used to treat people are for the dogs at South Carolina Veterinary Specialists. Around there they're used to owners who call their pets members of the family, just like Ashley Zarrett.
"She's had no health issues up to now and she has lots of life left and it just wasn't an option not to treat her and not make her better," said Ashley about her 6-year-old English Pointer named Aubrey.
Ashley and Aubrey will make more than a dozen trips to Columbia from her home in Charleston to help treat the dog's cancer after she had a tumor removed from her inner thigh.
Aubrey's getting radiation from a new machine -- the first of its kind in South Carolina.
Dr. Becky Brown says the machine can target the radiation and minimize damage to the area around tumors. "It can rotate around to target the tumors as best as possible," she said.
Brown says it's a more precise way to get rid of a tumor. Aubrey will need around 15 treatments.
"Aubrey has a great prognosis because we think we can kill all the cancer cells that are left over," said Brown.
Ashley is optimistic as well. "Hopefully this will be a one time event and she'll go on being the wonderful pet that she is."
The cost will run into the thousands of dollars, but it's a price Ashley says she planned for. In her eyes, it's well worth it.
"As a member of the family, getting to have her for another 8, 10 years it seems like a small drop in the bucket to have her continue living," said Zarrett.
Treatment is by referral only, so if you think your pet needs a visit, talk to your vet.
Copyright 2012 WIS. All rights reserved.
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2012 WorldNow and WISTV, a Raycom Media Station. 