Radiation therapy
for pituitary tumors
in pets — Florida.

One tumor, two problems —
radiation addresses both.

The pituitary gland sits at the base of the brain. Tumors here — whether microadenomas or macroadenomas — affect two systems simultaneously: they compress brain structures as they grow, and they produce excess hormones that disrupt the body's regulation. Radiation therapy is uniquely positioned to address both problems with a single, well-targeted treatment course.

In dogs, pituitary tumors are the most common cause of Cushing's disease (hyperadrenocorticism) — a hormonal disorder characterized by increased thirst, urination, pot-belly appearance, hair loss, and skin changes. When the tumor grows large enough to become a macroadenoma, neurological signs emerge: seizures, behavioral changes, circling, visual deficits, and incoordination.

When to consider radiation

Dogs with pituitary-dependent Cushing's disease managed medically but showing neurological signs — or dogs with a confirmed pituitary macroadenoma on MRI — are candidates for radiation therapy. RT is also considered when medical management of Cushing's becomes difficult due to escalating tumor size. Early intervention — before significant neurological damage has occurred — consistently produces better outcomes.

What radiation achieves for pituitary tumors

Radiation controls local tumor growth, relieves intracranial compression, and reduces ACTH secretion — leading to improved hormonal control and neurological stabilization. Most dogs treated with definitive radiation for pituitary macroadenoma achieve median survivals of 12–20 months. Neurological improvement is typically seen within weeks of completing treatment, and hormonal improvement often allows reduction in medical management.