Cancer ward - only pets allowed

A CANCER ward specifically for the treatment of canine patients has been opened at Scotland's first centre for animals.

The 26-kennel ward was opened yesterday by the Princess Royal at the 3 million Hospital for Small Animals at the University of Edinburgh's Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies at Roslin, Midlothian.

The centre offers the chance of a cure for pets whose owners would once have faced the heartbreaking prospect of having them put down. About one in three dogs and one in five cats will develop cancer, the main cause of death in pets.

The cancer oncology support ward was set up because dogs are living longer due to improvements in treatments, meaning they have more chance of being diagnosed with the disease during their lifetime.

Facilities include a CT scanner and a linear accelerator which can provide radiotherapy treatment.

Mala Renwick, oncologist at the centre said: "The new ward has walk-in kennels for bigger dogs and nice cosy ones for the smaller ones, which makes being in hospital much more pleasant."