Transarterial Embolization and Chemoembolization for Dogs and Cats
Transarterial embolization (TAE) is also called bland arterial embolization. It refers to the catheter delivery of an embolic agent to a specific artery or arteries. TAE is often used in the field of oncology to destroy the vascular system that supplies a tumor. Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is the delivery of chemotherapeutic agents to the tumor bed in addition to embolization.
A benefit of TAE and TACE is that they are minimally invasive procedures that do not require open surgery. TAE and TACE are often used to treat abdominal tumors such as liver cancer.
How to Schedule Transarterial Embolization Procedures with VCTN
Pet Owners
Please contact us (preferably via email at vctn@jhmi.edu or by phone at 410-614-0105) to inquire about scheduling a TAE procedure for your pet. Please have your veterinarian(s) email us a copy of your pet’s medical record including any imaging studies, blood work and tissue biopsy results.
Veterinarians
Please email vctn@jhmi.edu a copy of the patient’s medical record, lab work and any radiographs.
Transarterial Embolization FAQs
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Similar to healthy tissue, most tumors require a vasculature system to supply the necessary nutrients and energy used by the tumor cells. The goal of TAE and TACE is to ruin this supply by occluding the vessels that feed the tumor. This is performed by carefully placing the tip of an arterial catheter inside the tumor vessels and depositing a device and/or medication that will block the blood flow at this location. Fluoroscopy is an interventional radiology tool that allows the veterinarian to perform a technique through which the tumor arteries can be visualized, thereby permitting placement of the device or drug that will cause occlusion.
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A CT scan is highly recommended and can help determine whether or not TAE (or TACE) will be helpful in treating the individual pet’s disease. This CT scan should include three phases (no contrast, arterial phase and venous phase), and ideally should be performed within a relatively short period prior to the TAE/TACE procedure.
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TAE/TACE is performed under general anesthesia. Dogs and cats often do well after recovering from a TAE or TACE procedure. In order to ensure the pet receives appropriate rest and post-treatment care, it is recommended that the pet be hospitalized for the first 24 hours after the procedure.
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The pet should fast for general anesthesia. There may be a small incision site where the catheter was located, and this site may have sutures or staples closing the skin. The pet should wear an E-collar to prevent licking of this site. Often, intravenous pain medications, IV fluids and antibiotics are given for the first 24 hours, and then the pet can be switched to oral medications that can be given at home. The specific follow-up for the patient depends on the individual case. Typically, follow-up appointments at two weeks and four weeks post-treatment are recommended. Repeat TAE/TACE procedures are sometimes required. Serial CT imaging may be recommended to monitor the size and response of the treatment area.
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Most dogs and cats are eligible for TAE or TACE therapy. Some small cats and toy breed dogs may have vessels feeding the tumor that are too small for the catheterization procedure. Please contact VCTN to find out if your pet is eligible for this treatment.