Chemotherapy For Dogs & Cats
Chemotherapy for dogs and cats involves the use of specialised drugs to target and kill cancer cells, aiming to shrink tumours and manage cancer more effectively.
Our treatment is tailored to each pet's specific type of cancer and overall health condition, with the goal of extending survival and improving quality of life.
While chemotherapy can have side effects, such as nausea or decreased appetite, many pets tolerate the treatment well and benefit from its potential to combat cancer.
When would chemotherapy be recommended for pets?
Cancer diagnosis
To control or reduce the disease that’s aggressive, widespread, or has a high risk of metastasizing.
Tumour management
Where surgical removal is not feasible or would be too invasive, chemotherapy is used to shrink the tumour or manage it more effectively.
Palliative care
In cases where the cancer is advanced and not curable, chemotherapy may alleviate symptoms and improve your pet's quality of life for an extended time.
Chemotherapy is used in conjunction with other treatments, such as surgery or radiation, depending on the specific case and the overall treatment plan created.
What happens during chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy for pets works by using specialised drugs to target and kill cancer cells throughout the body. These drugs work in several ways:
Cellular targeting
Chemotherapy drugs target rapidly dividing cancer cells, interfering with their ability to grow and multiply. This helps to reduce the size of tumours and manage cancer spread.
Administration
The drugs can be administered orally in the form of pills, or intravenously through injections, depending on the specific treatment protocol and type of cancer.
Systemic treatment
Unlike localised treatments such as surgery or radiation, chemotherapy is a systemic treatment, meaning it circulates throughout the pet’s body via the bloodstream, targeting cancer cells that may have spread beyond the primary tumour site.
Chemotherapy can have side effects, such as nausea or decreased appetite, and is often combined with supportive care to help manage these effects.
How to prepare my pet for chemotherapy?
Our veterinary team will provide specific pre-treatment instructions, such as fasting or medication adjustments, and create a comfortable, calm space at home for post-treatment recovery.
Be ready to manage potential side effects with prescribed medications and ensure safe transportation to and from our veterinary clinic.
What happens during chemotherapy?
Preparation and assessment
Your pet will undergo a thorough evaluation, including blood tests and a physical exam, to ensure they are fit for chemotherapy and a treatment plan can be tailored to their needs
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Administration of drugs
Chemotherapy drugs are administered either orally or intravenously at our veterinary clinic. The choice of method depends on the specific chemotherapy regimen and the type of cancer being treated.
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Monitoring and support
Our veterinary team will provide supportive care to manage potential side effects, such as nausea, loss of appetite, or fatigue, and may schedule follow-up appointments to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and adjust the plan as needed.
3
What are the side effects of pet chemotherapy?
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Pets may experience nausea or vomiting, which can be managed with anti-nausea medications prescribed by your veterinarian.
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Decreased appetite or changes in eating habits are common, so it’s important to offer palatable, nutritious foods and consult your vet if appetite loss persists.
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Pets may feel tired or lethargic due to the treatment. Providing a comfortable resting place and monitoring their energy levels can help manage this.
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Chemotherapy can cause gastrointestinal upset, including diarrhoea. Our vet can recommend appropriate treatments to address this issue.
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Some pets may experience hair thinning or loss, particularly with certain types of chemotherapy drugs. This is generally temporary, and the hair often grows back after treatment.
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Chemotherapy can lower the immune system’s ability to fight infections, so it’s crucial to monitor for signs of illness and maintain good hygiene.
What are some misconceptions about chemotherapy in pets?
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Many believe chemotherapy is painful for pets, but most treatments are well-tolerated with minimal discomfort, especially when administered by a skilled veterinary oncologist.
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There's a misconception that chemotherapy inevitably leads to euthanasia, but it is often used to manage and prolong quality of life, not just as a last resort.
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While hair loss can occur, it’s usually less severe than in humans, and many pets experience only mild thinning rather than complete hair loss.
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Some think chemotherapy isn’t effective for pets, but it can be very successful in treating or managing various types of cancer, improving survival and quality of life.
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While there can be side effects, many pets experience improved health and well-being with proper management and support during treatment.
Costs for treatment
The cost of pet chemotherapy can vary widely depending on factors such as the type of cancer, the specific chemotherapy protocol, and the number of treatments required.
On average, you can expect to pay between$2,000 and $5,000 for a full course of chemotherapy, which often includes initial consultations, diagnostic tests, and follow-up care.
For a more precise quote, please get in touch.
Contact us for more information on our chemotherapy services.
Pet chemotherapy is an important step in managing and treating cancer, offering hope for improved quality of life. Our veterinary team is here to provide expert care and personalised support, ensuring your pet receives the best treatment for their health and comfort.
