Oncology

Chemotherapy is the treatment of disease by using chemical agents that are toxic to cancer cells. Chemotherapy is often used with procedures such as surgery and/or radiation therapy, but in some cases, it may be the only treatment needed.

Chemotherapy is most often given by injection, but in some instances, it may be given in the form of pills.

The primary goal of treatment is to improve and extend each patient’s quality of life for as long as possible. In general, the success rates of chemotherapy alone or chemotherapy combined with other procedures varies depending on the type of cancer and the patient.

The number of treatments given depends on the type of cancer, the chemotherapy protocol and your pet’s responsiveness to treatment. 

Almost all chemotherapy at CARE is administered on an outpatient basis. This means your pet will spend anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours during the day at our hospital but will not need to stay overnight.

A written estimate can be provided for all known treatments and procedures. The cost of treatment depends on many variables including the cancer type, chemotherapy protocol, patient size, treatment duration and any necessary hospitalization or additional procedures. Chemotherapy protocol may need to be amended depending on your pet’s response to treatment.

Your pet’s daily routine should be as normal and uninterrupted as possible. You can continue giving your pet heartworm, flea and tick preventives. Activity and diet can continue as usual. Because chemotherapy affects the immune system, annual vaccinations need to be discussed with your oncologist prior to administration. We can consult with your family veterinarian regarding vaccinations, if needed. 

Almost all chemotherapy agents have the potential to induce side effects, but they would not be used if their potential benefits did not outweigh the possible risks. Unlike people receiving chemotherapy, the vast majority (80-90%) of dogs and cats experience minimal to no side effects. However, a small number of patients may experience moderate to severe side effects. Rarely is a side effect life-threatening to the patient.

Common minor side effects include vomiting, diarrhea and nausea/loss of appetite, immunosuppression (a compromised ability of the body to fight infection), loss of appetite and lethargy. These side effects may not become evident until three to five days after chemotherapy. In most cases, side effects last no more than 24 to 48 hours. Immunosuppression generally peaks 7 to 14 days after treatment. If needed, medications can be administered to counteract these side effects.

Chemotherapy breakdown products are eliminated from the body through the urine and/or feces for 24 to 48 hours after administration. Please use good hygiene when cleaning your pet’s waste – wear latex gloves and wash your hands after cleaning urine, feces and vomit immediately following treatment. Women who are pregnant or nursing should limit exposure to chemotherapy and waste products. The excreted compounds are not airborne, so there is no harm in being around an animal who is panting, and there is only a minuscule risk from contact with saliva.

Wear medical latex gloves (available at your local pharmacy) if handling any chemotherapy pills. Never open capsules, and do not crush tablets as they have a protective coating. You may place pills in a small ball of food, peanut butter, or cream cheese to tempt your pet to take them.

Most animals tolerate treatment very well. Those who have problems usually do well with adjustments in the dose or schedule of their treatment. It is important for you to understand the effects of the drugs so that minor problems can be managed and major ones recognized early and brought to our attention.

• Withhold water for 6 hours and food for 12 hours.
• If medications for vomiting and nausea were dispensed, please give as directed at the first sign of chemotherapy side effects.
• After 6 hours, offer ice cubes and water. If no vomiting occurs after 12 hours, offer small bland meals such as boiled chicken and rice.
• Call our hospital if the condition persists beyond 12 hours with supportive care or worsens.
• For loss of appetite, without vomiting, add broth, treats and favorite foods to increase flavor and appeal. Warm the food or try bland cooked chicken or hamburger

• Keep water available unless your pet has been vomiting.
• Add plain rice or canned (unsweetened) sweet potato to the regular diet.
• If medications for diarrhea were prescribed, please give a dose at the first sign of loose stools after chemotherapy.
• Do not change your pet’s diet, unless instructed otherwise. Sometimes changing or modifying the diet may cause diarrhea.
• Call our hospital if the diarrhea persists, worsens or if your pet has bloody or black, tarry stool.
• If your pet is ever lethargic and vomiting, displaying an unusually poor appetite or having diarrhea for more than 24-48 hours during chemotherapy, please take a rectal temperature at home and call us IMMEDIATELY if the temperature is over 103.5° F.

Our chemotherapy protocols are designed to maintain your pet’s excellent quality of life while providing the most effective therapy against cancer. All chemotherapy appointments include physical examinations performed by the oncologist, blood work evaluation to ensure that your pet can safely receive chemotherapy and administration of the appropriate chemotherapy drugs tailored specifically to your pet’s individual needs. This entire process may take only an hour or two but sometimes can take all day. Your pet can usually go home on the same day we administer the chemotherapy.

For procedures lasting all day or for your convenience while you are at work, you can drop off your pet so we can treat your pet during the day and be ready for pick-up by late afternoon. Please ensure that you provide phone numbers where we can reach you during the day. When your pet is ready to go home, we will provide written discharge instructions.

Board certification is a rigorous credentialing system veterinary oncologists go through to enhance their education and experience and to bring you the most current knowledge and skills. For more detailed information, you can visit the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) website, which provides an overview of board certification in veterinary specialties.