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Chemotherapy
TEXTBOOK OF VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE
Client Information Series
Susan A. Kraegel
WHAT IS CHEMOTHERAPY?
The use of a drug or chemical to treat any illness is chemotherapy, but this term commonly refers to the use of drugs in the treatment of cancer. The goal of chemotherapy in companion animals is either to increase the life span or to improve the quality of life for the animal with cancer.
HOW DOES CHEMOTHERAPY WORK?
Cancer can be defined as a rapid, uncontrolled growth of cells. Anticancer drugs work by blocking cell growth and division. Different drugs interfere with different steps in these processes. In many cases, a combination of drugs is the most effective way to kill the cancer cells.
HOW IS CHEMOTHERAPY GIVEN?
Most anticancer drugs are given by mouth or by injection. The route chosen depends on the type of drug and the type of cancer.
HOW LONG WILL MY PET RECEIVE CHEMOTHERAPY?
The length of time and frequency of drug administration depend on the kind of cancer being treated and how well the therapy is tolerated by the patient. Treatment may be given daily, weekly, or monthly.
AM I AT RISK OF EXPOSURE TO THESE DRUGS?
Yes. Most anticancer drugs are very potent and must be handled with care. Some are "carcinogens" and can cause cancer with prolonged exposure. With orally administered drugs, it is important that the pills or capsules are kept out of reach of children in childproof containers. When handling these drugs, the owner should wear latex or polyvinyl gloves to avoid unnecessary exposure. With oral and injectable drugs, the urine and feces of the animal may be contaminated with active drug compounds for several days after administration. Always avoid contact with the urine and feces of animals receiving chemotherapy. Wear latex or polyvinyl gloves to clean up accidents or the litter box. Rinse exposed surfaces well.
WILL MY PET EXPERIENCE SIDE EFFECTS?
Maybe. Veterinarians try to choose drug doses and combi-nations that cause the fewest side effects. Ideally, the animal receiving chemotherapy does not even realize that he or she is ill. The drugs used in chemotherapy, however, are ex-tremely potent and side effects can occur. The potential for side effects must be balanced against the benefits of the chemotherapy and the side effects of the cancer if left untreated. Choosing chemotherapy for your pet is an individ-ual decision.
WHAT KINDS OF SIDE EFFECTS OCCUR?
Side effects arise because the normal cells in the body are also exposed to the anticancer drug. The most sensitive normal cells are found in the blood, gastrointestinal tract, skin, and reproductive system. Consequently, potential side effects include infection, bleeding, decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, thin haircoat or skin color changes, and sterility. Rare side effects associated with specific drugs include bladder discomfort, kidney damage, and heart fail-ure. The most serious side effect is overwhelming infection leading to death.
WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON SIDE EFFECTS?
The most common side effect reported by owners is that the pet seems to be "off" for a day or two. This might mean that the pet has slightly less energy or seems less excited than normal about eating. Less commonly, the pet may skip a meal or two, have one episode of vomiting or diarrhea, or seem lethargic. Unfortunately, there is no way to predict which pet will develop the most serious reactions. The animal receiving chemotherapy needs to be watched closely and taken to his or her veterinarian at the first sign of illness.
Do you shop at Bi-Lo Groceries?
BiLo donates 1% of all purchases to charities. You can designate which charity you'd like your 1% to go to, and our No Kill Pet Shelter (Animal Rescue Fund of South Carolina) is on BiLo's list of approved charities.
So please help us in our efforts to care for all the stray pets in our shelter until we can find them a good home.
Simply copy and print out the bar code below and take it to BiLo the next time you shop there. Once they scan the bar code, then everytime you use your BiLo Bonus Card, 1% goes to our shelter and doesn't cost you a thing.
Thank you so much. Roger Ross DVM Founder of ARF.
Chemotherapy
This page is about the scary subject of chemotherapy
Other Pages about this Topic:
Osteosarcoma (Bone Cancer)
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (Often on the ears of white cats) (Solar Cancers)
Information about the following cancers soon:
Mammary Cancer in Pets
FibroSarcomas
Prostate and Testicular Cancer in Pets
Warts & Moles
Lipomas (Benign Fatty Masses)
On Other Pages:
The Pharmacy Page; about the medicines we use as well as information about alternative medicines
Shampoos; choosing the right one
Feeling generous?
I've written this web site partly to share my love of my profession with you ... but also in hopes of raising money for our no kill pet shelter.
Our shelter is an honest, transparent, and 100% volunteer organization that finds homes for 200-300 pets a year for the last 15 years or so.
With a little more funding we can continue to operate and expand.
Please help:
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