Frequently Asked Questions

Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs designed to target and kill rapidly dividing cancer cells. These drugs circulate throughout the body and work by interfering with the DNA or cellular mechanisms that control cell division. Because cancer cells tend to divide more rapidly than normal cells, chemotherapy is particularly effective in targeting them. However, some normal cells that also divide quickly (like those in the gastrointestinal tract, bone marrow, and hair follicles) can be affected as well, leading to side effects.

Chemotherapy is used in various scenarios for treating animals with cancer:

• To shrink tumors before surgery, making them easier to remove.
• As an adjuvant therapy after surgery, to eliminate any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence.
• For metastatic cancers (cancers that have spread to other parts of the body).
• In cases where surgery is not possible, chemotherapy may be used as the primary treatment to control the disease and improve the quality of life.

To manage inoperable or systemic cancers, such as lymphoma, which are often treated primarily with chemotherapy.

While chemotherapy can be effective in treating cancer, it can also cause side effects due to its impact on normal, rapidly dividing cells. However, the side effects in animals tend to be less severe than in humans, as the dosages are typically lower.

Gastrointestinal (GI) Side Effects:

• Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite are common GI side effects.
• Management: These can often be managed with supportive care, including anti-nausea medications, appetite stimulants, and dietary modifications.

Increased Risk of Infection:

• Symptoms: Chemotherapy can lower the white blood cell count, leading to a condition called neutropenia, which increases the risk of infection.
• Management: Regular blood tests are conducted to monitor white blood cell levels. If neutropenia occurs, antibiotics may be prescribed, and chemotherapy might be delayed or dosages adjusted.

Hair Loss:

• Symptoms: Hair loss in animals is generally less common and less severe than in humans. Some breeds, particularly those with continuously growing hair like Poodles or Old English Sheepdogs, may experience more noticeable hair thinning or loss.
• Management: Hair loss usually resolves once chemotherapy is completed, and no specific treatment is usually required.

The administration of chemotherapy, including the method, frequency, and number of treatments, is tailored to each individual case. Factors such as the type of cancer, the extent of the disease, and the animal’s overall health help the veterinarian design a treatment protocol that includes the specific drugs, dosage, and schedule suited for your pet.

Some chemotherapeutic drugs are given as oral medications (pills) that can be administered at home. Others require brief injections during outpatient appointments. In certain cases, slow infusions or multiple treatments throughout the day necessitate that the animal stay at the hospital for the day. Treatments are generally scheduled to recur weekly or every few weeks, with blood tests often needed in the interim to monitor the effects of chemotherapy.

The length of chemotherapy treatment varies depending on the cancer type and disease progression. Some animals may require ongoing chemotherapy for life, while others might have their treatments spaced out or even discontinued after several weeks to months, especially if the cancer enters remission, meaning no detectable cancer remains in the body. If the cancer recurs, chemotherapy can be restarted.

• Treatment Schedule: Chemotherapy is typically administered in cycles, with periods of treatment followed by periods of rest to allow the body to recover. Each schedule is tailored to the individual patient and type of cancer.
• Monitoring: Regular check-ups, blood tests, and possibly imaging studies will be conducted to monitor the animal’s response to treatment and to adjust the therapy as needed.
• Quality of Life: The goal is to maintain a good quality of life while managing the cancer. Most animals tolerate chemotherapy well, and our veterinarians strive to minimize side effects.
• Outcome: The effectiveness of chemotherapy varies depending on the type and stage of cancer, as well as the individual animal. Some animals may go into remission, where cancer is undetectable, while others may experience a slower progression of the disease.