Veterinary Science has advanced immensely in the past few years and pet owners too have become very conscious about the health and longevity of their animals. These days canine cancer chemotherapy is available for dogs who suffer from cancer.. Dogs or canines are as likely to get cancer as are human. An early detection of cancer in pets makes the cure invariably easier and effective. Some cancers prevalent in canines are skin cancer, mammary cancer, lymphosarcoma, orophyrangeal cancer (Cancer in mouth), osteosarcoma (bone cancer).

Chemotherapy treatment targets the affected cancerous cells either by destroying the cellular DNA from stimulating division or by impairing the cancer cells directly. The prospect of vitalizing cancer treatment using chemotherapy modality could equally distress the pets and their owners. The administration and dosage of chemotherapy in canines vary manifolds from human.

When is Canine Chemotherapy Given?

Chemotherapy is usually given to supplement the surgical removal of tumor and radiation treatment. Residual cancer mass could be diminished by administering the chemotherapy drugs. In few instances chemotherapy is given before surgery to shrink a tumor for resection. Additionally, when the cancer becomes more aggressive and spreads to nearby location which is also called as metastatic cancer, chemotherapy could be administered.

How Does Chemotherapy Work?

Chemotherapy works by aiming the cancer cells present in our body and thus diminishing their growth by stopping them to divide any further. Chemotherapy drugs cannot discriminate between a cancer cell and a normal cell which renews continuously by cell division. It invariably destroys every dividing cell in the body. Chemotherapy thus vitiates the routine activities of these normally functioning cells like hair cells, cells lining our skin, bone marrow cells and gastrointestinal cells.

How is Canine Chemotherapy Given?

Veterinarian oncologist can formulate chemotherapy schedule of a canine by studying the type and extent of cancer. The dosage eventually differs from case to case. Some chemotherapeutic drugs are given as oral pills while other are infused in blood stream through the veins. This might require an outpatient appointment at the veterinary clinic. Pet owners must be attentive to follow the treatment regime as and when scheduled.

Side Effects of Canine cancer Chemotherapy:

In contrast to humans, animals show less severe side effects as an outcome of chemotherapy. Pets get a lower dose of medicine and often these are not combined with other drugs. Most of these side effects are predictable and manageable and go away after the treatment is over. The harm caused in normal tissues which are sensitive to chemotherapy includes:

1. Improper gastrointestinal function leading to diarrhea, loss of appetite and vomiting. This is a consequence of the damaged intestinal cells during chemotherapy
2. Alopecia or hair fall is a habitual reaction; the cells in hair follicle divide and grow rapidly which are in turn affected by chemotherapy medication. Hair follicle cells in dogs and cats are non- shedding but these are susceptible to chemotherapy. Hair follicle collapse leading to hair loss on the face and the tail
3. Anemia is caused by fewer RBC cells present in body. A harm caused to bone marrow cells vitiate their blood forming capacity during chemotherapy
4. Pets might show a lowered resistance to mild infections as a resultant of low WBC count. These infections might invade from animal’s own body. Acute infection would require intensive care

In case your dog has fever after a few days of the treatment, call your vet immediately.

Canine cancer chemotherapy works is most effective when the cancer is detected at an early stage. A prolonged treatment continues once it becomes metastatic. Pet owners must be watchful towards their canine’s health as these docile and meek animals could not express their discomfort. During the chemotherapy treatment, the pet owners should be aware of how to take care of their pets; they should ask their vet what precautions to be taken and what diet should be given during the treatment. Do not hesitate to ask questions related to chemotherapy treatment. In case you have to get your canine companion vaccinated during the treatment, do seek the permission of the doctor.