Chemo For Dogs Side Effects

In this animalwised article on chemotherapy for dogs we look at the side effects and medications involved in this type of cancer treatment.

Chemo for dogs side effects.

The typical side effects of injectable chemotherapy include adverse gastrointestinal signs including vomiting diarrhea and or poor appetite and a temporary lowering of the recipient s white blood cell counts. Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that kills cells. It is one of the main players in conventional dog cancer chemo treatments. The number of patients that dr.

Side effects for dogs are milder and generally last for a shorter period of time than for humans receiving chemotherapy because dogs are given less aggressive treatment intile said. Changes in appetite diarrhea lethargy allergic reactions and other side effects are common. Dogs often receive lower doses of chemo than humans though some side effects are still experienced. Cancer affects each dog differently so canine chemo plans are often individualized.

Approximately 80 of dogs do not have side effects at all and about 15 20 will have mild to moderate side effects. I have had family members get chemo and we have all seen it on tv but happily it s not like that for dogs. Freeman has to hospitalize each year are just a handful out of maybe 500 to 1 000 patients that she treats each year. Doxorubicin is given as an injection in the vein at the vet hospital.

This is not a mickey mouse drug. The most common side effects of chemotherapy in dogs are mild vomiting and diarrhea decreased appetite and decreased activity levels. This will kill cancer cells but it will also kill all other cells so it can be very harmful and cause many side effects. It also has corresponding side effects that from time to time are heavy duty and should be taken into account.

Before we discuss whether chemotherapy is even suitable for your dog you need to know the importance of speaking to a veterinarian. Although smaller doses of chemotherapy are given to pets that doesn t mean that your pet will not have side effects from the treatment. These signs are the same potential consequences of oral medications as well. While more significant side effects are possible only a very small percentage of dogs require hospitalization for the side effects of there conventional chemotherapy care.

Today we will discuss how you can help identify and manage gi related side effects after chemotherapy treatment.