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Austin, Texas 78729

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CHEMOTHERAPY AND YOUR PET

What is chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy is the use of powerful drugs to kill cancer cells.  After determining your pet’s condition and type of cancer, your veterinarian may recommend certain drugs to treat a form of cancer.

How successful is treatment?

Success rates vary from pet to pet.  Veterinarians answer this question to the best of their abilities based on the type of cancer, treatment available, and pet’s response.  Although doctors can’t predict the future, their goal is to improve your pet’s quality of life for as long as possible.

 What side effects do es chemotherapy cause?

Although most patients respond well to chemotherapy, side effects can occur.  They can include nausea, diarrhea, appetite and weight loss, skin or urine discoloration, low white blood cell counts, and fatigue.  We try to prevent side effects by using antibiotics and antinausea drugs as needed.  Most patients experience only mild side effects or none at all.  However, you need to understand the potential problems associated with chemotherapy.  Open communication between you and the hospital is essential. 

Will my pet lose hair?

Most dogs and cats don’t lose significant amounts of hair but some minor hair loss is possible.  Hair that has been shaved may not regrow.  Cats occasionally lose whiskers.  Most hair usually grows back after treatment.

Will my pet require hospitalization?

Most chemotherapy drugs and administered on an outpatient basis.  The type of drug used and method that it is given will determine the length of hospital visits.  Most of the time, your pet may spend several hours during the day in the hospital, but won’t have to stay overnight.

How long will my pet receive chemotherapy?

This depends on the type of cancer and drugs used.  In many cases, there may need to be some form of chemotherapy for the rest of the pet’s life.

How much does chemotherapy cost?

This depends on the type of cancer, drugs used, patient size, treatment duration and any necessary hospitalization or procedures.  Because cost influences many decisions, we will provide written estimates before every procedure.

What is an emergency and what do I do if one occurs?

The doctor will discuss potential problems with specific drugs, signs of trouble, and when to call should a problem arise.  When you notice a potential problem, contact us immediately.  We will provide you with an emergency phone number so that you will be able to seek help 24 hours a day.  Chemotherapy drugs are so powerful that they can threaten a pet’s life.  It is important for you to tell the receptionist that your pet may be experiencing a chemotherapy-related emergency so that you can be immediately assisted.

How does chemotherapy affect my pet’s routine care?

You can continue giving your pet heartworm, flea, and tick preventatives.  Because a patient may have other health problems in addition to cancer, your veterinarian will have to make specific recommendations about other conditions and medications.

For additional information, please e-mail kpercival@cathospitalofaustin.com.

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