CHEMOTHERAPY AND YOUR PET

Chances are you know someone who has experienced chemotherapy for the treatment of cancer. At first, many are opposed to making their pets go through chemotherapy. However, the reality of chemotherapy for animals is much different from that of human cancer patients. Quality of life is the primary concern for our patients and sometimes doses of drugs and treatment schedules are calculated to minimize discomfort to the patient, while providing the most effective defense against the disease. As a result of this, owners are pleasantly surprised at how well their pets feel while undergoing chemotherapy.

The goal of chemotherapy is to slow the growth of cancer cells producing minimal bad effects on normal cells. Combining different chemotherapeutic drugs is an important and often effective strategy in chemotherapy. When drugs are used in combination, they may enhance the activities of each other.

At each visit to the hospital for chemotherapy, you will be asked how your pet has been doing since the last visit. This is a good time to express concerns you have about your pet’s condition and let the doctor know if you need refills of any medications. In some instances further diagnostic tests may be necessary to chart the progress of the disease and the effectiveness of the therapy.

Side Effects

Practically all chemotherapy drugs have side effects. However, their potential effects against the cancer generally outweigh the possible side effects.

1) Hair Loss

Pets rarely lose their hair, but if they do, they are not bothered by it as much as people are.

2) Reduction in the Number of White Blood Cells (Neutropenia)

This is a decrease in the number of infection fighting white blood cells. Many chemotherapeutic drugs suppress the bone marrow’s ability to produce cells. As a result neutropenia may occur 7 – 10 days later after chemotherapy. Neutropenia, alone, is not a danger to the patient, although, the patients ability to fight off infection is impaired. All patients will therefore, receive complete physical exams and complete blood cell counts periodically.

3) Stomach or Intestinal Discomfort

Some patients experience some form of stomach or intestinal discomfort after chemotherapy treatment. The doctor will prescribe medication to treat the discomfort. Some things you can do at home include:

Nausea and Vomiting

· Do not give any food for 12 hours, and offer ice cubes every few hours.

· After 12 hours feed small, frequent, bland meals instead of large ones.

Loss of Appetite

· Offer 4 small meals a day.

· Add warm broth, animal fats, and favorite foods to increase flavor.

Diarrhea

· Keep water available at all times.

· If pet is also not eating, offer chicken or beef broth.

· Give Diarsanyl paste and/or Pepto-Bismal at the dose recommended by your veterinarian.

3) Tissue Damage

If chemotherapy agents are accidentally given outside the vein, severe skin reactions can occur. Therefore, chemotherapy agents are handled with the best care and are only administered by highly trained technicians or doctors.

4) Allergic Reactions

Allergic reactions are rare. Notify your veterinarian if any abnormal reactions are noticed (swelling, redness, irritation on skin, etc.)

Frequently Asked Questions

1) Will my pet lose all their fur?

Certain Terrier breeds are more prone to hair-loss. For other breeds and cats, generally after receiving certain drugs fur may become thinner but they will rarely lose all their fur.

2) Will my pet become sick after every treatment?

No. Generally pets do quite well. The most common side effects are vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia or lethargy. They normally last only a day or so and can be helped with medications such as Diarsanyl or Pepto-Bismol. Of course there is the occasional pet that may need to be hospitalized and put on IV fluids but they normally do quite well after a few days.

3) Can I/my family members touch my pet after they receive chemotherapy?

YES! Care should be used when dealing with pet’s urine, feces or vomit but they can only benefit from lots of human attention.

* It is recommended that the family walk the pet away from children’s play areas and high traffic areas for 48 hours after chemo. If the pet vomits, urinates or defecates in the house, then chemotherapy gloves (or using 2 pairs of latex gloves) should be used to clean up. Paper towels and gloves should be put in a separate garbage bag. Towels and cloths can be washed in the laundry as normal.

4) Can my pet have contact with other animals?

YES! As with human contact, besides walking your pet away from busy areas for the initial 24 – 48 hours, they do not need to be kept away from other pets.

5) I am trying to become/I am pregnant, what are the health concerns?

We recommend pet owners speak with their Ob/Gyn or GP about this as it is a human health related topic. We do suggest use of special nitrile gloves and to follow normal hand washing guidelines.

Helpful Web-Sites

Ø BC Cancer Agency – www.bccancer.bc.ca

Ø Veterinary Cancer Society – www.vetcancersociety.org

Ø Colorado State Animal Cancer Center – www.scuanimalcancercenter.org