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Chemotherapy Treatment for Dogs

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Canine cancer rates increase with age.

Cancer is common in dogs. According to Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine (TAMU), the only cancers that have a lower rate in dogs than in humans are lung, stomach and intestinal cancer. Although older dogs and some breeds, such as boxers and rottweilers, have higher rates of some cancers, all ages and breeds of dogs can develop cancer. Generally, the cause is unknown, however, genetics, carcinogenic chemicals and excessive sun exposure are responsible for some cancers, according to Cornell University Hospital for Animals (CUHA). Chemotherapy is one treatment option for many types of cancer.

  1. Function

    • The purpose of chemotherapy is to kill cancer cells. The drugs target fast-dividing cancer cells. Unfortunately, the drugs also target other fast-dividing cells, such as bone marrow and gastrointestinal, according to the College of Veterinary Medicine-University of Illinois (CVMUI). Chemotherapy use is more common with cancers that have spread. According to CVMUI, chemotherapy is rarely a cure, but it can help prolong life.

    Chemotherapy

    • The type of cancer, health of the dog and other considerations will help the veterinarian determine which chemotherapy drugs to use. Many protocols combine drugs. Treatment usually includes other medications, such as prednisone and support drugs that boost the immune system, combat low white or red blood cells and treat diarrhea and nausea. Administration is intravenous, injection or oral. Treatment length varies from a few treatments to many months of care, depending on the type of cancer and response.

    Treatment

    • The veterinarian may use only chemotherapy for some cancers, such as lymphoma. Frequently, more than one type of cancer treatment is used. Often treatment includes surgery to remove the tumor, such as with breast cancer, followed by chemotherapy, according to CVMUI. Treatment for inoperable tumors include chemotherapy to help control metastasizing and radiation for pain management, according to Vetinfo. Treatment may include chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. Osteosarcoma (bone cancer) often involves surgery to remove the affected limb, radiation to help control pain and chemotherapy.

    Side Effects

    • Most side effects management is through home treatment to control diarrhea, nausea and loss of appetite, according to CVMUI. Treatments for common side effects include medication and subcutaneous fluids. Bone marrow suppression can depress the immune system, cause bleeding and anemia, according to TAMU. Treatments for severe bone marrow problems include medications, hospitalization, blood transfusions, changing protocols or stopping chemotherapy treatment. Other serious side effects include damage to other organs, such as the heart, especially if the dog has preexisting heart conditions, according to TAMU.

    Costs

    • The cost of chemotherapy depends on many factors, including extent of evaluation, cancer type, health, response, support treatments needed during chemotherapy and duration of treatment. Drug costs also depend on the size of the dog because most dosages are dependent on weight. According to CUHA, cost can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars.

    Considerations

    • Chemotherapy can damage reproduction ability or safety. Chemotherapy drugs may result in birth defects. According to TAMU, the owner of a stud dog should collect sperm and store it at a canine semen bank before treating. Treatment for cancer that returns is most effective when found early, so continued routine veterinary exams are important.

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  • Photo Credit the dog image by hupper from Fotolia.com

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