Chemotherapy recommended for pets depends on various factors.
When is chemotherapy recommended for pets? What are the risks? Pet owners often ask these questions when their loved one is severely ill. Continue reading to learn more about how pet chemotherapy works.
When is Chemotherapy Recommended for Pets?
Chemotherapy drugs are administered to stop cancer cells from dividing and reproducing. In addition, chemotherapy is recommended for pets for the following reasons:
- To minimize or remove cancer
- To gradually slow down cancer
- To treat the distribution of cancer
- To detain the onset of metastasis
- To ease the problems linked with the tumor
- To reduce the tumor’s size to prepare for surgery
- To enhance the feedback on other anti-cancer therapies
What are the Side Effects of Pets?
In addition, chemotherapy’s object is to target fast-dividing cells. The approach will not be able to distinguish between fast-dividing cancer cells and normal tissues. Examples of the side effects include alopecia, gastrointestinal aftereffect, bone marrow suppression, and other specific side effects linked to certain drugs.
Furthermore, most gastrointestinal side effects show up 3 to 5 days after administration. Other chemotherapy drugs provoke side effects seven days after administration. However, pets experience less severe side effects than humans.
How is Chemotherapy Provided to Pets?
Moreover, chemotherapy recommended for pets is based on cancer type, the extent of cancer spread, and the pet’s general health. Chemotherapy can be given orally sometimes by pet owners at home.
It can also be presented at the hospital as an injection under the pet’s skin or into the vein. Sometimes chemotherapy treatment drugs are administered into the body cavity like the pet’s chest or abdomen.
We Would Love the Opportunity to Care for Your Furry Friends!
Alexander Animal Hospital is a full-service animal hospital located in Severna Park, Maryland, serving the Severna Park, Pasadena, and Arnold Areas. Our goal is educating clients on the needs of their pets and understanding the importance of individualized veterinary care in order to strengthen the human-animal bond between owners and their pets.
We understand you have a choice when deciding on the care for your pets, and we strive to provide you with unparalleled services including wellness exams, vaccines, lost pet microchip ID, dental care, surgical services, digital radiography, and in-hospital laboratory services and diagnostics. Other highlights of Alexander Animal Hospital are the separate cat and dog waiting and exam rooms, as well as after-hours on-call emergency services.
Please take a look around our website and then give us a call at 410-777-8678 to set up an appointment.
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