Chemotherapy in Dogs - Side Effects and Medications

Author: John Stephens
Date Of Creation: 26 January 2021
Update Date: 21 November 2024
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What Side Effects Do Pets Feel with Chemotherapy: VLOG 93
Video: What Side Effects Do Pets Feel with Chemotherapy: VLOG 93

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THE chemotherapy in dogs it's one of the veterinary treatments you can turn to when you've received the dire diagnosis of cancer. In general, this type of disease is increasingly common in animals and usually affects older dogs, although the action process is usually the same when it occurs in younger dogs.

In this article by PeritoAnimal, we will explain what the chemotherapy in dogs elderly and younger, how it works, what are the most common side effects, as well as the necessary precautions with administration. You will need to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of this procedure with your veterinarian, taking into account the characteristics of the cancer and your dog's condition.


Chemotherapy in dogs: what it consists of

When a dog is diagnosed with cancer, the first treatment option is usually surgery. However, after the intervention, chemotherapy may be indicated for prevent recurrence or to delay possible metastases. In other cases, chemotherapy is used before the operation to reduce the size of the tumor.

Finally, in tumors that are inoperable or in cases of metastases, chemotherapy is prescribed as palliative measure. These puppies, when untreated, have a life expectancy of weeks. With chemotherapy, they can reach a year or even exceed it. It is necessary to consider that one year in a dog's life is longer than that of humans.

Chemotherapy in dogs: how it works

Drugs used for chemotherapy act mainly on dividing cells. Since cancer consists of uncontrolled cell growth, chemotherapy will attack and eliminate tumor cells. The problem is that the attack is not selective, that is, these drugs will act on the tumor, but also about healthy cells, especially those of the intestine and bone marrow, as they are the most divided. The effects of chemotherapy in dogs are responsible for adverse reactions, as we will see below.


Chemotherapy in dogs: procedure

In general, chemotherapy in dogs is prescribed in maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and the effect will depend on the dose administered. Sessions are usually established on a regular basis, the every 1-3 weeks, as a function of tissue recovery. Veterinarians follow standardized doses that have been studied to be well tolerated by most puppies.

Except in some types of cancer, such as transmissible venereal tumor where a single drug is effective, in most cases a combination of medications is recommended. In this way, chemotherapy treatment adapts to the characteristics of the cancer and the dog, in order to achieve the best results.


Metronomic chemotherapy in dogs

The call metronomic chemotherapy has been used in an experimental way. With it, it is intended to inhibit the formation of blood vessels that tumors develop in order to get a good supply of nutrients, thus stopping growing. This type of chemotherapy has an approximate cheaper price, as it is performed with less expensive drugs and, moreover, at home. Unlike chemotherapy that uses the maximum tolerated dose, metronomics is based on a low dose, administered continuously orally, intravenously, intracavitary or intratumorally.

Currently, we also work with the targeted chemotherapy, capable of directing the action to specific tissues, with which it is possible to minimize side effects, and with electrochemotherapy, which uses electrical impulses.

Chemotherapy Side Effects in Dogs

As we've said, chemotherapy can affect healthy cells, especially those located in the gut and bone marrow, so side effects are often related to these areas. So you might come across gastrointestinal disorders, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased number of white blood cells, which makes the dog more prone to infections, decreased levels of platelets or fever. Urine color may also vary.

In addition, depending on the drugs used, symptoms developed by them may be noted, such as cystitis, cardiac changes, dermatitis and even necrosis at the site if the product leaves the vein, as well as allergic reactions. The appearance of these side effects is influenced when the dog belongs to breeds with a genetic mutation because it hinders the metabolism of certain drugs, when it suffers from other illnesses or when it is taking other medications.

The most serious effect is the decrease in leukocytes. To combat it, as well as the rest of the disorders, you can use drugs, even administered preventively. If the dog shows no appetite, you can offer your favorite food. Diarrhea usually resolves without treatment and the possibility of urinating more frequently reduces the contact of the medication with the bladder and reduces the appearance of cystitis. It's important to know that everyone these side effects occur in a moderate way.a and are well controlled with medications.

Dog chemotherapy: drugs

It is common to combine several medications to formulate specific chemotherapy for your dog's cancer. Thus, the veterinarian will be able to choose between different options and opt for drugs that have demonstrated efficacy, separately, against this type of cancer. Furthermore, they all must have different mechanisms of action, to complement each other and, of course, they cannot have overlapping toxicities.

How chemotherapy is done in dogs

A typical session will take place at the veterinary clinic. The first step is take a blood test to assess the dog's general condition. Medicines must be prepared with precautions, due to their toxicity, which is why they should be avoided touching or inhaling them. Also, in the intravenous chemotherapy professionals will ensure that the route is perfectly placed in the vein, preferably in a forepaw, to avoid the side effects of contacting the product outside of it. The paw is protected from possible escape with gauze and bandages.

During the administration of chemotherapy, which is carried out slowly in about 15-30 minutes, it is important to check, at all times, that the road works correctly. The dog should be calm, sedated if it is not possible to keep him quiet, with a veterinary professional or a veterinary technical assistant controlling everything at all times. When the medication ends, the application continues for a few more minutes but with fluid therapy to clear the pathway and leaving no remains of the medicines, the animal can return to the house and lead its normal life.

Care before and after chemotherapy in dogs

Before starting chemotherapy, your veterinarian may prescribe some medications to try to avoid the side effects. If the session takes place at the clinic, the professionals will be in charge of taking all the necessary precautions and care, if you are the one who will treat the dog with oral chemotherapy at home is important always wear gloves, never break the pills and, of course, follow the instructions given by the veterinarian. Pregnant women cannot handle these medications.

After chemotherapy, in addition to measure your dog's temperature, symptomatology and administering prescribed medications, if applicable, you should wear gloves to come into contact with the dog's feces or urine for the next 48 hours. Chemotherapy drugs are eliminated from the body in 2-3 days, but in minimal amounts, so following basic hygiene rules, there are no risks.

This article is for information purposes only, at PeritoAnimal.com.br we are not able to prescribe veterinary treatments or perform any type of diagnosis. We suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case it has any type of condition or discomfort.