our doctors at Wasson Memorial believe quality of life for all animals is of the utmost importance. When difficult decisions need to be made, our team works with clients to ensure that the best treatment plan is reached to ensure the most succesful outcome for our patients in the most humane way possible.

What is Chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy is the therapeutic use of chemical agents to destroy or inhibit the growth and division of cancer cells. Chemotherapy specifically targets and attacks cells that undergo rapid replication. It does this either by attacking specific processes inside the cell (such as during DNA replication) or by preventing other cellular activities that are required for cell replication. Cancer is a disease characterized by the rapid, continuous, and uncontrolled division (or replication) of cells.

Several areas of the body have cells that normally divide rapidly and continuously, but unlike cancer, they divide in a controlled manner. These areas include the skin (specifically the hair follicles), the intestinal tract, and the bone marrow. Because chemotherapy targets rapidly dividing cells (and is unable to distinguish between normal and abnormal cells), it can affect normal as well as cancer cells.

How is chemotherapy given?

Since chemotherapy comes in many different forms and types, it is given in many ways. How it is given depends on the type of chemotherapy drug and the drug schedule being used. Traditional protocols are based on administering the highest tolerated dose followed by a break (of one to a few weeks, depending on the protocol) before the next dose. Depending on the drug, chemotherapy may be given as an injection or as an oral tablet.

With certain types of cancer, there is increasing use of metronomic protocols for chemotherapy delivery. Metronomic refers to the chronic, equally spaced delivery of low-dose chemotherapy drugs, usually given daily or every other day. Metronomic chemotherapy has been shown to decrease the ability of tumors to create and grow blood vessels. If this therapy is an option for your pet, it will be discussed with you by your veterinarian or veterinary oncologist.

What are the side effects of chemotherapy?

The side effects of chemotherapy are related to the effects of chemotherapy on normal – as well as cancerous – cells. Chemotherapy, for example, can affect the rapidly dividing cells of hair follicles, resulting in loss (or thinning) of the haircoat. It can also affect the cells of the intestinal tract, which also divide quickly. The result is that some pets may develop vomiting or diarrhea, usually 3-5 days after chemotherapy is administered.

"Your pet may become prone to infections, and exhibit signs such as lethargy, reduced appetite, and fever."

Chemotherapy can also affect the bone marrow, specifically the production of blood cells. The bone marrow produces white blood cells, red blood cells, and clotting cells (platelets), all of which constantly replicate themselves to replenish the body. Typically, the white blood cells (infection fighting cells) are affected first. As a result, your pet may become prone to infections, and exhibit signs such as lethargy, reduced appetite, and fever, with the overall appearance of feeling unwell. Bloodwork is routinely performed at specific intervals to watch for drops in cell counts and adjust the chemotherapy to keep your pet healthy and happy.