Chemotherapy in dogs is one of the veterinary treatments that can be used when we receive the terrible diagnosis of cancer.In general, this type of disease is becoming more and more common in animals and generally affects older dogs, although the process of action it is generally the same when it occurs in young dogs.
In this Animal Expert article, we will explain what chemotherapy is like in older and young dogs, how it works, what are the most common side effects and the necessary precautions during administration.You will need to evaluate the pros and cons of this procedure.with the veterinarian, taking into account the characteristics of the cancer and the condition of your dog.
- When the dog is diagnosed with cancer.
- The first treatment option is usually surgery.
- However.
- After the procedure chemotherapy may be indicated to prevent recurrence or delay possible metastases; In other cases.
- Chemotherapy is used before the operation to reduce the size of the tumor.
Finally, in inoperable tumors or in cases of metastasis chemotherapy is prescribed as a palliative measure, these dogs, when not treated, have a life expectancy of several weeks, with chemotherapy can reach the year or even overcome it.It must be considered that a year in the life of a dog is more than that of a human.
Medications used for chemotherapy primarily affect cells that divide.Because cancer is uncontrolled cell growth, chemotherapy will attack and remove tumor cells.The problem is that the attack is not selective, that is, these drugs will act on the tumor, but also on healthy cells, especially those of the intestine and bone marrow, because they are the ones that divide the most.The effects of chemotherapy in dogs are responsible for side effects, as we will see below.
In general, chemotherapy in dogs is prescribed at the maximum tolerated dose (DMT) and the effect will depend on the dose administered, the sessions are usually established on a regular basis, every 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the recovery of the tissue, veterinarians follow standardized doses that have been studied to be well tolerated by most dogs.
With the exception of some cancers, such as the transmissible venereal tumor, in which only one drug is effective, in most cases a combination drug is recommended.In this way, the chemotherapy treatment adapts to the characteristics of the cancer and the dog, in order to obtain the best results.
The so-called metronomic chemotherapy was used experimentally, which aims to inhibit the formation of blood vessels that develop tumors to obtain a good supply of nutrients, thus stopping growth, this type of chemotherapy has a more economical price because it is performed with drugs of lower cost and, in addition, at home.Unlike chemotherapy, which uses the maximum tolerated dose, the metronome is based on a low dose, administered continuously orally, intravenously, intra-automatic or intratumorally.
Currently, targeted chemotherapy is also being worked, capable of directing the action towards specific tissues, with which it is possible to minimize side effects, and with electrochemotherapy, which uses electrical impulses.
As we said, chemotherapy can affect healthy cells, especially those found in the gut and bone marrow, so side effects are often related to these areas, for example, you may experience gastrointestinal problems, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased number of leukocytes, making the dog more prone to infections , decreased platelet or fever levels.Urine color may also vary.
In addition, depending on the medications used, you may notice symptoms that develop, such as cystitis, heart disturbances, dermatitis and even necrosis in situ if the product leaves the vein, as well as allergic reactions.influences when the dog belongs to breeds with genetic mutation because it interferes with the metabolism of certain drugs, when it suffers from other diseases or when it takes other medicines.
The most serious effect is the decrease in leukocytes.To combat it, as well as other disorders, you can use medications, even preventively, if the dog has no appetite you can offer your favorite dish, diarrhea usually disappears without treatment and the possibility of urinating.reduces the drug’s contact with the bladder more often and reduces the onset of cystitis.It is important to know that all of these side effects occur moderately and are well controlled with medications.
It is common to combine several medicines to formulate a specific chemotherapy for the cancer of your dog, in this way the veterinarian can choose between different options and opt for drugs that have proven their effectiveness, separately, against this type of cancer., all must have different mechanisms of action to complement each other and, of course, cannot have overlapping toxicities.
A typical session will be held at the veterinary clinic, the first step is to perform a blood test to evaluate the general condition of the dog, the medicines should be prepared with care, because of their toxicity, so it should be avoided touching or inhaling them.In addition, in intravenous chemotherapy, professionals will ensure that the pathway is perfectly placed in the vein, preferably in an anterior leg, to avoid the side effects of contact with the product on the outside.The leg is protected from possible leakage with gauze and bandages.
When administering chemotherapy, which is done slowly in about 15-30 minutes, it is important to check at all times that the track is working properly, the dog should be calm, sedated if it is not possible to keep it calm, with a veterinary professional or veterinary assistant technician checking at all times. At the end of the medication, the application continues for a few more minutes, but with fluid therapy to clear the way and leave no residue of the medicine, the animal can go home and lead its normal life.
Before starting chemotherapy, the veterinarian may prescribe certain medicines to try to avoid side effects. If the session is held at the clinic, the professionals will take care of all the necessary precautions and care, if you are going to treat the dog with oral chemotherapy at home, it is important to always wear gloves, never break the pills and, of course, follow the instructions given by the veterinarian, since pregnant women cannot handle these drugs.
After chemotherapy, in addition to taking your dog’s temperature and symptoms and giving him prescription medications, if necessary, you should wear gloves to make contact with the dog’s stool or urine for the next 48 hours. Chemotherapy drugs are removed from the body in 2-3 days, but in minimal amounts, therefore, following basic hygiene standards, there is no risk.
This article is for informational purposes only, in Animal Expert.com.br we cannot prescribe veterinary treatments or make any type of diagnosis, we suggest taking your pet to the veterinarian in case of any type of condition or discomfort.
If you would like to read articles similar to, we recommend that you visit our Other Health Problems section.