Chemotherapy
A cancer diagnosis is hard news. You don't have to face it alone. Our team creates treatment plans tailored to your pet, with the goal of giving your pet good-quality time.
What It Is and When It's Used
Chemotherapy uses medications to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells. Think of it like a garden treatment that acts mainly on the fastest-growing plants: cancer cells divide often, so they are affected most, while some healthy fast-growing cells, such as those lining the gut, can be affected too, which is why mild side effects sometimes happen. Injectable and IV chemotherapy is given here at our hospital, where our team prepares and administers each dose. It may be used alone, after surgery to remove a tumor, or together with other treatments. It is often used for cancers that affect the whole body, such as lymphoma, or for cancers that are likely to spread. Depending on the type of cancer, the goal may be remission, longer survival, or comfort.
Benefits for Your Pet
In veterinary medicine, chemotherapy is planned with quality of life as the main focus. Pets generally tolerate chemotherapy much better than people do. Part of the reason is that veterinary chemotherapy doses are usually set lower than in human medicine, a steadier and gentler approach that puts your pet's comfort first. Most don't lose their fur the way people lose their hair, and many carry on with normal daily routines during treatment. For many pets, treatment can mean more good days with their families.
What to Expect
Before: We'll review your pet's diagnosis and test results. We'll talk through the goals of treatment, the options, the schedule, the costs, and what is realistic. Baseline blood work helps make sure your pet is ready.
During: Depending on the plan, treatments may be given as an injection or IV infusion here at the hospital, or as oral chemotherapy capsules that you give at home with our safe-handling instructions. Before each treatment, we check your pet's exam and blood work. Most visits are outpatient visits.
After: Some pets have mild, short-lived side effects, such as a reduced appetite, an upset stomach, or tiredness. We can often prevent or manage these with supportive medications. We'll tell you which signs mean you should call us.
Safety
Chemotherapy drugs are prepared and given following strict safety handling protocols that protect your pet, our team, and your family. We'll give you clear instructions for handling medications, waste, and litter at home during the days after treatment.
Ongoing Care
Regular rechecks let us track progress and adjust the plan. If treatment is no longer helping, or quality of life becomes the main concern, we'll talk openly with you about comfort-focused options.
Questions? Ask our team.