If your dog or cat is in the unfortunate situation of having been diagnosed with a serious cancer, there is much that can be done to improve their outlook.
It is a very distressing time when confronted with serious illness, both for ourselves and likewise for our pets. However, working through the unique
circumstances of your pets situation, chemotherapy often offers a significantly longer potential for high quality life expectancy. Generally speaking, chemotherapy does not aim to cure cancer patients, but often doubles or triples their life expectancy following a diagnosis of serious cancer. The great thing about pet chemotherapy is that it rarely causes bad side effects.
What Cancers are Suitable for Chemotherapy?
The main cancers that are suitable for chemotherapy are:
- Osteosarcoma (Bone Cancer)
- Splenic Hemangiosarcoma
- Lymphosarcoma
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
Is There Anything More That Can Be Done After Chemotherapy?
Depending on how far you wish to take your pets treatment, there are two more adjunctive therapies that may be worth considering post chemotherapy (or indeed as an alternative to chemotherapy). Metronomic chemotherapy Complimentary therapies combining Chinese herbs, Acupuncture, Vitamins and diet Metronomic chemotherapy involves long term low dose treatments that can be given at home. These do not aim to cure cancer and are not as effective as injectable chemotherapy agents, but may improve life expectancy and can be considered after chemotherapy protocols have been completed.
Talk to your MBC practitioner regarding your own pets individual situation and what protocols may be beneficial for their unique circumstances.